Message from Barbara

My birth name is Barbara Ann. I am Italian/Irish and was born in Bronx, New York U.S.A. I have been living in Southern California most of my life. Married with 5 grown children and of course grandchildren are the greatest. I am a poet/lyricist. I write under the names Bj Smith aka Shalimar Rose. In the late 60s early 70s I sang country music in clubs with my first husband. Some of the songs were songs I wrote. I have been writing poetry since the age of ten. I have written poetry and song lyrics all these years mostly for my own enjoyment. I do have a couple of poems published under the name Bj Smith in the book "Between Life and Language", "Pride in Poetry vol. I". This was the first and only time ever submitted anything to a contest and won first place. Only recently I am considering putting my works together in a book. A legacy to leave to the children and grandchildren; you know. 

I get the name Shalimar Rose from "Shalimar" * my favorite perfume and "Rose" my mother’s name. At this time I should probably mention that I am actually ten years older than my posted age. There seems to be a stigma attached to age. On my 59th Birthday on my MySpace profile I decided to turn the clock back 10 years for 48 hours (gift to self). Suddenly I was receiving more friend requests and getting more readers on my blogged poetry. Well heck, I figured if I don't look my age why put it out there at first glance?? So I decided to keep the younger age on all my profiles and fess up my real age inside of them. I am not trying to hide my age and if you care enough to actually read my profile bio you get the real deal. I don’t know why I would have more read and request me if i was 10 years younger but oh well, lol! Anyway that’s my story and I'm sticking to it...

Looking for a Sign ft. Aes Dana, Shalimar Rose, Halkios

© All rights reserved to the poetry and writings by Barbara Ann Smith aka Shalimar Rose

1 Shalimar : is a Persian term that means abode of love