About Me
I’m Catalina Baumgarten, the creative mind behind this One-Woman-Show project. I was born in Romania, but I’m now living in Germany. With over 15 years of experience as a journalist and a parent to a wonderful 5-year-old, I embarked on this journey to bring knowledge, inspiration, and curiosity to the lives of future generations.
Discovering My Passion for Writing
From a young age, I found myself captivated by the enchanting world of stories. I could spend hours listening to audio tapes or reading bedtime stories with my parents, never getting bored. As I learned to put pen to paper and form my first letters, I knew that I wanted to create stories of my own. The passion for writing and sharing worlds and stories with others has never left me.
My Writing Journey
While I never attended formal creative writing courses, I began my writing career by participating in various poetry contests with my blank verse poems. At the age of 16, I made my debut in the Bucharest-based magazine, “Harababura”. Over the years, my poems have been published in renowned Romanian literary magazines. In 2002, I proudly published my first volume of poetry, “Joc de lumini și umbre cu îngeri albaștri.”
Journey into Journalism
In 2006, I began my journey into journalism by writing news articles for poet Lucian Avramescu’s press agency, A.M. Press. Subsequently, I contributed to AGERPRES, the Romanian National Press Agency, specializing in covering Parliament and political parties. In tandem, I continued honing my writing skills by delving into free verse poetry, short stories, children’s tales, and working on my upcoming novel, “Shin’Ka-Ra,” which I hope to share with the world one day.
Journalism vs. Creative Expression
My experience in journalism has anchored me to the realities of the world, urging me to acknowledge and accept its “darker aspects”. On the other hand, creative writing elevates my soul, allowing me to see the goodness and beauty in people, and come close to touching the purity and light of the world.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Becoming a parent reignited my own childlike curiosity, prompting me to explore the world anew. The constant “Why is it like this, Mommy?” question from my child inspired me to share the answers and newfound knowledge with other kids.
The 4TinyHands Vision
With 4TinyHands, I aspire to provide a safe environment where children can delve into their interests, from nature and science to art and emotional intelligence. My platform invites young minds to explore articles, DIY projects, and creative writing. I also conduct inspiring interviews with talented kids, well-known artists, and extraordinary individuals. Moreover, I welcome children’s book reviews, artwork, photography, and writings, celebrating the diversity of young talents.
Earth’s Voice with 4TinyHands
4TinyHands’ mission is not only to empower children but also to raise awareness about environmental issues. I encourage young ambassadors for the environment, showcasing their work and efforts to inspire others.
Support 4TinyHands’ MISSION
If the articles and free interviews offered by 4TinyHands bring value to you, and if my efforts to empower children and raise awareness about ecological matters resonate with you, I would greatly appreciate your kind consideration of making a donation. No matter how small, your donation could greatly aid in sustaining this website dedicated to both children and their parents.