What’s the best way to stay young? Immerse yourself in the company of young people, of course.

Oh, Those Teenagers

It was luck of the draw that put me in middle school for my first full-time teaching assignment.  I wasn’t aiming to hang out with 12-15 year old kids, but I embraced the challenge.

Boy, did I learn a lot!

The most remarkable discovery was how much energy and excitement middle schoolers emanate.  Sure, this vibe can take the form of drama sometimes.  But, mostly, these kids just tackle everything with optimism and gusto.

Who knew that this energy would be contagious?

Being around these students gave me energy and enthusiasm.  I don’t think any other job I’ve ever had allowed me to laugh as much as teaching these teens did.  I’ll have to share more about that in a future post.

Challenge Met

When I see the Parkland, Florida students giving 100% effort in their quest to change the nation’s gun laws, it doesn’t surprise me a bit.  If anyone thinks this issue will be forgotten by November, you’d better think again.

Although I’m no longer in the classroom, I’ve found a similar enthusiasm and energy from young bloggers all around the world.  Their talents, social media savvy, and understanding of global community are impressive.

One of my favorites is Shreya at Beauty_of_Writing.

She is a young lady, based in India, who writes touching and insightful stories that remind me of those teaching days.

And, she kindly nominated me for a “Sunshine” award.

At first, I thought “She is so sweet, but I’m too old for this.”  I’ve seen the “no awards” blog warning, and I get it.  Keep it classy, protect your brand.  But, what is all of this about, unless its about people; particularly, young people who are ready to make their marks on the world?

While walking down a wooded trail on this cold but sunny day, I thought about it more and decided that the best way to thank Shreya is to participate.  Who am I to say that there is an age limit on having fun and making connections with other people from other places?

Maybe it’ll make a teeny, tiny difference in how we relate to one another.

Thank you, Parkland students. Thank you, Shreya.

It’s About Community

The Sunshine Award is given by bloggers to bloggers who inspire positivity and creativity in the blogging community.

The rules are:

1. Thank blogger(s) who nominated you for a blog post and link back to their blog.
2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
3. Nominate up to 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
4. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

Here are Shreya’s questions for me, and my answers:

Questions:-

Name your ideal personality?

I enjoy being around people who like to laugh, are creative, and open to new ideas.

What are your hobbies?

I like to cook, hike, garden, draw and paint, and do needlework.

What is your aim or goal of life?

I hope to keep learning new things every day.

Name your favorite writer?

This is a hard one.  I think the writer I admire the most for her timeless storytelling is Jane Austin.  For creating mood and emotion, I think Edith Wharton is one of the best.

What inspired you to be a blogger?

I’ve always enjoyed writing, taking photos, and technology. It seemed like a perfect fit.  Also, it’s been a great way to stay in touch with friends and family near and far, and learn about people all over the world.

Which place is your favorite holiday destination?

This is another tough question, because I like a lot of places including Chicago and New York.  But, I feel the most relaxed and comfortable in Maine.  I’m working on a post about our Maine vacations right now.

Which habit of yours do you think is bad and a habit that is best?

My worst habit is looking at social media at bedtime.  It wakes me up and then I’m crabby in the morning!

My best habit is making my bed every day.  Neatness counts, and keeps me sane.

What is your new year resolution?

I am simplifying!  Some of the “things” that clutter my world need to go, so that I can focus on what’s important.

Name any 3 favorite blogs

Well, of course Shreya’s blog is a favorite!  I also am a regular reader of these bloggers who early on supported and encouraged me:

Little Fears

Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic

Table for 5
If given a chance what change would you bring in your respective countries?

I’d like to see our government representatives working for the common good rather than special interests, but we need campaign finance reform for that to happen.
What is your mother tongue?

English.

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Here are the blogs/bloggers I nominate for the Sunshine Blogger award:

Lorraine at Table for 5

Chris and Carol at Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic

KoolAid Mom at What’s for Dinner Moms?

Kim of Glover Gardens

Lora Hughes at The Writing Closet

Ebaucheart

truckingwife2018 at Trucking Life with Hubs

liongsufeiblog

Heather at Mom-Wife-Boss-Tequila

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Here are my questions for you, fellow bloggers!

1. How do you stay up-to-date on current issues in the news?
2. What is one goal you have for today?
3. How often do you write your posts?
4. What food is your least favorite?
5. If you were to pick a famous person to travel with, who would it be and why?
6. What (or who) inspires you to exercise?
7. What was the last thing you ate?
8. What is the best color for a car, and why do you think so?
9. What movie would get you to sit down and watch it again on a rainy afternoon?
10. What flowers do you think have the best fragrance?
11. What is the most rewarding aspect of blogging?

Looking forward to your answers.

If anyone else would like to answer, please add a comment! the more, the merrier.

?  – Jo

Featured photo credit:  (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

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