I would like to thank Amittras from https://vastnesswithin.wordpress.com/ for nominating my blog for the Liebster Award! 🙂 He describes himself as “A thinker, wandering through life, and wondering about its intricate turns.” I look forward to reading more about his wanderings.

Rules for the Nomination

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.
3. Share 11 facts about yourself.
4. Nominate 5-11 other bloggers.
5. Ask your nominees 11 questions of your choice.
6. Notify your nominees once you have uploaded your post.

Questions I was asked:

1. What is writing/blogging to you? For me, writing is a way to express my feelings. I often describe it as therapy. It helps me deal with sometimes difficult emotions through a creative process.
2. Define fun for you! A family get together/trip. Coffee with a friend.
3. What is one unusual thing about you? I had a complete career change at the age of 40 from music to special education.
4. What is the one thing that you absolutely do not like about the world? The hate and racism that still pervades much of society. 
5. Which song do you currently have on repeat?  “Like Everyone She Knows” by James Taylor. Really-anything by James Taylor. 🙂
6. Which is the greatest movie of all time in your opinion? That is a tough one. I’ve always loved “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The phrase “no man is a failure who has friends” always sticks with me. “Steel Magnolias” if I need a good cry. I also found “Lion” a very moving story. “Interstellar” and “Arrival” are more recent favorites.
7. What is your personality type? You can check out your personality type at 16personalities. Mediator INFP-T
8. How do you deal with stress? I love playing the piano. It’s the one thing that helps my brain feel calm.
9. What keeps you motivated? The idea of growing as a person and being able to encourage/help someone else along the way.
10. If you could change your first name, what would you call yourself? I have no idea. I’ve always loved my name.
11. What is missing in your life? This is a hard one to answer. Anxiety sometimes causes me to struggle with contentment. Particularly in my professional life. 
12. Are there any common traits between me and you? We both enjoy poetry and music. We both have poems published in “The Poets Symphony.” Book Release
13. If you had the ability to talk to animals, which species would be your best friend? I think it would be the giraffe. I’ve always been fascinated with their long necks and beautiful design. They would have lots of advice on how to reach the sky.

About me

1. I’ve been playing the piano since I was a little girl.
2. I love being the mom of three young adults and one daughter-n-law!
3. My husband and I recently celebrated our twenty-seventh wedding anniversary!
4. Colorado is one of my favorite places to visit.
5. Coffee, coffee, and more coffee!
6. I bake the best chocolate chip cookies.
7. But I don’t really enjoy cooking.
8. “Les Miserables” is my favorite novel and musical.
9. I hope to someday publish a children’s picture book.
10. I have a miniature dachshund named Poppy.  She’s fifteen.
11. James Taylor is my absolute, all-time favorite singer.

I nominate the following blogs:

1. bereavedandsingledad
2. https://thegriefreality.blog/
3. https://mitchteemley.com/
4. https://kimberleymckinney.com/
5. https://fracturedfaithblog.com/

My questions:

1. What/who influenced you to start a blog?
2. Do you have a favorite song/singer/group?
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
4. Do you play a musical instrument?
5. What book have you read more than once?
6. Are you a coffee drinker? 
7. What do you most enjoy about the writing process?
8. Do you consider yourself a good listener?
9. What hopes do you have for the future?
10. What are your biggest concerns for the future?
11. What else would you like people to know about you?