Well, I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a recent nomination for the Sunshine Blogger Award, and, well, I’m quite honored. I would like to thank Krishna, of LIGHT+LOVE 🙂, for the lovely nomination. If you’ve not done so, please visit Krishna’s sight. It is truly of light and love. Thank you again, dear, Krishna.
Alright, so how about some questions. Ready? Good. Here we go.
1. What are your thoughts about Christmas?
As many of you know, I grew up in Los Angeles, and am from a family that did celebrate Christmas every year. It was quite a magical time, the fall season as it moved into Autumn, and then into winter. Which, of course, is always mild in LA. As a matter of fact, last year on Christmas day it was supposed to be over 90 degrees. Very warm indeed for December.
Not so in the Pacific Northwestern part of the United States where I currently live. Nope. Rainy, cold, and, yep, sometimes snow. Like when I was a child, I still do love the holiday season, of which Christmas is one.
2. What are your stress busters?
I have three.
- Meditation
- Walking
- Cardio
As I’ve written about before, meditation is, well, has been for me, transformational in my life. I started three years ago, which at that time was simply called breathing, because I could not sit still long enough to meditate proper. And, you know, like everything, it’s about the practice. Setting your intention to do something, and sticking with it. 5 minutes became 10, and so on to today.
I don’t walk as much in the winter as it is so cold and rainy, yet do try and get out as often as possible. Cardio as often as needed. Simply meaning maybe once or twice a week.
3. How is your relationship with God?
It is excellent. The Divine shows up everywhere today. As I wrote about in one of my recent poems, it is really about connection.
4. How many languages do you understand, and which are they?
English, and I can understand and speak some Spanish. Alas, I have much work to do in this area, and am actually continuing my study of Spanish now.
5. Name your 3 favorite films.
Hm. This one is harder. Alright, I’m going to name three films I enjoy, though I cannot really say if they are my favorites, per say.
6. How have you spent your leisure time?
Most of my leisure time is spent writing. I also work a lot, so with work and writing, there is not a lot of time leftover. However when time is created, I do enjoy walking, playing golf, seeing my two boys, talking with my friends and family, reading, of course, and watching television a little each day.
7. Do you enjoy solitude or do you always need someone to be with you?
I once always needed someone to be with me. Went hand-in-hand with not being able to sit still for more than a few minutes. Not so today. Though on the bell curve, I would place myself on the downslope towards extroversion, I love my introverted self, and have a large inner-life.
8. What do you hold most important in life?
My connection with the Divine and with my community, colleagues, coworkers, family, and friends. Yes, including all of you!
9. What will you do when you feel sad or clueless in life?
I spent a lot of years, most of my adulthood, really, running from my feelings. Not so today. When I am sad, I let the sadness come. If I’m not in a location where that is appropriate, I take the time needed to be with that sadness, or hold it only until I am in a space where I can cry as needed. Feels so much better to cry as needed, than to hold all of that sadness inside.
When I am clueless? Hm. I don’t ever really feel clueless. I am often unsure. I think feeling unsure is very normal. When we are comfortable being unsure, which can be uncomfortable, we are more open to all that life can bring our way. I work on a highly innovative team, and in highly creative spaces, there is a lot of unknown. I find the unknown, yes, at times, uncomfortable, and also quite exquisite
10. Do you believe in miracles? Briefly explain one please.
Oh, yes, for sure. I believe everything I see and feel is a miracle. The world is quite wondrous, beautiful, and amazing. I love all of it. It is a miracle to me as I sit here typing responses to these lovely questions, listening to some wonderful classical music, and the sun, just a moment ago, was shining right on my keyboard and monitor as I continue to write about the Sunshine Blogger Award. Pretty miraculous.
11. Do you love cartoons? Which is your favorite?
I once loved cartoons. I don’t know that I love them today. Not sure I’ve given it much thought. What I can say is that I’m old enough to remember very old cartoons, like the Flintstones and the Jetsons, and when Pixar started making the most amazing 3D cartoons ever. Was astonishing to me at the time. I still find the technology involved in cartoon-making extraordinary.
Alright, there we go. 11 questions, 11 answers. That was fun. Thanks again, Krishna for the lovely nomination.
Now for my nominations. Instead of 11 more, well, I’m going to nominate all of you. Why? Because I truly find you all inspiring. Seriously. As I’ve mentioned many times, I have as much fun reading your blog’s as I do writing mine.
And now? How about a sunshine poem to end this post? Okay, good. Here we go.
Sunshine
Does envelop me
In a cloud of heavenly
Delight, growing up in your
Embrace
Was, and still is,
One of my favorite sights
Dawn breaking with
Such anticipation, of
Your reception to my
Hallowed participation
In your majestic creation,
And, each day
You come again,
Showing me the resilience
Of your aurora
Which casts life-giving
Sustenance
To all of the fauna,
And flora
I greet thee with my thanks,
And welcome you back
Again and again, friend,
For you’re the sun,
Shining bright, and are
Absolutely one of the best
Parts of my life
Have a very sunshiny holiday, everyone.
Develop. Inspire. Transform. 