Kelly Griffiths nominated me for a Sunshine Blogger Award and I thought I’d take the time to accept the nomination. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to do one of these, and it could not have come at a better time. My stress level is way up so answering a few reflective questions is breath of fresh air!
What is this Sunshine Blogger Award?
This award is given by bloggers to fellow bloggers who inspire positivity and creativity in the blogging community.
Why did you start blogging?
In person, when I’m trying to ramp up my energy so I can survive the onslaught of other human beings, I appear jovial and bombastic. But that’s just me trying to not run into a corner and hide. In truth I’m quiet and reflective, and I adore writing out thoughts and creating dreams. So I started blogging to have an avenue where I could express those aspects of my character.
Who is your favorite blogger?
Not touching that with a ten foot pole. And you can’t even assume “favorite” in my nominations below, these are good bloggers with whom I enjoy either acquaintance or friendship! I love good photography blogs, creative writers, and honest reflections. So if you fit any of those bills I’ll at least be interested in what you say.
What keeps you going and motivated?
My (almost) daily blogging began as a New Year’s challenge a couple years back, and from there it became a discipline. It’s part of my expression of personhood and how I seek to honor my savior.
I do have external encouragement as well. Neither of the novels I’ve written on this blog would have ever been finished without the encouragement of people I see as “real” fiction writers.
What is your weirdest habit?
“Weird” is more of an overall package than a particular habit, but if I come to a meeting and am handed paper I feel instantaneous annoyance. I don’t like having to juggle tons of loose objects just because someone doesn’t know how to create a PDF.
What is your favorite cuisine?
I have the palette of a child, but I have grown to appreciate fusion stir-fry and Americanized Mexican 1.
What is a personality trait you would like to change in yourself?
I don’t find it easy to trust people, and my practiced cynicism is a self-defense mechanism which sometimes gets in the way of enjoying new opportunities.
What are the first three things you always notice in a person?
I tend to not notice people, to be honest. I live in my head so much people often become white noise 2. When I do notice people the one thing to which I pay attention are a person’s eyes. I look for life, a spark of joy, or a creative fire. Eyes fascinate me. And yes, that can freak strangers out.
I’m socially awkward that way.
Which is the best book you have read to date?
The Silmarillion. It’s long, the character list is massive, but I’ve never been rewarded so much by a work of fiction.
And just about anything from Jasper Fforde, Terry Pratchett, or Brandon Sanderson.
How do you deal with negative comments or hurtful feedback?
It depends where I happen to be in my own social, emotional, mental, and spiritual state to be honest. When I’m keeping a good balance I find I can engage well and either expose people as trolls 3, or bring about some clarification which opens a dialog. When I’m “running hot” and am out of balance, the smallest backhanded comment can send me into a bit of depression. It’s at those points I realize I need to shut everything down and re-center.
What is your goal in life?
To create, serve, and teach.
Painfully Hopeful 
Congratulations
Sent from my iPad
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Aw, thanks! I’ll have to answer the call in spring. 🙂