So Much Sunshine to the Square Inch

“Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch.” ~Walt Whitman

‘leftovers’ from summer

Recently Sherry Galey of Still and All kindly graced me with a Sunshine Award. I’m flattered to have been included among those she selected. As part of the award, it’s suggested to pass the award on to others and keep it going. I’ve never been comfortable singling out some bloggers while omitting others so I’ve chosen to participate by simply responding to the questions. Every one of you who stops by to read my entries brings sunshine to my life. If any of you have a blog and would care to participate by joining in the second part I would love to see you take that on — and if you do participate, please leave a link to your post so I can head over to read responses to your questions. Here are the questions Sherry asked of us and I’m pleased to respond below (great questions Sherry!):

1. If you could learn one skill that you’ve never had, what would it be, and why?  I’d love to be able to speak another language, particularly one of the romantic languages such as French or Italian. In school I took some French, a couple years of German but if you don’t use it, you lose it. To me, being able to fluently speak another language has many advantages: keeps the ol’ noggin sharp, but it also sounds so beautiful, is another way of better understanding other cultures, and opens doors in many ways.
2. What do you love more than taking photographs or writing? Oh gosh, there are several things I could include. Of course, family and friends is at the top of my list; I suppose what is being asked is what sorts of activities/hobbies/creative works do I love more. I love being out in nature and observing nature. It’s something I’ve done since I was a child and have learned so much about life’s natural order and ecosystem. I never grow tired of observing and taking it all in. 
   
3. Are you an extrovert or an introvert? You may think of me a bit of a chameleon: when I was young I was very much an introvert but in high school I blossomed. I wouldn’t consider myself an extrovert though I’m a much more confident and outgoing person in adulthood.
   
4. Do you have a fear that you have not yet conquered? Yes, I’m afraid of heights specifically if I’m climbing something though being in an airplane doesn’t bother me. Standing on a balcony of a high rise terrifies me.
5. Do you have a dream you’ve suppressed due to life commitments?  Learning to play the piano. Those of you who check in to my online journal know that I’m doing something about that: I began taking piano lessons and am diligently practicing every single day. A dream come true.
6. Are you a night owl or a morning person?  I’m very definitely a morning person. That’s when I’m most creative, most energetic, and at my best.
7. What book has made a huge impact on you? Although I’m an avid reader and many books I’ve read have has some sort of impact, I have to go back decades to a book I read as a child, Call of the Wild by Jack London. I loved animals anyway, which is why I read the book but that book made me aware of how cruel some people can be to dogs. Since then I’ve been a huge advocate for the safe and kind treatment of domestic animals.
   
8. If you could travel to any place in Canada, where would it be? I don’t even have to think about that one: the Maritime provinces particularly Prince Edward Island. One day I plan to get there. I want to get to know the people, photograph the urban and seaside landscape, eat their potatoes and lobster, and drink it all in.
   
9. What qualities most touch you in a person?  Sincerity, honesty, and kindness.
   
10. What do you do when inspiration to create leaves you? Get outside! Go and explore. Have conversations. Get away from the computer. That’s always a sure way to rejuvenate and replenish the creative juices.

“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

 Autumn Gold (pin cherry leaves)

Now if you might find it fun or interesting to answer a few questions on your blog (or even if you wish to answer them in the comments below), utilizing a few from above plus adding a few of my own, here is a list of questions for you. Please link back to me so I don’t miss visiting your post to read your responses.

1. What book have you read that has made an impact on you?
2. Do you have a dream that you have suppressed due to life commitments?
3. Who are the heroes or heroines in your life?
4. Who is your favourite poet?
5. What is your most valued accomplishment that you’ve made in your life?
6. What qualities do you most value in a friend?
7. What are you most grateful your parent(s) taught you?
8. What do you fear most?
9. What is the most important thing a parent can do when raising children?
10. What makes a house a home?

Okay, now you!