Family Impact

The September blog challenge starts today and I am excited to get myself back into my version of writing and creating. We will see how it goes. Here are the topics of the challenge...

Tuesday, Sept. 3: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are.

Wednesday, September 4: If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do? (bonus points for fun photos from Pinterest, but don't forget to cite the source!)

Thursday, September 5: Pass on some useful advice or information you learned and always remembered. 

Friday, September 6: A story about a time you were very afraid.

Monday, September 9: Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)

Tuesday, September 10: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

Wednesday, September 11: Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop.

Thursday, September 12: Discuss ways that blogging or social media has changed you.

Friday, September 13: A self portrait

Monday, September 16: Write a public love letter to someone in your life. (It doesn't necessarily need to be romantic.)

Tuesday, September 17: A memory you would love to relive.

Wednesday, September 18: Only photos

Thursday, September 19: Creative writing day: write a (very short) fictional story that starts with this sentence: "To say I was dreading the dinner party would be the understatement of the century."

The story does not necessarily need to have a conclusion - you can leave your readers wishing for more!

Friday, September 20: React to this term: comfort. 

Monday, September 23: A "life lately" post. What you're up to, how you're feeling, how you're doing on your goals, etc. Bonus points for great photos!

Tuesday, September 24: Review a book, place, or product.

Wednesday, September 25: Write about a time you screwed up - a mistake you made. 

Thursday, September 26: Go to a coffee shop. Order a favorite drink. Write about what makes you happy and what makes you sad. Or write about anything you'd like! Bonus points for including a photo from the coffee shop. (I recommend downloadingOmmwriter and bringing headphones along!) *if you can't make it to a coffee shop, at least leave your usual space and write someplace new.

Friday, September 27: An anonymous letter to your Facebook friends. Be as snarky as you'd like. (but don't include people's real names.) 

Monday, September 30: Share a photo of something old. Maybe something that has personal history for you, that was passed down to you, and that has special meaning to you. Tell us about it and why it's special.

Here we Go!

Topic: Describe where or what you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are. 

My parents encouraged us five kids to spend time together, to lean on each other, but to also value our differences. Not only did they teach us siblings to be a special unit but they also developed their own relationships with us. Mom mom has taught me the importance of having others to rely on, that its okay to demand things for yourself, and always wear matching socks because you never know when someone is going to ask you to take your shoes off. My Dad has taught me the value in being sensitive, to always follow through, and always be able to laugh at yourself because other people definitely will be at some point. Both my parents taught me to value friendships. They showed the fun in making friends at any life stage but continue to appreciate your oldest and dearest.  

I am also lucky to come from a family of great storytellers. Both my parents have taken the time to tell us about where they come from and who they are. I have been blessed with an incredible family filled with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles who were always in my life telling stories of their own memories and experiences. While my other grandparents passed away before I was born my dad has told us stories of who they were, his childhood and how they play a role in our lives today. Looking at my life I realize that while so many aspects of my life were impact by places and moments, it is really people who make up who I am today.

Love, love, love

Bridge

Snippet of Where I am and How I Got Here

The May Challenge is officially starting today and I am a little nervous about completing it. I might as well just dive right in! 

Day 1, Wednesday: The story of your life in 250 words or less

I am third of five children and lived most of my life in Chicago. I had a very idyllic childhood.  A childhood filled with summer pool days, night games in the neighborhood and bike rides to dairy queen. After years of public school my family ended up going to the Catholic high school and I had to start over. The growing pains that occurred during those four years and some years to follow were rough and I got a little lost along the way. Even though it took some heartbreak, I slowly began to turn a corner. I made some moves, literally and figuratively and started to find my place.  The last couple years I have started to discover who I am. Chicago is what I currently call home and I am blessed to do so.  I have become comfortable being introverted and have learned to be alone. I now value you my independence and define myself by it. My family and friends have changed. While my siblings are the same my relationship with them is different. They have become my social circle and toughest critics. My friendships shifted to quality over quantity and I have learned who and what I will pour myself into. Through my choices I still haven't figure out who I want to be. I am hoping to travel, write more often, fall in love and so much more. Like most of us, my story isn't over so we will just have to see where it goes.

Love, love, love

Bridge