Thank you blogging friend Tunisia Jolyn for honoring me by nominating me for a blogging award. While I’m delighted that what I write resonates with you, Tunisia, due to time constraints and all the things one typically must do in order to accept such an award I reluctantly stopped accepting them some years back, but when time permits I often like to  return the honor by doing something for the person nominating me. In this case, I’m  happy to attempt answer your questions that came with the nomination.

I didn’t see a re-blog button so couldn’t reblog it but here is a way to check out Tunisia’s site:

http://www.tunisiajolyn.com/about/

Tunisia Jolyn

Here are Tunisia’s questions based on the five sections of her blog:
1. Are you inspired by any music artists for your creative works? If so, who are they?
2. What is one topic that you wish more people would talk about in society? And why?
3. What is the best piece of wisdom you have received in your life?
4. Name your top 3 TV shows ever.
5. Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what is it?

Q: Are you inspired by any music artists for your creative works? If so, who are they?

A: Simon and Garfunkel. I find their lyrics poetic and beautiful.

Q: What is one topic that you wish more people would talk about in society? And why?

A: Great question! I’m a believer that when all is said and done, far more is said than done (I wish I could claim credit for being the first to state that great truth but alas I was born too late for that! ;-D!) Talking is great if it leads to better understanding and just and lasting peace, but there is so much poverty, injustice, greed, starvation, apathy, pain, sorrow, and misery in the world, that I’d simply love to continue to see more kindness (love in action) done than discussed.

Q: What is the best piece of wisdom you have received in your life?

A: Wow! Tough question. I’ve been blessed with exposure to wisdom from a great many people (including from my beloved blogging community!) and many things come to mind. I’ve condensed a bunch of them down to this mantra for my life: “Do what you love with those you love, and be unconditionally grateful and kind.” I too often fall short of being unconditionally grateful and kind, but believe I am becoming more of both, and I’ve never been happier, more fulfilled, or content.

Q: Name your top 3 TV shows ever.

A: Another tough one! I’ve watched much more TV that I’d like to admit. Some of my favorite TV shows as a kid were Rin-Tin-Tin, Daniel Boone, and Cheyenne. More recently I’ve enjoyed Chuck and Eureka. Goofy and entertaining escapism with humor and quirky characters. I tend to like shows with happy endings, where love prevails, and the “good guys” despite all their flaws and internal conflicts win over the “bad guys.” If I want experience drama, bad endings, heartbreak, darkness, pain, grief, etc, I can watch the news, so I look for something different in the TV shows I watch.

Q: Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what is it?

A: If I have a hidden talent, it’s still hidden from me. I look forward to experiencing it! I’ve only recently discovered passions for writing songs, stories, fiction, non-fiction, creating anthologies with other writers, and poetry. I’m already successful because I’m doing what I love with those I love. My creations must first resonate with me. I believe “talent” is the extent to which they resonate with others.

With Love,

Russ