☀Ignite Your Creativity☀ discussion

I am a middle child. Does this effect me as a mature woman? I don't know. I felt in many ways my middle age status was mitigated by my mom also being a middle child with the exact same dynamics as far as an older brother and a younger sister. My younger sister is very talented in many ways. While I played sports and was quite good at Softball, she was a natural athlete. She was also a lot more outgoing than me in our youth. I didn't go to prom. She was Prom Queen. I was very happy for her. My older brother was also athletic and very gifted in school. I used to think he tested the waves for me in school when we were at the same grade school and sampled the teacher the year prior. Well, I was a late bloomer in school. Probably more complex than this analysis but I don't think I have Middle Child Syndrome by any means.

When I was in my early twenties, I helped with the toddlers and small children and discovered that I liked stepping into their world. Soon I was teaching the preschool age children on a weekly basis. It was a challenge at times. Oh, how I cherished those days! There were sweet moments such as when one of my students asked if she could go visit her mom in the library. As I felt like she was my responsibility until class was over, I declined her offer. When the class was over, she asked, "Can I kindly go see my mother now?" Another girl was forever calling me by my last name without adding the sister in front as we are taught to do. Her mom would laugh giving her the reward and than remind her that we are to say sister. She would even call my last name down the hall "Bohan." So precious! When I called her house, she would say, "Mom, it's Bohan on the phone. Once when I went to the town homes where her family went for a gather of teachers, she was outside innocently hopping on a foot. We visited a bit with her when all at once a light bulb went on and she said, "I know who you are, "You are Bohan." It was so great to have a connection with my students. When I was late one Sunday one of my students greeted me out in the Hall with tears on her face. Her mother said she was worried I wouldn't be there. So great to be so needed!

In recent years, I have felt more affinity towards youth and young adults. My teen years were difficult years. But it is a good time in the sense of discovering identity, gaining an ability to think in a more complex way, having passion for causes. I do not exchange private messages with youth who are not related to me or someone close to me. However, I do like interchanges in a public place as I feel that is safe. In my youth, I had some wonderful mentors who recognized some of my talents and encouraged me. I do think we learn about ourselves in part from feedback from others. When I was a in my early twenties, my life was greatly improved although I had my personal trials. Someone told me that someone had told her when she was a youth that life just gets better. In many ways, I have found that to be true. I am in my early 40's and have enjoyed much of what I gained in wisdom in my 30's. Maturity is great. While I have my fair share of "issues," I can more fully see the good in my life. I may not have an answer for every situation as there aren't always easy answers. However, I do like to get to know youth and really people of all ages. I had a professor once who made a concerted effort to learn the names of everyone in our large classroom saying in his accent from an African country that he made this effort because "People are important." I see so much in people and hope they see it in themselves. I'm not all about rainbows, lollipops, and puppies. But then again, you can't surround yourself with too much positive stuff if you have a choice. :)

I've had some doors close in my life. While the detours weren't the paths I originally wanted, they have been interesting. I have enjoyed some of the opportunities that have come my way. I am not a huge risk taker. Yet, I have taken risks in my life. I didn't do it alone as God prepared the way and gave the strength. There are doors that I have probably resisted going through due to lack of faith and don't like to think about that. I am grateful what I have been able to do in school and at work.

Thank you, Crystal!

I like this blog too. In theory I'm following it, but I haven't gotten even one nofi from it yet.

Well, I guess I haven't updated much. Thanks, for following, Pirl!

Our Doberman Pinscher puppy has captured my heart. I was skeptical to get this breed but my dad read they were very intelligent and protective but not crazy protective like some breeds, which can lead to danger. I decided that all puppies are probably cute and hoped that her disposition would be a good one. I had learned not to give into stereotypes after we had a wonderful Rottweiler we called Baby who would take all the loving and attention you could give her. She looked like a little Bear. She was never aggressive. However, we never had her around small children as we are cautious.

Our Doberman is named Francesca 9/11 Sweetie. 9/11 is her middle name as they is the day she came to live with us. I was struck by how sweet a face she had. She is the size of an adult now although her Birthday is in July and she still has a very sweet face. She can look into my eyes with such intensity that reaches me and connects with me. We didn't get her ears pinned as that was not available in my city(although it may have been available in other areas not too far). It is painful and has to be done by a certain age. I think she looks prettier to have them natural. She has her mellow moments and snuggles. She also has so much energy and is a wild one at times. As she grew so fast her legs were long and her running made her seem like a colt to me when she was younger. It is such a joy to watch her. She made up her own games such as running for an item and picking it up and running further. She loves to spin around while shaking a heavy floor mat in our back yard. One bad trait that is also endearing is that she likes to jump up while standing on her hind legs and tap a person. It's not like other dogs who seem to want to just greet you. It's a game with her. I lock my arms in front to keep her from doing it as I was told to do. If I let up, she will sometimes jump up even if it is my side that she touches. From the look in her eye, it looks like she knows she is getting away with something. She even looks like she laughs at us sometimes. She is the happiest puppy we've ever had.

Agreed.

Thanks, She doesn't have "Sweetie" as part of her name for nothing. Although we didn't know how well it would fit.

In Middle School and High School, I came to life when I performed. I considered myself pretty normal as far as social relations prior to 8th grade but some described me as quiet. My first experience with Oral Interp was in 7th grade and my mom who I consider to be gifted in the area helped me with every phrase and intonation. I was chosen to compete for our school. Later, I would mainly do my own interpretation. In 8th grade, I changed schools and became withdrawn. I will probably revisit these refining moments at another time. But I want to focus on the performance aspect. For literature class, we did a little play just for the class. I was given the role of a Black youth. It was probably part of how the dialogue was written but I really got into the role and became a little Black boy although some of it may have been to stereotypical. But the thing was, I wasn't trying to stereotype and I did not view Blacks in that way and didn't know anyone else did. There was a line that went something like "You are a lion." I felt passion as I delivered. There was instinct on my part on how to do this role. My class voted me the best actor. I later was voted best actor for Speech class when I did a role of a zany lady named Mildred. I didn't like the role really and as we had to memorize the dialogue it was a challenge to learn the chunks. I have those stress dreams where I don't know lines of dialogue. Not a good feeling to be ill-prepared. Looking back, I wonder how much was over-acting. But the lips that seldom moved in 8th grade could flow so freely in performance. As an adult I learned that was not so abnormal. Sally Fields was the same way in her youth from what I heard. Her lips came to life when performing Romeo and Juliet. My favorite Oral Interp of all time was the excerpts I did from Peter Pan. I worked on it one stormy life. I practice and practiced. I performed. Think there was a standing O in there. It was a little overwhelming. I didn't even go to school the next day as it was so stimulating. I was almost in the scene. The pent up energy of the young woman who was backwards and shy came out as I performed scenes with Mary, her brothers, Smee and Captain Hook. I loved it. Later, I did this for a Church Single's Group as an adult. I hadn't rehearsed it nearly as much. Years had passed and I had really come out of my shell. And it wasn't the same to me although I received some polite compliments. I don't know if I would have the ability to act these days. But in its time and place it meant so much to me. And I can do some great over-acting when I do deliver some of my poetry even to this day.

Interesting:D

Thanks for saying so, Pirl. You seem to have a lot of performance experience if I have read your blog correctly.

Not a lot, but some.

Singing, performing, acting, dancing? All or some of the above?

Singing. And my songs mostly, though covers too.

Music --the universal language!

Oh, how my choir instructor would bow down to you for saying that!

You're blog is interesting Barbara. I've always enjoyed hearing the thoughts and memories of those more experienced than myself.

Cheyenne wrote: "Oh, how my choir instructor would bow down to you for saying that!

..."

LOL!

Yeah.. I'm serious. Haha

Cheyenne, thanks for stopping by. Choir instructors can be such inspirations! I love to hear voices blend! Solos are great too depending on who is singing the solo, of course,

I've heard that being good at Math and music often go hand and hand. But I think I am more gifted in music than Math. But music would make math more agreeable as Crystal says. Did anyone see them "sing the phone book" on American Idol. Classic!

Yes, I love my choir instructor even though he's a huge pain. He gets really moody a lot of days, and then other days he acts like a four year old. If it wasn't so irritating it would almost be comical.

You do realize, both math and music are languages? Maybe being good at either is more like being good at languages?

My best friend would agree with you there, Pirl. She "speaks music" wonderfully.

Yes, Math is a language. I used to follow what looked like a statistic class and talk about a foreign language on the board. People who speak a foreign language who come to America are not handicapped in the Math they learned in the past as it is the same number symbols and math symbols.

I had a need for a little tutoring in English by my dad in about 4th grade and he also helped proof Math homework and prepared me for tests. I did my homework and was pretty comfortable with myself in regards to schooling. I was pretty much carefree in those days and enjoying my childhood. I wasn't the smartest in class nor was I the slowest and I didn't give it much thought as to my intelligence level. Then, we went to get the results of my high school entrance exam when I was in the 8th grade. I had done poorly on some sections. It was a shock to me as I was placed in some of the lowest level classes at this private school. I didn't want to be thought of as stupid so I worked hard. I would read and reread chapters of textbooks. I memorized my notes too. Teachers started moving me up in subjects. When I was moved up to the higher English class, I identified myself as a slower person in the class although I was doing just fine. In my Junior and Senior year, I would even get awards for English. I received an award for Biology too and other subjects. Spanish and Biology, which I took my Junior year were turning points for me to feel that I may actually be smart after all. During teen years, the brain does rewire and you gain ability to learn more in depth. I was very nervous to go to college knowing the material would be at a faster pace and more of it. While complexity of material usually is not too hard for me if I apply myself, I get information overload. I did attend the local University and graduated with honors.While I am more comfortable with my strengths now, I am also less intimidated by my weaknesses. In fact, I think both my strengths and weaknesses make me who I am.

This post that I did at the blog where my sister is editor ties in with the above post. By the way, I will share poems there with little literary merit at times. I have a few poems that I really like and especially some that are whimsical and playful. But I will share things that I like even if they are lacking. Well, Sister Anthony has a place in my heart. I hope everyone has a mentor who means as much to him or her!
http://population-we.blogspot.com/201...

That's really cool how you started out struggling and finished off shining. I normally get good test scores, but struggle to keep my grades up.

Cheyenne, I know people who work so hard and don't get good grades so we are fortunate that hard work pays off.

Yeah. We sure are.

A few years ago, I realized how I am able to be emotionally available for friends. I wish I could fix every bad situation and can feel helpless. Yet, I do like to show my support and hold their words close to my heart. I also listen to friends on facebook and blogs. I feel concern and try to think positive thoughts. I have seen people come out on the other side of hard times and rejoice when they do. They may not know how much they touch me. And my friends at Good Reads have touched me too. I think of you and carry you with me when I am not here.

Thanks:)

:)

I never like to be the type to make a person feel like they need to spill their guts with me. If a person just wants to talk about the weather that is fine. Of course, the weather can be very relevant and serious at times if there is a terrible storm brewing or that wrecked havoc. And it can be nice to talk about the sunshine. I don't feel being a friend means that you have to know everything or secrets. Despite what a lot of people may think about me though, nothing shocks me. And when I have heard a person's story in the proper context and with the other details that I know about them, I have respected them. I do have some people that may just be a casual hello and how do you do. And that is nice too. It's their terms.

I have had anxiety about writing a future post today that I have worked out a lot in my head and have partly written. I was just reading a book that started dealing with the subject I am writing about. And it helped a little. I have piece things together in my head so many times, but the trouble is that I can lose those trains of thought as they aren't always there when I go to type much later. Of course, the sketch in the head may not always be word for word. It does seem to flow so much better. I like researching, I like thinking about writing, I like writing much of the time. But sometimes, I detest writing. But when it is done, I am usually happy even if it usually is far more condensed than what I hoped.

I often see God's hand in my relationships and timing in my life. In August, I befriended an adult woman that was a friend of a friend of a friend on facebook as she seemed very positive. Then, her child had a very serious diagnosis. While I have never met her in person, we have grown closer during this time. Her days are so much lighter now that the shots in the legs for her daughter have ended. It is humbling for me to think of what she has been going through. She is a woman of great faith. She asked for prayers from everyone for her daughter often and thanked people for prayers. She gave praise for any improvements. I hope her daughter will be in remission and be able to have a normal childhood now.

Barbara wrote: "I never like to be the type to make a person feel like they need to spill their guts with me. If a person just wants to talk about the weather that is fine. Of course, the weather can be very relev..."

I like that. Some people will try to comfort you by trying to make you talk about it when you don't want to. Others will listen if you want to talk, and veer the conversation away from the subject if you don't. I like the latter kind.

I think most people whom I like like the latter kind better. I'm simply too awkward around people to react one way or the other. I simply talk on something else, related or not.

I do agree with Cheyenne that some times talk does not make it better and you may not want to share something rather personal. There are times when I was younger when I wish I would have been more open to people and their situation. Last, I came in contact again with a friend from high school and college who I knew was going through a lot in high school. But I lacked the skill at the time to reach out. We talked about this recently and she was so understanding as we are both old enough to know that it's not always easy to know what to say especially when you are still trying to figure out a lot of things yourself. This friend is an amazing mom and good friend.

I have a friend who isn't good with emotional situations. She has absolutely no idea what to do when someone's upset. So she hunts me down.

I talk, but I think I can deal with emotional situations... most of the time. I do breakdown occasionally.

I do too. Though generally not with a lot of people around. Normally I can hold it in at least until there's only one or two other people with me.

Cheyenne, that is good that you can be there to support those who are having an emotional experience. I think it is good that the person tries to find you as it is not her strength. Sometimes the most comforting thing you can do is to sit with a person and not say a thing. Other times sharing tears can help with the healing.

I am not much for entering writing contests so I share a poem here that I was inspired to write by the thread that Cheyenne started.

I do not want to bring back those that I have lost
for a few moments for another hug, kiss, talk. I hope we said in our words and actions enough for now.

I would only want to have them back if we could go back before the suffering with no recollection that they were ever missing. We would go back to the innocent and child-like relationship where I took for granted the long years to come with them and did not have it ever hanging over my head. We would have the family dinners and visits and good times just like we always did.

I hope there will be a reunion in Heaven will be equally joyful as those days in childhood. I don't want our first meeting to be about anything I wish I would have said or done here. I just want to be with them and have it be as natural as we were then. Well, I hope it will be even better as it will be Heaven after all.

Summer is a season that I very much enjoyed growing up. It meant vacation from school unless we went to Summer School, which was more for enrichment and had no homework. Hot days and cooling off in sprinklers and pools certainly are the best of combinations. We had a small round pool with a liner that we could swim in one season. My mom said it had to be a certain temperature to swim and we used to call the phone number until the right temp was announced as the day heated up. Still, it was sometimes cool and my sister's lips would turn blueish/purplish in the water. It wouldn't keep her from staying in as she has already been touch and played soccer with a hole in the ear drum in first grade because she didn't want our parents to know how bad it was.

We also had "bee alerts" in the pool where we would practice what we would do in the event of an actual bee and go under water for a time. None of us had any known allergies, but wanted to be prepared It was actually fun.

Frozen treats of about any flavor were often stocked in our fridge. Sometimes we even made home made ice cream cranking it by hand. It is so good provided you don't eat it too fast and get brain freeze.

sounds great!

It has been so hot the last few days that cooling off sounds pretty great to me too!

It's been over 30 degrees Celsius the last few WEEKS here. The few times I stepped outside I felt like pizza. Or something else in the oven. Anyway, I can't wait for the first visit at the beach. Also I've got a new bathing suit. It suits me so well!!! I love it!!!