An Opportunity To Know One Another Better

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It’s a true delight to be recognized by one’s peers, especially when nominated by someone as lovely and effervescent as Ritu, author of But I Smile Anyway.  Many thanks to Ritu for including Fourth Generation Farmgirl with such a wonderful group of bloggers for the nomination of the Miranda Sings Award.  This fun and upbeat award was created by Claudia’s Thoughts to celebrate yourself and what makes you happy.  After all, it’s only when we’re filled with joy and light that we can truly reflect it to others.

Rules:

  1. Announce the award with a post and link the blogger who nominated you.
  2. Include the featured image on your blog post.
  3. Nominate 10 bloggers (or as many as you can think of) and link your awardees in the post.
  4. List 7 things you love about yourself (e.g., appearance, personality, achievements, etc.)
  5. Describe yourself in a positive manner.  Don’t use negative connotations.

“Spread love everywhere you go.  Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” ~Mother Teresa

“Act as though what you do makes a difference.  It does.” ~William James

“Profound joy of the heart is like a magnet that indicates the path of life.” ~Mother Teresa

Farmgirl at West Sands Beach

St. Andrew’s, Scotland

2015

Okay, here’s my list:

  1. My childhood experience:  I love that I grew up on a farm in the country with wide open spaces filled with blue sky and green pastures.  I’m so glad I had the opportunity to visit with both sets of grandparents on a daily and weekly basis, and I appreciate the values and lessons they taught me.  I’m thankful for growing up on my family’s farm as it provided me with the gift of continuity with my grandparents and great-grandparents.  This experience was grounding and it afforded me a strong sense of purpose.  I know who I am, and for that, I’m truly grateful.
  2. My friendships:  As I get older, I’m more aware that real friendship is rare.  I feel incredibly fortunate to have so many fine people in my life with whom I have meaningful, authentic relationships.
  3. My compassion:  I believe that I’m a caring person with a strong sense of empathy.  I feel moved to reach out when I see another person or an animal suffering.  In kindergarten, the teacher once wrote on my report card that whenever one of my classmates was hurt or upset, I was always the first person to comfort them.  I believe that we rise by lifting others.
  4. My profession:  I’m privileged to work as a speech and language pathologist, empowering others to have a voice–both figuratively and literally.
  5. My perseverance:  Like most people, I’ve overcome adversity in my life.  No matter how stressed, sad, anxious, scared, intimidated, or overwhelmed I may feel, I never give up, give in, or back down–especially, if a greater good is involved.  I credit my very hard-working and determined parents with instilling this trait in me.
  6. My dorky sense of humor:  Sometimes the oddest things strike me as funny.  I have a knack for cracking myself up, and I will laugh and laugh until I cry.  Those laughs are the best!  I believe I inherited this quirky, little trait from Grandma Rieley and Dad. 🙂
  7. My Southern heritage:  I’m a Southern girl at heart.  I was taught to be respectful, courteous, friendly, and helpful.  I love the warm and melodic sound of a Southern accent.  When I’m traveling, whether in the U.S. or abroad, and hear a Southern accent–well, it’s like going home.  I say “y’all,” and I’ve been known to speak with a twang as well as drop an –ing ending at times, too.  Accent or dialect is so much more than the sound of our voices or the words we speak.  As Amy Clark, professor of communication studies at the University of Virginia at Wise and co-author of the book, Talking Appalachian, teaches, our home voice represents our shared history, our community, and our culture.  It’s an integral part of our identity.  During and after college, I tried to tone down my accent or code switch because of negative stereotypes associated with it.  But, not now.  In the words of Lee Smith, a Southern writer and retired North Carolina State University English professor, “I have no intention of giving up this accent.  It’s a political decision.”  And, as far as this Southern girl is concerned, if someone doesn’t care for the way I talk….well, they can just “kiss my grits.” 😉  Speaking of grits, there’s nothing quite like Southern cuisine.  I love fresh tomato sandwiches, fried squash, and sitting on the front porch shelling butter beans in the summertime.  Of course, collard greens and cornbread from a cast iron skillet is a must.  Plus, it’s hard to beat homemade macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, banana puddin’, and blackberry cobbler, especially my Mama’s.  And, being from the South means using ten words when only one would do.  Because, you know, we’ve all got a story to tell.

Thanks so much for reading!

And to my nominees…

Melody

Joey

Robin

Blair

Laura

Jamie

As always, there’s no pressure to participate.

 

 

Categories: Awards

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26 Comments »

  2. Such interesting information. I love the pride you take in your family, roots and southern heritage, though I could probably do without the collard greens..:)
    Congratulations, Farm Girl…:)

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  3. Awesome post! I love this, especially 7 — I’m not Southern, but I refuse to dilute my accent or my dialect anymore. I worked hard at it all my life, moved to Georgia, finally got comfortable with it, and I’m not giving it up. Or the food. Harrumph! Bless her heart, my Southern mother tried to teach me the best of her good manners, but alas, there was too much Yankee in me from the get go. You’re a GRIT, it’s different, and it shows.
    Thanks for the nomination! It was a delight to read yours! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you very much, Joey. You’re so kind. I’m happy you enjoyed the post! 😊
      I think we arrive at a point in our lives when we’re ready to fully embrace who we are–no matter what. If we can’t be authentic, then what’s the point?
      You’re welcome, and I look forward to your post if you decide to write one. Many thanks! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. Congratulations on your nomination, and well written, Tonya! I considering myself one of your number 2’s (friendship) and know first-hand about your number 3 (compassion). If there’s ever something heavy on my heart, you, my compassionate friend, are always there with supportive words and sound advice. I think your list could go on and on. 😊

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  8. I so enjoyed reading this and learning more about you. It sounds like you have had a wonderful life experience so far, especially growing up in the country with grandparents close by which seems so rare in this day and age. Though I love New England, I do have to say living in the South is also very appealing to me! I love much of what it stands for.

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  11. Oh my goodness, Tonya! Thank you ever so much for including me here. 🙂 I have been playing catch up on reading blogs. I warn my friends who are bloggers about this.
    I am a “retired” middle school teacher, spent my last 9 years of teaching as an Early Intervention specialist (’99 to 2008). Unfortunately, due to needing Master’s in preschool, was scurrying through classes, waiting on tables 4 nights a week, during 2004 to 2008, putting daughter through college. (We still have $84,000 debt.) I did not make Pres. George Bush’s era, No Child Left Behind Act, requirements.
    I work 45 to 50 hours as an auto parts warehouse worker. My work experience allowed me those final years to enjoy a SLP in my classroom so I know fully the need for language and speech skills in young children, Tonya. 🙂

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  12. Pingback: All we need is love… | Riddle from the Middle

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