One of the fun things about blogging is getting to know other writers through the things they write about. We don’t usually interview ourselves. But I’ve been nominated to do just that by one of my blogger friends, Victoria Atkinson through something called the “Sunshine Blogger Award”. It’s one of those trends you pass on from person to person, but it’s cool because as blogger friends we don’t usually talk about this kind of stuff unless it comes up in one of our pieces. So thanks for tagging me Victoria (by the way- read her book!). Here are my answers to the questions you posed:

What is your morning routine?

Unless I really can’t avoid it, my morning routine begins with me getting up when I feel like it, which is a big improvement over my teaching days when I had to be at school at 7:30am everyday. BOOOO! The first thing I do each morning (ok, most mornings) after getting up is yoga. I feel better, stronger, more centered and more energetic when I start off with that mix of movement and stillness.

What is your favorite season and why?

Unpopular opinion, but my favorite season is winter, but only (even more unpopular opinion) if it’s cold and snowy. Yes- I’m serious! I love outdoor activities in the snow! And Christmas! But really, I love each season. I live in south central Pennsylvania where we are lucky enough to have four distinctive seasons, and each one has its own charms. The thing I don’t like is when the weather doesn’t match the season it’s in, as has been happening more often in recent decades.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Wow- this is a really hard one. I had a really fun childhood with many great memories, but probably beach trips with my family are my favorite. I couldn’t deem any certain one as “the best”. I also loved our large family gatherings with all the aunts, uncles and cousins. Both my Mom and Dad’s extended families did this and they made for some great times!

Who or what has been your most unlikely teacher?

Stress. Over the years, and in no certain order, stress has taught me to get better as a teacher, take care of my body, change my career, fix frayed relationships, abort other relationships, rebalance my life, change my focus, run harder, and rest. I’m constantly seeking less painful ways of learning, but so far, stress is the headmaster.

What are you most proud of?

My two daughters, Bailey and Ally. I’m most proud that they’re good people, who think and act with love, respect and concern for others. But they also stand up for themselves when needed. They’re 28 and 26 now, but both had lots of success in their high school and college careers. I only mention that because I learned during that time, that having praise heaped on your kid creates a feeling that never gets old. And when it happens to them now in their adult life, I love it just as much.

I’m also very proud of my wife who, after swearing that she would never ever become a teacher for any reason, has become a really good fourth grade teacher as well as a loved and respected leader in her school community. She even has the strongest friend group she’s known since grade school.

What is something that surprises people about you?

Most people are surprised to find out that I am an introvert. I was a teacher for 27 years, I’ve been a musician playing in front of people for about 35 years, and I’m usually energetic and engaging (or trying to be anyway) with people I meet. And I do really enjoy those things to a point. But anything that comes out of me energy, personality or creativity -wise, is based on what’s happening inside. I need to spend a decent amount of time in there; thinking, playing, brooding, creating, recharging, and getting ready to re-enter. And if I can’t get the balance I need, the worst aspects of my personality tend to take over. I count being with family and very close friends just as beneficial as being alone.

What motivated you to start blogging?

I’ve always enjoyed writing and took it seriously. I also like to ponder stuff and to tell stories. Several years ago, when I began to realize I needed out of teaching, I started wondering about what else I could for work. I was curious about the possibility or lack thereof, of a writing career. I also had this recurring urge to write my thoughts down, so I just started doing it. I shared some of my pieces with an acquaintance who worked with our very small-town, weekly newspaper. I was looking for feedback, but he offered me a chance to write a regular column for the paper. I called it Human Writes. After a year or two with the paper, I decided to stop with them and start a blog instead. The idea was to have full ownership over everything I write, plus it’s not like they were paying me much to begin with.

What forms of entertainment do you enjoy the most?

Big surprise here…. I love music! I’m also really into the Philadelphia Eagles, anything involving sight-seeing, nature or water. I love games, especially the pointlessly stupid contests, stunts and games we play with the daughters and their “soon-to-be-husbands.”

If you are a book reader, do you prefer paper or digital?

Man, I keep trying to be a book reader but I hardly get through any each year. Partly it’s because when I do read, I like serious books that are usually long and sometimes on difficult topics. Also, I just need to spend more time reading. I usually don’t read fiction, but when I do I really enjoy it. Anyway- enough rambling… I guess I’m a paper guy because I’ve never tried it the other way, although I’m not opposed to it.

What is your favorite music genre and who is your favorite band/singer/artist?

The genre part is tough to choose, but I guess I’m partial to anything that mixes a good, funky groove with some colorful jazz chords. As far as a favorite band/singer/artist? That part’s easy- Prince, Prince, Prince, Prince!

What societal causes do you care about the most?

Environmental Protection/Climate Change/Sustainabilty. Getting this right can fix many of our other problems, and many of our other problems can’t really be fixed without us getting this right.

At this point, I’m supposed to tag some people, but most of my blogger friends have been tagged already. But- I didn’t see Wynne Leon’s name on the list, and I don’t remember reading anything like this from her. So Wynne- I nominate you to answer the same questions Vicki gave me. 🙂

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Todd Fulginiti- cd available
The Cat’s Pajamas Old School Jazz Band- cd available
Fulginiti Family Band
Holiday Horns

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