I am from

The following was part of an icebreaker activity for a training session that I participated in recently. The prompt was to begin each line with "I am from" and fill in things, characteristics, places in four areas of your life. I changed it up a little. The picture from Unsplash is another loud artifact of my childhood - a swingset.

I am from a brick

ranch house

surrounded by tall pine trees

Black dirt, marsh grass, blue-gray waters

and the occasional salty breeze

I am from Sunday scrambl

ed eggs and sweet rolls

My grandma’s mac and cheese with extra sharp cheddar

Striped watermelons split open and served cold -

On a steamy summer afternoon they're even better

I am from stop and smell the roses,

Unlimited potential and don’t borrow trouble

And I found freedom in the obstacle is the path,

To let it be what it is

I am from keep my own counsel

But I find all around

me

a community open, honest, and supportive

Where love and care abound

.

I am from stardust and books and a forehead curl

From sloppy dog kisses and a thing called girl.