Sunshine Blogger Award

These were so much fun and such a joy to read. Thank you for nominating me. It took me a while to answer these questions. Some were not easy to reflect on, but I hope this does the nomination and post justice.

I was nominated here by three people, and I want to thank you all for thinking of me and for making me pause and reflect on my thoughts. Karen, Darryl, and Iba, you have been a joy and a blessing. I cannot thank you enough for your love, friendship, and kindness. I wish we were not so scattered, because having lunch or coffee together would truly be such a joy and a blessing.

I will not tag anyone after this, as I know some people prefer not to be tagged. However, I will leave this open for anyone who wants to take part and share their thoughts and feelings on these questions. I look forward to seeing who participates.

I did change a couple of the questions I was asked, but only because, well, because it’s my post and I could. Haha.

Guidelines

1) Display the award’s official logo somewhere on your blog

2) Thank the person who nominated you

3) Provide a link to your nominator’s blog

4) Answer your nominator’s questions

5) Nominate up to eleven bloggers

6) Ask your nominees eleven questions

7) Notify your nominees by commenting on their blogs

My questions for them:

1. What is home for you and why?

Home, for me, is simply home. It is not a big house, it is actually quite small, but it is where my family is. It is the four of us together. Whether we are watching TV, eating, or just talking and laughing, that is when I feel peace, love, and joy.

2. What is your favorite hobby?

I have never really been big on hobbies, as I tend to lose interest in things fairly quickly. But if I had to choose something I truly enjoy, it would be writing.

I enjoy the process of writing, and I really value the feedback, comments, and the way something I’ve written, shared, or blogged can spark meaningful, heartfelt, and memorable conversations.

3. Describe a moment when you had to make a tough decision.

I have two….

Writing and having a book published. I am a very insecure person and have low confidence in myself, so putting my writing into a book and not seeing it shared or received well would discourage me even more than I already can be at times. Feeling like a failure would probably be my strongest struggle.

The other was leaving my job after 11 years at the same company and recently having to start over. Going from being a manager to being a Sales Consultant was very hard, but it had to be done.

4. Do you have a bucket list? What’s on it?

Travel… there are so many places I want to see and explore: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Ireland, just to name a few. I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise.

As a writer, I’ve also hoped to have a book do well enough to receive some kind of award, though I know that is unlikely. Another dream was to have a bigger home, but that feels like something that has passed me by now.

5. What is something God has taught you in a difficult season of your life?

During a difficult season of my life, I felt overwhelmed emotionally and physically, and there were moments I honestly felt very weak and unsure of myself.

One of the biggest things God has taught me through it is that I am not meant to carry everything on my own. Even when I feel like I am not strong enough, His timing, His strength, and His grace are still at work in ways I may not always see in the moment.

He has also taught me patience, especially in waiting and trusting when things do not change as quickly as I want them to. I tend to want answers and results, but God has been showing me that growth often happens slowly and quietly.

Even now, I am still learning this, but I can look back and see that He has not left me, even in the hardest parts.

6. What bugs you?

I tend to get triggered easily, and that is something I am still working through. One thing that really weighs on me is when family or those closest to me don’t offer much support or encouragement. It can honestly hurt at times when I feel more kindness and support from strangers than from people I am close to.

I try my best to support others in any way I can, and I always aim to encourage the people I care about because I know how much that can mean and how much it can help build someone up. It really does not take much to show kindness and support.

Especially with my books, I know even a small gesture of support can go a long way.

7. Favorite movie?

The Lost Boys, The Crow, Top Gun (The First), Cocktail, Karate Kid, The Breakfast Club, Grease, Star Wars, Scarface, The Wanderers.

8. What is your greatest fear?

This one is too easy… Death and Fire. Both scare the underbridges out of me…

9. Of all of your posts, do you have favorite?

I would say all of them, because through them I have built friendships and relationships with so many amazing bloggers, some of whom I am truly honored and blessed to consider family.

To see how many of them encourage me, support me, and show such kindness really helps me to continue doing what God has called me to do, especially when I get discouraged or when my self-esteem begins to distract and weigh me down. As I mentioned in a previous question, receiving those words of support often from people I never expected, means more than I can say, especially when I don’t always get that same encouragement elsewhere.

10. What is your all time favorite song?
I Promise by When In Rome and Losing My Religion by R.E.M.

11. Can you share some obscure/unusual words you like to use when writing
Discouragement – Always how I feel…

12. Favorite meal?
Any Puerto Rican food. I have to admit, I am probably biased because I am Puerto Rican, but I love our food. It is full of flavor, comfort, and it always feels like home.

Willie Torres Jr.

4/27/2026