Janet Kennedy Kiefer

Has anyone ever told you that your “Social IQ” is super high? Has anyone ever asked, “How can you talk to so many different people about so many topics?”

A few weeks ago I had the fortunate opportunity to spend a wonderful week with  my adult daughter. She is pregnant and just about to turn thirty. We have both been so busy with the business of life we had not spent one-on-one time together for a long while and not since she has become a young woman. In the course of our fun filled week in San Diego she asked me the two questions at the top of this blog.

I smiled to myself when she asked because I have heard,”Mom, you talk to much!” o I love people and I love to talk as well as tell stories. How fitting that in retirement I have become a storyteller, children’s book author.

Over the years this “high social IQ” has helped me to accomplish many goals. Right now I am learning about marketing my first book, which I am very excited about. So, I tell anyone who will listen and cares about the story.

On a recent flight from Nashville to Orlando a new story line came to me and I began typing it out as quickly as I could on my iPad. The young woman sitting next to me asked, “Are you an author?”

This surprised me and I answered, Yes. For the next hour of the flight she told me stories about her children, family, and travels. She asked about my book. I love to tell the synopsis of the story and she listened intently. When we landed in Orlando she turned on her iPhone, Googled me, and right then and there she ordered, Freckles for her children! Hum, I am thinking all this talking is pretty beneficial.

My husband and I arrived at his conference. Other spouses have traveled with their mates as well. One evening we are visiting with two ladies at the pool. My husband starts talking business with one of the woman and I engage with the other.

Quickly I identify that this lady, Marilyn, and I have teaching in common. she teaches kindergarten at a Catholic school. Marilyn tells me she loves to read to her students. In fact that might be the best part of her job. I also taught kindergarten and I remember how much fun I had with the children, stories, and puppets I used to bring the main character to life. Now, that this connection is established I tell Marilyn about my book, Freckles.

Marilyn lights up. She wants to buy Freckles for her classroom. I am thrilled! Marilyn says she is also interested in developing curriculum to go along with the story that will be uploaded to my website. Fantastic!

We are hoping the rest of the school we will interested in the book, and may want to invite me out as a quest speaker. How fun will that be to meet her students at their school in Nashville. Along with a reading of Freckles we will have a food drive to stock the local food pantry! How great is that!

Hum! I am thinking that, “My Gift of Gab,” is turning out to be a really good thing! What do you think?

Teachers – Freckles would be a great read for your classrooms too. Won’t you join in? Buy the book, develop curriculum, and hold a food drive at your school! Join the Fun!

Imagine, Play, Learn, Serve
Make today a spectacular day!
Janet     

Janet Sent from my iPad
JKiefer Tales, LLC
Imagine, Play, Learn, Serve
Jkiefertales.com