Life is good- simple as that.
One of my favorite people in the world was my mom's mom. Her full name was Janet Margaret Binkley Erwin, but my siblings and I all called her "Gran Jan." Since Gran Jan passed away in September, my mind has been flooded with little memories of her. These memories may seem insignificant to others, but to me, they mean the world. I am so thankful to have photographs of her to look back on. Gran Jan was barely five feet tall and had straight, short silver hair. She loved wearing "Life is Good" shirts, as shown in the photo of her on the beach. My favorite shirt of hers said "Life is good- simple as that." Gran Jan loved me and my siblings more than anything in the world. Because there are eight kids in my family, my grandma helped my parents out a lot. I have fond memories of her taking me to gymnastics practice after school. She always would bring my favorite snacks. As well, she loved taking me to the park by her house to play when I was younger.
One time, my little sister (Prophecy) told me that I looked like Gran Jan. I was so offended and thought "Do I look old?!" Now, looking back since my grandmother has passed away, I realize that this was one of the best compliments ever. My grandmother was a beautiful person inside and out. She taught me so many things. Most importantly, she taught me to love people well and always strive to be better than the day before.
On top of being a mother and grandmother, Gran Jan was a poet and a painter. Gran Jan was the most creative person I knew. She inspired me to always seek out new opportunities and ideas in art. Her poetry has inspired me to not be afraid to express my emotions through art. She published a book of poems called Surviving Hopeful. I have a copy that I frequently peruse through to remember her superb writing skills. One of my favorite verses is from her poem "The Workable Dream."
You have it, can't you tell?
You have the gift.
Think! Imagine! Create!
This verse is the epitome of grandmother. She was always encouraging others to reach their goals and realize their potential. Gran Jan once talked to me about making another book of poetry and titling it Surviving Still. Although she is no longer alive, I decided to start compiling some of her poems and make that book so that she her legacy will carry on. Her spirit will be "surviving still" through this book of poems.
Gran Jan painted throughout her life, and my parents even have some paintings that she did when she was younger than nine years old. She mostly did oil and acrylic. However, about 12 years ago, she began taking watercolor classes at the Tallahassee Senior Center. Once she learned some painting skills from her teacher, she taught me how to paint. Almost every weekend, we would have "painting dates" as she called them. That was a time for us to both relax and be creative together. Learning to paint from her was one thing that I will always cherish. Painting helps me express my emotions and relax. Now, I keep an art journal, which is like a writing journal but with paint instead of a pen. If Gran Jan didn't teach me to paint, I might not be the person I am today.
About Me
My name is Bliss Corbitt Wilson, and I am from Tallahassee, Florida. There are eight children in my family, and I am the fifth. There are four girls and four boys, and we all have unique names. I am a big family person and love to spend time with my family. I went to the University of Florida in Gainesville for a year but transferred to Florida State in the fall. I am a sophomore studying Exercise Physiology (also known as exercise science). After I graduate, I plan to attend medical school to become a doctor. Hopefully I will be attending FSU Medical School! I'm not sure exactly what kind of doctor I want to be, but I have thought about family medicine or dermatology. I work as a receptionist at my parent's family practice, Wilson Family Medicine. I love engaging with patients on a daily basis and getting hands on experience in a doctors' office.
In my free time, I love to adventure and travel. My bucket list of places to visit is extremely long, but I am slowly checking off places I have been. I am so excited to be going to Costa Rica this spring break and exploring a country I haven't been to! I posted some photos of a few of my adventures on my home page. Whether it is hiking or biking or going to the gym, I love to be active and be outdoors. I love walking the trails in Tallahassee, including Phipps Park and Forest Meadows. Aside from active things, I enjoy reading, painting, and drawing. I recently started "adult coloring books," which are very intricate and take a lot of focus.
Gran Jan had a huge impact on who I am today. She taught me to not be afraid to follow my dreams and always stay true to myself. Gran Jan taught me that life is good- simple as that.
This is a painting that my grandma painted about seven years ago. It is hanging up in my apartment. I have two other paintings of hers in my apartment, as well. These paintings help me remember her every day and cherish her love of art.
One of my favorite places to go is the beach. Alligator Point and St. Teresa are hidden gems about 45 minutes from Tallahassee. I love how the beaches are quiet and peaceful. Also, I enjoy visiting the beaches along 30A, which are about two hours from Tallahassee. The white sand is absolutely beautiful there. My sister works in Watercolor, so I go visit her as often as I can! One of my goals in life is to visit a black sand beach.
I am a lover of all foods (except Mayonnaise!!). I especially love Mexican food! I make tacos or stuffed peppers almost every week. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. If you are looking for breakfast places in Tallahassee to try, check out Canopy Cafe, Paisley Cafe, and Woodchucks! These are some of my favorite local spots. I love to cook and try out new recipes. I browse Pinterest often to find recipes to try! When I was younger, I wanted to be a chef. However, I later realized that my calling was to be a doctor.
Another thing I love to do is listen to music. My favorite singer is Jack Johnson! I have seen him in concert twice (in Sand Diego on my 13th birthday and in Atlanta last September). Seeing live music has always been one of my favorite activities. Some other artists I have seen live include Blink 182, John Mayer, the 1975, Head and the Heart, Drake, Avett Brothers, Ben Rector, Judah and the Lion, Ben Harper, Weezer, and Ziggy Marley (and the list goes on). I am always on the lookout for concerts to go to in the Tallahassee area. One of my resolutions for 2018 was to go to as many concerts as I can.
Every day, I aspire to embody my name in everything I do by trying to be blissful and positive. As well, I enjoy volunteering in the community. I am on the board of the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, through which I can foster my passion for helping people as well as my love of the outdoors. In 2016, I was named one of Tallahassee's Top 5 Young Women to Watch, which was such an honor. I try to give back to those who are not as fortunate as I am. I would love to go on a medical mission trip some day.
I am so excited to be in ENC2135 this semester! I hope you all enjoy my site.
This is an example of one of my works in an "adult coloring book."