An Unbiased Opinion

You know, kids love when their parents think that they are great and that they are capable of creating great things. They thrive on parental affirmation.

But that hardly makes them think that we are unbiased.

Which we usually aren't.

Occasionally we are, though! But even when we are unbiased, our opinion doesn't seem to weigh enough when kids are looking at the way people outside their family may view their abilities.

Thats when the beauty of a stranger's opinion can mean a LOT.

Kyle entered the first chapter of the book he's been writing in the reflections contest (the part he entered was actually written a year ago-- I hope that doesn't break any reflections rules!), and his story was chosen to move on to the council level. :-) He was so excited that "people I don't even know actually like my book!"

He's still glad that I like his book, of course. It's just not quite the same as a stranger liking it. It's nice to have both.

As I was going through my camera to pull of the pictures I took last night, I got a bonus of finding one that Kyle took himself. I thought it was so cute! I hope he doesn't mind that I stole it. :-)

So, here it is-- a CLOSE look at reflections:

Kyle's medal

Kyle's ribbon

Oh, and on a side note, thanks, Shauna for all your hard and plentiful work on everything reflections this year! You did an awesome job.