Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kelly Bennett of Katy

We recently had the chance to connect with Kelly Bennett and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My day begins with a poem. Sounds corny but it’s true. I write a poem a day, have done so for more than 3,200 days in a row, since March 17, 2016, when, in response to the then world/political situation I needed to bring joy and whimsy into my day–and burn off heavy thoughts. If, on those rare occasions I am racing too fast to write a poem, I read or listen to one. No, the poem doesn’t take all of those first 90 minutes. Channeling Burt and Aretha: The moment I wake up/before I put on my makeup/I do some stretches, set my intentions for the day and say a little prayer…

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kelly Bennett, and I write books for children—mostly picture books—celebrating families, dancing, friends, pets, and all that goes into being a kid! And about baseball. I have been writing professionally longer than most of you reading this have been alive. It’s what I do. I write. And now, along with creating my own stories, I visit libraries and schools to encourage children, and fledgling writers, to share their own stories–in whatever form feels best to them: writing, drawing, dancing, singing…creating!

Some of my books include: THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT, a non-fiction lyrical picture book about the opening day game in the original Yankee Stadium, baseball and Babe Ruth’s big wish; RAINBOW KITE; NOT NORMAN, A GOLDFISH STORY & NORMAN ONE AMAZING GOLDFISH; VAMPIRE BABY; DAD and POP; and brand new for all ages, OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABE, a collection of inspirational quotes by Babe Ruth on Life: Pitching, Hitting, Striking Out and Coming Back Swinging curated with Stu Dressler and the Babe’s great-grandson Brent Stevens. Find more about me and my work at kellybennett.com

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
In first grade, I was chosen the announcer at the Christmas concert. My “job” was to step up the microphone in front of everyone–students, teachers, parents, friends–the auditorium was full–and announce each class and what songs they would be singing. No memorization was required. All I had to do was read the script clearly. I was a good reader so frankly, it wasn’t difficult. But standing up there, commanding the room was empowering. They listened. I liked being heard. From then until now, I do not shy away from a microphone. Now, if only I could carry a tune!

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
This question immediately takes me back to when I was three and four years old. I lived with my single mother and brother in a tiny duplex in San Jose, California. Our next-door neighbors were two white haired “old” ladies. My mom was young, 21 with 2 children under 4, working while going to college, and craving a social life. Although she never said it, my brother and I both knew that If she had been born a few years later–after birth control pills were available–she would not have been a mother yet. Ours was a culture of “children are not meant to be seen, or heard…” In contrast to my mother, who did a lot of shushing and “be quiet” and “I have to study…sleep…talk of the phone” the ladies next door would invite me over. Often. And the three of us would sit together in their cozy kitchen nook and talk. Rather, they’d have tea, and I’d have coke (which I did not like because I didn’t like fizz) and we’d chat. Rather I’d talk and they’d laugh and listen and encourage me with more questions. That’s when I learned I was a storyteller. And that my stories mattered.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
“Smart” people are not voting. Our votes count, especially on the local level. In our most recent elections seats were won–and lost–by one or two votes.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people–my family, friends, fellow creatives–tell stories of how I supported them, how I encouraged them to strive to be their best selves. And mostly I hope they remember how much I laughed and shared love.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality

Highlighter Series
What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?

There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas).

Leadership Development
Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs,