Friends of Things We Forget: Kelly McFadzen, Art Teacher and Optimist, Singapore

What's your name, where do you live and what do you do? 

Kelly McFadzen. I live in Singapore but am originally from Guelph, Ontario, Canada. I am an elementary art teacher.

What's your philosophy of life?

I get up everyday determined to make it a great day. Every morning I think ‘what can I do to make today a great day?’. Now, some days I am more successful at this than other days, but it is a conscious decision each and every morning. It doesn’t mean that every day is perfect by any stretch of the imagination but if today doesn’t work out so well, there is always tomorrow. I guess that makes me an optimist.

What's your favorite quote?

Be your own favourite artist. - One of my grade two students said that to me years ago and I loved the sentiment. I really wish I could remember the name of that wise young artist.

Who's the one person who's inspired you the most?

I would have to say my Grandma. She was quiet, elegant and had a huge heart. When my brother and I were little, anytime we visited Grandma, she would stuff our coat pockets with cans of soup and packages of jello. She wanted to make sure we were being fed. The family joke was if it wasn’t nailed down Grandma would give it away. Later when she lived with us we came home and found out that she had given our TV away to someone she thought needed it more. Even when she had nothing, she was the most generous person I have ever known. 

What's the most uplifting a) film, b) book, c) song that you know of?

Movie – Love Actually Book – The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Song – What More Can You Say by Jamie Warren

What makes you happy?

Watching my daughter grow up. Hanging out with good friends and family. The smell of tempera paint. Sunsets with a good glass of wine. Making someone else smile.

Do you have a favorite Things We Forget note? If you don't have one, that's fine too.

Do you have a project or a cause that you'd like people to know about?

I am heartbroken to see the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. I spent four years living in Manila and the country will always feel like home to me. I have friends who are missing family members and who have lost everything. If you can help, please do. Here is the link to the Philippine Red Cross. http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate

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