Mattie E. / Guest Blogger

              Hi, I'm Mattie,
                            I am a fourth grader that loves to be peaceful.  I am the middle child of a big brother and little brother.  I was named after Mattie J.T. Stepanek.  You can read more about Mattie at http://www.mattieonline.com .  I just read one of Mattie J.T. Stepanek's poems called "Pirate Candy" written in April 1996.  He talks about black jellybeans.  He says black jellybeans are pirate's favorite candy because they are nice and mean. The outside is hard and crunchy but on the inside it is soft and sweet. I think Mattie is comparing pirates and black jellybeans to people who are soft and kind on the inside but don't show it because they are mean and nasty on the outside and that is all they show.  The inside of a black jellybean is like the inside of a human, soft and kind.  I think Mattie is telling us that we shouldn't judge people by how they are on the outside because everybody is soft and kind on the inside just not everybody shows it.  Everybody can be peaceful if they just try and everybody should try.  I think it is important to express how you really are on the inside because then the whole world would all be peaceful. I also think Mattie is trying to tell us that we shouldn't be like the outside of a black jellybean or a mean and nasty pirate and just be you and yourself.  In the poem Mattie includes that most people just bite through the hard and nasty stuff but Mattie is lucky because he gets to get right to the nice and soft stuff.  I think everybody should be nice and soft so everybody can be lucky and so everybody can be treated nicely.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

As we start this new blog, we are so thankful for everyone in our lives and for all of our blessings, big and small.  One thing that we are hoping is that many people go to Mattie Stepanek's website and learn more about his life and participate in his Peace Tree and Poetry activity that is happening now!  You can submit up until December 1st.  Here is the link:  http://www.mattieonline.com/?p=15255

Mattie Stepanek is the inspiration for this blog and this incredible guy lives on through the work of his Mom and his Foundation and his own works that have a lasting impact in our world.  Please take some time to learn about him and be inspired.

I still have a lot to learn and am happy to have friends on the journey.

Wishing you all peace and love!

Kate