You Love the Holidays

You enjoy every aspect of the holidays, but you don’t go overboard. You believe that it’s important to relax this time of year. You get into the holiday spirt, and you enjoy every activity – from baking cookies to shopping for personalized gifts.That being said, the holidays are a lot of work. You’re both happy to see them come and happy to see them go. You’re a bit of a traditionalist. You think the holidays start too soon and are a bit too commercial. You wish that people understood the true meaning of the season.

How Much Do You Love the Holidays?

 

This is totally freaky. I tried it three different times, got three different answers, symbols and the gopher guessed it every time. I’m sure there’s a mathematical reason for coming up with the correct answer, but this is really amazing! Try it and let me know what you think! I’m going back to try it a fourth time!

I actually figured it out! And figured you might need the link!

http://members.shaw.ca/rbogdan/blog_images/Magic_Gopher.swf

What Your Driving Says About You

You are generally an easy going, laid back person. However, you can’t help but feel a little jealous and competitive sometimes!You are a fairly aware person, but you can’t help but make judgment errors from time to time.You are a very fair person. You treat everyone equally, even when it’s difficult to do.You are a calm, peaceful person. You realize that arguments are only temporary, and you try to give people the benefit of the doubt. You have mixed feelings about authority figures. You understand their place, but you believe their power needs to be in check. You are not a very focused person. You have trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time! You are a very responsible and conscientious person. You often consider the feelings and needs of others. Your ego is normally in check, but sometimes you get a bit egotistical. You tend to be a little self-important at times.

What Does Your Driving Say About You?

Here’s the REST OF THE STORY…

Ha! They got it wrong!

You are generally an easy going, laid back person. LOLROF!! However, you can’t help but feel a little jealous and competitive sometimes! YEP!

You are a fairly aware person, but you can’t help but make judgment errors from time to time.

You are a very fair person. You treat everyone equally, even when it’s difficult to do. I TRY, BUT MY KIDDOS DON’T THINK SO!

You are a calm, peaceful person. LOLROFL OVER AND OVER AGAIN! You realize that arguments are only temporary, and you try to give people the benefit of the doubt.

You have mixed feelings about authority figures. You understand their place, but you believe their power needs to be in check.

You are not a very focused person. You have trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time! NOT TRUE, THOUGH WAVERED ON THIS QUESTION!

You are a very responsible and conscientious person. You often consider the feelings and needs of others. OF COURSE, I DO! EXCEPT WHN I’M BEING SELFISH!

Your ego is normally in check, but sometimes you get a bit egotistical. You tend to be a little self-important at times. YEP!

No Pocket Jeans

You are confident and completely comfortable with your body.You don’t mind showing off – in fact, you put it all out there!

What Style of Womens Jeans Are You?

Well, I wouldn’t exactly say I’m comfortable with my body, and want to put it out there. It’s just out there, if you know what I mean!

What about you? What style of women’s jeans are you?

Don’t let your cash get away from you this summer. Join me Saturdays here at Portrait of a Writer…Interrupted and get a grip on your cash flow and start sharing your savings ideas.

I don’t know about you, but I’m appalled at how quickly gas is rising, so I’m on a mission to think of ways for my family (and yours) to save money. If you have some fabulous ideas to save money this summer, then join me in posting one idea every Saturday.

Here are the official rules:

Write a summer money saving post and copy the logo and link back here to the Mr. Linky post

Invite others back here to view more tips on how to save money this summer

Sign Mr. Linky with the url of your Money Saving Post

Do NOT add a Mr. Linky to your blog, but encourage those who want to participate to visit here!

More on what to post:

You can share your ideas or some things you did the previous week to save (or make money.) I can’t wait to hear all the wonderful money saving tips you have. Don’t forget to share your money saving ideas and sign Mr. Linky! Here’s mine!

Swim in the backyard! Instead of driving ten miles to our local waterpark three times a week, we bought a softside pool with the money we earned from our garage sale. Not only will this save on gas, but it will keep the kids entertained without me having to pack up all the kids! We’ll still go to the water park during the summer, but not as much as we used to. And I might even get more things done around the house!

So what about you? Do you plan on cutting back on cable (we don’t have it) or curbing your latte spending? I’d like to know. Add your link to your Summer Saving Tip to Mr. Linky below and let’s start saving! Just click on YOU’RE NEXT to see the list of participants and add your link!

At least that’s what the quiz on facebook said. I didn’t really like the questions, for example, it asked me what genre I like to read and then gave me a list of about a dozen. NONE were in suspense, mystery so I opted for Tragedy! I think that’s what pushed me toward Hemingway! Isn’t he the guy that killed himself??? Oy!

Ernest Hemingway

Author of, “The Old Man and the Sea.” “Alas” and “Woe,” you are a person who respects the tear above the laugh. You find great meaning and depth in pain and tragedy, and while others may see you as dark, you have a great understanding for why people are the way they are, why they act the way they do, and why they believe what they believe. You are easy to talk to, easy to listen to, and respect people for their sufferings. Though slow to a joke, you are quick to a laugh.

Leave it to Tricia Goyer to come up with a fun and unique way to do a book blog tour! Her latest novel, Whispers of Freedom,

I’m playing. How about you?

1. List three things you would do with a chest full of gold (assuming you got to keep it!)

1) Find out how much it’s worth

2) See if there’s anyway I could invest it.

3) Buy a new home and take a trip around the world!

2. List three charities/missions/organizations you support (and why).

Compassion International: We started supporting Samuel when he was about six. A little over ten years later he’s graduated from the program. It’s been very rewarding to know we have helped to change this young man’s life and give him hope for a future with very little sacrifice to us!

Missionary friends in Niger.

Local outreach to the homeless

3. List three ways you have volunteered your time/services.

Helping at my children’s school with various projects. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been interrupted in my writing.

Subbing at my children’s school.

Hey, everything I do IS volunteer work!!!

4. List three things you keep “hidden” when company comes over.

Company? It’s been so long… My bedroom

Stakes of papers

My kids rooms

5. List the last three things you’ve lost.

I’m really stumped on this one!

Keys?

Pair of pants (we’re in my son’s closet!)

6. List the last three things you’ve found.

Just as stumped!

Keys?

Pants

Three brave “players” will be selected at random to win their own lost gold (Gourmet chocolate coins and all three books in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series). To enter all you have to do is answer the MEME on your blog and then leave a comment on Tricia’s blog tour post here http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2008/03/whisper-of-freedom-meme-sticky-post.html. that you’ve posted your MEME. Easy.

Now for the tag…

Bev

Kathleen

Tonya

Myra tagged me with a meme! Here it is!

RULES:

a. Link to the person who tagged you.
b. Post the rules on your blog.
c. Write six random things about yourself.
d. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blog.
e. Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blog.
f. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.

I think I might have done this one at one point, but life changes so here are six random things about me:

1. I’m not a morning person but this year I’ve committed to waking up with my boys to send they off to school. I think I’ve done this 90% of the time!!!

2. I’m an introvert and enjoy small gathering or one on one instead of social events.

3. I’m not good at small talk . See #2 but I commuincate the best through words.

4. My 13 year old is taller than me and likes to SHOW me every other day!

5. I always wanted to have twins, but with four and no twins I’ve gladly given up the dream!

The Tag:

Amy Wallace

Tina Ann Forkner

Bev

L.L. Barkat

Tina Howard

Natarsha Wright

This was my third attempt! I think I type faster when it’s my own words!

60 words

Touch Typing

I was tagged by my writing buddy Christa.

The Rules:

Here are the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

My book is Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell. I just referred to it the other day and it’s the closest to me.

We are being set up to feel the inner life of the character even before we meet him. And when readers feel something, the want to keep reading. So work hard to grab readers at the start of every scene.

Let’s try some fiction:

Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear by Sharon Dunn

Ida patted her arm.

Don said, “We can take you into Vegas, but priority for the rides has to be for people who have a shift to work. I’m the transportation coordinator.”

Now from my current WIP just for fun! Digging Up Death

The square and depth it was found. Excavated by Jack Duggins. Soil analysis found on the Heart scarab which matched the sample taken from the excavation site.

(okay, not the best example of my WIP because she’s reading off a list!)

Now for the tap.

Georgiana D.

Mary A.

Karen D.

and YOU!

This meme comes originally from Angela Hunt. I snagged it from Carla Stewart who got it from Robin Lee Hatcher. Directions: Put an asterisk next to the things you have done in your life, and then feel free to pass it on in your blog! Also feel free to add a couple at the end, if you like. I did!

*1. Started your own blog
*2. Slept under the stars
*3. Played in a band
*4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
*6. Given more than you can afford to charity
*7. Been to Disney World
*8. Climbed a mountain
*9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
*14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
*16. Had food poisoning
*17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
*18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
*21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
*23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
*24. Built a snow fort
*25. Held a lamb
*26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
*28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
*29. Seen a total eclipse
*30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
*32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
*34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
*35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
*38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
*40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
*41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
*44. Visited Africa
*45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
*49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
*51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
*53. Played in the mud
*54. Gone to a drive-in theater
*55. Been in a movie (I’m counting the Carmen Music Video I was in)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
*57. Started a business
*58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
*62. Gone whale watching (in Hawaii)
*63. Got flowers for no reason
*64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
*67. Bounced a check
*68. Flown in a helicopter
*69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
*70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
*73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired/laid off from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
*78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
*79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
*80. Published a book (I’m counting my nonfiction compilation)
*81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
*84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
*86. Visited the White House (outside only)
*87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (Well, I didn’t actually kill the chicken in Africa but I took a picture of it and I was there!)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
*91. Met someone famous
*92. Joined a book club
*93. Lost a loved one
*94. Had a baby
*95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
*98. Owned a cell phone
*99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
*101. Learned to play an instrument
102. Kissed the Blarney Stone
*103. Ridden a camel
104. Walked on the Columbian Icefields in Canada
*105. Ridden an elephant
*106. Been skiing in Canada
*107. Witness a dog attack/bite a loved one
*108. Feel the presence of God in a tangible way
*109. Been parasailing

As if I didn’t have enough things to do today, the day before Christmas, I decided to write a meme. (As if you had nothing else to do, but play along.) But in the days after Christmas, when things have settled down and life is sweet, I’d love to hear your answers.

Confession: After writing up the questions, I’m a little reluctant to answer. So for all you brave of heart, have at it!

To play along just copy this meme, along with this link back here, and invite others to join along. I’d love to see how far this meme reaches!

If your life was a book, what Genre would it be and why?

Definitely Women’s Fiction. With childhood divorce and insecurities, a wacky, yet lovable dysfunctional family all set in NY, what else could it be…besides a Janet Evanovich comedy.

Would it be a stand alone or a series?

Hum, I’m already stumped at my own question. I definitely see a generational series. Something like writing the stories of my grandmother, mother, sister, myself. All women’s fiction with similar themes.

What would the title of your life’s book be?

Another tough question , I thought about The Pursuit of Happiness, but that’s already been taken, then there’s Sin’s of Thy Father, think that one’s been overdone, how about Roses are Red? I can definitely write a series using that as a first title.

What’s the spiritual theme of your book?

No matter how much we crave attention and unconditional love from those around us, only Jesus is able to give us the love and acceptance we desire and need.

What would your goal be?

To be accepted and loved, unconditionally.

What’s the motivation for your goal?

A series of rejections in life from childhood divorce, to losing good friends, boyfriends, etc.

Who’s your hero?

I’ve never written Women’s fiction and not sure if there HAS to be a certain person as a hero. But I’d have little heroes along the way like my 7th grade Math teacher who invited me to his Baptist church. My Assemblies of God Youth Pastor among others.

But underneath the surface, my hero would be Jesus.

What’s your conflict?

I haven’t fully grasped the concept that Christ is the one who should fill this need in my life, and I still crave acceptance and unconditionally love from others.

Who’s your antagonist?

My self, members of my family.

Where are you in your life’s book? (The beginning, middle, end, have you reached your black moment, are you into your resolution?)

I’m past the black moment. At least in the first couple of books in the series, but I see a new book/chapter opening up with my mom moving to town. There might be some issues that need to be worked out between mom, sister and me. That should make for interesting reading!

Is there a happy ending?

Definitely! Just not sure how it all ends…yet.

And now what is a Meme without a tag:

Georgianna

Rachel Anne @ Home Sanctuary

Tricia Goyer

Mary at Homesteeped Hope

Heather @ L’Chaim

Katrina @ Callapidder Days

Beck @ Frog and Toad 

I gave it a shot. I’ve some really good likenesses on other blogs, no such luck for me. One of my matches was Magic Johnson! Magic Johnson?

Here are some of my best photos. My highest match was 71% so I guess that means I’m not much of a match! Thank goodness!

So do you think like I look like any of them? And what’s up with the Ellen Degeneres and Julia Roberts lookalike? They came up twice?

Is there someone I look like that’s not pictured? Let me know and I’ll do a side by side comparison!

I’ve been tagged by Georgiana, and this looked like a fun trip down memory lane!

In 1997 I was 28, almost 29, and mom to Chris who just turned three, and Joey who was 7 months old. We were finally settled in our new dream home and I was busy trying to figure out how to parent my high-spirited, strong-willed toddler (Now that he’s 13, I’m trying to figure out how to parent my high-spirited, strong-willed teen!) I had shelved my WIP for by then and many years after too exhausted to even think of writing.

I was probably making plans to go on my husband’s annual company trip in January. This year it was to Hawaii, and I still wasn’t decided if I was taking Joey who was still nursing or if I would wean him. I ended up weaning Joey (heck, it was a FREE trip to Hawaii.) It was the first time we left the boys for a week! They were at my mother in laws, and I only worried about them the first day. Then I forgot I was a mom and enjoyed my FREE trip to Hawaii!

In 1987 I was a month shy from 19 and in my sophomore year at college. No longer did I expereince the carefree, magical days of my freshman year, meeting new people and feeling for the first time in my life real joy and excitement about my life. Sophomore year was an incredible challenge for me and my roommate who happened to be the chaplain on my floor. Somehow we took on the responsiblity of helping a friend on the floor who had Cerebal Palsy (when her aid wasn’t around) and it was the most trying time of my life to date. My roommate and I became burdened and burned out by our friend’s physical needs, though it was a tremendous time of blessing and pain.

In 1977 I was almost nine years old and in 4th grade. I was a very shy and insecure child. My dad had been out of the home for 3 years and I really didn’t remember him in the home, though we got to see him on weekends. I remember my classroom, not having great penmanship, being embarrassed about my parents divorce and having the boy I had a crush on say “so what” when the rival girl told him. I remember being in a class play (Tom Sawyer) where I was Ingun Joe and at first we thought he was a SHE. I also remember being checked for lice! YUCK! And I probably got my “bowl” hair cut that year because I remember having the disgusting little critters.

I hated my short hair and swore to never have short hair again. The shortest I’ve gone since then has been to my shoulder.

I can’t remember how many I’m suppose to tag, so I tag

Katherine @ Raising Five

Beck @ Frog and Toad are Still Friends

Paula @ Grace Reign

Darlene Schachts @ CWO

Claudia Mair Burney @ Raggamuffin Diva

And don’t forget to let me know when you post!

Cara tagged me with this…

1. What’s the one book or writing project you haven’t yet written but still
hope to?

A YA supernatural thriller, kind of like LOST meets troubled teens at BOOT CAMP.

2. If you had one entire day in which to do nothing but read, what book
would you start with?

Good question, maybe Harry Potter, since I have yet to read any of them.

3. What was your first writing “instrument” (besides pen and paper)?

Typewriter.

4. What’s your best guess as to how many books you read in a month?

A year ago I would have said it was rare that I read a book in a month, but now that I’m a member of CFBA, I’d say I read an average of books a month. I’m really a slow reader and don’t have much time. But if it’s a suspense that really grabs me I can read several in a month. I’m probably ahead of schedule this month.

5. What’s your most favorite writing “machine” you’ve ever owned?

My lap top, the one I’m writing on now!

6. Think historical fiction: what’s your favorite time period in which to
read? (And if you don’t read historical fiction–shame on you.)

Hum, I really love Biblical fiction. In fact, my first WIP was Biblical ficiton.

7. What’s the one book you remember most clearly from your youth (childhood or teens)?

I remeber James Joyce’s The Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man and it influenced me in naming this blog. I also remember Dante’s Inferno which I think I read in Italian, The Catcher in the Rye, and The Outsiders. Those books really impacted me, though I can’t remember many details.

What to play? Just leave a comment and I’ll come visit your post!

Have you ever met an online friend in person and then realized, wow, she’s not how I imagined? I’m afraid, that’s my one little secret.I’m not who you think I am.Now before I lose you all, take a deep breath. I’m NOT a 6 foot 4, 250 lb. con from Riker’s Island. Though if I were, how would any of you know?

I am who I say I am. A writing mom of 4 who struggles with balancing my career while raising a family.

Aside from a couple of name changes on this blog, ever word of it is true, straight from my heart and often times brutally honest. I’ve never been one to hide my feelings…when I write.

I may seem like an organized, extrovert, out in cyberspace, but the internet can be deceiving. I’m an introvert at heart who freaks at social events. I’d rather stay home in the safe confines of my own little world then venture out to a party or church function. And don’t even step foot into my house right now. I have several different projects going on in several rooms, none of them nearing completion. In all honesty, it looks like a bomb exploded in these rooms. Nothing like the neat and organized websites I manage!

I thought about attending some of the real life “blog gatherings” before, but I’m afraid I’d be terribly dull, like this blog at times:) I would probably not measure up to my readers expectations. Feeling insecure, I’d most likely cower in a corner or say something incredibly stupid or inappropriate to hide my nervousness. Then when everyone wrote about their fun experience meeting all the online bloggers, I’d probably be overlooked. People might even wonder if I was actually there.

But I’m learning to be okay with my place in this world. Just like my blog, I’m not overly popular. I’m not very good at small talk, and feel incredibly awkward in group settings, with one exception.

Writing Conferences.

I seem to wiggle out from under my shell at these gatherings. Though still not comfortable in group settings, I manage to forge a place for myself and at times appear outgoing. There’s something about being in my element that brings out my confidence, and I think that’s where I lose my inhibitions and begin to shine.

I know without a doubt I was born to write. Though I have no idea how it will all play out in my life, I am confident in the fact that I am a writer, whether I get that illusive book contract or not.

So maybe I was wrong. Maybe I am who you think I am.

An honest writer trying to journey through this life, and stumbling along the way, getting lifted by my wonderful real life and online friends.

Or maybe I’m an FBI informant in the witness protection program living in Ma…

Wait, I did say I had ONE little secret!

Who do YOU think I am?

This post was written in response to Darlene Schachts’ challenge and Allison Bottke’s Blog Tour. And special thanks to  Art Bookbindery for donating an iPod Shuffle to the winner of this contest!.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope, my dad named me.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? The other day after watching Bridge to Terabithia.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Nope, and I’m so worried about signing autographs, rather paranoid about it!

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Healthy…Turkey, Greasy…Salami, though I usually mix meats in my sandwhiches.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Four, three boys one girl…all high-energy, challenging, beautiful, sweet, funny, brilliant…

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sometimes.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Who me?

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No, thank you. I’m more of a scuba diving gal.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Captain crunch, peanut butter or crunch berry, though I don’t know the last time I had it.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Strong willed!

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Ben n Jerry’s Chubby Hubby. Actually made my husband go get it for me (probably when I was pregnant) and when he took it to the counter, the lady needed to do a price check and said into the microphone “Need a price check on Chubby Hubby” My skinny hubby turned beat red.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Okay, this is really shallow, but for women it’s their bodies. I’m constantly sizing people up, trying to figure out how the skinny ones fit all the organs inside and if my butt is really bigger than the chubbier ones.

15. RED OR PINK? Red.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Can be critical and harsh, especially with my kids.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My grandma

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes, it is fun to get to know tidbits about others.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, TOP AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue jeans, red top with red sandals.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Whole wheat pasta with homemake meatballs.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My kids play Mario Party 8 on the Wii.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Red

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Choc. Chip cookies, I’m not a smell kind of gal.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My husband

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes! Who wouldn’t like a Gina.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Football

27. HAIR COLOR? Dark Brown, though reddish on the ends.

28. EYE COLOR? Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Sometimes

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Scary movies with happy endings?

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Bridge to Terabithia

33. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends who from

36. Â FAVORITE DESSERT? Warmed brownie with Vanilla ice cream

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? We’ll see…

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? We’ll see…

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Coral Moon, Brandilyn Collins

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I have a touch pad.

42. FAVORITE SOUND? My daughter’s giggle

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Italy

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I know the words to most jingles, songs and tv themes from the 70s and 80s

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? NY

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anyone who wants to play!

1 Where is your cell phone? Purse

2 Relationship? Committed

3 Your hair? Long

4 Work? unending

5 Your sister? Close

6 Your favorite things? Comforting

7 Your dream last night? Exhausting

8 Your favorite drink? Sugar Free Vanilla Iced Latte with caramel and Almond syrup

9 Your dream car? Hybrid

10 The room you’re in? Bedroom

11 Your shoes? New

12 Your fears? Many

13 What do you want to be in 10 years? Happy

14 Who did you hang out with this weekend? Family

15 What are you not good at? Patience

16 Muffins? Blueberry

17 Wish-list item? Ipod

18 Where you grew up? Long Island

19 The last thing you did? TV

20 What are you wearing? Sweatskirt

21 What are you not wearing? Shoes

22 Your pet? Snuggly

23 Your computer? Working

24 Your life? Crazy

25 Your mood? Stressed

26 Missing? Organization

27 What are you thinking about? This

28 Your car? Mess

29 Your kitchen? Mess

30 Your summer? Rainy

31 Your favorite color? Red

32 Last time you laughed? Yesterday

33 Last time you cried? Orlando

34 School? Today

35 Love? God

36 Tag? You!

1. Go back to first or early post. How would you describe your voice back in those early days?Who were you writing to? What was your sense of audience (if any) back then?
My voice was somber! I had just given up writing for a season, trying to obey God in the process and seek His will to put me back on the straight and narrow. My posts were filled with longing and pain for what I couldn’t have and longing and desire for more of God. If you don’t believe me. Check out my sidebar and find my Debut Post!

I miss the old vulnerable tone of Portrait, but I have so  much peace about my writing and where God is taking it. I have no idea, but know that He’s in control and I’m no longer in a rush!The posts now-a-days seem somewhat shallow at times and focused on life as usual and the business side of trying to get published. I hope to get back to a place of vulnerability and longing in my posts!

2. Do you remember when you received your first comment?

I remember my very FIRST blogging comment on a previous blog. It was from a friend who first introduced me to blogging. The didn’t remember the first comment on this blog, but I did remember what they were about. Friends encouraging me in my journey of balancing writing and family. I am blessed to have so many great supportive friends, especially in cyber space!

3. Can you point to a stage where you began to feel that your blog might be part of a conversation? Where you might be part of a larger community of interacting writers?

Not yet! Though I know there’s a small group out there. I long to bring people together into community. That’s why I started Writer…Interrupted and I did find some wonderful like minded friends there. But here at Portrait, there’s not a recurring dialogue going on. Though I have several faithful friends and readers!
I’ve tried with my own strength to make it happen. To be a Beck, Shannon, Katherine or Jennifer, but it’s not meant to be, and that’s okay. I’m more of a small group kind of person anyway! I’m happy to share my heart with one or ten. Though I do wish more people would comment if they’re reading. I won’t bite, I promise!

4. Do you think that this sense of audience or community might have affected the way you began to write?

Before I began blogging I labored over what type of blog to have. I just didn’t want to be another voice in a sea of hundreds. I wanted my blog to have purpose. And I know I found it. I wouldn’t classify my blog as just a mommy blog, or Christian blog, though I do share those aspects of my life. But it does have a definite purpose, speaking to those in this same season of life, trying to use my gifts and talents to glorify God and do what I know He has called me to do and at the same time raise a family.

So I think I’ve never really written to my readers, but my readers come because of what I write!

And here’s one question for you who are still reading. When did you start reading Portrait and why do you keep coming back?

As if eight random wasn’t enough, Annette tagged me for eight strange things, not sure if it’s the same as the eight random things but I’ll try to make things strange enough.

First, you have to include the rules: You have to list eight strange items and tag eight new people, letting them know to read your blog and jump into the game.

1. Just today I contemplated calling the Dr. Phil show to feature my dysfunctional extended family.

2. I was proposed to by several Africans while living in Nigeria, and turned them all down because I couldn’t see myself living in the bush.

3. I love eba and egusi stew and you eat it with your fingers. If you don’t know what it is, ask a Nigerian.

4. When I was in Italy for 6 weeks I had a constant headache, must have been all the translating, and one day I woke up out of a dead siesta sleep and spoke to my Italian cousin in English. She looked at me like I was crazy. I also tried translating Madonna’s song “get into the grove” to a bunch of Italian teens at the sea side. When I pointed to a crack in the sidewalk, they just couldn’t understand why Madonna was wanting to get into the crack on the ground.

5. While in Italy my two American cousins visited and were on this no sugar kick, so like an idiot I joined in NEVER tasting Italian gelato (ice cream.)

6. Also, while in Italy me and said cousins got “Lost in Pompeii.” It was pretty funny,actually. We went to snap a photo and joined our group afterwards, but noticed the tour guide wasn’t speaking English, so we ran through the cobblestone streets of Pompeii, snapping photos off the tour route and ended up in this room with a petrified body. When we turned around, we were standing right next to our tour group.

7. In junior high I braided my long hair, wore a feather in it, and dressed like an Indian. It was not Halloween, and I have no idea why I did it.

8. In college I wrote a rap song, wore big hair, and performed it in front of the Imperials.

Okay, weird enough? I didn’t think I could manage it, but once I was on a role the memories kept coming.