Sunday, November 10, 2013

Pick a Question, Any Question

Although I love writing stories, I don't want to bore you with one every week, so I'm mixing it up a little. I love to get to know you all, and if we knew each other in person, I know we'd have some great conversations.

Please read through these questions, pick one (or two, or more) and answer it in the comments. If you'd rather, you can flip it and ask me one. I'll answer it. And at the end of this post, just for my friend Janie Junebug, are two pictures of our new baby Blue Heelers, Tyson and Max. They are brothers, such cuties, and so full of energy. They are already trying to herd us as they will the cows one day.

Here are the questions:

1. What is a song you enjoy singing aloud when you are alone?

2. What is a pet peeve?

3. If you could spend a day with any author, past or present, who would it be?

4. What is a memorable date you've had?

5. What is a major gaffe you've committed?

6. What makes you decide to consistently read and respond to another person's blog?

7. What is a talent you have?

8. What frightens you?

9. What is the first thing you notice about a person when meeting them for the first time?

10. If you could eat something every day without negative consequences, what would it be?


And now, the pups:

Tyson is on the left and Max is kissing him. I am holding Tyson's leg because for them both to be still is a rare moment.




They are both on the lookout for the semi-wild barn cat, who had just slapped Tyson, much to his chagrin.

88 comments:

  1. Cute darling adorable pups.
    What frightens me!!??? Spiders and tornadoes. major phobias.

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  2. I love your puppies.

    I'll answer number 2 today as I am having issues with it. My pet peeve is when someone gets angry and yells before they listen to the whole story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

    sandie

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  3. Hi, dear Shelly! I'm delighted to see these pictures of the latest additions to your family, Tyson and Max. We can learn a lot by watching puppies play and tumble and get into mischief. No matter how old we get we need to approach each day with the same level of excitement and enthusiasm. "Go for the gusto and bite into life," is what those adorable dogs are telling us.

    6. What makes you decide to consistently read and respond to another person's blog?

    My commitment to read and respond to another person's blog has very little to do with the subject matter or the quality of the writing. It's all about my desire to make good friends and to be a good friend. I choose to believe that blog friends are real friends and genuinely care about each other. Showing up for somebody and making their day a little happier by means of an intelligently written comment laced at times with humor - this is what drives me.

    7. What is a talent you have?

    I believe I have a talent for bringing out the best in people, building champions and teaching people how to love.

    Have a wonderful week ahead, dear friend Shelly, and give those precious pups a pat on the noggin for me!

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    1. Shady: We're already enjoying them so much, and seeing their personalities emerge is fascinating. They have already showed this old gal some things! I very much enjoyed your answers to # 6 and 7. And I agree- blog friends are real friends. You do it so well, too. And I also agree about your talent- thank you, friend! Our world is richer because of you, and I will certainly give the pups an extra pat~

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  4. The puppies are so cute, so wonderful! How great that you have a pair of brothers! (Our cats Timmy and Gus were litter mates and just delightful together. Unfortunately, as I've written, Timmy died in 2007 but we're still blessed with Gus.) May your puppies have very long, healthy lives! I imagine that they're already an important part of your family!


    What frightens me? Besides Congress?? Snakes!! OMG! And we live in rattlesnake country. Our next door neighbors found two rattlesnakes in the area between our two houses about a year ago, fortunately when we happened to be away. But they sent us pictures via email and even that creeped me out!

    What author would I like to spend time with? I'd love to spend time with Nora Ephron. She was so bright, so talented, so fun to talk with. I interviewed her over lunch back in 1975 and found her such excellent company. We talked a lot about what it meant to be young career women in the seventies. I'd love to talk with her now about being older, career-oriented women in a new century -- and just dish. I also think I'd have a very good time with Anna Quinlan. I really enjoy her writing.

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    1. Kathy: I was thrilled we were able to get both, because Max was supposed to go to someone else, but the sale fell through. They are quite the pair! Oh, gosh, snakes, especially rattlers, are the stuff of my worst nightmares. We had a man here a couple of weeks ago who got bitten by a small rattler hidden in a plant in my favorite grocery store! He delayed going to the hospital because it was small, and almost died.

      And when I thought about the author question, I immediately thought of Nora Ephron. I love that you got to interview her! Anna Quinlan would also be very interesting~

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  5. Hello, my friend:

    Cute puppies! Love their names.

    What do I first notice upon first meeting someone? Their eyes. I think you can see intent in someone's eyes, whether kindness or aggression and everything in between. I think I'm a good judge of character, and it's in the eyes for me.

    I always enjoy stopping by and seeing what you've been up to. Enjoy the week to come!

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    1. Janette Dolores: I'm always glad to see your comment here! There is so much you can tell from a person's eyes, especially if they do or do not look directly at you. Thank you, my friend, and I hope you have a terrific week!

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  6. Your puppies are adorable! When do you begin to train them? Does that take much time or do they have a high instinctive knowledge of what they should do?

    1. I sing to myself a lot; how did you know? :) No one song stands out; usually it's the last song I hear on my radio before I get out of bed in the morning (I like to waken gently so I set the radio to come on). This probably doesn't answer the question very well.
    2. I think this is more than a peeve - I can't stand it when I hear or see abuse toward animals, children, the disabled or the elderly. It makes my blood boil (I'm generally a mild-mannered kind of person).
    6. I will keep reading/commenting on blogs that I find interesting and/or humourous, or that are on topics related to my hobbies; it is also very important to me to feel that the blogger is a kind person at his/her core. It's important to me that I try to be kind and helpful to other people (although I have better and worse days in this area), and so I like to be around other people who are a good influence on me in those ways.
    7. My talent is handcrafts - mostly sewing (machine and by hand). It gives me a good feeling to make something functional and/or beautiful.
    9. What I notice first about a person when I meet them is the kind of vibe they're giving off - kind, sad, nervous, good-natured, impatient, etc. (I am surprising myself with that answer, Shelly! I didn't realize that until I was trying to articulate it. I would have thought I would notice something about their appearance instead. Well, now!! Fascinating question!)

    And to turn it around, I would like you to answer one of your own questions, please - your choice!


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    1. jenny_o: Thank you about the pups! My husband has already started some training, but much of that is instinctual with them. I LOVE your answers. I wish I could do more with sewing, because I think it is such a neat thing to be able to do. I, too, also look for bloggers who I think are kind at heart. And I will answer a question in just a bit. Thanks!

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  7. Your blue heelers are adorable! How fun to be herded by them; I know that feeling :)

    Cute idea Shelly with the questions.

    I'll answer #6 and #10.

    #10; I would eat chocolate morning, noon, and night if there were no consequences with it

    #6; names of blogs fascinate me so when I'm in a checking out new blogs mode, interesting names draw me to blogs. As I start reading blogs, some click that I can relate to; others not as much. I've come to think that the blogs I read are the ones God wants me to read for whatever reason, if that makes sense?

    betty

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    1. betty: Oh, chocolate. My kryptonite. Does Koda like to herd, too? They're so funny when they're doing that- like they can't help themselves, but just have to do it!

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  8. They are sooooo cute. I will show the photo to Franklin. 1. I can't think of one I favor. I sing a lot. Sometimes I sing to Willy Dunne Wooters in bed. 2. People who are mean. 3. Laura Ingalls Wilder 4. The day I met Willy Dunne Wooters. 5. Too embarrassing to answer. 6. Love. 7. Making people laugh, though it usually takes me by surprise. 8. Rodents, reptiles, and X 9. Whether the person has a friendly attitude. 10. frosted sugar cookies

    I think you should answer all the questions now.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie: I think the pups and Franklin would be good friends if they ever got together. I love all your answers! When I was younger, I used to fantasize about meeting Laura. I think she would be such a wonder to spend a day with. Thank you for putting that thought in my head- such fun to think about again. And I will answer the questions in a bit- thanks for asking!

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  9. My fear is sink holes, especially since one swallowed that man who was lying in bed. Everytime a semi truck rattles down our road, I have this unrealistic fear that the ground is opening inch by inch. I would eat ice cream everyday if I could. I read blogs because that person writes well and has a sense of humor, and I find the content interesting....like yours. Cute pups.

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    1. Linda: Those sink holes are horrifying, especially since there seems to be no warning system. Shudder. And thank you for your kind words!

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  10. Love the puppies!!! So darling.

    Now on to the question I chose...

    10. If you could eat something every day without negative consequences, what would it be? Blue Bell Black Walnut Ice Cream!!!

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    1. HOOTIN ANNI: Blue Bell! Is there any other kind of ice cream??? And the pups are so much fun~

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  11. 10. If you could eat something every day without negative consequences, what would it be? REESE'S CUPS!!

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  12. Something I'd eat/drink every day? MY COFFEE--MY INTERNATIONAL FOODS FRENCH VANILLA--I'M MISSING MY COFFEE!!!!

    After a few days of headaches, I think I'm going to make it this week.

    Hmmmm...the blog question, I'll take that one too.
    I like the conversation that goes on. I like to respond to people I "get" and would love to be friends with in real life. I like learning something from what I read, I like fun and I like interesting! I admit, it gets hard to respond to people when they do not answer. Ever. We all need that. I am not as good as you at that...in fact, I have like 4 or 5 I need to "reply" to right now. I'm slow, but try to do it! (because you are my inspiration!) We all need each other, even in this small world of our blogs!

    I have no talents and too many pet peeves. (that I keep to myself)

    Love love love those cute pups, your world must be so fun and happy right now!!!

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    1. Jamie: Oh, I feel your pain! You can do it, you can do it! And I'm with you about the connections we make in blogging. My favorite blogs are the ones where people answer back, get the dialogue going, just like yours. And my friend, you have COUNTLESS talents! Countless! The pups are so much fun, but constant little bundles of energy!

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    2. Number 1: H. G. Spafford's "It is Well."

      When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
      When sorrows like sea billows roll;
      Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
      It is well, it is well, with my soul.

      It is well, with my soul,
      It is well, it is well, with my soul.

      Beautiful pups. I'm sure they will be a big help on the ranch!

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    3. vanilla: Not only do I love that song, the story behind it moves me beyond measure. And the pups already THINK they are a big help...

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    4. Two hours after posting the above I attended the funeral of a friend where the congregation sang this song! Guess my early morning solo to myself was practice for the service. Spafford's story is incredible, a testimony to God's power and the believer's trust in Him.

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    5. vanilla: I would say quite a fitting song for such a service. I am in awe of Spafford and how he came to write it~

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  13. Question 2. I hate people who arrange to meet up with you and they are constantly late, and always have a stupid excuse. It drives me wild, so now I don't wait, I just go. It's rude. I've noticed that they don't miss planes though.

    Question 6. From the first few lines I can tell whether or not I want to continue reading someone's post. If it doesn't capture me by then, I just move on. That's not to say I won't come back to read another post later though.

    Question 8. I don't like pitch blackness outside when you can't even see your hands before your face. This usually happens when I go abroad on holiday, as London is full of lights at night. It's just weird not being able to see a thing.

    Question 10. It would be fish and seafood. I'm not sure if this has negative consequences but I'd eat it all day every day.

    Oh, I wish I could have those puppies right now. Dogs are so adorable.


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    1. Rum Punch: I am obsessively punctual, and others' repeated tardiness really, really irks me. Great answers, all of them. And from one dog lover to another, they are terrific!

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  14. Pet peeve? People who don't signal before turning.
    ;)

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    1. Lydia: Exactly! How much does it take to flip the signal?

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  15. 2. What is a pet peeve?
    Gum smacking and carts not being placed in the cart return in grocery store parking lots. The cart return issue is huge here in Connecticut.

    3. If you could spend a day with any author, past or present, who would it be?
    Erma Bombeck or Nora Ephron. Or Dave Berry or David Sedaris. Tina Fey or Mindy Kaling. This question is hard.

    6. What makes you decide to consistently read and respond to another person's blog?
    I am most drawn to blogs that provide an emotional response, either touching or humorous, and I am more likely to comment if I think I will receive a response. There are very few blogs I never miss. Yours is one, of course!

    8. What frightens you?
    All of my fears changed 6 years ago after my son was born. I still don't like spiders, but my only real fear now is something bad happening to my children.

    Your pups are adorable! I'm itching for a good puppy snuggle!

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    1. Amy: That cart return thing must be an issue in a lot of places, because it is here, too. I am drawn to blogs for the same reason you are, and than you! And it's amazing how motherhood so completely changes things. Puppy breath and puppy noises, puppy snuggles and puppy growls...love them all!

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  16. Precious puppies! We have a blue heeler who will be five years old tomorrow. His name is Shiner, and he's a clown and a half. He's also very smart but has the loudest, sharpest bark I've ever heard in my life.

    The first thing I notice about a person varies, but it's either their eyes, mouth, or hands. It depends on what I'm doing and where I'm looking when I meet or see them. And if they're wearing sunglasses. I can tell a lot about them from those three things.

    What do you notice first?

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    1. Carol: Oh, they are SO smart, aren't they? Love Shiner's name! I notice smile and eyes, but like you, depends on where I am when I see them. Good detectives, we are!

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  17. The first thing I always notice about a person is their eyes. And they usually say something about a person or are striking in one way or another: beautiful, piercing, sad, sparkly, shy, wary, mischievous.....

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    1. Linda: The eyes truly are a window into the soul, and tell so much!

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  18. Marvelous pups!
    I think I receive a whole general impression--eyes, body language, tone of voice, do they seem open or closed, etc--the general aura of the person. But the face and eyes are the most prominent.
    I am not a screamer or panicky, but my insides quiver when it comes to any bugs that could land or crawl on me...especially if they can bite or sting.

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    1. Rita: Certain bugs completely unnerve me, while others don't bother me at all. I don't know why. The pups just want to meet a cat that is sweet to them...would Karma like to meet some puppy friends? :) Our cats don't like to be friendly to dogs.

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  19. Cute pups! I'll answer the question about what I notice when I first meet people - I notice their eyes. I can usually tell if they're nice by their eyes - must be the window to the soul. (You have nice twinkly eyes - so I know I'd enjoy hanging out with you!)

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    1. Sherry: Aww, thank you! You have very kind, animal loving eyes yourself!

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  20. Those cute pictures are almost enough to make me drive to the animal shelter today to adopt someone. Perhaps soon.

    Here are some answers to your questions:

    #1 Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
    #2 Pet peeve---When someone calls me by mistake on MY phone and then gets snappy asking, “Who is this?”
    #3 I’d want to spend time with Mark Twain.
    #4 All of my dates with Mrs. Chatterbox have been memorable. Perhaps the most memorable was when I accidentally proposed to her in a gay bat in Sausalito, California.
    #5 I once tried to sell etchings of raccoons in Portland’s black community. The locals were less than amused at my naiveté.
    #6 If I expect people to leave comments on my posts it only seems fair that I leave comments on their posts. Sometimes this is difficult with blogging mothers or cat people.
    #7 I’m very good at coming up with visual solutions to pictorial problems. I have a certain amount of skill as a painter.
    #8 I’m terrified of sharks, although I greatly admire these creatures and wish people would leave them alone.
    #9 Their expression, whether they look sealed off to others or open to discussion.
    #10 Just about anything with dark chocolate. I worship the dark master.

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    1. Stephen: Was just listening to that Hallelujah on the radio this AM. Your list was hilarious and wonderful. I hope you were forgiven the etchings gaffe. And I hope you do get to adopt one soon- what a great time of year to bring one home!

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  21. #10. Fruits. I would eat fruits all day.
    # 6 like to read blogs because they are about people and their interests. I like to see what I can do to help if some one is down. I like to share and join people in wishing well when they post something happy.
    #3 I would like to spend time with Elizabeth Gilbert.( I am hoping some one can arrange that)
    #7. People say that they can talk to me about their problems and pour their heart out as I listen if it helps them to vent.

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    1. Munir: Your kindness and caring attitude shines through in all you write, my friend. And I lovelovelove fruit. Pomegranates are my current favorites~

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    2. I also would love to spend time with Elizabeth Gilbert! She seems so open and friendly:)

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    3. Yes, she does! So accessible...it's nice to dream that we could all meet her!

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    1. Buttons: A heartfelt smile makes me almost instantly like a person. And thank you- the pups are dolls!

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  23. Their eyes. LOVE those pups! I am wondering now if Kia has a little heeler in her.

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    1. Bossy Betty: The eyes tell so much, don't they? And when I first saw a pic of your Kia, I wondered the same thing~

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  24. This week, I've been singing Adele's "Someone Like You." I laugh as I think of it. My oldest daughter sings along if she's home. I'm sure that it gets on my husband's nerves, though he doesn't say anything. My thirteen year old does. "I hate that song," she whines. :)

    The content of a person's blog initially attracts my attention and most of the time, I will leave a comment. Establishing a relationship keeps me coming back. When a blogger visits my site and comments, that helps me to get to know the person, too, though there are a blogs that I read without ever hearing from the writer.

    Once I feel the "blogger connection and friendship," I return to the site often or sporadically, even if the blogger doesn't visit my site. Blogging is time consuming; I understand that people can't sit at their computers all day! :)

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    1. I forgot to mention the cute puppies. Nothing like babies and puppies to put a smile on our faces.

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    2. Anita: I love that song! I can see why some would get tired of it, but I sing loudly whenever it comes on. I'm like you in that there are some blogs I keep reading and commenting on even though the author never acknowledges I'm even alive. I do love yours so because you always answer back and have such great observations.

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    3. Anita: And it doesn't get much better than babies and puppies!

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  25. Shelly, those pups are adorable. Have fun with them. Questions: My out loud songs change. Lately it has been "Shock Reverse Shock" by Jack Johnson. 6. Blogs: Humorous and clever writing draw me in first, and a positive vibe keeps me coming back. When seeing someone from a distance, I notice their energy first. When meeting someone close up, I generally go to the eyes first to get a sense of the person.

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    1. The Chicken's Consigliere: And I WON'T be singing Blinded by the Light out loud any time soon! And I know what you mean about the positive vibe from a blog. I got that from yours, and that's why I keep coming back!

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  26. Great questions, Shelly. I know I am late, but better late than never, I hope.
    A couple of songs come to mind that I really enjoy singing: Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before, and the other is Sweet Jesus, what a wonder You are.

    And chocolate pie! I could really get lost in the stuff.

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  27. Nonnie: Ohhh, chocolate pie...I know what I will be dreaming of tonight! And I know and love both those songs~

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  28. The most memorable date I've ever had was when my husband (at the time, my new boyfriend) cooked a meal for me in his apartment. He had just moved to the area from Savannah GA, where he lived on a sailboat. He was also recovering from a divorce in which he had lost most of everything he owned, except for his guitar and some clothing. When I walked into his apartment, I was greeted with his handsome, smiling face and a dining area that was handcrafted with cardboard boxes and tin foil candle holders with tea lights. We sat on the floor and dined on the most delicious veal, wine and vegetables. His gift was such a tender, kind, humble and beautiful experience that I cried. No man had ever cooked a meal just for me, ever. The care that went into all the details and the ambiance won my heart forever! I love to sing along with Elton John, and especially love "Someone Saved My Life Tonight."

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    1. Oh, Jenny, what a beautiful, tender, romantic first date! Truly, you two were meant to be together. I love how he handcrafted that furniture and made such an amazing meal. No wonder you are so in love with him! I think this is a wonderful short story in the making- have you written it fully yet? Just exquisite!

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    2. Thanks Shelly! This is possibly the best idea for a surprise Christmas gift for Richard. Why just keep all those wonderful memories locked in my head? Thank you for the encouragement, my wonderful friend!

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    3. Jenny: What a terrific and meaningful present for him!

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  29. Wow, thanks for asking, Shelly! When I first meet someone, if they shake my hand I notice how firm their grip is. That gives me an indication of how confident they are

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    1. Jeanette: We once had a friend who said a man with a weak gripped handshake was a man with issues. He'd agree with you, I know!

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  30. Loved reading through! Thanks for sharing so much!

    Nas

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  31. Ooh... what a great idea! I won't be able to stop....

    1) Song: 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' from Wizard of Oz...... or 'Tits and Ass' from Chorus Line. Depends on my mood!!
    2) 'Talent': Dancing and choreography. Not saying I'm brilliant at it at all, but I do love it.
    3) Major gaffe?: Going on stage once with no knickers on........... OUTER knickers!! had normal ones on but not the ones that go over your tights. It was SUCH a drama.... innocence of youth!
    4) I consistently read and comment regularly on blogs that I really like and enjoy reading and I stay loyal to those that read & comment on mine consistently. I like to think that I'm a loyal friend both in real life and in blogland ;-)

    Thanks for the fun! I wish you'd have answered all those questions in your post too! I never tire of reading your stories and I'd also like to learn more about you too :)

    xx Jazzy

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    1. jazzygal: Oh, the major gaffe....all I can say is poor you!!! I'm the same as you with how I decide what to read and comment on. Great answers- and I'll answer these myself in a few days, although I don't think I can top your major gaffe!

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  32. 7) I can recite the "Betty Botter Bought Some Butter" tongue twister relatively well.

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  33. Missed Periods: Not often I hear a tongue twister I don't know, and this is one!

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  34. Hello Shelley, I came back to read your answer, but my anwer t yo wasn't here? Perhaps I didn't send it properly?
    Q, What is the first thing you notice about a person when meeting them for the first time?
    A. Their body language. Do they step back to distance themself and put up a boundary? Do their eyes smile or go to stone? In Mental health people are assessed for reactions and I am afraid I still watch people for these silent give-away for acceptance, weariness, or suspician.

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    1. Crystal Mary: I saw the reply on another post, the one before this one, so I answered it there! I'm so glad you came back to check. I love your answer to this- you are so well trained in it. Have a wonderful day, my friend!

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  35. 1. Two partners went in search of gold..... by Jim Reeves.

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  36. I should do an interactive post like this...the first thing I notice about a person is how they are dressed. Literally a deal breaker whether I will be friends with you. Sloppy...no friends.

    Glad I stopped in!

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    1. Crack You Whip: I hope you do an interactive one because they're so much fun to read! And how interesting abut the clothes- I have a friend who notices the same thing on a first meeting~

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  37. Dearest Shelly;
    Hi!!! I'm here visiting you again. Dealing with many formalities took more time than we expected, but going well one by one p;)
    Although the 3 pictures of my late parents and brother up above the family altar in my empty parents house still makes me sad, I'm doing fine.

    You might think funny; but I LOVE "Que sera sera" by Doris Day. And I sing it aloud sometimes when I feel down a bit.
    When I meet people first time, I always sense the impression the person had about me. (Haha, not the impression I get from them). I may have tendency to worry too much how others think about me p;)

    Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan to my dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*

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    1. orchid Miyako: Oh, my dear friend, I remember watching that movie many times on tv. What a great song! I sometimes think about that, too, when I meet new people, too. I hope the pictures of your dear relatives will fill you with all the happy memories you share of them. What rich, full lives they all lived. xoxoxo

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  38. Okay...
    1. Lately, it's been What does the Fox say?
    2. Bullying of any type.
    3. That's a hard one. Ken Kesey (but there are many)
    4. Memorable in a bad way. The time I hurled into my napkin at dinner.
    5. I was chosen to be the first speaker at my bosses retirement party. It was a roast. The "organizers" changed their mind about the roast, but somehow forgot to tell me.
    6. I have to be interested in what they blog about, but primarily it's about how I relate to them as a person.
    7. I can fix things without having the proper parts or tools.
    8. Clowns and long hallways.
    9. If they are friendly
    10. Popcorn and ice cream

    Those pups are so darn cute!

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    1. Pat: Your answer to #1 sadly became an ear worm for me when it first came out! Enjoyed all of these, and laughed hard at #5- how awful! And those pups are verrrrrryyyyyyy energetic!

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  39. Here are my answers:
    1. What is a song you enjoy singing aloud when you are alone? Right now, I'm into the Christmas songs, and so it's I'll Be Home for Christmas.

    2. What is a pet peeve? People who drive and text.

    3. If you could spend a day with any author, past or present, who would it be? Laura Ingalls Wilder, my childhood heroine.

    4. What is a memorable date you've had? My first date with my husband- we got stopped and he got a traffic ticket, but it got much better after that.

    5. What is a major gaffe you've committed? Repeatedly calling someone in church by her deceased sister's name.

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  40. And the rest:

    6. What makes you decide to consistently read and respond to another person's blog? I connect to it someway, somehow.

    7. What is a talent you have? I have a really good uppercut, according to my trainer (and I accidentally popped him in the nose today with it)

    8. What frightens you? Not using all that I've been given for what it's meant to be used for

    9. What is the first thing you notice about a person when meeting them for the first time? Smile

    10. If you could eat something every day without negative consequences, what would it be? Apple pie

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  41. 8. What frightens you?

    There are a few things that frighten me: spiders and quitting. When we lived in the South we had HUGE wolf spiders and black widows. We don't have either here, but I am still terrified of every spider I see. I can't even squish them...I leave the room and find help.

    I'm not a good quitter. I can get to a stopping point and be finished with something, but I have to find success before I get to that point. Writing is a hard gig, but quitting isn't an option. How would that look to my former students who know I am pursuing my dream of being a published author?

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    Replies
    1. Sharon: I love that you model such great perseverance to your former students. They need that example before them, now more than ever. Good for you! And I wither at the sight of a spider, too...

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    2. 6. What makes you decide to consistently read and respond to another person's blog?

      I don't read every post written by the people I follow, but what brings me back again and again, and why I respond to certain blogs, is the humanity in the writer. As I read the words, I can picture it in my mind, like a picture being painted. I am not attracted to one theme blogs, or advice blogs very much. I much prefer reading about the writer's life experience. It makes me feel like the world is a bit smaller, and we all have something in common...our human element.

      I get all that in abundance when I visit your blog my friend...and leave feeling enriched.

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    3. Cathy: What a great answer, my friend! And thank you for your always kind and encouraging words.

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