Wednesday, July 27, 2011

All About My Marvelous Self ! A-ha!

Hello Friends!

I really dislike being so far from the blogging world, reading your lovely blogs and of course, making posts on my own.  But I'm taking a few moments now to answer the questions that three of you so kindly asked me.  If I wait much longer, I'm concerned you might think I forgot you all which is never, ever the case! So, thank you for asking, and here goes . . .

Q: What is your favorite go-to meal if friends or family are coming over? A: Good question!  I have to honestly say, that I try to make meals that are "friendly" to the people coming over.  While we don't entertain all that often at this point, when we do I attempt to ask, ahead of time, if the guests have any allergies or just extreme dislikes. Typically I will also go for something that is tried and true.  My mom used to tell me, "Don't try out a new recipe when you're having company!"  I don't take quite the same stance, as I have experiment a few times with at least moderate success; however, I do take a similar stance and like to utilize my favorite recipes when possible. Also, I have a friend who must have a gluten-free diet.  So when she comes to visit, if we plan to eat, I find I stretch my creative horizons to make food that is okay for her to also enjoy! A couple faves so far include chocolate dipped raspberries and homemade slow cooker spinach dip with corn tortilla chips when she visits!  :-)  Otherwise I love soups and stews and casseroles, good for bigger groups and easier on the chef.  Wow, that was a long-winded answer!  I would be interested in hearing what other people use as their go-to meal for friends and family coming over?  Always open for new ideas!

Q: Do you have a "signature" scent? You know . . . a most favorite perfume that you always keep around?  A: Actually, I do not.  The simplest answer for this is, I have what is termed multiple chemical sensitivities, or in my wording, an allergy to chemicals and chemically-based fragrances.  I cannot use your typical cologne, or perfume, air fresheners, scented laundry products, scented shampoos, etc. due to this allergy.  I cannot actually thrive when exposed to any of them, either.  I live a mostly "unscented" and "all natural" lifestyle.  Which is actually just fine with me! However, I do utilize pure essential oils, some of which I wear on my person. A few favorites over the years have included rosemary, lavender, orange, lemon, and frankincense and myrrh.  :-)  You'd be amazed how green you can become when you have no other choice!  I like to think I'm leaving a smaller "carbon footprint" from being forced to live differently than most.  That's encouraging.


Q: When did you first come to know Christ?  A: When I was about six years old.  I don't know the exact date, but I am 99% certain I came to know Him when I was in church, the church where my family held membership.  I also re-dedicated my life to Christ at age 13 when I was having a "teenage crisis of faith" and wanted to be certain that what I had was "real."  And again, after another crisis of faith, at age 19, I turned my life and focus back onto Christ like it had been before!  Honestly, though I felt distant from God (far too distant I came to find) when I was 19 and that was one awful void that prompted me to return FULLY to Him at that point, I do not realize the extent of ever living without knowing Christ.  All I know is, I wouldn't want to live without Him . . . EVER.


Q: What inspires you to write?  A: Excellent inquiry!  Let's see . . . . as you may have concluded from reading my blog, my inspiration for writing is actually varied and voluminous!  It can be anything from one key phrase as I'm listening to our pastor on Sundays, to sunlight on a raindrop, to the encouragement of a friend, to glad happenings and devastating experiences.  I have to say, that just about anything can inspire me to write.  I think the biggest reason for this is, because a long time ago, I decided I would choose to be one of the most observant people one could come across in life . . . to never take anything for granted, to notice everything including the "little things" that are so often overlooked but speak of His majesty and the wonder of His creation.  I decided that writing was also therapeutic for me as an individual.  That even if I was the only person to set eyes on my writing, ever, it would be okay. Because it was like having a running dialogue between me and God all of my life . . . and it still proves to be a balm for my soul, today! ;-)


Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?   A: Hmm. . . this question has been posed to me numerous times in my short life.  And to this day, I don't feel strongly about an answer for myself.  I have tried to figure it out.  If there was a someplace-in-between-owl option, I'd have to choose that I think.  I am not an early-morning type, so I suppose that rules me out where early bird is concerned.  And I certainly have never been able to stay up as late as my friends and acquaintances who are self-proclaimed night owls.  My eyelids weigh heavy usually by 10:30 pm if not earlier!  I get sleepy in the early afternoons.  So if I could be a late-morning-early-evening-owl then I would be set.  Those are the times I'm most awake I think!  How is that?  I just invented a new type of bird I guess.  haha


Q: What is the biggest change that "growing up" brought to you?  A: Oh my, if I were to answer this question fully it would take much, much more than a handful of blog posts and it would be much deeper than these fun Q&A sessions could delve into!  So I will choose a simpler response.  Obviously, a very big change was marriage.  Is marriage.  As every day brings its own joys as well as challenges.  And that is a big part of what growing up has brought to me.  The other change would likely be my perspective.  It's constantly shifting, changing, maturing as I live my life seeing everything around me through a slightly different filter . . . growing up and seeing things around you is a LOT different than being a child and seeing things around you, more often than not!

Q: What is your favorite memory from your childhood?  A: Oh my goodness! Can I narrow it down to just one?  I suppose I will have to choose one from many.  Going fishing with my Grandpa.  Some of my earliest memories were of spending time with him and my grandma.  And he taught me how to fish, along with making me the world's best blueberry pancakes when I'd visit him, and letting me ride "the bear" (ride on his back while he was on all fours) around the living room.  He photographed and videotaped my every move any chance he had, he thought I was the best little granddaughter ever as I recall! My own fan club.  And he would sing for me to dance for him and all my family, which I was more than willing to do.  So many good memories.  But those are a few, all clumped into "one" -- my Grandpa!  I miss him terribly!  Someday I will see him again and we can share laughter and smiles once more.

Q: How/why/when did you start blogging?   A: Very recently.  I have kept a journal since age 9 or so, and have engaged myself in other types of writing.  But blogging I didn't begin in earnest till last year and VERY earnest early this year!  I enjoy it!  It's a new world to me in many respects! I was prompted to start blogging by a dear friend of mine, MrsSouthernBride.  And I wanted to do it not only to get my name out there and connect with other people, because I am, after all, a "connective" sort of person, but to try to reach out and help folks who could be experiencing (good and bad) life as I am!

Q: Favorite summer outfit?  A: Something cool that breathes!  haha  Seriously though, our summers are very, very, VERY and did I say VEEEEERRRRRY hot!  And humid!  And anything that isn't made of cotton can be pure torture.  I love skirts and dresses.  Or a comfy pair of bermuda shorts or capris.  Some of what my "favorite" outfit is depends upon what I can fit, too!  My wardrobe is not always vast because of that.  LOL

Thank you again for all your great questions, friends!  Hope you enjoyed reading my answers as much as I enjoyed typing them up!  That is, if you're with me yet at the end of this loooong blog post!  :)  TTFN!  

7 comments:

  1. This was fun to read! Chocolate raspberries sound sooo good right now, and I have to agree with you -- the natural essential oils really are fun to use! I've implemented using them in my cleaning regime. Also, adding pure lavender to the kids baths, as well as for medicinal purposes. I've so enjoyed learning about their different uses. Frankincense and myrrh are both on my "to try next" list!
    I can also totally relate to your testimony! Mine is much the same. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  2. Great Q & A! And, it was nice getting to know you!

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  3. I loved reading all of your answers! I feel like I got to know you a bit more :)
    I especially enjoyed your inspiration to write! That answer inspires me...

    Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Oh my goodness. I love, love, love...LOOOOOOOVE chocolate raspberries. I almost get more excited over that than coffee. GASP. ;-)

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  5. I must say, I'm blessed too when my cooks, whether it is because a guest is coming over and she's using a tried and true recipe, if she's experimenting, or if she simply makes some of those chocolate dipped raspberries, because she's a wonderful cook. While some dishes naturally are bigger favorites of mine than others, I can honestly say that I do not recall having a single one yet that I did not enjoy. :-)

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  6. Haha, I meant to say "I'm blessed when my wife cooks....

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  7. @LeAnna: Thank you, you are so kind! I really enjoyed answering your questions. I think it's neat that you and I share a similar testimony! :)

    @Andie: Thank you much, ma'am! ;) I had a lot of fun answering the questions! Maybe I can do it again sometime in the future....

    @Evelien: I think you did get to know me a bit more! Me and my quirky self. LOL So glad I was able to inspire you! Thx for telling me so!

    @Heather: I know you love those chocolate covered raspberries, considering they were yet another (delicious) food you got me stuck on after we had them at your house! hahaha They are scrumptious and probably one of my absolute favorite "desserts" now that is also at least somewhat healthy! haha And if you get more excited over those than coffee even....yes, GASP!

    @Joe: Thank you, dear! You are sweet. :) So glad I am a blessing to you.

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