Is midnight the ‘beginning’ or ‘end’ of a day? Should something you enjoy be called “work” or “play”? Can we trust what “you do” or what “you say”? Does one complaint mean you get your own way?
I hope you realize that opposites are rare. Before you claim others seem so ‘unfair’, Subjectiveness lurks everywhere. Nuance isn’t easy to share. Hearts don’t think and minds can’t care.
Keep asking questions, and boldly confess, The best we have is a personal “guess”. Conclusions roundly cause “thinkers” duress. So, make your “go to” answer, “Yes.” “But…?”
How hard is it for you to ask for help if you need it – can you do so quickly, or are you resistant to it?
This is such a wonderfully profound question. Several years ago, I recognized my fervent commitment to caregiving had been part of my nature since childhood. I am the oldest child and oldest grandchild on both my paternal and maternal side. A lot was asked of me in those roles, and I embraced it like a warrior. Then my lifetime career choice became childcare. Duh! I’d been training for that all of my life. It was about 10 years ago, I realized how ‘full’ I felt from a life of giving. At the same time, I realized that I never asked and/or refused to accept help in some warped sense of principle from my giving nature. It dawned on me that not accepting help was a selfish act. I knew how good it felt to be helpful and I was actually withholding the same pleasure from others! I’ve learned to be as gracious a receiver as giver since then. It was one of my better life decisions.
Are there any phrases that people use that annoy you immensely?
I realized lately any mention of “diverse” THIS or “diverse” THAT turns my stomach. To those programmed to be ultra-sensitive to that term and/or have a perceived value of dwelling on it, I mean no disrespect. My mind, heart, and soul believe so completely that we are EACH such unique beings of immeasurable value that placing people under microscopes (and in boxes) of immutable traits seems unconscionable. I find it absolutely a fruitless and divisive way to ultimately discriminate against and dehumanize people. Answer this please: If a family of children sharing similar DNA, raised within the confines of similar values, and experiencing many, many, of the same events can produce adults with different talents, values, politics, and temperaments, how does one conclude that having a common skin color or ethnic background produces people of homogenized views, talents, values, politics, and temperaments?
I think the term “diverse” when used to describe people suggests no one is actually a unique individual and reduces us all.
How do you acquire new skills – what systems do you adopt to aid you, and why do they make things easier?
I’m always looking for new projects but at 66 years old I’m more about honing the skills I’ve developed. My new skills interest was at its peak in my thirties and forties. New physically demanding skills would be a waste of time. I’m not seeking employment either. So, expressing myself through creative projects and enhancing my knowledge of things I enjoy, and teaching young people what I know, are my concerns these days.
Which three spices or condiments do you use the most when cooking, and what makes them more valuable?
Garlic…Cinnamon…salt
They each add that little extra that makes all the difference to my taste buds. 😉
I normally don’t have time to answer questions, but I thought these questions were cool and wanted to play along.
1.You have 11 minutes free time, how do you spend it best with regards entertainment?
Frequently I use little segments of time to read and respond to other writers’ posts. I feel terribly guilty if I don’t get to respond to as many as possible.
2.Are you a fan of feet either yours or others or are you averse to feet? Why and why?
I don’t have an opinion on feet. But I was that kid who went barefooted any chance I got. Once I started providing childcare when I was 19, I went the other way. I still put my shoes on first thing each day having been formally trained to by the frequency with which kids stepped on my feet! This is proof of how well negative reinforcement works.
3. When you are wrong and you know you are wrong do you admit to being wrong or try and find a right for your wrong?
I certainly will do that. I can’t say that I feel compelled to do that often, though. The reason that’s the case is not from feeling I’m always right but from constantly thinking about and researching ideas to the point that I find it hard to accept the “facts” that others offer conclusive enough as proof. So, if I do something ‘dumb’, I willingly admit I was wrong, but if we’re discussing a topic that I’ve researched and thought about, you may have your ‘hands full’ convincing me. I’m happy to acknowledge good points but unless those points are earth shaking and change the whole dynamic, I won’t be claiming I’m in error.
4. Are you more of a night owl or a morning lark? I’m definitely at my best in the morning.
5.Do you listen to audiobooks and if so what is the appeal? How many do you get through every month?
I wholeheartedly prefer to hold a book in my hands! BUT recently I experienced an audio book from necessity. When I talk about the book, I can’t even use the term “read it” because it feels like I cheated. My need for audio was inspired by a lack of actual ‘sit down’ time. The audio book allowed me to work around my house as I consumed the content.
6. Do you bore quickly and if so why and how do you combat it and if not, how do you avoid that boredom? I am never at a loss for a project or task while I’m alone. The situations that bore me are always in the company of others. Small talk and gossip ruin my day because “I’m not interested.” and all I do is daydream about finding my alone space again quickly.
7.What is one thing that you wish your readers knew about you and your blog? If the readers haven’t taken a peek at my “About” page, they may not realize that I write primarily for myself and my granddaughters. I enjoy feedback of course but I’m not talking to the world, I’m talking to them.
8. What items do you have on the top shelf of your fridge right now, today? By shelf, I assume this means inside of my fridge. A gallon of milk and assorted condiments take up that area.
9. Are you able to stand on one leg for 25 seconds? Yes.
10. What are your favorited book titles from the following six categories? [One item only per genre please – use alternative genre if first choice is not your style]
Comedy or Children’s literature– The Jungle Books (not just for kids) Horror or Historical Fiction -Year of Wonders (Historical Fiction) Mystery or Memoir – Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters written by Chesley Sullenberger (memoir) Thriller or Adventure– Intensity- Dean Koontz (thriller) Romance or Poetry Collected Works of Robert Frost Fantasy or Sci-Fi The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury (sci-fi)
11. What twelve items would you take to a deserted island if you were going to be stranded there for twelve months and why those items – how are they functional to your survival? A gun with lots of ammo A large amount of writing materials Paint, brushes, and canvases Fishing equipment Lighters- lots of them Several books Nylon cord -100s of yards 12 months of potable water Several Tarps Canned meat and fruit Machete First aid supplies
12.Does the society of today need social media platforms? Are they dying – as is suggested – off or are people simply after something else that is socially oriented but more personable?
I think if they disappeared forever, we’d all be better off. “Social Media” is an oxymoron. There’s nothing ‘social’ in ‘media’. From what I’ve been witnessing lately, more reading, thinking, and personal human contact, would be of great benefit. Paying more attention to the people and things that really matter might do wonders.
I found this clip and kept it in my drafts until I could use it. Everybody Loves Raymond was a show with a great deal of insight into being human.
What we find funny is usually something that strikes a cord within ourselves. I love a good discussion and would we really have any meaningful discussions without questions? 🙂
So, while this clip ruminated in my stash, a poem “popped” into my head. In my world, poems “pop”.
Also, most questions are easiest to answer when we consider how a kid would answer. Kids are our most insightful companions. So enjoy this clip and then the poem that “popped” from my inner child.
Since so many other online writers have blogs dedicated to their writings, I’ve decided to jump onto the bandwagon. All posts published here will be either fiction or poetry, some new, and some previously published on various places on the Internet. Some of my works are conventional, and some are quirky. All fiction posted here, except for fan fiction, will include the letters "rose" somewhere, as a tribute to my Baba.
Sillyfrog's Blog 