Better late than never...Monday Mission time!
1. Do you have a favorite piece of poetry or prose written by someone else? Care to share it?
I am very fond of Robert Frost's
Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening, especially the last line,
And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep. How often I've felt that way when out enjoying time photographing nature, then realizing how late the hour's gotten and how I need to get home!
2. In High School, did you enjoy creative writing? Do you currently do any other writing in addition to your Blog?
I loved creative writing in high school. One year I was an editor for the Literary Magazine, and that was fun, too. I always write, but not always publically. To me, e-mails deserve as much care and attention as "real" writing. Some of my favorite things to read are well-written letters I receive from friends and family. I want to do more writing, though, even free-lancing if I can find the right avenues.
3. Have you ever noticed that the Blog entries you least expect to get the most comments do, and those you expect to generate a lot of feedback don't? Which Blog entry of yours surprised you by getting a lot of comments? Which one did you think would generate a lot but didn't?
I never expect many comments, so I am really glad when I do see them. I get private e-mails from people, too, and that's fine. I just like hearing back from others; the blogger's curse, I suppose!
4. Sometimes you get a chance to make a lifestyle change that has a huge impact on the course your life takes. That is, a moment where something became very clear to you, and that realization changed your life, such as: the need to leave a relationship, to stop an addiction, to bond with someone, to start a new career, and so on. Have you ever had an "awakening" moment in your life?
There are far too many to mention. Realizing I wanted to marry Howie was a big one. We'd gotten to be friends over a period of almost a year, and three days after we first kissed and began dating in earnest, I realized I didn't want to be with anyone but him. I blurted this out to him one evening, then freaked out that I'd said it, feeling it was carved in stone. Then, I realized it was okay even if it
had been carved in stone, because it was so true.
Recently, I have become much more aware of how my actions affect other people, both positively and negatively. I know I need to be out with people, not only for myself and my need to connect, but also to encourage them. And I know I need to work much harder on not running late, because it devalues the person who's waiting when I dilly-dally around and run behind. Gee, I think my most recent realization can be summed up in the words
it ain't all about me!
5. Then there are other times where you can have a huge impact on someone else's life. You suggest they see a doctor, stop them from taking that last drink, or maybe just say some kind words at the moment. Have you made a lasting positive impact on the life of someone else?
I sure hope so. I try to encourage people, even complete strangers. I try to smile, knowing how one smile can bouy my heart on a rough day. I believe very much in the power of words.
6. Are there any charities or organizations which you support? How did you come to be involved with them?
Mainly, we support our church, though we've been absent for a long time and have not been as faithful with our pocketbooks as we once were. Other than that, I am more vocally supportive than financially.
7. Care to collaborate with me? Help me out and write the rest of this poem:
I drifted though a dream last night,
visions full of colors bright.
My thoughts began to drift to you,
and in an instant we were two.
I touched your hand,
We began to blend,
Filled with a feeling
that should have no end.
A question knitted tight your brow
You tried to ask, not knowing how
To vocalize that heart-felt need
Without sounding full of greed
BONUS: Hey cutie, what's up with this attitude?
Awww, c'mon
Babyface, don't be cruel...
