What profession do you admire most and why?
Writers of historical fiction have the patience and savvy of scientists. They unearth secrets from the past to share with us. It’s as painstaking a process as archaeology.
Only once the excavation is done does a narrative unfold. Wow.
What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?
Carrying water is an expression.
It’s a bit old fashioned and a bit odd. In some iterations it is very Zen.
You may carry your own water or do so for someone else. Valuing who you are, you carry your own water. In service to others, you do so for them.
You find the quality of your life in the carrying.
List 30 things that make you happy.
Don’t let the number throw you! It’s a good thing. The more things to make you happy, the merrier.
30. Toddlers in the park
29. Flower beds
28. Linen napkins
27. Fine dining
26. Papaya King hot dogs
25. Sunny side up eggs
24. Describing the river
23. Creating a poem
22. Dancing
21. Dancing along to my favorite music
20. Singing along (always off key)
19. Exercise classes
18. Aqua exercises
17. Dance performances
16. Theatrical events
15. Symphonic concerts
14. The flute
13. The harp
12. Jazz
11. Rock
10. Bach
9. A good cup of joe
8. Murder mysteries [book]
7. Murder mysteries (tv)
6. Fresh pineapple juice
5. Certain sit-coms
4. Peaches and nectarines
3. A beautiful day
2. A rainy day
1. My husband
Describe one habit that brings you joy.
A day walking about or an afternoon sitting with friends or a precious hour catching a performance or time spent at home with my beloved are all ports of joy.
How would you describe yourself to someone?
It’s hard to be immodest, but sometimes it’s better than hiding your true self. Under a bushel of false modesty.
So I will admit to my best qualities. I am friendly and loyal and sincere.
I lose some of my pride in these when I realize these are qualities that are also common to your golden retriever.
Ah well.
What do you listen to while you work?
Work is behind me. Retirement ahead. When I did work, there was no hold music to keep me company.
Today’s workplace is different from the one I inhabited. Headsets were not the fashion then.
You worked in relative silence, the tap tap tap of your computer keys broke in; colleagues would stop by your desk with questions; there might be a meeting to interrupt your morning’s quiet.
I tune into 60s rock or my Carole King Pandora feed when I wander about taking pictures or inspiration. I wear a pair of earphones to keep my listening private.
Times change. It’s good to keep up.
What do you think gets better with age?
Love grows and ages well.
When we are lucky enough to experience it.
What are your daily habits?
The more lemons life throws our way, the bigger the pitcher we’ll need.
This is when gratitude is in order.
I try to make being grateful a habit for every day.
Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.
There is joy in appreciation and in being able to communicate it. I don’t want to overthink my motivation or undervalue simplicity. Putting pen to paper (even metaphorically via my keyboard) is a much appreciated simple joy.
So much of what I write is random. Thank you for letting me share those serendipitous rambling thoughts with you.
What quality do you value most in a friend?
Friends are a truly precious commodity.
They are our connection.
They form our community.
What do I expect from my friends when they already give so much?
Loyalty. Helpfulness. Friendship. Confidence. Sharing. Laughter. Support. Comfort.
All The Best