Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll) 

January, Part 2 (Misc Questions) 

            

 1. Can you eat with chopsticks? 

I can, but not well and I'd likely starve to death if I tried.

 2. Could you tell real money from counterfeit? 

Probably. I don't see a lot of money anymore. Plastic and EFTs are my best friends.

 3. What do you think about school uniforms? 

I see both sides of the question. I would've hated hated hated them, but I think that's the default student setting.

 4. What ancient civilization would you most like to visit? 

I would like to know about the Incan Empire.

 5. What would make a great new Crayola color? 

There are never enough choices for blue. 💙

 6. If an art project is created with the intent of getting rich and famous, does that cast doubt over its significance as a work of art? 

Nope.

 7. What do you get in trouble for the most? 

Saying things. I have (yet another) post-it reminder on my monitor at work that just says STFU.

 8. Do you blow your nose in public? 

I mean, if necessary. ??  These days, it's a hassle, though so I have to find a closed room.

 9. If all the nations in the world are in debt, where did all the money go? 

Quick note to all: money isn't real. Our imaginations make it worth things.

 10. Is it as easy to make you happy now as it was when you were a child? 

Probably. I don't recall being a particularly "happy" child, although I had a wonderful childhood.

 11. Who knows more ... you, or your parents? 

My parents are dead these many long years hence. So, me, by default, which is frightening.

 12. What instrument would you like to be famous for playing? 

Bagpipes.

 13. Would you have sex with a stranger for one million dollars? 

Nope. Add a B to the amount and I'd totally consider some very vanilla sex. No weird shit.

 14. Are you completely in control of your body? 

Hah! Not even close.

 15. What is the coolest web site you know of?

I'm enjoying Blogger again.

Belated Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Creativity

1. When did you last attempt to create something outside your usual realms of creativity?

Hmm, it's been awhile for sure. I don't really 'do' creative in the traditional sense. I have made dinner more often recently than usual.

2. Where do good ideas come from?

The subconscious. The Holy Spirit. No, I'm serious; I have no idea. Sometimes it's just common sense, but sometimes it's just a spark, a mental ka-blam.

3. Rainer Maria Rilke famously said, “If my devils are to leave me, I’m afraid my angels will take flight, as well.” What are your thoughts on the portrayal of artists as tortured souls?

I do think, to some degree, creative people are creative because they don't perceive boundaries as clearly as the rest of us, and that certainly is true of those with mental illness. I don't think all creative people are tortured; there are plenty of creative happy people, but we don't hear about them because that's boring. /snark

4. What situations or environs put dampers on your creativity?

Illness, worry, time, noise, lack of focus....to name a few.

5. Who are some people you admire for their creativity?

My friend Kelly, who paints absolutely delightful miniatures and portraits. Paul and Janet and the rest of the world's pastors, who craft messages every week to bring God's word to the rest of us. Trud, who throws fabric at actors and turns them into completely different people. Christy, Jay, Annie and all the other musicians I know whose voices are sublime. The IT people I know--Nick, Mike, Al, Ron (why are there no women?!)--who develop and fix code that does everything from stopping security breaches to connecting people to one another across the globe. I am fortunate to know a lot of teachers who are creatively educating children (and adults) every single day.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Letter of the Law
This week’s questions are inspired by such mnemonics as The ABC of First Aid (airway, breathing, and circulation) and the Three Rs of Education (reading, riting, and ‘rithmetic). As far as I know, the questions don’t have any actual basis in real life. I just created them as possible scenarios, so do your creative, thoughtful best!

1. What are the ABCs of dining out?

   Always Bring Cash (or Card, if you prefer that).

2. What are the Three Cs of dating?

   Conversation, Creativity, Colloquy (which is pretty close to the first word, so if you're fussy you can go with Comfortable).

3. What should you SHOP for in gift-giving?

   Something He Observes Pleasantly.

4. What are the four Ps of petcare?

   Petting, Playing, Providing, Pleasing.

5. How do you go WILD in seeking a good time?

   We Imagine Laughing & Dancing.

Blogthings

Your Perfect Afternoon is Creative

Your head is full of visions and inspirations, and you like to make those beautiful thoughts a reality as often as you can. For you, there is nothing better than having the time and space to create. You love an empty canvas of any sort. You mostly create for yourself, and you love the satisfaction of making something exactly how you want to make it. Whether it's crafting, writing, or producing art, you never have trouble filling up a spare afternoon.

What's Your Perfect Afternoon?

Not really so much. I do not consider myself overly creative.

You Are a Modern Font

You are always looking towards the future, and new technologies excite you. You are very fashionable and on trend. You are curious about what's new in the world. You are very smart, but you're not a nerd. If anything, you are more geek chic! Good fonts for you include: Infinity, Eurostyle, Majoram, Matchbook, and Politica

What Kind of Font Are You?

Pretty close, except that fashion and chic thing. I do like those fonts.

Your Theater Type is Intellectual

More than anything else, you like theater that tells a good story - one with great writing, an engaging plot, and well developed characters. You like theater that makes you think... and feel. All it takes is some good dialog and acting for you to enjoy a play. You love a play where you're hanging on every word. You are big on suspense and character development. Your favorite theater makes you look at the world a whole new way. That's not too much to ask, is it?

What's Your Theater Personality?

Bingo!!

Blogthings Mini-Explosion

You Should Live In Dallas

You are a city person, and you love to be in the middle of the action. You want to experience it all. You are full of ambition and big dreams. You're willing to do what it takes in order to be a success. While you are hard charging, you are still community oriented. You never step on anyone's toes to get ahead. You are a passionate person, both at work and play. You are always up for whatever random adventure that comes along.

What Texas City Should You Live In?

Not. Although at least my brother, a nephew, their wives and a cutie-pie baby live there...so I'd have good company.

You Are 54% Well Read

You are an incredibly well read person, and it shows. You know a lot about this world. You love to read, and you're always in the middle of at least one book. You feel at a loss if you're not reading something.

How Well Read Are You?

I don't place a lot of confidence in a list of books that includes something called "The Son Also Rises." However, the description is pretty accurate.

You Are Deep

You have creative streaks in your life, and you do your best to explore and nurture them. When you are feeling inspired you just go for it. You drop everything you can so that you can create. You seek out support and understanding in your creative endeavors. You like to be around others who appreciate what you do. While you may not be able to have a creative job full time, you devote as much of your life to creativity as you can. It brings you meaning.

What Kind of Creative Are You?

I don't consider myself all that creative, but wevs.

Blogthings

You Are Creative Productive

You are productive if you're able to work on whatever you feel like doing. You're not so big on do-to lists though. You will work extremely hard when passion strikes, and that tends to make up for any creative procrastination that otherwise takes place. You need focus more than people realize... in fact, you may not realize it yet. Interruptions can disrupt you. What you need more than anything else is to be able to sit quietly until you're inspired. After that, you'll make something amazing!

How Productive Are You?

If this is a way of saying I need people to leave-me-the-fuck-alone so I can get some work done, then it's right on!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Already Gone
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) Eagles lead singer Glenn Frey proclaims that he's "feeling strong." How would you describe yourself this fine Saturday?

I'm a little strong-smelling, probably, due to the incredible humidity today. And I'm feeling very much like a loser and not strong in a good way at all because of events earlier in the day.

2) The song begins with a rumor: "I heard some people talking just the other other day ..." Have you heard anything juicy/interesting lately? Please share!

All kinds of shit...that I can't share. Sorry.
I try hard not to gossip in the sense of 'spreading rumors'--when I notice I am, I stop.

3) When "Already Gone" was popular, the news was dominated by Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal. What do you consider today's top news story?

What SHOULD be the top story is the number of people injured/killed with firearms every single day in this country. Maybe I'm more aware than the average American since I live near a city current in the news for its high death rate. It seems to mostly be "collateral damage"--kids, teachers, etc. And we aren't doing a damn thing about it. Lots of arguing. If it was a stuck gas pedal on a car killing people like this, or a hoodie drawstring, there would be rioting in the streets.

4) In the 1970s, Eagles Glenn Frey and Don Henley were at the center of a social circle of very creative people, including singer Linda Ronstadt, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne and actor-comedian Steve Martin. How do you express your creativity?

Writing. Lately, mostly, here.

5) Even though they broke up in 1980, the Eagles are currently on a reunion tour, and after knowing each other more than 40 years, Frey and Henley still consider each other friends. What quality to do you value most in a friendship?

There were some years in there where they didn't really like each other much, though... (Beast is a bit of an Eagles geek). I value patience and the ability to STFU at the right times. ;-)

6) Are there any mirrors in the room you're in right now?

Not...as such. Several framed things that reflect in the glass. Actually, the only mirror on this story of the house is in the bathroom, I think.

7) What's the last beverage you drank with ice?

The diet Pepsi I had with lunch.

8) Whole, skim, 2%, half-and-half, almond or soy ... what kind of milk is in your refrigerator right now?

I think it's 2% because I made mac 'n cheese last weekend. We don't go through much milk anymore--I usually only buy a pint when I know I'm going to use it.

9) Sam likes to mix sliced almonds into her salad. What do you think makes a good salad?

Ooh, I'll have to remember almonds! I'm not a big fan of fruit in vegetable salads (oranges and strawberries seem to be the usual choices. But I like a nice mixture of several kinds of greens, the greener the better, but I'm not too fussy. Maybe some shredded cheese or bleu cheese (real, please). Bleu cheese dressing, on the side, please. Croutons are nice. Sunflower seeds, carrot shreddies, NO tomatoes or cukes, and by the way everything needs to be cut or torn in SMALL pieces so they fit in a human mouth. There is nothing worse than having a 4x5" flap of lettuce covered in dressing at the end of your fork!

Blogthings

You Are an Explorer

You never know where you're going in the creativity process, and that's the beauty of how you think. You need to get out there and start digging around in order to get inspired. You learn by doing. You don't take anything for granted. You question all assumptions, models, and even common sense. You know that there is more out there in the world to be discovered. And you're going to find at least some of it!

What Kind of Innovator Are You?

Right. Exactly.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) When you are eating out at your favorite restaurant, you find something unexpected in your food. The owner comes over looking frazzled and begs, "Please, I can explain!" Write a creative/exciting explanation for the object you discovered in your meal.

Oh, I'm sure that this engagement ring in my spaghetti was meant for the woman over there sitting with the guy who looks like he's ready to stroke out.

2) Salsa: mild, medium or hot?

Medium normally. Today, I'm thinking salsa of any temp would be a very bad idea.

3) Do you prefer short stories or longer fiction? Why?

I'll read either. It's funny: I never realized that some people really can't stand short stories, but I work with a person who feels that way--she's a librarian.

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

I love watching people like this who have talent and use it to make people happy in the creation and in the ownership of something pretty. Also, I'm willing to bet this guy wouldn't be allowed to do this in public in America: WAY too dangerous.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Hey Nineteen

1. What was the best thing about being 19?

Let's see: I turned 19 when I was a freshman in college, near the end of my first semester which was full of homesickness. By January, I was over that and fully engaged in the drama of college. The state raised the drinking age (to 19) about a month before my birthday, so I was still allowed to drink. Which I did, though not to excess--that didn't commence till sophomore year, as I recall. I think that was a pretty good year, all the way round.

2. Where would you go if you wanted to spark your creativity?

Someplace noisy and bustling, and public. If I'm home alone and it is quiet, I just want to read or sleep.

3. Complete this sentence: I am embarrassed when...

...I realize how much weight I've gained this year.

4. Name 3 fads from your teenage years.

Feathered bangs, disco dancing, and pop rocks.

5. What's the best birthday present you've ever had?

I got a cowboy hat and boots for my 17th birthday (I think, maybe 16?). Loved those things. When I went to college, I brought the boots--they were 100% out of fashion so I got rid of them. I've wanted them back for decades.

6. What's your oldest possession?

The thing I've owned the longest is my little pink furry mouse, purchased at Denver Union Station when I was 5 or so. The oldest THING I own...is...probably some of the pictures from my grandparents. There may be some old knick-knacks in those boxes too; I haven't checked. And actually, there may be some old stuff from Beast's parents' house I don't even know about.

7. Do you have any phobias?

I don't think so, not really. I don't like big crowds or bugs, but I'm not phobic about them.

8. This is pretty much the start of Spring (regardless of the snow in the east this week!); what's on your to-do list for the next few weeks to transition away from this long Winter we've been having?

I have GOT to weed the garden before the stupid things take over! And the windows need washing. I don't know when I'm going to DO this, since we'll be gone for two weeks this month, but...

9. Which of the 50 states in the U.S. would you rather die than live in?

I'm not much of a fan of Wyoming--yes, I've been there, multiple times. Or Utah. Wyoming is the landscape and near-constant wind and the sheer lack of culture; Utah is the people in Salt Lake who are beyond rude, and the whole Mormon thing. Sorry, showing my prejudice, eh?

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
no more trials, no more tests

[01] What food are you unable to resist?

Lately, it seems EVERY kind of food is irresistible. However, in general, I gotta go with carbs, bread specifically.

[02] If you could support one charitable cause as a full-time career, what would it be and why?

Ooh, wow. Uhm, Heifer Project or Red Cross are the front-runners for sure. Maybe the Central Asia Institute.

[03] What famous person do you admire?

I admire anyone famous who makes more than a nodding effort to help others, whether that be financially or physically.

[04] How do you express yourself creatively?

Pretty much here. And possibly at work in some of my more random moments of cataloging.

[05] Who is one person from your past you wouldn't mind seeing, if only for an hour?

I have hope that I'll see everyone from my past again in the future, but I'd love to meet my mom's dad. he died 20+ years before I was born.

Random Dozen

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Describe the best sandwich in the world, according to you.

Crunchy wheat bread with butter (not margarine), several slices of Kraft American--although cheddar or swiss will do in a pinch--and a layer of Ruffles potato chips. MMMMMMM...the taste of childhood!

2. Which inspires you more: a good conversation, a song, a book or movie?

Good conversation, followed closely by a well-written book (since that really is just another form of conversation, no?). NOT movies; they are pure escapism.

3. What is your favorite board game?

I'm partial to Life, myself. I think it's the sound of the spinner.

4. As you grow older, are you more or less patient with small children?

More. And MUCH less patient with stupid parents.

5. Name one item you never let yourself run out of.

Air. I make that a strict policy, on penalty of death. This is what several bouts of asthma have done for me.

6. Do you agree with Tennyson's assertion, "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?"

Yes. But in my experience, one can insert many many other things in place of "loved"--Experience is one damn fine teacher.

7. Name one national treasure or monument that you have visited.

Just one?? OMG, which to choose...?? There is a special place in my heart for, and a very eerie feeling I get at, Little Bighorn.

8. Which is more painful, to be disappointed in someone else or to be disappointed in yourself?

I'm disappointed in myself so often that it barely registers anymore, so I'll go with "someone else." My expectations for others are now so abysmal that I'm often pleasantly surprised, in fact.

9. What makes your kitchen uniquely yours?

The plate rail above the cupboards, which was created, designed and crafted by Beast. The man has a good eye, and better hands. ;-)

10. Are you a crafty person?

Not even if I had to be. The mere thought of arts-n-crafts makes my hair itch.

11. What is your favorite traditional picnic or bbq (cookout) food?

Beer-boiled brats on a bun with spicy mustard, and potato chips. This meme has more potato chips in it than there really oughtta be, considering I really don't like them in most circumstances.

12. Name one leisurely activity you enjoyed over Labor Day Weekend.

Piling up the Millionaire City bucks on Facebook.

Creating

Your Creative Power is Your Logic

You're the type of person who is great at execution. You don't just dream about ideas - you make them happen! You are idealistic and determined, but you are also a realist. You only undertake projects you're pretty sure you can finish. You are a natural problem solver, and you actually think better when you're being challenged. You do best when you work by yourself or when you're in charge. You ideas are big, dramatic, and the best.

What's Your Creative Power?

Or, well, yeah not really so much.

Desk

You Are a Creative Worker

You are a very personally expressive person, especially outside of work. Your individuality matters to you. You draw a lot of inspiration and energy from your own internal world. You get bored easily around other people. You like to edit and revise. You are always improving your work, and you never turn in the first draft. You are a striver, and it's important for people to see you as successful. You know that image is important.

What Does Your Desk Say About You?

About those books stacked on my desk...uh, I work at a LIBRARY! As a cataloger?! Duh.

And as I said this morning (ironically), image is not my main worry in life. Not even.

Synes-what?

63%

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Friday Fill-In

(Link in blogroll)

1. For me theft (i.e. plagiarism) is the opposite of creativity.
2. Dakota by Martha Grimes was the last excellent book I read.
3. I like fill-ins because they let my imagination go wild.
4. In nature I like looking at mountains, and animals.
5. The best candidate for America's future should win the US elections.
6. The last time I laughed with all my belly was awhile ago.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to making a few phone calls, tomorrow my plans include cleaning up around the house and going to a picnic and Sunday, I want to get this mission trip thing SORTED OUT!

Making the band

from Kwizgiver

Here are the instructions: You are about to have your own band’s CD cover. Follow these directions to the letter. You can see my result below. Now, go to these links and start creating your totally awesome band cover!

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first article title on the page is the name of your band.

2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.

3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4. Use your graphics program of choice to throw them together...post it in your own blog and see what other people can come up with! (OK, here's the deal, I don't use a graphics program, and I'm not in this for kudos, but this looks fun, and that's why I do the memes)


Band Name: Hydroxyl
Album Title: Real Estate Above Principles

Now I'm wondering if this is how it actually works in the record business! :-)

Thursday Threesome

(Link at left)
::Women or Men?::

Onesome: Women-- buy more cars than men? True or false? Heck, I have no clue; I'm just curious about your opinions...

More cars per person, or make decisions on the purchase of cars? I have heard that women control this decision in marriages more than most dealerships want to think. So, you'd think dealers would be a little less patronizing, a little more friendly to women, but they don't seen to have gotten there.

Twosome: or-- Jo~Ann or Michaels? Which place would you use to buy your crafty stuff? I mean, Christmas is coming and gift cards would be lovely; let's get the word out now {g}!

I couldn't be less interested in crafts, I think, but I was at Michael's this week buying scrapbooking stuff, so go figure. I actually like Hobby Lobby--their store layout makes more sense to me, and they seem to have more stuff. I'm not sure where the nearest Jo-Ann's is, but Michael's is nearest.

I won't be making cards, if that's what the implication is. I can barely get a letter written, spell-checked, and printed!

Threesome: Men-- are better chefs than women? Bobby Flay or Rachel Ray? True or false? Sure, you can go all Food Network if you'd like (Paula can make my dessert any day; butter, butter, butter!), but who's grilling your ribs?

Uh, don't care? Hate cooking? The thought of watching other people cook puts me to sleep? Sorry, I just can't work up an answer for this one beyond the Scooby-Doo "Huh?"

Crate-ive

You Are 62% Creative

You are beyond creative. You are a true artist - even if it's not in the conventional sense of the word. You love creating for its own sake, and you find yourself quite inspired at times.

How Creative Are You?

So, totally, not, an, artist.

But I do like to play.

Curious as a Cat

(Link at left)

Who is the one person with whom you are acquainted that you feel is building up the worst karma? Why?

MAS, and Complainer Tech at work.

What would you like to discover? Would you sell it, or let it be available for free?

I would really like to figure out a way to get food to people who need it in a way that can't be impeded by finance, politics, war, and/or stupidity. Of course, I'd make the solution available for free. What would be the point of charging??

Think back on the choices you have made in your life. Which one would you never want to have to make again?

Whether to have more kids than Sparky. Technically, I never made that decision either....