I think online dating sites are all right. In fact, I have a friend who met a nice person from an online dating membership. The relationship didn’t work out, but that wasn’t the site’s fault, and she's still a member. Although I can't get used to the idea myself, I can understand why people join.
Online dating is just not my thing. So when a friend talked me into joining a site a while back, (the result of many generously poured glasses of wine,) my response to my interested suitors e-mails included the following excuses: "I’m sorry, but I can’t, I have to work, "my head hurts," and "I have to baby sit my unborn grandchildren."
I ended up with the online name “Tinkerbell,” and Tinkerbell enjoys every hobby under the sun, she works out regularly, has a perfect body, and on and on.
I posted a copy of some of my profile at the end of this post so that you can get an idea of what I mean.
My profile is so unreal a two year old monkey could guess I'm full of bull. I mean some of it I guess is believable, but come on: a mountain climber, motor cross dirt bike racer, hunter, snorkeler, water skier-are any of these men actually responding to that profile, or are they reading it? Are they e-mailing every woman they read about on the site?
I don’t want to get into trouble so I won’t show you what they refer to as the "flirts" I've received,(e-mails) but I have at least ten a day listed in my inbox. I've ignored most of them hoping they'll go away, although I've responded to a few just to see if they'll pick up on my far fetched profile. I mean I want to get at least one suitor to actually read my profile. I've written unbelievable responses hoping they'll pick up on the fact that I'm joking.
For example, if you were a suitor responding to someones outlandish profile what would you think of the following responses: "I’ve had a headache for weeks," "my cat ran away," "I broke my leg mountain climbing," "I had to pick up a skiing trophy in Colorado," "I wrecked my dirt bike deer hunting," "I'm going rock climbing this week-end" etc.
I think if anyone really read that kind of e-mail, you know really read it, they would easily put it together, which is exactly what is so scary to me. Because if they're not reading beyond the physical characteristics and gender it proves that they're really not interested in getting to know anyone in the first place.
I'm thinking of going out with the first man who actually reads what I've written. In fact, the more online dating e-mails I get the more I know online dating it just not my bag of popcorn.
Although, while I'm at home at night reading, writing, and eating my popcorn in front of a movie, my friend is out being wined and dined, or is she? I'm not sure if the joke is on me or not, but the idea of interviewing someone is too mechanical a venture for this heart to bear. Maybe I'm just a desperado, a loner, too independent or not lonely enough.
In any event, I'll have to find my heart of gold elsewhere, especially since I'm too busy most of the time, anyway. For example, I have to teach lion taming classes this week-end, then roller blade through the streets of New Orleans on horseback.
My profile (well...some of it's true):
tinkerbell My personality
• I like to exercise:
Regularly
• My exercise regime consists of:
Aerobics, Cycling, Jogging / Running, Mountain biking, Racquetball, Rock climbing, Roller-blading, Swimming, Walking, Yoga.
• I like the following outdoor activities:
Bboating / Sailing, Fishing / Hunting, Gardening, Going to the beach, Hiking / Backpacking, Horseback riding, Motocross / Dirt bike / Quad, Rock Climbing, Snorkeling / Scuba diving, Water skiing / Jet skiing.
• I consider myself artistic, and I like:
Every area, but especially acting, writing.
• I have the following pets:
Dog, Cat, Horse, Rabbit, Other.
My education and career
• I attended high school
• I attended college
• My current occupation is:
Writer
Country: United States Age: 45 Race / Ethnicity: White / Caucasian Height: 5' 7" Hair: Dark blonde Eyes: Green
11/30/07
Online Dating Is Not For Me
11/29/07
Brad The Blogbee is Buzzing Around The Blogosphere
Brad The Blogbee, who lives at Polliwog's Pond has been buzzing around the blogosphere with his circler smile and big button nose, giving out the "Good Buzzz Blog Award" created with the help of Mike Wheeler at Things By Mike.
According to Brad The Good Buzzz Award is:
"
Now, that is the nicest bee buzz about a blog a blogger could hope for, and I'm honored he's buzzed about A Nice Place In The Sun. Thank you Brad The Blogbee and give Polli a buzz for me, (that means thank her too!)
Here are the blogs I believe are making a buzz around the blogosphere and I think Brad would agree. If you don't see your name for this award I have nominated you for another award that I haven't posted. I'm soooo behind on thanking the blogs who have been kind enough to nominate me, but I have all of you listed on this page, and I promise I will get to yours too. Also, my blogging partner and closest friend Christy and I have some new Totally Fabulous blogs to recognize, in addition to a new one named after A Nice Place In The Sun.
For Brads award rules, and image he has generously granted permission to use, and the code for the award visit the original post On Polliwog's Pond.
Congratulations to the following Blogs and in words of Brad The Blogbee,
keep on buzzzin’!! And in mine, Have Fun!
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Christy at Christys Coffee Break
Dawn at Twisted Sister
Bob at Bobbarama.com
Mel at Monday Morning Power
Aussie at Aussie Cynic
Misty at My Dogs Keep Me Sane
Eric at Speedcat Hollydate Page
Bud at WTIT Tape Radio
Marja at Dutchcorner
Robert at Observations From The Back 40
Mushy at Mushy's Moochings
Colin at Life
Whimsy Girl at My Whimsy World
Dan at dcr blogs
Patois at Whee!All The Way Home
Santa at Santa's Community Blog
Paula at Polliwogs Pond
11/28/07
The Banana Splits!
Enjoy this Banana Splits video filmed on stage at Fleeges Fast Haircuts while I write the best post I ever have! Have Fun! (and try not to steal the Banana Splits jokes there's such a thing as copyright law, you know)
Readers Comments When Asked: What Was The Worst Date Of Your Life?
Yesterday's Tuesday's Question was What Was Your Worst Date?
My favorite part of Tuesday's Question is Wednesday when I share my comments with the rest of my readers. Everyone including those of you who aren't bloggers enjoy the comments to Tuesday's Question, and I thank you all for your support.
The following comments are fantastic:
Polli from Polliwog's Pond
Great question Ann. I've had my share of horrible dates. I did most of my dating in Alaska, where the "odds are good, but the goods are odd!" Some of the dates are too embarrasing to tell here. But my favorite all-time worst date story was a blind date. The guy picked me up, proceeded to interview me for marriage, then took me to dinner. Dinner consisted of chips n' salsa in his grungy car, in the parking lot of the bowling alley. After we ate, we went to the grocery store parking lot, where he drove like a madman all over the lot, crashing into stray carts. We never had a 2nd date.
Marja at Dutchcorner
Hi Ann Ouch that seens annoying a bee in your ear. I had a buzz but not a buzing bee in my ear. Anyway. A bad date he. I usually had good ones accept for one which I didn't plan. I went out with my girl friend a longer way from home than usual because she had find love in a timy village far away were they had one pub. These two hooked me up with his friend so they could have some time on their own. They left me with a dude who couldn't count till three and that night seems to never end. I could't get out because I came with her car. Man that night seems to never end. Of course I didn't go with them anymore.
Dawn at Twisted Sister
Hey I had a bug in my ear too! I was 6 years old.... As for the worst date... I can't think of anything too horrible... I must have dated mostly nice guys ;))) If anything comes to mind I'll drop back!
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Well, I can't recall a horrible date. Some have been blah, but none that I would classify in the "worst" catagory. I've been pretty lucky with this one. So, I'm a bomb for this weeks question.
Robert at Observations From The Back 40
No bugs in my ear but I had a bee fly inside my helmet while riding a motorcycle once....talk about panic stations....:):)..worst date with a cheerleader in highschool..the local hottie..while escorting her to my old pickup which was parked in an icy parking lot..being a gentleman I opened her door as she stepped in I lost my footing and shot between her legs under the truck and out the otherside..I think she peed herself laughing...we have a school reunion in January..I wonder if she still remembers...needless to say i was the talk of the social circles for a week or two...:)
Winston at Eat Your Maths
I once went out w my crush, and was accompanied by my friends along with hers. We were both so embarrassed, we started spluttering and stammering like a broken, wheezing engine! Hehe... We left each other soon afterwards.
We were both tongue-tied, embarrassed and LOL-ing in our minds, it was an incredibly stupid and funny moment..Hehe.
Thank you to all of you for the fantastic comments, and I hope you have a terrific and fun week!
Oh, yeah and don' t forget my answer is below...
11/27/07
What Was The Worst Date Of Your Life?
Hopefully, your worst date wasn't as bad as this image suggests... Although, it wouldn't surprise me if it was because I'll believe anything after what I've experienced...
Welcome to my eighteenth Tuesdays Question! I can't believe I've posted a Tuesday's Question for eighteen weeks in a row, with the exception of September 11th, a painful memory in the mind of my countrymen.
That being said, I would like to announce an idea I've been rolling around in my zany brain...for a celebration post in honor of Tuesday's Question, on or by my twenty first question.
Like maybe a contest... where I can actually give away a prize and brag badges to my readers with the most comments...and recognize those of you who have been so supportive over the last eighteen weeks, or I guess it will be the twentieth week by then...
In any event, it's not far away, and next week I'll have a better idea of where I'm going after brainstorming... I just wanted to put a bug in your ear... wait a minute...I don't mean an actual bug in your ear... yuck, that's a gross expression isn't it? Although, that would make a pretty good Tuesday's Question, "Have you ever had a bug in your ear?" Because, I actually did have a bug in my ear once ... you feel a soft buzzing vibration against your ear drum, ....oh come to think of it it's awful. It happened to me when I was a child...my mother poured alcohol in my ear and I guess it drown or something...
I'm sorry, I went off track, (maybe I've had too long a run with these questions) back to Tuesday's Question, which by the way I usually answer before requesting your comments. However, if you'll refer to my last post you'll read my explanation for running late, which is also the reason I 'll be post my answer along with your comments in tomorrows post.
I'm sorry for my rude temperamental computer, who had it's own plans this morning and forced me to post Tuesday's Question so late in the day.
I can't wait to read your comments in response to:
What Was The Worst Date Of Your Life?
Stopped For Tuesday's Question?
Stop for Tuesday's Question? I sat at my desk ready to work at 8 am my time, (crazy time) and my computer refused to cooperate . The PC box said something about needing to be up-dated and being low on memory...excuse me? I'm low on memory everyday....what kind of hair brained excuse is that? Then, as if it hadn't already added insult to injury, the arrogant box head stayed on the same screen refusing to move until I agreed to comply with it's instructions! It was war...and I don't know who declared it...all I know is that it took up my entire morning! This proves that computers are too temperamental to replace people, and cannot be trusted...ever...
In any event we've worked it out and I will post Tuesday's Question shortly....so please consider coming back in a little while? I promise it will be fun, and I haven't let you down yet, have I?
Oh ...maybe I shouldn't ask that question...
11/24/07
Happy Saturday Song From Mr Hollands Opus
I wanted to post a scene in Mr.Hollands Opus, where the character portrayed by Jean Louisa Kelly sings this Gershwin tune, but the video keep skipping- so I posted her performing it on what I'm guessing is David Letterman- the video didn't offer a clue. Jean Kelly's version is one of the best version's of Someone To Watch Over Me that I've ever heard. Anyway, Saturday's favorite movie moment is a scene in Mr Hollands Opus in which the character she portrays performs this tune.
Have a happy Saturday and I will post again before the end of the week-end.
Enjoy your day~
11/23/07
A Roar For Powerful Words
Authors note: When I wrote this post I was disappointed that I couldn't find this awards creator. Although, as luck would have it Shameless from The Shameless Writing Circle saw the link through google and left a comment after this posting.
Here is the last part of his comment where he fills me in on the awards history: The award was in response to mainstream media commentators who dismiss the blogosphere as being just an outlet for "mediocre and mostly tatty writing". There couldn't be more proof to the contrary. Well done and keep up the good and powerful words. The circle can be found at: www.theshamelesslionswritingcircle.blogspot.com :-)
I'm glad Shameless found this post because now we can give him and his blog the recognition it deserves. Therefore, if you're an award recipient please link back to The Shameless Lions Writing Circle, and include his definition of the awards history when passing the roar to the powerful writers on your list.
Another Update: My very good friend Sandee from Comedy Plus found this awards origin on her own, and has it clearly posted on her site. If you are confused just drop by this link on Comedy Plus and copy the definition along with the link to the award in different colors. Great Job Sandee!
Original Post:
I wish I knew where The Shameless Lions Writing Circle is because I assume that's who created the A Roar For Powerful Words Award. I love the imagery of roaring words flying across the internet, in addition to the purple statue and title. This is a wonderful compliment for any wordsmith to receive and I won't forget my good friend Dawnfrom Twisted Sister, and her kind recognition. Thank you Dawn! I'm glad Meleah from Momma Mia Mea Culpa nominated Dawn at Twisted Sister, because Dawn nominated me! Thank you Dawn you're the one of the greatest!
"Here are the rules: Rules: The people given this award are encouraged to post it on their own blogs; list three things they believe are necessary for good, powerful writing; and then pass the award on to the five blogs they want to honor, who in turn pass it on to five others, etc etc. Let’s send a roar through the blogosphere!"
The three things I think are necessary for good and powerful writing are:
1)Read everyday and write a least two hours a day.
2) Show don't tell.
3)Write for yourself.
I know I've listed more than five bloggers but it was sooo hard to narrow the recipients down only a few... so I hope I'm forgiven since I only went over by four bloggers...
Christy at Writers Reviews
Dawn at Twister Sister
Sandee at Comedy Plus
David Author blog
Marja at Dutchcorner
Polli at Polliwogs Pond
Eric at Speedcat Hollydale
Robert at Observations From The Back 40
Bob at Bobbarama.com
Patois at Whee All The Way Home 
11/21/07
Readers Comment On: The Most Outrageous Public Acts They've Ever Witnessed
What outrageous, funny, or plain weird act have you ever witnessed in a public place? This was Tuesday's Questions this week and boy did I get a lot of great comments. Find out what bloggers experienced the following events: A display of public affection by two teenagers, an intoxicated (and already arrested) flasher, a traffic stopper eating a hot dog, a "it's-not- a- secret" admirer at a food mart, a man in a hurry for a burger, and more....
I've provided a link so that you can visit these hilarious bloggers sites, as I'm sure you will want to do after reading their responses-have fun!
And a special thanks to the participates for the fantastic comments, laughs, and friendship!
Dawn from Twisted Sister
Oh Ann... how could top that? That is the funniest thing I ever heard of!
I think the most outrageous public act I saw occurred when I was about nine years old. I saw a couple of teens lying under a tree in a park and they were.. well you know ;)
I tried to convince myself it wasn't really happening because they hadn't completely removed their clothing... but looking back now... ahem... I realize I was wrong! :))
Sandee from Comedy Plus
There are so many, but the first one I thought of is the one that I'm going with.
Years ago (late 1980s to early 1990s) there were funds for a Inebriation Center to lessen the load on the jail system. Being drunk in public is not a crime punishable by jail time. It's a law that allows those that cannot take care of themself properly to be cared for until they are sober enough to go about their business. So for 4 to 6 hours you keep these folks until they sober up.
This center was great, but they would only keep people that behaved themselves. They were located just down the street from the jail. When they had someone that became a problem they would call the jail and we would have to go get the person and bring them to the jail to do the rest of the sobering process. Keep in mind the jail is in right in the middle of town, with traffic moving 24 hours a day up and down the streets.
I was the graveyard (11pm to 7am)shift sergeant, so I would often go with another deputy to get these folks. This one night we went to get this guy that was being a pill and as soon as we got him outside the Inebriation Center his pants started slipping off his behind. Well, we couldn't let go of him, and by the time we got him to the jail entrance his pants were around his ankles. We finally noticed that he wasn't wearing any shorts.
The deputy and I laughed for days and days about this. Cars going by and here's two cops (one female) walking a man across the street with his pants around his ankles with his little wanker swaying in the wind. It still tickles me...
Nascar Observations From The Back 40
Mine was in macdonald's.. I was sat there..having breakfast..they had just mopped the floor and the guy came back out to put up the floor is slippery sigh..took three steps lost his footing and slid right across the floor into the lineup taking out three people...I should have jumped up and checked to make sure everyone was ok but I was laughing so hard I thought I was going to pee myself....:):)
I'm insanely Insane from Thus Me
(Isn't that a great name?)
Hhhmmmm, gonna have to think about that one and get back to you.
Bob from Bobbarama.com
I was in San Francisco several years ago, lazing away part of the early morning in a hotel room five stories up from a busy street below.
I just happened to be looking out the window when a cab driver stepped out of his cab ... the first car in a long line of cars in the middle lane at a stoplight ... to buy a hot dog from a street vendor.
The light turned green. And it took all of 2 seconds before the street turned into a cacophony of car horns and people leaning out of their car windows yelling VERY BAD THINGS at this guy ... who paid them absolutely no attention as he calmly lathered the mustard onto his dog.
I mean people were leaning on their horns. It was LOUD!!
He finished up, walked slowly back to his cab, biting into his dog the whole way, and slipped casually into his car just in time to drive through the intersection before the light turned red for the second time since he had left.
I kid you not ... he was the only guy who got through the light. Hoo boy, people were pissed.
And I just stood at that window thinking ... 'God, I love San Francisco.'
Christy from ChristysCoffeeBreak
I have seen so many outrageous and funny public acts that it's hard to choose.
There was my the time we were at a fair on a Farris Wheel and my cousin threw up and it landed on my brother who was on another car thingy below. (Funny)
There was the psycho guy on a bus that decided it would be fun to stare at my friend and I while he ummm...did his thing. (outrageous)
Oh and let's not forget the guy who actually came up and tried to hump my leg in the mall food court. Don't worry I ran...(crazy)
There's so many more, I'm afraid that no matter where I go there is some kind of freaky act going on!!
Hugs Ann:)
Visit these bloggers sites because it only gets better! And thanks again everyone for answering Tuesday's Question.
11/20/07
What Is the Funniest Or Most Outrageous Public Act You've Ever Witnessed?
Hello and welcome ladies and gentleman to Tuesdays Question which is, What Is The Funniest Or Most Outrageous Public Act You've Ever Witnessed? I watched a video on You Tube the other day of a woman dancing around a strippers pole at a fair. You could see people in the background walking by and staring unsure of what to do because it was so out of context and I guess she was acting a little bizarre.
Anyway, What funny or outrageous act have you witnessed in broad daylight? I wrote the funniest thing I've ever seen below, and I can't wait to hear all of your experiences. I will post your comments tomorrow with a link to your blog. Have fun, and thanks for being such great sports every week.
What's The Most Outrageous Public Act You've Ever Witnessed?
Read mine below
There were several lakes surrounding the university campus where I went to school years ago; so on our way to class we were joined by "duck beggar" families quaking away for their daily breakfast.
It was annoying, because they were loud and downright aggressive if you didn’t offer them something to eat. So it shouldn't surprise you to know that the funniest thing I've ever witnessed in public involved a family of ducks. One morning, while reading over my notes for a class on the side of a duck home, I overheard a human couple arguing in front of a duck couple. Then the arguing couple and a gander's squawking began to blend together in an aggressive chorus loud enough to wake every creature within miles of the lake and surrounding areas.
I felt sorry for the ducks, because this family wasn't following anyone. These ducks were minding their own business, trying to feed their ducklings breakfast and send them to duck school, when these people showed up and disturbed their morning. Therefore, daddy duck got a little perturbed by the human couples apparent rudeness and decided to let them have it. When the man realized he was being challenged, he put his hands in the air as if he were giving himself up for arrest, but Mr. Gander wasn’t having it, and continued to advance upon the guy.
Everyone around the lake, including me, started laughing while this poor man kept shouting for our help and backing away from his attacker. While the rest of the duck family squawked, the guy shouted and raised his fists as if demanding a fair fight from the creature…who continued his advance until he chased the guy down the sidewalk.
It was the funniest thing I’ve ever witnessed, so funny that the memory of it makes me laugh as if it were yesterday.
Although, the best part of this story is yet to come. Later that afternoon, when I was in another class in the same building, I heard the same squawking, only this time I was in the inside of a classroom. There were two double doors at the entrance of a three hundred seat classroom with theater style seats. We could hear someone shouting “let go of me, ouch, let go of me” followed by more squawking, and honking, until the doors to the classroom flew open and both a new man and the same daddy duck burst inside the classroom. The man ran up the row of seats with daddy duck in hot pursuit nipping at his ankles... Finally someone latched onto both man and duck and the situation came to a screeching halt, leaving an entire classroom of students in hysterics from laughter.
That was the funniest act I've ever witnessed in public, what is yours?
11/16/07
Southern Proverbs: Do Southerners Talk Music?
"Don't look a Gift Horse In The Mouth"
"A Southerner Talks Music"
Mark Twain
Mark Twain : "A Southerner Talks Music." I think Mark Twain was right; Southerners do speak, talk, and walk a sort of musical metaphor. Although, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," is a proverb first seen in print in 1546 in John Heywood's A dialogue conteinyng the nomber in effect of all the proverbes in the Englishe tongue. A proverb is a form of expression meant to convey truth or give advice, much like different types of expressions passed down in families. I was surprised to find this proverbs origin because it's usually hard to find out what proverbs mean, much less where they originated.
I know Southern expressions and proverbs are frequently translated over the internet, but hopefully you haven't read all of these translations. What I mean is everyone has a different set of family proverbs unique to their family, in addition, the following are expressions were popular in the sixties when I was a small child.
I've also included some of my grandmothers words, advice, and sayings...which you may find helpful... My maternal grandmother continued giving her family advice from her front porch before a botched operation took her life in September 2001. After her death, my mother sold her house, so I thought some memories of Nana would be lost forever. However, today we feel her love present in the words and phrases she passed to us years after her death - proofing that through our words we live forever.
Click on "read more" below and it'll take you to Nana's expressions, proverbs, and words, as well as other expressions I've translated from familiar to Southern.
Regular expressions:
The expression “Enough is enough” translation “Cut it out this instant” (cut what out of where?)
“Wait a minute " translation, “Wait a cotton Pickin’ minute”
“There’s other fish in the sea” translation, “You'll find another, besides she/he’s as common as a nail in a boot heel”
“As dumb as a nail” translation, “As dumb as a road lizard”
“I’d give the world for that job." translation. “I’d put hot tar up a wildcat’s behind to be in their position.”
The world's been handed to them on a silver platter” translation, “They were born with a silver spoon in their mouth.”
Nana's Advice to me, her granddaughter
On dating and men.
"Don’t ever do housework in front of a man, unless you want to have to do it the rest of your life."
"It's OK to kiss on the second date, but act as if there is a penny between your legs that will fall if you move them apart" followed by, "Do you know what I mean?"
"Never sit without crossing one leg over the other and put on lipstick or make-up in a public place."
"Never tell a nice looking man is is good looking, and never put yourself down in front of them."
Nana's Proverbs :
"Nothing matters in a hundred years"
"Enjoy your own company"
"You can do anything you have to"
"Attitude is everything"
And of course, her last piece of advice, and the only advice I have in her hand writing: "Take charge of your life, Courage is fear, plus action."
Mad Words:
Dat Burnt it!
"I mean seriously."
"You should dress for every occasion, there's no sense in resembling a wash woman."
"Oh, for heavens sake"
"Have some gumption"
And my favorite :
"Fruit doesn't fall far from the tree."
Here's the most Recent I've heard:
"Hang in there" translation, "Keep your chin up" or "Cowboy up"
And...
"Been there done that", translation, "This isn't my first rodeo."
What are some of your favorite expressions?
Thank you Free Clipart for the image
One Day It Was A Perfect Noodle, And The Next...
Mary Chapin Carpenter wrote the the following lyrics to her song, The Bug, "Sometimes you're the windshield, Sometimes you're the bug" and this noodle
knows what that means. Because one day it was the perfect noodle... 
and the next it was a dud!
I have a great post coming today, ... so do come back, o.k?
11/14/07
Superman Dominates Tuesday's Question: What Fictional Character Do You Wish Would Come To Life?
Link to Superman's image obtained from public images
Yesterdays Tuesday Question was fun, and I thank everyone who contributed!
I knew I would get many different comments from this question, and boy did I, all the way from Superman to Sherlock Holmes. Sandee at Comedy Plus, was among the first to suggest Superman, followed by Marja, and Dawn, then Christy so I was beginning to think the character was going to remain the only answer. Although things began to change for the super hero about mid-day, when an array of impressive literary characters began to appear. (I sound like a sports commentator covering a football game, don't I?)
Anyway, I bet Wonder Woman, Spiderman, Batman, etc... had their feelings hurt because Superman was the only super hero suggested. Superman does have a certain boy next door charm, but the other super heroes have their special talents as well, so I felt sorry for them- but I guess the imagery associated with Superman is hard to resist. You know, the idea of him carrying a victim in flight over cities, highways and farms, while thousands of earth bound onlookers look up in sky astonished and say;
“It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no…wait …it’s a man, no... it’s Superman! In addition, to the various other reasons Sandee from Comedy Plus and the others give in their comments.
Sandee reminds me of some exciting news I can't believe I didn’t bring up in the first line of this post. Remember yesterday when I mentioned Brennan Huff from Outside Furniture News linking to Sandee and Misty's comment in last Tuesday’s Question? Well, this time Landyn Hodges on the site Life 48 linked to the passage I wrote in reference to Outdoor Furniture and labeled it on his post yesterday. Thank you, Landyn and thank you to the multi-authored very informative and interesting site Life 48. Life 48 has interesting, and easy to read short posts by different contributing writers featuring outdoor furniture and decor. Here are a few examples of Landyns posts as well as a link to the site. Thanks again, Landyn and Outdoor furniture for joining in our discussion. It was exciting to see the link on Technorati shortly after mentioning last weeks post.
O.k. that's all , so please enjoy reading the comments that brought many characters to life. .. and I can't wait to see you next week for another….Tuesdays Question.
Readers Comments;
Being a Mom Is Great
bmg_mom said...
I'm exposing my sci-fi/nerdy-side here, perhaps, but my choice would definitely be Yoda from Star Wars.
Sandee from Comedy Plus
Well, I think Superman would be a great choice. There is so much evil in the world and if there really was a Superman he could take care of all evil without any problem at all.
It would be an end to wars, gangs, and any other blight that we currently suffer. Evil would be eliminated piece by piece.
Superman could bring world peace. I know it's wishful thinking, but wouldn't it be wonderful?
Dawn From Twisted Sister
What about Superman? I think the world may need his help right about now! :)))
Hope you are having a great day Ann!
Marja at Dutchcorner
The first thing that comes to my mind Ann is superman. In my case that would than be superwoman. I would love soaring through the sky and save the people from bad powers.
Patois from Whee all The Way Home
I'd like the characters from A Wrinkle in Time to be real, and I'd love to be able to tesser with them.
Saw the posts on the awards. Congrats to you (again and again and again)! And thanks (again and again and again)!
Misty from My Dogs Keep Me Sane
Right away, I thought of Dr. Doolittle. I'm going to sound a bit wacky here, but I feel if we were able to relate to and understand animals - then, we, the animals, nature, our world, and the whole balance of life would benefit.
Besides, I really want to be able to have my dad's wolfdog tell me what is on his mind sometimes - that creature (he's smarter than a dog, usually smarter than a human, and not quite a wolf!) is the smartest I've ever seen, and I want to know what makes him tick.
David From Authorblog
G'day Ann,
I was 13, in Year 9, when I read To Kill A Mockingbird - and it had a profound effect on me. Atticus Finch is the sort of men all fathers would like to be.
I read voraciously as a child, because I grew up in a home with more than a thousand books in it. To me, they were a treasure trove ...
So maybe it's no surprise that I write novels.
Cheers
David
Bob from Bobbarama.com
Atticus Finch is a good one.
But, for me ... Sherlock Holmes. Oh, the stories he could tell over the dinner table. And while he's here, I'd ask him to deduce the location of all the socks I keep losing in the dryer.
Whimsy Gal from My Whimsy World
Christy from Christy's Coffee Break
At first I was going to say Ann of Green Gables, but after reading the comments I guess I'd have to be an idiot to choose her over Superman, lol. After all he can turn back time and such. ROFL! Great question Ann:)
Thanks again to all of you! Have fun!
11/13/07
What Fictional Character Do You Wish Would Come To Life?
Hello and welcome to another Tuesday's Question. I love today's question: If you could make the actions and story behind the life of a fictional character in a book or movie come true, what character would that be? For example, what character do you think would've made the world a better place had they really existed? The two characters who immediately came to mind for me, were Charlotte from Charlotte's web and Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird.
You can choose any fictional character from a novel, movie, poem, situation comedy, even a cartoon... Just think of the story behind the character and the choices they made. What kind of people were they and what might they have given to the world?
Don't forget, I'll post your comments with a link as always, to give your blog exposure, in addition to give other blogs an opportunity to engage in conversation with you or post a link to your comment. Like, for instance, what happened last week, when Misty and Sandee's comments were mentioned by btki Outdoor Furniture News. Outdoor Furniture News linked to the Tuesday's Question post instead of the bloggers, however, I in turn, linked back to Sandee and Misty. I tried to contact Outdoor Furniture to give them Sandee and Misty's links, but for some reason I couldn't leave a comment.
In addition, I had hoped to say thank you to Outdoor Furniture News for joining our conversation and for linking to A Nice Place In The Sun.
Anyway, for those of you who aren't familiar with Tuesday's Question, please note that I post all comments with a link back to the blog who left the comment. So remember, you're broadcasting live from A Nice Place In The Sun on the net! (I'm laughing aloud, as we say in internet lingo)
In any event, we're not the only ones reading Tuesday's Question, so now I hope you'll see how wonderful all of you and your comments are. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for sharing every Tuesday with me, because I truly don't know how I would survive without you.
O.K. I'll stop with the mushy stuff, and get down to the business of fun, because the sooner I stop writing this post, the sooner I can read your comments.
I can wait...
What Fictional Character Do You wish Would Come To Life?
Image of Charlotte's web obtained from Public Images
11/12/07
BeTheBlog!
BeTheBlog! I love the name of this award created by Mark of MeAndMyDrum, who said that the BeTheBlog phrase stuck in his head from a meme Tish from TheKatHouse sent him about what it means to be a successful blogger.
Actually to quote his words to BeTheBlog, "really sums up what a successful blogger does. And what I mean by successful is that they make it their own, stay with it, are interactive with their readers, and just plain have fun."
I apologize for another award acceptance post, but when your fellow bloggers recognize you for blog themes close to their heart, it doesn't seem right to put it off.
Especially, when you've been nominated by more than one blog for an exceptional award, an example of which is this one by a few fellow bloggers to me! I'm grateful to be nominated by the following outstanding blogs for a badge that awards bloggers for being most themselves, and having fun! What an honor, and I can't thank the following bloggers enough...
My best buddy and co-author on A Hint Of Poetry, Christy, from her blog Writers Reviews, along with the very sweet Shinade, from the The Painted Veil were among the first followed by;
Jos at NoDirectOn(not:NoDirection)
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Dawn at Twisted Sister
Thanks to all of you wonderful bloggers, this meant a whole lot to me. Here are the blogs I believe have the characteristics Mark wrote about;
Oh, first I almost forgot, Mark has three flavors of the award from which recipients can choose. They are Midnight Oil, Creamy Cabernet, and pink smoothie, and they're all really classy. Just stop by MeAndMyDrum and pick up the code to paste on your blog.
O.K. This time it's real, here are my nominees:
Christy at Christys Coffee Break
Sandee at ComedyPlus
Dawn at Twisted Sister
Jos at NoDirectOn(not:NoDirection)
Shinade at The Painted Veil
Jeane Michelle Culp at Binding Ink
Blog Elf
Patois at Whee! All The Way Home
Mel at Monday Morning Attiude
Misty at My Dogs Keep Me Sane
Santa at Santa's Certified Blogs
Eric at Speedcat Hollydale Page
Dan at dcr blogs
Jay at Jay'sWorld
Paula at Polliwog's Pond
Mels Award for Winning Attitudes
This is Mel at Monday Morning Powers new feel good award for the blogs who display winning attitudes on their blogs! And he was right when he said, "seems like a natural given what my site is all about."
Thank you Mel at Monday Morning Power for your up-lifting posts and kind attitude toward everyone within the blogging community, and thank you for thinking of me. You're an encouraging force within the blogging community everyday with your up- lifting posts and thoughtful contributions, for example, this new award. In addition, it's an honor to be one of the recipients at all, much less one of the first.
Thank you again for including me, and as Tina Turner would say you're, "Simply the best."
Here are Mels reasons for passing out this award:
" This award seems like a natural given what my site is all about. This award is based on positive thinking and is meant for those blogs who base their existence, in part or in whole, on Positive Winning Attitudes."
The following are the blogs I would like to nominate. If you're a recipient, please pick up the code for the award from Mel's Award post:
Christy at Christys Coffee Break
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Santa at Santa's Community Blog
Jay at Jays World
Patois at Whee All The Way Home
Misty at My Dogs Keep Me Sane
Jos at NoDirectOn(not:NoDirection)
David at Authorblog
Dawn at Twisted Sister
Dan at dcr blogs
Priscilla at Personal Development list
Marja at Dutchcorner
Shinade at The Painted Veil
Eric at Speedcat Hollydale Page
Aussie at Little Aussie Cynic
Walks Far Woman at Kissing The Dogwood
Bobby at Revellian
Christy at Totally Fabulous
Winston at EatYourMaths
Erin at Expecting Executive
Paula at Polliwog's Pond
And the man himself Mel at Monday Morning Power
As I was writing this post, I went to visit Sandee at Comedy Plus and read where she also nominated me for this honor. Thank you, Sandee, and here is the link to her post.
I hope I haven't left out anyone because I believe many bloggers possess the qualities Mel is referring to and work real hard at pleasing their readers everyday. In addition, if I know Mel he will find and award all of us.
11/11/07
The Colors Of Friendship Award
I would like to thank Misty from My Dogs Keep Me Sane for this sweet award honoring blogging friendships. Misty received the award from her friend Tammy with Mom Knows Everything although, I'm not sure who created it, so I can't pass the link. If you know the awards original creator please let me know and I will be happy to pass along the recognition. In addition, thank you again Misty for your friendship.
I'd like to pass this along to the following bloggers.
Christy at Writers Reviews
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Dawn at Twisted Sister
Marja at Dutchcorner
Meghna at Delve Into The Mind Of A Blogger
Bob at Bobbarama
Paula at Polliwog's Pond
Dan at dcr blogs
Eric at Speedcat Hollydale
Mel at MondayMorning Power
Santa at Santa's Community Blog
Judd at The Rising Blogger
Aussie at Little Aussie Cynic
Patois at Whee! All The Way Home
11/10/07
I love You More
"Mommy, just how much do you love me?" a little boy asked his mother in the beginning of I love you more, by Laura Duksta and Karen Keesler. That is, it's a line asked in one beginning, because there's two sides to every story, and two beginnings to this book. Therefore, that line is in one beginning, but if you flip the book over this line is in the beginning, "A mother turned to her son and asked, "So, just how much do you love me?"
This touching tale is told from mother and son's perspective, that is with both declaring their love for each other beginning on opposite sides of the book. Their stories end in the middle on a beautiful double page spread with an illustration of the globe. The globe has this passage around it- "I love you more than anything in the world."
The illustrations are bold and alive detailing the individual characters down to the birds and trees that Laura Duksta metaphorically uses to represent the characters devotion to each other. The sing song rhythm of the verse sets a warm and happy atmosphere, drawing the reader into this mother and child's warm reassuring routine. A routine that perhaps parents, grandparents and caregivers everywhere will emulate with their children. Illustrator Karen Keesler and author Laura Duksta work beautifully together blending text and illustration into a warm and inviting tale. A story that reminds us how important it is to love each other and how to tell each other we care in a positive way.
For example, it's one thing for a boy to say, "I love you Mommy" but when he also says, "I love you quieter than the quietest caterpillar ever seen." it's another. On the other hand, (or flip side) the same can be said for Momma. Because it's one thing for a momma to say "I love you son." but when she also says, "I love you prettier than the prettiest flower ever found." it's another.
This is a fantastic children's picture book with as much to teach grown-ups as children. A real find, a great read, and a must have for all parents, grandparents, caretakers, friends, ...
Because love comes with different stories told from different perspectives ending with each other in the same place...
My hats off to Laura Duksta and Karen Keesler and Sourcebooks for sending me a review copy to review for my readers. I loved it!
11/9/07
The Laughing Azaleas
Christy, from Christy's Coffee Break tagged me with her Freaky Friday meme in September, as embarrassing as that it is to admit. It took me this long to respond because I couldn't think of one weird or interesting thing that happened to me, until I found this old picture of my grandmothers Azalea bush. This is a story I've never told anyone.
This meme was written with the option to tag, but if you have a bizarre memory I would suggest you write about it. Because I may not have remembered this experience if I hadn't been wondering what to write for this meme, and I'm glad I remembered. In addition, it would be sad to see this meme die out just because no one can think of anything. So do some brain storming and try to think of a bizarre experience that happened to you, I think you'll be glad you did.
The Laughing Azaleas
My grandmother’s house rested behind a circular driveway made of gravel. I remember the gravel changing the color of my bicycle tires when I was a child... Those little white shells used for driveways do the same thing, except the tires change a white chalky color instead of rusty gravel. My grandmother Nana's house and yard were paradise and to me concrete evidence that heaven existed. The three-acre wonderland was everything a twelve-year-old child needed to find satisfaction in his/her surroundings. I spent as much time in Nana’s yard as possible, although I knew she would put me to work before the end of the day. However, the sheer pleasure of being in her fabulous yard was more than enough compensation for picking up sticks and raking leaves all afternoon. My siblings and I found pure joy in everything we did there. Whether we were playing games, climbing trees, or working, it was an environment perfumed with the intoxicating smells of magnolia blossoms and azalea bushes. In addition, within the branches of the trees lay the excitement of whatever new Louisiana wildlife creature we had recently decided to adopt. After all, everything has to eat and the yard belonged as much to the animals as the rest of us.
That is for animals, because I didn't feel the same way about insects, even if they are living things, and I wished they didn't populate bushes. Especially since Nana’s job for me meant rescuing the azalea bushes from the honey suckle vines suffocating grasp. Suffering from agoraphobia in the South was a nightmare within itself, so I was already ear marked as a sissy because of my paralyzing fear of insects, especially spiders, by the time I became a yard worker. I spent one weekend grounded after spending the night at Nana’s with a friend. My crime was letting out a blood-curdling scream one Saturday morning, after my friend woke me pointing to the most terrifying spider ever invented above my head!
My agoraphobia was beginning to cause problems for me, especially on my job at Nana's, due to the fear of running into my spider friend again. The problem progressed to the point where every time I worked in the yard, I let out blood curtailing screams imaging spiders falling on me, no doubt a flashback from that fateful morning.
Hence, by the time I heard voices in the bushes one day, my grandmother had grown accustomed to my blood curdling screams. The day in question is the day I heard laughing from within an azalea bush under attack. It was a bush closest to the road; in fact, the bush would've been directly on the road, if not for the ditch between the bushes and the yard. Just think of everything lined up in this order: the front yard, the bushes, other foliage, a ditch, then the road.
I was supposed to pull the honey suckle vines from the bushes then carry them to an old well we used to burn weeds and sticks. But I wanted to keep as much distance from the creatures as possible, so I'd grab a vine and run in the opposite direction until it broke away from the bush- I would repeat this action until the vine released it's grip on the bush and set it free. But, every time I repeated this procedure, I could see Nana becoming more aggravated with me for making a big mess of the rest of the yard. I prayed I would get finished before she finally lost patience with me and completely let go of her composure.
This was my routine: grab a vine, turn around, and run! Grab a vine, turn around, and run!
That is until the fateful day in question, when I heard what sounded like voices coming from the foliage on the other side of the bush. Actually, I heard a child’s laugh that was so real I thought it was a friend of mine watching me from the street. Excited about who came to visit, I walked inside the foliage, which resembled a little forest, only to find it empty, not a soul was there. I shouted my friend’s name: “Ellen?” Dead silence, one of those eerily dead silences, coupled with the shivery feelings of being alone in the dense foliage. What followed was the best blood curdling screams I've summoned to this day! I couldn’t stop screaming; I was so scared I couldn’t find my way out of the foliage and onto the other side of the bushes. I could see my grandmother running from the porch, shouting, “Be still, Ann. Be still! “
She told me later that she thought I had been bitten by a snake. She also led me to some old steps three or so feet from the sound of the laugh. The steps led to a house built before Nana’s which burned down some seventy-five to one-hundred years before.
Was it the imagination of an imaginative already-petrified child, maybe, or the laughter from one a hundred years before?
11/8/07
A Magnificient Noodle
I found this magnificent noodle while cooking dinner tonight. I wonder what this could mean. This royal noodle could mean that good or bad luck is on the way... I’ve decided its good luck because it resembles a horseshoe.
This week I found a moth above my doorway, and walked through a few cobwebs... both of which mean you will acquire money, and that would be good luck.
Yep, good things are on the way, that must be what this magnificent noodle is trying to tell me. Why else would I find such a magnificent noodle?
Any ideas?
Happy Birthday Christy!
Today is my closest sister/ friend confident, partner in crime, partner against crime, and all around blogging real life hero pal Christy from Christy's Coffee Break’s birthday. Whew! I’m not finished, I just had to catch my breath…
I'm honored to have such a kind, generous, big-hearted, funny, warm, and all round fabulous friend! Happy Birthday Christy!
There! Well, I’m still not finished, but I suppose I could never say enough good things about my friend Christy. Here are the links to Christy's Blogs . Please stop by and say Happy Birthday if you have the chance.
A Hint Of Poetry
11/7/07
DONA NOBIS PACEM
I'm a part of the Mimi Writes Peace Globe Project thanks to Paula from Polliwog's Pond. I've noticed these peace globes on other bloggers blogs, but I didn't know much about the project. Until Paula offered to make a peace globe for me, and make a peace globe she did, a beautiful peace globe. Thanks to Polli's generosity and friendship I have a peace globe for my blog with the inscription of my sunshine, and one of my favorite inspirational quotes.
I copied and pasted the quote The Pilgrim for you to read along with another favorite, by Peter Straub. I think that creating and maintaining friendship is a great way to make our own personal contributions to world peace- and Polli and Mimi are doing a fine job of showing us how.
Thank you Polli, I think the globe is great and I love the inspirational quote, Peace Pilgrim
"While we watch the storm clouds gather and prepare for the storm, let us never forget that the sun still shines behind those dark clouds and may somehow break through before the storm descends. I see sunshine in the real desire for peace in the hearts of humanity, even though the human family gropes toward peace blindly, not knowing the way. "
I've included another favorite by --Peter Straub--
"A real soul is something you make by walking through fire. By keeping on walking, and by remembering how it felt."
--- Peter Straub --
Peace out~
Ann
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