Seventy Times Seven

Suburbia has graced me with an award... and a meme. Probably best to do both at the same time.
Thank you Suburbia!

So. Sevens...

7 Things I plan to do before I die:

~Finish getting my pilots license (halfway now!)
~Speak Italian, French, Spanish and Japanese fluently
~Do photographic work in almost every country of the world
~Walk on the wall in China and ride the Orient Express
~Live in Europe for a while, then retire in Italy
~Perfect my tango
~Learn to play the violin


7 Things I do now:

~Photograph
~Travel
~Dance & Sing
~Explore & dream
~Paint
~Study
~Try new things, often


7 Things I can't do:

Can't is a 4 letter word that doesn't cross my lips.
I'll list 7 things I won't do.

~Discriminate
~Betray
~Invest directly in the stock market
~Lie, steal or cheat
~Use anyone; ever
~Give up when things are tough
~Live in the past


7 Things that attract me in the opposite sex:

~Thoughtfulness and kindness
~Passion
~Honesty, integrity and honor
~Humour and wit
~Intelligence
~Dedication
~Moral strength


7 Things I say most often:

~I love you
~Please and thank you
~Yay! Great! Fantastic! Beautiful! Wonderful!
~It's going to be alright
~Amen
~Good morning
~Hello and good-bye


7 Celebrities that I admire:

Let's just go with famous people, not necessarily celebs.

~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
~Sojourner Truth
~Princess Diana
~Leonardo da Vinci
~Mother Theresa
~King James I of Scotland
~Amelia Earhart


7 Favourite foods:

~Chocolate
~Pasta
~Fresh fruits & vegetables
~Bread
~Honey & peanut butter
~Mexalianesethai
~Good wine


7 Bloggers who need to do this:

Ok, here's the deal. If you do the meme, then you get the award. Let me know if you do it, because I'd love to come by and read all about you!

And, as I have been errant in delivering this one from Vanilla to it's rightful recipients:


We haven't met anyone in the blogosphere that we wouldn't consider to be a friend. If you come here to visit Viaggiatore and I, then please put this in your pocket when you leave, our gift to you, from our hearts.

All About Meme

It's been a while since I did a meme, so here we go (thanks Suburbia and BS5!)
I'm not tagging; if you want to do it, please go right ahead.


What are your initials? WS

What is your favorite thing to wear? A smile

Last thing you ate? Lobster ravioli. mmmm...

Name one thing that scares you: Every single day that Bush is still in office.

I say Shotgun, you say: (wicked grin) Better put your seat belt on...

Who was the last person in your bed? Me

What were you doing at 7:00am? Standing in a hot shower with my eyes still closed.

Last person you hugged? A dear friend who dropped by my office on his lunch, just to say hello. Hello JR! And God bless him, he actually reads my blog!

Does anyone you know want to date you? Yes.

When was your last encounter with the police? Chatted with a few of them in passing at a car show recently.

Have you ever driven without a license? Yes.

The last place you went out to dinner? Piatti's Italian Restaurant in Cherry Creek, YUM!!! Love that place.

Do you like your name? I like all of them.

What time of the day is it? Thismuch closer to closing the office.

Who/What made you angry today? I've not been angry today.

Do you want anyone? Of course! Who wouldn't? I want my family, I want my friends, I want a good president this time, I want a masseur for an hour, this list could get long.

Do you like birds? Some of them.

Favorite holiday? Okay... my UK buddies have written their favorite vacations in here, but in America this has a different connotation: My birthday and Christmas are right up at the top. Yes, my birthday is a holiday to me.

Do you download music? No

Do you care if your socks are dirty? Absolutely! Yuck! I usually wear exotic sandals so I don't have to worry about this.

Opinion of Chinese symbol tattoos? It's your body.

What are you doing tonight? An art walk with some friends. Several galleries, one street, probably a glass of wine in there somewhere and a Denver sunset on the Rocky Mountains.

Do you like to cuddle? Very much.

Do you love anyone? Of course! Who came up with this question? Can you imagine not loving one single person?

Whose bed did you sleep in last night? Mine

Have you ever bungee jumped? No way! I like living on the edge, but not when I'm tied to it.

Have you ever gone whitewater rafting? Yes! Did some of my best praying then!

Has anyone ten years older than you ever hit on you? Yes. I am plagued with what I have termed 'the dirty old man syndrome'... The oldest was in his 80's. Now, really... what's the point?

How many pets do you have? Just Viaggiatore; he travels well, and he's a fantastic muse, so it's perfect.

Have you met a real redneck? *wicked giggle* - OK, my darling sister, if you are reading this, skip to the next question.
Yes, my brother-in-law.

How is the weather right now? Gorgeous. 80 degrees and sunshine; Colorado is the most perfect place in the world for autumn.

What are you listening to right now? The work radio; which isn't on my favorite station but it's not bad.

What was the last movie you watched? The Emperor's New Groove. So funny.

Do you wear contacts? Sometimes.

Where was the last place you went besides your house? School! Mid-terms! Blegh!

What are you wearing? Jeans. My favorite perfume. A smile. Berry red lipstick. Dark red nail polish. A special ring that my parents brought me from Belize. A Japanese style cotton button up shirt. Dark eye liner and mascara. An ankle bracelet from Africa. Exotic suede sandals with gold fabric, gold beads and sparkly clear stones.

What's one thing you've learned this year? Patience... lots of it.

What do you usually order from Starbucks? I don't go often, I like small single owner shops, but if I find myself at a Starbucks then I usually like a Caramel Macchiato... with tons of caramel... really, it winds up being a dessert.

Ever had someone sing to you? Yes! It makes me blush and swoon with a big grin.

Have you ever fired a gun: Yes. As it turns out, it's not something I am good at.

Are you missing someone? Always. Go back up to that do you want anyone question.

Favorite TV show? I don't watch TV but I did like She-ra when I was a kid.

What do you have an obsession with? Just about everything... ocd will do that to you.

Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb? Yes, several people.

Who? I get Ashley Judd a *lot*, some Geena Davis and some Drew Barrymore. I had platinum blonde hair one year and all I heard then was Marilyn Monroe. Actually, I think Ashley looks like me.

Who would you like to see right now? The list is far too long to put here.

Ever had a near death experience? Yes, more than once. Not one word about my driving, for those who know me.

Are you afraid of falling in love? As long as it's true love, no.

Have you ever been caught doing something you weren't supposed to? Oh Absolutely! I joined that team when I was a teenager and have even been the captain a few times! Following the rules for your whole life is a blatant waste of good opportunity.

Has anyone you were really close to passed away recently? Thankfully, no.

Our Lady Peace or Nickelback? Neither, thanks.

What's something that really bugs you? I detest being interrupted.

Do you like Michael Jackson? Don't know him personally.

Taco Bell or Burger King? Neither, thank you.

Next time you will kiss someone? No telling.

Favorite baseball team? Rockies!

Ever call a 1-900 phone number? I'm not that kind of girl.

Nipple or Nose rings? Neither and no thank you.

What's the longest time you've gone without sleep? Two years. I gave my soul to a ballet company.

Last time you went bowling? It's been a while, but I enjoy it when I do go.

Where is the weirdest place you have slept? The theatre; only happened once. Just a *really* boring performance, but I'm still embarrassed as I consider that a monumental gaffe.

Who did you last speak with on the phone? A Jaded girl I know.

What does your last received text message say? "In 2009 the US government will start shipping retards away. I started to cry when I thought of you. Be strong, wear your helmet and run fast lil buddy!" My friends thrive on twisted humor.

What's the closest orange object to you? That little publish post button. Orange? Who thought of this question? Random!

Flickr Windows

Sognatrice has found a new game to play! Thank you!

This one involves Flickr.

Here's the idea:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.

b. Using only the first page, pick an image.

c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name.

After finding myself... ahem... this is what happened:
I rather like it!

Play along and let me know what yours is, I would love to see it!



1. CaíDo..., 2. Hot Chocolate, 3. blue moon over river, 4. burgundy-rose-gold-stripes4, 5. Gregory Peck, 6. hot tea, 7. Amalfi coast. Campania. Italy., 8. Chocolate Covered Strawberry, 9. photographing wildlife with a telephoto lens in bali, 10. hold your hand, 11. Moments, 12. Not all who wander are lost

Write about that!

What is the last thing you wrote?
~A comment on another blog

Was it any good?
~Of course it was, I always leave good comments

What’s the first thing you wrote and you still have?
~Really? Kindergarten work, I think. I still have the first journal that I ever wrote in, from the summer that I lost my grandmother, and when I reread it, it's like stepping back in time.

Write poetry? Yes!

Angst? Only when I was a teenager.

Favorite genre of writing? I love thinking on paper the best... start writing a thought and keep writing whatever crosses my mind, non~stop for as long as I can go at it. Very good exercise.

Most fun character you’ve ever created? Viaggiatore - paws down.

Most annoying character? Eh... I haven't created an annoying one, but my best villain is Vincent William Kilman. Nobody knows who he is yet, but he is wicked evil; couldn't believe someone like him came out of my head.

Best plot? The story that Vincent is in... it's a mystery/suspense/adventure/romance/comedy blend. Think "Jewel of the Nile" and "Romancing the Stone" ...gone techno and current, in Greece, Egypt and Vienna... intertwine past and present internal stories, throw in a missing princess, a 'chance' couple to fight the good fight and solve the mystery, a goofy sidekick for the hero, a supportive friend for the heroine, a wicked evil villain, memories of a tragic love story, a dangerous race against the clock and the bad guys and you just about got it.
...Good plot? Yes!

Write fan fiction? I have no idea.

Type or write? Both methods with both hands (although my left handed writing isn't quite as fast as my right handed writing). Which one? Depends on topic, moment and mood. Journals are written, thoughts are written, communication is mostly typed, but I do stop to write it by hand sometimes. It's nice to get something hand written in the mail.

Favorite thing you’ve written: Whatever touches other people's hearts, makes them smile and means something to them... or compels them to do right, whenever I can have an effect.

Do you show people your work? uh... yes... I blog. I also show good work to teachers, fellow students, friends and family. It's very important to look at it from a different perspective, whether I agree with that particular view or not. It opens my mind up more.

Did you ever write a novel? Two, actually.

Favorite setting for your characters? In my hands; not out of them.

How many writing projects are you working on? Ad Infinitus Continuum

Do you want to write for a living? Yes.

Why? To touch the hearts of humanity, to make a difference, to enlighten, to enjoy, to learn & grow, to laugh, to cry, to empower, to compel... to bring passion and peace, and to comfort.

Ever written anything in script or play form? Yes, once... a very long time ago. I'd forgotten till just now.

Five favorite words: ...A new day has begun... (note, these are not 5 single favorite words, they are 5 favorite words together, and together they mean possibility and opportunity for anything and everything... it means I've been gifted with one more day... what is better than that?)

Which character most resembles you? The lead in my second novel... Anna... she resembles me because she is me, and many, many other girls and women in the world.

Where do you get your ideas for other characters? If I knew that, I'd take up permanent residency there.

Ever write things based on your dreams? Yes! Mustn't forget those...

Do you favor happy endings, sad or cliff-hangers? Yes! Do you favor more than one kind of food for the body? I favor more than one kind of nourishment for the mind.

Ever written anything based on an artwork? Absolutely! As a writer, I am inspired by a great many things, not the least of which is the product of anothers inspiration.

Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write? Of course! I'm concerned with it when anyone writes, especially me! It's one of those pet peeves of mine... the fundamentals of the English language are going down the drain! While I'm not necessarily bothered by the people who speak incorrectly, the evidence of poor education producing poor language skills in their communication drives me right up the wall!

Ever write entirely in chatspeak? NO.

Entirely in L337? What?

Does music help? Good music helps everything, always.

Quote something you’ve written: please refer to any of the answers above.


Okay... I'm not tagging anyone, if you want to do this one, please feel free and do it, and then tell me so I can come read it!

4 x 4 Squared

Absolute Vanilla has tagged everyone with a meme of 4's. As I've not done a meme of 4's B4 (4give me, please), I am inclined to acquiesce.

Four jobs I've held: I'm going to do 4 jobs I want instead.

Pilot
Photojournalist
Artist/Musician/Singer
Teacher

Four movies I've watched over and over again:

To Kill a Mockingbird
A Walk in the Clouds
Auntie Mame
My Fair Lady

Four places I've been:

In warm, sunny places of serenity where I can feel my soul breathe and dance.
On rugged mountain peaks in frigid screaming wind; but I always make it to the other side.
In new, unfamiliar and strange places where I must be courageous and brave and learn my way.
In old and familiar places worn with time and life, that I touch with my fingertips and my memory, places that remind me where I've been and illuminate where I am and the road ahead.

Four places I've lived:

Do we not live everywhere we go?
My second post ever was on this very subject, and it's one of my best and most favorite posts... please take a moment to read it!

Four TV shows I watch: For the most part, I don't watch TV. Monumental waste of time. This is the best I can offer:

Pro football
College basketball (WOO HOO March Madness!)
Superbowl
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Truly; I think that's it. For the year.

Four radio shows I listen to:
I wake up to KLOVE (a Christian station), and after that I channel surf all day.
It's very nice to wake up to a positive message in the morning. Helps set the mood for the day.

Four things I look forward to:

Each new day
Time with family and friends
New or favorite experiences
Fridays!

Four favourite foods: Mexalianesethai!! oh...

Chocolate
Pasta
Warm Bread
Fresh fruit and Veggies

Four places I'd rather be:

With friends and family
Flying
Sailing
On my first assignment for National Geographic

Four people I e-mail regularly:

Family
Friends
Co-workers
Business associates

I'm not going to tag 4 people; if you'd like to do this meme, then please feel free to play along!

Retrospect and Introspect

Happy New Year!!!

Sognatrice inspired me with a 'look at last year' meme... it is important to look back in order to gain a good perspective of the untraveled road ahead. We must remember the ground we've covered, and learn from our experiences.


1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? Many things, some of which are: Started this blog, did ALL homemade Christmas presents (will not do that again any year soon), started a second novel, been the photographer in a photo shoot, bought furniture from out of state and then left it in the state I bought it in, got up VERY early to drive to the mountains to take photos of the sunrise on the Rockies (cold... so cold...), marched in the Martin Luther King Marade in Denver (YAY!!!!!), gone to a movie at the Mayan... and much, much more.


2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't make resolutions at the new year - but I do look forward to accomplishing goals that have already been set.


3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes! My brother and his wife welcomed their third son. Yay!


4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, Colton Brice. Rest in peace, sweet boy.


5. What countries did you visit? None outside of the US in 2007.


6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? Time... balance... more focus, more determination.


7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? As many as possible, I hope, to remember the wonderful times with fondness and the hard ones with solemnity and wisdom.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? There was no single biggest achievement; I think so many little things that we accomplish build us up, improve us individually and improve our lives and the world around us, that singling one thing out would diminish the positiveness of the little things.


9. What was your biggest failure? I fell below my own standards and failed myself when I allowed my temper to get the better of me with someone who is an unpleasant constant in my life, instead of taking the high road and being patient, tolerant and peaceful. The extremely negative ensuing results lasted three months before they were resolved.


10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes, internally and externally, some of the worst I've known, but I recovered and am much stronger for it.


11. What was the best thing you bought? Time


12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Every one of my good friends


13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My... how apropos. Those few who I believed I knew well, and who proved to me that I did not.


14. Where did most of your money go? As soon as I figure that out, I'm plugging that leak.


15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? I get excited about many things, I don't know that there was one thing that rose above the rest. Family, friends, holidays, trips, events, there are so many things to enjoy!


16. What song will always remind you of 2007? One song? One?!? Right.


17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer? Happier with myself, sadder from the loss of friends, thinner in trouble, fatter/broader in mind, richer for the love of family and friends, poorer in short sightedness.


18. What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I'd been kinder, wiser, more patient, more balanced and more productive. I also wish I'd read, painted, written, traveled and danced more.


19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Leaving things unfinished.


20. How did you spend Christmas? With family and friends; enjoying all of it. This was one of my best holidays ever.


21. Did you fall in love in 2007? Of course! Every time I see the beautiful state I live in, every time a child gives me a hug or a kiss, every time I read a great book or watch a wonderful movie - in particular, Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird... and Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind.


22. What was your favorite TV program? I don't watch TV. Only movies, and yes... they are different.


23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? It is a cardinal rule of mine not to hate. No good comes of it, which consequently makes it a monumental waste.


24. What was the best book you read? Too many good ones to choose just one. Although, I love 1000 Days in Tuscany, enough that I carry it with me often, and I also love "How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci".


25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Again... there were several worthwhile discoveries, but I very much like Mozella.


26. What did you want and get? I wanted to spend wonderfully memorable holidays with my family and friends ~ And I did! I wanted good grades, and got them as well. I wanted Katy's cheesecake on my birthday and got it. Actually, this could wind up being a long list, I usually get what I want, if it's not outrageous or unrealistic.


27. What did you want and not get? World Peace, healing in Darfur, Benazir Bhutto to be Prime Minister of Pakistan again, ....a vacation...


28. What was your favorite film of this year? Once, which I enjoyed watching at an obscure little theatre with a very dear friend who treated me to it for my birthday.


29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was at work all day and school all night, but I did get to have a pre-birthday party with dear friends - it's impolite to ask a lady her age. Hush.


30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Traveling to places I actually want to go to.


31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? an improved work in progress.


32. What kept you sane? Who said I was sane?


33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? The same one I always admire the most: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., time does not diminish it.


34. What political issue stirred you the most? Darfur, and Benazir Bhutto.


35. Who did you miss? Everyone I love who isn't near me.


36. Who was the best new person you met? Storm


37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007. There are SO many to chose from, several lessons were refreshed, but I think it would be something in between "That which does not kill you makes you stronger" and "I am stronger than I ever knew".


38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. The Beatles... "Here Comes the Sun"

These are 12 of My Favorite Things

A Christmas Meme!

I am originating it, it is my gift to all of those who have gifted me with so many fun memes all year.

Thank you.

Please share 12 of your favorite Christmas things: they can be memories, traditions, songs, presents, beliefs, whatever it is about this season that you love.
Send it to 12 people, and be sure to link to them so that everyone can enjoy the many variations!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

1. The reason for the season ~ the birth of Jesus! I love the story of the Nativity.

2. All the kindness, compassion, love, good cheer, and magic that is tangible among people during this season. I wish it lasted every day of the year.

3. Drawing nearer to and spending time with family & friends, that closeness is precious.

4. I *LOVE* Christmas decorations, movies (don't you just love Charlie Brown and Rudolph?) and definitely the music; singing and playing it everywhere!

5. There must be snow at Christmas. Snow angels, snow people, snowballs, sledding, ice skating...

6. I love the way Christmas smells ~ pine, cider, baked delights (cookies, pies, ham), cinnamon, clove oranges, cranberry...

7. Driving around looking at Christmas lights, going to Zoolights at the zoo and Blossoms of Lights at the Botanic Gardens with loved ones, drinking cocoa, singing Christmas songs and playing in the snow! I also love watching the lights on the tree; used to fall asleep under it when I was a very small Scarlett. Oh wait! I still do that!

8. The candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve - the best part of which, is singing Silent Night by candlelight, and everyone gets their own candle (which adds an immeasurable element of danger to the soft and tranquil solemnities...) I always shed a few tears at this service.

9. The wide eyed wonder of children during the whole month; especially when they get to tell Santa what they want for Christmas... (You'll shoot your eye out kid!)

10. Dressing up in our best to go out for a special evening of dinner, a carriage ride and then to see a professional ballet company perform The Nutcracker Suite; something we never miss and always enjoy!

11. The solemn beauty and blissful thrill of Christmas Eve, there is no other night of the year that is filled with more magic, possibility, love or excitement for me than this one night.

12. The bright, welcoming, wide open opportunity of Christmas morning/day - for me it is the culmination of all the wonders of the month preceding it, and it is a spiritual renewal... for Christ our Saviour has been born... rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel.

Christmas Tags:

1. Absolute Vanilla ~ who constantly remembers me on her tag list...

2. Sognatrice at Bleeding Espresso ~ for whom a candle is lit, and with whom I am very pleased to share my tree (see above)

3. Seamus the Shameless Lion Tamer ~ I can't wait to hear his Christmas thoughts!

4. Jon at Writing in a Vacuum ~ Christmas in England...

5. Christina at Single City Chick ~ I know there will be good stories here!

6. Rebecca at Cre8Tiva ~ A very lovely and creative Christmas...

7. Caroline Smailes ~ How does such a creative and busy woman handle the holiday?

8. Heart in SF at Guilty With an Explanation ~ A blend of Christmas and Hanukkah?

9. Dee at the Mundane and the Profound ~ She'll cook up quite a masterpiece, I am sure!

10. Jules at Thinking About ~ This will be a thoughtful and humorous ride...

11. Some Pink Flowers ~ Ahhhh... Christmas in Florida!

12. Jeni at Passionate Palate ~ Presto! A sweet and rich offering we'll all enjoy

If anyone else would like to play along, please join in! Just let me know and I will add a link to your page so that everyone can come by for a visit!

Don't forget the mistletoe!

XOXO

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

7's all around... Randomly

Absolute Vanilla tagged me with another meme... Christmas is coming, dear Vanilla, what on earth will you get in your stocking?

Random Meme Rules
1. Link to the person’s blog who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Don't drink anything over the keyboard while reading this meme on other pages.
4. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
5. Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
6. Stretch.
7. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog.

Seven random Scarlett-isms. Hmmm.

2. I often wonder why and how and what
7. I always try to forgive
9. I love the number nine ~ I even cried when I turned 10
27. I am ambidextrous
0. I drink my Earl Grey tea with cream
-16. I know how to check and change the oil in my car, and change a flat tire
81. I cherish all of my good friends

And now to cherish some friends enough to share this random meme.
See number 7, cherished friends, and forgive unto me as I would forgive unto you.

7. The FIRST one goes to an old friend of mine with a new blog... everyone please go say hello to Robin at The Road Less Traveled (in which she used a couple of photos I took to make her point!) she's brand new, very funny and really smart. Heart of Gold. You may remember her as the teacher with the $40 annual budget in my rant "For Love Not Money".

3. Irrelephant, who I believe will be able to conjure up quite a random list. I'm sure there will be at least one train mention, which is good, we like trains.

5. Christina at Single City Chick will undoubtedly come up with a rousing list!

1. Chesca at Exskindiver, who will surely create one to surprise me and make me laugh!

2. Jon at Writing in a Vacuum - he will be able to go from 5 things what are good to 7 that are random!

4. Pearl at Humanyms - and a very interesting list this will be!

6. Sarala at Blogaway - I'll probably get to see a really great picture with her list!


Thanks all... have fun!

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

Tricks and Treats

Absolute Vanilla gifted me with a treat! A very sweet award which came hand in hand with a meme... is that the trick part? Ha, ha, ha....

Thank you Vanilla!

* 1. After your intro, copy/paste this line and the rules below it: The originator - one Damien Riley - wants to see how far it goes so please keep his link intact: http://rileycentral.net/

* 2. Encourage people to post with the incentive of a link by including those who have passed it along here: Audrey, Celtic Angel, JM, Romance Writer, Deep Thinker, Absolute Vanilla.

* 3. Visit at least 3 on the list who’ve written and passed this meme. Leave them a comment. Then you are supposed to, “pick three things that enrapture, consume, fascinate, or otherwise enliven you more than blogging. Next, write a few lines about each to explain what the nonblog activity does for you, why and how.”

Thing One~ Life Isn't life something else? The tides of our own time that pull and push us, that tear and soothe us, that carry us ever onward until they carry us away... washing the past away like sand from the shore while it refreshes us anew every day. I passionately love all of the nuances of life... all of the wonderful joys, glorious love, fiery anger, bubbling laughter, echoing solitude, cocooned comfort in the arms of someone trusted, searing pain, enlightening learning every day, humbling forgiveness, overwhelming excitement, and even all the deep sorrows... how could we know just how good the good is without measuring the depth of the bad? And don't the lows make the highs SO precious... when we know just what they are worth? Every minute of our lives is something new to be savored and experienced to it's fullest, to be given it's ultimate possibility, whether simple or great, and each minute passes silently through us and we are changed, again and again.

Thing Two~ Family and Friends I never want to know what life would be like without them. These are part of the foundation of my existence.

Thing Three~ The "Using my only wish to wish for more wishes" trick: Chocolate, tea, prayer and meditation, sleeping in, holding hands, good books, equality, corvettes, good music, good hugs, airplanes, cameras, kindness, good weather outside, being inside when there is bad weather, performing arts, thick warm blankets and soft pillows, flowers, ferris wheels, sunrises and sunsets, forgiveness, the ocean, some art, planetariums and all the things we can see when we look through a telescope, dancing, surprises, red nail polish, bubbles, holidays, seasons, leaving footsteps in new places, libraries, letters/cards and packages in the real mail, teaching someone something that will be of value to them.

I'll get back to you on who I am tagging. To satisfy my Libra character, I want to look over past memes and new friends and find those who haven't been tagged yet.

To be continued....

By the Book

Absolute Vanilla tagged me with another meme. I almost got away, but she's a quick one!

1. Total number of books owned - Several in every room of my home, and it's never going to end... kind of like my Christmas decorations... hee hee...

2. Last book bought - HAH! A few hundred dollars worth of textbooks that I've yet to crack. Still getting A's though. Luckily they can be sold back, pity though at only a fraction of the price I paid, but I always buy used books when I can. God bless http://www.half.com/

3. Last book read - Well, I multi-task/read; usually reading 3 or 4 at once. I've just finished all the HP books while reading 1000 days in Tuscany (I'm savoring this one, enjoying a bit of it at a time), and 'What a Girl Wants' (my sisters recommendation).

4. Five books which mean a lot to you -
~Do I get to use the Bible on this one? Yes, yes I do. It always stays on my nightstand along with...
~A treasury of Kahlil Gibran's works which was gifted to me by my Shannstress; these two are fundamental.

Also on the list are:

~To Kill a Mockingbird
~Rudyard Kiplings 'Just So Stories'
~Anne of Green Gables.

I think it's interesting that the lists of 'books which mean a lot' to some of the bloggers who've done this meme are oftentimes books from childhood. Books that helped shape our minds and hearts. Isn't that something? We hold fast to our cores.

I highly recommend Gibran for perspective, if you haven't had the pleasure already, and Just So Stories for smiles and wonder.

Ok then, to the tagging. Barbara @ Barbara's Bleeuugh, Roberta @ Turn the Page, Christina @ Single City Chick, Pearl @ Humanyms, and Jeni @ The Passionate Palate.
Have fun ladies!

Cinco Grande -or- The Big Five

Bonnie (a very good writer) at Words from a Wordsmith, has tagged me with a writing exercise.

Thanks! Love to play along.
The idea is to come up with 5 strengths that I have as a writer.

1. I love wordplay... changing a word or the spelling of a word to effect a different meaning; challenging my mind, and I have a few friends that play the word game with me; it's lots of fun. One of my favorite blogging word game moments was with Jon from Writing in a Vacuum, he regaled his readers with the story of a farm-dwelling student of his, the boy said he'd delivered a calf over the weekend; Jon teased him and asked 'how did you get it through the letter box?' and I couldn't resist answering, 'but of course, he folded it in calf!'
Having practiced writing this way, quite frequently, has made me better at it. I can hold my own, most of the time now.


2. Metaphors... I find these most useful when I am trying to express a particular idea, opinion or belief (mine of course) in a way that will persuade the listener/reader. I love seeing metaphors in art, in life, in words, in everything. We are all connected to everyone and everything else in a visceral way, and communicating that brings me great satisfaction. I am reminded of the cycles that Vanilla and Chief Biscuit recently discussed in regards to the turn of the seasons; while they enjoy the coming of spring and I am relishing the new days of autumn... we are all dancing the waltz of time and season and yin and yang, we are partnered with our opposites and we rely on the balance that it brings us in every moment of every day, in step with time that has passed and time that will come, and in our fractions of cycle we are made whole by each other, by balance, and the circle is complete.


3. Style... The signature of the writer. How do they write... how do they begin, draw you in, and let you go, hopefully bettered by your indulgence in their words; perhaps by knowledge, encouragement or reinforcing the conviction of your own thoughts. Good style is paramount to successful writing, and it develops and changes over time; as the writer grows and changes, so too does the way the ink falls on the page. I write with determination, depth and purpose... unless I'm word playing. I want my words to mean something to the people that read them; I cannot draw up that which is within me, craft it into the written word, and offer it up without knowing that there is some value to be gotten from it for the eyes, mind, heart and soul of those who would take time to read it.


4. Devotion... I am wholly devoted to writing. I always have been, since I learned how to put words together. I called a publishing company when I was 12 years old and asked their editorial department if they published books written by 13 year old people (I thought it might go better if I sounded older). The woman who answered the phone was annoyed and short with me, but it did not deter me. They said no, by the way. I still don't leave home without pen and paper, and a camera- these days. I learned a long time ago that the written word can change things, change minds, change life. I consider it a responsibility by virtue of morality, to write well, to write honestly, and to write so that others may learn and glean benefit from it. I saw this recently when I shared my essay 'Losing the Vision' with some teenage girls. They were changed by it, they learned some important lessons in it. In the discussion following the reading of the work, they expressed surprise and opinions, and their personalities and minds developed more. The frosting on the cake was that there were others within ear shot who were not part of the discussion but who joined in because they couldn't walk away from it. That is making a difference. That is success, and it is the harvest of devotion.


5. Constructive Criticism... The single best way to grow as a writer is to allow others with knowledge and experience to prune your words. To help shape your style. To teach you. To show you what you could not see. I really like getting constructive criticism. It comes from so many different people and situations, but as long as it's encouraging and helpful, it is always welcome, and always invaluable. Editing is a tough job, it takes the right eyes and mind, to see what is good and what could be better, and then to return a work to an author after having sliced through it with the red inked saber quill... that takes someone special. It only works when the other half of the deal... the recipient, is willing to take the edited work and grow with it. Accept the changes and continue forward. It is always fascinating to me to see my work refined by other minds. To step into their shoes and look at my work through their eyes. It changes everything so much. I have been most lucky and blessed to have happened upon a very talented and kind editor in this funny old blogosphere, and it has been my deep pleasure to have worked with her -just a little so far, more to come later- as writer and editor. Minx from The Inner Minx, has taken to editing different works for others in our group and lucky for us all, she's very good at it. Thanks, Minx, for great editing. It is that sun and rain which helps us grow strong and magnificent.


Now I get to tag 5 others.
OK... 5 of my favorite writers - and please remember, there are several writers that I quite enjoy here, but I had my hand slapped for bending rules before, so it shall only be 5 this time.

1. Minx
2. Jon
3. Sognatrice
4. Verilion
5. Cleopantha


Have fun, can't wait to read it all.

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

My theme song - Born to be WILD!

Ally at Crazy dust in my coffee has a new game up:

I'm Born to be wild! Who knew? ...anyone who knows me!

Thanks Ally!

Your Theme Song is Born to Be Wild

by Steppenwolf

"I like smoke and lightning Heavy metal thunder Racin' with the wind And the feelin' that I'm under" A total independent spirit, you can't be held down or fenced in. You crave the feeling of wind on your face... and total freedom.

What's Your Theme Song?

Viaggiatore's Song:

Your Theme Song is Beautiful Day by U2

"Sky falls, you feel like It's a beautiful day Don't let it get away" You see the beauty in life, especially in ordinary everyday moments.And if you're feeling down, even that seems a little beautiful too.

What's Your Theme Song?

Let me tell you a thing or two! ~ The Moaning Meme

I have been tagged with this most unusual meme by Ally at Crazy dust in my coffee, thanks Ally... a legal and lawful chance to gripe!

I have tagged 5 people who I have not tagged for anything in the past. Enjoy!

5 people who will be annoyed you tagged them.

• Pawlie Kokonuts at The Laughorist
• Cupcake Man at Freedom is a cupcake
• Wilf at Wilfs World
• Cleo at Confessions of Cleopantha
• Caribbean Queen at NYC/Caribbean Ragazza

and, on the off chance that one of these fine folk do not play along, I am using my mulligan on a back up tag:

• Kelly at MyUtopia

4 things that should go into room 101 and be removed from the face of the earth.
• Prejudice - we are humanity, get over yourself already
• Hatred - just imagine
• Disease - all of them
• Hunger - the world over

3 things people do that make you want to shake them violently.
• Interrupting - again with the manners!
• Lying - I detest liars
• Child abusers - straight to hell for you!

2 things you find yourself moaning about.
• Spending twenty years of my life being on HOLD. I can't stand being put on ignore. GRR.
• Gas prices - You want HOW MUCH for a lousy gallon of gas?!!

1 thing the above answers tell you about yourself.
• Hmm. I'm plagued with pie in the sky ideals and pipe dreams?

RULES
• Link to the original meme at freelancecynic.com so people know what it's all about!
• Be as honest as possible. This is about letting people get to know the real you!
• Try not to insult anyone - unless they really deserve it or are very, very ugly!
• Post these rules at the end of every meme!

Eight is enough!

Rob at Image & Verse tagged me with a meme of eights.

To begin with:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eight things about Scarlett

1. I am very ticklish

2. I found out that I can cross my eyes and they don't stay that way

3. I sing the National Anthem in the shower a lot... of course at the top of my lungs. The neighbors are very appreciative.



4. I taught my 3 year old nephew the song 'Do Re Mi' from "The Sound of Music" and he could only remember the first three notes... he sang it continually and repetitively after I taught it to him... 'do re mi, do re mi, do re mi'... my brother hates that movie. Heh Heh... We're learning '76 Trombones' from "The Music Man" next.

5. As a practical joke, I bought two round Styrofoam cylinders from a hobby store one year and frosted them with wonderful cake frosting, decorated it beautifully and presented it with candles lit to one of my best friends as her birthday cake at a small party with close friends. She knows I'm a lousy cook, so when she tried to cut into it and the knife got stuck she smiled politely. When she tried to pull the knife out, the whole 'cake' came off the plate...stuck to the knife. SO funny. Of course I had a real cake to give her when the shenanigans and giggles were done.

6. I call my sister in Arkansas every time I am at a concert that we would love to go to together, so that she can listen to it with me, on the phone. She's heard Prince, Paul McCartney, Elton John and some other very good shows. It's not quite the same, but it's nice to have my best friend there in a little way.

7. I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, and I insist that all the little ones in the whole family humor me and go along with it... the parents give socks and underwear, these three give the good stuff... you stop believing, you stop getting the good stuff and all you get are socks and underwear. The bigger kids in the family have taken the little ones aside and explained my holiday philosophies to them, so they know ahead of time. Still arguing this point with a couple of stubborn nieces who will remain nameless at this time.

8. I have more Christmas stuff than any semi-normal person should, and it multiplies every year. One of my best friends walked in one year and her jaw hit the floor... 'it looks like Christmas threw up in your house!' she exclaimed... somehow this appealing analogy stuck... and now every year, everyone who knows me well always asks... 'did Christmas throw up in your house again?'... lovely hmm?


Friends that I know will have good lists:

1. Hearts in SF @ Guilty with an explanation
2. Ally @ Crazy dust in my coffee
3. LM Noonan @ The Failed Painter
4. Dewey @ From the hidden side of a leaf
5. Jules @ Thinking about...
6. Jon @ Writing in a vacuum
7. Chesca @ ExSkinDiver
8. Minx @ The Inner Minx


Have fun all!

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

Soundtrack of my life

If you could put your life to music... what songs would define you and your life? The Single City Chick posted a blog that inspired me to ask this question, and find out the answers!!
Leave a comment with your list, or a link to your blog with your list... what are your songs?

Here are Scarlett's...

1. Beethoven's 5th symphony (I. Allegro con brio) - I am born... it is a sketchy beginning but I make it and become very strong

2. Disney's Cinderella, A dream is a wish your heart makes - I am one of those little girls who stares into the sky with my chin in my hands and a daydream on my mind... oh wait. I still do that.

3. Patsy Cline, Sweet Dreams - ahhh the angst of adolescence and young love/crushes

4. Great White, The Angel Song - I long to escape my teen years

5. Peter Cetera, The Glory of Love - I believe myself to be rescued by the prince of my romantic dreams

6. Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake & the Nutcracker - My romantic ideals take definite shape

6.5 John Lennon, Imagine - My political ideals also take shape

7. Tina Turner, Better be good to me - Reality sets in, my prince is a frog

7.5 Tchaikovsky, 1812 Overture - I win some battles & lose some battles

8. R. Kelly, I believe I can fly - I find my own strength and my life takes wings

8.5 Gene Kelly, Singing in the rain - I learn that I love raindrops and lemonade, but you can't have them without storms and lemons

9. Temptations, My girl - there is no blessing like all the many little girls in my life

10. Louis Armstrong, What a wonderful world & La Vie en Rose - aside from occasional thorns, my life is idyllic because I choose to make it/see it that way


There you are, top 10 and then some... I left out a lot, but where's the room for all of it?
If I did it again, I'd choose different songs for different reasons.

And you? What does the soundtrack of your life look like? Post it here in comments! I would love to see.

Scarlett

The answers to everything I need... according to Google

Our wonderful Sognatrice is up to fun and games again! YAY! She has begun the Top Ten Needs game.

Top Ten Needs

It goes like this: you type your name and the word 'needs' in quotes in the search engine and hit the button. Let's see what "Scarlett needs"...


1. Scarlett needs a clone to cope with a heavy workload

(AMEN... something I've been saying for several years now. Particularly in school, or when I have multi-tasked myself into an ocean floor canyon).

2. Scarlett needs to get a computer...

(I got one, I'm all set now. I'm totally addicted to it, and have seen so much less light of day than I used to... should possibly rethink quality time without Internet).

3. Scarlett needs both French and Spanish translation for the following two phrases:
-spot clean only
-up to four washes
(yah. well... I am not good at spot cleaning in English. One of my dearest friends gave me a travel size pack of 'shout' stain remover wipes along with my Christmas gift... perhaps the translation will help?)

4. Scarlett needs to change things up

(I do. Actually, in the middle of REALLY changing things up just now... I'm restless like that. Things get shaken up once or twice a year. I used to move furniture to appease the beast of boredom, now it's evolved to changing homes and jobs... more on that later).

5. Scarlett needs a way to get it.

(Necessity is the mother of invention, and I am a very resourceful person. Other than that, I'm not touching this statement with a ten foot pole.)

6. Scarlett needs to concentrate on her hair style a little more than showing off all of her cleavage

(OUCH! Those who know me in person... not a word! I just chopped my red hair into a feathery layered 'bob' kind of style... it came out ok!)

7. Scarlett needs your support

(well of course, where would any of us be without support? as an aside... wondered if this had anything to do with the comment regarding physical attributes in #6. Hmmm.)

8. Scarlett needs to learn to accept things as they are

(WHAT?! NEVER!!! If things as they are were acceptable, we'd never learn or grow, or better ourselves. I am certainly in far better places in many areas of my life because I would NOT accept things as they were. HA! Back off Jacko!! Never happens! Oscar Wilde said that "Complacency is the last refuge of the unimaginative" ......and may I add, the lazy souls who never make a difference and who are never remembered!

9. Scarlett needs to accessorize that outfit with a rotating platform and a '96 Taurus

(um... yah. I'll keep my Camry thanks. I am all in for the the rotating platform though! WOO HOO!)

10. Scarlett needs an older man

(Been around too many of those. They're HIGHLY over rated. Fun... kind of, and they can keep their end of the conversation up better than most younger guys whose concentration and eyes are usually focused below chin level on the girl they're with instead of the topic of discussion. Older men have too much history, and too many secrets. They're more respectful for the most part. But even so... this Scarlett will never need a man for any reason other than to lift heavy things, and men can be hired to do that.)

101 Things about Scarlett

1. Every single morning has the possibility to be the greatest day of your life, if you make it that way.

2. New friends are wonderful possibilities

3. Karma is a good thing, and it has different names for different people, but the concept of getting what you give is universal

4. I've raised my standards in every area of my life. Growth will do that to you.

5. I love sharing good things, no matter what they are

6. I love good poetry

7. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is my hero

8. I love nature just a little bit more than I love a big city. Denver is perfect for me that way.

9. Love, honesty, compassion, grace, forgiveness, kindness, thoughtfulness, and good morals are imperative. They are also disappearing from the fabric of our society.

10. I LOVE kids and older folks. We can learn so much from them. It's that pesky stage in the middle when we think we know it all that turns out to be useless.

11. I love candles... they are all over my home. Consequently, it smells like I can really bake

12. I love driving with the car window open on a warm day with the wind in my hair and a good song on the radio that I can sing to. It's better if there is ice cream or lemonade in the cup holder.

13. I love laying on my back at night and looking at the heavens

14. I love it even more now that I've learned what the stars and planets are made of, how and why they move, how far away they are and how big they are

15. I love eating out

16. I am an A student - and it is not easy

17. I am not good at math

18. I am not mechanically minded

19. Super glue does not work on pumpkins when one has overestimated the carve

20. Necessity IS the mother of invention

21. I wish more of the youth today had a passion for the classic works that came before them, in print, film, invention and aspirations.

22. I like unusual things

23. I do not like insects, bugs or spiders. Any of these will get me standing on a chair in seconds

24. It is important to remember where we came from so that we can figure out where we are going

25. I don't like politics; I think politicians are all about money and not about people

26. I started praying for other bad drivers in traffic instead of cussing them out

27. I thought that I was 5' 7" until a few years ago when I argued with my Dr. and she proved to me that I am indeed 5' 5" and a half.

28. Family and friends tease me about my insecurities about my age

29. I lie about my age constantly and I am OK with that. No one else is.

30. I take time to smell flowers, watch sunsets, and smile at strangers

31. I love water. I only like sand if it's near water.

32. I am a night owl

33. I do my best, most of the time

34. I expect everyone else to do and give their best. I am frequently disappointed when they do not.

35. I admit it when I am wrong

36. I am very stubborn and usually a little late for everything

37. I love the ocean, and the mountains

38. I ice skate and roller skate

39. I build snowmen and make snowangels

40. I think family is one of our greatest blessings

41. I keep in contact with most of my family; even distant members

42. Holidays and birthdays are very important to me

43. I like parades and festivals

44. I paint my toe nails red, but I don't paint my fingernails at all

45. I have a large movie and music library

46. Unless it's an excellent film, I wait till it comes out on video

47. I always buy lemonade from any kid selling it

48. I love history and different cultures

49. I like many kinds of music and art

50. I want to fly an F-16 REALLY badly

51. I read 3-4 books at a time. Not intentionally, it just works out that way

52. I talk to the Lord every day

53. I love many different kinds of food

54. I do not drink alcohol, smoke or do any drugs

55. I take candle light- rose petal- bubble baths with tons of candles, good music and something to drink

56. I am an explorer, every chance I get

57. I love boats and sailing

58. I am a very aggressive driver. A friend once said that I am the only woman she knows who drives like a man.

59. I started writing a novel 13 years ago that I've not yet finished. One chapter to go.

60. I love concerts, plays, theatre, and Broadway

61. Burgundy is my favorite color... all the rest are second favs

62. I try to multi-task as often as possible

63. I am very capricious

64. I don't watch TV but I love movies

65. I love scuba diving but I will NOT dive in the open sea (no land around)

66. I love flying but I will NOT dive out of a plane

67. In my purse I keep a list of 25 things I want to do before I die

68. Half of the list is crossed off. I need to make a longer list.

69. I don't speak any foreign languages yet, but I am studying Spanish, Italian, French and Japanese

70. I don't like shopping

71. I love to paint and draw

72. I am a terrible cook... most of the time, but I am slowly getting better and my friends and family are good sports about letting me try food experiments out on them

73. I always read my fortune, but rarely eat the cookie (see the bottom of the main blog page for good info on fortune cookies)

74. I always pick up abandoned pennies on the ground - for luck

75. I wish on everything all the time... just in case...

76. I am a bona fide rainbow chaser... really!

77. I love to blow bubbles with the little plastic wand that comes in the bubble bottle

78. I love to play in bubbles that random people put in fountains

79. I am the local president of the Bubble Bandit Brigade

80. The Bubble Bandit Brigade has more chapters INTERNATIONALLY than I was aware of

81. I travel a LOT, but not always to places I want to be

82. I love to drive

83. I am rarely without a camera nearby... the bonus is when the camera actually has good batteries in it...

84. I want to work for National Geographic as a photojournalist someday

85. I am halfway through my private pilots license

86. I love to read and write

87. I am a red headed fireball guided by the grace and wisdom of God

88. Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate are staples of my life

89. Ice cream is also a staple of my life

90. I love ballet

91. I ballroom dance

92. I like reading dictionaries, encyclopedias and maps in addition to novels and just about anything else in print.

93. I am an oenophile - I LOVE to study wine

94. I am an amateur astronomer

95. I used to teach Sunday school, and I was the superintendent for a while. I love teaching.

96. My life is a study in irony... I always say that irony is the spice of my life.

97. I sing everywhere all the time, but mostly in the car and the shower

98. I love each season, but Fall is my favorite

99. I used to sing jazz and blues in some local clubs. I miss that.

100. My life has had some rough spots... they made me stronger.

101. I LOVE my life