Today's Bloganuary prompt is challenging for me, as I can't exactly say that I have "conquered" any fear, but I have definitely tamed a few. Some fears are hungry bugbears that need habitual discipline to keep them at bay. I am writing to you from my vacation digs in Hanoi, Vietnam, where I arrived solo… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What fear have you conquered?” + Happy New Year in Hanoi
Bloganuary: “What is your preferred mode of travel?” + 2016 Travel Memory: Cambodia
This WordPress question is really timely, since I am gearing up for a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam in about 48 hours. Unfortunately, I have had a splitting migraine since yesterday, and I am just this morning out of the fog enough to answer this one (and get back to packing). The short answer to this… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What is your preferred mode of travel?” + 2016 Travel Memory: Cambodia
Bloganuary: “If you had a billion U.S. dollars, how would you spend it?”
Today's WP Bloganuary question reminds me of a typical hypothetical I'd ask a group of ESL students. Most of my students would answer with ideas such as, "Buy land" or "Invest in the stock market," which are very smart ideas, indeed, but that's not what I think of first. My answer might be a little… Continue reading Bloganuary: “If you had a billion U.S. dollars, how would you spend it?”
Bloganuary: “How far back in your family tree can you go?” + New butterfly
I'm a little behind on the WordPress Bloganuary challenge (this question is from a couple of days ago), but really fortunate to have a few digital photos to share. It is hard to keep up with these Bloganuary questions, as they deserve much, much fuller responses than I can give in one day. The short… Continue reading Bloganuary: “How far back in your family tree can you go?” + New butterfly
New alpaca amigurumi + market visit and walk
My new alpaca basket buddy is finished. I just put the final stitches into him last night, and he is ready to hold pens, hooks, or odds and ends. From toe to tail, he is about 20cm (8 inches). Compared to most other amigurumi I've made, this one was technically a little tricky - not… Continue reading New alpaca amigurumi + market visit and walk
Bloganuary: Write a poem about rain
WordPress, you are killing me with these. Today's prompt (challenge?) is to write a post or a poem about rain. Being the overachiever that I am, I chose the latter, and upped the ante by doing a Petrarchan sonnet. English nerds among us can check that my rhyme scheme conforms. Do I get bonus points… Continue reading Bloganuary: Write a poem about rain
Bloganuary: “What brings you joy in life?” + crafty bits
I'm on a roll now with five Bloganuary posts in a row, and five really meaty prompts. It's a breakneck pace, I know, but I'll try to keep up... The things that bring me joy in life really boil down to simple things. Meaningful connections with other human beings and animals; creating something beautiful and/or… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What brings you joy in life?” + crafty bits
Bloganuary: “What’s a treasure that has been lost?”
I try not to ruminate on losses, but I do sometimes recall people, places, and things that I wish were still around and accessible. Looking back at what's been lost, without dwelling - just appreciating - helps me cherish what is now. One treasure I miss is life before the digital age. As I sit… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What’s a treasure that has been lost?”
Bloganuary: “What is the earliest memory you have?”
Today's Bloganuary prompt is another one that made me pause. I've always known that I don't have a very sharp memory for specific past events. What I do remember well are feelings and more general summaries of happenings. Photos are a great memory jog for me. From ages 0-8, I lived in a small duplex… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What is the earliest memory you have?”
Bloganuary: “How are you brave?”
Today's Bloganuary prompt is "How are you brave?" I like how the year is starting off with positive questions. I had to think about this one a bit. To the casual observer, my currently unconventional life (single, 50-something, childless, self-supporting woman in a foreign country) might seem "brave," risky, odd, exotic, or a number of… Continue reading Bloganuary: “How are you brave?”
The Frill Seeker 