It’s been
more than two weeks since a new posting of TAKING THE PLUNGE has appeared. Why,
you ask? Well, in spite of more than six promises of delivery from six
fascinating individuals, none has responded as yet.
Everyone’s “busy”, although, if we’re at all similar, I would be hard pressed to breakdown my hours of time dedicated to useful endeavors 24/7.
To that
end, I’ve designated an hour each morning to reading, anything I desire except
research on my latest project (that occupies the remainder of my morning and is
constantly on my mind – more on this later, in another column).
This
morning, after browsing the headlines on my Smartphone and doing the crossword
puzzle and responding to the three compadres who play Words with Friends (also
on my phone), I dove into “Zealot” by Reza Aslan while sipping my first cup of
tea at my favorite table at the local bagel shop. Realizing my brain was on
overload trying to remember Bible school lessons from long ago and comparing
them with historical realities, I closed down my iPad mini and turned to my
Kindle where I searched for something more than a little less erudite. A sampling of Jim Gaffigan’s “Dad is Fat”
made me smile (which never happens while ingesting “Zealot”). Even though I
hesitate to click the “Buy” button on my Kindle while more than 25 books await
my attention in my well-intentioned queue, I know I’ll be buying “Dad is Fat”
before the end of the day.
Back to
TAKING THE PLUNGE: I’ve avoided blogs, mostly because I despise the word. It’s
not the only word by any means that rubs me the wrong way. I won’t eat at an
establishment that serves “grub” either.
But since
starting TAKING THE PLUNGE I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the positive
response and growing readership to my efforts. Plus, I have fun writing it,
mostly because the “blog” (the word sticks in my throat like a fur ball) writes
itself. My job is to find interesting people and to date those who have
contributed haven’t disappointed! Like the old Frank Sinatra lyric, “I’ve been
a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn & a king,” I’ve interviewed a
philanthropist, a playwright, a pilot, a pet-lover, a place & two teens!
Rather
than be discouraged by my somewhat stalled production schedule, I, with great
reluctance, will TAKE THE PLUNGE. If I’m not willing to answer five questions
posed with honesty, how can I expect others to do the same? Here goes!
- Who are you? List 5 nouns that define you!
Writer – Friend – Teacher – Musician – Thinker
- What have you done that you’re most proud of?
Professionally? Writing 3 novels and 6 plays. The first
two steps of the artistic process – writing and sharing – are accomplished. Now
the real work needs to happen – getting the work out there more. I’d love to
see Tyne Daly perform FOUR WOMEN!
Personally? Taking care of my parents. My mother was quite
ill from the time I was 16 until she died eleven years later. Having witnessed
her angst surrounding my grandmother’s death, I vowed not to waste a moment of
time and left nothing unsaid. After her death, my father and I became closer
and in spite of miles between us, we talked weekly at first and then daily in
his last year.
- If you could change one thing in your past, what would it be?
I don’t know where to begin. Again to quote the Chairman
of the Board, “Regrets I’ve had a few, but then again too few to mention”.
As a writer, I ride the roller coaster of emotions on a
daily basis. When I hit the low point, which can be fairly often, I’m saved by
the rapid movement of the car climbing to the top again.
Years ago my brother and father hopped on the Jack Rabbit
at Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh. It was a slow day and each time
they came to the end of the ride, the attendant said “Wanna go again?” My
brother was thrilled, my dad, not so much. I feel both those emotions daily
because I can’t/don’t want to get off the ride. But change my past?
- On a personal level, what drives you crazy? What gives you joy?
I have no patience for ignorant people and as I get older
I seem to have no problem voicing my displeasure.
Janey and Stevie give me joy every day. A turn of a
musical phrase, a witnessed kindness, a glass of a fine Cabernet, and the first
scoop from a new jar of peanut butter also bring me joy.
- Given no restrictions (i.e. money/physical capabilities) – what would you most like to do?
Travel, travel, travel. Last year at this time I visited Vietnam and Cambodia and sailed along the Mekong delta. I love learning and travel
never fails to open my eyes and heart to the beauty of our differences and the
world we live in.
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| Think he's green with envy? |
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| Chely Wright and yours truly. Both excellent reads! |
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| Stevie, Janey, me, & Kay |
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| New Year's Eve 2012 - Thank you, Washington State |
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| Last, but not least, my favorite picture of me and Turner! |
