Thank you!

Thank you for the comments on my previous post.   It was a piece I wrote spontaneously after hearing of Cathy's death.  I thought of deleting it, but felt I needed to put a small part her story down in writing.  She is an extraordinary example of character and courage.  Thank you for allowing me to share.

I've fallen behind once again.  Over a month ago Julie at Monkey Grass Hill introduced Living Life on her blog with the 

So much was going on I am not for sure I ever gave her a proper thank you.

This recognition is given to those of us who have a following of less than 200...
or is it 150?

When I began this journey I never imagined I would have a large following.  I am always amazed and flattered when a new face appears on my "followers" line.  I am having the best time meeting and getting to know people from around the world.  You continually educate, entertain and inspire me.   I love receiving your comments and equally enjoy commenting on your pages.

Julie, thank you!

AND...

Heidi at HH Photography has challenged me to give you five random unknown facts about myself.  I must say I am having a difficult time with this one.  I would love to have some jaw dropping secrets to reveal, but I am pretty much one of those "what you see is what you get" girls.  Being always up for a challenge I will try to surprise and amaze you...ha!ha!

...  I was (and still am to a degree) painfully shy as a child and young adult.  To many's surprise it is a battle I still fight daily.  

... I have incredibly curly hair.  We are talking, "Little Orphanie Annie" curly.  I have a love/hate relationship with my hair.  I would post a picture, but remember, I'm a little shy (actually I don't have a picture of it at it's curliest).

... I am a chameleon.  I change and adapt to my surroundings often without being aware.  I can become so caught up in a book I will begin using language patterns spoken in my readings.  Several years ago I began reading Lee Smith's novels set in the Appalachian mountains.   It was during a conversation with a friend I realized I had actually adopted Appalachian English.  Oh, my I am presently reading Faulkner.

... I have always wanted to name my little piece of property.   I am thinking "Weeping Maple".  Does that sound a bit morose?  I gather Japanese maple "starts" from underneath my fully matured trees each spring and pot them.  I put them in planters;  I have several in my yard, and I freely give them away.   I am serious...I have handed them out to my plumber, my air conditioner service man, a landscaper and to many friends.  These trees will never mature the same as a nursery purchased maple.  They bend a little like a Weeping Willow.  I have named them Weeping Maples.  How does "Living Life at Weeping Maple" sound.   Am I reading too much?

...  I do not have a "bucket list".  While I love making lists and understand the concept, there is always something new and unexpected around the next turn I am most certain I will want to experience.  I have dreams of visiting Wales (I'm Welsh), but I may find myself in Argentina instead.


Thank you both Julie and Heidi for highlighting "Living Life".  I am loving this ride.