Well, I absolutely and utterly love all of your answers, Janie! You are not only a fascinating person, but a woman after my own heart. From your love of writing (and you have outstanding writing abilities!)) to your warm wit to your gourmet abilities (oh, how I envy this!) to your very large heart, I loved reading every single word of this MeMe.
My husband has ancestors who were French, and he's of Bavarian extraction! I knew I liked you!!! Not only are you beautiful (and yes, I can see you being a model or even an actress!) on the outside, you are beautiful on the inside... that squirrel rescue defies words and your ability to face a disability with grace and gumption has my undying admiration.
Every word of this MeMe was meaningful and fascinating, and I just count myself so blessed to have you as my friend, Janie! Thank you for sharing this. It made my night to read it.
Sending you much love. I hope you know how special you are!
Janie,( Blondie) I loved getting to know more about you! I'm impressed with your honesty, We blog and blog, but, I really enjoy getting to know more about everyone. Thank you for putting it all out there!!!
It was fun to learn more about you. How brave of you to travel alone - I'm such a chicken. That story of that squirrel is wild! I couldn't have done that in a million years! Happy Pink Saturday! ~ Robyn
Good Sunday morning Janie, I'm reading this before I head off to church. I'm with Sheila, love your answers too--it's a wonderful way to learn more about you. I am the oldest in a family of five siblings and loved growing up in a big family.
I am amazed that you were brave enough to amputate the squirrel's foot--good for you!
Thanks for your open honesty, it's fun getting to know you!
I have many of the same fears as you. I don't want to even type the words. A model who doesn't like sweets? Hmmm, maybe that's why I never could be a model! Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful post... very brave of you for sharing (I m not that brave)
Have a great Sunday!
January 25, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Anonymous said...
Hi Janie! Oh, what a wonderful post and getting to know so much about you! You're quite a gal! So pretty and can do almost anything! You are a Blond wonder! lol Thanks for the visit, Be a sweetie, Shelia ;)
I loved reading this! So fascinating. And we have quite a bit in common, I think...down to the "squirrel rescue." When I was a kid, I had a "habit" of finding broken birds...broken wings, too young to fly, etc. It was like *they* found me! I would nurse them in a shoebox until they flew away (at least I would like to hope they flew away...the alternative ain't too good. ;-)
Thibodeaux or Bourgeois? Both are very New Orleansy to me. :-)
My original comment seems to have disappeared into cyberpace, so I'll try again. Janie, it was so neat to learn more about you. The squirrel incident tells me all I need to know, you are a warrior, girl! How far will your youngest be going? Cait is about 3 hrs away, so she can get home frequently when it's not marching season. But it's not the same as knowing they are snug in their own beds at home. I loved reading this and getting to know you better, will definitely visit often. Hugs, Kathy
What a great post! I love your interesting facts! The story about the squirrel was pretty funny. (kinda gross) but funny! : ) We have a 3 legged cat that pretty much runs the house.
I loved reading this beautiful post. You are one beautiful gal..too bad that wouldn't allow shorter gals to pursue their dreams. You certainly have a lot of talents along with love of animals. I loved learning more about you, and am so fortunate to call you friend. Thanks for the visit tonight. You certainly say the sweetest things. hugs ~lynne~
Blondie, It was fun learning more about you. I can see why you modeled. You are very pretty. I think animal lovers are the kindest people. I sleep with two dogs between my dh and I. I only use two pillows. LOL
You asked about our trees. We live in the same zone as you so they would do well there, too. They are called, "Dakota Pinnacle Birch". We love them. We have 3 of them. I've had a lot of neighborhood copycats on these beautiful trees. The grasses are called, Karl Forester. Everyone loves them, too. I was on Tour of Gardens and those were some of peoples favorite plants. I also have them in front by our birch trees. Hugs, Terrie
Hi Janie, All I can say it is very nice to meet you.....What I read I liked....glad you came over for a visit...I hope to visit you a lot more... Hugs, Mo :-)
Well, you sound like a fun blogger. (Except for amputating the squirrels leg) That wasn't fun. Anyway, it's nice to meet you. I think we have a lot in common. :-)
Janie, I loved getting to know all of this about you as well - Just amazing! Your photo is beautiful by the way. And the squirrel, I just absolutely can't imagine. lol ;) Everything was so interesting & you have such a great outlook on life. I loved reading all of it~ hugs :)
Sorry I'm just now getting around to reading this. I so enjoyed learning more about you! You definitely put a lot of thought into your answers, which made it all the more fun to read! You have definitely lived a very exciting life!
I hope I didn't offend anyone with the squirrel story (other than gross all of you out to be sure!) I didn't mean to be cruel or hurt the poor thing but it was struggling terribly and never would have gotten loose. In retropect, I wish I had had some of that white chalky stuff that stops bleeding (if he bled) and a little neosporin.
I also feel a little embarassed now for posting the modeling picture. I also thought I was a little boastful about other things. As I have gotten older I have truly learned that beauty lies within and strive to be an honest & humble person. I just think now that the picture wasn't necessary.
As usual, I was very wordy in the MeMe. I have an insecurity of not being fully understood...
All your comments were so sweet & I want to say thank you.
Janie, I thought what you did with that squirrel was heroic! Please don't apologize for that or for publishing that gorgeous picture! It's lovely. This post came across as being open and sincere, and that's how I took it. I'm always glad to have more insight into my blogging friends, and I think you are one of the most special of the group. Your answers on this confirm it.
And as for being wordy, girl, you are talking to a Southerner here! No need to apologize because if there's anything we like to do is talk and hear other people talk. LOL! I enjoyed the entire thing, from start to finish!
Great post - I loved reading your 25 random things tag :-) I'm very impressed with your "save a squirrel" surgery! I'm a big animal rescue person too. How great that he is still scampering around the neighbourhood thanks to your act of kindness!
Janie, I absolutely agree with everything Sheila (Mrs. Magpie) said. :) I loved every word of it. And you are *so* talking to a very wordy Southerner, too! I can't help it! lol Your post was wonderful and fun. :) Hugs to you!
Janie, how on earth would you think that the picture or this post is boastful? I loved learning more about you, and as they used to say on the tv show, "no brag, just fact". You seem like a very sweet and sincere person, just keep writing your heart and we'll keep listening. Hugs, Kathy
Hi JAnie, First of all you have nothing to be embarassed about...that is what makes you..."YOU"....this is what blogging is all about...just be YOU!!!!!!! and who you are..... Love and Hugs, Mo ;-) P.S. I like you just the way you are......
Blondie,Just got home from work and scooted right on over. Girl.. what on earth are you apologizing for? You weren't boastful at all. I personally loved learning more about you. I think it's great you shared so much about you. I agree with Sheila.. you are a blonde wonder. Again, sweetie. I'm so fortunate to know you and call you friend.. hugs ~lynne~
January 26, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Anonymous said...
Hi Blondie, Love the photo!! It's so nice to meet you and I hope you'll visit often. We do have something in common. I live on the water too and love it but don't like the water...can't swim. lol...does that make sense. ~ Lynn
Janie, Heck if I looked like you I would post my picture - don't be embarrassed by it. I wasn't offended by your squirrel story - the poor thing had to be rescued but I'm glad it wasn't by me....I still think you are brave. I'm just a big chicken. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you visit again soon. ~ Robyn
I chuckled out loud at the Cool Whip comment. A co-worker, several years ago, called it COW SLOBBER...and I can NOT use it. I didn't like/use it then...really can't now!! LOL!!!
Wow, what a great bunch of information to get to know you better. I am still trying to deal with the squirrel foot amputation (Ahhhhhhh!) Thanks for sharing, I am glad we met:>)
Girlfriend, You have no reason to be embarrassed. You were not boastful. You are a beautiful person inside & out. The squirrel story just showed us how big of heart you have. I am not sure what note you wanted me to read. Hugs, Terrie
[Image]April from Straight From The Heart was tagged to write a post listing 25 random things, facts, habits, goals, etc... and pass it on to 5 people. She left it open and I decided (gulp) to grab the tag. Those of you that know me know that I am a blonde of very few words (!!!!!!!) so I thought I would clear up some of the misconceptions of myself and blondes everywhere and also set myself up for scrutiny. Here are the facts, just the facts... !) Above picture is pretty self explanatory. I had a brief career in modeling when I was twenty. Success was never an option because I am only 5'2. I did however grace the pages of some obscure fitness magazines wearing aerobic wear and was on two pages of the JC Penney Winter Catalog. Whooo!!!2) I am fifth in a family of seven. One brother, five sisters. My brother was the oldest and went away to college when I was 11 years old. We girls were left to torture our poor father. He is now 81 and we fawn over him and make up for all that cruelty!3) As a child I hated sweets. My only "candy" was raisins. 2 years ago I discovered chocolate and I blame my good group of friends called "hormones" for turning me on to this decadent treat. I'm really trying to lose these friends and their bad influences but I think they are going to hang around a little longer.4) You might call me an animal rescue person. Years ago a squirrel had it's leg caught in the chain of my son's bike lying in the driveway. Try as I might, I could not free the struggling squirrel and suffered many scratches & bites. I finally retrieved a kitchen knife and (close your eyes if you are squeamish) amputated it's foot. I was observed for signs of rabies that I thankfully never developed and for years we have seen a three legged squirrel scampering around our neighborhood. (This is a cross-my-heart true story!! 5) My favorite treat is raspberries & whipped cream. To make: get a small dessert dish, fill with about 1 inch of Reddi Whip (you have to use Reddi Whip. Forget Cool Whip-it is an impostor that should be banned from all supermarket shelves). Layer approximately 1 handful of raspberries, cover with another generous layer of Reddi Whip. Enjoy. Remember, the ratio of whipped cream to berries is 3-1. Feel free to add whipped cream as desired. If no raspberries are available, the whipped cream is fine by itself.4) I am a killer at Trivial Pursuit. My mind is filled with endless trivial information and I am rightly proud as all good blonde's should be.5) I am a wonderful gourmet cook and quite modest about it. (!!) I was once an assistant chef at a popular Italian restaurant in Chicago. I was relegated to making salads and was fired when I suggested we blanch the broccoli for a more colorful appearance.6) Although I live on a lake for most of the year, I am afraid of water. Had a bad experience water skiing once and also...cannot swim.7) Have a dreadful fear of insects with hard shells; June bugs, crickets, cockroaches, ladybugs...8) Have to sleep on 3 pillows, (my choice)9) Have to sleep with 2 dogs on top of me (not my choice)10) Love to make and can salsa and red sauce from my vegetable garden. 11) Was featured in local newspaper for the above12) Was nominated for the Excellence in Writing Award at the University of...but lost out to a guy who wrote an essay on aeronautics...13) After years of getting up at 6:00 a.m. with the children, I became a late sleeper. I am now so grateful to God that I now get up at the crack of dawn to watch the sun come up.14) I am 80% hearing impaired. I wear hearing aids and read lips. I rely on closed caption to watch T.V.. This is a degenerative disease I was born with and although the prognosis is not good, I am so grateful for the hearing I have left. I would also like to break the stigma that hearing disabilities are only for the "old folks". Every day that I can hear my family talk, and hear the birds sing is a blessing!15) Foods I abhor: beets, liver, catfish. This list could change if anyone were able to make something with these items that I might tolerate.16) My mother's maiden name is Doll (German) I always thought it would be cool if she were named Barbie and her brother Ken! (or maybe: Whata) (!!!)17) Speaking of names, my husband is French and our last name is very common in New Orleans. No further clues!18) I majored in Art & English19) I once had 14 cockatiels in my house that I hand fed and raised from babies, products of two very romantic parents I bought not knowing their sexes!20) Both of my daughters weighed 5 lbs at birth but were extremely healthy!21) I am a very reclusive person but have an outgoing personality. Go figure.22) Passions: cooking, gardening, reading, journaling, shopping, traveling, being at the lake, being with my husband & children and dogs, adding to the list!23) When I was 22, I took a two week vacation to California with only myself. Saw & did a lot of stuff and got to know myself very well!24) Have been married more years than I have been single!25) Am absolutely loving blogging. It has given me the opportunity to share of myself with others and get to know so many amazing people. My wish is that we all meet in person someday!So here it is. I have bared my heart & soul and I suppose there is no further guessing about this strange blonde blogging person. Or perhaps not...we'll see xoxoJanie
posted by Blondie's Journal at 9:43 PM on Jan 24, 2009
"Tag; I'm It!!!"
38 Comments -
Well, I absolutely and utterly love all of your answers, Janie! You are not only a fascinating person, but a woman after my own heart. From your love of writing (and you have outstanding writing abilities!)) to your warm wit to your gourmet abilities (oh, how I envy this!) to your very large heart, I loved reading every single word of this MeMe.
My husband has ancestors who were French, and he's of Bavarian extraction! I knew I liked you!!! Not only are you beautiful (and yes, I can see you being a model or even an actress!) on the outside, you are beautiful on the inside... that squirrel rescue defies words and your ability to face a disability with grace and gumption has my undying admiration.
Every word of this MeMe was meaningful and fascinating, and I just count myself so blessed to have you as my friend, Janie! Thank you for sharing this. It made my night to read it.
Sending you much love. I hope you know how special you are!
XO,
Sheila :-)
January 25, 2009 at 12:29 AM
Janie,( Blondie) I loved getting to know more about you! I'm impressed with your honesty, We blog and blog, but, I really enjoy getting to know more about everyone. Thank you for putting it all out there!!!
xoxo,
Cathleen
January 25, 2009 at 1:16 AM
It was fun to learn more about you. How brave of you to travel alone - I'm such a chicken. That story of that squirrel is wild! I couldn't have done that in a million years! Happy Pink Saturday! ~ Robyn
January 25, 2009 at 1:25 AM
Good Sunday morning Janie, I'm reading this before I head off to church. I'm with Sheila, love your answers too--it's a wonderful way to learn more about you. I am the oldest in a family of five siblings and loved growing up in a big family.
I am amazed that you were brave enough to amputate the squirrel's foot--good for you!
Thanks for your open honesty, it's fun getting to know you!
January 25, 2009 at 7:38 AM
I have many of the same fears as you. I don't want to even type the words. A model who doesn't like sweets? Hmmm, maybe that's why I never could be a model! Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2009 at 8:37 AM
Wonderful post... very brave of you for sharing (I m not that brave)
Have a great Sunday!
January 25, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Hi Janie! Oh, what a wonderful post and getting to know so much about you! You're quite a gal! So pretty and can do almost anything! You are a Blond wonder! lol
Thanks for the visit,
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
January 25, 2009 at 9:40 AM
I loved reading this! So fascinating. And we have quite a bit in common, I think...down to the "squirrel rescue." When I was a kid, I had a "habit" of finding broken birds...broken wings, too young to fly, etc. It was like *they* found me! I would nurse them in a shoebox until they flew away (at least I would like to hope they flew away...the alternative ain't too good. ;-)
Thibodeaux or Bourgeois? Both are very New Orleansy to me. :-)
Hope you're having a great weekend!
Hugs from the shore house -
Laura
January 25, 2009 at 11:58 AM
My original comment seems to have disappeared into cyberpace, so I'll try again. Janie, it was so neat to learn more about you. The squirrel incident tells me all I need to know, you are a warrior, girl! How far will your youngest be going? Cait is about 3 hrs away, so she can get home frequently when it's not marching season. But it's not the same as knowing they are snug in their own beds at home. I loved reading this and getting to know you better, will definitely visit often. Hugs, Kathy
January 25, 2009 at 12:34 PM
What a great post! I love your interesting facts! The story about the squirrel was pretty funny. (kinda gross) but funny! : ) We have a 3 legged cat that pretty much runs the house.
~Liz
January 25, 2009 at 4:32 PM
I loved reading this beautiful post. You are one beautiful gal..too bad that wouldn't allow shorter gals to pursue their dreams. You certainly have a lot of talents along with love of animals. I loved learning more about you, and am so fortunate to call you friend. Thanks for the visit tonight. You certainly say the sweetest things. hugs ~lynne~
January 25, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Blondie, It was fun learning more about you. I can see why you modeled. You are very pretty. I think animal lovers are the kindest people. I sleep with two dogs between my dh and I. I only use two pillows. LOL
You asked about our trees. We live in the same zone as you so they would do well there, too. They are called, "Dakota Pinnacle Birch". We love them. We have 3 of them. I've had a lot of neighborhood copycats on these beautiful trees. The grasses are called, Karl Forester. Everyone loves them, too. I was on Tour of Gardens and those were some of peoples favorite plants. I also have them in front by our birch trees.
Hugs, Terrie
January 25, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Hi Janie,
All I can say it is very nice to meet you.....What I read I liked....glad you came over for a visit...I hope to visit you a lot more...
Hugs,
Mo :-)
January 25, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Well, you sound like a fun blogger. (Except for amputating the squirrels leg) That wasn't fun. Anyway, it's nice to meet you. I think we have a lot in common. :-)
January 25, 2009 at 11:22 PM
Janie, I loved getting to know all of this about you as well - Just amazing! Your photo is beautiful by the way. And the squirrel, I just absolutely can't imagine. lol ;) Everything was so interesting & you have such a great outlook on life. I loved reading all of it~ hugs :)
January 25, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Hi Janie,
Sorry I'm just now getting around to reading this. I so enjoyed learning more about you! You definitely put a lot of thought into your answers, which made it all the more fun to read! You have definitely lived a very exciting life!
Happy Monday to ya! ♥
January 26, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Hi Jane! Thanks a lot for your precious comment. It meant a lot to me.
Have a beautiful week,
Monica.
January 26, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Morning, Janie! Thanks for the visit and yes, I'm thrilled you would take my word 'nekked' but use it accordingly! lol
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
January 26, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Love it! This was such a fun read. :) What a lady! That squirrel rescue really got me, lol. You go girl!
January 26, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Hello everyone, Janie here!
I hope I didn't offend anyone with the squirrel story (other than gross all of you out to be sure!) I didn't mean to be cruel or hurt the poor thing but it was struggling terribly and never would have gotten loose. In retropect, I wish I had had some of that white chalky stuff that stops bleeding (if he bled) and a little neosporin.
I also feel a little embarassed now for posting the modeling picture. I also thought I was a little boastful about other things. As I have gotten older I have truly learned that beauty lies within and strive to be an honest & humble person. I just think now that the picture wasn't necessary.
As usual, I was very wordy in the MeMe. I have an insecurity of not being fully understood...
All your comments were so sweet & I want to say thank you.
xoxo
Janie
January 26, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Janie, I thought what you did with that squirrel was heroic! Please don't apologize for that or for publishing that gorgeous picture! It's lovely. This post came across as being open and sincere, and that's how I took it. I'm always glad to have more insight into my blogging friends, and I think you are one of the most special of the group. Your answers on this confirm it.
And as for being wordy, girl, you are talking to a Southerner here! No need to apologize because if there's anything we like to do is talk and hear other people talk. LOL! I enjoyed the entire thing, from start to finish!
Sending much love your way...
XO,
Sheila :-)
January 26, 2009 at 3:39 PM
Great post - I loved reading your 25 random things tag :-) I'm very impressed with your "save a squirrel" surgery! I'm a big animal rescue person too. How great that he is still scampering around the neighbourhood thanks to your act of kindness!
January 26, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Janie, I absolutely agree with everything Sheila (Mrs. Magpie) said. :) I loved every word of it. And you are *so* talking to a very wordy Southerner, too! I can't help it! lol Your post was wonderful and fun. :) Hugs to you!
January 26, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Janie, how on earth would you think that the picture or this post is boastful? I loved learning more about you, and as they used to say on the tv show, "no brag, just fact". You seem like a very sweet and sincere person, just keep writing your heart and we'll keep listening. Hugs, Kathy
January 26, 2009 at 4:30 PM
I loved reading the 25 things about you. How neat that you used to be a model. I can't imagine aputating a squirel's foot. You are so brave!
I tagged you for a fourth folder photo game that's been going around blogland. I hope you haven't already participated.
January 26, 2009 at 5:10 PM
You forgot to mention your BIG heart. :) Say hello for me to tripod the squirrel.
January 26, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Hi JAnie,
First of all you have nothing to be embarassed about...that is what makes you..."YOU"....this is what blogging is all about...just be YOU!!!!!!! and who you are.....
Love and Hugs,
Mo ;-)
P.S. I like you just the way you are......
January 26, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Blondie,Just got home from work and scooted right on over. Girl.. what on earth are you apologizing for? You weren't boastful at all. I personally loved learning more about you. I think it's great you shared so much about you. I agree with Sheila.. you are a blonde wonder. Again, sweetie. I'm so fortunate to know you and call you friend.. hugs ~lynne~
January 26, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Hi Blondie, Love the photo!! It's so nice to meet you and I hope you'll visit often. We do have something in common. I live on the water too and love it but don't like the water...can't swim. lol...does that make sense. ~ Lynn
January 26, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Janie, Heck if I looked like you I would post my picture - don't be embarrassed by it. I wasn't offended by your squirrel story - the poor thing had to be rescued but I'm glad it wasn't by me....I still think you are brave. I'm just a big chicken. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you visit again soon. ~ Robyn
January 26, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Janie,
I still loved the post! Now one can ever pigeon hole you into any kind of a stereo type! : )
~Liz
January 26, 2009 at 9:39 PM
I chuckled out loud at the Cool Whip comment. A co-worker, several years ago, called it COW SLOBBER...and I can NOT use it. I didn't like/use it then...really can't now!! LOL!!!
January 26, 2009 at 9:49 PM
For the tag, go to your fourth picture folder and post the fourth picture. It is fun to see what's there because it's probably an old picture!
January 27, 2009 at 5:23 AM
Wow, what a great bunch of information to get to know you better. I am still trying to deal with the squirrel foot amputation (Ahhhhhhh!) Thanks for sharing, I am glad we met:>)
January 27, 2009 at 7:14 AM
Girlfriend, You have no reason to be embarrassed. You were not boastful. You are a beautiful person inside & out. The squirrel story just showed us how big of heart you have. I am not sure what note you wanted me to read.
Hugs, Terrie
January 27, 2009 at 10:19 AM
What a wonderful blog you have!!! Really enjoyed my visit here!
~Maryjane
January 27, 2009 at 2:02 PM
I found you. I have you in my list but I know I have a few missing.
Hugs
January 27, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Wow look at you sexy Mama! Great post!
January 27, 2009 at 7:07 PM