Joinin in the Hodgepodge

1. I included this quote (attributed to William H. Danforth) in my blog post yesterday... "The best cure for a sluggish mind is to disturb it's routine." When was the last time you 'disturbed your routine' and how'd you do it?

My routine has been disturbed all summer, but the mind-challenging activities have included organizing props and costume closets at church, learning new quilting techniques and designing my own curriculum for a home design and decorating course I will be teaching in the fall. (And you wondered why you haven't seen me in bloggy world much!)

2. What's your favorite fried food indulgence?

I usually don't indulge in much fried food, but within the past few weeks I've had TWO funnel cakes (one at Six Flags and one at the county fair).  That should hold me over for a few more years.

3. Did you have an allowance as a kid? What did you do with it? Do you give your own kids an allowance?

I did have a small allowance and some of that had to be tithed and saved.  I spent what I could as fast as I could...on what I can't remember.

Mark and I chose to pay our kids for their chores. They understand that we do chores because we're all apart of the family, but I wanted them to enjoy earning money. We have weekly chore charts that we faithfully follow and they get paid for each chore they accomplish.  We encourage giving and saving and they have hopefully learned a lot.

4. What's something you wish you knew more about?

Computer programs/software. I would like to have a great working knowledge, in general.

5. Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore? If so, what?

I am too old to ride roller coasters. I call that wisdom.  Adrenaline rush? No thanks!

6. What's a song you think has a great first line?

I have heard so many songs,
listened to a thousand tongues,
but there is one that sounds above them all.

The Father's song, the Father's love,
You sung it over me and for eternity it's written on my heart.

(The Father's Song by Matt Redman)
This first line of the song immediately brings peace to my mind and body. I have often cried through this song.

7. Who are you writing to/for when you create a blog post? In other words...as you write, who is the audience in your head?

At the beginning of Angie's Ad Lib, I began writing for myself. It was a way to remember the ordinary days, the devotional thoughts, the funny moments; a journal of sorts. However, if I were just doing it for myself, I would have quit long ago. Now the audience in my head is often my sister-in-law or my married daughter. They both live too far away!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I recently read a post from a widely read blogger who takes time off every once in a while. She said she just has times where she doesn't have anything to write about and/or doesn't have the motivation to write everyday. She's accepted this about herself and graciously lets her readers know when she will be taking a break. She doesn't set a length of time, she just dismisses herself and unplugs for awhile.

I identified with her and admired her honesty. If you've been a faithful follower of mine for any length of time, you know I fall off the blogging bandwagon every now and then. Life gets busy and I just have no motivation to sit and share it in a post. However, I go and "live" a little and then come back ready to share what's been happening, hoping to connect with my friends and family who are blessed by my Ad Lib ponderings. Thanks to all who stick with me!

If you'd like to join the Hodgepodge,
 join us over at Joyce's From This Side of the Pond.