I've Been Tagged

It's been a while since I did one of these, but they are fun. This one seems better than most, though I'm going to do a little alteration on it.

Ideally, I'm supposed to list 11 things about myself, but that can be so ... boring. I think you guys would much rather hear something interesting. So my second thing is to answer the 11 questions that were asked of me by Cathy over at Thoughts on Books. I am going to answer all of those and ask my own set of question. Lastly, I'm supposed to pass this along to 11 other bloggers. I'll see how many I can coax into my camp to join me!

Would you rather go for a run or a walk? Definitely a walk. I couldn't run very well when I ran all the time, so I'm sure not going to jump into that again now. But we have a nature preserve not far away where we love to go.

What is your favorite movie? Pride and Prejudice - the long version with Jennifer Elle

Do you have a pet? Yes - two puppy dogs. My old one is 13 this month, Marcie. My little man, who's as big as a horse, is a year and a half, Captain. Both are mutts and terribly sweet-tempered, though Marcie leans more toward a beagle and Captain favors a Lab. Oh and they talk - yes they really do.

What book in the Bible has moved you the most? That's a HARD question because so many things jump out at me as I recently studied 1 John and James. I think my favorite is Ephesians, though. I've done studies on all three many times, but Ephesians hold both encouragement, moving me to such gratitude, and practical application that I can wrap my brain around when I need the instruction.

What is your favorite meal? Not as hard, though I love both Tex-Mex and seafood. I think my favorite is an enchilada plate at El Fenix (a Dallas original). But I love Tilapia and steamed veggies too!

If you could go back in time to live, what period would you choose and why? The 80's to take advantage of the computer heyday. LOL! Seriously, I did enjoy the 80's. Would've loved the 40's and 50's except for the wars. I'm not sure I would enjoy even visiting any other time period, let alone living there. Outhouses aren't my cup of tea. Though I love reading about them - the time periods, not the outhouses!

Do you enjoy watching sports? If so whats your favorite? I love watching sports. Dear Son's rugby team from UTD went undefeated this year and captured the state title. They'll be traveling to Nebraska next month to challenge for the national championship - their first year to have a team? I also enjoy Mavs basketball, especially if they are playing well. I like post-season baseball for the Rangers, but too much baseball gets tedious. I don't like to watch football anymore. Not the NFL anyway, although I like a good college game and I'm not that partial. But my FAVORITE sport is NASCAR. Yes it is TOO a sport! It's just not a GAME! I love the roar of the engines, the strategy that is put into play, and the speed. Oh boy, do I like the speed!

Country or City Girl? Neither. Literally, I'm a suburban girl. I like being close to the city, but I've never lived in the country - too many varmints. Although I LOVE small towns!

What kind of music do you enjoy the most? Worship music, Chris Tomlin, Gateway, MWS, even old stuff like Glad and First Call.

Photo from tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com

Beach or Mountain Vacation? Definitely mountains! Wouldn't sniff at a beach vacay, but I've never been a summer person. Allergic to sun, prone to burns, heat-sensitive. And WHY do I live in Texas? Ha. I've got a great AC! But the mountains with the regular rain showers and the lush greenery. Plenty of shade and peace. Ahhhh. Not to mention snow and winter sports. I'm all over that!

What author has influenced you the most in your Christian walk and why? In truth, I don't read much non-fiction. I've read some of Max Lucado's and I've read some of Chuck Swindoll's books, never full books, just pieces of them. I did read a book by Lucy Swindoll once. I think she is Chuck's sister. It was about laughter. Not the kind that has a sad twist to the edge of your mouth - "I'm going to pretend to be happy in spite of all of this." But the kind of head-back belly-laughing that doesn't think about anything else. What I got out of that was how Christians should be sincere in everything they do, including something as trivial as laughing. That also brings glory to God, as long as we maintain righteousness. We're supposed to be glad in the Lord with our whole hearts, so it seems reasonable, expected even, that our laughter be as uninhibited as our worship or our effort. 

So here are my tags. Be sure you visit these blogs and say hi from me, too!

• Brandi Boddie at Penning Praises
• Cheryl Linn Martin at Life in Flip-Flops
• Loree Huebner at Between You, Me and the Gatepost
• Jackie Castle at The Castle Library
• Deana Chadwell at Script Spot
• Tracy Krauss at Expression Express
• David N. Walker at Where the Heart Is
• Karen McFarland at Life as it Happens
• Karen Rought at The Midnight Novelist
• Niki Turner at Truer Ink
• Sandy Wells at Cracked But Beautiful

I didn't realize how much fun this little quiz would be. I hope you enjoyed finding out about me. I invite you to choose one of the questions I've posed for my tagged folks and answer it in the comments. Would love to know more about you, too!

Here are my 11 questions for my tagged folk:

1. Book or movie and why?
2. Real book or e-book?
3. Funniest thing you've done in the last 5 years?
4. How would your best friend describe you?
5. Do you put yourself into the books you read/write or the movies you watch?
6. Favorite kind of car and why?
7. Would your choice of party be a catered meal or barbecue out back?
8. What's your favorite season and why?
9. What specific lesson have you learned - Spiritual, educational, occupational?
10. Besides writing, what's your favorite thing to do when you get some extra time?
11. What's one place you can be found at least one time every week?

D is for ...

... Doggies.

I love my puppies. Sometimes I think I’m the only one who does. But they’re so cute and predictable.

Marcie is my beagle mix. She’s almost thirteen and really acted it about a year ago. I wasn’t sure how much longer she would be with us. Sleeping all day and doing little else, I thought it might be her last year.

Z is for ZZZZZzzzz ...

I think I mentioned before that I have a habit of talking for my dogs. You can check out my explanation about that HERE. I talk especially for my older dog, Marcie. What can I say? She's calmer and has more expression than the overgrown puppy. Captain is all-movement all-the-time. A "man" of few words, as it were. But Marcie's expressions are priceless.

She makes for a great indoor dog, especially in a homeschooling environment. She'll pay attention when someone goes into the kitchen, but unless

Bowing for the Beagle

Sweet-baby Marcie is almost 13 years old.

Humor can be a way of life for some people. I have been doubly blessed with many avenues of laughter; the stories from my mom and brother, the dry humor of my dear hubby. Even my kids, nephew and dogs get in on it. Yes, I said dogs. 

I speak for my dogs. No, I’m not an animal rights activist although I’ve been known to stop for a stray beside the road, and temporarily house a run-away until the owner could be found.  And I’ve even housed a cat before – I don’t even want to start in on cats! But that’s not at all what I