Cee’s Question 1: What type of music relaxes you the most or do you prefer silence?
My Answer: The most relaxing sound I know is a gentle but steady rainfall, especially on the asphalt tiled roof of an old cabin. Since that is a sound I cannot summon as needed, I tend to rely on light classical music, or native American flute music (I’m a fan of Carlos Nakai.) However, if I’m stressing out over a boatload of work I need to get done (like during the holidays when there’s more housework, more cooking, more shopping, plus the decorating, wrapping, traveling, etc.), I crank up some old-time rock ‘n’ roll. It not only makes me feel happy, but its’ energy keeps me movin’ (and, yes, I’m usually singing along and have even been known to break into a few dance moves with the vacuum). As for silence, when I’m ready to relax into sleep, if I can’t have a rainfall then I definitely prefer silence.
Cee’s Question 2: Show us two of your favorite photographs and explain why they are your favorites.
My Answer: Sadly, I can’t share my very favorite, because they are of my grandchildren, and my children don’t want their images on the internet (a position with which I agree). So, here I’ll share a couple of my second favorites:
This photo was taken by my 8-year-old grandson last summer, with my old camera, while we hiked around some local hillsides after a rain. Among his many activities, he loves taking pictures. He titled the computer folder for his photos that day, “Was Good”. When I expressed a little confusion and asked him why he wanted this title, he explained that the day was “all good”, the rain was good, his pictures were good, and he and his brother didn’t fight, so the day “Was Good”.
As for why I like these photos, that’s obvious: who doesn’t like seeing their grandchildren and the work they do?
Cee’s Question 3: What is your favorite tradition?
My Answer: Opening one present on Christmas Eve.
Cee’s Question 4: If you could go back and talk to yourself at age 18, what advice would you give yourself?
My Answer: Learn the difference between fun and happiness, remembering that the world is full of unhappy people having lots of fun. Happiness is the result of achievement and confidence, and the happier you are, the less fun you will need.
Cee’s Bonus Question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?
My Answer: From last week, I’m grateful for: time with my grand-kids, the spring snow we got on Thursday that was melted by Friday, a nice chat with an old friend, sticking with at least 20 minutes a day of exercise, and adding three new pages to one of my stories. As for next week, there’s not a lot going on right now, but I am looking forward to the weather staying warm so I can get outdoors more, taking more pictures, and (maybe) finishing one of my stories. (Since I can’t seem to make up my mind about which one I really want to work on, I’m writing three stories, one ‘primary’ story and two secondary, so when I get stuck on one, I switch to another. This is not a good method for actually finishing anything, but until I get this writing business figured out, it keeps me writing.)
blainecindy said:
I, too, love classical music for relaxing. And there are so many great pieces to choose from. As for your photos, I think the one showing only the backs of your grandsons is awesome, and I don’t think it would be quite the same if it showed their faces, do you? I think it’s perfect just the way it is. Nice post!
CK Wallis said:
Thank you for the kind comment, and for the follow.
And, of course, you’re right, the picture of my grandsons wouldn’t be same. I took it because, as they were walking ahead of me, talking to each other, and seeing the path stretch out in front of them, it seemed a bit like watching them walk into the future.
joseph elon lillie said:
I often have two stories working. I do not think it’s that unusual.
CK Wallis said:
Thanks! That helps me feel a bit less amateurish. Hope the work on your stories is going well.
joseph elon lillie said:
My goal is to be published this year. I have finished the draft of my second novel and am working with a publisher on the edits. Keep going!
Cee Neuner said:
You described our grandchildren and their photos perfectly. You are right about the differences between fun and happiness. I would never have though of describing it the way you did, but it is so spot on. Thanks.
CK Wallis said:
Thank you, Cee.