Following the writing prompts on BlogHer!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

What is the most decadent thing you ever ate?

The most decadent thing ... hmmm, it's got to have been something chocolate, swimming in a delightful sauce --
but then again, it could be the creme brulee's I had in New Orleans. I have eatten creme brulee in every restaurant that offered it, but none was as refreshing and creamy white as the ones in New Orleans.

How do you like your coffee?

I love my coffee with cream and sugar. I love to watch the cream as it slips from the bottle, dives into the coffee and swims around, swirling itself through the cup.

Unfortunately, I can't drink coffee anymore. "It doesn't like me" as they say. So now I drink tea -- and while I enjoy it -- it just isn't coffee!!

Who was the last person you spoke to on the telephone?

The last person I spoke to on the phone was my prayer partner - last night. We both had the same teacher, and she called to ask me if I ever thought of her. The answer is yes, of course. I often find myself thinking about something Helen said. In fact, just the night before I had been thinking of her, and how if she was here, she'd have some good answers about church stuff. I said to her, in my mind, "You know, I believe that if I'm thinking a lot about someone who has died, it means they're hanging around me. If you're here, I need to know."
And then Barb called with her question. It came to her to pull some Angel cards -- and so together we went swimming in the infinite possibilities of consciousness ... she pulled Archangel Michael and Power and another one I can't remember. She also told me something she felt Helen wanted me to know, that I also don't remember.
I'll have to write Barb and ask her what it was.

Who would you love to meet for lunch?

Good question. Because this month's theme is swim, I imagine being at one of the hotels on the Waikoloa side of the Big Island, swimming up to an island in the middle of the pool where there is a delightfully set table, and delicious food.

At this table is my future Beloved. He'd be tan and good looking, and really confident. He'd be so pleased to be able to create a romantic atmosphere for us. As I got out of the pool (how do you climb out gracefully?) he'd throw a big towel around me, give me a smoldering glance, kiss me lightly, and pull out my chair.

The lunch would a bit of foreplay to an afternoon in our room.

Big sigh.

Do you like to dive into things or take your time getting acclimated?

In Life - it depends upon the circumstances. If it's an experience that's going to be short lived - I like to jump in .... if it's going to be a long one - I like to take my time.

Now - since the topic is swim, I must admit that if the water is cold, it takes me time. There is a place in the center of my mid back that is soooo sensitive to cold, that I try to ease into the water. Everyone has always said - "just jump in" but I can't -- it's like I'm afraid of the shock to my system.

And then again, maybe it's because I'd feel out of control. A memory just came up. When I was little, my parents and my brother hassled me into jumping in, and I almost drowned. I was so scared. For a long time after that, I wouldn't even go near the water. I would sit on the sidelines reading a book, telling everyone that's what I wanted to do, even tho a part of me was yearning to play with the other kids.

I almost got over that fear when I was taking water aerobics as an adult. I had to get in right away, as being fearful in front of the whole class was more uncomfortable than easing my way in because of my back.

Friday, July 8, 2011

What is going swimmingly in your life at this moment?

Everything!! I love my life! I love my vocation, my ability to do what I want, when I want, with whom I want - most of the time :)
I love my cats, and their unique personalities -- I love my friends and their unique personalities.
I love libraries, and markets, and art fairs, and going out to eat.
My life is going swimmingly!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Do you consider yourself a strong swimmer?

I like to swim, but don't consider myself a strong swimmer. "A strong swimmer" brings to mind someone training for the Olympics, or the English Channel. I'm more of a casual swimmer - doing it for the fun of being in the water, feeling the silky smoothness against my skin.
When I used to swim every other day, I felt like I was getting stronger, and slimmer -- and that was good!

What kind of fish are you most like?

The first one that comes to mind is Angel Fish of course!!

I used to have a 100 gallon aquarium with angels and discus and various bottom cleaners, etc. It was like cat TV. I used it as a room divider, but I'm sure they thought it was just for them. I don't know how many times they'd sit so still and then rush the aquarium, batting on the sides with their little paws.

The Discus, would dash to a safe corner, yet the Angels would act like they didn't even notice the cats. This was funny to me as the Discus were twice or more the size of the angels.

I'd like to think that I'm like the Angel Fish, peacefully swimming, even in turbulent waters, confident and unafraid.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Are you scared of being in open water?

Am I afraid of being in open water? Yes and No.
Yes - The first thing that comes to mind is a plane crashing or boat sinking and being in the middle of a vast ocean. The thoughts of getting tired of swimming or sharks would make me very afraid.
No - Years ago when I used to swim in the ocean every day, a boyfriend dared me to swim to a little island off the Kanohe bay in Oahu, and I did. It was a long swim, and at one point, about mid-swim, I looked back towards the shore and it seemed as far away as the shore of the little island. I was definitely in open water! I knew I had to keep going, and I did.
Once on the island, we had some water, necked and napped, and then I realize OMG, I've got to swim all the way back!! I remember standing in the shower later that night, feeling quite proud of myself!!

Monday, July 4, 2011

What is the strangest thing you've ever seen in the water?

I was introduced to snorkeling at Richardson's Beach in Hilo, Hawai'i, and discovered an amazingly beautiful environment. Different shapes and colors of coral. Brightly colored fish. Snorkeling was almost like safely flying over an alien planet.

The strangest thing I ever saw was a sea slug. A friend picked one up and it squirted water. It was olive green and shaped like a cucumber. It was the slimiest thing I'd ever seen. I was told that some cultures loved eating them, but all I could think was YUCK! Definitely alien!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Beginnings

This blog is being started with the NaBloPoMo experience through BlogHer. I'm determined to write every day and this is a wonderful way to start!! July's theme is SWIM ... so here's a posting for July 1st (even tho it's the 2nd)

Friday, July 1, 2011
Where would you love to go swimming?

As the heat keeps me indoors here in Baltimore, MD - I've been dreaming about the Big Island of Hawai'i where I lived for 17 years. There is a warm water pond in Kapoho that's calling to me.
Two girlfriends and I decided one year to start swimming laps every other day. This pond is a lot bigger than a pool, so we started slowly -- at first it was one lap, back and forth, then two, and soon we worked our way up to 12. That year was the year I realized how swimming was the perfect exercise! I stretched my body while doing the various strokes, got aerobic exercise, and it was fun!
After we finished our laps, the three of us would bobble around in the water, enjoying the beautiful scenery (palm trees, green grass & ocean) and finish our time with prayer for each other. What a wonderful experience that was!
That's where I'd love to go swimming!