I don’t often join online games or challenges but this one struck a chord for the quality of questions and answers. I found it a fun way to learn more about our blogging community. I also like the number 11!  🙂

The game is called Blue Sky Tag.

This round originated with Sally Cronin of Smorgasbord Blog Magazine. Then Diana of Myths of the Mirror tagged me (actually offered all her readers) and I decided to play along.

The rules for Blue Sky Tag are as follows:

• Use the Blue Sky banner  (that Rachael Ritchey designed).
• Mention and link to the person who tagged you.
• Answer the 11 questions sent by your tagger.
• Create 11 original, interesting, or funny questions.
• Tag 11 people or offer your readers to volunteer. 

Here are Diana’s 11 questions and my answers:

1- What country have you never visited but would love to, and why?

Africa to see the large animals before they disappear. I’ve been hooked on big cats and elephants ever since I watched Born Free and the Wild Kingdom as a child. The lion cubs really grabbed hold of my heart.

2- What person in your life (not including family members) has most shaped who you are today? 

My mother. She has always been my rock. Like many mothers of the 50’s, she made being a mother her priority, giving up her career to raise my brother and I. I know that isn’t a popular choice right now, but it was wonderful to have a loving parent at home, providing a steady, loving presence in my life.

3- List three things that make you happy?

Being in nature is always my go-to option for peace, connection, and feeling happy. Listening to upbeat music (swing, classical, 50s rock, Beatles, and the Beach Boys) is another favorite way to feel good. Dancing in my living room used to be my first choice for feeling good, but now that I live with others, I rarely dance. I liked the movement, connecting to music, body, and good feelings.

4- What’s your favorite genre to read?

It’s a toss-up between romance and mystery. It’s wonderful when an author creates a story that is equally mysterious and engaging while tugging at my heartstrings.

5- What time period in history most intrigues you, and why? 

The time of Neanderthal, Homo Erectus, and other emerging species that led to Homo Sapiens. There still seem to be unanswered questions about the origins of humans. Not that I’d actually want to live in those harsh times, but I’d love to time travel and explore.  🙂

6- If you could add a new talent to your repertoire, what would it be, and why?

Faith that things in my life will work out. A big one would be successful investing that grows my savings. Along with my money, I’ve lost confidence in myself and my ability to create good things in my life. 

7- Where is your favorite place in the world, and why?

Boulder, CO. It is so different than the muggy east coast where I grew up. The climate is dry, with lots of sunshine and the gorgeous Flatiron Mountains are visible from anywhere in town. There are wide open vistas, prairies, abundant green space, and mountains as your daily view on the horizon, with easy access to hiking, biking, healthy foods, personal growth, and progressive ideas and people.

8- What animal best describes your personality, and why?

I’d like to be a dog. I’m loyal, slobber on my friends, and like playing. 🙂  In truth, my personality the last few years is more like a bear. I hibernate for months, live a solitary life, and don’t like being disturbed while in my cave.

9- What’s your favorite recipe (and please share it)?

I don’t use recipes. I enjoy making up dishes with whatever foods I have on hand. It’s a creative challenge to see what I can cook with what I have.

10- Hiking boots, sneakers, heels, or flip-flops?

Flip flops are the clear winner. The lighter the shoe the better. I have hiked in flip-flops and sandals. I actually prefer to wear no shoes but haven’t toughened my feet enough to walk outdoors with no shoes. I rarely wear shoes indoors.

11- Would you rather have tons of love and little wealth, or tons of wealth and little love?

Do I really have to choose?  🙂 My heart says love, but my mind says wealth. I’m tired of living in financial survival mode as I have been for the last 8 years. Maybe I can marry a woman I love who happens to have lots of money.  🙂

Here are my 11 questions for those of you who choose to play along.

1. What is your favorite movie and why?
2. Where in the world would you live if money were no object?
3. What is your mantra for a good life?
4. What is your favorite hobby or one your friends don’t know about?
5. What person, past or present, most inspires you?
6. What is your favorite memory from your childhood and why?
7. You have 6 months to live, what are you going to do?
8. What is your spirit animal? If you don’t have one, what animal are you most intrigued by?
9. What are you willing to do to help save the earth?
10. Do you vote or even believe that we make a difference in our political process?
11. What famous person would you like to become and why?

I decided not to tag anyone. Please join if this seems fun or interesting. If you do, please let me know. Thanks.

OK, tag, you’re it!