of writing, books, cars, and kisses...

My friend Ally asked me a few questions on a blogging meme.  If you'd like to play along, consider your self tagged. 

:: The Questions ::

Where do you do most of your writing/blogging?

I primarily write on my computer, which is smack in the middle of the house between the living room and kitchen.  (See above.  It's hidden in that armoire )  I also write quite a bit in my journal with happily colored gel pens.  I do love my iPhone and its notes function, but you just can't beat handwriting for communicating personality and emotion.  

What books were your childhood favorites?

Oh, so many.  I loved Andrew Lang's fairy tale collections, the All of a Kind Family series, the Trixie Belden mysteries, The Saggy Baggy Elephant, the first three Little House Books, Thirty One Brothers and Sisters, and so many more.  

Who is your favorite fictional character?
How do I choose?  As most book lovers would tell you, the characters in a beloved book become friends that you visit and revisit.  I adore Bean and couldn't do without sullen little Mary, or prescient Lottie.  I love my plucky heroines, Hattie and Maise and Lizzie.  I can't forget Antonia or Edmund or Scout.  And, Atticus?  Well, I would have married him.  See?  Can't choose just one.  Maybe it would be Roman - if I had to pick.  Yes, it would be Roman because when I was just 13, he showed me what I wanted in a husband someday.  

What is your favorite time of day and why?
Midnight.  Most of the world is asleep and real quiet descends.  Quiet and a kind of peace that only another night owl can understand.  

Have you ever Googled yourself and been surprised at what you’ve found?

The first time I Googled myself I was looking for the origins of my first name.  It was an interesting exercise.    

Who would play me in a movie of my life?

Ha.  No one.  My life has been far too peaceful and gentle to make a good movie.  Thank God.  

One material possession I could not live without?

I'd hate to think of going back to a time when I didn't have a great camera. 

Have you ever been naked in public?

Yes.  But, not very public.  Jeffrey and I went skinny dipping a few times.  Of course, we made sure there was no one around.  Does that count? 

What is your dream car?
a silver 1988 Saab 900 Turbo convertible

What/who/where was your first proper kiss?

How 'bout I tell you about my first kiss with Jeffrey?  We were in Chattanooga out at the end of one of the dock things at the River Park.  We had been snuggling and flirting all day long.  It was night by then.  The city lights and even a few stars were reflecting in the water behind Jeffrey.  This is no exaggeration.  When he kissed me, I saw fireworks and my knees got weak.  Even now, more than twenty years later, my heartbeat accelerates just thinking about it.  I'll be smiling all evening long from the memory.