1. What’s a characteristic you admire in others? Elaborate.
I really appreciate when someone makes others feel seen. I think we all know that person who just feels like a safe person, and everyone seems to be attracted to them. Not in an appearance way, but in a way that makes others want to open up. I think it’s really the ability to listen and pay attention to others, to remember when they’ve mentioned a need, and to talk to them without having an agenda.
2. Do you have a favorite mug? Let’s see it. Why is this one your favorite?
I have a favorite set of mugs! They are bigger than an average mug, but not too big. They have various colored stripes on them, which isn’t necessarily my vibe, but oh well. I am pretty sure I got them at a garage sale or box of stuff that someone gave me!
3. July 15th is/was National Give Something Away Day…will you (or did you, depending on what day you answer these questions) give something away? If so what? Do you regularly give away or do you tend to ‘accumulate’?
I do have a pile/overflowing box in my closet to post on my Buy Nothing group, so maybe I will get around to that this week! Do you guys have a local Buy Nothing group? It’s a big Facebook group and the rules are- NO SELLING. Everything must be listed for free. Our town has an extremely active group with many generous people. I get a lot of clothes, shoes, children’s toys, furniture…I’ve even gotten a large stainless steel counter to put in our barn. At the same time, I can list my stuff- a large trash bag of women’s small/medium clothing- and people will come and pick it up right from my porch!
I like to accumulate until my box is full, and then list all the stuff on Buy Nothing. If it doesn’t get picked up or claimed, I take whatever is left over to a thrift store.
4. You’re planning a trip. Do you prefer exploring big cities or smaller, more off the grid towns? World Atlas lists these 12 ‘off the grid’ towns to see in 2025. How many on the list have you seen? Of those listed which one would you most like to visit? Tell us why?
Boothbay Harbor Maine, Middlebury Vermont, New Hope Pennsylvania, Rehoboth Beach Delaware, Brevard North Carolina, Saugatuck Michigan, Medora North Dakota, Ouray Colorado, Lamoille Nevada, Neah Bay Washington, Hood River Oregon, or Cambria California
We live in a small town (which I love!), so I like to visit cities when we travel – although if I could pick anything, it’s a cabin on a lake with lots of hiking trails!
I have not been to any of the 12 towns listed. I have been to similar towns in Pennsylvania, Michigan and North Carolina and I would love to visit Maine, Colorado and Oregon! I also think our town is a pretty great contender for that list, especially since we are also so close to Cincinnati!
5. Have you ever…ridden a motorcycle? been to a Disney park? met a celebrity? won a contest? Tell us something about whatever you answered yes to on this list.
I have ridden a motorcycle, and I’ve also driven one. We currently own a dirt bike!
I have not been to a Disney park and …..don’t kill me…. I have absolutely zero desire to go to one.
I don’t think I’ve ever met a celebrity, although I went to a gala in May and sat right in front of J.D. Vance’s brother. When I was a kid I met a couple village chiefs and even shook the presidents hand.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
This summer has been nothing like I expected it to be! I thought it would be slow and give us a chance to breath, but there has been much more on our plates than we anticipated. Because of this, I am feeling absolutely not ready to start thinking about school starting back up! We will leave for one more family reunion, and then when we get back from that it is time to hit the ground running with school/classroom prep. HOLD ME – I’m not ready!