Don’t Let The Seeds Stop You: 6 Random Things To Tell You On A Tuesday In March

/ Ally Bean

1 – I am editing. After reading about the Zombie Test for writing I latched onto the idea. The test, created by Rebecca Johnson deputy director of the Marine Corps War College, is a rule of thumb that helps you discern if you’re writing in the passive voice. All you do is: “Try adding by zombies after the verb in your sentence. If it makes sense, congratulations! You’ve probably got yourself some passive voice.”

2 – I am laughing. So you know how everyone seems to want to stereotype other people by their generations? Well this snarky article, An Updated Guide To Generations, explains how to do this. I’ll just go ahead and tell you that I feel at home in this stereotype: “Maybe Boomers: Gen Xers who type on their phones using a single pointer finger.” Mock me as you will.

3 – I am communicating. I recently stumbled over the simple idea that there are three ways you can reply when someone tells you something about themself. You need to discern if this person is looking to be hugged, to be heard, or to be helped. If your response is what they expect, then you’ll easily connect. Never thought about interpersonal communication in this way, but now that I have I like it.

4 – I am dubious. On my radar is 25 Front Door Color Meanings Revealing the Personality of Your Home, an article that purports to intuit the personality of your home by noting your front door color. While I’m all about expressing yourself, I don’t believe front door color alone says much. It’s just one variable that contributes to the overall look of your property, so don’t get too hung up on it.

5 – I am remembering. This is the “do it now” Lockdown Manifesto written by Julian Hanna and published on April 17, 2020. It influenced me, in a positive way, about how I’d face the pandemic. Going back to re-read it five years later I am struck by two things: 1) it’s great timeless advice; and 2) we were so innocent about how Covid-19 would upend our lives forever.

6 – I am exploring. After a conversation with a friend about what it means to say you’re curious, I found this Britannica “Discovery Your Curiosity Type” Quiz. To be clear I wasn’t looking for a quiz, I was looking for a definition of the concept of curiosity, but the quiz popped up in my research. I took it, learning that of the 4 curiosity types I am an intuitive discoverer aka Explorer.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Assuming you don’t want to write in the passive voice, will you be utilizing the Zombie Test to make sure your voice is active?

Do you need to be hugged, heard, or helped today?

What color is your front door? What, if anything, does it say about your house?

Which kind of curiosity type are you? Did you take the quiz or are you guessing?

~ ~ 🍉 ~ ~

216 thoughts on “Don’t Let The Seeds Stop You: 6 Random Things To Tell You On A Tuesday In March”

  1. Hi, Ally – Fun post! According to the study you posted, our front door speaks optimism, gregariousness, and positivity. Now to be honest, the door was that colour when we bought the house. But Richard and I both like it! Orange you glad for studies like this?

    Liked by 5 people

  2. Hmmm, much to think about here. I guess since I’m a writer, I need to be heard. When that fails, a hug would do. Then again, my work-in-progress is in the hands of beta readers, so I guess I need help. I like to avoid passive voice, but I don’t like zombies. Every verb? Sheesh.

    I like to think I am a mix of the bottom two type. I like to explore but I lean on science.

    I’ve never thought about making a statement with any aspect of our house, and I really don’t think our house has a personality. Those kinds of surveys and questions drive me crazy. I saw one, “What do your cabinets say about you?” I’m not sure I care, unless they start complaining to the other furniture.

    As for typing on my phone, I can barely get one finger on the right letter.

    I hope you have a great week, Ally. You’ve given me much to think about, but I might not.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dan, I’m smiling about your answer to what you need today. Seems like you need all three in one way or another— which is a scenario I’d not envisioned. Leave it to you to find a different way to interpret the question. 😉

      I’m fascinated by your personal assessment of who you are when it comes to being curious. You doubled down on being a discover in both ways possible: Explorer and Scientist. Aren’t you the one!

      I know that choosing your front door color is one important aspect of creating a welcoming home, but like you I’m not convinced it says as much about you as that article would like you to believe.

      Laughing about your cabinets complaining to your other furniture. I wonder what ours are talking about? Maybe the front door…

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Today I need to be hugged. My car is in the shop for a costly mistake I made so boogers. My front door is red. That means it was the best color to go with the brick and siding color and allows me to put a showy Christmas wreath on it. The test says hospitality and luck. Hmmmm.

    Liked by 2 people

    • River, I felt the same way as you when I read about the “by zombies” writing advice. I started doing it all over the place, when writing my posts, when leaving comments. Now it’s a habit, thus I am active.

      Yes I remember your front door *situation* and it goes to prove what I suspect: the color of your front door is of less significance than this article wants you to believe.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Oh…early pandemic innocence. Yup. How little we knew. I can’t believe it was five years ago. And thank you, dear Ally, for the passive voice zombie giggle. Passive voice = my nemesis in grad school and I think the zombies still chase me. Last? I love the ‘hugged, heard or help’ advice. I know of a few relationships saved by invoking that wisdom! (Oh…I lied. Last, last? I love a good black door…but you know. Black’s my favorite no-color-color — or is it the all-the-colors – color?) xo! 😜

    Liked by 2 people

    • Vicki, innocence, yes. Five years ago on this day we had no idea how many people Covid-19 would infect and the impact of that on our world.

      I try to write in the active voice on this blog but I relate to your point about writing in the passive [academic?] voice in grad school.

      I like a pretty shiny black front door too. Around here they’re a trend, some look great while others are wrong because the homeowner didn’t consider how the door color would clash with the bricks & the shutters & the roof. A costly mistake, as they’ll eventually realize when it comes time to sell.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Our front door is yellow, which is associated with happiness and optimism. It certainly works on my husband; he says he smiles every time he sees it.

    According to the quiz, I am an intuitive creator, or an Artist.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Linda, there’s a house in our subdivision that has a yellow door [with gray siding] and it is the epitome of cheerful. I understand your husband’s smiles.

      I like knowing you’re an Artist. That suits you. The quiz is simple and fun. To thine self be true!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. My front door is slate gray, I wish it, the trim, and shutters were black though. It’s not a choice in the color book for our community though.

    No, I won’t be using the zombie thing because I’m not a writer.
    I took the explorer quiz. I came majority Explorer, with Artist, and Scientist pretty equal. 80/10/10 split. The interesting thing I found pertaining to me was that a lot of the things it listed for choices I had already done or am doing already. Like learning a foreign language, learning to play an instrument, visiting certain museums things like that.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deborah, I like a black door when it is well done, goes with the rest of the front of the house, and doesn’t stick out. We don’t have any limits on our exterior colors and I do see many black doors here. They’re currently trendy.

      Another Explorer! Welcome. My mix was 60% explorer, 15% artist and scientist, then 10% inventor. The answers to the quiz are as interesting as the quiz itself.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. This post made me smile!
    Will have to try the zombie test.
    I love the three questions to ask yourself, I will always take a hug.
    Our door is beige. Didn’t really choose the color but liked the design and the small window at the top of it.
    Now you are making me want to paint it. LOL!
    I will take the test and let you know. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  10. I can answer the hug question, and my answer would be yes.

    Something strange happened to me the other day and I’m trying to process it. While nothing is confirmed, I’m worrying about what would happen should the result be a positive one. It has huge drawbacks, but it would a a win either way so I’m conflicted as to what will happen.

    So yeah. I could use a hug, a cup of tea and a long discussion with a friend weighing in my options here…

    Liked by 1 person

  11. I’m pretty sure that I will simply continue to write in the way that I do…undefined and as if I am sitting across from you IRL having a conversation with no real thought to grammar, voice and even organized thought at times 😉

    I think that I’m a “heard” person most of the time. I also don’t think that I respond correctly to others according to this list, and I think that some people just really like to Hear themselves talk…

    My front door is a very weathered honey brown, and actually given my small amount of construction knowledge, know that it is not even an exterior door at all. Hollow core interior just like the other doors in my apartment. Clearly no one has thought to upgrade to exterior quality at any point over 65 years that this building has been standing. At least I have a good storm door!

    Absolutely a scientist! I knew that right away, then of course because I question everything-even myself, I took the quiz and was officially deemed to be a Scientist. It makes me happy to prove my own theory 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, I think you’re selling yourself short— you have a consistent voice and your grammar is great and your organization is better than many. I’, pleased to know that you write like you converse, nothing pompous about you.

      Agree that some people just like the hear themselves talk, so how you reply doesn’t make an impression. Happens in real life, happens in blogland. 🙄

      An interior door as an exterior door! As long as it works and you have that storm door I’d guess you’ll be okay. Oddly enough we have an exterior door that is used as an interior door.

      Yay to you, the Scientist. Self-awareness is cool.

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Thanks for this great post, Ally. Lots of fun!

    My front door is light brown, but I live in a condo, so I didn’t pick the colour nor can I change it because if I could, it would be red. A few years ago, I painted the front door of a house I owned a lovely raspberry red.

    I always enjoy hugging, hearing or helping whether I need them or not. They bring intimacy.

    I did take the test, but I knew what I would be because I’ve been one all my life, and that’s an explorer.

    I don’t have a problem with active/passive voice but I’m not a writer, either.

    Cheers and have a good day. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    • Lynette, we are birds of a feather. I like a bright red door, too, but it wouldn’t go with our brick so ours is a medium brown with groovy beveled fancy sidelights to make it look snazzy.

      Yes, you’re right about how ultimately the goal of interpersonal communication is to create support, intimacy.

      So far Explorer has been the curiosity type that predominates here. I am anxious to see which curiosity types read this blog. Why? Because I’m curious, of course. 🙄

      Liked by 1 person

  13. So much intrigue. I write in the semi-active voice. I try not to be passive but I lately am writing while lounging in the recliner with zombies, by zombies, and for zombies. See?
    I always look for the hug but am always offered help. No fair!
    I honestly can’t remember what color the front door is and I’m too comfy to get up out of the recliner and go check. But I don’t know that the wreath on says this is a house that celebrates all the seasons.
    I was curious enough to take the quiz. Turns out I’m an explorer which doesn’t figure since I am really a scientist.
    Time for a nap now.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Micheal, you got zombies all around you, it would seem. I don’t know if there is technically a semi-active voice, but if there is then you and your helpful zombies can make it so.

      You don’t know what color your front door is?!! Oy vey, I cannot imagine not knowing that but I believe you when you say you don’t know. We don’t have a wreath on our front door.

      Another Explorer— just one who isn’t thrilled about being an Explorer. I don’t know what to tell you. I’m sure the quiz is infallible… right? 😉

      Liked by 2 people

      • The quiz is on the internet so clearly it is infallible. I don’t mind being an Explorer. I like the idea of exploring. I just wasn’t what I expected.
        And I checked. The door is brown. But the wreath is what makes it. That is primarily blue because it is the winter wreath. The spring/summer wreath is a riot of pastels, the fall is a riot of reds and ambers, and oranges, and Christmas is you know – Christmas. Now you have the whole door story!

        Liked by 2 people

  14. Lots of reading this week – and every one of them interesting.

    It’s so funny. French people learning English (maybe more those from Quebec rather than from France) have a tendency to speak in “ing”. A friend of mine does this all the time and that’s because they translate in their mind and this is what comes out first.
    Do I use the passive voice? I would say it depends on the circumstance. However, I love this Zombie solution!

    That guide was hilarious! I may officially be a Boomer (1964) but I don’t feel I belong. I feel more a Gen-X though I don’t text using just my index finger 😀

    I love that communicating thing. People often don’t really listen with all of themselves to take the time to discern what the interlocutor is really saying. I must pay more attention. As for me, I rarely ask for a hug but when it is delivered because the other person reads the need, I cannot tell you how wonderful it feels.

    Front door thing. I bought a house with a dark brown door (I have realised that the garage door, front door and stupid shutters were all painted.) My house is already a dark brick and honestly, I don’t dig the door. I remember fondly my growing up home changed colours from baby blue, to red to white. I love the red. I actually must change my front door and have been trying to see what to go with! Must ponder.

    That Lockdown Manifesto should be read regularly as a nudge to stop waiting and start doing.

    Like you, I fall in the Explorer category – no surprise to myself 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dale, I loved the zombie writing advice because it’s easy to do and showed me instantly that I could be leaning a little too much into the passive voice. I want to be active.

      I relate to Gen X, too. I describe myself as a Gen X prototype. 😁

      Front door colors are fascinating to contemplate, but eventually you have to pick one. My mother refused to paint her front door any color so she went with white to match the white siding. We’ve had many front door colors in various places, but I didn’t choose the color for its alleged meaning, I picked the colors because they went with the house exterior.

      Explorer is currently the most popular type of curiosity for those who read this blog. Wonder what that is telling me?

      Liked by 2 people

      • It is such an easy way to zoom into the passive voice. I want to be active, too.

        I like that! Gen X prototype. I shall join you in this!

        It is. But bloody hell does it cost extra to have a colour outside of white or black! I have been shopping and… And right. The colour has to go with the house otherwise it is painful to look at.

        I am not surprised… Like meets like, of course.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Didn’t know there was an upcharge for colorful front doors. I honestly don’t remember if that was a variable when we got ours. It is a medium brown with beveled glass sidelights that cost extra. Always some way to get a little more dinero out of you.

          Liked by 1 person

          • Oh yeah. Any time you step out of the ordinary. Of course, nothing stops you from painting it.
            My front door has two glass panels on either side of it. Lemme tell you, changing this door will cost me a pretty penny. Only way I can save some is if I choose to put only one wider glass panel or even a non-glass one (which means a lot less light). Decisions, decisions, budget, budget!!

            Liked by 2 people

  15. This seedy post (!) is filled with enjoyment, Ms Bean. Firstly, I took the test and came up Explorer with a hearty side of Artist. I like that the articles and such on curiosity and the pursuit thereof are on a site easily accessible to kids and adults alike – lots in this world is strangling the simple human urge to satisfy curiosity.
    You mention the innocence lost after Covid-19: how serendipitous! Just yesterday I finally took a deep breath and played my “Pandemic Potpourri” setlist I created during 2020-2021. I was surprised at how deeply that music I selected then touched me at this time, 5 years after the fact – a renewed sense of mourning for what was, that is no more, and for what we recovered & learned as having gone through this, but that which is actively being destroyed by ‘those in charge’ ….

    Liked by 2 people

    • Laura, I have no difficulty envisioning you as an Explorer with a side of Artist. Suits you to a T. Agree: lots in this world is strangling the simple human urge to satisfy curiosity.

      I’m not surprised by your reaction to hearing your Pandemic Potpourri setlist. When I re-read the “do it now” poem I felt a wave of nostalgia for where we were on this date 5 years ago. We were on the cusp of a major upheaval around the world, that you’d hope would make us more connected to each other. BUT instead we are a now in a different situation, lead [and I use that term loosely] by someone who destroys all he touches. Uh huh.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Ha ha. This one made me laugh. Yes you are an intuitive explorer and you certainly pick some unusual paths. Good for you. I think I will use the zombie test occasionally for a giggle. My door is black because I had limited choices (black or white) when it was put in and don’t ever want to have to paint it. Black works with everything. I am so used to not being listened to that I probably need help, just not the type you are referring to. I want the type of help that cleans and digs. I think I am a cross between an artist and an inventor because creative problem solving seems to talk up a lot of my time. I would label me the intuitive type. Thanks for this. It made me think.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jenn, I want this blog to be filled with variety, so I lean into my explorer personality sharing my flapdoodle and twaddle when I see fit.

      A black front door can be lovely and goes with whatever you want it to go with. A sensible choice.

      The kind of help you’re searching for is called hired help, I believe. Whether you allow them to hug you is entirely up to you. 😉

      I’m glad you found yourself among the curiosity types. It’s a simple quiz with easily understood personality traits so that, if you’re at all self-aware, you know who you are.

      Liked by 2 people

  19. My front door was designed (by zombies) to say “I don’t really care what color it is.” Just now, I actually had to look to confirm that our door was black (on a white house.) Seems irrelevant. No statements are being made (by zombies.) Except maybe “nothing to see here.”

    Liked by 2 people

    • Gwen, HA! I knew that zombies could do more than help a person write clearly! Yours picked your front door color… and went with black. Makes sense. I’m with you about not putting too much emphasis on picking a front door color that says something in particular, but that idea wouldn’t make for an article. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  21. LOL, I used the zombie rule years ago. It was a favorite tool among SFF authors, not surprisingly. I am also an explorer, but that barely edges out artist, followed by scientist. My door is medium toned wood, which isn’t exactly defined by the “Door Color” description, so I guess I defy description? As usual, you come up with the fun quizzes.

    Liked by 2 people

  22. Try as I might, I cannot type on my phone with my two thumbs like my kids do. I just can’t do it! Our front door is teal. We had to find something that matched both our siding (a shade of beige) and the stained-glass panels that have yellow in them. We get a lot of compliments on it.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bijoux, I can’t type with two thumbs either. If I’d learned it as a kid it’d be second nature.

      I love teal and am sure your door looks great with beige and fancy stained-glass panels. Sounds inviting. Unique in the best way.

      Like

    • Dorothy, you’ve made me laugh out loud. Thank you. The lockdown manifesto called to me when I first read it and now it seems almost nostalgic to embrace its message. As for zombies stamping anything on my forehead, I dunno. Will contemplate this idea. 😜

      Liked by 1 person

  25. I love the Triple H method of interpersonal communication. Sometimes I wish some people (cough cough my husband) would consider the hug/hear options instead of jumping straight to help.

    My front door is dark wood, which supposedly means warmth and dependability. But if the door color was chosen by the previous homeowners, what does that mean? That I’m lazy?

    I would LOVE a teal door, although it would not go with our house at all. But I also love it’s supposed meaning: a cool groundedness. Yes. I would like to be cool and grounded and cooly grounded.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Suzanne, yes my husband does the same thing. Unless I tell him to chill he’ll take what I say as a problem and immediately try to solve it. Means well, but…

      The article about what front door colors means doesn’t take into account many things, like what if the door comes with the house and you weren’t responsible for it being there.

      A teal door would be lovely on the right house. My aunt had a teal front door on a dark brown stained house and it was inviting. She was definitely cool and grounded— and amazingly wealthy. Somehow I associate teal with affluence because of her.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. I work on editing out my passive voice all the time, for decades. Thanks for the tip. I’m an explorer also. I loved the Lockdown Manifesto. It’s good advice to today, but makes me think I missed out on a lot of opportunities when life was closed down.

    Liked by 2 people

    • E.A. Wickham, I know that I occasionally slip into passive voice and don’t like it, so this zombie test is spot on for me. I can do better.

      I thought the Lockdown Manifesto rang true five years ago and it still does now. I may not want to do all the things on that list, but I want to do things. Now.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Ha! Ha! The Zombie test is too funny! I get called out by Grammarly all the time for passive voice. I like the zombies test better!
    My front door is white. I like how the article said white is not boring; it’s simple and elegant. I didn’t see where you revealed the color of your front door, Ally. Now I’m very curious! I took the curiosity test and wasn’t surprised to be firmly in the artist category. Yet, I’ve never thought about what the different colors of doors could mean. Interesting.
    This blog post was enjoyed! (By zombies! And by me!)

    Liked by 2 people

    • Michelle G., if nothing else when you apply the zombie test yourself you’ve shown that pretentious Grammarly that you don’t need their attitude.

      My mother had a white door on her house. There was a certain elegance to it. Our front door is a medium brown that coordinates with brick and trim and roof. The door has beveled glass leaded sidelights so that jazzes it up.

      Not surprised you’re an Artist. Your last sentence was loved by me and zombies. 🧟

      Liked by 1 person

  29. I was the artist in the Britannica quiz. 😊 My apartment door is dark brown wood. I didn’t have a say in its color. According to the article’s assessment, my apartment is upscale. I guess I shouldn’t leave socks on the floor then. As far as whether I need to be hugged, heard, or helped, I’m not leaning toward any of the above any more than on any other day. I guess we could all use one or more of the three every now and then.

    Liked by 2 people

    • L. Marie, hello Artist. Not surprised that’s your curiosity personality. Dark brown = upscale, huh? I take your point that if you didn’t pick the door color does its meaning apply to you? No answer, rhetorical question.

      I agree that not every day nor every conversation need a reply based on hugged, heard, or helped. Best to do your own thing, then accept whatever comes your way without any expectations.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. I’ll take all three, please—plus a cup of tea and a biscuit. Might as well go all in! ☕🍪

    It’s a classic wooden door—solid, traditional, and not exactly mine to change.

    I’m definitely the “I’ll Google it in a minute” type. No quiz needed, I love learning absolutely everything.💭

    Liked by 1 person

    • HakunaMatata, great idea to include a cup of tea with the hug, heard, and helped conversation.

      Your door sounds pretty, but you’re right that if it’s not your choice then whatever it may mean might not apply to you.

      I’m forever looking things up, doing research, just out of curiosity. Of course after taking the quiz I know that I’m an explorer, intuitive as I discover.

      Like

  31. Hi there! I took the quiz and was most surprised (gratified?) to learn that I am an artist. I don’t know why it surprised me except that when I answered some of the questions, it was a real toss up between the choices and alternatively some of the options were not really moving me. Our front door is a bland beige which matches the rest of our house. We had siding installed about 7 or 8 years ago and I’m really sorry I didn’t push for a different color because it’s not my favorite. You always have such fun experiences for us! Happy Tuesday.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Janet, I’ve no trouble believing you’re an artist. Of course you are! I do understand about some of the answers to the questions, though.

      Beige front doors are rare around here. People do darker + bolder colors, occasionally pale aqua or buttery yellow. Maybe one day you’ll decide to change the color to something that pleases you more.

      Happy Tuesday right back at you.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. I used to manage a group of editors who argued over passive voice all of the time. Unless you’re talking user guides than, like any other grammar rule, it can be broken by clever writers with great effect. I always need help and the color of my beet red front door was chosen by a house painter who knew a whole lot more about design than I did! I always ask the professionals first. Also such fun to visit your blog.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jan, no kidding, they argued over passive voice? Now that I have my rule of thumb I’m going to write in a more active voice, although I don’t think I’ve done badly without the rule of thumb.

      A beet red front door sounds wonderful. I’m thrilled about it. I agree about asking painters for their advice. I know our interior painters were helpful about explaining how a color on a paint chip will really look inside the house.

      Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.

      Like

  34. I’m a one finger typing texter also, despite how much my kids make fun of me. So that made me chuckle. I think today, I need to be heard. A mom I babysit for has her nose out of joint and I don’t really need any added stress in my life. She’s quite inflexible and that makes my job somewhat challenging. As if watching a gaggle of toddlers and infants isn’t challenging enough. I will use that zombie test, because I don’t want to be passive in my writing. I appreciate that hot tip. My front door is a blah color and a blah design. I’d love to eplace it. I think it’s off white, or bone color, maybe? Or maybe that’s the inside of it. We rarely use the front door as we have a side entry garage and come and go that way almost exclusively. I don’t think my door says anything about our home except that we’ve lived here almost 17 years and haven’t made replacing it a priority. I haven ‘t taken the test, but I’d suspect that I’m an artist curiosity type.

    Liked by 2 people

    • ernie, I know I look silly typing on my phone but using one finger is the only way I can do it. Now typing on a real keyboard like I am doing now, I’m much better. Sorry about the inflexible parent, so I hear you. No solutions just acknowledging you’ve got your hands full with all those little ones.

      The Zombie Test is a good one. I read about it and laughed. A few other commenters have mentioned having a bone/beige front door. They’re rare around here, most front doors an are darker colors or black.

      I can see you as having Artistic curiosity. It suits you. Hang in there, ernie.

      Like

  35. Thought provoking post, Ally. Especially the one to discern whether a person needs to be hugged, heard or helped. No, I haven’t done the quizzes I need to go for a walk. Have a good one.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Suzanne, once I read about the hugged, heard, or helped idea I immediately started using it and it seems like a sound way to connect with people. Enjoy your walk.

      Like

  36. We WERE so innocent, I have been reflecting on the pandemic all week. I’m looking forward to not thinking about it anymore.
    In Calgary our door was red, and now it’s black. Maybe this is telling of something, but mostly it’s because a) Calgary is kind of an ugly city and I wanted to infuse some colour into our house, which was brown, b) our house in Kelowna is really pretty and I just wanted the accents to be black. Maybe this says something about me but really, it was just a simple design choice.
    Now I’m curious – what are you editing? Are you writing something? Do tell! If you want to, I’m not trying to be bossy!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nicole, yes this week I’m lost in my thoughts about Covid-19. Five years ago it hit me hard emotionally because I went to high school with the first person to die from it in our state. It seemed impossible that it was happening.

      I like both your front door color choices. Different houses demand different colors, so makes sense to me.

      I’m editing myself when I write these blog posts. That’s what I was referring to. I need to lean into an active voice here so I shall, zombies be damned [by zombies]! 😁

      Like

    • Joanne, I shall hug you 🤗, note the color of your door that isn’t necessarily boring according to the article, and add you to the list of Explorers who read and comment on this blog. Great to see you here.

      Like

  39. This was fun. 🙂 Be hugged, my front door is a(n?) hospitable red, I’m an artist (I took the quiz), and maybe it’s time I started adding “by zombies” after my verbs just to see what happens.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Robin, I’m glad you enjoyed this post. In truth these are some of my favorite ones to put together. 🤗

      A red front door is wonderful, I like them all. I’m not surprised your curiosity personality is Artist. I’ve entertained myself by applying the “by zombies” rule to my writing. I don’t know if it’s a noticeable improvement in how I write, but it’s fun to do so.

      Like

  40. I took the test and was surprised by the outcome which said I was an inventor. I would have said, Artist but after reading their definition I get it. It said, “Inventors are inquisitive creators. They are curious about how things work and they channel that curiosity into creating things that improve the ways we interact with the world and with each other.”

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jean, that definition sounds like you to a T. I’d have thought Artist too, but Inventor you are. Not that any kind of curiosity is better than another, just different focuses and strengths.

      Like

  42. I learned to detect passive voice by looking for “was” and “were.” An active voice sentence is structured Subject, Verb, Object. Passive is missing the Subject.

    I’ve heard of this way of analyzing what people want. My experience is that they mostly want to be heard, maybe hugged, rarely helped (and if they do want help, they are likely to say so).
    Our doors are brown (which is because I favor earth tones in my decor).
    I did take the quiz where explorer slightly edged out scientist, but the creative categories made a good showing, too. Honestly, in many cases I did not want to select one answer, sometimes all four were appropriate.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Eilene, that sounds like what I was taught in school too. I know zombies weren’t part of our curriculum, there was less whimsy in grammar classes.

      The “hugged, heard, helped” saying seems like a sound way of making a good connection. I’d never heard it before, so I’ve made note of it.

      Our front door is brown, too. Same reason as you, I like a natural earthy look on a house. Seems more homey to me.

      Yes you’re right about the answers to the questions on the quiz. That’s often a problem on quizzes like this one, but it’s fun to answer and see who it says you are.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. As if through no surprise being an artist my curiosity type is just that 😁🎨 maybe boomer but not…definitely only use one finger to type/chat on my phone.

    Liked by 2 people

  44. Medium grey door on the Red House. Medium wood stain on front door of the Bland Beige House. Lots of glass in both doors. Sometimes you just go with the best of what is available at the time…

    Liked by 3 people

    • Margy, I agree that the color of your front door may not have as much meaning as the information in the article suggests. Both your door sound perfect for the houses they are on. We have a medium brown door, too, with beveled glass sidelights to make it look snazzy.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Actually I would have liked a Red Door at the Red House – but the red I wanted would have looked quite horrific on a barn red house. I opted for understated elegance which is normally not me at all.

        Liked by 1 person

  46. The generations break-down. I did laugh at some of these. I have a smartphone, never use it because I don’t really call anyone. I’d better get up to speed as my ATT landline will be phased out by 2029. I rarely call people, just connect on social media. I can only type with a single pointer finger too. The keyboard is way to small for much more. I am from the generation that learned to type on a non-correcting Royal portable typewriter, pounding on the keys like a madwoman. I agree with the last sentence – yes, it is narrowminded: “The Worst Generation: Every generation that’s not yours.”

    That’s an interesting concept as to three things when someone tells you about themselves … I’m guessing that of these three “to be heard” would be the biggest category.

    Years ago I read that yellow was the best front door color for great curb appeal. Mine is colonial blue to match the siding.

    Yes, what were we thinking five years ago – for Michigan, our first COVID case was yesterday, March 10th. That Lockdown Manifesto was interesting. I wasn’t feeling so bold to try new things, just wary and scared of what was to come.

    I was also an Explore.

    My “like” button works every other day it seems – today is having an off day.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Linda, I learned to type on an electric typewriter that was considered a new-fangled device because it had an automatic return button. No annoying metal bar to use to get back to the left to start a new line. Swanky.

      My inclination is to believe that people want to be heard first, hugged or helped second, but a few commenters have said they always want a hug. If nothing else the saying is a rule of thumb + food for thought.

      I read that about a yellow front door, too. Maybe it was a trend at the time? Around here the current trend is a black front door.

      Another Explorer. We are legion here. My ability to use the “like” button comes and goes, too. I refuse to worry about it.

      Liked by 2 people

      • I never used an electric, correcting typewriter until I worked at the ad agency and with that bright blue IBM Selectric I thought I’d died and gone to Heaven!

        I have to say I really don’t have never had any friends, or even acquaintances, that were huggers, but then I wasn’t really a hugger either – maybe people were not in need of a hug or reassurance as much as we may need one now?

        I’ve never seen a black door, but if it had a beautiful wreath, I think it could look nice. My house is small and I have to be careful buying wreaths because I’ve brought some home that overwhelm the front door and I end up using them outside in the yard.

        Explorers unite! We are more about the arts and humanities than space exploration or science and technology categories.

        Liked by 1 person

  48. Maybe Boomer. That’s a good one. I’m from the Silent Generation (before Boomers), so I can’t even imagine using my thumbs.

    Re. wanting to be hugged, heard, or helped. Yes, I wish everyone would be more discerning about that. Most of the time we’re just talking, telling something about our day which doesn’t necessarily mean we want advice about the subject of our conversation.

    The “Lockdown Manifesto” is fantastic. Imagine all the things I could do now. It’s just a question of thinking of things I want to do and then doing them.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nicki, the generation guide link was funny, funny. I saw myself in many descriptions and I saw others in there too. I do love a bit of snark!

      You’re right, just because you talk about what you’ve done doesn’t mean you’re looking for advice about how to do it differently. Some people jump to that conclusion when all you want to do is share.

      I read the Lockdown Manifesto shortly after it was published and while I didn’t want to do everything on it, I took it’s message to heart… as much as I could five years ago when the pandemic started.

      Like

  49. My daughter is millennial. She uses one finger to “wipe” instead of type on the phone in the direction of the spelling of the words. Would you like to try? Go slowly first. I learned to do it and it’s fun.

    Our front door of our new home is red. We didn’t paint it so it doesn’t say about us. Almost all the doors in our neighborhood are colored.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Miriam, I don’t know about wiping not typing but I’ve heard some people say how Gen Z doesn’t know how to type like we do so maybe that’s what those people meant.

      I take your point about your front door color. If it comes with the house and you’re *meh* about it, how could it possibly reflect your home’s personality?

      Liked by 1 person

      • My 7-year-old granddaughter used my phone to text my daughter. She usually asks me for spelling but yesterday she told me when she typed “g,” the word Grandma popped up for selection.
        The autocorrect, Grammarly and AI take the place of learning to spell and type for the new generations.

        Liked by 2 people

        • I’m sure you’re right about how knowing how to spell is less important when you can utilize some service [feature?] on your phone to instantly get the proper spelling. Fascinating.

          Liked by 1 person

  51. # 2 really speaks to me (does a person need to be hugged, heard, or helped) Thank you! I have on a regular basis, deeper conversations with my youngest…and after reading this, I am convinced he’s needing just those first two…hugged and heard..Guessing that is the case in many conversations when someone shares their heart with us….I think I would like more of that too..(hugs and being heard) And finally door color..that is interesting, having just decided to go radical red on our new front door. It is a bold rebellious statement that I don’t give a hoot what anyone else thinks about my decorating choices. I know what I like right now. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • DM, the rule of thumb about how to reply to someone who is sharing something with you seems valuable. I know that now that I’ve started using it I feel like I might be connecting with other people better.

      I adore red front doors. The color of our brick means it is a no-go here, so I’m glad you’re going for it. I agree that when you don’t care what others think about your style you are free to do what you want.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. I don’t need the zombie test, since I became sensitized to the active/passive voice business some years ago. I still can slip from time to time, but I’ve been known to edit even comments to get rid of the pesky passive. What I have noticed is that, when I read one of my earliest blog entries, I used passive voice relatively frequently. I’ve wondered whether years of academic writing might have played into that, not to mention the overuse of qualifiers where they’re not appropriate: e.g. ‘a bit,’ ‘might,’ ‘may.’ Using passive voice and a substantial number of qualifiers could turn a person into a politician.

    I found my olive green front door in the examples, but I’m not sure it says anything about me. There are about four hundred apartments in my complex, and every one is the same color. Maybe the color says something about some long-forgotten developer: probably, that olive green doors were the cheapest option.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Linda, same story here. When I go back and read what I wrote 15 years ago it’s more passive voice than active voice. I came from an academic writing background plus worked as a paralegal, so stilted writing was de rigueur. Now my voice is one of an active conversationalist. Much more fun.

      I understand what you’re saying about your front door. If you had no control over its installation then how could your front door describe you in the way the article suggests? Like I said, I’m dubious about front door color = your home.

      Liked by 1 person

  53. Thanks, I do need a hug today! Not been a great day. Also, I have no control over our door color, since we live in a rented flat, but wouldn’t it be cool to be able to change it as easily as nail polish? I’d try lavender with fake flowers and then a combo of turquoise and gold. Chess-patterned B&W might look pretty cool, too.

    I always have to click on the links and quizzes you so kindly provide. This time, I learned that I’m an Explorer. It was great timing, too, because I was just introducing myself as someone who is endlessly curious about everything!

    Liked by 2 people

  54. I am also an Explorer, Ally. Great minds…
    I am not sure what kind of Boomer I am because nothing quite fits. I was too young to protest the Viet Nam war and I gave up my large Samsung phone on which I only used one finger to text. I’ve moved on since then.
    Maybe I’m a Mixed Bag Boomer…Married for decades, worked for same state agency for decades, love big hair bands and MTV of the 80’s, love new indie music, crazy cat lady, excited about biking, gardening and the liberal arts, laugh at clothing styles of today that remind me of the 70’s (that I might buy), very social when I want to be and a hermit when I want to be, the love to a good TV show since I used to peruse the paper TV Guide as a teen. Is that a Boomer group or just me?

    Liked by 2 people

    • Mary, I’m enjoying your ability to describe yourself in many different ways that may, or may not, make you a Boomer. I, too, laugh at the return of the 70’s fashion trends because not again for me and those wide leg jeans. I remember looking through TV Guide but we only consistently got 3 TV channels so it wasn’t useful. Maybe you are, like me, a Gen X prototype that doesn’t fit perfectly in Boomer or Gen X?

      Liked by 1 person

  55. Passive voice isn’t the best but I remember learning that if you want the focus on the person/item acted upon versus the perpetrator, you can use it. (or if you’re not sure of the agent because using Someone or One sounds awkward) My front door is blue and that tells me that I like blue and that it goes well with the color of my house. I like that interpersonal test; sometimes all we need is a listening ear, other times we would like more action.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, I don’t remember the guideline you mentioned for using passive voice, but it makes sense. Sometimes I use passive, but only after consideration.

      Your reasoning for a blue door rings true with me. While the article is attempting to sell people on the idea that certain colors say something specific about a home’s personality, I dunno. I’m with you: pick a color that works in tandem with everything else about the front of your house.

      I thought the interpersonal communication idea was simple and profound and useful. Been applying it with some success.

      Like

  56. I will most likely use the Zombie test. It sounds like a fun (and funny) way to edit.

    I just had to look at those generation categories since one of my pet peeves is when people categorize generations as if they were mutually exclusive. The article “proves” me right. You can label me as any one of these three: Maybe Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Twitter.

    I always want to be heard. I imagine most people do. Yesterday I needed a hug and got one.

    Regarding our front door, I think it’s light gray … that is, a color that is so unremarkable that, after living in this house for almost 35 years, I still forget exactly what it is. I do like red doors, mainly because it makes the doors every easy to find. The unremarkable color of our door might suggest that we’re disinclined to have company.

    I took the curiosity quiz, and I’m an intuitive creator, aka Artist. Nice!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marie, I know I’ve started using the Zombie Test and feel my writing has improved. I laughed at the generations guide because I could see myself in many of the descriptions as well as see other people in them too.

      I like to be heard, too. Hope I’m doing that here for the commenters who drop by.

      Growing up we lived in a house with a light gray door that was unremarkable. After that we moved to a house with a white door, but even back then I thought that red doors were pretty. My mother wasn’t onboard with it.

      I’m happy to know you’re an Artist. Makes total sense to me.

      Liked by 2 people

  57. Zombie fingers are bad enough, so no zombie grammar here. Team hugger ALL the way. 3 doors are red, and 3 doors (upper and lower levela) are green. I have no idea what that says except I live in a big heritage house.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bernie, got it! You’ll find your own way to write in the active voice.

      I’ve seen photos of your house with its various doors. All look perfectly in keeping with the house. The article didn’t account for homes with multiple doors, so no idea what that means either. Maybe that you’re happy?

      Like

  58. Please, no zombies! There are enough walking around today. Don’t need to call anymore into being!
    Love the hugged, heard, helped metaphor!
    My front door is black in keeping with Feng Shui and its cardinal direction!
    Looks like I’m an artist, Ally. Go figure!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bernie, I know about zombie fingers. I have them… if we’re talking about how some people cannot easily use touchscreens because their fingers don’t connect correctly with the screens making the screens inconvenient, sometimes unusable. That’s me with my zombie fingers.

      Like

        • I did talk about zombie fingers once way back when. You’ve a good memory. I have the worst time trying to check into medical offices that use those touchscreens. I know the onlookers think I’m old and don’t know how to use computers, but that’s not the problem. It’s me fingers. 🤨

          Liked by 1 person

  60. I had to go check to see the color of the front door of our apartment. It’s a gorgeous shade of blue ~ a bit like the comment button. But what does it say about my powers of observation that I had to go check?! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nancy, that’s really the question, isn’t it? When you intentionally place a front door of a particular color on your dwelling it might mean something, but in reality many times you have no control over the color.

      Like

  61. Hello Ally! Thanks for another lighthearted, entertaining post. To answer your questions, 1) I will most assuredly being using the zombie test on my writing. 2) I could use some help today…specifically my husband’s. 3) My door is brown, which I don’t think says a lot about the personality of our home. Maybe I’m wrong. 3) I am an explorer. I did take the quiz.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Christie, thanks for answering. I appreciate that. The Zombie Test rocks, I agree. Our front door is a medium brown which, like you, doesn’t necessarily mean much about us. And another Explorer! THAT’S the curiosity type that seems to frequent this blog.

      Like

  62. I recently watched a Ted Talk by Charles Duhigg where he introduces the concept of determining if the speaker is looking to be hugged, to be heard, or to be helped. I really think that is such great advice and something I really, really try to do (I’m great at giving advice 🙂 ). Our front door is finished walnut… we are “friendly and approachable”… I like that.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Janis, the TED talk you watched could very well be the source of the idea about the hugged, heard, helped concept. It was new to me when I read it somewhere, but it immediately resonated. I’m not much for giving advice so I felt kind relieved from the obligation. I’ve no trouble believing you are friendly and approachable, seems spot on to who you seem to be.

      Liked by 1 person

  63. I’m not an anti-passive voice zealot the way some people are, but when I teach passive voice, that would be a very handy trick.
    It’s too early in the day to know which H-word I need. (5:20am).
    You’re right to dismiss that door color thing. In Scotland, you’re supposed to color your front door red once you’ve paid off your mortgage, so that’s what a red door means there.
    I might be a Maybe Boomer like you, since I’m a “single pointer finger” person myself, but I’ll bet I can type on a traditional keyboard faster than the double-thumbers. Do they even use anything other than their phones these days?
    I’m purely guessing, but my curiosity types is probably Explorer.

    Liked by 2 people

    • The Travel Architect, I couldn’t help but smile when I learned the Zombie Test. So easy to do with immediate results. I’d guess that kids would love it.

      I didn’t know about red doors in Scotland. I doubt that a red door here means the same thing. I consider any front door within the context of the entire front of the house, so if the whole looks good then you’ve nailed it and the meaning of the door color is incidental.

      I love your use of the term “double-thumbers” to describe the cell phone obsessed who wander among us. I dislike my cell phone, reluctantly have one, so to me anyone who only uses a cell phone is damning themself to a small life. Literally and figuratively. Probably aren’t Explorers either. 😉

      Liked by 2 people

  64. My front door is burgundy. According to the chart, this means it is stately and dignified, and my tastes are refined.

    I just think it means I’ve been too lazy to repaint the front door since we bought the house. Maybe Dick was stately and dignified with refined tastes.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Mark, see your take on the article is the same as mine. It may be that when a person picks a specific color it could have meaning, but when you buy a house the door color you get probably doesn’t say a thing about you. Or if it does it’s more accidental than intentional. This is why I’m dubious about that article.

      Liked by 1 person

  65. This is brilliant Ally, had me laughing so much, love that guide to the generations & thanks for finding me a new substack read.

    I will definitely be using the zombie test (by zombies, yep I’m good). I’ll take a hug today. My front door is beige (my husband & I agree it was a mistake but we were in a rush to finish our project) & my curiosity type is artist.

    Hope you have a good weekend ☺️

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rae Cod, the guide to the generations had me in stitches. Some of the descriptions are too spot on.

      The Zombie Test has come in handy for me already. So simple. Here’s a 🤗 for you. I rarely see beige front doors around here but quite a few commenters have mentioned having them. Whatever works, works.

      Happy Weekend to you, too. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

      Like

  66. I am also an Explorer 🙂 And I really enjoyed the questions in the quiz – I felt they were well thought-out.

    I’ve no idea what colour my front door is, we use the back entrance which is white. Not that the colour has anything to do with me, the building is architecturally listed, so we’re not in control of the exterior colours. To be honest, it’s not a one and done question, ‘cos it needs to suit the house rather than just being your favourite. In my, clearly not so, humble opinion 😉

    This week – I will take the hug.

    And thank you for the generational chuckle.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, a lot of Explorers read this blog. I like knowing that about you.

      I agree with your assessment of the front door color article. I can like a certain color all I want, but I also know that color may look terrible on the front door of this house so I won’t use it. The meanings of the colors are charming but don’t steer which front door color I’ll use.

      The generational guide had me laughing more than it should have, but I did see myself and others in the descriptions.

      Here’s your 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  67. You already know I love this post. 💜

    I need a hug. I feel like maybe most of us do.

    My front door is spring green, and the article hit the mark on a couple of aspects: “free-spirited personality and sense of individuality.”

    I’ve never read The Lockdown Manifesto, but I love it. It actually makes me miss April 2020 a little.

    I also type my texts with one finger, Ally.

    I’m an artistic curiosity type.

    This was so much fun!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kari, I know you always appreciate this type of post. I enjoy putting them together, once I have enough tidbits to share.

      I adore your front door color. I’ve seen photos of it and it suits the house, your vibe, and your way of expressing yourself. I’d use it here but it’d look off with our brick so I’ll enjoy your door from afar.

      Many commenters have admitted to using one finger to write texts. I feel understood here.

      You’re an Artist. Makes sense. Here is your 🤗 Happy Weekend!

      Liked by 2 people

  68. Well, I am always a sucker for a quiz, and this one was fun. Apparently I am an intuitive creator (artist). That tracks. Always trying to better understand what makes all of us tick. Looking forward to checking out the generational profiles. As someone on the cusp of Boomer/X, I often feel 6 of one, half-dozen of nothing in particular. But I am not a one-finger texter! 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rita, you’re an Artist. Oh I get that. Makes sense. I know how you feel about the Boomer/X divide. I tell people I was a Gen X prototype and that seems to explain it. I’m impressed with your texting ability. Show off! 🙄

      Like

  69. AND, I just went to that generations piece (😂) and it proved my point about being in some weird shadow generation that no one sees! And no, I’m not talking about Generation Jones. Those guys are not me, either.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rita, the guide had me in stitches. It confirmed that it doesn’t work to try to stereotype anyone based solely on the year they were born. We’re all bits and pieces of this and that.

      Like

  70. My Tuesdays are so busy, I’m not sure I can handle 6 random things. Or even 5. But wait. What is today? Oh…it’s already Thursday…Thursday evening no less. So I should have lots of time to handle random stuff. But wait. Penny needs her dinner. And so does husband. And we have a doggie private lesson tonight. And the laundry needs doing. Darn. Maybe tomorrow. Cause wait. It’s not Thursday evening, it’s FRIDAY evening and I am sooooo behind.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dawn, I’m smiling here. I understand how time gets away from you. I’ve found this last week with our adjustment to DST has left me confused and hungry at the wrong times of day. We all try to do our best, don’t we? Thanks for stopping by to comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  71. I have a hard time making sure I don’t write in passive voice, so I like the idea of adding that “by zombies” thing….I’ll let you know how that works out! As for my door, it’s black, mostly because it matches the rest of our grey house. I love bright colors, but there’s a time and place for everything!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ann, I started using the “by zombies” test and I feel it’s improved my writing. I want to talk in the active voice, so yay.

      I adore black doors on a house. Our neighbor’s have one that is stunning but you’re right it’s all about how the house looks overall that matters.

      Liked by 1 person

  72. “Try adding by zombies after the verb in your sentence. If it makes sense, congratulations! You’ve probably got yourself some passive voice.”–Hilarious!

    2 is quite funny.
    3 is rather enlightening.
    4, I agree. Since our door is blue, does that make us sad people? I think not. Brown doors mean the owners are drab and boring, perhaps?
    Well, that one could be true. 😉 I kid!
    5, wow. Innocence and naivete.
    6, I’m going to guess explorer.

    Liked by 1 person

  74. Well, now I want some watermelon, seeds or not!
    I do love this advice about whether someone wants to be hugged, to be heard, or to be helped. Honestly, I think sometimes we all just want someone to listen, and that can help us exponentially.
    I’m a bit tired of seeing the Generational Wars on social media. Do you see it too, or is it just my algorithm? Gen Z’ers picking on Gen X’ers, Boomers picking on millennials. It’s so weird!
    I’m gonna start writing in the zombie voice, that should be fun. 😂
    Our front door is black metal (with glass) not sure what that says about me, but it came with the house.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suz, I agree. I think most of the time people want to be heard, to be understood, and that’s the way to go with conversations. I am tired of the generational wars on social media. That’s why the link to the guide cracked me up. It humorously demonstrates that you can always find a reason to dislike someone, no matter how trivial the reason.

      I like black doors and would suggest that it only means it came with the house. Front door colors mean something about the occupants? Maybe yes, maybe no.

      Liked by 1 person

  75. I love the structure of this post! Gotta admit I’m struggling with answering your questions, though. I’m such a stickler against the passive voice (unless it’s truly needed – by zombies). But that was fun!

    My front door is the same color at the rest of my house (a shiny aluminum trailer), so that I can’t take that test either. Boo.

    But I am typing with my pointy finger! GenX ftw.

    And I try to remember to question if I’m offering unwanted advice to a friend when really what they need is simply to be heard, but that’s a long row to hoe for me. Hear, help, or hug — maybe that will stick in my brain. Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Shelly, thanks for joining in. Answering the questions is always optional so thanks for doing so. I try to write in the active voice but know I slip sometimes, so the Zombie Test is my fail-safe.

      I’ve found it interesting how many commenters here use one finger to type on a cell phone. I’m on a normal computer keyboard now and am fast, but on a cell phone I am soooo slow.

      I thought the “hug, heard, help” idea was sound. Since I learned about it I’ve kept it in mind, so maybe I’m a better communicator now. I hope.

      Like

      • What really sped my one-finger typing is learning the swipe method. I started with a swipe keyboard app, but now I swipe with my regular keyboard functioning. I’m probably more prone to typos this way, but man am I fast! 😎

        Like

  76. I’m a Scientist in the curiosity test – that was a fun test to take and I really liked the questions. It made me think about what I’m most curious about! (Obviously, lol.)

    I live in an apartment so I have nothing to do with the color of my front door. But if I WERE to color a front door, I’d definitely go for teal or yellow. I want one that stands out!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Stephany, I can see you as a Scientist. Like you, once I took the test I focused on what I was curious about to try to decide why I was curious about it.

      My aunt had a teal front door on a brown house and the door was stunning. There’s a light gray house near us with a yellow front door. That’s also beautiful. I like your choices for when you get to pick your door color.

      Like

  77. Ally,

    Your post feels like a quiet conversation with the universe—simple moments woven into something deeper. The “Zombie Test” isn’t just about writing; it’s about awareness. How often do we live passively, letting the world happen to us instead of shaping it ourselves?

    Your note on communication is another reminder—how often do we assume what others need instead of just asking? Maybe most of life’s misunderstandings come from that simple gap.

    And the front door colors—whether they hold meaning or not, they make me wonder: how much of our identity is chosen, and how much is assumed by those who see us from the outside?

    The past, the present, curiosity, and the way we write our own stories—your words spark questions that linger beyond the page. Thank you for that.

    Best,
    Kalyan

    Like

    • Kaylan, I agree with your assessment of the Zombie Test. Once I started using it in my writing, my mind has become more attuned to being active, rather than reactive.

      I think many misunderstandings in communication stem from expectations. As an example, if you’re looking for a hug and get hit over the head with well-meaning advice aka help, then you’re liable to be unhappy. Yet so it goes.

      Yes I’m not entirely convinced that a front door color says as much as the information in the article would have us believe, but if nothing else it generates good conversations. External validation, for some a necessity, for others indifference.

      Thanks for reading and commenting.

      Liked by 1 person

  78. You find the coolest quizzes! Thanks for sharing. I’m a Scientist – the inquisitive discoverer. No kidding! Yes, it’s very accurate for me.

    I did also look at the door colors… which made me realize that the last three of our four houses were all dark brown doors (wood stain). Not that I painted any of them, they all “came that way” and I never thought to paint over them. Does that say something? It did however make me wonder what color I should paint my soon-to-be-new front door. Now I’m going to need to read all the various color options … intuitive discoverer that I am.

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    • Pat, so far almost everyone who took the quiz has liked their results. I’m happy to know you’re a Scientist.

      I can’t wait to learn what front door color you choose, because you’re free to do whatever you want. Around here black doors are the trend, but we stick with our medium brown one that looks good with the brick.

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