Hello, Friends: Letting The Sunshine Shine + Shifting To A Lighter Blogging Schedule

/ Ally Bean

ABOUT THE SUNSHINE

I haven’t done something like this old-school style blogging prompt in years*. 

So when Vicki nominated me for Kimberly’s “Sunshine Blogger Award” I thought why not do this? I want to join in the fun— so I have.

Here goes.

I. The guidelines from Kimberly about the “Sunshine Blogger Award”:

• Display the award’s official logo somewhere on your blog. [look up]
• Thank the person who nominated you. [THANK YOU Vicki]
• Provide a link to your nominator’s blog. [Victoria Ponders]
• Answer your nominator’s questions. [look down]
• Nominate up to 11 bloggers. [everyone, anyone, no one, IT’S UP TO YOU]
• Ask your nominees 11 questions. [bottom of this section]
• Notify your nominees by commenting on at least one of their blog posts. [let the COMMENT LOVE flow]

II. The questions from Vicki:

What is your morning routine?

I get up 6:30 a.m., drink coffee, gaze at nature, and attempt to engage my brain. I’m like molasses slowly oozing into the day. No loud noises or bright lights please.

What is your favorite season? Why?

Autumn. It’s pretty, the leaves on the trees are glorious colors, and the summer humidity is over so I feel relaxed.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Riding my tricycle that I got for Christmas, maybe age 4? It was too big for me so my dad put wooden blocks on the pedals so I could use it. I was a speed demon.

Who or what has been your most unlikely teacher?

Phony self-absorbed people have taught me that: 1) I’m friendlier & more emotionally balanced than I ever realized; 2) it’s not always a bad thing to be ignored; and 3) their reactions to me have nothing to do with me.

Who or what are you most proud of?

Librarians. They know things. They know where to find the information. They know how to keep you up-to-date. They know the good stories. They are a valuable resource, now more so than ever.

What is something that surprises people about you?

I like wearing eyeglasses, hence the title of this blog. Don’t be talking smack about spectacles.

What motivated you to start blogging?

Curiosity to see if I could. Free time courtesy of a yearlong recuperation period from emergency surgery.  Orneriness.

What forms of entertainment do you enjoy the most?

I like TV series, often mysteries or sitcoms, which I watch one episode a night. Never binge watch. I also like walking in parks or nature preserves.

If you are a book reader, do you prefer a paper copy or a digital copy?

I read paper books. I want to use a proper bookmark and have a book I can gift to a Little Free Library— of which there are many around here.

What’s your favorite music genre, and who is your favorite singer?

I like contemporary jazz, r&b, soft rock, and classical. Favorite singer? I dunno, not sure I have one.

What societal causes do you care about the most?

Health & Education: food, shelter, water, medicines/vaccinations, safety, public schools, libraries. Any and all things that help a person physically and mentally thrive.

III. My questions for you, my intrepid bloggers:
  • Favorite color?
  • Favorite animal?
  • Favorite mantra?
  • Favorite number?
  • Favorite curse word?
  • Favorite drink?
  • Favorite holiday?
  • Favorite cookie?
  • Favorite movie?
  • Favorite flower?
  • Favor question here?

* In 2012 I answered Polly’s questions for my “Sunshine Award” and am now using some of her questions here.

ABOUT THE BLOGGING SCHEDULE

As the old saying goes: If something works, stick with it.

To those who’ve been around The Spectacled Bean for a few years it’ll come as no surprise when I tell you that as of today I’ll be shifting to my spring/summer posting schedule.

As you may remember, or will learn right now, this simply means I’ll post my flapdoodle and twaddle once every two weeks, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday, turning this into a fortnightly blog.

I appreciate everyone who reads and comments on this weblog. Y’all are the best, you make blogging fun. In fact without your support, my gentle readers + kind lurkers + wordy commenters, this blog would have crashed and burned a long time ago.

Thank You!

190 thoughts on “Hello, Friends: Letting The Sunshine Shine + Shifting To A Lighter Blogging Schedule”

  1. I like your morning routine! Sounds a little like mine. Can relate to the molasses and no loud noises/ lights either. Fall is also my favorite season! My grandmothers too. Happy Tuesday fellow blogger!

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Oh my goodness. Thanks much for playing along, Ally. I love your responses…and I’ve gotta call out the love and mad respect we share for libraries and librarians and your answer to the “unlikely teacher” question:

    Phony self-absorbed people have taught me that: 1) I’m friendlier & more emotionally balanced than I ever realized; 2) it’s not always a bad thing to be ignored; and 3) their reactions to me have nothing to do with me.

    Hard to pick a fave in all that you shared…but that one really hits home.

    Thanks for being a wonderful blogging friend…I love your flapdoodle and twaddle. Always. Xo! 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Good answers, Ms. Bean! I like flowing slowly into my day as well. And reading paper books. With book marks. And one show or movie a night . . . mysteries are favorites. And easy listening music. And here’s to Health & Education for all!

    Liked by 2 people

  4. That’s my morning routine as well. And toast. Always toast.

    Favorite color? Used to be Red, now it’s Green
    Favorite animal? Panda
    Favorite mantra? Kindness Is My Default
    Favorite number? Don’t have one
    Favorite curse word? Shit
    Favorite drink? French 75
    Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
    Favorite cookie? Chocolate chip
    Favorite movie? The Birdcage
    Favorite flower? Lilacs

    I, too, prefer hard copies of books, but I don’t visit libraries. I buy books. I don’t like the idea that I have to give books back, nor do I want to have to read books by a certain time or go through a waiting list if they don’t have a book I want right then. I feel about books like I feel about fruit: if I pay for one that disappoints me, oh well; that’s just how it is. I’ll donate it to a Little Free, my nephew’s store, or the library for their twice-yearly book sale.

    Liked by 2 people

    • nance, I cannot stomach food first thing in the day, so no toast for me.

      Your answers to the questions sound exactly how I picture you. A follow-up question: what is French 75?

      I buy most of my books too. Occasionally a friend will pass one on to me, like in the olden pre-Kindle times. I don’t worry if I don’t like a book I’ve bought. Depending on where I’m going I pass by 6 Little Free Libraries so dropping off any book is easy enough. I figure someone else will enjoy it and that makes me happy.

      Liked by 1 person

      • A French 75 cocktail is made of an ounce of gin (I prefer Hendrick’s), 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz. simple syrup, topped up in a martini glass or coupe with champagne.

        If they don’t have Hendrick’s, I get a dirty martini, up. And with bleu cheese olives, if possible.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Always good to learn a little more about favorite bloggers. I never thought much about your blog title as having a meaning. I prefer glasses to contacts as well. I usually have my first cup of coffee down the hatch by 6:30, but it’s nice to know people in the community are awake and getting ready to rock. Kudos on reading paper books.

    Enjoy your light schedule for the good weather months.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dan, aren’t you sweet? A favorite blogger! I am honored. Yep the title of this blog has meaning, although lots of people think I’m writing The Speckled Bean! I gave up correcting that years ago. 🙄

      It’s down near 20ºF this morning so while I’m sticking by my posting plan, the weather is playing games with me.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Hi Ally, congratulations on your award. 🎉 I remember this one in particular from my first couple of blogging years but haven’t seen one in a long time. I don’t really have a lot of absolute favourites; for me it’s more like a spectrum. 😊 But here goes: colour – red; animal – dog; don’t have a mantra although sometimes I repeatedly swear; no favourite number; favourite curse – f**k; drink – gin & tonic; don’t have a favourite holiday or cookie although I like both; no one favourite movie because I have several; favourite flower – daisy.

    I love your answer re the self-involved people. I also less as learned that being ignored can be a good thing. And yes, paper books are a favourite. I really dislike screen reading but have had to do a lot of it.

    Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lynette, when I saw Vicki was doing and awarding this honor, I knew I’d done it before a LONG time ago. Maybe we all did! Ditto with your favorite curse word— been using it more in 2025 than before. I like a vodka & tonic, never have developed a taste for gin. Daisies are pretty, I like them too.

      Yep, about self-involved people. Eventually I wised up and have come to see them for who they are. 🤨

      Liked by 1 person

  8. It’s nice and even re-enlightening (which probably isn’t even a word) to get these updates on bloggers from time to time. I like being reminded in little snippets of who the people I enjoy reading really are. Loved your response to reading and giving back to Little Free Libraries. I don’t typically buy books for myself anymore but I do like (when I have a little extra in the coffers) to buy used childrens books and leave them around the neighborhoods in our LFL system. I did that during the past holiday season (secretly) as a feel good gift to myself. It worked 🙂

    As to my favorites- can’t answer many of those. I think that I’ve given up on the idea of favorites and just want to savor as much as I can in general- no narrowing my focus down but enjoying things for what they are. I will say my favorite curse word, at least right now, is WTF- with a definite emphasis on each word so more like W.T.F!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, yes, yes! I agree: I like being reminded in little snippets of who the people I enjoy reading really are. Well said.

      I adore your way of filling your Little Free Libraries. That is genius. I’m in the process of slowly sorting through all our books. I usually only get maybe 25¢ per book selling them to a secondhand book store, so LFL is a better place for them.

      Good choice for a curse word. It seems relevant, like something you could say many times a day summing up current events. I’d put more emphasis on the F over the W & T, but that’s just me.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Oh for sure there is more emphasis on the F part of WTF 🙂 I also am using “bloody hell” more often. Probably influenced by some of the shows on my watchlist with a British origin. I really like that one quite a bit.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I can see how “bloody hell” would be a good thing to shout. One of the characters on Murdoch Mysteries says it often so when I read those words, it is his voice I hear saying it with a very British accent.

          Liked by 1 person

  10. I enjoy the image of you with wooden blocks on your tricycle, careening around the neighborhood. I did that with my siblings, though I think we had big wheels (much worse, so noisy.) My morning routine is up before six, drink a cappuccino made by my husband (usually waiting for me), check emails and blogs, and then off to either swim laps or walk the dog. Right now I’m also being attacked by a cat who wants to go outside and dance with coyotes.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Autumn, I did careen on that tricycle! No Big Wheels for me. My parents were too frugal for something like that when they could buy me one tricycle once and make it last until two-wheeler time.

      Your morning routine sounds lovely. I’d like to find a cappuccino waiting for me, sure. I try to put off looking at email and blogs until after I’ve been awake for an hour. A cat who wants to dance with coyotes! 😳

      Liked by 1 person

      • Andy only makes me a cappuccino because he doesn’t want me drinking any of his 10 cups of strong drip coffee. As for the cat, well, “dancing” might be an exaggeration. More like “hit coyotes in the face.”

        Liked by 1 person

        • 10 cups of coffee would be a lot of coffee. I’m impressed that anyone could drink that many but on the other hand you benefit from his love of drip coffee.

          Smiling about hitting coyotes in the face. How very cat!

          Liked by 1 person

  11. I average waking up between 5-5:30. I know too early, but good coffee helps. I prefer books too, and also chose glasses after retiring and put those contacts to bed. I like the color blue, dogs, I don’t have a mantra, no special numbers, have plenty of curse words, like plain old water, love Christmas, chocolate chip cookies, like White Christmas but only once a year, love Bleeding Hearts, and societal causes are quite relevant these days with the stock market and my library at the top of my current list. Enjoy your time off.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Judy, I used to get up at 5:30 but since Z-D retired [more or less] I’m up at 6:30. Not complaining about the extra hour of sleep, mind you.

      Your answers to the questions are spot on to who I think you are. I have many curse words, too. Just kind of lean into one in particular: fu@k! You understand why.

      Yes you’re right that as the stock market tanks and we all are 10% poorer, libraries need to keep going strong. Information is key. Seems odd that I even need to mention the obvious, yet here we are.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Your morning schedule sounds ideal. I tend to get my workout done first thing, because I hate working out after I’ve eaten and I want to get that out of the way . . . so I can shower and smell better and embrace the rest of the day. Thanks to jet lag, I did not wake up early enough to wake up today and I feel a little like I missed the boat. Maybe during nap time?

    My favorite number is 5. My grandpa used to do ‘drawings’. He’d fold paper with numbers or baseball teams, and then we’d pick one, and he’d announce the winner with lots of drama and misleading faces. I think my 5 one once, (winner got a crisp dollar bill) and it became my fav number.

    I love sea otters. I thoroughly enjoy The Proposal and Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightly. Water is my preferred beverage, but if I’m socializing – pass me a Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Black Cherry. I discovered a Hugo Spritz while in Italy and I’m hoping that is a drink available in the States, because so good.

    Enjoy your new spring/summer schedule. I’ll look forward to seeing your posts whenever they pop up.

    Liked by 1 person

    • ernie, jet lag, like switching to and from DST, throws me for a loop, too. You do what you can when you can until the rhythm returns.

      I adore your reason for liking the number 5. It makes sense and is such a sweet memory.

      Sea otters are cute, I’ll give you that. Some of their antics are over the top. I’ve never liked any of the Mike’s Hard Lemonade flavors. They taste fake to me. I’m not familiar with a Hugo Spritz, but generally like anything called a spritz. Because it is fun to say that word.

      Like

  14. Slow mornings are my saviour. The hardest thing I did in my working career was get out of bed early in the morning. I did it and made sure I did it quickly so I wouldn’t go back to sleep. Once up I was fine. These days my mornings start late and lazy.

    Regarding your questions, I don’t have a whole lot of favourites. I like/love a range of things in each group. Often it depends on my mood or the moment. However there are a few that are definite. Curse word – f**k, wine – Yellow Tail Jammy Red Roo, cookie – peanut butter. Simple things that bring so much pleasure.

    Enjoy your summer. I look forward to reading what you write whenever you post.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jenn, I know some people hop out of bed full of energy, but I am not one of them. I try to get up at the same time so that I have a semblance of structure to my days.

      I understand about not having favorites. Your curse word seems to be the most popular. I’ve seen Yellow Tail brand wines but never tried any. Will check them out. Thanks for the idea.

      Thanks for your support. I’ll post when something happens worthy of writing about. Stuff happens, but who would care about everything I do? NO ONE that’s who. 😉

      Like

  15. I am here for questions!

    Favorite color? Depends. Am I wearing it, looking at it on my walls, driving around in a vehicle coated in it? Completely different answer depending on the context.
    Favorite animal? One I don’t have to care for.
    Favorite mantra? “There will be a time after this.” (courtesy of Nicole).
    Favorite number? 747
    Favorite curse word? My Dad always says “blast” because he won’t swear, but we all know what he’s thinking in his head whenever he says blast. So I’ll go with blast because though it’s not really a curse word, it gives me the warm fuzzies.
    Favorite drink? Delicious orange juice.
    Favorite holiday? Christmas. Could there be a different answer?
    Favorite cookie? Ginger cookies. *My* recipe for ginger cookies.
    Favorite movie? White Christmas (see favourite holiday question above).
    Favorite flower? I prefer plants. Much less maintenance.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yay, Elisabeth!

      I understand how context is first before you get to a specific color. I think the same way.

      Good answer about favorite animal. JUST had a conversation with a friend talking about that exact issue.

      I like orange juice, too, but admit I don’t drink it often. I need to remedy that. Ginger cookies are my favorite cookies, too. Many people love Christmas so your movie choice makes sense. I have some potted plants around, too. I like the ever-changing nature of the leaves as the plants grow.

      Thanks for joining in to answer the questions. 😊

      Like

  16. congrats on your nomination! fun getting to know more about you, and love that we both have blog names that have to do with wearing glasses. so sweet you bicycle memory.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Jammy Red Roo is wonderful and it doesn’t give me a headache. I introduced it to my neighbour and she is also very fond of it. So I do recommend it.

    I am similar to you when it comes to blogging. I don’t always feel as if I have something interesting to say, which is why I opted out of a schedule.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I’ve written on my grocery shopping list to see if it is at our Kroger. I walk a line between challenging myself to show up here consistently and having something interesting from my real life to share here. When it happens, I’m pleased with myself BUT I cannot manufacture events that don’t happen. A blogger’s dilemma, I guess.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. I did not think (know) people still did these blogger award thingies – they were very popular 15-20 years ago and some Blogger folks still have them in the sidebars of their blogs – the ones they ‘won’. Blog Hops were a thing also years ago. All just things to generate traffic.

    I can’t imagine having ONE favorite thing in any given category – there are just so many ‘things’ – having one favorite is beyond me. Perhaps I am just fickle or indecisive. One thing I am certain about is – I don’t do mornings. And they must be silent. Regardless of the time of day I wake from sleep – silence, please. I once told a houseguest to shut up!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Grace, I was surprised to see a blog award *event* going on too. I started blogging in 2004 and like you I remember them from way back. Everything old is new again.

      I asked the favorites questions in honor of the blogger who gave me my Sunshine Award back in 2012. She’s long gone but her questions, well some of them, remain. I was feeling nostalgic.

      Another quiet person first thing upon rising. I’ll never get how anyone can talk or make noise so soon after getting up… but those people walk among us.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Great answers, Ally! I love “Any and all things that help a person physically and mentally thrive.” You nailed what should be front and center of our societal causes!

    I consider a good sign that the carefree summer is coming when you switch to your lighter schedule. I’ll miss you — but rest in the certainty that you are doing something light and summery!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Wynne, I figure if people are healthy and thriving, then the country is in good shape and can move forward, be productive, do good. Seems obvious, but maybe not.

      Yes I am looking forward to getting out and about this summer. Less screen time. Ironically today the temp is in the 40s but warmth is a’coming, I know it.

      Like

  21. I ran straight to the comments to say—my dad put blocks on Anna’s tricycle when she was a toddler. I loved reading this today. 💜

    I also love that you don’t pick just 11 bloggers, but instead, you pick everyone.

    I really enjoyed reading your answers, Ally. Thank you for sharing them! I might have to borrow some for an upcoming post.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. I love the old school blogging questions because it’s a great way to get to know someone. And I like wearing my glasses, too!
    Favorite color? Purple
    Favorite animal? Daschund
    Favorite mantra? It’s not a problem if you can throw $ at it.
    Favorite number? 17
    Favorite curse word? WTF
    Favorite drink? Blanc de Blanc champagne
    Favorite holiday? My birthday
    Favorite cookie? Ginger molasses (soft kind)
    Favorite movie? Breakfast Club
    Favorite flower? White calla lily

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bijoux, I agree about questions like these. They’re fun to answer and you get to share a bit of yourself that you might not otherwise talk about.

      Daschund! Oh I’m loving that. Number 17 is one of my favorites, too. Excellent answer about favorite holiday! I haven’t seen Breakfast Club in years and now I need to. NEED to, I tell ‘ya. Thanks for playing along and answering the questions.

      Like

  23. Yes, on the morning routine! Silence, please. 🙂
    Paper books and booksmarks. I just bought a new bookmark last week. It has flowers on it and says, “The Earth Laughs in Flowers”
    Libraries are amazing, and we need to keep them!
    And yes to Health to Education for everyone!
    Have a wonderful day, Ally! Keep shining, like the giraffe. 😉
    Fav color- red
    Fav animal- dog, wild animal- elephant
    Fav holiday – Christmas
    Fav drink- blueberry wine but as for a drink that I drink all the time. Cinnamon tea 😋
    Fav cookie – too many. LOL!
    Fav movie- Sound of Music
    Fav flower- orchid

    Liked by 1 person

    • joyroses13, thanks for the smile. That giraffe is a hoot. I like the message on your bookmark.

      Nice nuance on answering the animal question, makes sense. I’ve never had blueberry wine, nor cinnamon tea. You’re a trendsetter by my standards. I understand about the beauty of orchids.

      Thanks for playing along with the questions.

      Liked by 1 person

      • You are welcome 😊
        I always liked the quote, so I was glad to find the bookmark.

        Dogs have my heart, but there are so many wild animals that I like. Elephants are amazing at their emotional heart and intelligence. Eversince I read The Elephant Whisperer, I have had a new appreciation for them.
        Let me know if you try the blueberry wine or cinnamon tea. 😋
        I can’t keep orchids alive, but they are so pretty. My mom loves them, and she can keep them alive, so I admire hers. LOL!

        Liked by 1 person

        • I agree about elephants. So interesting and exotic, only seen in the zoo around here. I can’t grow orchids either. I think they’re beautiful, the subtle shades of colors are delightful to see.

          Liked by 1 person

  24. My morning time is my me time. I usually wake up about an hour before my husband and I do my wordle and drink my tea. If he’s up first and AWAKE he starts talking to me right away and while I love him, it can sometimes be jarring.

    Liked by 1 person

    • J, same situation with Z-D. He’s Mr. Chatty Charlie first thing in the morning. Fortunately he’s learned to restrain himself more often than not. I’ve been known to snarl when my morning rituals are interrupted. 🤨

      Like

  25. I too like to ease into the day with a calm morning as well. I started getting up before anyone else when I was young teenager. With a family of six and one bathroom for 4 kids it was chaos and it just wrecked my morning starting that way. So I figured out how to beat the rush by getting up first. Now-a- days I usually rise between 4;30 and 5:00AM have a cup of tea while gazing out the back doors and windows watching the night turn to day. Always hoping for splendid color.

    Your questions-
    Favorite color? Green- all shades
    Favorite animal? Dogs
    Favorite mantra? “Setbacks are just the stepping stones to comebacks.” I don’t know who said/wrote it first but, I’ve loved it and have used since I first read it a long time ago.
    Favorite number? 14
    Favorite curse word? Rhymes with Duck.
    Favorite drink? tea- hot and cold
    Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
    Favorite cookie? Petite Écolier European Biscuits-dark chocolate
    Favorite movie? I have so many, it’s hard to choose just one.
    Favorite flower? Hydrangeas
    Favor question here? They’re all good… I can’t choose just one.

    Enjoy your slower blogging pace and Spring/Summer!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deborah, your approach to morning sounds wonderful. I like the idea of hoping for splendid color. YES!

      That’s an interesting mantra. I’ve never heard that before but like the message. I bet it has done you well. Your favorite curse word seems to be THE favorite one around here.

      I’ve seen Petite Écolier European Biscuits-dark chocolate on the shelf but never tried them. Now I’m going to get some, presuming they’re available. I like hydrangeas too. We’ve tried growing some here but the deer eat the flowers which makes for some of the saddest looking bushes you ever did see.

      Liked by 1 person

        • I’ve added the cookies to the grocery list. I know I’ve seen them but not sure in which store.

          Squirrels are a pest. One has taken to digging up my pansies, pulling them out of the planter. 😏

          Liked by 1 person

  26. I enjoyed reading your answers to the questions. I’m with you 100% about libraries and librarians! Your summer blogging schedule sounds like my year-round schedule, or should I say non-schedule! I might post 2 or 3 times a month, depending on what’s going on. Do you read and comment only when you post, or do you keep up with what everyone is writing? Well, I’m always happy to see a post from you whenever you decide to write!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Michelle G., I like how dedicated librarians have to be. Plus the ones I’ve known personally were hilarious. Many funny stories.

      I try to keep up with everyone even when I’m posting less often. I usually read + comment on one or two posts per week from people who share daily or almost daily. Years ago a popular blogger advised me to not try to read everything, be consistent but selective. I love y’all be maybe not all the time! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

    • Rebecca, thanks for stopping by to read and comment. I agree with you about this amazing community that is welcoming. Plus it was fun to answer the questions, ask the questions, be at one with questions!

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Appreciate the shout-out for librarians! I’m also a fall-loving, print-book reading, non-binge-watching spectacle-wearer. And I endorse your warm weather blogging schedule. We should make a club or something. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Congrats on the Sunshine Award! I haven’t seen that in years! 😊 I like to ooze into the day also after a cup of coffee. I also like a mystery.
    I selected some of the questions to answer:
    • Favorite color—red.
    • Favorite animal—I don’t have a favorite. Cats, dogs, birds, geckos—all are fun.
    • Favorite cookie—chocolate chip
    • Favorite movie—too many to name. Pixar’s The Incredibles is one of my favorites.
    • Favorite flower—Gerbera daisy

    Liked by 1 person

    • L. Marie, I hadn’t seen the award in years either and I knew I’d done it years ago so I wanted to do it again. For old time sake.

      Adore your animals. You’re right geckos are fun, don’t get enough love in my opinion. I’ve haven’t seen The Incredibles in a long time. I’m smiling thinking about. Love Gerbera daisies, too. Those colors! Thanks for playing along.

      Like

    • Gigi, I thought doing this award was fun. I remember blogging being simpler back when these were popular. Thanks for the encouragement. I’m going to blog lite blogger. [Is that a thing?]

      Liked by 1 person

  32. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy hopping out of bed, full of energy… really, I can’t. My husband knows not to talk to me before I’ve consumed AT LEAST my first half mug of coffee. Wordle and Connections are about all the brain activity I can muster in the a.m., then we take our daily 3-mile walk.

    I like paper books best too. Since I usually read before I turn out the light, I find that dropping a paper book on the floor as I snooze off is much preferable to an electronic device.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janis, I’ve trained Z-D to not bother me until I’ve adequate time to adjust to being awake. No morning walks for me though. I’m impressed that you do that.

      Exactly about the paper book versus electronic book! I tried to adore my Kindle but it didn’t seem organic in the way reading a paper book does. Plus worrying about breaking it when it hits the floor was weirdly stressful.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. You sunshiney thing!! Okay, since you asked:
    Favorite color? Robin’s egg blue, but if it’s clothing, black
    Favorite animal? Dog! Second favourite is the elephant.
    Favorite mantra? No mud, no lotus is tied with no coffee, no prana, which is tied with there will be a time after this, which is tied with what you focus on is what you see more of
    Favorite number? 21
    Favorite curse word? goddammit
    Favorite drink? red red wine it makes me feel so fine. But also margaritas, and gin and tonics
    Favorite holiday? Christmas
    Favorite cookie? gingersnap
    Favorite movie? When Harry Met Sally
    Favorite flower? I cannot choose one favourite, they are all my favourites, come to mama, you pretty things
    Favor question here? I don’t know, I’m going to randomly choose to answer the following: paper books, but ebooks to travel with!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicole, I like robin egg blue in theory, but maybe not to wear or put on the walls. I do better with more grayed out blues than bright ones.

      Red wine. Check. I like tequila and soda but never anything with gin. I also like gingersnaps so maybe we could get together and dunk them in some red wine?

      I haven’t seen When Harry Met Sally in years. I wonder how it has held up. I agree about ebooks when you travel. In that situation I like them.

      Like

  34. Favorite color? Purple
    Favorite animal? Don’t make me choose! (Cat for cuddles, dog for adventures)
    Favorite mantra? Just do it.
    Favorite number? 63
    Favorite curse word? Bitchnuts
    Favorite drink? Diet Coke, the nectar of the gods
    Favorite holiday? Election Day – free and fair elections should be celebrated!
    Favorite cookie? Chocolate Chip
    Favorite movie? Babe (the pig movie) or Dirty Dancing
    Favorite flower? Daisies
    Favorite question here? Okay, I purposefully misinterpreting the question. I like to ask people what their favorite book is. It’s a good way to get excellent book recommendations!

    Liked by 2 people

    • NGS, your mantra is a good one, not to mention very well known. Bitchnuts? I’ve never ever heard anyone say that. You win the award for creative cursing.

      I like your choice for a favorite holiday. You’re right, why isn’t it a holiday? Good old Dirty Dancing. It’s a classic and make me smile to think about it.

      Smart thinking about the favorite book question. I take your point, will remember that as a good question as a way to start conversations.

      Like

    • E.A. Wickham, thanks for such a kind assessment of who I am. I try but some days I wonder… about who I am… and if I’m doing enough. But then the doubts pass and ever onward go I.

      Like

  37. Favorite color? Purple despite not owning anything purple
    Favorite animal? Cats, pittbulls, squirrels & bats
    Favorite mantra? Think. Exist. Be.
    Favorite number? 69 🤪
    Favorite curse word? CHEEZUS
    Favorite drink? when I drank it was a fuzzy navel
    Favorite holiday? My birthday
    Favorite cookie? Samoan girl scout cookies and kiffles
    Favorite movie? Who done it ? (1942)
    Favorite flower? None…their aroma gived me headached
    Favor question here? Just how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop ?

    Liked by 2 people

    • M., I’m sure you can like a color from afar, as you have shown us. Interesting mantra. Very succinct. I like it.

      I remember being at a wedding reception where the official drink was a Fuzzy Navel. Maybe not one of my favorite beverages, but to each his own.

      What are kiffles? Never heard of them. I’ve no answer to your profound question. I don’t know when I last had a tootsie pop…

      Liked by 1 person

  38. “I’ll post my flapdoodle and twaddle”. I have never heard this expression, but I absolutely love it. I love your writing style. I’m very new to blogging and checking out the blogs of others, and I must say, your writing style is a work of art.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jolie Brown, thanks for the kind words. I didn’t set out to have a writing style when I started blogging in 2004, it evolved over time. As have I. What used to seem important now seems like silliness— and silliness now seems more important. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. “Their reactions to me have nothing to do with me.”
    This is a wisdom everyone should know before they hit adolescence. It took me a while longer to get there!
    I am with you on paper books, little libraries, bookmarks and especially librarians. They are a valuable asset. I do hope they are not dying out.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Amanda, it took many decades to realize that people do what they do for their own reasons: it’s not me, it’s them. Yes I agree with you about libraries and librarians and bookmarks. Knowledge is cool beans.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. I also rise early and take care of dogs then plop on sofa with coffee to enjoy the sunrise painting the mountains pink. Read before writing morning pages, otherwise I’d have absolutely nothing to say!

    I did appreciate your response about unlikely teacher. This is really hitting home for me. I do find that difficult people tend to teach me a) how not to be, and b) how to become more patient and tolerant. As you say, their problems have nothing to do with me. I do my best to be kind.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Eilene, “the sunrise painting the mountains pink” sounds divine. I’d enjoy taking that view in while drinking my morning coffee. I used to do morning pages, but gave up after a few years. I like your approach.

      You’re right about how some people teach you how not to be. Those would be the ones I was referring to. I’m kind enough around them, but also like to put a lot of distance between me and them. ‘Ya know?

      Liked by 1 person

  41. I hope you find this as funny as I do – I just realized that I have been mispronouncing the name of your blog ever since I found it. I thought it was the Speckled Bean, not The Spectacled Bean. For some reason, I was not curious at all about why you identified with a bean covered with spots.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Margy, I’m laughing. You’re not alone. A few other commenters have said the same thing thinking this is The Speckled Bean. I chose the title of this blog after seeing spectacled bears in the zoo. The dark bears have white fur markings around their eyes that look like eyeglasses. I was charmed by them— and a unique blog name was born.

      Like

        • No kidding? I believe it. If you don’t stop to carefully read the information about spectacled bears it’d be easy to make that mistake. PLUS some people drink Old Speckled Hen Beer which could contribute to the confusion.

          Liked by 1 person

  42. I too love autumn, but I enjoy every season for different reasons. We have gorgeous summers here although it stays light way too long for me. (messes up my body clock!)
    Favorite color? Blue
    Favorite animal? Cat
    Favorite mantra? Carpe diem
    Favorite number? 10
    Favorite curse word? Dagnabbit
    Favorite drink? Flavored water, non-carbonated or my mocha
    Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
    Favorite cookie? Millionaire shortbread
    Favorite movie? Too many to name
    Favorite flower? Stargazer Lily
    Favor question here? Mantra because we don’t usually see that one in favorites lists.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, I get you about too much light in summer. We get a lot and we’re farther south than you so I can imagine how it is for you.

      Carpe diem is a great mantra and a phrase I haven’t thought about in a long time. I’m glad you liked this question as your favorite. Answers to it have been insightful.

      I try to like those flavored waters, but they give me heartburn. I feel ancient saying that, but it’s true. Plain Perrier is okay, though.

      OF COURSE, your favorite flower is a Stargazer Lily. I’d accept nothing else as your answer!

      Like

  43. You’re the perfect person for a Sunshine Bogger’s Award. Congratulations.

    My favorites:
    Color: various shades of blue-green, but I love all colors, each and every one.
    Animal? Cats. They’re so soft and graceful.
    Number? 6. I don’t know why.
    Curse word? I almost never curse, but I started having to choose some for characters in my stories. And these days there’s a lot to curse about, so maybe I should learn.
    Drink? I drink coffee every day, so I must like coffee. I also like a good green tea, but I seldom drink it. Rum and coke with lime can be nice now and then.
    Flower? Gardenia. My wedding bouquet was gardenias.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicki, thank you. It was fun to go old school and write this sunny post.

      I like blue-green colors too, but like you can be happy with most any color. [No mauve please.] If your characters are meant to be from current times, cursing is where it’s at! I swear lots more than I used to and I was raised to never say curse words. Yet… 🤬

      I like green tea, too, and often have some after lunch. Gardenias! Oh my I haven’t seen those in years. They bring back some sweet memories from my childhood. Pretty flowers.

      Like

  44. Hi Ally, I like your morning routine. In fact, I laughed: “No loud noises or bright lights.” I would add one more: no talking or asking me questions (until after my coffee). I like autumn also. When we still lived in California, I was so happy that my granddaughter Autumn was born in September so we could come to her birthday to see the autumn foliage. I’m living in Oregon now and it’s wonderful to see the gradual change of the autumn colors.

    Favorite color? Lilac or soft pink
    Favorite animal? Leopard
    Favorite mantra? Grateful
    Favorite number? 7 or 10
    Favorite curse word? None
    Favorite drink? Espresso in the morning and Peppermint tea the rest of the day
    Favorite holiday? Christmas (and the day after is my daughter’s birthday)
    Favorite cookie? None, (or a chocolate chip cookie in the morning) I’m sensitive to sweets
    Favorite movie? Dr. Zhivago
    Favorite flower? Used to be rose, now rhododendron

    Liked by 1 person

    • Miriam, good addition. I don’t want to be fielding questions before I’ve had my coffee, too. YET some people insist on talking to me immediately after I get up. 🤨

      A granddaughter Autumn born in September. I love that. I like leopards, too. All those spots are amazing. I recently have been on a peppermint tea binge. So refreshing.

      I haven’t seen Dr. Zhivago in years. I remember being entranced when I saw it in the theater. So unique and bittersweet and memorable. I read the book, too, but remember nothing about it. 🤔

      Thanks for reading and commenting. Always great to see you.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Ally, funnily enough, I’ve just prepared a post on my morning routine. I am delighted to learn that you share my preference for a quiet & gentle start to the day.

    With regard to your questions:

    Liked by 1 person

  46. Oops, I pressed send by mistake!

    Favorite color? Teal
    Favorite animal? Red panda (or black cat in a domestic environment)
    Favorite mantra? Be kind
    Favorite number? 7 (my grandfather had 3 great grandchildren born on the 7th, but even before this, he insisted that 7 was his lucky number – so who am I to argue!)
    Favorite curse word? Depends on my mood, I may have a bit of a potty mouth 😉
    Favorite drink? Something long & cool. Currently Mexican Lime Soda.
    Favorite holiday? Somewhere with a great view, lots of history, and where I can also spend time reading in peace & quiet.
    Favorite cookie? I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I like a biscuit – shortbread maybe?
    Favorite movie? It changes. Something gentle, witty with beautiful scenery like “Local Hero” would do.
    Favorite flower? Tulip
    Favor question here? Who or what has been your most unlikely teacher? I’m still thinking about it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, hello again! 😉

      Teal is my favorite color, too. You’ve got sound reasoning for liking the number 7. I like it, too— just not my favorite.

      I’ve not had Mexican Lime Soda, but have had a Mexican brand Jarritos Grapefruit Soda that is divine. It’s difficult to find around here, but when I do… yum.

      I don’t have a sweet tooth either, so your shortbread sounds perfect to me. Tulips are lovely. Ours around here are yet to bloom so I’m looking forward to the colors.

      Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Wonder who your most unlikely teacher will be? 🤔

      Liked by 1 person

      • Grapefruit soda sounds like an even better combo… I shall live in hope that Fever Tree decide to produce one.

        I’m letting the question percolate. When I do decide, if it makes a good story, you can be assured that I’ll be writing a post about it 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  47. All these questions about ‘favorites’ tickled me. Some time ago, I figured out the proper response to the question “What’s your favorite flower?” It’s the one I’m looking at! Likewise with color, music, animals, and so on. I do have some strong non-favorites (Brussels sprouts, I’m looking at you…) but I tend to appreciate whatever happens to be around at any given time.

    I did have to spend some time thinking about my favorite curse word. I mostly don’t, except for the occasional ‘damn’ when I hit myself with a hammer, or ‘crap’ now and then when I realize I’ve been wrong or stupid, but otherwise? I just don’t. There’s a certain ‘f’ word that I’ve never used, and I’m not sure I could. On the other hand, the question did bring my dad to mind. He mostly didn’t curse, but now and then, in a moment of extreme frustration, he’d come up with “Jesus H. Christ.” I finally took the time to look for the genesis of that one, and found, via Wiki, that it was known at least in Mark Twain’s time. I never have heard anyone but my dad use it, but I love that you surfaced that memory for me!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, I adore your answer to the flower question. It reminds me of the appropriate answer to many ‘why’ questions is: because I can. Being flippant at the right time in the right way is a gift.

      I can swear with ease. I didn’t use to but as I’ve aged and the world has gotten coarser I’ve joined in. Occasionally not like every sentence, but often enough— maybe a few times per week.

      I don’t know anyone who says “Jesus H. Christ” but know I’ve read it in books when a character says it. I followed your link and now know it is “a specifically American profanity.” Aren’t we just‽ I’m pleased that remembering your father was a good thing.

      Liked by 1 person

  48. I’m not a morning person either. My husband is. He’s finally getting the hang of not talking to me when I first get up if we’re both home. He sometimes forgets that texting=talking in my book.

    Liked by 2 people

  49. How wonderful to get a little peek into peoples lives with these questions. And to find the slices of similarities. Of your questions my the favorite question is favorite cookie. I can answer all the others without hesitation, but favorite cookie. How can anybody pick only one? It’s like asking which is your favorite child.

    Liked by 1 person

  50. Ah, we have so much in common. “I’m like molasses slowly oozing into the day.”–this perfectly describes how I start my day, usually an hour later than you. Because of the time zone difference, though, we might be getting up at the same time. I also enjoy TV series (usually mysteries or police procedurals) but occasionally we binge watch (which for us means watching two episodes in a row). When I lived in the northeast, autumn was my favorite season. I read a lot online (like blog posts and news articles), but I prefer paper when available. It’s funny (maybe) … I have a Kindle but it’s not my first choice for reading even though I have a ton of books on it. One adjustment that hasn’t been easy is knitting magazines go digital. Ugh.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marie, I’m smiling knowing I’m not alone in my slowpoke morning routine. I’d call watching two show in a row a binge too. I read on screens for blogs and magazines and news, but when it comes to a book I like paper. I have a Kindle but only use it for travel. I can imagine how difficult it’d be to read and understand a digital knitting magazine. Seems incongruous.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. Wait a second Ally — I need more information about your anti-binge-watch policy. Is this a purposeful restriction? And why? Do you have A Past when it comes to binge watching? And more than a single episode constitutes binge watching? Do you ever watch single episodes of multiple shows in a night? I am awed and impressed by your show watching asceticism.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, sometimes I’ll watch a single episode of a couple of different shows in one night. I don’t think of my asceticism as a restriction as much as extending the joy of watching something. I like time between each episode so that I can process what I saw before I watch again. Think it through. Plus my eyes tire easily and staring at a screen with moving images wears me out. I just can’t do it.

      Liked by 1 person

  54. Good for you for switching to the less hectic blogging schedule! As for some of your questions: my favorite color is blue, my favorite animal is a dog, and my favorite holiday is Christmas. Thanks for sharing your answers with us too!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ann, I love blogging but I also think that less is more. I like blue, too. Christmas has been the number one favorite holiday. I don’t know that I anticipated that, but there you go! Whatever floats your boat or tinsels your tree!

      Liked by 2 people

  55. Like you, I need a solid period of time in the morning to assemble my thoughts. No interruptions, please! Congratulations on being a Sunshine Blogger, Ally and I hope you enjoy your spring/summer blogging schedule 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Barbara, you said it: a solid period of time in the morning to assemble my thoughts. My husband just jumps into the day which baffles me.

      I like my fortnightly approach to blogging. It has worked before, will again. 🤞🏻

      Like

  56. Congratulations on your Sunshine Blogger Award Ally and also on your slipping into a Spring/Summertime blogging schedule (assuming it is indeed Spring and not the wintry-like conditions we have now, i.e. light rain/snow as I type this comment).

    Here is my list of favorites:
    Favorite color? (Brown – every shade, yes that’s weird I know.)
    Favorite animal? (Birds, squirrels)
    Favorite mantra? (“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop)
    Favorite number? (14)
    Favorite curse word? (I don’t have one.)
    Favorite drink? (Coffee)
    Favorite holiday? (I really don’t have one – I have no family so all holidays are about the same, especially now that I’m retired and I don’t associate it with time off.)
    Favorite cookie? (Chocolate chip or peanut butter)
    Favorite movie? (I’ve not been to see a movie in years, but my favorite feel-good movie, one you and I discussed in the past, is “Murphy’s Romance”.)
    Favorite flower? (These days it is wildflowers, but I would say roses when my gardens flourished.)
    Favor question here? (Favorite mantra.)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, thanks for answering the questions. A good way to ignore the wintry weather. 🤔

      I don’t dislike brown, wood is pretty, leather can be lovely. But I cannot wear brown. It doesn’t do me any favors.

      I like your mantra. I didn’t know that was from Aesop. Coffee is a good drink. Well, at least when it’s good coffee brewed properly.

      I understand about the holidays. We’re somewhat the same now. They’re nice days but not all that meaningful anymore.

      Roses and wildflowers are good flowers. I like them both, too. Sometimes it’s less about a particular flower and more about how it looks in its environment.

      Liked by 1 person

      • You’re welcome Ally. We got 1.5 inches of snow in my city which has melted from our rainy day. Spring is a disappointment so far – we’ll likely zoom right to Summer at this rate.

        I think brown is my favorite color as I like Fall – the muted shades of brown, burnt orange, beige, all remind me of Fall.

        I liked “Aesop’s Fables” as a kid. The holidays were important when celebrated with family members, but are just memories now.

        Flowers are beautiful, whether wild and unstructured, or tamed and exquisitely presented. Summertime color from flowers is the best part of living in a four-season state.

        Liked by 1 person

  57. Oh, and old fashioned blog award… how fun. And how fun to learn more random things about you 🙂
    I have a friend who LOVES glasses and she has an impressive collection. You’d be great friends 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • San, I haven’t done of these in a long time. I enjoyed doing a throwback blog post [this one time].

      Your friend sounds like a good person. I don’t have a collection, just like wearing the ones I need to see straight.

      Like

  58. I will answer 3 of your questions:
    Favorite Color: PURPLE! I am a bit obsessed. Purple hair, Purple clothes, just ordered Purple pots and pans and towels. I am even getting Purple furniture when I move.
    Favorite Number: 8! Probably because it’s different. You weren’t supposed to hit it at Pool or you would lose. Plus the whole unbroken circle lines are pretty cool.
    Favorite Animal; Let’s go non-domestic since domestic needs no explanation. BLACK PANTHER! Yes, I know it is still a Cat. But they are majestic and look so regal and soft.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Venus, I take it you like *checks my notes* PURPLE.

      I’d forgotten about the eight ball in pool, but it is different. Great reason for liking this number.

      Black panthers are amazing animals. They look like they’re soft but who’s going to touch one to find out for sure? I’ll admire from a distance.

      Like

  59. Pingback: Answering questions by the Spectacled Bean – Fedora Pancakes

    • Barbara, yes dad was resourceful, always one to have a solution. In this case he saved my Christmas Day. I really wanted to ride that tricycle from the minute I found it next to the tree. ZOOM!

      Liked by 1 person

  61. Favorite color? Orange.
    Favorite animal? Track 3 on Def Leppard’s “Hysteria.”
    Favorite mantra? It’s better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
    Favorite number? 14.
    Favorite curse word? Geezernugget or gimblesnot.
    Favorite drink? Depends on time, place, mood. Might be coffee, iced tea, an Old Fashioned, or a Bloody Mary.
    Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.
    Favorite cookie? White chocolate macadamia nut.
    Favorite movie? Lord of the Rings trilogy.
    Favorite flower? Bird of paradise.
    Favor question here? This one, because it’s incomplete. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mark, you may be the only person who has mentioned orange for a favorite color and now that I realize that I find it odd that not more people like orange.

      Nice mantra. Lovely curse words, rather… unique. Good point about how location influences what is your favorite drink.

      I haven’t had a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie in years. And suddenly I’m drooling. Had forgotten about them.

      Bird of paradise flowers are gorgeous and not found around here. Good choice.

      Liked by 1 person

      • The living rooms in both my last house and my townhouse were painted orange. This is the first time Tara and I went with a more subtle color. Still love it though.

        Growing up in Hawaii, I always loved birds of paradise!

        Liked by 1 person

        • I knew you grew up in Hawaii so makes sense you’d like such an exotic [by midwest standards] flower. If you get tired of subtle color, orange will always be there waiting for you.

          Liked by 1 person

  62. Woohoo! I’m liker #100! Also, wow. I think 60-something is the most likes I get. Well done, you. Do you have more time than I do when it comes to reading other’s blogs? I can barely keep up. I approve of you fortnightly plan. That’s about what I do too, though not intentionally. That’s all I can muster. And I shall not be a wordy commenter, but I will comment that your response about librarians was my fave. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ilsa Rey, I know what you mean about having time [or not] to read other bloggers’ blogs. One of the reasons I like to cutback on blogging during the warm weather months is that it allows me to keep up with all my bloggy friends in addition to doing all my outside goof-off stuff. That being said, some people write so much so often that I find I can read one, maybe two, posts per week and that’s it. I think your posting frequency is perfect for you, btw. And yes to the librarians. I didn’t hesitate when answering that question. I knew.

      Like

  63. “I’m like molasses slowly oozing into the day.” This is quite possibly the best description I’ve ever seen for a morning routine. I wish I could be still enough to look at nature while I drink coffee and wake up. It sounds like a beautifully peaceful way to start the day.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Laura, thanks! I’m incapable of moving quickly in the morning. I eventually realized this and now accommodate myself with my quiet coffee nature experience every morning. I’m a happier person because of it.

      Like

  64. Favorite color? Blues and Purples
    Favorite animal? Cat, what else?
    Favorite mantra? Not sure, does swearing count as a mantra?
    Favorite number? 5
    Favorite curse word? Sadly, the F word has been far too favorite of late.
    Favorite drink? I think you already know this. Brandy is involved.
    Favorite holiday? Christmas
    Favorite cookie? Orange Cardamom and Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chip
    Favorite movie? To Sir with Love and Sound of Music
    Favorite flower? Coneflower
    Favor question here? Societal causes – Feeding the hungry – I volunteer with an organization that feeds the hungry. There is more that I care about – mostly the oppression of those in the margins – people who suffer due to bigotry and racisim. I try to give monetarily to specific organizations for these causes.

    Like

    • Mary, of course cats are your favorite animals. I believe that swearing can be a mantra, so yes. Sure, I know about your favorite drink. You’re the only person I know who drinks them which makes you memorable.

      Your favorite cookie is amazing. I agree that feeding the hungry is paramount. Our local food bank does an excellent job tackling that issue. I feel good about donating there.

      Liked by 1 person

  66. Favorite color? Green
    Favorite animal? Birds
    Favorite mantra? Did I do that? 😂
    Favorite number? 10
    Favorite curse word? Shit, I don’t know!
    Favorite drink? Water
    Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
    Favorite cookie? Choc chip
    Favorite movie? too many to narrow it down.
    Favorite flower? Peonies
    Favor question here? All of them.

    This was fun. Old school awards; I remember those. You enjoy your lighter blogging schedule and we will see you when we see you! XO

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suz, thanks for playing along and answering the questions. You’ve been around blogland forever like I have and these awards used to be THE thing to do.

      Your mantra made me laugh. I sometimes think my mantra is: “don’t do stupid things.” Nice curse word, btw.

      I expected almost everyone to say chocolate chip cookies were their faves but have been pleasantly surprised by the variety. Made me hungry truth be told. 🍪

      Liked by 1 person

  67. I enjoyed learning a little more about you, Ally. I too love the slow easy mornings that are so much more plentiful now that I am retired. And I second your praise for librarians. They are amazing. Now to answer your questions:
    Favorite color? It changes frequently. I do love turquoise and deep purple.
    Favorite animal? My dog, Buddy. I also love elephants and tigers…to look at and learn about only…no touching.
    Favorite mantra? I am open and receptive to all possibilities.
    Favorite number? 6. Don’t ask me why. Since childhood, 6 has been my number.
    Favorite curse word? It’s not really a curse word, but it sounds like one: kerfuffle
    Favorite drink? It’s a toss-up: iced coffee with a splash of milk or a good glass of wine.
    Favorite holiday? Christmas, because all of my siblings and our families get together.
    Favorite cookie? Hmmm…I can’t say. I don’t eat a lot of cookies, but anything fresh from a bakery is welcome.
    Favorite movie? I don’t have a favorite movie. Most recently I saw Snow White with my youngest granddaughter.
    Favorite flower? Daffodils because they are typically the first flowers of spring. Truly, I love all flowers though.
    Favorite question here? They were all pretty fun, but the favorite number question made me smile.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Christie, you’re right about how early mornings change once you are not working outside the home. Slow is good.

      I like teal, a friend of turquoise. Your mantra is wonderful. I like it, need to adopt that mindset. Thanks for sharing it here.

      Ditto on your favorite drink. I’ve read about Snow White, will wait for it to hit TV. I like daffodils too. I once attempted to get some to grow using vodka [a thing suggested online] just ‘cuz I wanted better ones.

      My favorite number is 8, btw. Or 17. Or maybe 42.

      Like

  69. Much fun learning even more about you (although you do show us great splotches of YOU in each of your blog posts) and encouraging others to do the same. I laugh at your metaphor – you/morning/molasses. Ha. I like to get up by 6 (am disappointed if I can’t reach my hot tea until 6:30) and have my alone time on the front porch (if it’s warm enough) with the bees and the birds. Or inside with the snow falling and fireplace on warming me into wakefulness. And I’m not a talker. I think we’d get along quite well. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.