You Are The Sunshine Of My Life: 8 Things To Tell You On A Tuesday In July

/ Ally Bean

I am peeved. Last week WP spontaneously published this content before I’d finished writing it. When I realized the mistake I deleted what I’d started, SWORE AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS, & started over again to write this. To say I’m not pleased with WP would be an understatement. However many thanks to everyone who received a half-finished email & let me know something was off. Bloggy friends are the best.

I am fascinated. Do you know what a “nurdle” is? I didn’t until I stumbled over this article, Why Is a Blob of Toothpaste Called a “Nurdle?” While this nonsensical term has more to do with Madison Avenue than anything medical, it was used in a 1960s toothpaste advertisement for a brand of toothpaste called Vote. The best part of this snippet of advertising history is that the tagline for this now defunct toothpaste was: “A nurdle a day keeps the dragon away.”  Words to live by, people.

I am uncertain. Recently an acquaintance told me why she doesn’t like personal blogs. Over the years I’ve heard many reasons why blogs suck, but her reason surprised me. She ignores them because she says “everyone does the same thing.” 

She was referring to challenges &/or prompts wherein a group of like-minded bloggers commit to sharing their takes on the same topic. She finds that boring because she perceives no originality, only conformity. I take her point, but isn’t showing up in whatever way suits you, follower or free spirit, the whole point of personal blogging?

I am entertained. While checking out a new-to-me color at Sherwin-Williams called Slumber Sloth [9606], I found this Sherwin-Williams Color ID Quiz. Quizzes call to me. I took the quiz and learned that I am a Dreamer. Who’d probably sleep soundly in a room painted Slumber Sloth, don’t ‘ya suppose?

I am amused. For Christmas I got a page-a-day Peanuts calendar. It’s cute, featuring 6 comics per week total. From this calendar I learned that Charlie Brown’s favorite baseball team, a bush league team of course, is the Waffletown Syrups managed by Joe Shlabotnik. Because of course it was.

I am impressed. Never have I ever given a Bic pen a second thought. They just exist, ‘ya know? But come to find out they’re considered a game changer, a big deal in the world of pens. Read How the BIC Cristal Ballpoint Pen Became the Most Successful Product in History to learn more.

I am charmed. Well if you don’t find this link, Owls in Towels, to be about the sweetest ding-dang-darned thing that you ever did see, then are you even alive? ‘Nuff said. Go check it out.

I am snarky. The following is a WaPo chart about humidity. It’s a pretty chart in which a dew point number is correlated to how it feels to experience this dew point. This is all well and good if you happen to have straight hair, but I’m a woman with naturally curly frizzy hair all. the. time. THUS if I take this information verbatim I’m always living in a world with high humidity, aren’t I? And that just ain’t so.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

📌 On average how many nurdles a day do you use?

📌 If you’re a blogger do you do challenges &/or prompts? Thinking about them in general do you feel they:

  • empower you by providing you with a sense of community?
  • focus you by pointing you and your energy in one tangible direction?
  • restrict you by telling you what to do, but not how to do it?
  • limit you by squelching your inclination to do your own thing?
  • other?

📌 Would you paint your walls Slumber Sloth? If you took the S-W quiz what did your results tell you about you? Do you agree with the assessment?

📌 Got frizzy hair? How do you tame it? Or like me, have you given up on the idea?

📌 Anyone else about had it with WP? If so, whatcha gonna do about it?

+ • + • +

266 thoughts on “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life: 8 Things To Tell You On A Tuesday In July”

  1. That’s interesting, that WP took it upon itself to publish your blog before you intended for it to go live. Early publication’s happened to me a few times, but in those instances there’s no question who’s responsible, and it isn’t WP!

    There are photographic ‘challenges’ that several bloggers I follow participate in, and whenever I find one of those has been posted, I click out, lickety-split. Why? It’s not exactly boredom, but something akin. They seem to me to be lacking in some way. Perhaps it’s the difference between “this is what I found, what intrigued or pleased me, and I want to share it with you,” and “this is what I found in my archives to meet someone else’s challenge.” I know many people enjoy them, but they just don’t float my boat.

    As for the humidity chart, I just laughed. At this very minute, our humidity is 94%. If we’re lucky, it might get down 75%-80% by the time things heat up and the atmosphere dries out a bit. We call summer the 90/90 season: 90 degrees and 90% humidity is so typical.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, I’ve hit publish early too, but in this case I was hitting the preview button when *boom* the post went live. IF I hit that publish button I don’t know how. I was nowhere near it.

      Well said about the way some photo challenges feel. I know I’ve never tried a photo challenge because I’m too disorganized with my photos to know what I’ve got. Plus I like to do my own thing here using photos when they add to my quirky posts. Different strokes for different folks— or how about different snaps for different chaps. 😁

      I wouldn’t enjoy living in your 90/90 seasonal weather. Occasionally in July or August we’ll have a couple of days like that and I do not like them. You’re a strong person to deal with that as often as you do.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I have a cure for frizzy hair but only if it’s longer than shoulder length.😎

    Love the owls! 🦉

    WP is WP. I can’t explain it either. 🤷‍♀️

    And blogging? She’s both right and wrong. Sometimes, the similarities in certain blogs make it somewhat meh, but it’s a choice, to read or write blogs. I know people who rely on prompts to get their writing started, but do not use them myself at all, nor read answers to prompts, because I find them boring.

    I like your method of I’m uncertain, I’m amused, I’m impressed etc. Very cool way to express yourself! 💟

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I don’t do challenges or prompts. I understand what your friend means but I love personal blogs. Although writers try to take a different slant, it gets boring reading about the same thing on all the blogs. There used to be a Thurday doors prompt. I knew every Thursday there would be a bunch of doors and mostly nothing else. Some were creative and beautiful and some ordinary. It was seeing them all the same day that got tedious. I like humidity because it makes my wavy-weak curl hair more curly and less work. The thing with curly hair is it does it’s own thing. You can’t tell it what to do! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kate, I understood what this acquaintance meant in that she wanted everyone to be original all the time. She reads blogs for free spirits, not followers. Like you said, when everyone does the same thing on one day it can be tedious to check them out even if you see creativity and beauty in the posts. I can see both sides on this issue.

      Amen about curly hair. It’s the Universe’s way of reminding you that there’s no such thing as perfection. 🤨

      Liked by 1 person

  4. It’s ok to not like personal blogs. But firstly , that’s a narrow view, to say people only follow prompts and tags. Secondly, while the prompts are the same, the answers rarely are. Which is sort of great. Then, we’ll go to the theory that no one wants anything new anymore…no one wants to take a chance on fresh content.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Wow, I guess the Sherwin-Williams Color ID Quiz is spot on. I was identified as a naturalist and one of the colors on my palette was Shiitake, the very color I painted the hallways and stairwells in my last home! A shade not that far off from your Slumber Sloth.
    I have given up taming my wavy frizzy, but still keep checking the weather app for the dew point every morning, just to see how bad the frizzies are going to be each day.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Barbara, that’s amazing: one of the colors on your S-W profile ID was one you’ve used! Talk about an online quiz that’s spot on [no pun intended].

      You’re a braver woman than I. I don’t want to know what the predicted dew point will be before it happens. I’d feel too defeated too early in the day.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Nurdles: 2, if not 3 at times

    No prompts use personally, but I do read blogs that use them fairly often- mostly photography blogs and one blog that can take a simple prompt and turn it into an amazing slice of life story.

    I would not paint my walls Slumber Sloth. My new home HOA is all about these aesthetic neutrals…everywhere. I think most colors in the Slumber Sloth realm have me feeling very jaded right now, and very overwhelmed by sand and rock and beige-ish things. I am a Nurturer. I feel the palette suits me nicely.

    While not frizzy it is in the thinning, brown to increasing gray, fine hair stage. Humidity does make that condition worse. I am choosing to ignore my head right now- wanting to grow things to a longer length. Not really sure why except that I have always had short hair… I hope the dry air in CO will mediate some of occasional frizz.

    I am basically meh about WP but also will not go to any other platform. The people I want to read are here. That is why I stay 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, I, too, don’t use prompts but enjoy reading some of what they can lead to. Slice of life stories are the best, aren’t they?

      Yes Slumber Sloth is described as a warm and welcoming neutral. It’s not much of a specific color, but no doubt is trendy right now. Hello Nurturer, btw. Will you paint the walls in your new apartment any of those colors?

      Until the pandemic I had short hair, but during those years I let it grow out so that now I can wear it in a ponytail. It’s so much easier than styling every morning. And much less expensive. Recommended.

      Good point about WP and the people you want to read. Many of the bloggers I follow are here, too. I get frustrated with WP but stay because the idea of starting over somewhere else doesn’t sound like fun. And if I’m going to blog it better be fun.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Laughing about the walls in the new space. They are literally pumpkin orange right now! Many of the spaces in this house had VERY bold colors. Daughter has painted over all of those and will be doing mine soon. We agreed easily to keep it simple and just go with a very even, calm slight beige/cream choice. The floors are a dark/light gray “looks like wood” product so the nurturer colors fit right in with what I’m bringing/buying. I have reached the short pony hair stage with a front that still falls in wisps around my face. I’m not at all used to it and I startle myself when the pony is in place!

        Liked by 1 person

        • Pumpkin orange is a popular interior color around here because of the Bengals. I don’t know that I’d like to live with it. Your beige/cream choice sounds pretty and versatile and not in your face. The floor color is going to work in your favor.

          I went through the startled to see me in a pony tail stage too. Now I’m beginning to occasionally put my hair into a librarian bun at the nape of my neck— and I look like Great Aunt Ida. Genetics are trippy.

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Well, I enjoy a variety of personal blogs though I don’t read all of them every time they post. And some that I used to get emails prompting me to go read I for some reason no longer get prompts so I often forget to check them out. I do think it’s become an old, old fashioned way to express ourselves, but thats OK. Books are old fashioned too and I still read them. Though I admit to falling asleep reading now days. Which, I suppose, means I’m old too. Humidity? Makes my hair look like I actually did something with it, which I never do.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dawn, I try to read at least one post a week from all the bloggers I follow. More if time permits. I enjoy being active in blogland, even if it is considered old-fashioned now. Like most things there are cycles and it’ll be back in vogue soon enough.

      Smiling about the idea that humidity helps your hair look better. Mine looks great with higher humidity if you like frizzy! Which I have decided I do.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Okay – WP did stuff to me this past blog publishing experience…deets are too complicated…but then you get this. arrg.
    Glad you decided to forge ahead and redo this post! We Beans are nothing if not doggedly persistent. 😎
    About that blogger acquaintance: the fact that the blogs she followed/read were only doing what she describes shows to me her inability/lack of interest to bust that bubble and find what floats her boat…just sayin’…
    And – ending on a writerly note (mixed metaphors coming from a musician!) – remember always:
    BIC writes first time, everytime! 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Laura, I know complaining about WP is like spitting into the wind, but occasionally I am flummoxed by how it doesn’t work in my favor. I dunno. It’s like they mess with me just for the heck of it, but then I realize it’s nothing personal so that makes no sense.

      Interesting point about the acquaintance who could take it upon herself to find blogs that please her. The conversation was in passing, but her reasoning stuck with me. at least it was something new.

      Good old Bic pens! They are nothing if not ubiquitous and reliable in the sense that you know when they’re out of ink.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I look the quiz and got “trendsetter,” which is not even close to what I am, LOL. And the palette that goes with it? Very southwestern and bright and I hate it. Maybe they don’t have a “nerd” palette? I do like slumber sloth, much more restful than the “trendsetter” colors. My living room trim is in a similar color. I used to love WaPo–the best writers and reporting, especially on national politics. But I canceled my subscription after Bezos bought it and suppressed the editorial supporting Harris-Walz. My rage has yet to fade. D.C. is a swamp, especially in the summertime, with humidity regularly at 90%, and so I am a little surprised by categorizing anything above 75% as “Extreme.” It’s as if WaPo had someone from the West Coast making the categories. My hair is super frizzy in humidity, but I fixed that by moving to Los Angeles (most expensive hair treatment ever).

    Liked by 2 people

    • Autumn, I’d love to know the rationale for why anyone gets the Color ID they do, but I also am having fun just seeing who gets what & how they react to it. So you’re not a trendsetter but could groove on Slumber Sloth. Good woman!

      I know many people have dropped WaPo but I continue to read it. Old habits die hard even if it is trying to keep democracy in the dark. 😉

      I’ve been to DC in the summer and you’re right about the humidity. It’s awful. Can’t explain the chart’s theoretical underpinnings, just know that humidity sucks no matter where you are.

      Laughing about your approach to solving frizzy hair. How very!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Be comforted!
    I don’t remember when WP kicked me in the shins, but I do know I’ve hit “Publish” too soon. (Why do they have those buttons SO close!)

    July is a big birthday month for the Beamans. One kid has already told me he wants a mountain bike.

    My hair is not frizzy, but I need to tame it soon: ZOOM call coming up in less than an hour.

    Always entertaining, Ally! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marian, on my screen the publish and the preview buttons aren’t close together, so if I made a mistake I don’t know how. I’m not a newbie, ‘ya know! However, I managed to get this post published today so YAY!

      Happy many birthdays to you & yours. Good luck with your hair and the ZOOM call. Sounds potentially fraught with peril! 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Okay – WP issues started up for me with my most recent post…and now seems to be manifesting itself onto ability to comment on other blogs…Just in case my first comment came through, but just isn’t seen, I won’t repeat it…Let me know if it & this goes through…aarg!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. The comment section has been a nightmare for me for several months now. It’s beyond frustrating. I don’t know what to do about it. A lot of people are complaining about it so it’s seems like a widespread problem. I keep hoping the happiness engineers fix it.

    I took the Sherwin Williams color quiz. I love their paints. Here’s what it said about me:
    You Are An
    Enthusiast
    Your interests take you far and wide. You immerse yourself in everything you do in order to experience life to the fullest. You’re your own person, open-minded and forever busy trying new things. This is you. This is your Color ID.

    It’s sounds accurate.

    My hair. I too have naturally curly hair. While I was in FL the humidity was just right for my hair. I usually blow it out as straight as I can get it while at home because my hair doesn’t curl right and is frizzy at home, but within hours of being in FL my hair started curling. I washed it the following morning and let it air dry. The curls were perfect! My sister who was a hair stylist for decades kept commenting on how pretty it was. Only in FL and HI though. I use ColorWOW Dreamcoat extreme to get a smooth blow out. Because my hair is naturally dry I only wash my hair once a week unless I get all sweaty wearing a hat while outdoors.

    I’m going to go check out Owls in Towels because that just sounds adorable!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deborah, I know that some weeks my comment section works beautifully then other weeks I don’t get notifications about new comments. Or I get random notifications. It’s weird.

      You’re an Enthusiast. Oh that sounds wonderful. And it suits you, too. Yay!

      So what you’re telling me is that to have perfect hair you need to move to FL or HI! When will you be moving? 😜 I’m not familiar with ColorWOW Dreamcoat, probably because I’ve given up on having smooth hair and ignore styling products. However if I change my approach I’ll look for it. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Hi Ally, I use about four nurdles a day, but then again I’m messy and drip and drop everywhere, so it’s probably more. I’m not sure.

    I don’t do prompts or challenges. Back in the day I didn’t accept awards, either. I do read some of the posts that result but otherwise I find that they put me in a bit of a tight-fitting suit.

    I wasn’t able to see slumber sloth colour as the link wanted a bunch of info from me to in order to continue, and I don’t do that, either. 😉

    My hair is poker straight (unless you count some of those grey corkscrew ones that dash madly off in all directions) but when I was in school I admired curly hair very much!

    WP recently drove me crazy with the dropping the Jetpack app was doing. It would go offline, unbidden, and then tell me that my internet was down (which wasn’t the case at all). After having to reinstall a number of times I complained to WP and the problem magically disappeared. I saw in my post of today that in one configuration a video link isn’t working. Frustrating! What will I do? Complain to WP for sure. I believe that if something is working or doing what it’s supposed to, then you have to speak up (or act up). 😊

    Happy Tuesday, Ally. A very enjoyable post. Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lynette, thanks for sharing and explaining your daily nurdle usage. Now that I know this term I’ll be forever thinking of it when I go to brush my teeth.

      I’ve done a few challenges, but it’s been years now since I did. Prompts never worked for me, so I didn’t even try. I’m a free sprit so I follow my own muse, such as she is.

      I never input information to get to content. For me, the S-W webpage just happened as did the quiz results, but that may have to do with the country I’m in. Sorry it bugged out on you.

      I’m glad the HE were able to fix your difficulties with Jetpack. I took the Jetpack app off my phone and many of my WP problems disappeared. *Poof* I have it on my desktop computer that I use most of the time and try to ignore its stats.

      I wish you well talking with WP about getting your video link to do its thing everywhere. Like making the assumption that it will do that is asking too much of WP? 🤨

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I did the Colour ID Quiz and struggled with the selection of wall art, as none of them really reflected my taste. Initially my result suggested I was Naturalist, but the colour palate was so not me that I decided to do it again, choosing the alternative art option over which I’d dithered. That switched my result to Minimalist – and while I wouldn’t feel the word is descriptive of me in its truest sense, there’s no doubting the colour palate felt more me. Interestingly, I’d not come across Sherwin-Williams until very recently when I subscribed to a facebook page for Home Decor, where they seem to be the one everyone references. I’m suspecting the page is US-focused as it’s not a range of paints I’ve seen here in the UK.

    I am thinking about options other than WordPress as a platform for continued blogging, and Substack is looking like the most likely alternative at present. A combination of worrying about the potential impact of WP’s ongoing legal battle and the fact that Substack is free while I pay for using WP, means I’m giving it serious thought. No firm decision made either way yet. But as my blog is small with only a tiny following, a move doesn’t feel as major as it could to someone with your following.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, one change to your art choice and your ID shifted to a different one. Fascinating. I would have thought it would take more than one different choice to change your outcome. Yet there you are, my Minimalist friend. Sherwin-Williams is everywhere in the US. Their paints are quality and their color choices are almost too much. I don’t know how it translates globally though. Interesting that you’ve just recently become aware of the company.

      I have an account on Substack but I’ve never warmed to it, I find it confusing. How do you follow people there without being nickel-and-dimed or hassled to get their emails? HOWEVER as you mention it is free and I pay for this WP account. Also would people follow me there? I dunno. More importantly, would I care at this point? 🤔

      Liked by 1 person

      • Ally, I’ve honestly not felt nickel-and-dimed or hassled on Substack at all. Other than the choice between pay and free options at sign up, and the buttons embedded in content to allow a quick upgrade, I’ve not been contacted or pressured in any way. I was initially annoyed by those who split their content between paid and free – but now either quickly scroll to the bottom of the post to check if I’m going to be cut off in my prime before I start reading, or choose to unsubscribe from them.

        In some ways, I quite like the limitations as to what you can do with it (other than write and read), as that way I’m not tempted to play with the “how it looks” aspects, which on WP tends to result in additional cost and losing hours of my time! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        • You’ve been there more than I have. Is there something comparable to WP Reader there? The only way I’ve found to follow people is to get an email from them and I try to avoid all emails when I can.

          I do realize that all Substack blogs look similar. Over the years I’ve enjoyed making my weblogs look unique and WP helps with that. This isn’t to say I couldn’t do things differently.

          Liked by 1 person

          • I’ve always gone for the “subscribe to” option rather than “follow” but only ‘cos the latter is hidden under the three dots menu option. I’ve just tried following someone new and it didn’t ask for my email address. Hopefully the fact that Substack already has my email address doesn’t mean it auto-provides it to anyone who I follow, but I’ll let you know if that’s what happens.

            I’m still to-ing and fro-ing on the subject…

            Liked by 1 person

            • Thanks for explaining what you’ve done. I’m not against Substack but I’m also a little leery of it. My understanding is that if you follow someone then pay for the upgraded access to their account, and if that person just goes away, you’ve no recourse within Substack to get a refund. You’re out of luck.

              Liked by 1 person

              • Yes, that would be a big drawback. Currently I select only free subscriptions, but I imagine there’ll be fewer of those over time. I guess this is why we’re all still on WP, despite our travails with it.

                Liked by 1 person

                • Bingo. I’m going to sit back and see what happens next both here and there. I blog for fun, so as long as I don’t get too ticked off I’ll stay here.

                  Enjoy your break, btw. 👍🏼

                  Like

  16. The owls are adorable and the Bic article and video are most interesting. Thank you for expanding my world today!
    Now then for your enjoyment…
    I am nurdleless, but I use 2 to 3 splurtches per day.
    Prompts? Blech!
    I spent all my time watching the history of the Bic (and I didn’t know it was called the “Bic Crystal”) that I didn’t take the paint test but I think I’d be quite comfy in a room covered in Slumber Sloth.
    Hair? I gave up in the idea of hair about 20 years ago.
    WP, the least objectionable evil among blogging platforms.
    Till next time!

    Like

    • Micheal, I stumbled over the owl website and knew instantly I’d have to share it here. I didn’t know the pens were called Bic Crystal either. I mean just about everything in that link was news to me.

      No daily nurdles for you, got it. Also am clear about your opinion of prompts. Many commenters feel the same way.

      Slumber Sloth could be my favorite color name to date. That’s why when I saw an ad talking about it I had to go see what the color actually was. Neutral to the nth degree.

      I fear you’re right about WP. I’m here for the moment. Maybe forever. Or at least to when I give up on this whole idea of blogging.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I was much more drawn to the stardew color in that pic. I do not do challenges or prompts. I find it challenging enough to share stuff going on in my world. Maybe when the kids move out I will need those things to give me inspiration but I doubt it. I don’t mind when other bloggers use them. Everyone has their own take on things anyway, right? I have accidentally published my own unfinished posts, but cannot fault blogger for that. Blogger lacks in many ways. For example: I reply to comments and on my end it shows up as a reply to each individual comment- but on the blogosphere nothing is related. It’s annoying. I think blogger tends to be less fancy than WP, but I have also become frustrated when commenting on WO because if I backspace I might lose my entire reply. More often than not, this happens from my phone.

    I am in the waiting room with my dad for his stress test, prepping for surgery next week. I showed him the owls in towels. It struck his funny bone. He enjoyed it so much.

    I have curly hair and I feel like my thin hair looks better in the humidity. It makes it poof a bit. Frizziness? I have some products that I like.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ernie, I liked Stardew too. It seems soothing to me, a Dreamer. I’ve done challenges but it’s been years ago. I don’t love or hate them so when this acquaintance said what she did I was fascinated. No one has mentioned them in a derogatory way before. I’m pretty much self-prompting, like you, so it seems like a moot point for me.

      I was on Blogger once upon a time and it was simple, but also too simple. I moved to WP so I could have more style in my blog and I have, but it’s not the most reliable place. Your weird blog commenting situation is, well— weird.

      Happy to know your dad liked the owls in towels link. I instantly loved it. So cute.

      Humidity and hair texture are a combo that either works or not. Or you just learn to ignore.

      Like

  18. I’m a two-nurdler like most but I’d be a three- if I could somehow work a post-lunch brush into my routine. Maybe I should try some of those teeth-cleaning pills? I love how Charles Schulz’ legacy lives on twenty-five years after his passing. Your calendar reminds me my only exposure to Peanuts back in the day was the lead comic strip on Sundays of our local newspaper. I’m sure I missed a lot of the good ones. Not surprised to see the South comfortably sandwiched between the red and purple humidity today (and probably for the next several months). It’s kind of what you sign up for down here. As for WP, sometimes I feel like I’m on life support. I have to cheat the WP URL to get back to the Classic Editor, because so far I’m resisting the Block 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dave, when I had braces as an adult I was a three nurdle a day person, but now that my teeth are straight I’ve slacked off to a two-nurdler.

      I liked Peanuts when I was a teenager. It was in our daily newspaper, but I only knew the storyline of the later years. Lots of the earlier stuff is in this calendar.

      Humidity is not for me. I liked the chart’s explanation of dew point but don’t like the reason for the chart. Still it’s interesting.

      Like you I won’t use the Block Editor. It’s nonsense. I go back to the Classic Editor because it’s meant for writers and that is who I am. Happy to know there’s another Resister out there.

      Like

  19. Owls in Towels. Omg! I could happily scroll through that all day. Cuteness overload. ❤️
    But I’m afraid I have to disagree with your friend, all blogs are not the same and thank goodness for that. The people I follow all have diverse styles and subjects and I feel the better for it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • River, I know about the owls! One of the cutest things I’ve seen in ages. The acquaintance had an interesting point of view. She only saw sameness in blogland wherein I see variety. Like I mentioned I’ve heard blogs dissed in many ways, but this was a new one. She may have wanted to dislike personal blogs for any reason she could think of. Some people just enjoy hating on them, ya know?

      Liked by 2 people

  20. I thought that so weird when I got the email notification and figured you had accidentally hit publish. But you didn’t and that is so NOT COOL WP!!!

    We are always learning something new, thanks to you. A nurdle, eh? Okay then. I use at least two per day. Three when I really feel the need and have access.

    Your aquaintance is entitled to her opinion, of course. I, as you know, do a bit of both. I like the challenge of responding to a picture or word and being limited to the number of words I can use. But I also love to ramble on about all and nothing (as I am doing on the post I’m working on but side-tracked by stuff). And I have to disagree with her because not “everyone” does the same thing… People who speak in “always” and “never” bug me.

    I have to say, I much like the colour “Slumber Sloth” – it is soothing. I did the test twice because there were too many options 🙂 First it called me a minimalist… Uhhh. no. In my mind, maybe. Then it came up with “Enthusiast: Your interests take you far and wide. You immerse yourself in everything you do in order to experience life to the fullest. You’re your own person, open-minded and forever busy trying new things. This is you. This is your Color ID.”, which I would say is bang on 🙂

    I never knew about the Waffletown Syrups! Who cool is that?

    I have to tell you. I am a big BIC fan. While, like pretty much everyone, I have used the Cristal, I landed on the “Round Stic” and it is now my ultimate favourite. It flows so beautifully. I cannot believe I watched that whole video!

    Our humidity is disgusting, right now. It’s at 88%. I call it “wear-the-air” weather. I loathe it. My hair doesn’t seem to be affected by it. I have some curl but would not call myself curley-haired. I feel for you though!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dale, I’ve accidentally hit publish before but I was nowhere near that button on the screen. I hit preview and then the post published. Life is filled with small irritations, case in point.

      Good point about anyone who espouses an absolute like “always” and “never” because those modifiers are inaccurate to begin with. I listened to what the acquaintance had to say, and while I get her point about the sameness of doing the same challenge or prompt, I feel like people put their own spin on things.

      You’re an Enthusiast. I can understand how that fits you perfectly. Quizzes like this one can sometimes be so accurate it’s uncanny.

      I’m laughing. I, too, watched the video then thought to myself: “did I just watch a video about a PEN?” Who am I?!

      It’s rainy here to day which is taking some of the humidity out of the air. I like your term wear-the-air weather because it’s true. My husband refers to it as liquid air. Because, again, it’s true.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I know, you were saying that. WP gremlins at work.

        They do. I see it every time I participate in a Friday Fictioneers or WWP. I am amazed at what people come up with using the same image. It’s rather cool to me. My daughter is an avid “always” and “never” user and drives me batty.

        I am! These quizzes are super fun and I love how you always share the ones you encounter 🙂

        Hahaha! It was fascinating, though. We take our writing paraphernalia for granted.

        Liquid air works. The sun keeps popping out and I stepped out and was hit by a wall of heat. Nope. Not digging it at all.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Yep, gremlins explain it. I’m to a point where I mutter, curse, mutter some more, then move on to acceptance. Nothing is perfect, WP and my naturally curly hair remind me of that fact daily.

          I like these online quizzes. I don’t seek them out, but if I come across one in my research or reading I HAVE TO TAKE IT.

          Not a fan of being hot so a wall of heat keeps me inside. Add humidity just to make it more annoying.

          Liked by 1 person

          • Gremlins.. how the hell they got so much power is beyond me. I think many of us spend lots of time cursing WP.

            They are fun and I love that you do!!

            No. The humidity really makes me miserable. I am always struck dumb when I see people sitting out there at restaurant terrasses (sorry, I like the French spelling better 😉 ) in this type of weather. You’re gonna eat and drink in this? How???

            Liked by 1 person

  21. Nurdle. What a wonderful word. Of course it would be from an advertising campaign. There is a radio show/ podcast called Under The Influence that is all about advertising over the years. I used to listen to it when I drove more. I loved it. This sounds like a subject for them. I use two a day

    Blogging with prompts. I didn’t even realize it was a thing until WP started showing me prompts. I like to think that I blog when inspired. I also blog when I am angry and when I am in need of therapy or venting. Hence the bitchy title.

    We have been in the frizzy hair zone for the past couple of weeks. I usually dry my hair straight, with this wonderful dryer that I purchased through my hairdresser, then tie it back for a bit and that will get me through a couple of days, but in this zone it is a challenge. I will never be glamorous. For me this is also headache zone.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jenn, nurdle is one of those clever words that is memorable yet pointless to know. I rather liked the dragon reference, seemed like a good way to make a brand of toothpaste unique, but not unique enough to be lasting. The brand is no longer around.

      Yes, blogging prompts have been around forever. In the mid-2000s I did them and enjoyed the experience. I’ve done a few challenges too but it’s been a long time ago. I’ve never thought much about using them or not until this acquaintance said what she did.

      Humidity gets to just about everyone’s hair one way or another. I gave up on trying to have straight hair so I now embrace my frizz. I know I’m not meant to be a fashion plate, so I’m good with it. Your hairdryer must be amazing.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Talk about WP errors. I was commenting on this and the color ID. It showed up on someone else’s blog post that I had read before this one. How does that happen?

    Here’s my quiz results which are true in my opinion:

    You Are A
    Naturalist
    You embrace the outdoors and want to help everything around you thrive. You find yourself most at peace when surrounded by nature, walking along a rugged trail or just sitting in the sun. This is you. This is your Color ID.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. I don’t believe I’ve ever done a blogger challenge or prompt—I just don’t see many that I could do. A few I’ve seen that are cooking related and I don’t cook and a few that challenged bloggers to post every day and I can no longer fit that into my life. I would do a blogger challenge or prompt, though. I’m not opposed to them and I do enjoy reading and comparing answers. We do monthly writing prompts in my (in person) writing group and it always amazes me how differently we all treat the 10 word prompts given.

    Those owls ARE sweet!

    I have naturally curly hair too and on hot humid day I just let it do it’s own thing. No since fussing with it because it has a mind of its own.

    I love the name Slumber Sloth but the color chip I saw online is tan for my taste.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jean, until the conversation with this acquaintance I’d never thought about how doing, or not doing, a challenge or prompt could be problematic for some readers. I get how you might not enjoy many takes on the same topic, but I also find that people interpret things differently. Like you said about your writing group it: “amazes me how differently we all treat the 10 word prompts given.” Ditto in the blogosphere.

      You’re right about naturally curly hair. It does what it does, so why fret over it? I’m not entirely sure what actual color Slumber Sloth is supposed to be. It’s described as warm and welcoming so kind of tan? 🤔

      Like

  24. Slumber Sloth is a depressing color – maybe that’s good for sleep? I started to take the test but the choices were so far from anything I would choose I didn’t finish it.

    I like personal blogs. I particularly admire those people who take something from their own life and then expand to a general view and make connections all can relate to (hopefully). I never did challenges/prompts, they only exist to drive traffic, like blog hops used to. As such they are dull. I do get inspired from others thoughts tho – whether it’s a topic or an insight or opinion. You have the format down pat because you always end with questions and lawsy but don’t we all want to be asked our opinion. I have found when I end a post with a question to be answered I get a lot more responses. We all have opinions which we are more than happy to share.

    Substack is getting a lot of traffic and growing. I follow a few people there – it is free (at the moment) but there is a paid element if a writer chooses to have it. I believe a ‘paid subscription’ blog can be read by anyone but a ‘free’ reader cannot interact with the blogger. You would have to check me on that. The site doesn’t have a lot of extras to make blogs visually attractive, at least not that I could find. But you can import from other blog sites easily and I believe you can do ‘podcasts’ which are basically audio blogs – that interests me since I hate to type tho I don’t like to listen.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Grace, trust me when I say I’m not rushing out to buy cans of Slumber Sloth and repaint any walls here. I agree that in a bedroom it might be good, but elsewhere in the house… not for me. Great name though.

      When I started this blog I did some challenges and way back in the 2000s on my previous blog I did prompts. But they aren’t my cuppa anymore— not that there’s anything wrong with them.

      Thanks for the compliment. You’re right about asking questions. People enjoy being heard and it’s fun to see what readers take away from what I write.

      I follow a few bloggers who moved to Substack. Technically I have an account there, but to move my blog there makes me tired to even think about. You raise a good point about how the blogs there aren’t as visually attractive as the ones here. I don’t see me ever doing a podcast but that feature may draw more people to Substack. Time will tell.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I don’t write ‘funny’ but I do tawk ‘funny’…also the NY accent is funny to some people so I’d rather tawk than type. I always go for the laugh, but don’t succeed in that with written words so much tho my humorous poems seem to tickle people’s fancy.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I know podcasts are a different animal than blogs. Same concept of sharing something from your world, just doing so via the written word that you read or the vocalized words that you hear. Like the difference between reading a book or listening to a book. Different formats, same information. Whatever works.

          Liked by 1 person

    • Venus, I agree. The choices were meant to narrow you down in ways that forced you into S-W categories. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy these online quizzes, to see where my “close enough” answers take me. Boggles the mind sometimes.

      Like

  26. I don’t think I nurdle but I do Wordle … does that count? Some bloggers do really well with the challenges so I wouldn’t lump them altogether. A few years ago I became obsessed with the color Yeast and three of the rooms in my house I painted Yeast. I have strange cowlicks in humid weather. I let them do their thing.

    Like

    • Jan, nice wordplay. Made me smile. Thank you.

      I agree and of course don’t lump all people who use challenges or prompt together in one group to be ignored. But talking with this acquaintance opened my eyes about another way in which some people negatively view personal blogging. Go figure.

      A color named Yeast! I’ve not heard of that one but do have a room painted Macadamia! Humidity and cowlicks. I can imagine. Like you I’d let them do their own thing. That’s how approach my frizz.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. I don’t do prompts or I should say, they’re whatever I feel like writing about in that moment. I’m a slice of life blogger and don’t see myself doing lots of memes or asking a bunch of questions, especially since Typepad doesn’t allow me to respond on the blog itself. I do always respond via email which is fine for most commenters. (as far as I know) I do have WP and Blogger sites for when (not if) Typepad goes belly up. Time will tell, eh? Blogs are what we make them and we write them for ourselves and to make connections with others. There are a multitude of ways to do that.
    This is VERY far from the truth about me:
    You Are A
    Free Spirit
    Your wandering spirit can’t be contained, but it can be reflected in your personal space. You’re unique, daring and always excited by new possibilities. You won’t apologize for your individuality. This is you. This is your Color ID.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, why doesn’t Typepad allow you to reply to comments on your blog? It used to for me back in the day, but I also know it’s not what it once was. You’re what I call a self-prompting blogger [me too] so I can understand why challenges and prompts don’t appeal to you. I’ve rarely done them but also don’t criticize people who do. However my acquaintance has a different opinion. 🙄

      Well now I don’t know. You’re a free spirit in your approach to choosing what to write about in your blog. Had you thought of that?

      Liked by 1 person

      • I like your take on my free spirited blogging! A nice way to say a bit random. 🙂 Actually, typepad does allow me to comment back but the original commenter won’t get any notification that I’ve replied so it seems like a waste of time. I do like WP and Blogger for that feature! Most people don’t come back to a blog to re-read the comment section to find a reply.

        Liked by 1 person

  29. My hair and I both hate humidity.

    I’m a triple nurdler. Sometimes more. Occasionally a double nurdler, but usually I’m at home and want to freshen up after lunch.

    The Sherwin Williams quiz was fun. I am apparently a Nurturer.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, I’m with you about humidity. Do not like, but also know it’s going to win.

      The advertisement for the toothpaste talked about one nurdle a day, but that seems a little off. Three makes more sense, two is also good.

      Hello Nurturer, says the Dreamer. 😊

      Like

  31. So . . . when I saw your half-written post, that referred to July in the title even though July was still a few days away, my FIRST thought:

    Uh Oh, Ally started the day with Bloody Marys (plural) or Irish Coffees (plural) or Long Island Iced Teas (which don’t even need to be plural to be POTENT POTABLES) and doesn’t know what month is what.

    My second thought: BUMMER! Now I have to wait to July to find out what she plans to tell us. 😀

    The nice thing about your acquaintance’s blog bias is that WE can talk about her and speculate and laugh at her uninformed bias without worry that SHE is going to wander into the “chat room” 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nancy, if only I had started my day with any of the adult beverages you mention then when things went sideways I’d have laughed rather than yelling a string of expletives. But alas, I was sober as can be.

      I wondered if anyone would pick up on the July in the title, indicating something might be off with a half-finished post.

      You’re exactly right about how comfortable I feel talking about acquaintance’s opinion. I admit she surprised me, but I have to wonder how many other people feel the same way. Thus we chat about it here.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Nurdles, those tiny bits of plastic washed up on the beach. Recycled plastic transported to destination. High seas. Containers fall into sea and breaks – zillions of really small bits of plastic land up on beach. People help by taking their strainers onto beach and sifting sand – and nurdles get taken to ‘sea rescue’ offices –

    Liked by 1 person

    • Susan, I’ve never heard of nurdles until I saw this article about toothpaste. But you’re telling me they’re a real thing having to do with plastics! The things I learn from bloggy friends. Huh. 🤔

      Like

  33. I love the word nurdle and shall use it going forward forevermore. I brush my teeth about six or seven times a day, so I guess that many.

    I sometimes do challenges or prompts, but not very frequently. I was a little puzzled by her comment, because even with challenges or prompts, the answers are all very different. Some blogs aren’t great – the ones I follow, I love, of course – but I don’t think that “everyone is the same” is the reason I see. I actually really like seeing people do “day in the life” or prompt questions because the answers vary so widely. I love the blogging community and it makes me feel happy to know we are all living life together, but apart.
    I only have frizzy hair in a lot of humidity, but I live in interior BC where there is practically no humidity ever. But in Maui or Mexico, all bets are off. I’m fuzzy as fuzzy can be.
    I haven’t had any real issues with WP lately, except for a few commenting things.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicole, I love knowing about nurdles, too. Seems like the perfect piece of trivia to win a contest.

      I was intrigued by this woman’s take on personal blogging. Like you I rarely do a prompt or challenge, but when I read blog posts by bloggers who do them I see variety and originality. There is nuance in what is written. If nothing else this acquaintance gave me food for thought which naturally leads to a blog post. Like this one.

      Frizzy hair, as you know, lives by its own rules. I’m glad WP is playing nice with you. This is the first weird thing that’s happened to me in a long time, hoping it was just a blip.

      Like

  34. Owls in towels – a-a-dorable!! So sweet.

    What’s funny about the Humidity chart is that it seems to leave out anyone with short hair. Not to mention that there isn’t any amount of humidity that would make my hair curl because it resists it at every turn and just goes limper.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Your posts are always fun to read, Ally Bean! I was especially interested in your friend’s thoughts on blogs. While I can understand her perspective, I truly believe, as you said so well, that showing up is the heart of personal blogging. Whether it’s through prompts, freeform musings, or quiet reflections, it’s that act of showing up—in our own voice, at our own rhythm—that creates connection and meaning.

    Originality isn’t always in the topic—it’s in the telling. And I, for one, am always grateful when someone takes the time to share a little piece of their world. So I give thanks for our connection!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rebecca, agree wholeheartedly: “showing up—in our own voice, at our own rhythm—that creates connection and meaning.” However this wasn’t how this woman saw things, so I didn’t say a word, just nodded my head.

      I know how you feel about the little glimpses into other people’s lives that blogging gives us. Therein is the basis of connection and friendship, not whether you do the same challenges or prompts.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. 📌 Four

    📌 Yes, definitely because of community.

    📌 Maybe but I didn’t take the quiz.

    📌 Yes – I tamed it in my youth but now I’ve gone all Beatles on it (Let it Be)!

    📌 Yup, WP hates me. Different day, different dilemna!

    Like

    • Donna, you win the prize for best formatted reply to this post. 🏆

      I agree that community plays a large part in if and when you do a challenge or prompt. The idea that everyone who does them is doing the same thing seemed off to me, but I listened politely. My job isn’t to change people, so… 🤷‍♀️

      I used to control my frizzy hair like my life depended on it, but now I embrace my hippy style and let it just be. Like you.

      Yes, yes, to your take on WP. I want it to run smoothly but I don’t think it wants to run smoothly.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Here you are. 🙂 Nurdle. I like it, but then I like words. I brush after every meal, so I guess 3 nurdles/day is my style.

    Challenges: I enjoy them. There are so many different takes on the same theme, which to me is people expressing themselves differently. But to each his/her own. I also like doing my own thing.

    If she doesn’t like personal blogs, which ones does she like?

    Frizzy hair isn’t really a thing in most of Arizona at almost any time year. 🙂

    WP has been a pain today because it won’t allow me to hit the “like” button until I’ve selection my option from the pulldown at the top left. Sigh. On some blogs, I can’t post a link that shows up, although I can post it in the comment part in the Reader. Today I can’t post in the Reader, only in the comment section of the blog. Etc., etc. Yes, a pain.

    Love the puzzle. Since COVID, we’ve worked many, many puzzles, mostly 1,000 pieces, and have kept all of them to rework at some point in the future. I get them at Half Price Books or at the library sale. Where else can you pay $12.99 tops and as low as $4 (library sale) for a beautiful puzzle that might, if it’s one of the really difficult ones, keep two people occupied for weeks? Win-win-win-win. It’s not at all puzzling. 🙂

    Like

    • Janet, you raise a good question about which personal blogs this acquaintance likes. She never said which was fine by me. I was in listening mode, not investigative reporter mode. You understand.

      I sometimes find that I can comment in Reader but not on the actual blog. I don’t know why or how that can be, but it is frustrating. Thanks for making the effort to comment here. I appreciate it.

      We started doing more puzzles since Covid, too. Z-D is much better at them than I am. He likes 1,000 pieces, but I prefer a cute little 300 or 350 one. I know Half Price Books has them galore. It’s fun to see what they have in stock— and sometimes wonder why anyone chose that puzzle to begin with. 🤨

      Like

  38. I think it’s funny because what I like about personal blogs is that everybody does the same thing. Yes, a lot of people post their monthly spending – but isn’t it crazy that one person spends $$$ on makeup and massages and another person spends $$$ on concert tickets? We’re all the same, but different. Same with things like Five for Friday – people post five things, but they are all very different things! I love the constraints, but find it freeing instead of limiting. AND I love that I get to know the minutiae of people’s lives. I am nosy and this gives me a window into how other people do things.

    Liked by 1 person

    • NGS, yes, yes, all the same but different. That’s a perfect summary of what personal blogging has shown me. I agree with you that doing the same challenge or prompt leads to varied things. It’s all about nuance, which I’m guessing wasn’t this acquaintance’s strength. Still her opinion got me thinking about my assumptions about blogging.

      Like

  39. So many nurdles fill my day Ally, I’ve just committed to aligners to straighten my teeth so it’s a nurdle for those pearly whites any time I eat or drink anything other than water (boring!)

    I don’t like prompts…it’s my inner teenager who’s a rebel without a clue…‘you can’t tell me what to write!’ she screams, before she flounces off leaving an empty page because we can’t think of anything to write.

    I didn’t take the quiz but just would defo paint my walls Slumber Sloth…show me the slow zzzz’s.

    I’ve got fly away hair that frizzes at the mere thought of humidity…it spends a lot of time in a hair clip.

    I had it up to my invisible chin with WP & defected to Substack…it’s not perfect but it’s definitely more streamlined, I’m liking it.

    Like

    • Rae Cod, the nurdle queen! I had braces as an adult and understand your protocol. I brushed my teeth more during those years than I ever would have imagined. Worth it in the end.

      Oh you’ve explained my reluctance to use prompts, too. I see them and freeze like they’re a test & I’m going to just refuse to take it.

      Slumber Sloth is a wonderful shade for a room if’n you want to sleep. I’m sure of it. Hair clips are a good invention.

      I know your switch to Substack has been good for you. I’m not sure what I need to do about WP, but you may have lead the way.

      Like

  40. Ally, I’m with you on being frustrated with WP! I don’t know what I’m going to do about it. I’ve been considering Blogger. I tested out Substack, and I really don’t like it. Are there any other options?

    I love well-written personal blogs—that’s my main criterion! However, I’m put off by blogs with lots of advertising popping up everywhere. I immediately click away when that happens.

    I’m a Nurturer on the Sherwin-Williams test. I love the colors in that group, so I’ll go with it! I like Slumber Sloth, especially the name! I love paint color names.

    Like

  41. S-W deemed me a “Trendsetter,” which only goes to show they haven’t a clue … unless baggy jeans and orthopedic slippers are now the latest hot fashion items. I find Slumber Sloth quite soothing and would welcome it on a wall or two. We just picked “Tiki Hut” from the S-W collection to paint our house exterior. I’m guessing that means we need to spruce up the yard with tiki torches and tropical drinks accessorized with hibiscus and tiny umbrellas. I can do that….

    Like

    • Donna, I’m sure that baggy jeans and orthopedic slippers are fashionable now. I mean, you’re wearing them right so how could they not be?

      Your assumptions about what painting your exterior Tiki Hut mean seem logical to me. Especially the tropical drinks, that’s the place to start. 🍹

      Like

  42. This was a super fun article. I especially loved the lay-out. I started chuckling at your friend when she said she didn’t like blogs. Uh. That’s interesting because one of the most popular sites in the universe these days is reddit, and to me that is just a series of mini personal blogs. You can’t see me, but I have an eye roll and a head shake at that one. And really, isn’t Youtube a blog? Seem everyone has a “personal blog”. Just my own ramblings here. Please don’t hold it against me. Have a blessed day! K.Kay

    Like

    • K. Kay, good point about how many social media allow a person to share themselves as if they were blogging. I’m not on reddit but I have seen it and read some rather lengthy diatribes. I suppose the whole question of what constitutes a blog is fodder for another post. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.

      Like

  43. I manage two challenges. I agreed to carry on those challenges when the founders had to give them up. I agreed because I had participated in both, and I loved the diversity of contributions. They are hardly ever “the same thing.”

    Owls in Towels is pretty darn cute.

    I don’t know about “Slumber Sloth”. We painted cabinets, “Cotton Tail” which I refer to as “bunny butt.”

    Joe Shlabotnik is Charlie Brown’s hero.

    I have come close to the breaking point with WP, specifically over the problems they’ve had this year with comments. I complained. I created service tickets, and I tried to help the Happiness Engineers as best could. It looks like they’re solving some of the issues, but not fast enough. I’m not sure there’s a better option.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dan, you know I agree with you. Variety manifests in challenges and prompts, but not everyone sees it that way. And I’m not one to argue with someone, so I listened and learned.

      You painted cabinets Cotton Tail aka bunny butt? I don’t need to see this color to know I adore it.

      WP comments are a dicey proposition at best. I hear lots of complaints about them. Whether they can be fixed, who knows? I am somewhat detached from WP anymore. Once upon a time it was great, now the standards are sliding and it feels like no one cares. Your case is an example.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. My test revealed me to be a FREE SPIRIT. My “wandering spirit can’t be contained.” Which is why I do not participate in blog challenges and prompts. You can’t tell me what to do!! Owls in Towels–yes, yes, yes! Big Peanuts fan here, but I did not know about Joe Shlabotnik. Thanks for educating me.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gwen, I, too, am a free spirit at heart, read my tagline. I used to let people tell me what to do but no more. The information about Charlie Brown’s love of Joe Shlabotnik and the Syrups was the best thing I read all week. Had to share it here.

      Liked by 1 person

  46. We have an abundant amount of paint colours, our lounge walls I painted were done in a Merino, a warmish white with grey and green tones. For the more adventurous you could have a red called Adrenalin Junkie and I could go on with paint names for eternity 😉 As of yet, not got into the prompts as I seem to have enough fodder to chew out and spit out one post a week.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, your paint colors sound lovely. Sometimes it’s all about the names more than the actual colors. With you on this. I’ve been reluctant to use prompts or challenges. I did when I first started blogging in the 2000s but now I do my own thing. I’m a free spirit.

      Like

  47. I’d like to know the mechanics behind how WordPress published your post spontaneously without your approval. That’s crazy and aggravating.

    As far as blogging challenges and prompts, they’re not usually my thing, but I’m all about people deciding what direction they want their blog to take. That’s the beauty of blogging—we are the captain of our ship, even if it sinks to the bottom. 😊 It’s like most forms of social media. If it’s something that doesn’t interest me, I can just scroll by.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pete, I don’t know what went wrong with WP but it’s not like I’m a newbie when it comes to writing, editing, and publishing here. If I did something wrong I’ve no idea what it was.

      I’m with you about challenges and prompts. Years ago I did them, but eventually decided to do my own thing my own way, sink or swim. I understand what the acquaintance was getting at about conformity, but also don’t think the same way. So be it, if nothing else I learned something from her. Food for thought— and all that.

      Liked by 1 person

  48. I like Slumber Sloth! A very soothing color. I would like to have my owls in towels room painted that color, and my pet owls would love it also.

    Liked by 1 person

    • J, Slumber Sloth is described as a warm and welcoming neutral. I don’t plan on using it here, but it did lead to an interesting quiz. I like your plan for your owls, who would be happy to snooze in a room painted Slumber Sloth! 🥱

      Like

  49. 1. 4-5 nurdles per day
    2. i do poetry challenges when i feel like it and if i like the prompt. i don’t like to force my poetry.
    3. slumber sloth is too dark for me personally because not a lot of light in my home. i took the test and got trendsetter. i’d use maybe 1/4 of the colors on the palette. so, maybe?
    4. my hair is a huge frizz ball. i’ve tried virtually everything on the market. i have maybe 4 good hair days per year. this isn’t one of them …
    5. the only recent problem i’ve had with WP is that my LIKE button isn’t working today. i’m not doing anything about it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ren, I like your approach to doing the poetry challenge. Sensible based on your own self-awareness.

      I don’t think I’d ever us Slumber Sloth on our walls for the reason you mention, too dark. But I adore the name. You’re a trendsetter! I know that many commenters are.

      4 good hair days per year! Same here. I sometimes have difficulties with the LIKE button, too. I let the problem ride and it comes back in a few days. Who knows why.

      Liked by 1 person

  50. Usually one nurdle, because I m drinking coffee or snacking off and on all day, so why bother until bedtime?

    WP has a peeve for everyone!

    The Owls in Towels is too precious!!!

    No frizz, but natural waves—hate humidity in all forms, except when it’s dry enough to cause nose bleeds.

    Yeah, Slumber sloth works for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Eilene, congratulations, you are on top of your nurdle needs. I take your point.

      WP does what it wants. Usually I’m able to rise above the gremlins, but this one caught me off-guard. A new way to devil me.

      Natural waves would make me happy, but alas I have frizz. Your nose bleed situation doesn’t sound great though.

      Liked by 1 person

  51. The owls are certainly tooo cute!! Thanks for the link!

    “Slumber Sloth!” Love the name.
    Took the quiz. Got Naturalist and actually the color picked is close to the color on our walls. 😊
    I don’t do the challenges, I just like doing my own thing. But I do read other blogs that do the challenges. The freedom of blogging is being able to do your own thing. If that means they want to do challenges then to me that is fine. Each to their own.
    Yup, I hear you about the frizz!! Just bought some gel this morning to try and help.

    Liked by 1 person

    • joyroses13, I’m glad you like the owls. I couldn’t stop smiling when I scrolled through the page.

      Naturalist is a popular Color ID here. The colors are pretty, but then of course they are! The company is selling paint.

      Hear, hear: The freedom of blogging is being able to do your own thing. If that means they want to do challenges then to me that is fine. I feel the same way so when this acquaintance said what she did I was slightly taken aback.

      Good luck with your gel product. Hope your frizzles get the message and cooperate.

      Like

  53. I have had WordPress do some odd things, like gray out my pictures, or a post does not appear in Reader but to e-mail subscribers, but that is a first. I’d be angry too Ally. I always set my post for when it will publish as soon as I start it, just in case I hit a stray key and it publishes. I’ve had something wonky going on lately in that a post will keep disappearing while I am compiling the post, then it goes into draft mode and I have to go to my dashboard and find it under posts … sometimes it says “there a different version available”.

    I never did any Challenges until Terri Webster Schrandt followed me and grabbed a few posts for her Challenges and asked me to join, so I can work my excursions around the Challenges most of the time so it varies my blog just being about “I walked here, saw that, etc.”

    I have a friend, a former co-worker I’ve not seen since 2000 when she retired. She is an animal lover, so I share blog posts from three people I follow and she comments to me about enjoying the content, even though she is not a blogger. I have sent her posts I wrote in the past and I know they’re long, but she’ll write “I’ll read what you sent, I’ve been busy.” If I e-mail and say “I walked in the heat, took pics, have to write a post or catch up with blogging” she often says “I couldn’t be bothered with all that work.” I let it slide right on by.

    I didn’t know about a nurdle – that’s a fun word to describe something that once it is out can never return to where it was.

    I have been collecting screenshots about the TV weather meteorologists I follow on YouTube and X. They go out of their way to do funny graphics, especially when we were in the heat wave last week. One describes the muggy meter with emoticon descriptions and another with how fast you have to eat your ice cream cone.

    My hair is pin straight and in humidity like this, there goes any curls

    That color sounds very soothing. Also soothing is “Owls in Towels” – it is oozing with cuteness. I heard about it recently when our fellow blogging pal Barbara Rodgers shared the link with me.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, I get that “there is a different version available” message all the time, too. I can open a page to start typing and it pops up before I hit a key. So how can there be a different version if there is nothing on the page yet?

      Nurdle was new to me, but a handy little word to know. The ice cream cone graphic sounds funny. I know that there’s nothing I can do to avoid the humidity when I step outside, but it is fun to have a few unique ways to describe it.

      Slumber Sloth is a mellow shade. I don’t see me putting it on our walls any time soon. I like our current color palette too much to go messing around and ruin the cohesive look we’ve [finally] got going on here.

      Like

      • Well that is wild that you get the message before you even type anything – strange. When my post is in progress, of course, I have to go back and see if everything I wrote was there. I once was missing a paragraph and didn’t notice it until people started asking me a question and I realized that explanatory paragraph was missing and I didn’t notice when I proofread it.

        These meteorologist had funny graphics for the snowfall events as well.

        Liked by 1 person

          • You’re welcome Ally. My posts are long so I didn’t miss it in the final proofreading. I write the post in Word and transfer it to WordPress with my asterisk markers so I know where to insert the photos and subheadings.

            Liked by 1 person

  54. Owls in Towels are very cute!

    The hair thing – mine is curly and very frizzy in high humidity. My attempts at easier hair care in frizzy environments often meant I got it cut quite short and used a light gel to make it spiky. Now I wear it below my shoulders and use a heat comb to encourage the curls… and now I am thankful that at my age I still have lots of hair! Bonus – it is almost completely white or as I like to say, Arctic Blonde!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margy, once upon a time I had short curly frizzy hair, but let it grow starting in 2020 with the beginning of the pandemic. Like you mine is below my shoulders now but not your lovely shade of Arctic Blonde. I’m Silvery Dingy Blonde. I’ve never tried a heat comb, a new idea for me.

      Like

  55. I use three nurdles a day, most days. I’m very good about brushing my teeth.

    Our humidity right now is 69%, although the dew point is 53%. Whatever that means, it feels great. I just checked the current humidity in Manila where we lived for many years. It’s 88%.

    I took the color ID quiz. I’m a creative. One of the color options they gave me was silken peacock. Ooo la la!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicki, you are a conscientious tooth brusher and I’m sure your dentist adores you for it.

      Dew points, from what I can tell, are responsible for how you feel when it is hot & humid outside. I know that our local weather forecasters are enamored of them.

      Silken Peacock sounds like quite a bold *creative* color. Nothing like neutral Slumber Sloth, a color I can’t quite describe.

      Like

  56. My favourite paint colour is Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore. I think that would be my desired personality type: calm, neutral, changes colour based on sunlight, goes with anything. In reality, I feel like I’m more of a light blue. Sometimes sunny and optimistic, but on cloudy days, pretty dismal looking. Oops. And there’s my pessimism showing up!

    I LOVE blog challenges and series, as you well know. I had to chuckle when I saw this post because I have been meaning to write and see if you want to guest post about gratitude since you’re doing your gratitude jar this year – haha.

    Nurdle reminds me of the term hurkle durkle, which is recently learned! Such fun words. How I love the nuances of language.

    Like

    • Elisabeth, I’m smiling. Pale Oak, and the personality you put with it, sounds lovely. I especially like any paint color on the walls that goes with anything.

      I was interested in what this acquaintance had to say about personal blogging, but also surprised. I’ve never had anyone say what she did yet I get her point. I don’t take a hardline against challenges or prompts, but I rarely do them anymore.

      I like words, too. Especially ones that are fun to say. My inner wordy girl gets a kick out of them.

      Like

  57. I am a Minimalist, according to SW. They’re not wrong. I like neutrals in the home and add colour in accessories. I like a calm environment.

    WP is giving me fits when I comment on some WP blogs, constantly refusing to believe it’s really me. No idea why.

    Liked by 1 person

    • nance, I like a calm environment too, but apparently I’m a Dreamer. I don’t know how S-W decides which personality type you are but so far most commenters have been pleased.

      I know that WP commenting issues are multiplying. Thanks for persevering and leaving one here. I appreciate it.

      Many people talk about what WP won’t let them do. It makes no sense if this platform is meant to be for personal bloggers, but I sense WP wants this place to be more for businesses who don’t care about comments. 🤷‍♀️

      Like

  58. Well, Ally, I must say I never heard of this alternative definition for a nurdle. Who knew it also referred to toothpaste?! This is what I know a nurdle to be, because, of course I know the environmental version:

    nur·dle | ˈnərd(ə)l |
    noun (usually nurdles)
    a very small pellet of plastic which serves as raw material in the manufacture of plastic products.
    ORIGIN
    1990s: origin uncertain.

    Have a great day,
    Pam

    Liked by 1 person

  59. Yup, I’m a dreamer according to SW and one of my favorite songs about dreaming is by the Mamas & The Papas – Dream a Little Dream of Me. Ally, you may have just inspired a future blog idea for me – thanks! 💖💖💖

    Liked by 1 person

    • Awakening Wonders, I remember that song. It was, and still is, a great one. Now I have a lovely ear worm for the rest of my day. Good luck with the blog post.

      Like

  60. Ally, you always manage to find the most entertaining quizzes. I tested as ‘creative’, but with colors named Breezy, Pussy Willow and Drift of Mist I sound more like a Flower Child.

    My hair is thin, but wavy. Most days, I scrunch and go, letting the curls dry naturally. A hot blow dryer and curling iron will smooth it out for a night out. A baseball cap works, too, but the best remedy is cool, dry weather.

    Challenges are a complicated animal, and while I do follow bloggers who host them, I won’t stay long if they drift into hosting challenges only. Those seem like they are trying too hard to build followers and aren’t particularly interested in connections. I participate from time to time, but only if it is something I can tailor to my blog style. Blogs that get my full attention offer entertainment, enlightenment, or education. Thanks for hitting the mark on all of those.

    WP is frustrating, and it is impossible to get through a week without something happening. Sometimes I report a problem, sometimes I wait it out. No comment regarding nurdles.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, ha! I agree that you sound like you’re a Flower Child. I like that. ✌🏻

      Baseball caps work in my favor and make me feel slightly rebellious. Like I’m living my best life beholden to no one but myself.

      I agree with your take on challenges. Some seem designed to be more about joining in and being known for that, than about fostering engagement. I’ve done a few challenges and prompts over the years, but like you I did ones that were in tune with this blog’s theme.

      Thanks for the compliment. I try to be informative, insightful, and just a little silly. I’m not here to fix anyone or espouse endlessly on one subject or sell anything. I’m here to keep my brain clicking and my heart open— and to laugh, of course.

      So true about WP. I rarely report any problem, just wait them out. It allows me to get in my daily dose of swearing.

      Like

  61. After I read all of the comments, I’ve usually forgotten the questions, so I have to scroll back up! Just another thing I love about blogs. I can’t possibly think of why someone wouldn’t like blogs — or why she’d feel the need to tell you that — but I’m assuming she knew you blogged. I hope she didn’t, because that feels a bit unkind.

    I took the quiz because I love quizzes, prompts — you name it! My result: I’m a Naturalist. 💜🌳

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kari, I’m laughing because I’m the same way. I think I’ll say something in the comments then I read what other people have written, lose my train of thought, and forget what I was supposed to be talking about. Thought I was the only one who did this.

      I don’t know for sure if this acquaintance knows I write a blog. The conversation was in passing, no big deal. I certainly didn’t take it personally, just made note of it to write about here. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  62. Big smiles, Ally. The humidity was through the roof, and 100 degrees ‘fried’ some of my plants, but now we’re back to normal summer weather. I love the term nurdles.

    Like

  64. I took the quiz, I’m a creative. How interesting. I love quizzes too! Only one nurdle. Who knew that was a word, but I’m going to use it. I have done prompt and challenges in the past. I do sometimes like them, if I have the time for them. I don’t remember the other questions, but I always enjoy your posts Ally. Stay cool. It’s hot here today too, but I’m not complaining.

    Like

    • Alegria, I’m with you about the word nurdle. It seems so obvious that a blog of toothpaste would have name, but also so amazingly weird. I plan on using it when I can.

      The thing about challenges and prompts is they’re great while you’re doing them but apparently not everyone appreciates your efforts. And ain’t that the way!

      Liked by 1 person

  65. Pingback: What the frick is a nurdle? – Fedora Pancakes

  66. Paint colors amuse me. Slumber Sloth? Based on their laze-about reputation, isn’t that redundant?

    I don’t do a lot of blog challenges or prompts, but I have nothing against them: I just prefer coming up with my own topics (though they are godsends if I’m in need of inspiration). I do enjoy reading them and couldn’t care less if a bunch of people are writing about the same thing, because each blogger’s response is unique. I think your friend is missing the point.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mark, I agree that the color name is redundant but it’s also alliterative so I have to like it!

      I agree with you. I used to do challenges and prompts but aged out of them, I guess. I’d never considered that someone would find them mildly offensive, but she did. So be it, my job on earth isn’t to fix people. Just report on them. 😜

      Liked by 1 person

  67. So sorry about the WP snafu. I was disappointed when I clicked on the link to your post and got 504ed. But not surprised. You know I gave up on WP a while ago now, and my solution. It’s not a perfect one and not my favorite place, but technically it does everything I want, the way I want. I’m not invested enough to do any of the other options.

    I always think anyone who personal blogs should do whatever they damn well want to. (It’s called a *personal* blog, right?) That said, I don’t find many that compelling. There’s got to be a strong writer on the other side of the keyboard. It’s always more about how they write than what they write. A good writer can make something great with those lists everyone else is doing. (But also, even my favorite blogs just aren’t getting read by me lately. It’s not them. It’s me.)

    I am also a sucker for a quiz, and my result was Minimalist. That sort of tracks. I had to click on all the types, and I decided I like yours best. I for-sure prefer your palette, but I do have a color called Elephant Ear, and that’s one I really like. I always like the quizzes you share!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rita, I know you’ve had success with Substack and that it works for you well enough to stay there. I’m not thrilled with WP but also not of a mind to change platforms. Decisions. eh?

      Excellent point: It’s always more about how they write than what they write. That is the truth of it. I shared what this acquaintance said because it was an insight into how some people think and I believe there’s value in examining it.

      The thing about online quizzes is that sometime they hit, other times they seem farfetched. I’m glad your description resonated even if the color palette didn’t. Elephant Ear is a color name that makes me smile. I’m thinking Dumbo here. Color is all about what pleases you, not what S-W says you should like.

      Like

  68. Apparently, Uncle Sherwin thinks I’m a Free Spirit! Have you seen the Loneliest Color promos? Whoever is doing the marketing for SW knows what’s up. I crack up at their Sherman Wilson jokes.

    Like

  69. For the Sherwin Williams quiz, these are my results: You Are A Creative
    You see possibilities that others can’t. Inventiveness and creativity are your talents. You believe things can be both cohesive and unique. To you, anything and everything is art. This is you. This is your Color ID.
    I was not a huge fan of the couches or coffee tables they suggested. So, I knew any color assessment wouldn’t totally fit.
    As for blogging, I usually do my own thing. I haven’t seen any blogs that are exactly the same despite what your acquaintance said.

    Liked by 1 person

    • L. Marie, I didn’t know what to make of the coffee tables either. I just picked one, but none are ones I liked. So you’re a Creative. Makes sense to me, but you probably knew that about yourself before you took the test.

      I, too, see variety when someone uses a prompt or challenge, but I listened to what this acquaintance said because of all the reasons to not like personal blogs, hers was unique. 🤷‍♀️

      Like

  70. I’ve always loved the Peanuts cartoons, and I first started reading them when I was a kid, and didn’t always completely understand the references. As for WordPress, I’m becoming steadily more disenchanted, and this will probably be my last year to blog. I’m not tired of writing it, but I am tired of battling WordPress to do so.

    Liked by 1 person

  71. I tried to leave comment about how much I like the Peanuts cartoons, even when I was a kid. Then I went on to say that I’m very tired of Word Press and will probably stop writing my blog after this year simply because I’m tired of battling them. And you know what? WordPress first made me log in (even though I’m already logged in, and have just commented on several other blogs) and then it lost my comment…… I think it just made my point!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ann, thank you for persevering to leave a comment here. I appreciate it and understand what happened. Same thing happens to me occasionally and it makes no sense. I’ve the feeling that WP no longer likes us personal bloggers, the ones who they built their brand on, and is trying to get us to give up by irritating the *fork* out of us.

      Like you I’ll need to make a decision by the end of the year about what to do. I like writing and chit-chatting in comments, but I don’t like how unreliable WP has become. It didn’t used to be like this which makes me sad to realize how it’s deteriorated. Yet here we are.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I know! We’re here because we love blogging, and as far as I know, there are no longer any good blogging platforms. (I know people who use substack, but it is very hard to comment on people’s substack blogs, and the pressure to subscribe for money is relentless.) But I do believe WordPress wants us personal bloggers to simply go away, and is doing all in its power to make that happen. And sadly, they’ll win. Another blow to free expression and creativity…….

        Liked by 1 person

        • I feel the same way about Substack. Technically I’m there, have an account, but I don’t enjoy how it works nor its focus on making money rather than making friends. Excellent point about the demise of WP: Another blow to free expression and creativity……. *sigh*

          Liked by 1 person

  72. I love a quiz and wouldn’t you know I’m a dreamer too. 🥰 And now I’ve got Owls in Towels bookmarked on my laptop because who DOESN’T need to see these every day?? I participate in Stream of Consciousness Saturday and One-Liner Wednesday prompts — they’re good structure, sort of a scaffolding to keep my blogging on track. I don’t think we’re all doing the same thing, though. Anyone who reads more than 5 blog responses will see how a range of responses come from the same prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Laura, another Dreamer! Happy to know I’m not alone. Also totally get why you need to see Owls in Towels daily. Cutest thing I’ve seen in ages.

      Good point about how challenges and prompts bring structure to personal blogging. I agree that everyone interprets the challenge or prompt differently and therein is the interest. BUT this acquaintance doesn’t see the nuance in it, so dismisses it all. 🤷‍♀️

      Liked by 1 person

      • Well, since all writing is personal I guess it won’t land with everyone. Too bad they can’t appreciate the nuance. Seeing how someone heard a word and created something entirely different is a fascinating look into how brains work to me.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I’m with you. I enjoy seeing how people do what they do based on the same starting point. But if acquaintance doesn’t see this then it’s best that she walk away from it. I take no offense from her point of view.

          Like

  73. I can say that 70% humidity is not a fun thing. It was 104 degree with 70% humidity when I was in Rome and Florence. I had never sweated so much in the last 40 years. It felt oppessing yet we had to go sightseeing or else we would have wasted the money. I tolerated the humidity but was glad to be home.

    Well, I have done all kinds of prompts and challenges since 2016 for a sense of community. I can write my preference but try to link to the prompts still.

    I used to use Bic pens but I now prefer Sharpies fine point pens. I like them in different colors.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Miriam, in my experience high humidity wears me out to the point that I don’t want to move. However like you if I’d gone on vacation to somewhere wonderful I’d power through it.

      The issue of challenges and prompts is an interesting one. I understood what this acquaintance meant but I also observe that bloggers say a variety of things based on the challenge or prompt. To each his or her own.

      I like Sharpies but am into my Pentel RSVP stage. They’re available in colors and have a rubber grip so they’re easy to hold onto. Plus pretty to see sitting on my desk.

      Liked by 1 person

  74. Hi Ally, Wow, new information for me about a toothpaste – this is coming from a Dental Hygienist for over 25 years – sooo much to add to my already full brain. I have received unusual gifts from patients when they found a unique dental item on their travels. The concept of a ‘dragon’ seems to be a thing in other cultures.

    Re: opinions about bloggers – I have many blogging friends – a concept often brought up is: you do you and I’ll do me – also, if you don’t like it, don’t read it.

    And frizzy hair: yes, a cocktail of smoothers and oils, and lots of clips and scrunchies – not spending the time to fuss over it

    Have a good Sunday, Funday, Ally! You continue ‘doing you.’ From a fan. 💕Erica

    Liked by 1 person

    • Erica/Erika, I’d never heard of this toothpaste nor the advertisement for it, but once I learned about a nurdle I knew it was a good bit of trivia.

      I agree about your approach to blogging. I am big on the idea of “good for you, not for me” and then doing your own thing. But this acquaintance’s take was unique so I wanted to share it here to see what other people thought.

      Every year I use fewer hair products, accepting there’s only so much I can do so why spend the money! Perhaps that’s just me getting older and more frugal. 🤔

      Always love hearing from you. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Hoping your Sunday is filled with fun and not too frizzy hair!

      Liked by 1 person

  75. I’d like a retro button to click and go back to how WP was in 2015? 2019? Idk those were good times. I’m really sorry that publishing situation occurred. That’s rotten.

    I’m a two nurdle a day kinda gal – regular in the morning, more like half a nurdle, really, and then a full blobbity nurdle of prescription fluoride at night.

    Comb the leave in conditioner in before exiting the shower. Then mousse. Then curl cream on ends. Then crunch with oil later. Orrrr, instead of mousse, blow dry for one hundred hours until hair is barely wavy and still frizzy, then generously coat with jojoba every few hours until on day three, when hair looks perfect, but itches quite a bit, it’s time to shampoo. Just me?

    I believe I have become more heat tolerant with age. Nonetheless, I hate summer. That is all.

    Liked by 2 people

    • joey, hear, hear! I’d like that retro button too. Both to make WP work like it did and to see my bloggy friends from then who are no longer around. We had such fun! Blogging was easy.

      Your nurdle usage is seems to be spot on for the majority here. You’re the only one to mention prescription fluoride though. I didn’t know such a thing existed.

      Laughing about your hair care routine. You’ve got it down pat and are keeping the curly hair products companies in business. I understand about why you’re doing what you’re doing, but admit I’ve given up. My ‘why’ is gone.

      Not a fan of heat either. During summer I like knowing autumn is on its way.

      Liked by 1 person

  76. Hello Ally

    – I am confused as to how WP could actually post for you on accident? Hmm –
    – I did take the quiz (and it was nice to have an Ally quiz this weekend) – and I am the “minimalist” and agreed with the colors they aligned for that color id.
    – The owls were super cute – ahhhh
    **
    Oh, and yes, I do blog challenges, but less and less as time is limited – and I have less interest in them also!
    And when I first read that comment your friend made, I thought about how original the posts for challenges are – so maybe she never blogged or only looked at titles of posts – but when you follow a blog challenge – it is actually amazing as to how original the posts can be for a theme. It still amazes me – like a recent photo challenge for “flag” had poems and real-life stories to go with so many amazing unique photos.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yvette, you and me both wonder how WP did what it did. I’m hardly a newbie, but somehow when I hit the preview button the system published. I caught the mistake quickly but it contributes to my growing disenchantment with WP.

      You’re a minimalist! Yay to you.

      You could be right that the acquaintance only read blog titles or glanced at posts— and quickly got bored with personal blogs. I listened while she spoke, understood what she was getting at, but didn’t take it personally. I see infinite variety in what bloggers publish based on challenges or prompts. Still if’n they’re not your thing then don’t do them or read them. Just move on, ‘ya know?

      Liked by 1 person

      • yes, just move on is good advice.
        I do feel a little guilt for not joining in some challenges – the hosts never make me feel that way, but inside I want ti support the host and join in – but that desire is snuffed pretty easily – because Ally, I refuse to blog with obligation – and there were times I joined a lot of photo challenges and it becomes busy busy – if that makes sense.
        —
        oh, and one of my interview posts was published TWICE and it kept puzzling me – maybe there was a glitch – oh and maybe you should change your password just in case. Maybe someone else is in your account – that happened to me – I got messages that someone was in my account through a password link – and that was not me.

        Liked by 1 person

        • You’re making perfect sense to me. Years ago when I did challenges I felt the same way. I said I’d do them so I made sure I did, but it was added work to do so. Eventually I went freelance, so to speak.

          I’ve wondered about if someone else is in this account, but dismissed the idea. HOWEVER your experience is nothing if not a cautionary tale. Changing my password stat.

          Liked by 1 person

          • had to share that my recent interview was scheduled and some stupid glitch in WP had it go out twice. Not a big deal, but now everyone has two emails in their inbox – and it is the second time it has happened. So, I think I am not going to schedule posts anymore.

            Liked by 1 person

            • Well phooey! I’m sorry but not surprised something went sideways when you scheduled it. If it’s not one thing, it’s another around here. Also thanks for letting me know. I’ve never tried scheduling a post on WP, probably never will.

              Liked by 1 person

  77. Oof! The humidity! We got a wallop of thick air yesterday and it nearly stopped me in my tracks. Thank goodness for drier, breezier air this morning. I’ll send some your way, Ally!
    Two more things:
    1. The nurdle stuff cracked me up. Some days I’m lucky to get a single nurdle on the toothbrush. Am I the only one who experiences slippage into the sink?
    2. I know you posted about the alternative ‘stack’ platform not that long ago, if memory serves, and I’m feeling the same. Wondering about wandering. Enough that I created an account there, but I’m unsure if it’ll just add more mess to my mess. Know what I mean? I’ve got the urge to simplify but I dunno.
    Hugs to you – and I’m sorry I’m becoming chronically late to the Ally post party. xo! 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    • Vicki, would appreciate less humidity, but most summers it gets worse before it gets better in late September.

      I lose a few nurdles, too. I swear toothpaste gets more slippery every year.

      I have an account on Substack, too. Will look for you to follow, if I can find you. I don’t know what to do with my account there either. Same flapdoodle and twaddle as here, just in a different place? OR a new theme and writing and version of me? Do both or just one? I, too, wonder if it’ll add more mess to my mess. Great way of saying it.

      Liked by 1 person

      • You always say it best…flapdoodle and twaddle. Love those “Ally-isms”. I picked an odd handle for Substack…I have so many issues with making those decisions. I’m “DrVickiWrites” which I now hate, but don’t know if it’s worth changing. False advertising, considering I haven’t written anything there and I’m not sure I intend to. I’ll look for you, too. Appreciate your insights and observations – always. xo! 💕

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  78. I use two nurdles per day.

    The Sherwin-Williams quiz said I’m an Enthusiast. I did not agree with its assessment.

    I rarely do challenges or prompts. My brain is always doing its own thing.

    I do most of my WP reading and commenting on my phone. I used to be able to use the “back” button on my phone to navigate between screens. Now I have to use the WP back button; it’s a small thing, but it is *so* annoying.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, you’re nurdling like most of us here. Not everyone’s Color ID suits them. I’m amazed mine seemed right.

      Ditto about challenges and prompts. I used to do some but aged out of them. I’m better following my own muse.

      I don’t do anything for blogging on my phone. Too small of a screen for me to see clearly. I can imagine how trying it’d be to use WP there. I get your annoyance. 🤨

      Liked by 1 person

  80. Ally, Of course I took the quiz! I’m a Naturalist, which sounds about right. Our new house color palette is sunshine and water!
    And yeah, curly frizz… which in Florida means my hair 90% of the time is [ulled into a pony tail.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pat, many commenters have mentioned that the Color ID results make sense to them. I adore your description of your new house’s palette. It’ll be perfect.

      I wear my hair in a ponytail almost all the time now and I’m not in FL like you. It’s easy and practical, so I’m all for it.

      Liked by 1 person

  81. I use at least two nurdles a day.

    I have done challenges and prompts and have “met” interesting people in the process. In my experience, every individual brings something different to a challenge or prompt which is part of the fun. The photography challenges I’ve participated in are a good example: the challenge can be restrictive but that doesn’t stop people from coloring outside the lines, if you get my drift. They’re still using their imagination, interpreting the challenge the way they want to … and it’s fun!

    I took the S-W quiz and it says I’m a Naturalist which is interesting because our interior walls are different pale pastel colors (pink in my room; blue, green and yellow elsewhere). Still, the assessment makes sense based on my choices, and I could live with the color selections.

    Girl, I got frizzy hair, especially down here in hot humid Florida. And I’ve had all kinds of hairstyles of varying lengths and colors. While my hair was dark or when I colored it dark, frizz wasn’t as much a problem. But the gray hairs really like to frizz. So, for many years, I used a straightening iron as well as hair products (like Aveda’s Smooth Fusion) to reduce the frizz. Right now my hair is really short so frizz is much less a problem. I still have the iron though so if I ever grow it long again, I’ll be ready.

    I’m not on WP as much lately so it hasn’t been a problem. I’ve locked myself into a couple of years with Premium so I’m stuck here. I’ve considered moving to Substack since at least it would be free, but the few times I’ve posted over there, I struggled to make my post the way I want it to look. Plus, there’s this pressure (from Substack) to get people to pay for a subscription. Even if you never ever want your readers to pay, Substack embeds prompts to subscribe in your newsletter. I think the writer has some control over where the prompts occur, but still … you can’t get rid of them.

    My thing is, I don’t mind paying WP so I can have an ad-free blog that I can design myself, but Substack doesn’t work that way. Plus, the Notes feature is disappointing. It’s kind of like Twitter or BlueSky in that people can share their newsletters or other people’s newsletters or whatever. What I don’t like is that I don’t follow a lot of people on Substack but in their Notes feature, I see a lot of people I don’t follow and the posts are not presented chronologically. I find that very annoying. I’ve actually blocked people on Substack just so their stuff doesn’t show up in my Notes feed. So … pros and cons.

    There’s another platform called Ghost that was being talked up by Substackers who were becoming disenchanted with Substack. I haven’t looked into it. I need to be writing a lot more before I try anything else.

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    • Marie, I agree with your take on doing challenges or using prompts. I’ve done some back in the day and did what I was asked to do— in my own ways. I consider them a starting point but this acquaintance thought otherwise. I didn’t take offense at what she said, but I did make note of it. Different strokes for different folks, as they say.

      The Naturalist color palette has been a popular one among the people who took the quiz. I like it, but it wasn’t recommended to me. [As if I couldn’t pick whichever colors I like from any of the palettes‽]

      You’ve experienced frizzy hair in all its various ways. I know when I’ve been in FL I’ve seen what that kind of humidity can do to my hair. I look like a Q-tip regardless of hair products or straightening devices.

      You said exactly why I dislike Substack: Plus, there’s this pressure (from Substack) to get people to pay for a subscription. Even if you never ever want your readers to pay, Substack embeds prompts to subscribe in your newsletter. I dislike their nickel and dime approach to blogging, seems greedy. I’ve followed people there but haven’t done anything with the Notes feature. I figure the last thing I need is more lists of who I ‘should’ be reading when I already know who I want to read. Substack makes everything more difficult from what I can tell.

      I don’t know about Ghost. Like you I’m invested in WP at least until the end of the year so I’ll be here. And frankly I’m always about one post away from ending this blog so if I would have to learn a whole new platform… it seems unlikely that I’d do it. But never say never.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Never say never! But I know I’m not game to learn a new platform. I struggled with Threads and Mastodon and those are just SM sites, not for blogging. I seem to lose patience with technology more quickly than I used to 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  82. “A nurdle a day keeps the dragon away.” This is hilarious!
    I brush my teeth quite a bit during the day, so I’d have to guess I use four to five nurdles a day?
    I don’t usually do challenges or prompts—free spirited all the time, I suppose.
    I took the SW quiz, and I’m a Naturalist, which checks out. Slumber SLoth is a lovely color!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suz, I loved that toothpaste tagline too. I’m a sucker for dragons plus nurdle is my favorite new word.

      Free-spirirted! You and me both. Nothing wrong with doing challenges or prompts for those who enjoy doing them.

      Slumber Sloth is a nice color for a bedroom. Not sure I’d like it in the kitchen or elsewhere. Many commenters are Naturalists. Need to ponder on that. 🤔

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