Every Leaf Is A Flower: 6 Links To Share As Autumn Begins In The Northern Hemisphere

/ Ally Bean

I am nuts. I woke the other morning and the first thought that drifted into my mind was “crisp and clean, and no caffeine.” That’s a 1980s slogan for 7-Up. I haven’t had a 7-Up in years, nor have I seen any ads for it lately. So why was I thinking about it when I woke up? This is worrying me more than it should.

I am amused. I watched the Netflix TV series Nobody Wants This starring Kristen Bell and Aidan Adam Brody. It’s a predictable romantic comedy about an agnostic podcaster [Bell] and single rabbi [Brody] who fall in love despite their differences: families meddle, miscommunication happens, hilarity ensues. It is Bridget Loves Bernie updated for 2025. Funny, yes— but also filled with stereotypes.

Little me not smiling for the camera.

I am vindicated. I’ve never liked having my picture taken. As a child I considered a camera an intrusion into my little world, a way to slow my roll. As an adult in our selfie-obsessed world, I am an outlier who doesn’t take selfies. So imagine my joy when I read about a photographer who doesn’t ask girls to smile in their pictures.  Not everyone wants to smile for the camera and don’t I know it.

I am empowered.  As a kindhearted person who struggles with how to deal with some [shall we say?] willfully disagreeable people in daily life, I found this short YouTube video, Forgive Assholes | Have a Little Faith, inspiring.

The premise, as explained by Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, is based on the idea: “What you did is so not okay that I refuse to be connected to it anymore.” After acknowledging this, you get out your metaphorical bolt cutters and intentionally break the chain that tethers you to that person/situation. It’s wisdom with a skoosh of badass attitude.

One orange fish drawn by adult me.

I am tickled. Have you tried this online dealio where you draw a fish then make it swim? Doing so is fun and silly and the perfect diversion when daily news gets to be too much. Some people draw beautiful fish. I am not one of those people.

I am chuffed. In honor of the arrival of autumn I made a pie using this Easy Sweet Potato Pie recipe. It was outstanding, if’n I do say so myself. My change to the recipe: I didn’t use the rum substituting 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice + 1/2 teaspoon orange extract. Because Cool Whip is the work of the devil [my hill to die on], I topped the pie with homemade whipped cream.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

If you drink soft drinks, which carbonated beverage is your favorite? Do you remember its advertising slogan from the 1980s?

As a child did you like posing for a picture? As an adult do you like having your photo taken, either by yourself or others?

Can you draw a better fish than the one I drew?

Where do you stand on the controversial issue of Whipped Cream versus Cool Whip? [There is a right answer.] What culinary issue is the hill you’re willing to die on?

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207 thoughts on “Every Leaf Is A Flower: 6 Links To Share As Autumn Begins In The Northern Hemisphere”

  1. Bridget Loves Bernie! I’d forgotten all about that show. And while I adore and prefer fresh whipped cream I admit to being lazy and using Cool Whip more than I should. As for dying on a culinary hill? Butter. Margarine is not an option here.
    😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • River, I’d forgotten about Bridget Loves Bernie until I was explaining Nobody Wants This to my husband. Kind of like that old show, but not really.

      Butter > margarine. Good hill to die on. I approve.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Easy reply — I don’t drink soft drinks. My dad was a dentist, and we didn’t keep sodas handy.

    I didn’t mind posing for photos as a child. It’s OK now because I love having likenesses of family and friends.

    I can’t draw with my hand and wouldn’t try it with a
    mouse. You were daring.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Anne, as an adult I’m not a fan of soft drinks which made the 7-Up memory so weird.

      It’s going to be interesting to find out who liked/likes being photographed and who didn’t/doesn’t. 🤔

      Thanks for your compliment about my fish. It took me many tries to create this one.

      Like

  3. Not big on soda but I liked Dr. Pepper. I remember their jingle. For a while they did wonderful flavors. Not sure if they still do. With Reddi Whip so convenient why would anyone use Cool Whip unless they were doing the Cool Whip-pudding topping on a large cake for a large group? I look better in person than I do on photos so nope, don’t like to have them taken. Two dimensional isn’t me. Now I have to go watch the asshole video. I really need that. Got my bolt cutters ready! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kate, I occasionally drank Dr. Pepper back in the day, too. I remember their jingle: “I drink Dr. pepper ‘cuz I’m proud. I’m one of an original crowd…”

      Good point about Reddi Wip. I’m the same about looking lousy in photos, better in person.

      The video’s message resonated with me right when I needed it. Had to pass it on to others.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I never watched Bridget Loves Bernie but I did enjoy Nobody Wants This and look forward to season 2. Fun fluff; extremely stereotypical but still… fun 🙂

    We were only allowed soda on special occasions and NEVER cola of any kind, thereby I have no desire for the stuff. My bubbles, when I have, are of the club soda kind or, now that I have one, a Soda Stream. I do remember that jingle and how funny that it popped into your head. I have various ones that come and visit out of the blue, too.

    I never minded having my picture taken. Now that Mick is gone, I no longer exist (or barely) as I’m the photographer and rarely get mine taken. That said, those photos by that photographer are fabulous!

    Rock on, Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber! I am zero religious but I just shared that brilliant video. Wise words.

    How do you find these things? My fish was on the caliber of yours – fabulous, right?

    I don’t understand the appeal of sweet potato pie but probably because they are always over-sweetened. I’m with you. There will NEVER be Cool Whip in my house. Blech. Or any of those other “toppings” like marshmallow fluff… I’m a purist. Full cream whipped with a smidge of icing sugar (when necessary) and some vanilla and Bob’s your uncle!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dale, I agree about Nobody Wants This. I laughed in spit of its predictable characters. Some of the awkward scenes are hilarious and memorable.

      I liked the photographer’s photos of the girls, too. By shifting the emphasis away from smiling I felt like I saw more of the girls. Makes sense?

      Yes you don’t have to be religious to understand what Bolz-Weber is getting at. I found her reasoning sensible and most importantly— doable. Hallelujah!

      In truth this is the first sweet potato pie recipe I’ve made that I liked. Don’t know if my tastes have changed or if it was superior. Your approach to whipped cream mirrors mine. Bob’s your uncle, indeed. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  5. No. I can’t draw a better fish. Diet cherry coke or diet Dr browns black cherry are my sodas. Cool whip should be outlawed. Fresh whipped cream should be only option ever. Have always hated having my photo taken. As to nobody wants this. Maybe it’s a stereotype, but as a Catholic married to a Jew, it’s also fairly spot on. Things become stereotypes for a reason

    Liked by 1 person

    • LA, I hope at least one of the commenters here is able to draw a better fish. I’m with you about outlawing Cool Whip, the sooner the better. Another person who dislikes having your picture taken. YAY! Smiling about your observation about Nobody Wants This. I get it, have a few non-Jewish women friends who married Jewish men.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. The only soft drink I’ll consume is the very rare on-the-road Diet Coke, usually when the dregs in the convenience store coffee pot are nearly burned away. Otherwise, I just don’t, and I can’t remember a single advertising jingle, even from the days when I watched tv. I can visualize a few of the images that went with some commercials (e.g., “the most interesting man in the world”) but otherwise those advertisers are going to have to try harder to get my attention.

    I’ve always despised having my photo taken: or, to be more accurate, I’ve despised it since about late grade school, when I started wearing glasses and thought they made me ugly. It’s always amused me that my best recent photos seem to be the ones taken at the DMV.

    I’d no more take a selfie than I’d put Cool Whip on anything. It’s whipped cream all the way. As for dying on a culinary hill, I can’t imagine what it would be. I’m one of those who’ll accept chili with or without beans, unlike many fighters on that particular hill.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, I rarely drink any soft drinks, often doing so in a similar circumstance as the one you mention. Somehow that 7-Up slogan is imbedded in my subconscious. And ain’t that something!

      I got a good DMV photo the last time, too. I was surprised by pleased for no other reason than it was surprise. One must take joy where one finds it.

      I know of the chili controversy: beans or not? I like beans in my chili, but if’n that is someone’s culinary hill to die on, I respect it. I can add beans on my own time. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Oh, I liked doodling a fish and watch it swim. 😁
    And I like that breaking chain with bolt cutters.

    If you drink soft drinks, which carbonated beverage is your favorite? Do you remember its advertising slogan from the 1980s?
    As a child, I could only have dilute pop. Although when I was a bit older, I was allowed some fizzy pop. But only a couple of bottles and they had to last a fortnight. Once gone. They were gone. No brand fizzy pop, like Coca Cola or Pepsi.
    Although I didn’t have brand names in fizzy pop, I associated Cola Cola with Christmas adverts they did. But the fun one that sticks for me is Tango. “You know when you have been tangoed.”

    As an adult, in my 20s, to I think 30s I had fizzy pop fairly often.

    I hardly have pop whether dilute or fizzy. But if I pick up a fizzy drink, it could be either a Pepsi cherry flavour, Tango or Fanta.

    As a child did you like posing for a picture? As an adult do you like having your photo taken, either by yourself or others?
    I wasn’t one for having my photos taken. Some earlier photos I pulled faces just to disrupt the aim of taking my photo. I have taken selfies of myself sometimes. But I am not thrilled about it. I rather be behind the camera.

    Can you draw a better fish than the one I drew?
    Your fish was better than my attempt.

    Where do you stand on the controversial issue of Whipped Cream versus Cool Whip? [There is a right answer.] What culinary issue is the hill you’re willing to die on?
    Neither. I am dairy-free so not bothered.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I did the fish art. So fun! My drawing was sub-par, but somehow still magical to watch it start swimming. I am easily entertained 😉

    I loooove Cool Whip but since it is primarily made of suspended oil, I consume it very infrequently. Once a year in a recipe I adore and that’s about it. But a piece of pumpkin pie with a dollop of Cool Whip. Shut the front door that’s delicious.

    I rarely drink soft drinks; I’d say it’s a tie between European Fanta (it takes better than NA Fanta) and Root Beer. Like Cool Whip, I have them once or twice a year and that is enough.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Elisabeth, same here. I got more joy out of seeing my little fish swim than you’d think a grown woman would. It was cute, dagnabbit.

      I know people who like the taste and texture of Cool Whip adore it. I figure my not eating it means there is more for you [weirdos] who eat it!

      I haven’t had a root beer in decades. Literally. I’d forgotten about it. I don’t see Fanta for sale around here, but maybe I’m not looking for it. 🤔

      Like

  9. About the whipped cream vs the cool whip: one is pure delight/decadence derived from pure ingredients whereas the other is whipped up chemicals for the fast food industry in the name of ‘no calories’ that doesn’t even taste good or have a decent mouth feel – ick!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. I so rarely drink soft drinks that I cannot remember the last time I might have had a sip of something but I do remember the Coca Cola song “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…”

    Detest pictures being taken of myself yet I am also learning to embrace the face I see when they are taken. I still see myself but there is so much more of my mom coming through in her later, strife filled years. Sort of hard to look at.

    You dear AB have drawn a very clever looking Goldfish cracker. I think it is perfect. My rendition would be much the same but I would love someone to teach me how to draw a realistic looking angel fish.

    If you like whipped chemicals on your food then yay for Cool Whip- but I think I’d say no thanks unless it meant hurting someone’s feelings.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, I rare drink soft drinks anymore so for this slogan to be in my dreams is trippy. I remember that Coca Cola song too. Am humming it now.

      Interesting observation about how you now look more like your mom in later life, not her best time I take it. As I age I’m looking more like my Great Aunt Ida who was a lovely woman, but I barely knew her. I find my resemblance to her curious.

      YES! I drew a gold fish cracker. I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. I did my best with the online tools I was given.

      Excellent point about when to accept Cool Whip. If it’s put on top of something it is easy to decline it, but if it is part of something then you’re stuck. Take a nibble, say yum, move on.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Cool Whip is only acceptable if you are lactose intolerant. Same with margarine. They are still nasty, though. I say this as someone who didn’t discover butter and real cream until age 10 (my parents were miserable at cooking) and was immediately incensed: “Why have you been hiding this ambrosia from us?!”

    Liked by 1 person

  14. If you drink soft drinks, which carbonated beverage is your favorite? Do you remember its advertising slogan from the 1980s?
    *I had to give up soda 20 years ago (CO2 reacts badly with my migraine prevention med), but before then, it was Diet Dr Pepper. Yes, I’m a Pepper, you’re a Pepper, he’s a Pepper, she’s a Pepper; wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper, too? Can you just hear that jingle?

    As a child did you like posing for a picture? As an adult do you like having your photo taken, either by yourself or others?
    *I’ve never liked being photographed, ever. Either did my dad, and it was hard to find pictures to place on his memory board at his funeral. That taught me a lesson, so I’m not such a snot about it now.

    Can you draw a better fish than the one I drew?
    *Yes, but not with a computer mouse!

    Where do you stand on the controversial issue of Whipped Cream versus Cool Whip?
    *I’m not a snob about it. I don’t like that Cool Whip is all chemicals, but since I rarely use whipped cream or any whipped topping, I don’t get concerned. I once knew a lady who ate frozen Cool Whip like ice cream. Now that I would not do.

    What culinary issue is the hill you’re willing to die on?
    Butter, never margarine. Only Good olive oil. Half n half in my coffee, never fake coffee creamer, like CoffeeMate.

    Liked by 2 people

    • nance, I adore that Dr. Pepper jingle, long may it linger in my brain. I didn’t know about how migraine meds and soft drinks didn’t get along.

      Another person who doesn’t like to have her photo taken. I understand why you don’t and why you’ll allow it sometimes now. The thing with social media is that the only way to guarantee your photo is not there is to not allow them. 🙄

      I’d forgotten about CoffeeMate. Not a fan of that stuff either. Like you I prefer Half and Half in my coffee, or I do without. If I. have clouds in my coffee, they’re going to be the real thing.

      Like

  15. NO soda for me . . . except for ginger ale or tonic as a mixer for an adult beverage. NO to Cool Whip. Way too chemical tasting. NO selfies here . . . unless someone else insists on including me in their shot.

    As a kid, I didn’t really smile for the camera . . . if i’m smiling it’s because I was giggling and grinning at life and my parents captured it on film. Not posed at all. They also captured lots of thoughtful shots of me . . . looking at the world in a single grain of sand on the beach, etc.

    I am not worried that you are nuts. Our memories are triggered by smells, tastes, sounds, and scenes. You just had a pop song pop to the surface as you surfaced from sleep. Completely normal.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nancy, I’m with you about ginger ale and tonic because of what goes with them, but otherwise I usually avoid soft drinks as an adult.

      I’ve been in a few selfies that someone else took, too. I was often posed as a child, rarely photographed in action. Different cameras back then, of course.

      Thanks for your assurance that I haven’t gone round the bend entirely. I truly cannot explain why I was thinking about 7-Up and, of course, it doesn’t really matter. I woke up, I’m healthy enough, life is good.

      Like

  16. Of course, I had to go draw a fish! That was so fun! Little Ally was adorable. I didn’t mind having my picture taken as a kid, but I hate it as an adult. However, I did a month of selfies last year, and got habituated to it. But after the project, I quit taking selfies, and I’m back to where I started. I would definitely rather have real whipped cream, but I’ve never had strong anti-Cool Whip opinions! I don’t eat either of them very often.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Michelle G., I have no doubt that your little fish was a masterpiece. You’re a wonderful artist, in any medium I suspect.

      Thanks for the compliment about little Ally. She put up with cameras then, but doesn’t do self-portraiture now. Fascinating about your daily selfie project and where it lead you. I’ve known a few people who took one selfie a day for a year. Now that’s a big commitment.

      I understand your reasoning about the Whipped Cream versus Cool Whip debate. I’m indifferent to many food choices, preferring one but not really caring enough to take a strong stance on the issue.

      Like

  17. “Little me not smiling for the camera” shows the image of a curious mind developing. Victorians never smiled for the camera, but you are in no way Victorian.

    I welcome autumn. The calendar says fall has arrived, but it won’t feel like it here until mid-October. Here, but not yet!

    Always a pleasure, Ally! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marian, good point about Victorians not smiling for the camera. Thanks for noting I’m not a Victoria, too.

      Yes, yes, I adore the fall. I feel most at ease during the season. I realize the weather arrives at different times depending where you live. Your coolness is coming.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Ally, my fish sucked. Literally. “Fish probability: 58.3%” Of course, I’m laughing, because that was fun and funny! I’d not seen it before today.

    I love that photo of you. I feel you were smiling on the inside, choosing to keep your joy to yourself and not share it with someone outside who was asking for it. I don’t mind having my picture taken. I do take selfies while documenting a cute dress or needing fashion advice from my girls.

    I rarely drink soda. A ginger ale, a few times a year?

    I wake up with weird songs in my head, in the morning, sometimes in the middle of the night, and I wish I could tell you why this happens, but we’re both weird is the only explanation I can come up with. 🤪

    Liked by 2 people

    • Suz, for what it’s worth your fish probability wasn’t much higher than mine. I’m glad you enjoyed that dealio. Silliness is good.

      Thanks for the compliment on little me’s photo. I like your take on what was really going on. My memory of it is being told to SIT STILL. Which I did.

      You do wonderful selfies. You know how to smile/pose for the camera and make it look natural. That’s the key to good selfies, I think.

      I like your reasoning for the 7-Up slogan in my mind. If you’re going to be weird, own it.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. I’ve never drank soft drinks, but I remember many of the 90s Coca-Cola ads vividly, particularly the holiday ones… mostly because we VHS recorded animated Christmas movies that I watched on repeat as a kid. The were so wholesome.

    I hated photos as a kid, so appreciate the photog given girls a pass.

    I tried and, well, my fish did not look anything like a fish LOL.

    I have a dairy allergy, so can’t do Whipped Cream or Cool Whip. However, I’m not a fan of chemically concocted abominations, so I would choose Whipped Cream just on principle.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Erin, I can imagine how many commercials were you saw while watching Christmas movies on VHS. What a sweet memory.

      I’m learning that I am not alone, other people disliked having their photo taken as a child. Photography wasn’t like it is today with a fast snap then see the pic now, it was a whole big deal with those film cameras and photos arriving weeks later.

      I’m laughing about your fish that didn’t look like a fish, but at least you tried. Thanks for being on Team Whipped Cream. Your logic is sound.

      Like

  20. I am actually one of the few people who never liked or drank soft drinks. Even as a child I hated them. I do remember the Cook commercial with the song I’d like to teach the world to sing. It started out as a jingle but was so popular it was later released as a song.

    I dislike having my picture taken. I don’t think there are any smiling photos from my childhood. I dislike posing for photos because it makes me tense and that tension is obvious. Also when I smile, I smile big. Wide-mouthed, crinkled-distorted eyes, big. Not attractive in photos. It takes a lot of shots to get a nice one, unless someone catches me unaware.

    I don’t know if I can draw a fish, but I did win a prize for drawing the best elephant while blindfolded at a wedding shower a long time ago. I had a bit of an advantage because, at the time, I collected elephants and I admired their details.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jenn, my mother didn’t think much of soft drinks either. She had them around the house for us kids, but she usually went for coffee or tea. Hadn’t thought about that in years.

      Yes, yes. You’re right it’s the tension in photos that shows through. I was posed often and never felt at ease about it. Interesting about how you perceive your smile and its impact on the final photo. I’d not thought about that before.

      You drew an elephant while blindfolded and won a prize! As if you couldn’t be any cooler, yet now you are. Well done. 🐘

      Liked by 1 person

  22. You and I would have been kindred child spirits, Ally. A favorite story my grandmother used to like telling was about the time she took me to the Sears photographer to have my picture taken. I was 5. His many ploys to induce a smile were annoying, and the more he tried the less I felt like doing so. He finally said to my grandmother, “Lady, I don’t think I can do it.” He tried one last trick, asking me to bite his finger. I loved that idea, and I remember snapping my teeth at his stupid finger with some glee. When I did, he snapped the photo. It looks a little like a smile, but more like a grimace. In my first grade school photo, I got really angry because the photographer touched my hair. I’ve got a full-on frown in that one, and my mom refused to buy the 8×10 because I wasn’t smiling. The pressure for girls to smile to please others starts early. And yeah, I still don’t like having my photo taken.

    Also, Cool Whip is an abomination.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rita, I know we’d have been childhood kindred spirits… for many reasons. I adore your story of the Sears photographer and your passive resistance to his ploys. Bite his finger? That is peculiar, yet worked in its own way. Pity your mom didn’t buy the frowning photo. How fun would that be now!

      So true about how girls are pressured to please others with their smiles and how Cool Whip is an abomination.

      Like

    • Jean, No One Wants this was easy to watch. The sets were stunning and the actors were believable in their roles.

      I have no doubt you can draw a better fish than I did. You should be proud.

      Like

  24. I used to drink coke & dr. Pepper..who can forget David Naughton singing about being a pepper, loved and still love taking photos of myself..course by myself more, don’t like full body candids when sitting..my fat is evened out when standing, i can draw a better fish, just cant cant draw well with my finger on a phone 😅 homemade whipped cream over whipped oil any day, sushi is the type of rice used it’s not “raw fish” is my culinary hill

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Hi Ally, I have a bottle of 7UP in the refrigerator, but I don’t remember the jingle. I enjoyed watching ‘This is Us, ‘ and typically love sappy/predictable love stories. The preacher lady is fantastic. Good advice to forgive assholes. I take selfies, mostly with my husband, especially when we are in a beautiful corner of the world. Yes, to whipped cream, real mayonnaise, real butter, and whole milk. Potato chips over Pringles, all day long!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Suzanne, I couldn’t tell you why that particular 7-Up slogan stuck with me, but it did. My brain is nutty. So true about the preacher woman. Bolz-Weber’s caught my attention both for her ideas and her way of conveying them.

      I know selfies are popular, I don’t hate on them. I just don’t want to take one. Excellent hill to die on. I’d forgotten that Pringles even existed. Give me real chips any day, never Pringles.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. With deference to your questions, the most impactful portion of your post is the video. As she neared the end, like most of the second minute, describing “free people” was so eye opening. As she said, free people are dangerously, and if I coukd add, in the most positive way imaginable.
    Now let’s look at those questions. I rarely drink a soft drink and when I do, it’s a clear variety like 7-Up. And I do remember that slogan.
    I cannot draw on a computer. Not even a straight line.
    You can’t compare whipped cream and Cool Whip. That’s like comparing an automobile to a pencil.
    Happy Fall!

    Liked by 2 people

  27. I always disliked having my picture taken and I remember in elementary school, that just when I grew my bangs out to the perfect length, a little longer and wispy length my mom would cut them short and strait for school pictures, (for neatness?) and it was the worst look and I had to start all over again. still not a fan of having my pic taken.

    Liked by 2 people

  28. Your fish is lovely and I could do no better. Let’s see. Carbonated beverages… These days, I most gravitate toward Coke Zero, but I also love Diet Dr Pepper and a good ol’ Mountain Dew. I rarely drink soda anymore, though… but once upon a time I drank it A LOT.

    I also used to eat Cool Whip by the gallon, but I’ve since moved on. Whipped cream is much better.

    When it comes to culinary issues, I think I am a Counter Butter person, although if you prefer Fridge Butter, more power to you. Oh! I firmly believe that salt and pepper should be on the table with any meal, and that each person should salt and pepper their food to their heart’s content. Seasoning level is subjective.

    There. Is that controversial enough for you?!?!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, I drank more soda when I was working in an office situation, but now I rarely drink one. Never could get into Mountain Dew, though.

      I know that where you keep butter can be contentious. We keep ours in the fridge, but that maybe unnecessary— just a habit picked up from my mother.

      Some people don’t think salt and pepper should be on the table? Oh that’s just crazy talk. OF COURSE you put them out so everyone can adjust food to their liking. I’m with you on that hill.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. No to pop of any kind. I haven’t had one in lo these many years. I don’t remember the ads for 7up but one thing that seems to be happening now is that completely unprompted, I’m suddenly remembering mental garbage from long, long ago, even as far back as pre-school.

    I’m definitely not a selfie-taking person and where possible tend to avoid having my picture taken. I like taking pictures though … of nature.

    My fish would look similar to yours. 😊

    I would never use the manufactured gloop called Cool Whip. It’s hand-made whipped cream. Period. My culinary hill is any kind of manufactured wood chips, petroleum byproducts or bear droppings that might be trying to masquerade as food. They have no place in my kitchen.

    I enjoyed your questions. Cheers.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Lynette, I don’t drink soda often, like 3x per year so waking up with this slogan in mind surprised me. I wonder if, like you, mental garbage [a great term btw] is bouncing around in my mind umprompted.

      Same as you about not into selfies, enjoy snapping photos of nature. There seem to be more of us than I’d imagined.

      Cool Whip is “manufactured gloop.” Well said. I don’t like it, nor would I like what you describe as “wood chips, petroleum byproducts or bear droppings” that fail to be real food. Seems reasonable to me.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Whew! Now that I’m down to the end of the comments (you are a really popular kid, Ally), do I remember the questions? I used to always have a can or bottle of Pepsi next to me in those dark ages of my youth. Do I remember their ads from the ’80s? Remember how I wondered if I’d remember the questions? Based on the pictures I have of me as a very young person commonly called “child”, I’d gather I did not like having my picture taken. I’m much the same now – cameras tend to capture all the wrinkles and age marks, and I’d rather not be reminded. There was another question, wasn’t there? Oh yes, the whipped cream/Cool Whip thing. My daughter is a solid whip your own cream person – I used to use Cool Whip a lot, but now tend more towards the Reddi Whip. At my age, the things that matter the most are comfort and ease. Except for my thing to die on – preservatives are not good things. So ease only counts where the level of preservatives are very very low.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Carol, thanks for plowing through the comments to leave one. I appreciate it.

      I don’t remember any TV ads for Pepsi. I’m sure there were some but not as memorable as 7-Up or Coke or Dr. Pepper. I can sing a few of those jingles to this day.

      It’s fascinating to look at photos of yourself when you were young and decide if you were happy being photographed or not. I get what you’re saying about how we look in photos as an adult. Yet we’re still here so wrinkles be damned!

      I agree with you that preservatives are not good things. They are just about everywhere in our foods from what I can tell. Your inverse relationship between ease and preservatives makes healthful sense.

      Like

  31. Every once in a while I get an old song stuck in my head on repeat so I understand. When I drink soft drinks, it is usually diet coke, root beer, or sprite, but I don’t remember the slogans. No, never liked posing for photos and still don’t. I can’t draw anything without a stencil, and that’s basically cheating. 🙂 Well, I love whipped cream and could just eat it with a spoon, but certainly when in a hurry I can do with Cool Whip. My hill I stand on is coffee – I want good coffee and am willing to pay for it. ☕️

    Liked by 2 people

    • Judy, thank you. 7-Up is something I haven’t drunk in years yet here I am thinking about it. Too weird.

      I’m discovering many commenters here don’t like having their photos taken. I thought it must just be me, but that is not so.

      I like your hill to die on. Good coffee is a must for me, too. We pay for it, sure— but it brings delight with every sip [or gulp].

      Liked by 1 person

    • Ren, many people don’t drink soda or like having their photos taken. You’re not alone.

      I’m laughing about your spaghettios dinner. Whatever works for you. The last time I had those my niece was a kid— and she’s working on her PhD now so it’s been a while.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. You are so cute, you non-smiling sweetie! We are opposites in that regard, I remember BEGGING to have my photo taken as a child. What can I say, I like the camera.
    We also disagree on Cool Whip – I have a dairy intolerance and whipped cream is absolutely the worst for me. So I either use Cool Whip or I make a coconut whipped cream. Let’s just agree to disagree, that way you can have my portion of whipped cream! And pie, while we are at it. I am a non-pie girl. It’s cake all the way, extra frosting please.
    I cannot remember the last time I had a soft drink! I don’t enjoy them generally, although I do like a flavoured sparkling water!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nicole, I know many people liked/like having their photo taken. Fortunately we live in a world where you can do what you want in that regard— well aside from driver’s licenses and passports I suppose. Those require photos on file, but in daily life. That’s what I’m talking about.

      Only today did l learn that Cool Whip is dairy-free. I had no idea but now that I know this I can see how it fills a need for you. I adore pie, but wouldn’t turn down a piece of cake. I can go both ways on that issue.

      I rarely drink soft drinks. Like maybe 3x per year. That’s why it seemed especially odd that I’d wake up thinking about the 7-Up slogan. Go figure.

      Like

      • Nicole, just so you know: your blog won’t let me post a comment. It tells me I’ve sent too many already. Like I am spam, maybe? Strangest WP comment glitch I’ve encountered yet. 🤷‍♀️

        Like

  34. So much here. I could probably draw a fish that is different than yours, but all fish are equal. I love real whipped cream, but rarely do the actual whipping. I haven’t drunk carbonated beverages in decades. I forget why. Now I can’t remember the rest.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dawn, love it: all fish are equal. You are a smart person to realize that. I have a Kitchen-Aid stand mixer so making real whipped cream is fairly easy.

      I’m drinking fewer carbonated beverages the older I get. The bubbles don’t agree with me like they once did.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. I sort of joke that I like nothing more than to be the center of attention (why, yes, I would do my wedding day all over again – I truly don’t understand the mindset of folks who are all like “I hated everyone staring at me” and that is why I do the work I do) AND because of that every photo of me from the age of three on is me making a big old smile and hamming it up. But I do understand that not everyone is me and that’s fine. Look how ADORABLE Little You was with your pensive look. Not everyone has to go full ham all the time.

    Liked by 2 people

    • NGS, I’m one of those people who hated everyone staring at me on my wedding day! And then to stand around for photos just about did me in. Glad I married who I did, so it’s all good in the end. Your idea of doing your wedding day over could happen. Renew your vows, invite everyone, live your life’s dream.

      I agree I look pensive in that photo. Knowing my dad he was probably fussing around with some camera setting or lens, while I waited.

      Like

  36. I do not like having my picture taken, but I’ve always loved taking pictures. I have watched some Nobody Wants This. I enjoyed it and it is filled with stereotypes. I found a show I like, which is very unusual. It’s on Prime and called “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” My favorite soft drinks now are lime Lea Croix and Fresca.

    Liked by 2 people

  37. I’m not crazy about having my picture taken but it’s mostly because I am often disappointed with the results (I guess I’m way better looking in my fantasy world). I don’t drink many fizzy pops as is, but like someone else mentioned, they go down much easier when paired with an adult beverage. What doesn’t go down easy? Cool Whip. Yuck!

    I drew what I thought was a fairly convincing fish but the fish police didn’t think so. Oh well…

    Liked by 3 people

    • Janis, many people don’t like to have their photos taken. I get it, I never look good in photos so I figure what I see isn’t the real me. I’m good at rationalization, you know! 😉

      I agree. Pour me a vodka & tonic or a bourbon & ginger ale and I’m happy to drink a soft drink. Make it a double.

      You’re the second commenter to tell me the fish police didn’t like your fish. I’m trying not to laugh about that, but failing. That’s funny. At least you tried.

      Like

  38. My culinary hill to die on (keeping in mind my culinary skills are very limited and mostly have to do with baking) is that making cakes, cookies, brownies, etc. from scratch is just as easy as making them from a box; and they taste better. Not to say I would NEVER use a box mix if in a pinch – just that from scratch is the way I’d prefer to do it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gigi, hear, hear! I’m with you about making baked goods from scratch, rather than from a box mix. Made from scratch tastes better and you can adjust the sugar or fat to how you like it. Excellent hill to die on.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Such a wise person from a very young age. Agreed regarding the use of selfies, I do it though shake my head and wonder why the hell am I doing so? Love the quote regarding autumn which so happens to be my favourite season. Unlike spring.

    Liked by 2 people

  41. I am not a soda drinker, but 7-Up was my go-to as a kid. However I have turned to an occasional seltzer these days. Waterloo’s lemon-lime tastes very like 7-Up without the sugar.

    As a child I didn’t mind having photos taken, but now I very much do. I am not a selfie taker/poster.

    The fish exercise seems to be straight out of a Microsoft Paint tutorial. My fish would not likely be much better!

    I generally refrain from whipped topping altogether. No Miracle Whip! My mom used it and I stick with mayo. Also butter, not margarine, as someone else mentioned.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Eilene, I’ve seen the Waterloo brand but never tried anything. I’ll keep your lemon-lime idea in mind.

      I’ll add you to the growing list of people who don’t take selfies. I figured it was just me, but I was wrong. There is a gang of us.

      I stumbled over the fish dealio and loved it. Took me a few tries to get a fish that looked like a fish.

      My mother preferred Miracle Whip, too. I never liked the stuff, but as a kid you get what you get. Is Miracle Whip still around? Doesn’t matter, won’t be buying it.

      Liked by 1 person

  42. You were very cute Ally, despite the very serious look on your face. I cannot remember the last photo taken of me, besides for my driver’s license, to be honest and I have never taken a selfie or been in a selfie.

    I added a hook and worm to the front of my fish for kicks. Someone at the other end gave it a 56 and said it didn’t look like much of a fish though – what?! I could find it before I noticed it had yellow marks around it to show it was YOUR fish.

    No soft drinks for me – as a kid I wasn’t allowed pop, so never acquired a taste for it. Probably the only times I had carbonated drinks was a root beer float or Vernor’s float but those treats were few and far between.

    I know pure whipping cream for dessert is perfection – Cool Whip is good and I used to reach into the tub and get a spoonful like I sometimes do with peanut butter, but since I don’t bake or really eat sweets, I don’t buy it anymore. Boring, I know.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Linda, selfies are popular. I’ve taken one of myself but never shared it. I did try to take some self portraits when it was popular to snap a pic of yourself taking a pic of yourself in a mirror. That lead to some trippy results.

      Your fish was criticized by some mysterious powers that be! I’m laughing. Very clever about the hook, but apparently an issue. 😜

      Many people adore Cool Whip, not sure I could ever eat a spoonful of it but if you liked it so be it. No sweets, eh? You are one healthy woman!

      Liked by 1 person

      • I forgot, I did take a picture of my finger when I slammed it in the new garage door – it was black, blue and purple and I wanted the pic for a blog post. Just my finger though. 🙂

        Yes, was it the hook and worm did me in? I re-drew the fins and watched the scale/counter go from I think 58 (with fins) to 45 (sans fins) and finally went back up to the final number. I guess the powers that be thought it was not a fish-like physique.

        My mom used to get the Reddi-Whip in the can at Christmas for her tarts. She made mincemeat tarts, so she would use that on top of them. She had tiny tarts too, but they were better without any toppings on them as they had toasted coconut topping or a nutty coating on top.

        Liked by 2 people

        • You wild thing! Giving your blog the finger! 😜 Technically a selfie, but…

          Fins get you more points? Oh that’s a juicy thing to know. I have no idea who [as in AI no doubt] decides which fish are worthy. Mine got a 69.3 rating— and look at it. Not the best.

          I like mince tarts but don’t remember any with coconut on them. All recipes are different. The whipped cream in the can is good, better than Cool Whip.

          Liked by 1 person

          • Well, now you know what the real me is like Ally. It looks like AI has its favorites – how to decide though and how do we appease the AI gods? Yes, whipped cream in a can is also good for a little finger spritz too, though its not ladylike. 🙂

            Liked by 2 people

  43. I gave up soft drinks in my late 20s. I tried to give up all sweets for a month. I lasted two weeks and it was about the crankiest I’ve ever been, but when I cut the goal short and started eating sweets again, I decided to keep pop off the menu. Best decision ever, as it really has no redeeming qualities. I spent the next six months thinking about pop every day, talking about it, asking the Husband if I could sniff his Coca Cola (I was a Mountain Dew girl, but would happily consume Coke or Pepsi – and never, EVER diet). Then, poof, it was over. The addiction was broken. It had lost its hold on me and I’ve never looked back. When we got massive food poisoning in SE Asia in 2019, I drank my first straight Coke in something like 30 years (it really made me feel better). I was worried that I’d fall of the wagon, but happily, no. I drank a few curative sodas that day, but none since.
    As for Cook Whip vs. real whipped cream, you will not die on that hill alone, Ally. I will be by your side.

    Liked by 2 people

    • The Travel Architect, I don’t drink a soft drink often and when I do there is usually an adult beverage involved. I’m laughing about you sniffing your husband’s Coca Cola to get a whiff of what you’d left behind. I’m pleased that you broke your addiction.

      Also happy to know that drinking a few Cokes for medicinal purposes didn’t snap you back into your old addiction. I’d say you’re done with that stuff forever.

      I appreciate you being by my side on my Whipped Cream hill. The more the merrier!

      Liked by 1 person

  44. When I retired, I got serious about my diet. (It only took you six decades, Springer!) I used to drink a lot of soda (like two cans a day). The funny thing is, I’ve never missed it. I’ll bet I’ve averaged only one per year in the past six years. Dr. Pepper used to be my drink of choice.

    The video regarding forgiveness was terrific. I firmly believe that many people pass on positivity or negativity based on their previous interactions with others.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Pete, I liked Dr. Pepper at one point, probably would still like it, but soda doesn’t call to me. Good job eliminating it from your diet. Besides better health, that stuff is expensive.

      Hear, hear! I feel the same way about how people who hang onto their problems pass on negativity while people who hang onto their solutions pass on positivity. Metaphorical bolt cutters are a must.

      Liked by 2 people

  45. Hello Ally bean
    love that photo of you as a youngen’ – and you are not smiling but at least you look to be in a good mood. We have a family portrait from Niagara Falls and I look pissed off! I was sitting on the ledge and the older kids got to stand – so I bet I wanted to stand but was forced to sit.
    Anyhow, the topic of not smiling for photos reminded me of a time I wrote a short piece about how Connoisseur magazine was noted for its covers that often featured non-smiling individuals – and I guess the smile in photos idea emerged in the 30s and into the 50s as cameras became faster, teeth were less damged, and as Kodak marketed to catch happy moments. (I only know a bit about it because I explored mag covers – and esquire and Time were also noted for some of their serious photos).

    A pet peeve of mine (which I also wrote about somewhere on my blog) was how around 2010ish – there was a trend to have formal photos of people in laughter mode.
    So annoying – individual portraits and family ones (and I showed an example of Fergie and her fam – and it was so over the top with the excess joy they tried to depict). Anyhow, cheers to the link you gave for the photographer embracing the non-smiles.
    ***
    And yes, real whipped cream is wayyyyy better than plastic cool whip – and I find it hard to believe they still sell cool whip.
    A product that scares me today is the spray foam can of coffee creamer. Even more chemicals than in cool whip – and this is what so many women seem to love – chemical coffee creamer in their coffee

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yvette, interesting explanation about why smiling photos became popular in the 30s through the 50s. I hadn’t thought about the history of that movement, but I do remember Kodak commercials talking about the moments of your life which were represented with big smiles.

      As for me in the photo, I was forced to sit still often so that’s just me doing what they wanted, minus a forced smile about it.

      While I agree with you about how Cool Whip is icky, a few commenters have mentioned that it comes in a variety of flavors now. Did not know this, but sense there’s a market for it.

      Spray foam coffee creamer? I don’t know a thing about this and don’t want to. Like simple old half and half isn’t good enough? Oh well…

      Liked by 1 person

      • It would make sense that cool whip comes in flavors – because so many other things do. I was at a Buc-ees gas station/store recently and was shocked at the “pumps” of chemicals they had for coffee. Well they also had the little sunk in cooler that had skim milk, !%, 2%, Whole milk, vanilla creamer, half and half – and then they had the little ten cent take out creamers (I chose the whole milk option) anyhow, they had three large pumps of coffee creamer that were like chocolate toffee, vanilla cream, etc – but think about all the chemicals it takes to have those huge vats of liquid sitting shelf stable in a plastic pump.
        I am learning more about “endocrine disruptors” and the ingredients in cool whip might qualify for that – but items stored in plastics (or sieved thru hot plastic – like Keurig pods – which I am trying to only have once in a while) – and so these overly used plastics are used for convenience, but can leach heavy metals – and plastics are hormone-disrupting chemicals – and then there are the Phthalates, which are linked to reproductive, metabolic, and neurological harms.

        Liked by 2 people

        • We don’t have Buc-ees but we do have Wawas and they have the same setup of shelf-safe chemically-created flavored creamers in pumps, then an ice-filled well with real dairy products laying on the ice. I don’t like flavors in my coffee so the pumps don’t call to me. Sometimes I put half and half in my coffee, but considering how many people have touched those containers of real dairy I rarely add any to my cup. Black coffee is good, ‘ya know?

          Hadn’t thought about the plastic in Keurig pods but it must be there. We have a Nepresso espresso maker and those pods are metal. You send the spent ones back to the company in a special free shipping bag.

          The thing is that plastic is everywhere around us, whether or not we want it. Example: Kroger now sells 3 baby bok chos in a pre-wrapped plastic package that sits on the shelf for who knows how long. Gone are the days of being about to pick up one or two fresh ones from a pile. Progress? Me thinks not.

          Liked by 1 person

          • yeah, progress – me thinks not as well.
            And my nephew (who left being a full time pharmacist) got into beign a contractor (and loves his work) well he said plastic pipes for homes is also an exposure consideration.
            ***
            You are so right that black coffee is amazing. Especially if it is good coffee. And with dessrt? Black coffee can be perfecto! Cheap coffee tastes bad black – and maybe the creamer is needed more.
            Side note, I did not think about those items being handled and touched too much – and I never usually have coffee from WaWa or Buc-ees because the huge vats seem old. However, the most recent Buc-ee’s stop showed fresh beans were ground for the large post and I tried a cup. It was very good. Also, I cracked open a brand new whole milk container that was in the well.
            __
            Oh and regarding the baby bok chos in a pre-wrapped plastic package – it does make you wonder what it has been treated with to become stable?
            I was shocked when I heard baby carrots were so processed! they get treated with a chlorinated bath – as do many other veggies. hmmmmm

            Liked by 1 person

  46. I rarely drink soda any more (carbonation isn’t kind to me) but I used to like Diet AW Root Beer and Diet Coke caffeine free. Also 7-up in things like what we called “Mormon cocktails.” (cranberry juice with 7-up) I don’t mind the stuff that comes in the can except when I accidentally spray it where it doesn’t belong although I do prefer hand whipped cream. I like to take photos and don’t mind being in them. I usually smile without being asked because I do have resting you-know-what face.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Margaret, my mother used to make those Mormon Cocktails, too. Were they a thing in all the ladies’ magazines at one time? Funny I hadn’t thought of them in years.

      But resting bitch face is where it’s at now! I know you take many photos of people, yourself included. I understand how some people find that fun. I’m not down on other people snapping pics of smiling faces, I’m just not going to join in.

      Like

  47. I don’t drink soft drinks, although I have an occasional rum and coke. But a couple of weeks ago my sister and I tried out a new pizza place which advertised homemade root beer. I couldn’t remember drinking a root beer for, oh, maybe 50 years, so I tried one. It was tasty but too sweet.

    I was an obedient child, so when I was told to smile for the camera, I did. I still smile for the camera. I don’t do selfies, though. And I’m not too fond of having my picture taken these days.

    Whipped cream vs. Cool Whip. Of course, whipped cream is better. But I’ve been known to put Cool Whip on a piece of pie when I’m eating alone. It’s faster.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nicki, someone else mentioned root beer and I couldn’t remember the last time I had one, decades for sure. All I remember is how ungodly sweet it was. 😑

      I know I sometimes smiled for the camera, I have some photos to prove it. But many of mine are of me looking irritated by the obvious waste of time. You didn’t just snap a pic and review it immediately back then, you waited weeks to see the photo.

      I take your point about Cool Whip. It’d be a practical way to get the flavor you crave without the mess of making whipped cream for one.

      Like

  48. I’m strictly water only at the moment, but was a confirmed soda drinker as a child in the tropics. Sadly, being in the tropics, we didn’t get to hear the advertising – but what a trip it must’ve been for you to remember that strapline from your childhood.

    I think you look very cool in that photo. The non-smiling portrait/selfie is very much in vogue now, so you were clearly ahead of your time Ms Bean 🙂 I do not like having my photo taken and generally avoid it by being behind the camera. I was fine as a kid, but as I now understand the level of intrusion, I don’t force it on anyone – including the grandbugs.

    We don’t have Cool Whip in the UK, but I am very much against the idea. I’m a butter over spread person all the way, and have strong views on low fat alternatives – especially in the dairy field.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, as an adult I prefer cold water to cold sodas, but as a kid I liked the sugar kick. Yes, waking up and thinking of that line was/is trippy.

      Ha! I like your spin on the photo of little me. The photographer who is featured in the article I linked to does some wonderful work. Like you as an adult I prefer to snap the photos, although I rarely take a picture of a person.

      Didn’t realize you didn’t have Cool Whip where you live. As someone who dislikes the stuff, I’d say count yourself lucky. We have all sorts of low fat alternatives for dairy and bakery items. Not a fan of them, either.

      Liked by 1 person

  49. Every single picture of me as a kid has the same pose–head dropped, eyes squinted, body squirming. My parents always made the photographer stand with their back to the sun, so I was always looking directly into the ball of fire, and it hurt my eyes greatly. My photo poses are a family joke. Nowadays, I take pictures of everything–other people, nature, architecture, landscapes, oddities, and, yes, selfies. I love to experiment with colors, shadows, angles, timing, perspective, et al, and I am just as good a subject as any, lol.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Gwen, YES! I had the same thing happen. Sunlight in my eyes or some light on a tripod glaring at me. I have sensitive eyes, so looking into light even to this day is painful.

      Now I like to mess around with digital cameras, too. I rarely photograph people but everything else could be my next best photo of all time. That’s what I tell myself. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  50. I’ve had Nobody Wants This on my TBW (to be watched) list for a very long time, and this feels like the nudge to finally watch it.

    The picture of little you makes me so happy. My youngest (Ella) wasn’t a smiler when she was little, and I remember so many people commenting on it. I let it bother me for a long time.

    The bolt cutters analogy is very powerful. This really helped me. 💜

    I drew our 13-year-old goldfish (may she rest in fishy peace), and when I saw the fish tank, I got a little emotional. Thank you for sharing this. I loved every bit of it.

    Cool Whip is the devil. Reddi-Whip forever.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kari, I liked Nobody Wants This. There are some hilarious scenes in it, but I also felt a little weird about laughing at the stereotypes. I dunno.

      I understand Ella’s pov and your pov. Photos can be one of those oddly slightly controversial topics for everyone.

      I’m smiling about your emotional response to the fish dealio. It’s wonderful that you had a real life fish [may she RIP] to use as your muse.

      Bolt cutters for the win. And Reddi Wip, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. I absolutely LOVE that photographer. I follow her on instagram and those photos are stunning. I think I wouldn’t hate photos quite as much if I wasn’t focused on sporting a smile that isn’t weird.

    Whipped cream overall is one of my favorite things. Reddi-whip is for my morning coffee (drizzled with a little caramel) because I love myself enough to be extra. Cool whip makes an amazing strawberry cake, and if I have the oomph to make homemade whipped cream it’s great with fruit or cobbler.

    The food hill I’ll die on? Butter. Real butter. Do not try to make me cook or bake or eat margarine, I’d rather eat dirt.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Laura, yes, yes! I agree. Smiling in a forced way isn’t for me. And seeing the photos of girls just being themselves made me realize it. Plus it reminded me of my little self.

      I’ve never thought of putting any kind of whipped cream in my morning coffee. Aren’t you clever! I like to put homemade whipped cream on cobblers or crisps. A match made in heaven.

      Many commenters do not like margarine in any form. I understand your hill, butter is better.

      Liked by 1 person

  55. My favorite carbonated beverage is Diet Dr Pepper, which is made by the same company that makes 7up, as it so happens. I drank 7up when I was in the equivalent of junior high because my mom didn’t me breaking out, which I didn’t do, anyway.

    I hated having my picture taken as a kid, and hate it now, because they make me look like King Faroukh.

    Liked by 2 people

  56. I liked the video and the idea of bolt cutters. Hate having my picture taken and avoid whenever possible….have only occasionally taken a selfie if I liked a new haircut, but my nose always looks big in selfies. Why should women always have to smile in photos? I don’t drink soft drinks/pop anymore except occasionally a Diet Root Beer, no caffeine with a pizza. Canada Dry Ginger Ale doesn’t have caffeine either, but most others do and I’ve sworn off caffeine. I don’t draw – tried it once when my mother was painting because people were always asking me if I had any talent – I don’t….it was a disaster. Just say no to Cool Whip – isn’t it an edible oil product? I avoid all cool whip recipes…..

    Liked by 2 people

    • Joni, you said it: Why should women always have to smile in photos? I mean I know the answer [to satisfy the male gaze], but it being our default is disturbing. So much is hidden behind a smile.

      I don’t drink much soda either. I like ginger beer which is spicier ginger ale but only have it occasionally. It has no caffeine in it. I’m impressed you are caffeine-free.

      Truthfully I don’t know what is in Cool Whip. The plastic container alone unnerves me. Your description of it as an edible oil product makes seem even less appealing. But some people love it. Good for them, not for me.

      Liked by 1 person

  58. I used to drink (and love) Dr. Pepper, then I was all in on cherry vanilla Coke (diet, please, on all accounts). I don’t remember any ads, thankfully 😉 Now, I only drink carbonated soft drinks on rare occasions, at a restaurant. The only carbonated drink we have at home is club soda which we drink as is, unless adding juice. I don’t miss soft drinks, and the club soda is something my husband started us drinking years ago.

    I think I was okay with posing when I was little. Maybe because I didn’t know any better. I have photos from Easter Sundays when I and my three siblings were dressed up for church, but as I got older, definitely when I was about 9 and started to become very shy, I hated having my photo taken. I’d almost always look away or even do something goofy (like give the peace sign) to deflect from my discomfort. As an adult, I have taken selfies … I still have discomfort with other people taking photos of me for some reason. Selfies I can cope with … I guess I feel I can control those better. Still, although some people say I have a “nice smile,” my smile usually comes across as a grimace if I have to pose. If you want to see my nice smile, you need to catch me unawares 😉

    The photo of you is precious. I have a similar photo where, although I’m not posing per se, I am looking at the camera with a “what do you want” kind of gaze. Quite candid.

    I made several attempts at drawing a fish and couldn’t get a higher than 67.9% rating. Oh, well. Cute program, though. It was fun to see all the fishes swimming!

    Cool Whip brings back some weird memories. I had a boyfriend who thought it was the most evil invention. My family was totally on-board with Cool Whip, and he wasn’t shy about expressing his displeasure. I grew to dislike Cool Whip. It’s the epitome of empty calories, and I wouldn’t think to include it in any recipe now. My mom and sisters were big on “labor-saving” foods (why do the work of whipping your own cream when you can use Cool Whip), but in my teens I became quite food conscious, as in wanting to eat healthy and being willing to go the extra mile, so to speak. Offhand, I can’t think of a culinary hill I’d be willing to die on, but I do have some strong preferences, like preferring fresh garlic to garlic powder or minced garlic in a jar.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marie, I like club soda too. It’s good on ice as is, with some fruit juice added, or with a splash of tequila or vodka. It gets two thumbs up from me.

      You’ve explained the look on Little Me’s face perfectly. I didn’t like how the snapping of photos slowed me down from my important job of playing. I’m sure I rolled my eyes often.

      I thought all the fishes swimming in the sea was fun, mesmerizing even. So much variety.

      Good point about Cool Whip being empty calories. I hadn’t thought of it from that angle. I don’t like the texture and taste, but don’t need any more stupid calories. I do understand how it was a labor-saving food, still is. For those who love it, me/us not eating it means more for them. Aren’t we just the most generous people ever? 😜

      Liked by 1 person

    • Wynne, I’m glad that Bolz-Weber’s point of view resonated with you. She makes sense and has a great presence on the screen.

      Another person who understands the yumminess of Whipped Cream. We are legion, it’d seem.

      Liked by 1 person

  60. Hi Ally! Nice to be a cool kid commenting here again. I have pretty much given up soft drinks but occasionally will have a Zero Sugar Pepsi…this after chugging down Coke growing up like they were going to take it away from me if I didn’t thrown it down immediately. I don’t mind posing for pictures but I do reserve exclusive rights to trash it if it doesn’t meet my approval. Mrs. B is less of a picture posing fan. My fish attempt apparently was only deemed just over 40% of a fish, so I don’t know what that says about my drawing skills but to be honest in retrospect I did better than I thought I would. Since it was 40% of a fish, it did not swim well. I guess I am on Team Whipped Cream, if only because it sounds more like a food product since it has Cream in the title.

    Liked by 2 people

  61. If you drink soft drinks, which carbonated beverage is your favorite? Do you remember its advertising slogan from the 1980s?

    I don’t (any more), but my favorite slogan? I’m a Pepper, you’re a Pepper, he’s a Pepper, she’s a Pepper, wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper too?

    Can’t remember the brand though. Maybe it was Mountain Dew?

    Where do you stand on the controversial issue of Whipped Cream versus Cool Whip? [There is a right answer.] What culinary issue is the hill you’re willing to die on?

    Cool Whip is okay in a pinch, but whipped cream is a thousand times better…and simple to make at home. My culinary hill? Pineapple absolutely DOES belong on pizza.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Mark, I like that Dr. Pepper jingle, too. I’m singing it now, of course… being that I am one of an original crowd.

      Hear, hear. I like knowing you’er on the hill with me about Whipped Cream. I also believe in pineapple on pizza. I don’t understand all the hate about it.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Venus, the first fish I drew wouldn’t swim, but the second one did. Don’t know why. IF I drink a cola soda I like a Coke Classic, from Mexico because I don’t like HFCS.

      Like

  63. I’d like to take a stab @ this one : “As a child did you like posing for a picture? As an adult do you like having your photo taken, either by yourself or others?” As a child, (and even now) I have a stoic look on my face…I hate posed pictures…stoic on the outside, a mirthful bubbly happiness on the inside. Not sure about the disconnect. That show you mentioned (Nobody wants this) sounds fun. I may have to try and track it down. We don’t have nexflix, so who knows…wish me luck. 🙂 Love the picture of the little girl! I’m guessing it is you? Have a good rest of your night! DM

    Liked by 2 people

    • DM, your description of yourself in photos is delightful. I like knowing you are mirthful and bubbly on the inside.

      Nobody Wants This has a lighthearted vibe with beautiful people. It is set in Sherman Oaks CA so the sets are stylish with a capital ‘S’! I liked it but I admit it all about stereotypes.

      Liked by 1 person

  64. Loving the fish swim thing, thanks for brightening my day Ally 🐠☺️

    Our brains are so weird throwing random stuff at us…the only drinks slogan I can remember is ‘dr pepper what’s the worst that can happen!’ I never liked Dr Pepper & I remember thinking that was a pretty risky invitation to make!

    We don’t have cool whip here but now I want to try it! Glad your baking was a success…I love the delicious fruits of baking labour ☺️

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rae Cod, the fish dealio is a hoot. The minute I stumbled over it I knew it’d be a good thing to share here. Glad you liked it.

      I don’t remember that Dr. Pepper slogan. I agree with you that it was inviting you to taste the stuff and find it awful. Seems ill-conceived.

      Apparently there are many varieties of Cool Whip now. I didn’t know this until some commenters here clued me in. Bet I wouldn’t like any of it.

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