The Listing Hop
A HUGE BIG THANKS goes out to all who participated in The Listing Hop, but most particularly to Captain Ninja Alex Cavanaugh who volunteered to co-host. I mean I didn't even ask!I was totally blown away by the variety of lists; from humorous to serious to helpful to fact filled, from frightening to enlightening it was all good!
I made a valient attemp to visit everyone but I suspect there may have been a few I didn't get to. If that's the case please forgive me.
I believe I can safely say it was a resounding success and that it will become an annual October event to celebrate the anniversary of my blogging career.
Question of the Month
I decided to join this monthly bloghop because answering thoughtful/challenging questions is one way to expand one's mind. Hosted by Michael D'Agostino at A Life Examined , the question this month is: Are you an introvert or extrovert?
 |
A classic picture of me being shy. I was just
5 years old. I used to hide behind my mother's
shirts or doors when people came to the house.
|
I think of myself as an introvert. In high school I was almost painfully shy and some people interpreted that as my being snobby. Despite that, as a young adult, I sang for a while in a jazz trio and I've been in plays where I sang and danced. But I think working with abused, neglected, and emotionally disturbed kids really helped to pull me out of my self-imposed shell. As an aging adult I still much prefer staying quietly at home to going out and being around people, especially people I don't know. But I've learned how to be outwardly friendly rather than socially awkward. I also push myself in small ways and will speak to complete strangers and say complimentary things. (But not every day and not every time I go out!)
Being Thankful
Today I'm thankful for rain. There are many parts of Texas that are suffering from too much. But where we are, the rainfall amounts have been quite manageable. There's been no flooding or damage. It seems we are in an El Nino pattern and may, at last, be coming out of a drought that's lasted almost six years.
It's made the concrete hard dirt in our yard soft enough to weed which is something I like to do... yes, I like to weed!
Of course I have to include this clip of the great Gene Kelly.
What are you thankful for? If you participated, did you have fun with The Listing Hop? Do you consider yourself and introvert or extrovert? Have you ever danced or sung in the rain?
Glad your blog hop went so well. I'm an introvert too.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad too, Natalie. It was a wonderful surprise.
DeleteThe Listing Hop was a big success! Thanks for letting me co-host.
ReplyDeleteI prefer spending a night at home rather than going out.
Letting you co-host! My dear Alex, I believe you MADE it happen! Thanks!
DeleteI'd like to think I'm an introvert too, but on some occasions it can prove otherwise. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteI think there are more of us introverts than "they" think!
DeleteI had fun with the blog hop.
ReplyDeleteI was so shy and introverted when I was younger. I got involved in a business where I absolutely couldn't be shy and it forced me to step out. That really helped years later when I became and author and a speaker. I'm now an outgoing introvert.
I like that, an outgoing introvert. We learn how to be somewhat extroverted when we need to be, even if it isn't our "natural" way of being.
DeleteNo need to be sorry, Karen. I know you're busy getting your book out. And isn't the blogging community great?!
ReplyDeleteI am also an introvert, too. That may seem strange, given that I was an elementary school teacher for 25 years, comfortable speaking to students, parents, and speaking out in faculty meeting whenever I felt strongly about an issue. I also took charge of meetings when no one else seemed to know what they were doing.
ReplyDeleteBut I ate in my classroom everyday, too shy to go eat with the other teachers.
Now, as a writer, I make public presentations with ease -- in front of kids, bookstore audiences, and at conferences with teachers, writers, and librarians.
But I panic when a fellow writer suggests we meet for lunch.
Some might describe that as social anxiety, but I know one of the key factors in being an "introvert" is the feeling of being exhausted by contact with other people and needing solitude to recharge -- versus extroverts who get energy from socializing.
Being in front of people is one thing, you are "in charge." What you have to say/do is probably planned. You're not having to talk about yourself unless it's part of the program where what you share is carefully measured out. (Ask me how I know?) Being with people, among them, is entirely different. I think it requires a different kind of mind-set. Although I can be friendly and nice and communicative, I tent to hold my cards close to my chest. Even after 30 years my husband is still learning things about me. I just don't open up to people and spill my heart out on to the floor.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI haven't danced or sung in the rain, but I do love it. Grey skies are so much easier on my eyes. I even gave my youngest daughter the middle name Raine.
ReplyDeleteI did participate in the List Hop and it was fun. Great idea.
And I'm an introvert. My best trick for awkward small talk moments is to ask questions.
Next time it rains, if it's not too cold, get out there and dance and sing! Splash in mud puddles!
DeleteI'm thankful for each day that comes my way!
ReplyDeleteI think a good many people who are creative have a tendency to be introverted. It's usually easier to get creative things done if you're by yourself.
Thanks for the Listing Hop. If you do it again next year I'll be sure not to schedule a guest post on that day and have my list on that day's page and not linked.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I do plan to do the Listing Hop next year, Arlee. Lord willing!
DeleteThe Listing Hop was fun! Glad you came up with it :)
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to being an introvert! And worrying what people will think. I'm always afraid that my extreme shyness comes off as being a certain word that starts with a b...
Try to remember, how other people see/experience you is their problem, not yours. If a person were to get to know you I'm sure they'd quickly realize you are not a b...
DeleteHow brave of you to be in jazz trio and plays. Actually, although I was also painfully shy...I liked acting. I never did a play on a stage but I acted parts in the classroom and loved it. I think it's easy for introverts to act because we don't have to be ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI had a blast with the Listing Blog Hop. Thanks for creating it!
I agree. I don't think performing or being in front of people has much to do with being introverted. It's after the performance when people gather around you and they want a piece of you, want you to talk about yourself, want you to say something clever and/or witty and/or wise... that's when the introversion kicks in.
DeleteHi Bish - I really hashed up acting at school .. in fact anything that meant I had to stand up and talk ... now I can do it - I read my talks like blog-posts ... life is easier. I like the thought about recharging my batteries as an introvert by being on my own ... I guess that's the way - but I'm happy being with friends and socialising.
ReplyDeleteThankful I can cope with most things ... cheers Hilary
Really enjoyed the listing hop! Thanks, Bish!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely an introvert, too much so!
I'm thankful for November and all the wonderful things the month has to offer,Nano, writing, family, and thanksgiving!
Happy November!
The bloghop was total fun to do. I'm thankful to have been a part of the bloggie experience sharing and high fiving all the way. You really made my day! Peace.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the listing hop; it was so much fun. Can't wait to do it again.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for a life that isn't perfect but still worth living.
I'm an introvert, but like you I try to push myself.
I like rain and don't mind cool weather, but when it's cold and rainy I sulk... Love Gene Kelly!
I have danced in the rain. Sung in the rain, too :)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm very grateful for all this rain Texas has received. More is due later this week, they say.
I loved the Listing Hop. Thanks for inventing it and I'm glad to hear it will be back next year. You sound a lot like me in your 'vertness.'
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
first, had fun with the list hop - congrats! i love lists! they keep me in line.
ReplyDeleteand your character names were so unique! so many Ks, Qs, Xs, Zs - my favorite letters and so under-used!
ps - thanks for stopping by my Simulation release tour!
That picture seems a lot older than I would have thought for that time. It's cranking out that sepia tone like no one's business ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your Listing Hop was a success. I had a lot of fun doing it and reading some of the other posts. I'm afraid I didn't visit as many as I would have liked, but that's just me lately.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for friends like you. You never fail to cheer me up and I appreciate your support.
Glad you're getting the right amount of rain. Some of the country has terrible drought. We're good up here in Minnesota. Great answer to the question.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry I missed the hop, Bish--had to withdraw due to last minute issues-- happy to see that a lot of fun was had by all!
ReplyDeleteSorry to leave a link, Blogger won't allow my wordpress comment:
Daily (w)rite
It seems a lot of writers are introverts, me included.
ReplyDeleteAnd yay for rain. Rainy days make for good writing days too.
BISH ~
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that I appreciated you having created the LISTING BLOGHOP. It was fun, and I'm STILL making some rounds because I've been so busy with "life" that I'm way, way behind on everything. I hope no one will think my lateness in replying should be interpreted as a lack of interest on my part.
Thanks again! And if you initiate it next year, count me in again.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
BISH ~
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that I appreciated you having created the LISTING BLOGHOP. It was fun, and I'm STILL making some rounds because I've been so busy with "life" that I'm way, way behind on everything. I hope no one will think my lateness in replying should be interpreted as a lack of interest on my part.
Thanks again! And if you initiate it next year, count me in again.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'