On November 19, I received the following request from my friend Judy, on Facebook: The Rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen authors (poets included) who have influenced you and will always stick with you. List the first 15 you can recall in no more than 15 minutes, and they don't have to be listed in order of relevance to you.
Now even though I don't fulfill every request I receive on Facebook; this one sounded interesting to me; but up until now, I couldn't find the time. However; tonight, faced with nothing particular to write about, I remembered Judy's "Authors" request, and thought I'd take a stab at it. Now Judy's request just called for me to list the authors; but I just wouldn't be me if I didn't add my two sense as well. So as the instructions state; in no particular order; here's my list:
1. Meg Cabot - "The Queen of Babble" series is my favorite; but I've read all of her adult works as well. She is also quite well known for "The Princess Diaries."
2. Jennifer Weiner - I would have to say that of all of her books, I enjoyed "Good In Bed" the most; and her sequel "Certain Girls," moved me to tears. I've read almost everything that she's written, and you'd probably know her best, for "In Her Shoes," which was made into a movie with Shirley MacLaine, Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette.
3. Dr. Seuss - Need I say more? But If I must... "Oh The Places You'll Go."
4. Judy Blume - I was a total addict as a kid; and I must have read ALL of her books; including "Forever" which was quite controversial at the time; (at least in my house.)
5. Wally Lamb - "She's Come Undone" is still one of my all time favorites. I read it 14 years ago and it has a special place in my heart. I was so impressed that a man could write a woman character as well as Mr. Lamb did; and I could honestly say that I would read this book again.
6. Maeve Binchy - I read "Circle of Friends" AFTER seeing the movie; and immediately fell in love with Maeve Binchy. With the exception of her most recent book; I have read all of her works and I am always so excited to see that she's come out with something new.
7. A.A. Milne - Author of my beloved "Winnie The Pooh."
8. Helen Keller - Although I've only recently become acquainted with Ms. Keller's work; I find her words to be profound and true to my heart.
9. Louis May Alcott - I adored "Little Women" when I was growing up, and even though I own the DVD, I can never pass up watching it when it's on TV. The story is timeless. I love the setting, the time period, the characters; and I can't wait until my girls are old enough to be introduced to this wonderful book.
10. Candace Bushnell - I hadn't read one of her books until "The Carrie Diaries;" which I tore through. Oh how can we ever thank her enough for the joy that is "Sex And The City."
11. Sophie Kinsella - While waiting for "Confessions Of A Shopaholic" to become available at the library, I read "Undomestic Goddess," which was a delightful romp. Once I finally had the opportunity to read "Shopaholic," I thought that it was well worth the wait. I'm STILL waiting to read the remainder of the series; so if anyone local has them on hand; PLEASE loan them my way.
12. Frances Hodgson Burnett - How I cherished "A Little Princess." I read it multiple times; and in the summer of 88' I was DELIGHTED to have the attic room of our bayside rental, because it reminded me of Sarah's room at Ms. Minchin's.
13. Jane Austen - Now I won't lie, and pretend that I read "Emma," or "Sense And Sensibility;" but I did love both movies; and both stories are on my list of books to read.
14. Erma Bombeck - Her wit and intelligence are what I aspire to.
15. Cathy Kelly - Now I already told you how much I enjoy Maeve Binchy, and my pursuit to read all that she'd written, lead me to "Irish Girls about Town," which is a collection of short stories by female, Irish authors. My favorite story was by Cathy Kelly, and so I went on to read another of her books; and will continue to do so.
I can only hope that one day, my name will appear on someone's list of 15 authors that have influenced them.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
Today's post is my 237th and #100 in my 43 series. I can't believe that I've written for 100 consecutive days; or that I have 266 more to go; but just like I told you in "43," I'm going to celebrate all year long; and I can think of no better way, than to acknowledge each milestone.
Since this is post #100, I tried to think of a list that I could formulate. I considered doing my top 100 songs, but thought better of it, because that would pretty much preclude me from ever writing a song blog again; and I like having that option. Michelle M suggested that I do 100 of my favorite things; but since most of my favorite things are food, friends, and TV shows, I decided to hold off until I could give that topic a lot more thought. Ultimately, I decided; if it ain't broke; don't fix it. And so, since I did "100 Random Things About Me" for my original 100th post; I thought I'd provide you with a list of "100 MORE Random Things About Me:"
1. I've always wanted to go to Paris.
2. I'm a Fanilow.
3. I highly recommend "Mike And Molly," on CBS.
4. Sci-fi is torturous to me.
5. I am a big fan of Pesto.
6. Though many find him annoying; I'm amused by Gilbert Gottfried.
7. I adore whipped cream.
8. My favorite thing about Maks (from "DWTS") is his smile. OK, and his HUGS!
9. I love to buy new underwear.
10. "The Queen of Babble" by Meg Cabot, is my current, favorite book.
11. I get great joy out of using a coupon.
12. I don't typically like re-fried beans.
13. I get nervous to drive to places I've never been before.
14. I get annoyed when people write "your" when they mean " you're."
15. New pens are a simple pleasure.
16. I look forward to my first cup of coffee of the day.
17. I have no interest in eating Taffy.
18. I always ask for a piece of lemon if I order diet cola.
19. I hate to touch raw chicken.
20. I don't ever need to hear "Boom Boom Pow" again.
21. I don't use a lot of salt; but I love it on a brownie or in a chocolate chip cookie.
22. I've never been an Oprah fan; but I've actually started recording her show.
23. I would prefer that people chew with their mouths closed.
24. John Travolta is my favorite actor.
25. I don't like the color grey.
26. I love the smell of Orange Blossoms.
26. I'm dying to go to Hawaii.
27. I'm too sensitive.
28. I never iron.
29. I'm not good at relaxing.
30. I wish that I danced more - A LOT more.
31. I make lists.
32. I applied to the NYU school of Social Work; just to see if i could get in...I did.
33. For one semester, I went to graduate school for teaching.
34. I also went to graduate school for community and school psychology.
35. I don't have a Master's degree.
36. I would consider moving to just about anywhere.
37. I thoroughly enjoy Bill Maher.
38. I do what I say I'm going to do.
39. I despise liars.
40. I miss Broadway shows.
41. I don't like cottage cheese.
42. I don't think "American Idol" will be the same without Simon Cowell.
43. I like Shredded Parmesan cheese but I won't eat the grated kind, (in a can.)
44. I've never had a professional back massage before; and I'm OK with keeping it that way.
45. I dread driving the I-10 to L.A.
46. I don't care for Matt Damon.
47. I prefer Asti Spumante to Champagne.
48. I'm tired of Rachael Ray.
49. I eat up entertainment gossip.
50. I believe that laughter IS the best medicine.
51. The Situation amuses me.
52. I know all of the words to Sugar Hill gang's "Rappers Delight."
53. I can't pronounce Chili Relleno properly.
54. I could listen to Kate Winslett read the phone book.
55. I don't like to drive at night.
56. Haggling makes me happy.
57. I've been to a Neil Diamond concert and it was a blast.
58. I don't think that you should do something to make someone else happy, if it won't make you happy.
59. I've learned that you can never expect others to do what you would do; and be disappointed when they don't.
60. I want to spend next summer in Puerto Vallarta with my kids. (Luis too of course; but he'll only be able to come in to visit.)
61. I may have a crush on Kevin james.
62. I wouldn't want to go to the moon.
63. I try to cook dinner at least 5 nights a week.
64. I'm awful at Geography.
65. I have very bad allergies and sinuses.
66. I like making new friends.
67. I care TOO much about what people think about me.
68. I liked Rhoda better than Mary.
69. In third grade we had to write a fan letter and I wrote mine to Anson Williams (Potsie on "Happy days.")
70. During my sophmore year in high school, I was on an episode of "That's Incredible."
71. I wish that I was as creative as my friend Mari.
72. Lobster is my FAVORITE food.
73. I don't like saying "Good-bye."
74. I re-write lists if I don't think that they're neat enough.
75. I love to snuggle.
76. I can't drink Chamomille tea. Well, technically I can; but I won't.
77. I think that Wendy's breakfast biscuit is a treat.
78. I want to become a better baker.
79. I'm easily grossed out.
80. Italian food makes my mouth water.
81. I'd rather swim in a pool than the ocean.
82. I usually fall asleep easily.
83. I still like Jell-o shots.
84. I always cry during "Forrest Gump."
85. I was never into video games.
86. I need to paint my house. OK, Luis needs to paint my house.
87. I appreciate consistency.
88. I admire my friend Dawn's vocabulary.
89. I need to dedicate more time to sending out writing samples.
90. I would never go on Tower of Terror.
91. I have VERY mixed feelings about Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream."
92. I'm easily frustrated.
93. When I was a Social Worker, I appeared before Judge Judy (before she was ever on TV.)
94. I don't like going to the zoo.
95. Seth Rogan makes me laugh.
96. Once again I need to lose 100lbs.
97. It's been a long time since I've seen a really good movie.
98. I think Kohl's rocks!!
99. I don't think that the Duggar's should have any more children
100. I am grateful beyond words to Rachel K, for teaching me how to post a link.
What more can I say?
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING
