Another month is upon us, and it’s time for BWAB’s Monthly Mini Meme (MMM).
For those of you who missed the first edition of this series, the floor (comment section) is open to all readers to share one random fact about themselves.
I started this series as a way for others to learn more about me, and for me and the others in the community to learn a little more about you.
Here’s mine.
Being the baby of the family had some advantages for me, but disadvantages as well.
My siblings were talkers. They talked non-stop. If our parents weren’t around, when I spoke up, my siblings would either interrupt me, or make me feel inferior. Hence, I didn’t talk much.
Once when an aunt and uncle were visiting from the West Coast (we lived in the Midwest) my aunt was observing her nieces and nephews. After a long period of time had passed, she pointed at me and asked another relative, “Is that little one mute?”
I learned of this years later. That aunt is a favorite of mine. Now when we’re together, she can’t get me to shut up. 😆
Now it’s your turn…….
Photo Credit: From my personal archives
Hi Alik,
I love the quote from Lincoln. That’s precious.
So you’re saying you experienced the same as a child? It makes it rough when we go into adulthood, hey?
Hi Vered,
So I’m assuming you’re a talker. 🙂
Same here, same here… it seems it takes time to open up and start talking. But then I think most important skill to learn is not just talk – talk is cheap – rather learn how to make impactful talk. Talk that makes a difference.
Lincoln said “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”
How do I learn to make a difference w/my talk?
Alik | PracticeThis.coms last blog post..Convert Your Blog’s RSS Feed Into PDF
That was a funny story!
My parents say that I started talking when I was 14 months old, and never stopped. 🙂
vereds last blog post..Oops. I Accidentally Got Involved In a Blogging War
When I was in my second year at high school my English teacher said to me that I had a very unusual way of looking at things and a very unusual writing style. She encouraged me to think about a career in jounalism but she also warned me that my “style” might not be suitable for mainstream journalism. (the internet did not exist back then)
All other English teachers since then gave me no encouragement at all and my grades were generally C grade or C plus at best – hardly good enough to consider writing something for other people to read.
I never gave up on my dream to write in my own unique style. Last year I came across my very first blog site and I had one of those light bulb moments – hey maybe I can do this too. I love the internet for the opportunities it gives to people like me. I am starting on a blog now. Thankyou Mrs Field for your encouragement.
Same here, too – I wonder if it’s a ‘youngest child’ thing? I never offered an opinion, because if I did, they all laughed at me. Took me until my thirties, at least, until I was able to do that and I’m still very shy in new company.
What else? I was an incredibly good speller from an early age. I read a lot as compensation, I guess, and picked up the written language precociously well. Did you do that?
I feel like cheating off my about me page for an answer.
I’ve lived in one state all my life.
Naturals last blog post..Houston, We May Still Have A Problem?
Hi Barbara – you looked so cute. It’s tough to imagine you being so quiet back then, as you’re so outgoing in the blogosphere.
When I was very small – I used to enjoy being the centre of attention. I would literally beg my school teacher to allow me to sing the latest thing I’d heard on Top of the Pops in assembly.
Cath Lawsons last blog post..Question and Answer Time
Barbara- I love the impish grin!
Random Fact about me-
My favorite book growing up was Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I loved the description of making the syrup and hardening it in the snow. Mmmm!
Dr.Casons last blog post..Flowering Trees are Oh So Pretty
Adorable picture and story, Barbara. You’re definitely one of my favorite introverts! When I was in college, someone observed that I didn’t talk much, and asked “Are you going to get it fixed?”
Cute picture Barbara!!
Random fact: I grew up in small-town America (in the midwest). One of my main activities growing up was raising and showing beef cattle. I did this from third grade through early college. I’ve been kicked, chased, and stepped on by animals weighing over 1000 pounds, but it’s all great memories! I haven’t done anything like this since college.
Lances last blog post..Get Out and Play
I had a chicken suit in college and I wore it several times. 😀 Just for fun.
Sarahs last blog post..Packin’ My Bags! But Not Forever.
Barbara,
Good story. Your are so cute!
My story is kind of the opposite. My parents were quiet and I as always the loud, dramatic child. I felt like they never listened to me so I got louder and louder. They were always telling me to be quiet.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Brevity is Best for Blogs
One random fact…
I -loathed- eggs. Over cooked scrambled with a metric ton of cheddar cheese, was the only way my parents were able to make me eat them. Even then… it was under much duress.
That is… until one evening I saw this final scene(could only find the italian dub) from Big Night, where a simple omelet is made. I literally got up right afterwards walked into the kitchen and made an omelet like he did… a simple. plain. omelet.
It was the most delicious omelet ever.
I was 6-7 years ago.
I don’t mind eggs so much.
hyrcans last blog post..More Than Just A Number
Precious photo and funny story, Barbara!
I failed “Rest Period” in Kindergarten because I wouldn’t stop talking (whispering) to the kids around me and take a nap! It was the only failing grade in all my years of schooling.
Someone once said to me: “Ann, you’re so friendly you’d talk to a tree!” Hmmm . . . . would you take that as a compliment??
The funny thing is, I was so shy when I was little that my mother really thought I’d need therapy . . .
A random fact about me? I have a BA in Italian Language & Literature.
Ann at One Bag Nations last blog post..My Daughter, the Efficiency Expert
Hi Natural,
I wonder how common that is? I’ve lived in 6.
Hi Catherine,
Siblings can be hard on each other, and sometimes I didn’t have a chance. When I got older I found my voice, but am still an introvert
You meme is funny. You definitely weren’t afraid of crowds, were you?
Hi Dr. Cason,
Isn’t that a great series? Syrup hardened by the snow does sound good.
I used to watch the “Little House on the Prairie” series on TV. That was good family television.
Hi Leanne,
Welcome to the BWAB community!
I love your story of how someone early in your life made such a great impression on you.
I clicked over to your blog. It’s brand new! I’ll be adding you to my reader so I can watch your progress.
Hope to see you here again soon.
Hi Jay,
I think in some families it can be a “trait”. If parents aren’t watching, older siblings can easily “drown out”‘ the little ones.
Like you, I was a pretty good speller, and also liked penmanship.
Hi Lance,
Raising and showing cows sounds like 4-H. Was that what you were in?
It sounds like those are memories that left a great impression on you.
Hi Sara with an “h”
😆 That’s too funny! Will you share pictures on your blog with us?
Hi Ellen,
That’s cute…you got louder and louder. 🙂
Hi Hyrcan,
It’s amazing that your parents couldn’t get you to eat eggs, but a TV show could. Ah…the magic (?) of television.
Hi Hunter,
“Are you going to fix that?”, and you said, “Why fix something if it’s not broke”. Hehe. )
I laughed when I came over and read your most recent post. I thought, how ironic that Hunter is writing about introverts on the same day I’m posting this. Great minds must think alike.
Hi Linda Abbit,
Failing “rest period” is pretty hard to do. I’m sure you left a lasting impression on your teacher. 🙂
Hi Ann,
I’d say that’s a compliment, after all many people are known to talk to their plants and swear it’s what makes them grow healthy.
A BA in Italian Language and Literature is quite the accomplishment. Have you ever used it?
Hi Jennifer,
I’ve seen a few kids like that – talking loud when it’s not “proper”. It sure embarrasses the parents.
Writing is a great way to “have your say”.
Hi Davina,
Oh, that’s precious. It is said, we learn from example, but no one said we couldn’t learn from animals. 🙂
Hi Bamboo,
That’s a lot of tea.
It could actually be a good thing though as I’m reading more and more of how tea is good for us, especially the green variety.
Cute picture Barbara!
When I was little, if I had something to say in a public place I would just say it – and evidently loud. I didn’t know what whispering was, so if I was in church or a restaurant or anywhere that I needed to keep the noise down…. well, I didn’t understand or follow that rule. I just said what I needed to say at my regular talking level. I was always getting in trouble for being loud. Funny, I turned out to be shy….
I’m still rather quiet, but not like I used to be. I talk plenty to anyone who shows they care, but still less than most people, I would say. I guess somehow when I start writing it all comes out. 🙂
Jennifers last blog post..10 Ways to Forfeit Your Freedom
Hi John,
I bet your “turn around” surprised your grandmother. Who knew, hey?
Really cute picture Barbara!
My random fact?: When I was about 5 or so, I would follow my mother to the barn to watch her do chores. One day while milking a cow, she looked up and couldn’t see me anywhere. After a few panicky moments she eventually found me.
I was down on my hands and knees, drinking milk with the goats 🙂
Davinas last blog post..Hello My Friend
“is that little one mute.” hehehe…
I can’t top that one.
I drink 40 or more ounces of hot tea a day.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..Salute to Sporks
Hi Linda,
I’m not sure what’s going on with the CommentLuv plugin. I see it picked up some posts, but not all.
Since it grabs information from your name and URL, as long as that information is correct, it should work. Maybe it’s just being temperamental???
Happy 4th of July to you and everyone else too. 🙂
Dang, Bamboo. I don’t think I drink that much liquid in one day hehehe. 😉
That’s a great picture, Barbara.
As a child, I was a terror. My grandmother told my mother once I would probably be in and out of jail my entire life. However, after about the 5th grade I did a 180 and now I’m probably the most logical, clean, and patient person in my family.
Barbara, you nailed it — 4-H. Smart and cute you are!
Hi Marelisa,
That was smart of your parents to leave there. Is that when you moved to Panama?
Hi Urban Panther,
I hear you. I prefer one on one, or small groups myself. In large crowds I’d rather sit back, listen and observe.
Hi Lance,
I was in 4-H too. I learned how to make brownies, and sew an apron and a towel, which we modeled in a “fashion show”.
I was not only cute (hehe), but being quiet taught me to be a good listener, thus I gained tons of knowledge. 🙂
Hi Barbara,
I noticed that CommentLuv didn’t find my newest post today in my comment above — bummer! Could it be something on my end of the blogosphere that I can check?
Murphy’s Law, it will probably work fine with this comment.
Happy 4th of July to everyone here!
I lived in Nicaragua for two years with my family when I was small but we had to leave because it was right before Anastasio Somosa was overthrown and it was getting very dangerous there.
Marelisas last blog post..How to Become a Renaissance Man/Woman
Let’s see. Well, most people would peg me as an extrovert. Vered (MomGrind) has already determined that I am self-confident, with a strong personality. (Not to be confused with pretentious, eh Vered? *smile*) However, expect me to deal with more than 2 or 3 people at a time and I clam right up. I’m a one-on-one conversation type gal. Put me in a party and I will be the one in the corner, quietly observing the doings. The Urbane Lion says I look ‘petite’ in my corner. But, as the crowd dwindles away I come out of my corner all smiles and ready to rockin’ roll.
Hi Barbara: No, I’m originally from Panama, but we moved to different countries because of my father’s work (Xerox executive). After Nicaragua we moved to Stamford, Connecticut for a couple of years, and after several other stops in other places I now live in Panama again.
Marelisas last blog post..How to Become a Renaissance Man/Woman
I talk so much that one of my college professors asked me to stop talking. At that moment I felt like I was in Middle School again…LOL
chriss last blog post..13 Questions For America
Hi Marelisa,
Thanks for clarifying that. It must be nice to be “home” again.
Hi Chris,
Wow, you must talk A LOT! 🙂
Adorable picture Barbara. My mom told me that I was two years old before I started talking. My mom’s aunt came to visit and told Mom that as long as I only had to point or grunt to get what I wanted I would never talk. I just Mom made me start asking for what I wanted after that. I am the oldest child in my family.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkers last blog post..We Can Only See Who We Are
Hi Patricia,
That’s funny.
As long as your parents knew what you were pointing or grunting about, they probably didn’t see the need to encourage you to speak. And, with you being the first, they may have thought it was pretty cute.
something random about me–
I love to judge karaoke contests — and I tend to be persnikity(sp?) in the judging of such !
I talk too much also… it was/is the only way to get noticed!
Barbara –
In my childhood and until few years at college, I was an introvert. Most family members called me a cold-hearted as I seldom expressed my feelings. In college, I met a roommate who was full of life, an extrovert and a people magnet. It really changed my perspective. Now, I talk when I get passion. I’m still mindful though about my talk and the content.
Shilpan
According to my mom, I didn’t start talking till I was 3 and as I tell people, I haven’t shut up since!
Mine is I can’t have my dollar bills facing different directions. When I carry cash they have to be in order from smallest to largest amount and they are all facing forward and right side up. I guess I picked it up when I was a cashier. It bugs me when people hand me cash all mixed up!
Debbie Yosts last blog post..Barbie Cake
Hi Stacey,
Welcome to the BWAB community!
Judging karaoke contests sounds fun. It would be like being in Simon’s shoes. (American Idol)
Hi Shilpan,
Those who are introverts are often misunderstood, aren’t they?
It sounds like you have now found your voice, and use it wisely.
Hi Deb,
It is nice to have money organized, isn’t it? That way you know exactly what you have. I hate receiving the wrinkled up bills.
Hi Catherine,
Peer pressure can make all the difference in the world, no matter what your birth order.
Hi Barbara – I guess having older brothers or sisters would make a difference. I was the eldest and I guess I was far more confident then. Trouble is, spending time with the wrong people can soon make you lose that confidence.
Cath Lawsons last blog post..Is It Time To Get Off Your Fat Ass?
Love the pic, and am loving reading everyone’s random facts!
Here’s mine:
I’ve never ridden a horse, but once one licked my back.
Random enough?
Saras last blog post..Redefining the American Dream
Hi Sara,
That must have been a friendly horse. 🙂
Hi Pat R.
It sounds like your “fort” is still a vivid memory. I’m glad you “came out of hiding”, started blogging and are now sharing all you’ve learned from those years of observing.
Loved the picture and cute story. I can relate as I didn’t talk much as a child. I mostly observed the comings and goings of what people did and what they said.
Gong along with that, my random fact is my parents had a hedge up against the corner of the house. My father trimmed it so it wasn’t so much wide around as it was tall and it grew higher than the house. I found a space next to the house where I could slip inside the hedge where there was an opening and see everything outside but no one could see me. It felt like my own private fort where I was invisible. I guess it still follows me today where I still feel invisible but not so much by choice.
Enjoying the thoughts shared here.
Blessings,
Pat Rs last blog post..4th of July – A Country Celebrates It’s Birth