Ask Me Anything
Although I have no idea why you’d want to know or even care, several of my darling Invisible Friends were good enough to ask me questions. Questions about my writing, my dogs, my hair….Here is everything you ever wanted (or didn’t want to know) about me, the Blond Duck (from your own words)!
Why do you love peanut butter?
I have no idea. It’s a life long addiction, with no sign of stopping.
How did you acquire your dogs? And how did you choose their names?
I’d been whining to Ben I wanted a dog since we were dating in college. We agreed (he wouldn’t let me) to wait until we had a house with a backyard. Then when I got my job, we felt bad about getting dogs when we both worked all the time. Then we worried about getting dogs before kids and not being able to travel, having the children harass them…it never ended. Finally, one day about two years ago I was lying on the floor and shouted, “There’s never going to be a perfect time! Let’s just get puppies now!”
So we did. A couple weeks later, I found an ad for the Babies’ in a newspaper. That Friday night, we drove to the outskirts of town to the house of a clergyman. While Ben met the guy and checked for all the things the puppy book said we needed to check for, I hit my knees and let the whole litter of puppies crawl all over me. Bitty immediately crawled in my lap and sat there. Bear wasn’t far behind her, playfully chewing on my sock and wuffling into my lap. He had my heart from day one, even though orginally we were going to get one of the other puppies.
So we brought them home, without having dog beds or anything at 10 p.m. at night and fed them some food the breeder gave us off of our plates. We made a nest for them in our bathroom with towels and newspaper. I think Ben didn’t sleep the whole night, listening to them. They never cried. The next morning, we were sitting there staring at them and talking about what to name them.
I mentioned how Bear looked like a little teddy bear with his ears flopped over and his black short nose, and Ben remarked about how itty bitty Bitty was.
And Bear became Bear, and Bitty became Bitty.
Are you a natural blond?
Yup.
Where do you get your inspiration for all your stories?
Everywhere. Dreams, nature, conversations…I get my best idea in the showers, working out or in the car–all very inconvenient places to write things down.
Do you have a publisher or self-publish?
Currently I self publish, but I’d be delighted to have a publisher!
What is your favorite writer and why?
I’ve got two–Madeline L’Engle and Roald Dahl. And Elizabeth Peters for mysteries and adult books. The only thing all the writers have in common is they’re brilliant, funny and full of mystery and fantasy and in Dahl’s case, whimsy.
Why did you start a blog?
I had written my first book, a terrible terrible book, but thought it was brilliant and that if I got a blog I’d be published.
Did I mention I’m a natural blond?
And why all the pie baking? And how on earth do you stay so slim?
Pie is just one of the most wonderful things in life. It’s perfect for summer, necessary for a bad day and the optimal way to celebrate. It’s delicious with fruit and strudel, fabulous with cream and meringue and perfect with custard. Pie is overlooked a lot except around Thanksgiving or Christmas–everyone wants cupcakes now or trendy little iced cookies or funky desserts. Pie is old fashioned and homey, something that has been made for hundreds of years. It’s classic–simple and elegant.
Why I’m not 400 lbs:
It’s a dirty little secret, but as much as I talk about pie and macaroni and cheese and hamburgers, I don’t eat them as often as I like. We actually eat healthy most of the time here in the Pond…much to my dismay. The splurges you see happen on weekends or delightfully fun days when I can’t stand anymore salad and grilled chicken. I’m actually quite fanatical about health and nutrition, but I also have a great desire for anything cheesy or sugary or wonderfully bad for you. I’m like Jekeyll and Hyde of Food.
In addition, I work out six days a week. I run three days a week for an hour, strength train, kickbox, do step aerobics and dance wildly at night. I just started taking Zumba classes and adore them.
But in the Pond, there are no such things as calories and fat. The Pond is about happy endings and whimsy and talking animals and royal Chihuahuas who pitch a fit when you don’t give them cookies. There is simply no place for worrying about vegetables or calorie intake or healthy recipes. It’s about having fun and enjoying food.
How tall are you? And do you ever have to worry about your weight/diet?
I’m 5′6, nearly 5′7. Just a quarter of an inch away! And I’m lucky to have a great metabolism, but I have to work out and watch what I eat most of the time. Otherwise, my hips begin to grow….
But that’s not going to stop me from eating my meatball subs, hamburgers and chicken fried steak. I’ll just run more.
How did you meet your husband?
We met freshman year, second semester at Baylor University. It was a grey Sunday afternoon and I was in workout clothes, about to go to the gym. A few guy friends called me and invited me to a late lunch at Jason’s Deli. I wasn’t hungry, but wanted company, so I went in my workout clothes planning to go to the gym after. Of course, Ben was there with his friend Kurt. At first—I thought he was a frat boy because he drove a truck and wore faded jeans and boots, which was the standard frat boy uniform at Baylor. But as we got to talking over lunch, I became fascinated with him. He was so charismatic and charming and funny and full of personality–so different than the shy computer nerds I was accustomed to talking to. He apparently was as taken with me as I was with him, since he asked my friends for my IM name (that’s what you did then, no one called each other…) And the rest is history.
Describe a happy childhood memory.
I’ve always loved dogs. We had a pug named Muffy when I was growing up and I used to cart her around everywhere with me. I had a little pink Barbie car and I’d drive up and down the driveway with Muffy in the passenger seat.
Describe a funny moment.
I used to fall asleep in my food every day at lunch for precisely 30 minutes when I was little, then wake up again and start eating.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to do something amazing with my books–I’d like to find a way to get them better distributed or work with a independent publisher and publish my books that way. I also want to work on illustrating my books and creating illustrated stories for my blog. Personally, we’ll probably have kids in a couple years and there’s a lot of places I want to travel with Ben. Food wise, there’s a lot of delicious recipes to try and pies to bake!
Do you plan out your stories ahead of time? Outline? Do you know what the ending will be when you start? Or do you just start writing and let the story take you where it will?
I used to outline and do all that, but I didn’t like it. I would change things and have no idea how to explain them and end up in a big mess. In the beginning, I have an idea for a story and an idea for the ending. By the time I’ve written it, it’s completely changed its original idea and is in many cases, much better than I could have imagined. I never know what’s going to happen until it writes itself.
What is your favorite bbq dish – ribs? Pulled pork? Brisket?
1) Ribs–beef ribs.
2) Real tender brisket.
3) Sausage
4) Smoked Turkey or chicken
5) Pork ribs
6) Chopped brisket
7) Pulled pork.
With macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, potato salad, thick wheat bread and some creamed corn or corn on the cob, please.
What is your favorite movie(s) of all time?
Legally Blond, Sleeping Beauty, Harvey and Stranger than Fiction.
Whats your favorite way to spend a day off?
First, I would have a delicious breakfast of peanut butter toast and eggs. Then I’d go to the gym and work out for as long as I wanted, until I was happily exhausted. After that, I’d take a bath and put on my prettiest dress and Ben would whisk me away to a delicious lunch with something like barbecue or a juicy cheeseburger with crispy fries and an apple pie and we’d do something fun, like go to a zoo or aquarium or something. Then, I’d have a delicious dinner of waffles or breakfast tacos or grilled catfish and dance spastically about until snuggling with the Babies and Ben.
I never said I was normal.
How long have you been writing?
I got serious about writing during college. But before that, I wrote short stories, plays, terrible poetry, even worse songs….I decided I wanted to be a writer and illustrator in the fourth grade and never wavered. Well, except for the time I wanted to be a psychologist. And a marine biologist. And a lawyer. And a journalist. And a doctor….
I need to work on the illustrator part!
Where are you in Texas?
The Pond.
Technically, San Antonio. But I prefer the Pond.
My buddy Heatherlynn asked: you like to write creative things. Do you enjoy writing essays or analytical pieces, too?
I liked writing papers in college because I liked anything that wasn’t studying for a test. And I enjoy writing long features for my job, though I rarely get to do it anymore. It’s usually restaurant reviews or store features, which is fun but not the same.
Pam said: When are you going to have kids or do you even want them? I think you will be a fantastic mom.
I appreciate it! I do want children. We’re planning on having them in a couple years. I really want to give us a few years to travel and settle in to being us. We got married two weeks after college and never even went on a honeymoon, since we had just bought our house and Ben started on his job a few weeks later. So for the past couple years, we’ve been focused on work and building our future. I want us to have some fun and build some memories, because I recognize to be a good parent you must be fully committed to your children. And I’m still chasing my publisher dreams–I would adore having another few books published by a “real publisher” before we have kids. So we’ll see what happens.
Now that you’ve all drooled into your keyboards, thank you for the wonderful questions! Stay tuned, Invisible Friends! Next week we have more stories, tasty recipes and more whimsical fun!
February 20th, 2010 at 3:53 am
Best of luck with your writing career! You can always try carrying a voice recorder for when ideas strike in odd places. I have one built into my phone and love it. Happy SITS Saturday, too!
February 20th, 2010 at 4:11 am
Awww…a most excellent Q & A! I loved reading all your responses. Surely a publisher will come along and see this and SCOOP you right up, yes? Yes! Hey, you don’t have to be blonde to be optimistic.
Your pups are almost as adorable as you…I l-o-v-e the shot of them sleeping together in their bed….OMG, how can you not just hug them to death? AND? I’d be all Elle and buy little sweaters for them and put them in my Louis Vuitton. xoxoxo
February 20th, 2010 at 5:38 am
Your Q & A was brilliant, I was amazed how much you work out, no wonder you look so gorgeous and slim. I do hope you suceed with your dream of getting published. If you like Roald Dahl you might enjoy Mortimer and Arabelle (see link below to Amazon) both girls enjoyed the stories as they grew up. Jane x
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=aiken%20mortimer&search-type=ss&index=books
February 20th, 2010 at 6:43 am
This was so fun to read! I love the visual of you having to take a nap during your lunches as a little one!! Priceless!
February 20th, 2010 at 6:45 am
I really enjoy reading about you, how you and Ben met, and your commitment about having dogs. You exercise pretty hard, but also don’t mind occasionally splurging on your favorite food.
February 20th, 2010 at 6:56 am
All that was very interesting, sugar. You’re too cute! I also love peanut butter and usually have 1/2 sandwich every day for lunch.
xoxo,
Connie
February 20th, 2010 at 7:02 am
I love getting to know more about you! I wondered how you ate all that pie and stayed so skinny too!
February 20th, 2010 at 7:10 am
So great to learn more about you!
February 20th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Brilliant post, so great to know more about the lady behind the words x
February 20th, 2010 at 7:44 am
Oh my! Just reading your workout routine makes me tired. Or maybe it was the lack of sleep from having my two year old sleep on my head all night. Oh well, I’m going to eat pie.
February 20th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Great Q&A, Duckie! I really enjoyed learning more about you! And I LOVE how there are no such things as calories or fat at the Pond!
February 20th, 2010 at 8:38 am
I loved learning about you! Is it weird that I enjoy learning more about people I probably will never actually meet in person? Although I can guarantee you this. If your books sell millions of copies and you go on a book signing tour I will be the first in line when you visit NY
I also didn’t realize you were in San Antonio. I love that place. The river walk is so beautiful. Do you ever think about the Pee-Wee Herman movie when the psychic said he could find his bike in the basement of the Alamo….haha. Sorry that was random. I’m not quite sure if you have a love of Pee-Wee like I do….
February 20th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Peanut Butter Rocks!!
February 20th, 2010 at 9:12 am
That was fun!
Thanks for sharing.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:52 am
It was fun getting to know you!
You’re such a sweet girl!
I love SA! It’s such a pretty and lively city.
February 20th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Hi Duckie!
Swung by to catch up and see what’s new. Loved the post- you’re not 400 lbs? Too cute.
Take Care.
Louise
February 20th, 2010 at 11:23 am
I thought that you had children! Now you know why I put off having them too. We were busy travelling around with my husbands work to settle down in one place for too long, but it is something that I regret now.
Yes, I have a gruelling exercise regime too, and I stick to it!
It was great to read more about you! You’ll have to do it again soon…I know there are loads of questions that I would love to ask, such as I’m vegetarian and I love cheese, so what would you feed me, besides salad?
February 20th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Wonderful post!
Do you believe in God?
February 20th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
so fun to get to know you better! i love zumba too, it’s so fun!
February 20th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
thanks for the dirt on the blonde duck.
i’m now craving some barbecue, to be followed by pie, to be followed by reading some roald dahl. (incidentally, ‘whimsical’ is the perfect word to describe his work!)
February 20th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
I wasn’t surprised by anything you said. I guess I know you OK, then? You and Ben are right to do things only a couple can do now, because while there’s plenty of fun to be had with kids, it’s never quite the same. By the time it’s just the 2 of you again, you’ll be a whole lot more tired!
Happy Weekend, dear Ducky!
February 20th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
You are so much fun. I always enjoy stopping by your blog. I’m impressed with your workout schedule! I love Zumba but it always kicks my butt.
And your dogs are the cutest thing ever!
Thank you so much for stopping by on my SITS day. It means so much to me!
Have a great weekend,
Debbie
February 20th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Fun post and so nice to know you! Appreciate you stopping by to say hi! Happy Saturday Sharefest!
Cindy at Lakewood
February 20th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
i want to know if you’re a fast talker. I am, and I read your answers with a fast “voice” in my head. hahaha!
February 20th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Awww…Duckie, Duckie, Duckie, words cannot even begin to describe how much I adored learning more about you. You were the cutest toddler/child. But I have one more peanut butter related question…crunchy or creamy?
February 20th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Thanks for the insight into life in the pond
February 20th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Yayy! I love this.
And I think you are wise to enjoy a few years together before you have children. While they are a wonderful addition, it is worth spending time as a married couple first and enjoying that time together.
I totally need to start working out more, so that I can eat more pie and yummies.
February 20th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Stopping by from SITS to say Hi!
I am adding you so I can come back & read more!
Please stop by!
http://extremepersonalmeasures.blogspot.com
February 20th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
We are exactly the same height!
I’m with you on the food, too. I’d rather exercise more so that I can eat what I like. Of course, I don’t exercise at all right now and I still eat what I like. I don’t think I eat large serving sizes though.
Thanks for answering my question. Of course, you answered all the questions.
I quite possibly find essay writing much easier because the direction and structure are more predictable. I struggle with plot. I’m always amazed by writers who can come up with creative plots and details that seem to go on forever without being boring. I hope that you are able to realize your publishing dreams someday.
I think restaurant reviews would be fun because you have to go eat their to review it. I think I could be a food critic. That would be a perfect job. Eat food and then write about it!
February 20th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Thanks for your reply! I also am Christian.
Happy Sunday!
February 21st, 2010 at 1:57 am
It’s so cute how you chose the puppies!
I wish I lived in the pond and didn’t have to worry about calories!
February 21st, 2010 at 5:00 am
Of course you’re not normal! That’s why we love you!
I agree Bear does look like a Teddy Bear! 
February 21st, 2010 at 5:28 am
OOOOH I loved reading all of this–excellent!!
February 21st, 2010 at 7:09 am
Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing details about your life.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:40 am
I was so excited to learn you are in SA. My hubby’s family and many of our Air Force friends are stationed there. Wouldn’t it be fun to meet for real some day? Maybe even our chics could have a real date not just an imagined one. LOL
By the way that bird does not look happy. I WOULD HAVE RUN LIKE THE WIND IF HE CAME THAT CLOSE TO ME OR MY FACE!
February 21st, 2010 at 11:10 am
Great post
I love knowing more about you. And now I like you even more 
*kisses* HH
February 21st, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Thanks for this post Duckie – I enjoyed finding out more about you and the gang at the Pond, and especially the story of how you acquired Bitty & Bear.
February 21st, 2010 at 6:23 pm
I am beyond envious.
My entire childhood I longed for, begged for, dreamed of owning a barbie car, but my parents refused. They clearly hate children.
It was very tough to overcome.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:15 am
I missed being able to ask questions. Darn work. It gets in the way of all my fun. Let me tell your readers something you didn’t. Miranda is one of the sweetest and most caring people I know. She is witty, fun and a wonderful and thoughtful friend. Very talented, I just know that one day she will be a best selling author. It is only a matter of time, but then again . . . your readers already know this!! I love you Duckie. I hope you will forgive me for having been a bad blog reader over these past several weeks. My time has been very fractured and not my own. I love you to bits. xxoo
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:28 am
This is the best Q&A I’ve ever seen! Bitty and Bear make me want a chihuahua SO badly. Maybe one day when we have a house with a yard.
I bet you would be so much fun to hang out with!
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:27 am
You have a lot of energy is all I can say! Great post Duckie.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:53 am
What a great post……….I had these questions on my mind for a while….now I know
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:29 am
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. You are so fascinating and I am enjoying learning more about you.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:14 pm
I love your answers! This is an excellent post and I love, love, love the puppy pics of Bitty and Bear. They are my favorite online chihuahuas of all time!
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
It’s wonderful to know you a little bit more! Great answers which made me wish I could spend a day with you, the dogs and your husband. Something tells me we’d have a blast. I already thought you were a really special person but this confirmed it even more. You really deserve a publisher!
February 22nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Ah, a satisfying read. Great to know you better! Hilarious to hear you fell asleep during your meal every day! I like that quirk.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
I loved getting to know you better!! You should do this more often. Thanks for answering my questions. You helped me with my own dilemma. I have one more – have you ever thought of teaching creative writing?
February 22nd, 2010 at 4:42 pm
It’s so fun to learn about you!
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
You are great writer. Keep your dream alive. Keep the faith. God will open doors only he can open.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I enjoyed reading this about you! How fun were your terrific answers! I’m so happy to read that you work out and eat healthy most of the time. I was seriously so envious of you and all the pie and burgers and all of the other things that make me hungry every single time I visit. I’ll be back soon. I always enjoy my visits.
Thank you for your kind comment. I feel fantastic these days. I’m almost at my goal weight. Hooray! *Smiles*
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:04 pm
I agree with Pam. I think both you and Ben would be terrific parents.
~ingrid
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:29 am
Thanks for the FAQ. That was fun.
It’s funny that you talk about how you really do eat well despite talking about pie etc. I’m the same way. One time Kevin gave me a huge compliment and told people, “Rachel cooks healthy food.” People were shocked. I think they think I serve nothing but bacon, pie, and chocolate at home. I guess I eat enough bacon, pie, and chocolate though because despite lots of time at the gym, the barn, and the dance studio, I don’t look as good as you!
I wonder what people would ask me if I did this. I’m afraid I wouldn’t want to know that they really don’t want to know!
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:16 pm
This was great! Thanks for letting us get to know you a bit better! I also do my best thinking in the shower, driving the car, etc!