The Cliched Hodgepodge

Okay, someone has commented recently that all I ever post on is the Hodgepodge. So I searched through my archives and discovered--they're right! What can I say, I love the Hodgepodge! It's addictive and I find it kind of like a traffic accident--it's impossible to look away. So join the fun. Click on the link and dive into the world of Hodgepodge. But I'm warning you, it's addictive!

1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings?

Yes, I do. But I don't necessarily like the thickness in the air after my boys eat chili.

2. Red~Orange~Gold...your favorite fall color?

Yes, as a matter of fact they are my favorites!

3. Who did you idolize when you were growing up?

No idols--I'm Baptist. : )

4. When was the last time you did something 'arts and craftsy'? Share please.

Obviously I don't attempt artsy-craftsy things often. And this is why:  recently I decided to make cupcakes to use as an object lesson in our Patch the Pirate Club with the kids at our church. The lesson called for the children to read different verses from the Bible that talked about benefits when we're saved. Things like a home in heaven and eternal life. I was going to put the Bible references on the cupcakes using decorator frosting. Then the kids were going to have to identify the truth in the verse before taking that cupcake. Only I got cookie decorator frosting instead of cake decorator frosting. It was really runny. And I tend to write big. There wasn't room on the cupcakes for an entire Bible reference. I was getting desperate, especially since we were already at the church and I was in the kitchen trying to decorate them while the kids were having game time in the other room. I finally ended up having to simply write one letter on each cupcake. F or forgiveness, H for heaven, etc. It turned out rather lame and the kids kept staring at me like, "this is it?"

The cupcakes were good.

5. What's a place that makes you really nervous?

The kitchen.

6. Horse back riding...yay or nay (neigh?)

I don't mind it, but I'm not sure the horse is too thrilled.

7. What is your favorite cliche?

In writing, cliches are definite no-no's. I've learned to avoid them like the plague. I'm so attuned to them that I can spot them a mile away. Truly, they stand out like a sore thumb. When I come across one that's worked its way into my writing, I drop it like a hot potato. In fact, once you get out of the habit of using cliches, it's as easy as pie to stop. Oh sure, some people have to make a last ditch effort, but you know it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, and you can keep trying to weed cliches out of your vocabulary until the cows come home.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It would be very easy to take the easy way out and wrap things up. But if you keep your fingers crossed and if hope springs eternal, then eventually we'll see the light at the end of the tunnel. I may be grasping at staws, but stick a fork in me 'cause I'm done!