Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Me

Fellow Misfit, Michelle, jumped onto the Personality Test bandwagon and, not to be outdone, I took the test, too. Here's the results:

You'll notice I'm considered Extroverted (not a surprise to anyone who knows me) and that I'm an ENFP or an Advocate. Here's more information on that personality according to the Myers Briggs people:

ENFPs are introspective, values-oriented, inspiring, social and extremely expressive. They actively send their thoughts and ideas out into the world as a way to bring attention to what they feel to be important, which often has to do with ethics and current events. ENFPs are natural advocates, attracting people to themselves and their cause with excellent people skills, warmth, energy and positivity. ENFPs are described as creative, resourceful, assertive, spontaneous, life-loving, charismatic, passionate and experimental.

Okay, so I don't understand what they mean by actively sending out thoughts and ideas. I do pray about things--thoughts and ideas--and discuss them with my Abba so perhaps that counts. The rest sounds nice--I do enjoy hearing nice things about me or rather people like me:-) And apparently there are people like me to varying degrees. ENFPs make up about 5.5% of the population. This is a list of "famous" ENFP-ers.

Famous ENFPs

Real ENFP People

* Alicia Silverstone - actress (Clueless), fashion model
* Andy Kaufman - American entertainer
* Andy Rooney - television writer
* Bill Cosby - actor, comedian, activist
* Bill Moyers - journalist, commentator
* Bob Dylan - singer-songwriter, musician
* Buster Keaton - silent film comic actor
* Carol Burnett - comedian
* Charles Dickens - English novelist
* Dave Thomas - businessman (Wendy's), philanthropist
* Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geise) - writer, cartoonist
* Franz Joseph Haydn - composer
* James Dobson - evangelical psychologist
* Joseph Campbell - writer, orator
* King Jordan - deaf president of Gallaudet University
* Lewis Grizzard - humorist
* Martin Short - Canadian actor, comedian
* Paul Harvey - radio broadcaster
* Paul Robeson - actor, athlete, singer, writer, activist
* Phil Donahue - TV personality
* Regis Philbin - TV personality
* Robin Williams - actor
* Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) - writer
* Sandra Bullock - actress
* Sinbad - actor, comedian
* Upton Sinclair - author, investigative journalist
* Will Rogers - Comedian

Fictional ENFPs (Characters)

* Ariel - The Little Mermaid
* Balki - Perfect Strangers
* Dr. Doug Ross - ER
* Lara Antipova - Doctor Zhivago
* Steve Urkel - Family Matters
* Will - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

And, good news! Among the various possible career matches for ENFPs are the areas I've spent my time and energy--actor, church worker, teacher, and writer. Hmmm.

You'll also notice that under the Multiple Intelligence portion, I scored highest in the verbal area. Not a surprise there, either.

The tests didn't take very long and actually made me think a little more about how I feel about things. If you'd like to try this--and it is free--click here.

And no matter your personality, abundant blessings!

PS Thank Michi!

An Interview With Allison Bottle

When I heard editor and friend Allison Bottke would be doing a blog tour for her latest novel, One Little Secret, I was happy to join the parade. Back when her first novel, A Stitch in Time came out, one of my book club buddies commented that "Allison could make a phone book exciting to read!" So it's no secret why I was excited to get my hands on One Little Secret.

Her heroine, Ursula, actually first appeared in A Stitch in Time and the star of that book makes a cameo appearance in One Little Secret making it rather like seeing an old friend in a new place. I love the fact that these ladies hold similar memories to me--that we've traveled the same decades. The glam and designer name dropping is still there but if you think this is the same old story, I've got a secret for you--it's not. But before you go rushing off to buy a copy of One Little Secret--and yes, I do recommend you do--first read through this interview with Allison and then go get your copy. You'll be glad you did.



Welcome Allison! Let's get started.
You describe your latest novel, Our Little Secret, and your previous one, A Stitch in Time, as "Boomer-Lit." Would you explain to my readers what you mean by this term and how your novels fit into it?
Typical “chick-lit” is written for a 20-30 year old target market. The protagonist is usually single, and struggling with her faith, career, family, love-life and things young women often struggle with. In my books, I wanted to approach the issues that baby boomers are dealing with, (women born between 1946-1964) things like the empty nest syndrome, aging parents, a change in career, retirement, menopause, and other health issues. I wanted to look at women in the prime of their life who were suddenly stepping out in faith to achieve the dreams of their heart. Women who weren’t afraid to take risks—who had the chutzpah to dare to dream big. That’s how “Boomer-Lit” was born.

What do you do when you aren't writing?
Oh gosh, a ga-zillion things! Currently, I’m doing a lot of packing as we are moving at the end of this month from Minnesota to Texas! However, I love to garden in the warm season (very short here in MN) and reading and going to the movies are BIG favorite pastimes of mine. I could take off for the nearby Cineplex and watch 3 movies, back-to-back with no trouble at all! I’m a movie-holic!

What other creative outlets do you have?
When I have time (make time) I love to scrapbook. I’m also somewhat of a teacher at heart, I love to encourage other writers, and to that end I’ve begun to produce a series of Teleseminars for writers, with bestselling author Randy Ingermanson. Your readers can find out more about these online MP3 workshops here: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/eventsteleseminars.html

When did you realize there was a need for baby boomer fiction?
I read a lot. Especially what is known as “chick-lit.” But the typical “chick-lit” is written for a 20-30 year old target market. The protagonist is usually single, and struggling with her faith, career, family, love-life and things young women often struggle with. In my books, I wanted to approach the issues that baby boomers are dealing with, things like the empty nest syndrome, aging parents, a change in career, retirement, menopause, and other health issues. I wanted to look at women in the prime of their life who were suddenly stepping out in faith to achieve the dreams of their heart. Women who weren’t afraid to take risks—who had the chutzpah to dare to dream big. That’s how “Boomer-Lit” was born.

Are you leaving God Allows U Turns behind to write fiction?
Not at all! I have a passion for sharing the true stories of how God turns people around. In fact, we are currently accepting true short stories for three new volumes in the acclaimed series. Your readers can check out the Writer’s Guidelines here: http://www.allisonbottke.com/writersguidelines.htm My co-editor, Cheryll Hutchings, is collecting the stories and our submission deadline is December 30th.

You've written a lot of books and you're so young! When did you start writing? How long does it take you to write a book start to finish?
Young? God bless you! (Where do I send your check? Ha-Ha) I’m 52 years old! I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil—it’s how I best communicate. However, I was 45 years old when my first book was published—volume one in the God Allows U-Turns series. It takes us about 9 months to compile and edit a volume in the compilation series. It takes me about a year to write a novel. Alas, I’m not very fast.

When you look back at your twenties what do you wish you would have known then that you know now?
I’ve heard it before but it rings very true now…I should never have spent so much time sweating the small stuff! I should have chosen my battles better…and not made mountains out of molehills.

What are your favorite three Christian music artists?
Without a doubt I am a huge fan of Bonnie Keen (from the band First Call.) Bonnie helped me to get all the musical info correct in One Little Secret. I also love Sandy Patti – what a vocal range! And Mark Schultz is amazing, his gift for story telling is amazing.

What blog or website do you try and visit every day?
FOX News and Glen Beck.

Allison, is there anything you’d like to share with readers before you go?
I encourage your readers to tell me what they think about One Little Secret. I really do want to hear reader feedback. I’m working on my next novel to release in summer of 2009 and I take to heart reader comments. They can reach me here: AB@AllisonBottke.com and please, I’d love to invite everyone to participate in the Hollywood Casting Call Contest where a lucky winner can win an all expense paid trip to Hollywood! Visit my web site and select the actors and actresses you think would make the best lead characters in One Little Secret! Check it out here: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/bookcontests.html

And …we have a monthly newsletter that we call a “Dream-Zine,” I’d love to invite your readers to subscribe:
http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/dreamzine.html

And one final thing, we have a co-authored blog with six best selling authors blogging each and every day – BOOMER BABES WITH BRILLIANT DREAMS: http://www.boomerbabesrock.com/blog/ I think that’s it – thanks for having me!

My pleasure! And now you can go get your copy of One Little Secret--and feel free to share!
Abundant blessings!

One More Meme for the Road

Sorry about this, folks but I got tagged again. So here's more info about me that you probably didn't care to know.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My father told me I was named for Jenny Lind because one of his favorite memories was hearing his grandfather tell of meeting her.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Yesterday.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING
Usually—I can do calligraphy
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Budding chicken
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes—4
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think so, usually, most of the time, maybe.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Moi?
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yeppers
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Not even on a dare—and I don’t care how much money you offer.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Hot—Cream of Wheat/Cold—granola
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nah, too tired...
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Not hardly
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Extreme Moose Tracks—can’t remember the brand name
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
The smile
15. RED OR PINK?
Depends on the reason for the roses
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Emotionally: I cry when I get angry—can’t help it and it makes me angrier—a vicious cycle
Physically: My weight—I have only myself to blame but I wish it would come off easier now that I’m working at it
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Ian
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO LINK THIS BACK TO YOU?
If they want—no pressure
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS (Or Kilt) AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue jeans—I put off doing this until after I got out of my jammies
20. WHAT WAS The LAST THING YOU ATE?
Half of a turkey sandwich
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The hum of my computer
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Heliotrope (just because I like the word)
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Roses, lilacs and lavender—oh, and fresh fruit
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My middle daughter Alyssa
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO LINKED THIS TO YOU?
He’s okay for a guy who writes scary stuff
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Depends on who’s playing and if I can watch in person or on TV
27. HAIR COLOR?
Dk—it’s hidden by medium ash brown
28. EYE COLOR?
They’re technically a pale blue-green but can look gray or blue or green or any combination depending on my mood and what I wear—I know, TMI
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Used to
30. FAVORITE FOOD(S)?
Generally Italian or Mexican foods
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings most definitely
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
A Piece of Eden
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue—a shirt from the 309th Fighter Squadron stationed at Luke AFB—Go Wild Ducks!
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
I live in Arizona—Winter, duh!
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs are more universal, kisses are reserved
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Too many to name
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
DK
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
I’ve no idea
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Getting ready to start The Mermaid Chair
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
A picture of a Coyotes hockey game
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
An interview with Billy Graham and the living presidents he’s counseled
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Children’s laughter
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles. Of course—none of them would have snorted a parent.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Belfast, Northern Ireland—or Heathrow, England—I’d have to check a map for mileage
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I can tie cherry stems into knots with my tongue
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Kokomo
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
I’m tagging Cynthia Hickey and my Phil.
.

Going to send you all over to the Misfits blog today. My friend and awesome writer Mary DeMuth is our guest blogger for Saturday and I think you will enjoy what she has to say. This is part of her blog tour for her latest non-fiction book Authentic Parenting. You can meet Mary and read her crazy blog here. The book we've been discussing, Authentic Parenting in a Post-Modern Culture, by Mary DeMuth is available now. You can purchase your autographed copy directly from Mary at the link above. I encourage you pick it up today!

Be sure to check out the other blogs participating on the Authentic Parenting Tour this week.
Actual Unretouched Photo
Bluebonnet in the Snow
child of divorce/child of god
Geaux2Girl
Good Word Editing
Halland
RappFamilyAixtremeLife
Ripples and Reflections
Spaghettipie
So Many Books...So Little Time
The Point
Tiffany Colter
Toni V. Lee

For a complete listing of the blogs participating in the six week tour, visit here.

But, most important, go to the Misfits blog and read what she has there. You'll be glad you did.

For Moms

Got this in an email and must share. Hope you enjoy as much as I do. Wish I'd had this when my kids were young--but wait, I did--I just hadn't set it to music yet.
Abundant blessings!