Eleven things

For Elizabeth, who asked so nicely. Answers to her eleven questions:

1. If you were invited to make a piece of art, what medium would you use?

Paper – there’s something so soothing about cutting, folding and sticking. I think it brings out my inner toddler. And if it all goes horribly wrong, it’s so easy to scrumple it up and begin again.

2. What clothes are you most comfortable in? 

Scruffy, baggy, old ones. I am one of those people who comes home for the evening and immediately takes off their day clothes and puts on ‘loungewear’. Only that word seems to conjure up visions of wafting about in White Company cashmere, whereas my reality involves ancient flannel trousers and a sweatshirt dating from the late 1980’s. I am very loyal to certain items of clothing. They become like old friends.

3. If you had an unexpected afternoon to yourself and not a care in the world, how would you spend it?

I would visit somewhere new – a garden might be nice, this time of year, or in the autumn some woodland with a nice tea shop. Perhaps a gallery in bad weather, or exploring a new city. I don’t mind doing that sort of thing on my own. Particularly if I have my camera. It’s a treat to just let my mind wander free and see different things. 

4. Do you have things you "don't do" and if so, what are they?

Insurance renewals. I could do it, I just don’t want to. So I shan’t. I also try at all costs to avoid mowing the lawn, but that is because hubby laughed at my efforts when I last did it. If he didn't mow, I would dig up all the grass and just plant more flowers instead.

5. What do you panic most about losing?

My sense of taste. I lost it for about a month one Christmas a few years ago and I was utterly devastated. I could not believe how down it made me feel and what a soulless experience it was to eat without perceiving flavor.

6. What is your favourite quotation?

Far too fickle to have just one favourite. Whatever chimes with me and what I am doing or feeling at that moment. The last one which caught my eye says “No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch” -  running motivation. It spoke to me.

7. What is your ideal holiday?

I am still searching for it. But I suspect I cannot afford to go, or that it is already fully booked by people who are more organized about planning these things than we are.

8. If you wear lipstick, what shape is the end, once it's no longer new?

I never wear lipstick as it makes me feel as if I have a cartoon pout. It is with high heels on my list of things I will master when I grow up. Does chapstick wear in the same way? If mine is in a stick, it has a flat top. If it comes in a tiny pot, I use it from the middle until a hole appears at the bottom, then work my way out to the sides.

9. Do you have a habit you would like to drop or one you would like to adopt?

I would love to be compulsively tidy.

10. What everyday article would you most miss if it were suddenly unavailable? 

Cotton buds. Must clean my ears every morning.

11. What is your favourite perfume?

After being a 'seldom without it' perfume lover, I gave up wearing it when I was breastfeeding and have never really got back into the habit. Perhaps I ought to address that. I favour clean and green sort of scents – currently have some Eau Dynamisante, which I like because it doesn’t smack of trying too hard.

Those were good questions - I'm meant to make up some of my own and tag some of you, but, I haven't. I've also used some exceptionally randomn photographs. Clearly, today is all about channelling my rebellious streak.

Comments

[mrsthomasinatittlemouse]

What a wonderful and interesting set of answers! And the pics are just gorgeous. Your rule-breaking version is rather better than the original I think. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at N&N Elizabeth x

[Julie]

Ali, your writing is always such a lift, you have a sharp mind and wit and I do like your answers x

[UK lass in US]

I have the sneaky suspician that losing my sense of taste might actually be a good thing - I might be more likely to pick a healthier alternative to chocolate...

My dad keeps telling me that lots of post boxes are being stolen then sold to Americans. I can understand why: I miss the cheerful red boxes.

[kristin]

thanks ali! that was fun.

it's funny how motherhood changes us. i also gave up perfume and along with that... long hair and jewelry. i still have not found my way back to any of them.

[Sue]

Oh my goodness, the thought of losing one's sense of taste has literally terrified me. Mind you it would probably make me lose weight.

[kristina]

Oh that was wonderful. And I have the same philosophy re lipstick and high heels. K x

[driftwood]

brilliant answers. I love the thought of you and your inner toddler x

[Gina]

I love reading these sort of "random things" blog posts. Your answers made fascinating reading Ali

[Magic Bean]

Love the random photos. Love your answers. Snap with the cotton buds.
Happy tomorrow, Ax

[Caroline@puppydogstails]

I definitely agree with number 2 - I ALWAYS get changed into comfy clothes when I get in. It must have been awful to lose your sense of taste, gosh I can't imagine what that would be like!

[Annie]

Oh how elegantly you tweak the rules of tagging. And what great questions Liz sent your way. I don't do insurance renewals either.

Loved this post :D

[Pebbledash]

Great questions, great answers! I thought of you as I reached for the cotton buds this morning....

[Thimbleanna]

Very fun! I always love to read these sorts of posts to see where our similarities and differences lie. Love your random photos!

[charlotte]

Loved the random photos and the not at all random answers - my aunt, a nurse, always told me that you should never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear!

[Lynn]

If I say that this was thoroughly entertaining, you're not going to go and nominate me for one of these things, are you?

But seriously, I loved it. And I cannot wait to post a letter from a cheery cherry box like that one.

[lucylocket]

A great list Ali. Like Kristen I gave up jewellery when the children were babies - well, earrings in particular and have never got back into wearing them although I sometimes think I should. And I have never quite got into makeup and definitely not high heels - like you, they're something I need to do when I grow up.

Lucy xx

[Sew Create It - Jane]

Fantastic post! Loved it...

I don't wear lipstick either :-)

[The Coffee Lady]

I am very much with you on the loungewear.