Your Questions; My Answers

It's no secret I'm not great at getting back to people on comments and emails.

It isn't that I don't have great intentions.

It isn't that I never do ...

It's just, I suck.

Sorry, about that.  

I'd promise to do better, and I'd mean it (but then I probably wouldn't do better).  

Therefore, I'll refrain from making promises.

I do read all your emails and comments.

I thought today I'd answer some questions I've gotten recently from readers.  If one person is asking, there are probably other people wondering too.

Here goes:

•  How many of your stories are TRUE and how many aren't?  The "stories" I write are true, any identifying details of the people I write about are fictional.  (This same info is also stated on my sidebar.)  I don't write about anyone, in any way that would be recognizable to those who know me or know the same people I do.  There's a reason writers use the term "creative license."  

[Oh wait, once in awhile I do write about people, and use their real names and real details - but only if I've obtained their permission.]

•  OMG, what happens if your friend's wife reads the post about her?  See the above, and then take a deep breath and relax.  I do actually think before I write.  Also, I think TWICE before I hit "publish."

•  Why aren't you responding to my requests to write about my good cause.  I get this question a lot.  First of all, I get hundreds of PR/Marketing/Good Cause requests from people/companies/associations every week.  (Somehow, I got on everybody's mailing list.)  Most people want my time, my work, my blog space and aren't willing to pay for it.  Some of them have great causes I'd be willing to publicize for free if I thought they appealed to the majority of my readers.  My audience varies greatly in demographics.  (I know you think your cause appeals to every person who reads me.  No offense intended, but I know my readers better than you do.)  

•  What if Phoebe's babies fall in the pool?  She builds a nest in the same place every year.  I used to worry about the same thing, but it's never happened.  By the way, I watched her babies learn to fly (very humorous!) earlier this week.  They have now, officially, flown the nest.

•  Are you rich?  No, are you?  

•  How much money do you make?  How much money do YOU make?

•  Will you be at BlogHer [Beginning August 4th/San Diego]?  Yes, I will be.  I hope to meet as many of you as possible.

•  How does Briefcase feel about your blog?  Good question, I think it might depend on what I published the day you ask him. 

•  I'd like to take photography lessons from you, do you give them?  I've given a few lessons and I'm willing to do more on a limited basis.  (Limited basis because of my arm.)

•  What's your favorite beach photo of all the ones you've taken?

I recently had this one enlarged and put on canvas:

It turned out stunning.  

It's definitely been my favorite for the last several months, but my "favorite" is subject to change on a moment's notice.

•  Could you please just email me one of your photos?  I only want to use it as a screensaver.  (I've also had people inform me digital photos are "free" and don't cost anything for me to take, and then request I please email them the one/s they want.)

I could, and probably will, write an entire post on this subject at some point.  For now, suffice it to say, a single lens can cost a couple thousand dollars ... good quality digital photography is not "free" and neither are my photos.  

•  I'm dying to know what company in Orange County your son got a job with.  I understand you can't put it on your blog but could you just email and tell me?  No, I'm sorry I can't.

•  How do you function so drugged up?  Um, I'm not "drugged up" very often.  I apologize if I've given you that impression.  Yes, I live with constant pain.  I'm on non-narcotic drugs to help me live my day to day life.  Those medications don't interfere with my ability to function or make me "drugged up" at all.  

Most days I take a grand total of one (o-n-e) narcotic pain pill in the evenings.  (By the end of the day, I can't take the pain any longer, even with gritted teeth and clenched fists.)  When I have a bad pain episode/flare-up I take additional narcotic pain meds as needed, but I try to take as little as possible.  I have to be able to get PR to and from school, etc., etc.  I need to be able to function.

By the way, Dr. Painless is perfectly fine with me taking way more pain meds than I do.  It's a choice on my part to be as mentally "present" in my life as possible.

Also?  

Pain-level-wise I could pop pain pills from the minute I wake up.  I don't.

[B.A. (before accident) I always had a very high pain tolerance.   

Make sure and remind me of that during my next pain flare-up.

No don't, I'd probably throw something at you if you did!

Kidding!

Sorta ...]

•  Are you suing the dumbfuck that gave you the drugs you're allergic to and landed you in the hospital after your bionic surgery?  No comment.  And that does not mean "yes" and that does not mean "no."  It simply means, no comment.  But, thanks for asking.

•  Is there any news on PK, the kid who was bothering your son at college?  PK is undergoing psychological treatment in Peru.  My son is home for the summer and his girlfriend, Pretty, will be coming to California and staying with us for a visit soon.  She's never been to California and I look forward to showing her around.

I could keep answering questions for days, but I think that's enough for now.

Thanks for asking the questions!

© Twenty Four At Heart

Comments

[Jack @ TheJackB]

It's just, I suck. I see this on a t-shirt- it could be big, huge- a viral success story.

See you at BlogHer.

[Deidre]

I do love that photograph.

And my housemate and I are very much enjoying the calendar that I won by the way! Love it.

[Jan]

May I just say I'm envious of Phoebe and her empty nest.

I'd been wondering about PK, but since you'd written that your son was home, I wasn't too worried. Glad PK is OUT of the country, though!

[Kate D.]

I don't get where people feel they have a rigtht to ask some of those questions and actually get an answer. While I understand a blog does put your life out there for people to see and comment on it doesn't give them the right to dig into your private affairs, ie income, legal affairs etc. I just love to read what you write and look at your gorgeous photos.

[Pam]

I agree with Kate D! Just because someone reads your blog, do they really feel like they can ask you how much money you make or where your son works? I love your blog and it's definitely the first one I read each morning. Thanks for making me smile and by the way, you owe me none of your personal information and none of your photos for free. The enjoyment I get from reading your posts is enough. :)

Have a great day!
Pam

[linda]

Agree with Kate D & Pam!! Hell, I've MET you and I would never dream of asking such rude personal questions!
The photo is stunning! Enjoy your son this summer:)

[Michelle]

People are so RUDE. Why do they think they have a right to know shit like that? I did love reading this post though! : )

[Lisa]

That photo is so stunningly moody! Love it!

I'm excited to meet you at BlogHer!

[Nancy P]

Oh good Lord but what are some people thinking with the things they ask or request. I can not imagine the balls someone would have to expect you to "give" them photos since it costs you "nothing" WTF?

Oh but since you live in such a beautiful area could I come stay with you for free in your house this summer? KID. I kid!:)

[Rachael]

Wow.. the questions you get. But you answered them -all- so sweetly anyway. :)

[Judi]

I don't get people sometimes. Who thinks they have a right to know everything about everybody?

Anyway, you shouldn't say you're not rich. You are rich in many ways that mean more than money: successful marriage, great kids, close friendships, you're a gifted writer and photographer....