Weekend Wonder: Tammilee

General Questions…

Name: Tammilee

Penname: Tammilee

A sentence or two about yourself: I lost my job a little over a year ago. I turned to using coupons and sales to save money and keep our family moving forward. I love saving money and helping others save money. We saved over $10,000 last year with coupons.

Link to blog: www.tammileetips.com

A sentence or two on what your blog is about: I blog about saving you money on the things you need so you have it for the things you want.

Book Lover Questions…

What is your favorite book and why? The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

I read this book at least once a year. I think it is amazingly uplifting and encouraging. I really enjoy reading the tips and tools in the book. It refocuses me on pushing for my goals and trying new things.

Other favorites? Winnie the Pooh, Sark, Nora Roberts, Travel books.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Romance, Travel books, business books are all my favorites depending on my mood.

Where do you like to read? Curled up on the couch under a warm blanket with my cat.

Do you prefer paper books or ebooks? Paper back.

Do you prefer to buy or borrow books? I use the local library to get books. I love being able to read books without having to pay for them.

Do you stop reading when you are tired or when you hit chapter breaks? It depends on the book. Some books I will keep on reading until the end others I will fall asleep reading.

When you finish a book do you usually keep it, throw it away, sell it, or give it away? Most of them I have to give back to the library. If I really love a book I will look for it at a 2^nd hand store or maybe treat myself to a new one.

What helps you decide on a book? (Book reviews, suggested by friend, by browsing the shelves, etc.) I decide on a book based on friends and family reviews, if the cover catches my attention, or by finding it in library stacks.

Do you prefer to read a book that stands on its own or is a part of a series? I like series books. I think it is great when a story continues over time and carries you with it.

So You Want to be a Writer questions…

A few sentences about your writing: What do you write (blog entries, novels, poetry, etc)? Why do you write? I write blog entries to help others save money. I write to express myself and put my thoughts on the page. I journal for my own relaxation and meditation.

Did you always know that you wanted to write? No, I had no idea I would end up wanting to write. In college I struggled to write and used to put off writing assignments. When I started my MBA I found myself loving the process of writing.

Favorite Questions…

What’s your favorite food? I am not sure I can pick just one. I love pasta, pizza, cheese, chocolate. All of the things that are not very good for you.

Favorite color? Blue

Favorite song? Leroy Bell –Ready to fall

Favorite movie?  I am not sure I have a favorite. I like romantic comedy, action adventure or cartoons. I would rather curl up with a book.
Favorite TV show? I am hooked on the Bachelor right now. I like Survivor and Amazing Race also

Random Questions…

If you developed a superpower what would it be and why? Time traveler

What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a Marine Biologist

What is the answer to life? Live life to the fullest. You only get one chance to do it right!

Weekend Wonder: AtypicalScott

General Questions…

Name: Scott Riddick

Penname: AtypicalScott

A sentence or two about yourself: I am unpublished. But I am a writer nonetheless.

Link to blog: http://atypicalread.blogspot.com

A sentence or two on what your blog is about: I try to make you think on a deeper level than you would if you saw the same material on the local news. I want to show and see by the comments that people are not always what they appear.

Book Lover Questions…

What is your favorite book and why?  A Confederacy of Dunces. The entire process is exactly what Atypical Read is about. The skewed vision of our world that is brilliantly funny, while tremendously painful in truth at the end.

Other favorites? Too many to name.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Sci-Fi Fantasy.

Where do you like to read? Any place that allows me the time to do so.

Do you prefer paper books or ebooks? Good books. Their format is not important.

Do you prefer to buy or borrow books? I buy great books, the rest a library compliments well.

Do you stop reading when you are tired or when you hit chapter breaks? Both, I try to hit a full chapter at each sitting. I do not like to skip out on a plot twist or crucial scene.

When you finish a book do you usually keep it, throw it away, sell it, or give it away? All the above, depending on the book.

What helps you decide on a book? (Book reviews, suggested by friend, by browsing the shelves, etc.) The first paragraph. A brilliant hook is and has always been the key to snaring readers.

Do you prefer to read a book that stands on its own or is a part of a series? Both.

So You Want to be a Writer questions…

A few sentences about your writing: What do you write (blog entries, novels, poetry, etc)? Why do you write? I write whatever feels right at the time. This can mostly be satire, but I try to write a little in all concentrations. I write because I have stories to share. And I love telling stories, although, the process of writing itself is a pain in the ass.

Did you always know that you wanted to write? Yes. It was first used as crappy poetry that helped me tremendously in my youth to manage my angst and deal with the frustrations of being a child in a single parent household.

Favorite Questions…

What’s your favorite food? Generally that which will shorten my lifespan

Favorite color? Clear

Favorite song? Silent Lucidity

Favorite movie? Too many to note. Directed by Lucas, Spielberg, and Jackson.

Favorite TV show? Stargates (all of them) battlestar galactica. (excellent writing) Californication (even better writing).

Random Questions…

If you developed a superpower what would it be and why? The ability to silence my critics. Ignorance needs to be exposed.

What did you want to be when you were little? A pro quarterback. 49er’s preferred. Why did not I pursue this you ask? Money and the lack thereof.

What is the answer to life? 42

Mothers and Daughters

This was a recent guest post for Shah @ Wordsinsync and it got some really great feedback so I would like to share it here on WYE? These two poems were made in succession and are meant to be read together. I’ll have you read them now and then we will discuss the content a bit…

The Raisin and the Rose

She brushes my locks out every night,

Long tresses are pulled and shined.

Her own withered curls fall out of place,

A mane overtaken by the color of salt.

My posture young, weightless and steady,

Her own hunched, crippled by stress.

Why is it we are moving away from each other?

Both growing, but one taller and the other older.

I seek the life outside, unfamiliar experiences at my fingertips.

She finds solace inside, safety in common comforts.

As I am ready to emerge, choosing a life, a profession, a lover.

She decides scrambled or boiled, wash or dry, Wal-Mart or K-Mart.

She’s shrivels, like a raisin forgotten on the vine.

And I, a rose, spotted from a distance, ready to be picked.

She’s a queen, not quite jealous of her daughter’s youth and beauty,

But never forgetting, never overlooking,

That someday this girl will take the throne.

She will be replaced.

Petals

My daughter’s reflection in the mirror

Contradicts everything about me.

Her young and sturdy shoulders,

Not yet burdened by the weight of the world,

Whereas I cripple at the sight of the cooled morning air.

Her gleaming hair reflects rays of sunshine,

While mine, limped curls that absorb the dry air and crinkle at its roots.

My lines, deep and hallow,

As hers become smoothed and defined.

She’s in a prime I surpassed years ago.

I'm a barren wasteland that has been emptied

Month by month, no longer able to create.

And her, supple and full, able to give way to pleasure

Without a sense of uselessness.

She’s a sweet rose that only need be picked.

And I, whose petals have already been plucked one by one,

Left to rot on the floor.

Why is it she is of my own making

And yet she’s taken a place I once held so dear;

One of youth and adventure.

I’ve been replaced.

Out of all the poems I have written, these have brought about the most controversy. Now, I think controversy can be a bit of fun, but, unlike some people who are keen on assumptions think, I am not condemning my own mother for aging here. Age is something no one can defy.

Instead, this poem speaks on two topics:

The first is a note on how our modern day American society thinks of our elders. Some cultures revere their old, take care of them without a sense of burden or selfishness. However, many Americans do not share the same views. Instead, the old are in the way, they should be replaced in the workplace, in the home. They should die and leave their place or money to others who are more vivacious, more apt to make the most out of it. Sound harsh?

The second is a note on many mother/ daughter relationships. I like to think I have a wonderful relationship with my mother. We talk often, get along, spend whole days together, laugh and cry together. However, not every relationship is like that. These poems are meant to shed light on the absurdities some mothers and daughters hold against one another things none of them can fight, such as, youth, “beauty,” fertility, and desire. Let it go. Realize that you are angry at nature and not one another. Love your mothers and daughters. No bond should be stronger.

Poll #5 Results: What is (are) your primary reason(s) for reading?

Poll #5 has ended. So, what are we to do? Oh, yeah! Let’s break it down and chat a bit about it! This poll’s questions was, “What is (are) your primary reason(s) for reading?” Lots and lots of people read these days. (Crazy, I know! Didn’t we just discuss how this is a waste of time? Click here to get the humor in this.) However, why are they reading? Curious minds wished to know and now we all do…

I whopping 48% of the votes (one of mine being included) claimed to read for pleasure!!! No way! Your life is most certainly full of adventure!

19% of the votes say some of you read for research. Good on you for actually picking up a book or finding articles and journals to do so! You’re not doing the good old pop a question into Google and then eat up the first bullet point that comes up.

13% are reading for other reasons. Please do share what those other reasons were! I couldn’t think of anymore.

12% said you read for school. ME TOO! In fact, I feel like I have only been reading for school. I completed 4 books this week alone for school. I guess that’s what I get for becoming an English major though, and for taking 3 literature classes this semester. Whew! At least the stuff I am reading is good. What are you reading for school?

I good old 4% of dedicated followers and enthusiastic readers are reading to get the news! I honestly do commend you for holding onto that dying art. I like a good newspaper, but I don’t read it. I probably should, but I don’t. I did however get The Onion app for my iphone the other day. I hope to stay a little more up on the news and I figure The Onion will deliver it in a very entertaining way.

Finally, 2% of the literate world are using their skills for gossip and work! I mean, who doesn’t love some good gossip!? Also, I would love to have a job that makes me read (Wait! I do! It’s called COLLEGE!) However, maybe those of you who chose this option are an editor, a teacher, a professional blogger, advertising copy writer, etc. Whatever you do, you’re lucky because you get to read at work! I liked to read at work, of course I was waitressing so it wasn’t quite my job and some days I was so enthralled that I wasn’t even sure why my employer was still paying me to be there. (FYI: I only read when the restaurant was as dead as a graveyard. I’m a good employee.) Anyway, hopefully what you have to read for work is interesting.

Okay, NOW POLL TIME! My favorite part! The next poll is all about you and your creative side, and there are lots of options to choose from. Go check it out at the bottom of this page.

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You should know where to go by now. :)

I'm Being Featured on Scenic Glory

Today I am being featured by Lindsay @ Scenic Glory so I figured I would just direct you all over there for the day and take a break. :) I can’t wait to hear what you guys think of the feature. Consider joining it yourself. It’s called “In Her Shoes.” I’m not clear on whether or not Lindsay has adjusted the feature for boys as well, but so far it’s just about learning how every woman is unique and strong in her own way. The feature airs every Wednesday. Go check it out!

PS. My specific feature might not be up until later in the day. Lindsay usually does two features. One early in the day and one later.

I Absolutely Cannot Ignore This Giveaway!

Maria V. Snyder (my absolute favorite writer right now) was recently interviewed by Kristin @ My Bookish Ways and now she is offering a signed copy of her new book "Outside In." So, if there are any other Snyder lovers out there, you need to come over, read the interview, and possibly even enter for the book yourself. Looking forward to more from Snyder and Kristin's lovely blog!

Discussion Topic: Why do people read fiction?

In honor of the current poll, “What is (are) your primary reason(s) for reading?” I present a new discussion topic. So, read it over, let me know what you think, and then go and vote on the poll at the bottom of this page if you haven’t done so already (You only have TWO days left!!!)

Why do people read fiction? Interesting question, huh? I never really thought to ask it until I came upon a forum online where someone asked this…

“I don't understand human behavior. Why do people read and watch fiction books and dramas? It seems like a waste of time.”

Am I wasting my time?

As you can imagine, there was an out roar of replies, justifying reasons why we crazy humans “waste” our time with such insanity!!! Here’s what they had to say…

1.     The capacity to imagine alternative, unrealized future possibilities --- which is essentially the capacity for abstraction and language -- is a key adaptation of the human species. Storytelling is as old as human society, and as essential to human evolution as walking upright.

2.     Why do people create any form of art? (Painting, poetry, sculpture, music, photography, etc) It's been happening since the dawn of man. It's a way to express oneself creatively. And other people like exploring the product of that creativity, as a way to experience someone else's point of view.

3.     Because they enjoy it? This seems very chatfiltery. (NOTE: Chatfiltery is purposefully posting something inflammatory for the sole purpose of getting a reaction.)

4.     I once thought this way, too. Then I read some good sci-fi books. Contrary to your belief, it is possible (and quite enjoyable) to learn about the nuances of the human condition through fiction. Especially in that it provides perspectives that differ from your own.

5.     What's wrong with people wanting to use their free time as they see fit, even if it's "wasting their time?" This discussion reminds me of my favorite quote from Dead Poets’ Society:  "We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."

6.     To travel paths that were unknown to me. To unlock new ides to me. To be told a story. To entertain myself. etc. etc. I'm curious why you feel reading fiction is a waste of time. Is watching a movie a waste of time? Playing an rpg? Or, do you feel everything a person does must be convertible to some sort of tangible profit? It's an odd premise, to my mind.

7.     Just to play Devil's Advocate for a moment, aren't there enough incredible real-world stories out there, so as to make fiction kind of pointless? People are talking about understanding human behavior and motivation, but can't you also do that by, say, reading a historical biography? Or getting to know a friend better? I've got nothing against fiction, just curious as to how some of you would respond to that.

8.     The "incredible real world stories out there" still get packaged into fictionalized accounts, to varying degrees, before being distributed for the public's consumption. Every story is a filtered account, whether or not it bears the "based on true events" sticker. I read fiction because I like it, and I value it as much as non-fiction because they are basically the same thing: people telling stories that contain some truth.

9.     People do many, many things that may be considered by others to be a "waste of time". It really depends on what you consider "good use of time". Is "good use of time" defined as something that increases your production efficiency? I am not a robot on an automobile assembly line in Detroit, and as such, I do many things solely because doing so gives me pleasure. Reading and watching fictional creations gives me pleasure.

10.  Why do some people cook fantastic meals, when the consumption of a prescribed food diet can easily provide the human body with all the nutrients it requires for proper operation? Why do some people have sex without the intent to procreate? Why do some people play sports, when a scientifically-crafted workout regimen would deliver better results in a more efficient manner? Why do some people converse when there is no crucial information that requires transfer? Because they like to.

And that was just the beginning. As you can see, many people reacted differently.

How would you react?

What would you say to this person?

Do you agree with any of the people above?

Would you add anything to their comments?

Original question and replies were found here… http://ask.metafilter.com/152798/Why-do-people-read-fiction. All names have been left out.

WYE?’s Bookmark Break Challenge (1 Month Update)

Just over 1 month ago, I challenged you (and you and you and YOU!) to finish reading all the books you had started, freeing your bookmarks from their black and white prisons! Then, I asked you to read even more! As many as you can in the year 2011! So far, 10 of you have stepped up to the plate and are kicking my butt!!! (Keep it up and by the end of the year, I will be featuring your blog and posting your button on my main page for 1 whole year!)

And there is still time to join up (ahem! To everyone who has yet to accept the challenge!) Just check out this post here…WYE?'s Bookmark Break Challenge 2011!

It’s been just over one month and I cannot even describe how excited I have been, watching the book lists grow and grow and grow!!! Now, it is time to update everyone on your progress. Here are the standings as of RIGHT NOW…

Susan (16 Books)

Rose (15 Books)

Selena (14 Books)

Poekitten (9 Books)

Natalie (8 Books)

Shah (7 Books)

AubrieAnne (6 Books)

Patrick (3 Book)

Michele (2 Books)

The Creative Muslimah (1 Book)

Alissa (1 Book)

Way to go!

Susan has been dominating the lead, but Rose, a recent entry (who will be posting her reading list once a month), may give her a run for her money! Selena has also been right up there as well. Poekitten and Natalie seem well matched. They both read tons right off the bat. I am floating quite happily in the middle, mostly going back and forth with the lovely Shah. And Alissa, The Creative Muslimah, Michele, and Patrick have been a good solid base. I imagine there may be some dark horse there. :)

All in all, we are having the best time! I am am just thrilled to be tracking everyone's progress. Let me note that if you click on any of the names above, they are direct links to their reading list so you can see what they have been reading. And, here's my list do you can see what I have been up to as well...

1. The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle
2. A Midsummer Night's Dream
3. The Metamorphosis
4. Frankenstein
5. The Merchant of Venice
6. Death in Venice

My list also provides a list of links to the amazon pages for each of there reads. (PS. Be lookiing out for book reviews soon. I got a little behind, but I'm working on writing them.)

Well, I look forward to more reading and more competitors signing up! Again, if you are curious, just check out this post...WYE?'s Bookmark Break Challenge 2011! This post fills you in on what I was thinking, how to sign up, and all the rules (PS. There's only 2 rules.) Honestly, the more the merrier and you have absolutely nothing to lose, but all the world to gain through reading.

Until next month!