Interview with Chan

I saw this interview on Chan's blog & thought I'd play along. She sent me 5 personalized questions that I had to answer. Okay, so I got a little long winded here.... if you have time & are interested, read on.

1. You're very modest by nature. What was your proudest moment in the Coast Guard?

The first thing that comes to mind is my graduation from boot camp. However I’d probably have to say that THE proudest moment was when I got promoted to Boatswains Mate 3rd Class. Typically, the Boatswains Mate job is (or was when I was in) a male dominated job.

The ship that I was stationed on when I got promoted was in the Navy Yard in VA for maintenance. This older man that worked at the Navy Yard came up to me & said that he had heard that I had been promoted to Boatswains Mate 3rd Class. I said “Yes sir”. He told me that he had been in the CG 20 years before, long retired. And when he was in, women just didn't do those things. He shook my hand & told me what a privilege it was to meet me. He told me that he was so impressed that would I please accept his gift of his old (sterling silver) Boatswain’s pipe that he had used years ago. I tried to tell him that his family should have this, but he wouldn't have it. That he couldn't imagine anyone more deserving than me. I was just so floored by the whole thing, to imagine, someone that impressed with me…. I was the one impressed. I’ll never forget that man’s face. I wish I could remember his name. I’d love for him or his family to know what an impact, memory, sense of pride that he left for me. I still have the pipe & will always cherish it.

Here is a little tidbit from the USCG website, I’m really proud to have served in the Coast Guard & would love for others to know more about it.
The U.S. Coast Guard is one of five branches of the US Armed Forces, and falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard is the nation's oldest continuous seagoing service with responsibilities including Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), Aids to Navigation (ATON), Ice Breaking, Environmental Protection, Port Security and Military Readiness.
Here is a link if you are interested in more: http://www.uscg.mil/top/about/

2. HGTV just called and wants you to guest host for one of their shows. Which one, and why? (Or any of the home improvement/craft shows on any network...)

On HGTV I’d say Save My Bath, cause we could REALLY use a bath remodel!! SNOL

But for real I’d love to be on Real Simple, Real Life on TLC. I've only seen it a couple of times but it seems to be a good show. They do home organizing, decorating & makeovers all in one. And it’s not so drastic like that Clean Sweep show where they make you get rid of everything in your house! LOL Although I could probably use that one too!


3. Does everyone else know you've designed all kinds of patterns? (Don't do the modest thing - each of your different tape measures is a design.) Which one makes you smile every time you see it?

I have designed many things, and have had quite a few of them published which tickles me to no end. But the one that is my favorite, keeps me warm & makes me smile on a daily basis is my snowflake afghan. I've won bigger awards for other afghans but this one is just my favorite. I think it is pretty, looks delicate but it’s not, it is super soft, and is quite warm to snuggle with on the sofa.

4. You and your hubby are going on a vacation, anywhere, all expenses paid. The only catch is, it has to be somewhere neither of you has been before. Where?

You knew that I'd say Costa Rica if you didn't put that in there about somewhere you haven't been before!

Maybe Scotland. The hubby & I both have ancestors that come from Scotland. I've always wanted to visit there & tour the castles & have a pint in some local pub. And the hubby could play golf there, they have some beautiful courses from what I've seen in photos & on TV. But then that would mean we’d have to take another couple along cause I don’t play golf… and surely they have yarn & fiber shops over there!!

5. You've won a contest and get to help your favorite author develop her next book. It will be a continuation of any of her existing series. Which one series? Why?

That would be Nora Roberts of course. Which series? Now that’s a tough question!! There are so many to choose from & they are all great. Ok, I’ll go with the easiest answer here…. The In Death series, Nora writing as J. D. Robb. Why? Because it is such a long running series that I feel as if I know the main characters much more than you could characters in a single book, or even a trilogy. And who wouldn’t want to meet Ruark in person?! LOL I love the series & the characters, and there is always a bonus of having a different murder mystery in every book. They are easy reads & I really like the futuristic twist to it. Not so it's unbelievable, just enough to make you wish you had some of those gadgets in your own home! ha ha

But then if I chose the THE GALLAGHERS OF ARDMORE series I could travel to Ireland with Nora for some research....
Of course THE CIRCLE TRILOGY would be another trip to Ireland.....
Oh! And what about the THREE SISTERS TRILOGY....
See it's a vicious circle here that never ends.

Thanks for the interview Chan! I enjoyed it!!