Good morning. Today won’t be quite as nice as yesterday, but April showers bring May flowers, right? At least, they’re better than snow.
When I was teaching, I always looked forward to Fridays. not just for the TGIF gatherings with the staff or friends, but because I had two days away from the classroom–not the work, there was always something to mark or prep, but from the noise and the smell. If you have ever had to spend any time in a room with a dozen boys after gym class, then you know what I mean. Body odor, smelly feet, body spray to mask it because, let’s face it, the wasn’t time to shower between classes. Add to that the heat in the room and all the various perfumes colliding–we were a no-scent school, but it never seem to catch on. So, while the weekend might have meant laundry and housework, it always smelled better–until my kids came home, but I tossed those shoes outside.
Today’s letter is I, as in me and myself. It also stand for imagination, inspiration, impact, introverts, and of course, the Irish. Each year, Chicago dyes its river green in honor of the Irish. It’s a day of feasting on Celtic cuisine, listening to Irish music, telling Irish jokes, and most importantly, drinking Irish whiskey and green beer.
My favorite I words are those that are part of my daily life: imagination and inspiration, sometimes with a dash of indignation. Those are the motivators I need in my life to help me write. Inspiration is all around me and gives me the ideas for my stories, indignation will fuel my need to write some of them, like Justice for All and the books I’m working on now, The Case of the Missing Prince and Cold Heart, but it’s my imagination that turns them from thoughts to stories, and stories to novels. You can find all of my novels on my website. https://mhsusannematthews.ca/
If I had the power to influence people, this, Maragret Moss’s poem would be my creed. It isn’t long, fancy, or complicated, but it says everything that needs to be said to live the best life you can possibly live, because I believe it’s the truth. I believe we can all have a positive impact on the world if we choose to try to make a difference and do better.
Finally, let’s talk about my last I word. I am an introvert. I love communicating online, but I’m less comfortable on the phone, and even less comfortable in person, especially in large gatherings.
When I was teaching I always seemed to have large classes, but at the front of the room, I wasn’t me, I was Mrs. Matthews, a whole different person. I could multitask, I could talk, I could do just about anything because I wasn’t plain old me. In a lot of ways, the Internet has made it much easier for me, but extroverts like my husband and daughter are people persons, and they need the crowds. During COVID, I was afraid he’d go stir-crazy or get cabin fever, but i was fine. Give me a good book or movie, and I’m quite content.
Because some of you look forward to them, here’s today’s musical selection.
Check here for other bloggers https://tinyurl.com/mu5vjy48
Living the Dream 
I’ve always thought of myself as somewhat of an introvert—I HATE speaking on the phone more than anything! However, put me in a group at a party and I’m ok. But I dread the idea of having to speak in front of a crowd—that just scares the heck out of me! It’s so weird to read that you could do that, I guess you could say you had an alter ego? That’s really cool, actually!
Hugs
Suzy xx
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Abn alter ego? Maybe. It was like a new face I could slip on, one that was confident and knowlkedgeable, not the insecure shy one that was the real me.
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I never thought about introverts and phone calls. There are definitely people who love to talk on the phone and it is hard to get a word in. Are they extroverts? They seem to have excellent memories for detail. As an introvert I still enjoy these phone calls to a degree but don’t initiate them.
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If you’re anything like me, after a while you’re searching for a polite way to hang up.
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Good idea including the list of bloggers in the challenge. Thank you. PS I’m an introvert but spent my life on the phone. Totally different petsonna.
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LOL When someone calls, I’m fine for a few minutes and then I start thinking of polite ways to end the call.
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