The Queen's Meme - Mimi's Old Memes Meme

Mimi took one question from each of the first 7 question memes she ever did and put them into this meme!

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? (from The Silly Questions Meme)
   ---> Aaaargh, bad hair day!
2. Name something about humanity you absolutely hate. (from The Monday Melee Meme)
   ---> abuse of children and animals in any way
3. What was the first lie your mother ever told you? (from Ten Lies My Mother Told Me meme)
   ---> I don't want to remember that...
4. Name one thing you should never say around a Ouija Board. (from The Ten Things You Should Never Say Around a Ouija Board meme - from Frank @ Honk'n'Hollr)
   ---> "Wanna play? Come on over!" (although I strongly discourage use of a Ouija board, but that's another discussion)
5. What kind of soap is in your bathtub right now? (from the I Think I Caught Something Meme)
   ---> I don't have a bathtub (yet!), but in the shower I use Dove.
6. If a doctor told you today that you were pregnant, what would you say? (The Honesty Meme)
   ---> "Whaaaaaaaaaaat???" Although technically still possible I hope not (see my Adiana post)
7. Are you in a complicated love situation? (from The Don't Call Me, I'll Call You Meme)
   ---> Thank goodness no! I'm happily married. :-)

Mr. Linky doesn't work for this meme for me, but if you leave a comment I'll visit you!

Take it easy

RULES
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. WRITE THAT SONG DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends - I won't! Play if you want, and add your link in a comment.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!


IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
My heart belongs to me (Barbra Streisand)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Oxygene 02 (Jean Michel Jarre)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Feel (Robbie Williams)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Wytches' Brew live (Omnia)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Heal the pain (George Micheal & Paul McCartney)

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Essence (Steve Vai)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Unchained melody (Righteous Brothers)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
One fine day (Robbie Williams)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
September morn (Neil Diamond)

WHAT'S 2+2?
Suspicious minds (Elvis Presley)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
The Whole of the moon (Waterboys)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Babe (Styx)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Coffee, tea and sympathy (Robbie Williams)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Just can't get enough (Depeche Mode)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Home is where me friends are (Rapalje)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Wonderful life (Black)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Seamisai (Laura Pausini)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Hijo de la luna (Mecano)

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Imitation of life (R.E.M.)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
I can't believe you're in love with me (Dean Martin/Joss Stone)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Take it easy (Eagles)

TT #95: about me

Thirteen random things about me I've been tagged for several random-things-about-me-memes and I decided to do them in the form of a TT. The first one (tagged by Mike) exists of 9 random questions, the other two (tagged by Randilin and Beverly) just ask random facts about me. Have you ever been on TV? Yes, years ago Patrick Stewart (Capt. Picard) was in The Netherlands to promote the first Star Trek The Next Generation DVD-box. I was interviewed with some other Trekkies for a live morning program called “Goedemorgen Nederland” (“Goodmorning Netherlands”). Have you ever sung in public? Not solo, but several times together with others. Have you ever had your hair blond? My hair is darkblond and I have strings of lightblond done, like I had them naturally when I was younger. Have you ever eaten frogs' legs? Yes, but I didn’t especially like it. I prefer chicken. Have you ever received a present that you really hated? Not that I remember. Gifts that weren’t really me, but hated? No. Have you ever walked into a lamp post? I’m sure I have, I’m clumsy enough to do it again. Have you ever cooked a meal by yourself for more than 15 people? Noooooo way! I hate cooking and I never do. Ron is the cook in our household and a very good one too. :) Have you ever fallen or stumbled in front of others? O yes, often. I have fear of failure. I have learned to hide it by acting sure of myself, but before I could do that I was a mess. Still am sometimes. Have you ever done volunteer work? Yes, since my teens. I like doing it. I have worked for a cultural foundation in our city for quite some years. Later I switched to the local Animal Welfare Unit and pet shelter. I still do work for those. In highschool I had a lot of foreign penpals (no e-mail back then): in Lithuania, England, France, USA, Philippines and lots more. The most letters I exchanged with a girl from Denmark called Lene Andersen. She played in a school orchestra which came to The Netherlands one day, so I could meet her. Over the years we lost touch. I met Ron in a drumband. I was a majorette and he drummed. I had just broken up with my fiancé and Ron was fooled by his girlfriend. We took it slow, but the only way was up! That is almost 23 years ago. I have done my driving exam 8 times. I was so nervous I failed the test 7 times. The 8th time was different. I had a nervous breakdown before I stepped into the car, so the driving went okay. I couldn't believe I finally did it! That was in 1991 and I wouldn't want to miss my license! I don't drink alcohol and I don't smoke, but I have several addictions. To name a few: chocolate, books, internet! :) ~*~*~*~ The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted Unfortunately the original TT website doesn't exist anymore.That's a pity, but I'll keep on doing TT's and I hope everyone else will. There's a perfect new hub : Thursday-13!

Book meme

Some weeks ago I read about this meme on Books and Other Thoughts. I really liked it, so I saved it to do it at a certain point. Now is the time! :-)

Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
I can’t remember when I did not love books! My parents, esp. my father, encouraged me to read. As soon as I learned to read, I had to have books, magazines, papers… everything with letters! In school my love for books was nourished too. I was a member of the local adult library quite young, because I had read everything in the kid’s library.

What are some books you read as a child?
As a kid I liked Pinkeltje a lot, a Dutch series about a little man as big as your pink. I still collect the old versions of Pinkeltje; I don’t like the new ones!
Somewhat older I liked series by Enid Blyton, Nancy Drew detectives, a lot of non-fiction and so much more. In my childhood the seed was planted for the love of my favourite book(s) of all time: The Lord of the Rings. I read a children’s version first and soon tried the Dutch translation. As soon as I learned to read English I ventured upon the original and I never stopped re-reading it.

What is your favourite genre?
If I really have to pick one I guess it would be fantasy. I like most genres though, depends on my mood.

Do you have a favourite novel?
Lord of the Rings is my all-time favourite, but I have many novels that I read and re-read.

Where do you usually read?
Just about anywhere! A lot when I’m on the toilet, haha! During a long ride by bus or on the ferry, outside in the sun, snuggled up on the coach with a big pot of tea…

When do you usually read?
Whenever I can and want to.

Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
Sometimes I do. Often a fiction and a non-fiction one.

Do you read non-fiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
nope

Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
I buy all of my books, or get them as a gift.

Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
Yes, I keep (nearly) all of them. It’s hard to say goodbye to any book. The result is boxes and boxes full around the house. When my room is finally ready and I have book chests, I want to sort them out. I have to, although I doubt I can put a lot of them away...
If a book leaves my home, it is going to a friend. I also release them through Bookcrossing.

If you have children, what are some of the favourite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?
I don't have children, but I often buy books as a birthday present for kids. I think it's good to stimulate kids in reading books.

What are you reading now?
”Op fluwelen pootjes” (about Dewey the library cat) by Vicky Myron. I noticed it in the Early Reviewer batch on LibraryThing, but it wasn’t available for the Netherlands. When I saw the Dutch translation in the book shop, I bought it right away and I love it!!
I also have various pagan books around, because I’m currently writing two rituals.

Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?
Sort of. I don’t have an actual list, but I always have books around that I just bought and haven’t read yet.

What’s next?
I don’t know! I have several to choose from, but I haven’t decided yet.

What books would you like to re-read?
Besides Lord of the Rings, you mean? ;-) I re-read a lot of my books: sometimes entirely, sometimes only my favourite parts.

Who are your favourite authors?
J.R.R. Tolkien, Anne Rice, Agatha Christie and W.B. Yeats are the permanent ones, but I also add ones over time like Kit Berry (Stonewylde series) and Jacqueline Zirkzee (Dutch author of history-based novels) during the last year.
Pagan authors: Phyllis Curott, Marian Green, Anodea Judith, Glennie Kindred.

I keep track of my books on LibraryThing. If you have a profile there too, let me know or send me a friend request. I like to explore your library!

If you want to do this book-meme too, please do so! Let me know and I'll visit to see your answers.

In the band Meme

I found this fun meme at Darla's Nichtzusagen:

Rules:

1. Go to Wikipedia
   The first article title on the page is the name of your band.
2. Click Random Quotes
   The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.
3. Visit Flickr
   The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
4. Use your graphics program of choice to throw them together, and post the result.

This is what I got:

sources:
Wikipedia
Quote
Flickr

Wanna play too? Feel free to do this meme for yourself!

Non-Fiction Meme

Some time ago (okay, it was in February) Darla tagged me for the Non Fiction Meme, created by Gautami from My Own Little Reading Room. I always bookmark a post that tags me, so I won't forget to do it. Guess what... I forgot nevertheless! :-)
But without further ado... Here it is!

What issues/topic interests you most -- non-fiction, i.e, cooking, knitting, stitching, there are infinite topics that has nothing to do with novels?
You'd better ask what issues or topics don't interest me! ;-) That's a lot less (including cooking, knitting and stitching, no offense...)!
But to give you an idea of what I like in non-fiction: occultism, witchcraft, spirituality, psychology, history, nature, animals, art, literature, (auto)biographies, mythology and sooooooo much more!

Would you like to review books concerning those?
Not as an assignment. I want to be free to read and review whatever book I want.

Would you like to be paid or do it as interest or hobby? Tell reasons for what ever you choose.
Hmmm... I'm afraid if I get paid for it, I'd feel an obligation. I don't like to have to do something. I read because I love it and that's how I like it!

Would you recommend those to your friends and how?
If I love a book, I'll definitely recommend it! Sometimes on my blog, but also in real life, e-mail and every way I know.

If you have already done something like this, link it to your post.
Not really reviews, but I recommend sometimes on my blog. The last one was Grandmothers council the world by Carol Schaeffer.
You can find some of my books (fiction and non-fiction) and how I rate them on My LibraryThing.

Please don't forget to link back here or whoever tags you.
Darla of Nichtszusagen! The blog title says she has nothing to say, but that is so totally not true! :-)

And to get this meme moving, you have to tag 10 people.
Sorry, no-do. I like memes, but I don't tag. Everyone who wants to play is very welcome to do so! Let me know if you do; I'd love to read your answers!

My Desktop Free View

Darla tagged me for this meme. I made the screenshot right away and then forgot to post it. But, here it is:


My desktop picture changes often, but there are returning favourites: trees, other nature pics, Robbie Williams, scenes from LOTR, cats, Tinkerbell...
The (above) picture on my desktop right now is one of the pictures I made last Sunday in the Panbos in Zeist during the walk with Dusty Miller.
There are more icons on my desktop than there usually are, because Ron has put 2 things there from his USB-stick. I don't like icons on my desktop and have as few as possible.

The My Desktop Free View Instructions:

• Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop. It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.
  You can do a screen capture by:
  *1* Going to your desktop and pressing the Print Scrn key (located on the right side of the F12 key).
  *2* Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V).
  *3* If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it.
• Post the picture in your blog. You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of icons. Things like that.
• Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well.
• Add your name to this list of Free Viewers with a link pointing directly to your Desktop Free View post to promote it to succeeding participants.
  iRonnie - I Set No Corner
  Thess - Thesserie
  Rebecca - Skippy Heart
  Knoizki - A Dialogue With K
  Beng - Kauderwelch
  Tina- My Good Finds
  Rachel - Heart of Rachel
  Alice - Hello, My Name Is Alice
  Julia - Julia's Books Corner!
  Darla - Nichtszusagen
  Tink - ~*~Tinkerbell~*~

It seems like everyone has already been tagged... I love to see other desktops though, so if you haven't done it yet and you'd like to: consider yourself tagged!
If you participated already, leave your link in the comments if you want. I'll visit and have a look!

Regrets, decisions, pride

Turtleheart tagged me for a new meme Nio at Solidly Average started. It’s about moments we regret, decisions we’ve made, and moments of pride.

Here are the rules:

1. Having children/getting married doesn’t count, nor do their accomplishments/non-accomplishments. This is about *you* and *your* choices, not about your children, nor your spouse.
2. Link back to this post
3. Be honest

REGRETS
"Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention..."
Of course I have (had) regrets, but at the moment of decision I did what I thought best. Sometimes that turns out to be wrong. I accept that (and admit it) and try to move on. Regrets are too late most of the time. If I can do something to make it up, I'll try though.
Having said that... I regret the pain, worries and troubles I caused for Ron, my family and friends. I don't feel guilty anymore, but I still regret it. I've told them, it's okay.


DECISIONS
"You gotta do it gotta do it gotta do it all alone
No one else will do it for you
You're on your own
Do it"
After years of having eating disorders and trying every treatment in the book, I tried to accept the fact that I'd be chronically eating disordered for the rest of my life. It was a very depressing period. Then suddenly one day I said: "NO!! I don't want it to be chronical! I'm going to do something about it, now!" It cost me blood, sweat and (many) tears, but it was the best decision I ever made for myself. I've always had support around me, but this was something I had to figure out all by myself. It still took me some time to get there, but I did it!


PRIDE
"And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive"
I'm proud of my overall positive outlook on life. I'm a survivor, I'm strong. In everything I try to see something positive. It seems like a contradiction: I'm using anti-depressants, but in my heart I'm an optimist. All the troubles and difficulties I have encountered and still do, somewhere deep within I know I'll be allright. That has helped me through very hard times and ordeals. It helps me to cope with my health problems too.


Normally I don't tag specific persons, but I'll make an exception this time.
I'd like to read the regrets, decisions & pride of:

• Lucienne, in your Dutch and/or your English blog
• Evelien, in your Dutch and/or your English blog
• The 2 Witches, you can decide which one of you takes the challenge (or both!)

Scattergories

Dorothy (Scrungy's Creator) tagged me for the Scattergories Meme.

Here are the rules:
Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the questions. They must be real places, names, things ... nothing made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question. If your name happens to start with the same letter as mine, sorry, but you can't use my answers!

I'm using the first letter of my real name.

1. Famous Singer: Céline Dion
2. Four letter word: care
3. Street: Coronation street
4. Colour: cobalt
5. Gifts/Presents: chocolate
6. Vehicle: car
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: cards
8. Boy name: Colin
9. Girl Name: Cynthia
10. Movie Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
11. Drink: Coca-Cola Zero
12. Occupation: coroner
13. Celebrity: Charlie Chaplin
14. Magazine: Cosmopolitan
15. U.S. City: Chicago
16. Pro Sports: Champ Car World Series (form. CART)
17. Fruit: cherry
18. Reason for Being Late for Work: caught in traffic jam
19. Something You Throw Away: clutter
20. Things You Shout: cut!
21. Cartoon Character: Captain Caveman

Pfew, I did it!
Wanna play? Consider yourself tagged!

Tagged again... eating out

Sanni at Coffee 2 go tagged me for the Eating Out Meme. The rules are:
1. Link to the name of the person who tagged you.
2. Include the state and country in which you live.
3. List your top 5 favourite places to eat at your location (locally).
4. Tag 5 other people (preferably from other countries/states) and let them know they’ve been tagged.

I'm in IJmuiden, The Netherlands. I'm afraid I don't eat out very often, rarely to be honest... But let me see what I can come up with...
*** De Stal, Kerkweg 23, 2064 KS Spaarnwoude. Ron's favourite restaurant because they have really big T-bone steaks. The food tastes delicious and the entourage is casual. De Stal is Dutch for "the stable".
*** Peper's Pannekoekenhuis, Hoge Duin en Daalseweg 5, Bloemendaal. The best pancakes restaurant I know. They have a lot of variety. It is situated next to the watchtower on the highest point in the neighbourhood.
*** IJmuiden has several fish restaurants that serve fresh, just caught fish. My favourite is Waasdorp with a shop and a restaurant. Other good ones are De Meerplaats and De Kop Van De Haven.

Well, I listed 5 restaurant in total. There are many more restaurants in my neighbourhood though. I dont like to tag others, but if you want to share your favourite restaurants: feel free and let me know!

Tagged - I'm It!

Today I was tagged by BecK. The purpose of the game: each player starts with 8 random facts or habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their 8 things with a copy of these rules. The rules include tagging 8 other people, but I won't. If you feel like playing, just be my guest!

1. I'm 1.73m tall (about 5'8")
2. I'm a youngest child (my sister is 10 years older, my brother 6 years)
3. I don't have grandparents or parents anymore
4. I'm very bad in throwing things away
5. I don't smoke, never did
6. I don't drink alcohol, on principle
7. I like to send and receive postcards
8. I like to read on the toilet

Those are the first 8 things that came to mind!

Thinking Blogger Award

I was surprised but very happy and honoured to read that Nathalie chose my blog for a Thinking Blogger Award. Thanks, sweetie! You deserve yours very much.
Khlari decided to give me another Thinking Blogger Award. Thanks to you too!
The participation rules are simple:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme
3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.

~*~*~*~

I've been thinking a lot about who I'd want to tag. So many have been tagged before. I decided to tag 5 blogs that are special to me and definitely give me food for thought. In no particular order:

• The Gnostic World of Candy Minx
• Curious Ideas..... that can help you get ahead!
• PostSecret
• Turtleheart Cove
• Life or something close to it

Check them out, they are worth it!

Blog Apocalypse

I’ve been tagged by Nathalie to participate in a challenge called Blog Apocalypse, set up by The Urban Monk. The Urban Monk will donate $1 to charity for every link that he receives back. Everything for charity, so here it is! ;-)

This is the challenge:
"The blogosphere is ending. No more blogs. Blog apocalypse. The internet is still working, the world is fine. But you can’t write anymore. Write your last post. Make it a good one. What is the reason you blog? What is the last gem of knowledge you want to leave? What do you want to be remembered for? Who are you? What is the meaning of life? Haha…well not exactly but you get the point. Pour your heart into it. "

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear readers / friends,

I cannot believe this will be my last post. One way or another I'll find a way to reach you. I have to, I can't miss you! I'm addicted to write and read blogposts. Aaargh!!!

No no, I have to be realistic. I'll still be writing, I always will, but b-l-o-g-g-i-n-g--i-s--o-v-e-r. That makes me sad. Starting a weblog was one of the best decisions I ever made. It coloured my life. I shared part of my life with all of you, and you gave me a glance of yours.
I got so many wonderful, heartwarming and/or wise replies. Keeping a diary feels good, but the comments on an online diary add so much to it. I felt I am not alone; there's always someone to give a hug or to offer an advice. It gave me insight and made me feel loved and cared for. I thank you all for that, from the bottom of my heart.
Reading your blogs enriched my life. You told me about your daily life and life in your country / state, you shared your feelings both positive and negative. We got to know each other better by participating in memes like Thursday Thirteen. Even though I've never met most of you, I feel close to you. I cherish my real life friends, but I cherish you too!

Together we make a difference. Don't let the blog apocalypse end that.
Keep writing, keep caring for each other, keep sharing!
Every end is a new beginning too.
This is no farewell, just goodbye for now.

Merry we meet
Merry we part
Merry we'll meet again.

Love & Light, Tink

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I don't like tagging others, but..... if you have a blog, please consider writing a post too. This meme makes you think, you'll get links on other places and on top of that you support a good cause (probably the Salvation Army, but other suggestions are welcome).

Tagged... passions or obsessions?

Selena Kitt tagged me to confess 5 things I'm obsessed with. I must say that I don't like the word obsessed though. It sounds as if everything revolves around those obsessions. It sounds negative. They are sometimes, but I'd rather make it a list of my 5 passions and obsessions.
Well, let me see...

• an easy and well-known one to start with: I'm Robsessed. *LOL* Explanation for first-time-visitors (otherwise you would have known for sure): I love Robbie Williams and his music. Robsessed in a good way: I don't idolize him, I don't believe in blind adoration. I like to act as if I do, just to tease some people. ;-)



• a very old one: food! I wish I could say I have a normal relationship with food, but that wouldn't be true... Food will never be just food for me. Even though I don't always act on my thoughts anymore (thank goodness!), the "bad" thoughts are still there.



• also very old, tied to #2 and soooo difficult to get rid of: my body image. I know I have a distorted body image. It's a "relic" from my eating disorders. I try to fight it, but fail so many times... At times I detest my body. I avoid seeing it in a mirror. I believe people when they say I look okay, but I don't see it myself.



• time for a positive one: nature and animal protection. I love all creatures great and small. I loathe maltreatment, abuse, hunting, etc. etc. Like children animals are vulnerable, can't tell what they feel. Or as The Carpenters sang: they have no voice.



• more passion than obsession: witchy stuff! No hobby but my lifestyle, religion or whatever name you give it, it's me. Still I'm sensible, not at all woolly or free-floathing. My feet are solidly on the ground. :-)

I should tag 5 people to make a list like this, but I don't want anyone to feel compelled. So if you'd like to do it: feel free! Leave a link in your comment so I can come and read yours!