Sunday, September 14, 2008

Seven Random Facts About Me

Author Robin Hatcher posted a meme on her blog and challenged others to participate in the fun. So...for what it's worth, here goes:

1. As a kid, I suffered through piano and voice lessons for a year. Today, I can play an impressive arpeggio, a sad version of chopsticks, and possibly Old MacDonald Had A Farm. I say, "possibly," because I'd need the music, and I'm not sure I remember how to read it. The upside to this experience: I learned this is not what I was cut out to do.

2. When Billy Graham came to New York City in the 60's, my mother and I signed up as counselors and joined the choir. (Put me in a BIG group, and I can pull off the singing thing.) Cliff Barrows astonished us with his ability to teach several hundred strangers harmonies in record time. My choir pin still resides in my jewelry box.

3. Doll collecting is a passion, which carried over from childhood. Penny Playpal, Shirley Temple, and Toodles have traveled with me through 7 moves. I sure wish I had my Barbie. She'd be worth a pretty penny today.

I haven't added to the collection in recent years. There comes a point when you have to choose between furniture and dolls. Most of them are packed away from the last major move. Someday, I'd like to get one of those etegeres with glass shelves and display the darlings.

4. Growing up in New York City, the Bronx Zoo provided many forays into the exotic world of animals. Back then, the concept of showing animals in a natural setting hadn't caught on yet. Lions and tigers paced in old-fashioned cages, while mothers kept their young'uns from getting too close. The monkeys and elephants were the main attraction for me.

5. My high school was across the street from a residential school for the deaf. Thus began my fascination with sign language. Years later, a pastor's wife did a sign language special, rekindling my interest. After a bit of searching, I located a teacher at another church and took lessons for a year. (Methinks there's a pattern here.)

Eventually, I was part of a sign language troupe. I also signed the worship for our church services. Unlike piano and singing, sign language remains an important part of my life.

6. In case you haven't figured it out from my blog, purple is my favorite color. I decorate with it, wear it, and everyone associates me with it. My friends and family know they can't go wrong with color if they choose purple.

7. I'm a big Peanuts fan. I have a link to the Snoopy Dance on my computer compliments of my cousin. When I need to chill out for a few minutes, I hit the link and enjoy Snoopy, Woodstock, and Schroeder as they cavort to the Peanuts music. It's almost as good as chocolate. Okay, okay, let's not get crazy here. Chocolate always comes out way ahead. :)

So, I'm tagging Sarah, Jessica, Annie, and anyone else who'd like to participate. I can't wait to read seven random facts about you.

8 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

You're not tagging me, are you?

Purple is my favorite color too! You seem to have a lot of cool things you've learned. I've always wanted to play the piano. And you know sign language? Very useful.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jessica -

Um, as a matter of fact...yes. :)

It's up to you if you want to participate. I enjoy your blog, and thought it might be an interesting post.

Purple is the color of royalty, and we're the kids of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Annie said...

Wonderful random facts! We love signing too! It'll be a bit before I get mine up as I'm working today.

Sarah said...

Hi Susan! I'm working on my seven things right now, so pop by my blog when you have a chance.

I used to collect Barbie's when I was younger, but I always ended up taking them out of the boxes and brushing their hair until it fell out. I'm guessing they wouldn't be worth much any time soon. :)

I think it's awesome you know sign language. I love to watch the interpreter at our church when she signs to music. She makes it look so beautiful!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sarah -

Great! I'll stop by tomorrow morning.

Yeah, I don't think a bald Barbie would be worth much on the doll market. Actually, doll values have gone down. Buying collectibles for investment is pretty risky. Remember Beanie Babies?

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Annie -

So nice to see you! If you guys tag someone else, it will be fun to see how far the ripples go.

Blessings,
Susan

Crystal Laine said...

I'm going to link you and do this as soon Blogger lets me! (always something.)

I didn't know you did sign! My sister-in-law has a business here where she signs and coordinates signers for clients. It's called INRI--Interpreter Network Reaching Indiana. I was her business manager for a couple years to get her started. Purple is her favorite, too.

I have a doll collection, too! I don't have my Barbie or Francie doll anymore (boo hoo) but I do have my Thumblina doll--with all her hair rubbed off. I also have some beautiful collector dolls from Wendy Lawton. (http://www.lawtondolls.com)

But I ended up with 4 boys--and I stopped collecting.(ha) Maybe I'll get granddaughters?

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Crystal -

I think you'll enjoy doing this meme. I did. :)

My sign language teacher was hard of hearing. Several members of her family were deaf. She believed in using Signed English, which is different from ASL. ASL's grammar is not based on English.

While I've done some interpreting for the deaf (and they actually understand me), I'm unfamiliar with many aspects of ASL. Most of my experience is in sign language specials and interpreting the worship part of services.

The gems of my doll collection are two Annette Himstedt dolls - Lilliane and Neblina. I also enjoy Ginny Dolls and Heidi Ott dolls. I enjoyed your post on Wendy Lawton. I'm familiar with her dolls.

We learned a lot about each other from this meme. Who would have guessed we have so much in common?

Blessings,
Susan :)