Hello Char... please describe who you are in 10 words or less for us:
Sister.Aunt.Photographer.Caring.Whimsical.Warm.Loving.Cook.Dreamer.Simple.
Can you tell us what you do for work, and who you do it for, OR how you spend your days. (besides blogging. HA!)
I am a displaced financial analyst (read currently unemployed and looking). So my days are spent looking for a job. In the mean time, I’m building up a budding photography business. As part of the fun today, I would like to offer a giveaway from my etsy shop – three parts whimsy. Please visit my shop and comment back which shot is your favorite. I will give one lucky winner their favorite in either a 5x7 or 8x12 (their choice).
I love taking little road trips to find paths I’ve never driven and taking photographs of the new (to me) discoveries.
Also, I’m working on some crafting projects. I’ve just started handsewing a quilted pillow top on a challenge and have found it to be very interesting and fun. The whole thing is probably a hot mess, but I am feeling very organic and earthy about it.
I’ve also rediscovered my love of cooking so I’ve been collecting recipes and trying new things.
What organization methods do you use to keep all your bits and pieces in order?
Funny, I’m very organized at work but terribly unorganized at home – part of that is due to space limitations. I just found a shoebox to put my crafting items in order. I guess I should decorate it or cover it. Being unemployed makes you creative with your limited resources.
Please share a defining moment in your life, which had a direct effect on who you are today.
A defining moment – hmmm, that difficult because I believe that life is filled with defining moments that shape and mold us into who we are. My most recent is when I was laid off. All of these years, I’ve defined myself by “what I do” instead of “who I am”. I was loyal, hardworking, dedicated, smart, a leader and suddenly those things were stripped from me. But what I realized is that I’m all of those things – just not with a job currently. It also taught me a great deal of humility, something I never thought I did well. Let me tell you – going back home, jobless and dependent – that will teach you a lot about your character. It will also teach you the value of family, friends and loved ones in your life. Be careful thinking you can do it alone because one day you could be forced to go it alone, and find there is beauty in a good support system. No (wo)man is an island.
Please tell us the story of the biggest belly laugh of your life.
Isn’t it funny – it’s related to my mother but I can’t remember the punch line. I always forget punch lines – I’m horrible at telling jokes. My mother could have such a dry sense of humor and this one was related to losing her breast to cancer and her “fake boobie” but I can’t remember. Sorry. Currently, I laugh mostly at the antics of either my nieces or the two pugs that live in our household. My brother (and roommate) and I have this silly game where we “talk” for the pugs – it turns out that pugs are quite rude and silly. Who knew?
What work of art, creation, project, photo, etc. are you most proud of?
Anyone who knows me, knows that my family is the most important thing in my life. In April 2007, we found out that my mother’s breast cancer had returned and was terminal. Her brothers (from Pennsylvania and Georgia) came to visit that spring and though she wanted lots of photographs of them, she hated the camera as much as I do (probably where I get this phobia too). This shot was captured at 300mm with my telephoto lens – it’s natural and unposed as she was not aware I was taking the shot. We later used this photograph during her memorial service after she passed away.
Which children's book influenced you the most?
Hands down, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. I read this book at a very formative age and wanted to be Jo so bad. Jo is a wonderful literary character. Strong, independent, proud, loves her family, and makes her own way in life. She has a career and a family. She is creative, fiery and passionate. I adore her. (Plus, I cry each time I read it – so very well done and it stands the test of time.)
It also made me realize that I love to read.
What is your favorite pie? Favorite flavor Ice Cream?
Lemon pie is just my favorite. My mom made it all the time when I was growing up and I found the recipe and made it recently for a family get together – everyone loved it.
I’m an ice cream fiend. There is not one that I don’t like really but…if you twisted my arm it comes down to Hagen Daz’s Dulce La Leche. I’m a caramel person.
Which blog post of yours has had the most comments?
mmmm - shrimp A silly little entry that has lots of catching up on family, a fantastic recipe for shrimp and grits, and funny pug antics.
Now... that you have met Char... and she gave us a LITTLE sample of her AMAZING photography... I think it is time we go visit her blog and REALLY dazzle our eyes and mind with her TALENT... Off we go to say hello to Char of Ramblins and hope that we WIN one of her photographs... EXCITING!!!
Anddddddd if you would like to see one of the photos I stole from Char... visit moi here... Fifi Flowers
Char... thank you so much for letting me interview you... you are FABULOUS!!! I love your photography and I love the delightful stories you tell of your family... you are truly heartwarming!
Andddd thank you all for reading my FIRST French Cupboard post... I shall return!
ENJOY your day!
Fifi of Fifi Flowers Design Decor
