If not now, then when?

Now. Mostly now. Usually now, unless you’re talking about procrastination on something I really REALLY have to finally suck it up and finish then I find “then when” works in conjunction with tasty treats.

i.e. When I get that laundry folded and put away then I can grab some M&Ms.

What can I say, I’m food driven. M&Ms, milkshakes, and cheese fries go a long way with me.

Can you describe your life in a six-word sentence?

Currently? “This coffee could use whipped cream.”

Do you remember that thing people used to say, about how you swallow eight spiders a year while you sleep? It’s not true, but do you think you’ve ever swallowed any? What bug do you think you’ve eaten the most of by accident?

No, I do not think I’ve ever accidentally swallowed any spiders but thanks, Melanie, for putting that extremely disturbing image in my head. That’s gonna stick with me for a while. As for actual bugs eaten by accident I’d venture a guess it’s gnats.

What’s the best approach to resolving conflict?

LISTENING. But not just listening with your ears (I almost said earballs there, that’s how tired I am right now), you’ve got to listen with your heart and an open mind. You have to listen to HEAR the other person, take it in, then move forward. It doesn’t mean you’ll get there because the truth is sometimes opposing viewpoints are unresolvable but I stand by listening as the best approach.

Where do you find inspiration?

I look out my windows a lot. There are trees out there, plus flowers and birds, also squirrels and a really pudgy groundhog I call Fat Albert. Sometimes I look like I’m just daydreaming so someone will come along with, “Mom, can I -” and I’m all “just a sec, hold on!!!” while I try to capture whatever was rolling through my brain.

Sparks from a Combustible Mind hosts Share Your World.