Answers! (#1)

I got lots of fun questions last week! Thanks, everyone for playing and making me feel loved.

I’m starting at the top of the list and going down. Today I’m answering four people’s questions (which is actually seven questions, since Susette asked four).

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Jan asked, “Who was your inspiration? Or those who pushed you along toward your dreams of writing?”

My sister provided some inspiration as far as me thinking that writing was a cool thing to do when I was really young. I had some teachers who were inspirations, among them Mrs. Mixa (third grade) and Miss Drummond (high school). My earliest inspirations as far as other writers go would be Beverly Cleary back in second grade and L. M. Montgomery when I got a little older. (I have lots of other inspirations now, but those were the earliest ones.)

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KristinaP asked (okay, so I edited her question, because she had some nice compliments thrown in, and it felt weird to post them): “You don't have to answer, but I was wondering how old you were. You look so much younger than I pictured you! I think that's what threw me off when I saw you in person. You look 22!”

I think a good chunk of why I look young is that fact that I have chipmunk cheeks. Seriously. As you age, you’re supposed to lose the face fat and get a nice, sleek face with cheekbones. Hasn’t happened to me yet.

I just tried finding an example but couldn't land on good photos, so trust me here. Jennifer Aniston is a great example. Next time you see an early Friends episode, notice how round (not fat, round) her face is. Then look at a current issue of People and see how her face has lengthened and sharpened. Do the same with lots of celebrities as they age from their 20s to their 30s. Why is this not happening to me?! I keep waiting.

When I’m my mom’s age and I look as awesome as she does, I’ll love looking young. For now? Not so fun. There’s a level of respect you just don’t get when people think you’re right out of high school and therefore have no maturity and no brain. I’ve often wondered how many people think I had a teen pregnancy (or four). I get looks like that when I’m out with my kids.

I like to ramble, don’t I? To actually answer the question: I’m 35, and proud of every year.

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Kimberly wanted to know: “Favorite chocolate confection?”

Tough one. At times, I’m an equal-opportunity chocoholic. But one of my all-time favorite favorites would be Fazer chocolate from Finland, specifically the “Blue” bar.

But since I can’t have that very often, some of my favorites around these parts would be Marie Callender’s chocolate mousse pie and Utah Truffle’s bars. Their orange and almond and raspberry flavors are divine.

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Susette asked several questions. First, “Do you get the hiccups when you eat raw carrots? I do.”

No, I can’t say I’ve ever knowingly gotten hiccups from raw carrots! :-)

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“What's your favorite season?”

Fall. It’s love having things cool off after a hot summer. I love the colors and the smells. And as much as I adore the kids, when fall comes, it’s time to get them back to school and get the whole family back on schedule!

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“Have you ever met any of the prophets or been in the same room as one of them?”

I have, when I lived in Finland for three years back in the 80s. President Benson made one of his few foreign trips while I lived there, and I got to be present at both the big member conference and at the missionary conference (there are perks to being the daughter of the mission president).

He was the one who first dedicated the country for missionary work, so he had a real soft spot for the people. I was maybe ten feet away. I remember being intimidated by his body guards.

I also got to attend the Stockholm Temple dedication, which both President Hinckley and President Monson attended, although of course neither were prophet yet. I was really close to both.

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And finally, Susette asked, “How would you spend a weekend if you had it all to yourself with no husband or children?”

Hmm . . . I’d almost certainly sleep a lot. I’d read. I’d write. I wouldn’t cook or clean at all. And I’d probably go to some of my favorite restaurants. Maybe catch a movie alone.

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More answers coming soon!

Three bits of bloggy news:

1) TODAY, Tower of Strength ships to bookstores, so it should be on shelves in a matter of days!

2) THIS WEEK my virtual book tour begins. I'll be sure to let you know where I'm stopping each day. (Or check my sidebar for links.)

3) FUN TIMES: We're down to a week before my week-long giveaway begins! Definitely stay tuned for that, plus a fun post tomorrow!