Quiz - Are You Countrified?

Photo: Near Kingston, Tennessee.

This was originally a "redneck" quiz, but in my opinion rednecks don't have an entirely good reputation and there's a bit of a prideful thing about being stupid for some of them. Being a country girl or farm girl is more what I'm used to, so I took the liberty to change the name. You don't have to be stupid to be countrified. :-)  Some of the wisest people I've know where country people.

Have you ever...

1. Owned a pellet or BB gun as a kid? Used my brother's as a kid. We have one now, though. It is mostly used for getting peafowl off of the truck and to discourage the peacock from screaming too close to the house from late winter through summer.

2. Owned a real gun? No. My husband does. I've never shot it.

3. Shot a real gun? Yes, I think so.

4. Gone squirrel or rabbit hunting? No.

5. Gone fishing? Yes. The most fun I ever had fishing was on the pier at Pismo Beach, California. We were fishing for baby red snapper and an old timer from out of town had given my dad a tip on how to set up our lines and how to bounce them to catch the most fish. My little brother and I were catching them so fast that my dad didn't have time to fish himself. The locals were not pleased to be out-fished by a couple of kids who didn't know what they were doing. hehe Otherwise fishing seems boring to me. I'd rather be reading a book without the bother of keeping track of a fishing rod. ;-)

6. Owned or used a slingshot? Yes, used one.

7. Plucked a chicken/turkey?  Yes, when we lived in Kenya I helped a Kenyan lady dress a chicken. I think we plucked feathers, among other things.

8. Eaten poke weed? No.

9. Eaten deer meat?  Yes.

10. Eaten frog legs? Yes.

11. Fed a baby farm animal with a bottle? I don't think so.

12. Gathered fresh eggs? Yes, but very little.

13. Driven a stick shift? Yes. My brother tried to teach me to drive his VW Bug. It was not a big success. I never did it enough to really get comfortable with it. That's the kind version of the story. ;-)

14. Started a vehicle using a manual choke? No.

15. Rode in the back of a pick-up truck?  Yes. 

16. Shucked or shelled corn? Yes. I've also eaten field corn when it was still soft enough to cook and eat off the cob.

17. Waded barefoot in a creek? Yes, but I managed to never get a leech attached to me.

18. Caught fireflies in a jar at night? Yes.

19. Tasted wild honeysuckle? Yes.

20. Gathered wild blackberries? Yes. And I had the poison ivy rash to prove it.

21. Used an outhouse?  Yes. In leopard country and once on a very cold and snowy day in Michigan.

22. Rode a horse? Yes.

23. Smelled the scent of cured tobacco hanging in a tobacco barn? No. But my dad uses tobacco to make insecticide for his plants. That stuff has its own "unique" smell. <insert eyeroll here>

24. Taken the ashes out of a wood stove or wood heater? Yes.

25. Carried in firewood? Yes.

26. Walked barefoot down a gravel or dirt road? Yes.

27.  Slept in a tent? Yes.

28. Been attacked by a rooster? No.

29. Eaten raw apple, potato or turnip off the blade of a pocket knife? Not directly into my mouth. It was someone else's knife.

30. Dipped skoal or chewing tobacco or had it applied to a Bee sting? No. We used baking soda mixed with water on bee stings, I think.

31. Eaten homemade snow Ice Cream? Yes.

32. Used a pump to draw water from a well? Yes, but not the old timey type.

33. Been on a hayride? Yes.

34. Jumped into a pile of raked leaves? Yes.

35. Carved your initials into a tree? I don't think so.

36. Sucked on a piece of water hose to siphon gas out of a gas tank? No.

37. Been shocked by an electric fence? I don't think so, but only because I was chicken. ;-) 

38. Split wood with an ax? No.

39. Hung laundry outside on a clothesline? Yes

40. Eaten fried bologna? No. Well, I have eaten cooked Lebanon bologna (and that is not a Middle Eastern thing. It is a Pennsylvanian thing.). Lebanon bologna is another whole thing than the usual type of pre-sliced American stuff.

41. Eaten grits for breakfast? Yes.

42. Eaten wild hog, racoon or opossum? Yes - racoon. It was terrible. And wild hog, which was meh. And I never did cook the second piece that was in the freezer. The dog(s) got it. 

Other things I've done as a country girl:

1. Picked corn and fruit at you-pick farms.

2. Picked up apple drops at an orchard.

3. Made apple cider. Made maple sugar candy from syrup my brother cooked down.

4. Canned and frozen vegetables we grew and fruit from our own tree (as well as purchased produce).

5. Picked wild raspberries and I think strawberries.

6. Found a bird's nest and watched baby birds grow up.

7. Notified the sheriff's department as to who the owners were of the loose pigs they found. (Not us. ;-) )

8. Had stray animals on our property (before we got a fence). White donkeys one time and goats another. Oh, and that miniature bull.

9. Had wild animals living under the place I lived (woodchuck in Michigan, skunks in Tennessee).

10. Had to think about running across wild animals in the dark and take appropriate precautions.

11. Started a kerosene heater.

12. Been broken down on a country road in the winter.

13. Found abandoned apple trees growing wild in the woods.

14. Cultivated a wild rose.

15. Started a fire in a woodstove.

16. Eaten dandelion flowers and greens and dandelion jelly.

17. Eaten daylilies.

18. Eaten bantam chicken, duck, and peafowl eggs. (Not all at once.) I used to feed green grass to the neighbor's bantams trough the fence too - when I was a kid.

19. Laughed at a city slicker. ;-) (I'm sure I've been laughed at by city people too!)

20. Harvested wildflower seeds.

23. Gone to a country church where there was no air conditioning for hot, humid weather. Played the piano for an old fashioned "sing" in one of those too.

22. Picked pussy willow. 
(I don't remember if I picked this bunch, but I picked a bunch the day I took this photo. It was our neighbor's bush/tree in Tennessee. She let me pick some.)

23. Stored an old appliance behind the house or shed. haha Keeping it real, folks. ;-)

Random Acts of Blogging - Questions About Writing

I found these questions somewhere online. I'm sorry I don't remember where, nor do I remember if I added any of my own. :-)

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Do you write better at a specific time of day?

That's hard to say. I'm not sure there's a time I write better, but I do have the unfortunate tendency to start writing too late in the afternoon or evening and then end up writing too late. This isn't good for my health. Sigh.

What is something about yourself that you hope will change, but probably never will?

I struggle with self-doubt about my writing skills quite a bit. I also get discouraged about whether I'm doing anything useful.

How much time do you spend writing?

This year, not as much as I should. I have been gradually getting back to feeling like writing just lately, but I had a rather long spell of not feeling motivated to write much. I realize now that this was probably largely due to the stress we were going through dealing with my mom's dementia and failing health.

What is your favorite type of writing?

At present I have been enjoying the epistolary form of writing - the new category at the web page: "Letters to My Friend".

When did you know you were a writer?

Strange to say, I didn't really know it for a long time. I was at least in my late twenties or thirties, I think, before I thought of myself as a writer. This despite the fact that I loved writing before I even knew how to read! 

How did you first get into writing?

One of my earliest memories is one of my mom writing a letter at our picnic table in Ethiopia with 3 or 4 year-old me sitting next to her making marks on a piece of paper. I was "writing a letter" to Gramma Hoover. I never lost the love or fascination for writing. For years it was focused on letter writing and school work, then the occasional poem, diaries and Bible study journals. Later it moved into writing articles for the web page.

Who was the first person to take note of your writing skill?

My fourth grade teacher, Woody Fridae.

How did you get into writing/editing an online journal?

My dad had started a web page for the purpose of ministry and he suggested that I start a section for women. This is the reason we chose the name "The Home Maker's Corer". It was originally a "corner" of his much larger web site. When I married my husband, Peter, he wanted it to be a separate web page of its own, so we separated it and got my own URL and compiling program.

How did you get into blogging?

After we got married in 2008 my husband suggested a blog as something to along side the web page. Coming up with a name was a bit difficult at the time, but we settled on "The Cotton Apron" because I wore cotton aprons a lot. Still do some. I believe I started it in February of 2009.

What writing skills would you like to add to your skill set?

I would like to write edifying fiction.

What is the most challenging aspect of writing for you?

Starting. Once I really get started, I can usually keep writing. It's the starting that hinders me the most.

What aspect of writing do you enjoy the most?

I think that would be the sense of satisfaction that I was able to get into words something that was on my heart that I wanted to convey to help people, and then to know that it did help someone in the Lord. That is sweet and such a blessing to me personally. 

What motivates you to keep writing?

The desire to help lift others' loads and to teach. To help my sisters in Christ look to God's word for their answers to life's questions. To pass on some of the things that God had taught me. 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. I have been given so much, and I know the Lord doesn't mean for me to keep it all to myself. Plus, I just have to write. Even if it never makes it into print, I write and have conversations in my head constantly - c-o-n-s-t-a-n-t-l-y!

How has writing made a difference in your life?

It has expanded my view of the world and life. It has forced me to work on my own spiritual needs and life struggles. It has perhaps given me a different view of  scripture sometimes as I read it. It has made me more aware of may issues that women are dealing with in the world and church today.

When you are in ministry to others often times the Lord will let you experience a lot of things so that you can help others, or perhaps you just become more aware of how your life experiences can help others. This can give you a sense of the importance of not letting things go to waste, so to speak. Sometimes it is an attainable goal, and sometimes it is not. Some things are too hard to write about yet, but when you have a desire to help others, you will often times find that at some point the Lord will require you to write about things you never wanted to write about. This is hard. It strips away a lot of pretense. It can be quite painful at times, but it can also be cathartic. 

Another, though less interesting, difference that writing makes in my life is that when I get to writing sometimes chores that needed to be done get delayed or missed. Sigh. Tonight the dishwasher did not get run as it should have.

Do you have any professional help with writing?

No. I have watched some YouTube videos by writers and editors that have been helpful to me, but so far I haven't sought out professional help. My husband proofreads for me often, but we both miss things, as you may notice. 

Have you taken any courses on writing?

I took a creative writing course at the college level right after high school (maybe I did secretly know I was a writer? but I didn't have a real goal in that other than wanting to). It was really more basic English, in my opinion. I wasn't overly impressed, but I did learn stuff from it. 

Is writing your profession or hobby or...?

For me it is an unpaid ministry at present. It is one of the main ways that I serve the Lord outside my home (and yet at home at the same time). Unfortunately, writing does not seem to be very much looked for as a ministry within the body of Christ on the local church level any more. I'm not sure how that could be changed.

Random Questions - How Well Do You Know Your Dad?

My dad loved to play with his kids on the floor when we were little.
My two younger brothers and my sister are with him here.

How well do you know your dad? 

He is sitting in front of the TV, what is he watching? Probably a documentary, something about trains or something about another country.

Usually, what dressing does he eat on his salad? Something he concocted himself with pickle brine and herbs.

Name something he hates? Traffic

You go out to eat, what does he order to Drink? Decaf coffee, sweet tea or water.

Favorite music to listen to? Old hymns, YouTube videos of churches that use the Red Backed Hymn Book.

What is his nickname for you? When I was very little - Mary Sunshine.

When he's being sentimental it's about? My mom or something from his past.

What is something he likes to collect? Heirloom seeds and seed catalogs, true accounts of explorers from history.

What would he NEVER wear? A muscle shirt, anything effeminate.

What is his favorite sports team? Rocky and Bullwinkle.

You bake him a cake for his birthday, what flavor is it? Pineapple Upside-down Cake.

What is his favorite animal? I'm not sure there's one that qualifies, but probably something from East Africa.

What could he spend all day doing? Working in his garden, writing, doing stuff on the computer, reading.

Random Questions - Relationships with Others

Here is a short list of questions from my collection.

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Do you prefer that people shoot straight with you or temper their words?

I think that something in between is the most useful. In Ephesians 4:14-15 we read,  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Some people will speak the truth without love. This is destructive and can cause serious damage. Some people try to speak in love, but they don't pay enough attention to truth. This is unhelpful and can be destructive in a different way. A combination of both is necessary for true usefulness and this is what I like to find in others. It is what I want to do myself.

What are three qualities that draw you to someone new?

This is hard to answer. At the Lord's prompting, I have been trying over the last few years to broaden my friendships and include people who might not have been too high on my list of "perfect friends" in the past. So, I actually try not to allow myself to be overly influenced by my personal preferences. Obviously, I want to be drawn to people who are born again and have a sincere love for the Lord. I also want to appreciate the things God has placed in His children for the help of other Christians, including me.

I do find myself not enjoying interactions with people who are overbearing or always pushing for answers or trying to make you a more spiritual person. Asking hard questions is a useful thing when it is done appropriately, but it is exhausting when someone does it almost constantly. It makes it hard to relax in that person's presence. The first thing that attracted me to my husband was that I realized I was comfortable talking with him and didn't feel tense around him. I don't do well with high tension. :-)

When do you immediately click with someone you just met?

I occasionally find a connection with someone because they "speak my language." This means to me that I don't have to stop and explain every other idea (or comment) that I bring out and I can see that they are grasping my thoughts with understanding even as I speak them. This doesn't apparently have to do with background or geographic location as one might think. I have experienced this with ladies from very different places and also upbringings. It doesn't happen very often, though.

Are you close with anyone now that you really disliked at first?

I would say yes, but "really disliked" is too strongly put. I do have a few what I would call close friends whom I didn't appreciate much at all when I first got to know them. However, for one reason or another we've grown in our friendships, either from necessity or for other reasons, and we've been able to be of mutual service to each other in the Lord.

There are also people whom I thought I liked when I first got to know them, some even contributed some truly useful things to my life, but then later I found them to be problematic or even really unbiblical in their attitudes or behavior. I suppose this is more common than the other in some ways.

How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?

It depends on the offense, doesn't it? Some things are much harder to let go of than others. But, I have learned that forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation, and in that there is a certain amount of freedom. This was a realization that transformed my thinking.

We can forgive someone, but if the offense is so great or such an affront to righteousness that an apology is necessary for any relationship to exist, then we cannot reconcile with them until they see their offense for what it really is. This is true of those whom Jesus asked the Father to forgive when He was on the cross. Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. God might forgive them that particular sin, but He could not have a relationship with them until they wanted reconciliation and were repentant (saying the saying the same thing about their sin that God says).

Who is the person who has been the most supportive in your life?

My husband.

There have been many others over the years too, both family and friends. I am very thankful for the supportive people God has placed in my life.

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Painting by Edmund Charles Tarbell

Reader Comment - Condolences In Difficult Death Siutations

Question: "[Have you] ever written anything on condolences for people who lost loved ones and believe they are in heaven without a doubt, however lifestyle may suggest otherwise. However I know I can't judge anyone's heart...

Or when people say God needed that person in heave and so that is why they died...what can you say to these people? Something comforting, not judgmental."

Answer:

I have not written on this before, so this may be a good time to do so. We'll start with the what is perhaps the easier one, which is the idea that "God needed them in heaven." 

We do know that the Bible says that the death of God's children is precious in His sight. Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Continue Reading.

painting by August Toulmouche 1867

Reader Comments and Questions - About My Emails

Reader: "I was wondering why does your husband read your emails before you do ? You are plenty capable of handling a nasty email or discern if someone sends you something off? Just curious?"

Answer: This anonymous comment showed up on my blog several years ago. I am finally getting around to answering it.

First of all, let me say that while some people refuse to publish anonymous comments, I understand that some ladies want to maintain their privacy, so I don't have a problem with it. In this case I didn't because I wanted to answer it in an actual post. Of course, if it is a rude, angry or otherwise unacceptable comment, I will not publish it as all my comments on the blog are moderated by me.

The reason someone asked this question is not directly related to the blog itself and actually it had nothing to do with the post where it was made. This comment was inspired by the fact that formerly, if someone clicked to send email from The Home Maker's Corner, there was a page with the email address which also included a short message. Part of that message was that all emails were pre-read by my husband, Peter. Someone apparently thought this was weak of me. :-)

So, what was the reason behind this?

I started The Home Maker's Corner around 1995 or 1996 (I wish I'd made a record of that date). This was long before I got married, and I was still living in my parents' home at the time. Back then, what have now come to be called trolls on the internet did not have nearly as much breadth for their general nastiness as they do today. When my dad and I first started our web pages, we got "hate mail" and "flames" often enough. And, I do mean hate mail. Some of it was obscene. The vile spewings that sometimes landed in my dad's "in box" were really dreadful. In fact, he has even had a death threat and threats of personal harm and law suits in the past. Yes, you read that correctly.

Not surprisingly then, it was decided early on that my dad would screen all of the email for The Home Maker's Corner. Some of it he answered himself, especially if it was from a man or a lady who was being particularly pushy or rude. Some was simply deleted. If he thought it was something I should handle or it was a positive communication, he forwarded it to me. I did deal with some difficult questions and emails at times, because he was only protecting me from the really vile or disgusting stuff - and things from men who should have been writing to him anyway.

When my husband and I got married years later, this was still the system by which we were working and so we naturally just transfered those incoming emails over to my husband. He is not terribly diligent with he email in some ways, and I am not as diligent at answering emails as I used to be, so this was not working out too well. There were long delays in people receiving answers to their letters. Some never did get a reply, I'm very sorry to say.

But, something curious happened on the internet during that time. The trolls and ranters experienced a wide expansion to their field of activity. They now have their own blogs, other blogs where comments are allowed without moderation, Facebook, Twitter, etc. where they can dump their loads of verbal manure for tens, hundreds, and thousands of people to read. Why waste their time sending single emails to some housewife or her husband who may not ever answer it? So, they seldom do that any more. For the most part I handle the email now, but my husband is still sometimes part of the decision process if something difficult comes in.

Interestingly, even the contradictory emails tend to be more polite than they were in the past. The people who are prone to gross language and such like seem to be primarily attracted to the places where they can have a wider audience.

I think that there is also the facet of the multitude of information out there now. There are millions, billions of sites people can visit, and my little corner of the web is really not that interesting to most of the trolls and rowdies. Why rail on some "stupid housewife" when they can spend their energy tearing up the POTUS or their hated Hollywood star or some well-known Bible teacher? And since I don't do videos, I'm really pretty dull. :-)

As to my being "plenty capable" of handling nasty emails, that is debatable. Some emails that are not even nasty, but only difficult, can still cause me stress. And, with a chronic anxiety disorder [disclaimer on some content], this is something that I sometimes just can't deal with very well. It isn't a matter so much of whether or not I can handle the content or discern a problem, it's more that my mind becomes obsessively compulsive over answering such mail and this can literally wear me out mentally and emotionally. So, yes and no to being able to handle it. Sometimes it isn't a problem. Sometimes it is. Partly this just depends on where I am with my own struggles with health - both physically and mentally.

So, for whoever was wondering, this is the story behind that. :-)

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Original vintage graphic from the Graphics Fairy.