E³ Q&A — Tovah Rainsong
An all ‘round Medium-shaped person
1. The books I am reading
I am currently reading or glancing through these books. I just went to our library’s quarterly book sale and scored. Bookstores are like candy stores — a treat!
Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar… by Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein More Weird and Wonderful Words by Erin McKean The Discovery of Jeanne Baret, a Story of Science, the High Seas, and the First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe by Glynis Ridley Super Coach by Micheal Neill Marauder by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison
I read humor because I write humor and require the inspiration it provides me. Stories of the sea have always captivated me and provided pure entertainment value. Reading something related to the skill of writing always has a place on my bedstand. There is always the outside chance that I could learn something from someone else. I read several stories a day on Medium as well, but I have to get off electronic devices in the evening or it affects my sleep — so that’s when I read physical books — that and the bubble bath.
2. The book I am writing.
I am considering putting together a collection of stories as a self-published e-book. I have been writing for just over a year on Medium and have amassed a collection of 400 stories. In reviewing this body of work, I can see that I have material enough to create a few complications — as soon as I learn to spell.
3. My favorite music
My current favorites relate to a concert I’m preparing for. Pieces included are: The Drop That Contained the Sea by Chistopher Tin, Imagine by John Lennon, and The Times They are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan. I am a tenor in the Kulshan Chorus, which will be performing the Pacific Northwest debut of The Drop That Contained the Sea complete with 200 voices and full orchestral accompaniment at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA in June 2024.
4. I’m happiest when I’m chanting and when I’m being creative.
I’ve been practicing Buddhism for 40+ years. A quiet joy wells up inside me when I chant. The practice keeps me from going off the rails. The second activity that gives me joy is creative expression. Other creative activities I enjoy are art, jewelry-making, greeting card-making, and songwriting. I’m currently working on a song called, There’s an Armadillo on my Pillow.
5. One thing I’d rather not admit.
This sounds like a trick question to me. How gullible do you think I am?
6. My best writing tip.
Just do it…and do it and do it some more.
7. I couldn’t get through the weekend without it:
Weekdays. When you’re retired — every day is the same. I do whatever I want.
8. The last thing I googled:
Bumblepuppy.
9. My (current) Favorite word
Bumblepuppy: a game of whist played in defiance of certain time-honored conventions; also, a fly developed by Theodore Gordon for fly-fishing around 1880. I’m just hoping to create an opportunity to use it.
10. What kindness have you given or received lately?
Foot massages. I recently tore a calf muscle playing pickleball and broke my baby toe. For some reason, the last few weeks have left me nearly without a leg to stand on. Foot massages are helping me get through this difficult period in my life.
11. My Greatest Professional Achievement.
My next story — and then the one after that, and the one following that one….
12. My Greatest Life Achievement.
I discovered the secret of the universe. It took me 33 years, but I finally got there. (Hey, Jesus took that long.) Now, you’re dying to know what it is, aren’t you? If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret. Ah, sweet mystery of life, at last I found you! Hey, if I did tell you, would you need to read anymore?
Tagging my friends Elizabeth Emerald, Brian Lageose, LunarLinguist, Sieran Lane, Dr. Casey Lawrence, Toni The Talker, Katherine Myrestad, Hermione Wilds Writes, Ted Czukor, JonesPJ. Wanna answer these questions?