Wednesday, July 31, 2013

An Inspirational Hodgepodge

I think I've been away more than I've been home this summer, as evidenced by my blog. That's what summertime's for though, right?  Here are my answers to this week's questions...add your link and join the party!

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

In spite of all the negatives associated with it, I do think the Internet is a pretty amazing thing. 

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

Well for starters, I think we've lost our common sense. The media is ridiculous, fear has invaded every corner of our culture to the point that everyone we encounter is now suspect, and we have to monitor our every word lest we offend someone. 

Oh wait, the question asked for 'one'.  Y'all know I never can do that. 

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

Starlight. Who doesn't love a sky full of stars?   

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway?

See You Again by Carrie Underwood...such a pretty song, but wow they play it a lot. Millions of wonderful songs out there in the universe, but we always seem to hear the same few. I love this one anyway.

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

Our local ice cream place makes their own, so does that count?  

Yes, it counts.  

They make a black raspberry chocolate chip that is completely delicious.  

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

I think people are motivated by optimism. We all want to feel valued and respected, not belittled or taken for granted.  Words of encouragement, legitimate praise, and when needed, gently stated constructive criticism...these things all go a long way towards motivating people to complete a task or to do a good job.  People want to feel appreciated and I think when we feel appreciated we're motivated to keep going, to do more or better.  

As far as inspiration goes, I'm always inspired by leaders who are also do-ers. The ones willing to work hard and get their own hands dirty in order to meet a goal, who don't feel that any job is beneath them.  I'm inspired by people who are open and honest about their own failures and how they overcame them.   

7.  When was the last time you were without power?

I flew down to my daughter's last Thursday and arrived just in time for dinner. She requested PF Changs, and just as we were finishing up a nasty storm came out of nowhere. So thankful I was on the ground and not still in the air!!  Anyway, lightning struck a transformer and the power was out for several hours.  My daughter did a great job navigating a very busy road without any working traffic lights, and we made it safely back to her very dark apartment. So glad I was there and she wasn't alone! I think she was glad too.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Speaking of motivation, I love a great quote...

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.  Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."  Mark Twain





33 comments:

  1. Great quote - may have to use that for a Quote of the Week!

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  2. I used to love Mark Twain, 'til I read his biography. He was a womanizer. Hard to live with, from what I read. Oh well, still like the quote. AND the black raspberry and chocolate ice cream...whoa!! That power outage and having to drive would be quite spooky!

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    1. PS..."Sometimes a repeat slips in...I try to avoid that, but it happens on occasion. There have been a lot of Hodgepodges!"....

      I apologize if that came across to you entirely wrong...I realize how much work is involved and how much time is needed to have hodgepodge questions each week. Sorry, it wasn't intended to be a 'snide' remark, I was just thinking 'aloud' to get my thoughts in order. Sorry, sorry, sorry.

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    2. No worries-I think aloud myself : ) I didn't take it personally!

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  3. You are one more busy woman and I don't know how you find time for us each week, but I sure do appreciate it.

    You and I were on the same page with a few of our answers this week.

    Love Mark Twain,what a wise fella!

    Happy Wednesday to you!

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  4. Yummy! I love PF Changs. UDF (United Dairy Farmers) has a black raspberry chip ice cream that is awesome. It's Homemade Brand, but not home made. lol

    Good answer to #6.

    Thanks for another week of Hodgepodge Joyce!

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  5. Great questions as always! I like to quote Mark Twain on golf - "It is a good walk spoiled"

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  6. Enjoyed your answers. I know what you mean about summertime... not much time for blogging. It's a rough and busy week around here, but I hope to be back at the HP next week.

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  7. I'm a quote gal myself... that's a good one.

    you've made me want home made ice cream now...

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  8. Scary driving around dark streets--praise God he guided you and your daughter. Black raspberry ice cream is in my top three favorites--I can only imagine it would be great w/ choc chips. Certainly agree with your words on motivation, but some personalities don't understand gentle criticism. They simply do not hear the "this needs to change" when put softly. They need you to "put it to 'em straight". I see Jesus did that. Some understood parables, some needed it spelled out, and the Pharisees got strong rebukes. Oh,to be like Him in knowing who needs what, when!

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  9. I have been amazed over the years how many coaches TRY to motivate with negative and belittling remarks. NEVER works in my opinion. Encouragement, kindness, and positive reinforcement is sooo much more effective. Enjoyed this as always... Have a good day!

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  10. Loved the questions. I love quotes and the Mark Twain one was spot on. I love Mark Twain. He is one of my favorite authors to teach. I can't wait for ice cream tonight after revival.

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  11. Another great week!

    And I hate it when I schedule my post but forget to change the time and there it sits, waiting for late this afternoon to post. It's up now! :-)

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  12. I like your answer to Number 6. Also, I identify with your answer to Number 7. Since I retired, I don't worry about being called in to work during emergencies. I like being free to be able to take care of my family instead. Love the Hodgepodge! Enjoy the rest of your week!

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  13. I've been missing your posts, but I'm glad to hear that you were off having fun! I appreciate that you made time for The Hodgepodge :)

    I really liked your answer for #6 (how to inspire/motivate). Your quote was a good one, too.

    Enjoy the rest of your week!

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  14. Can you possibly be talking about Graters Ice Cream? I put the exact same answer! lol sandie

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  15. I love the quote. Wish more people would live by that.

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  16. Glad you were there with your daughter for the power outage. That is a great quote.

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  17. That would be so scary to be in the air with a thunderstorm - glad you were on the ground too. Love that quote, so true. I've never made home made ice cream but I want to try.

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  18. I agree, the Internet is amazing. Black Raspberry sounds delicious. Good answer on #6. Love the quote. Enjoy your Wednesday.

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  19. I do so love the night sky- especially when the stars are twinkling and the moon is full. There are times that I will ride over to the beach and take it all in from there. So beautiful! Glad you got to be there for that storm. We've had a lot of them lately all over the state!

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  20. Great answers! We just purchased our freezer last year. Had one when I was a kid and what memories, which ours is electric that one was hand crank... let's not get to carried away with the memories. lol. We also have an ice cream social with our church, now we can help. Nothing like a night sky! And love the quote!
    until next time...nel

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  21. I love your answers to #1 and #2. I'm a big fan of the internet and I don't think anyone has any common sense anymore! Great questions this week, Joyce!

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  22. Black raspberry chocolate chip??? Order one for me!

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  23. I loved your quote from Twain. He had a knack for finding just the right words to encapsulate large ideas.

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  24. Black raspberry chocolate chip? That does sound good! :D I know there's so many interesting answers, its hard to choose 1. Have a great week!

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  25. Hi, so much fun answering these questions. I had to add a post today to get in it. Thanks for hosting. ;)

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  26. Black raspberry chocolate ice cream? I think I just drooled a little on my computer! Yuuummmmm...

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  27. That's a great quote! This is such a fun post.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  28. Black Raspberry Chocolate chip sounds so yummy! I'm glad that you were able to be with your daughter. You made a new memory :) I hadn't heard that song by her before...needed a tissue!! It was really pretty, thanks for sharing!

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