Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 165

Before I post this week's questions I thought I'd answer a couple myself. I'm often asked how I come up with questions, and while I'd love to say they're all at the ready, simply floating around inside my head, the truth is it takes some work.

I keep a file on my computer, phone, and iPad, so if something pops up in the course of my day I can add it there. I like to keep about 30-40 questions on file, and I normally take one or two from that file every week. I'll go back and add in to the file as I collect ideas. If I'm traveling or have a lot on my plate, I know the question file is there, and I try to save it more for those weeks I don't have a lot of time to spend creating from scratch.

I read a lot and that inspires questions, and I also try to pay attention to what's happening in the world.  Real life friends and family, along with blog friends, make suggestions too. And most weeks I look around online to see if there is a holiday or trend I can use as a springboard for questions. I try hard not to repeat questions, but it happens sometimes.

Also, I never read anyone's answers until I've hit publish on my own. I never want my own answers swayed by yours. I love the different directions people run with the questions, and don't want to be influenced by which way you went with yours if I was thinking in a completely different vein.

I'm always on the lookout for great questions, so feel free to send yours my way. I always try to link back to the sender when I ask.  Each week I aim for a mixture of deep and light. Sometimes I surprise myself with a question that feels light, but turns deep or vice versa. I avoid yes and no questions because where's the fun in that?

I do my best to visit everyone who participates. That doesn't happen 100% of the time, but close to it.  I hope everyone who joins will visit at least two or three of the bloggers who linked before them, and I think it's especially sweet when people come back later in the week and say hi to the late linkers. I know those bloggers appreciate that too.

Now on to the Hodgepodge...answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to share answers.  Newcomers are always welcome!


1. The expression 'mad as a March hare' originated with a fictional character who is distracted and frantic. When were you last 'mad as a March hare' and what was it that made you that way?

2. Mardi Gras this year falls on Tuesday, March 4th. Have you ever been to Mardi Gras, and if so what did you think? If not, do you have any interest in going?  Purple, green, and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras. Which one is most prevalent in your wardrobe? How about in your home?

3. Are you old fashioned?

4. Do you carefully plan your vacations, or do you prefer the days to be more spontaneous?

5.  March is National Sauce Month...what's your favorite sauce, and what do you most often top with this sauce?

6.  What's something that easily brings a tear to your eye?

7. If you could own any sports team, which one would it be and why?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

9 comments:

  1. I've never asked, but I've always wondered about how you come up with such a great Hodgepodge each week!! You are amazing, Joyce, and I look forward to this each week, so thank you!!

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  2. Yikes, more hard questions. I do love how you come up with them. Blessings -cya tomorrow.

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  3. I always work on mine on Tuesday morning before bowling. I too don't want to see anyone's answers to the questions. Thank you for all your hard work and excellent questions each week. See you tomorrow!

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  4. You do such a great job as our host each week! We thank you for making Hodgepodge so much fun and challenging! See you tomorrow!

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  5. I do the same thing about answering questions. I answer & publish mine before I look at anybody else's.

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  6. You do an amazing job coming up with questions, Joyce. It's been fun joining in.

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  7. Loved reading about how you come up with the questions! You do an amazing job!

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  8. Yes, I have wondered how you do such a great job so consistently in addition to your blog posts and busyness of life. I always enjoy reading as many of everybody's answers as I can and they are very thoughtful answers from everyone.

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  9. I really enjoy this fun link party!

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