Fluff Five Meme
I’ve been tagged for this meme by The Bead Den, so here goes!
5 Things in your bag:
Let me preface this one by saying that I HATE carrying a purse, and I’ve only been doing so lately because it makes a great storage bin while I’m at work. This doesn’t mean I don’t carry a lot of stuff, it’s just that I usually try to place necessary items either in my pocket, Tom’s pockets, or the glove compartment.
1: Lipstick: It’s called “Sangria.” I seldom leave home without some sort of lip covering. Nekkid lips make me feel blah.
2: The world’s largest collection of rectangular paper goods: I keep every business card ever handed to me, so this is like over ten-year’s worth of stuff. The collection also includes library cards, social security cards (mine and my daughter’s), old appointment reminder cards, an insurance card, store discount cards (grocery stores, Sam’s Club, art supply stores, clothing stores) and my hard won driver’s license. Included in the mix are many tiny scraps of paper with important phone numbers and e-mail addresses of people I can’t quite remember.
3: Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum: This is a smoke screen. I tear a little piece off and chew it after smoking, deluding myself into thinking that people around me will be less likely to smell my Marlboro breath. I never
chew a whole piece of gum.
4: Perfume: Another smoke screen. I spritz on a teeny bit of Kenneth Cole after puffing my way through break time at work.
5: My lucky four leaf clover: A little silver charm that belonged to my father.
5 favourite things in your room
Since moving in with Tom, I still haven’t really managed to make our room reflect much of me, so I’ve changed this to “5 Favorite Things in Your Writing Space.” These are objects that surround me each time I sit down at my desk. This area is much more “me” than my bedroom currently is. I’m putting photos of some of these things at the end of this post.
1: Framed photos of my kids, my grandmother, my father and my sweetie, and j-pegs of paintings e-mailed to me from my friend danu.
2: My little garden girl that I bought from Gregory’s Studio of Wonder.
3: A painting that my son did when he was fifteen. It’s one of my favorite pieces of art.
4: My desk lamp. I love this lamp. It’s kind of an art deco amber colored glass thing.
5: The Theda Bara clock that Wendy sent me. For some reason, my picture taking just sucks today, so the photo doesn’t do it justice. I love this clock though– it reminds me of my blog buddy in El Paso, and makes me happy.
5 things you’ve always wanted to do.
Here are some things that come to mind.
1: Visit England, Italy, Scotland, New Zealand and Australia. I’ll have to visit all of these places by boat. I’m terrified of flying.
2: Learn to quilt.
3: Finish a book and have it published. I’m working on it.
4: Learn American sign language. Right now, all I know is the alphabet, and how to sign the phrases “I love
you,” and “Eat shit and die” (don’t ask). I’d like to sort of round out my vocabulary.
5: Play the piano. Not the pinkly stuff that I currently do, but really play the piano. This probably involves actually owning a piano, something I used to possess but no longer do.
5 Things that You’re Currently Into
Reading. One of the nice things about commuting during the work week is that almost all of my spare time has been spent reading. I read at home, but it’s usually work-related stuff. Lately, I’ve been reading for pleasure, and it’s been great. My latest indulgences have been My Brother’s Madness by Paul Pines, The Penguin Book of Women’s Humor, and a reread of Augusten Burroughs’ Possible Side Effects.
Working.
Spring. Flowers! Trees! Birdies! Blue skies!
When I came home from Columbus this weekend, Tom had this flower waiting for me on the table. It’s from our garden.
Painting.
Gearing up for bicycling. It’s that time of year!
I’m not sure who’s been tagged for this one, so if I re-tag anyone, just ignore me.
This is a little figurine that now sits on my desk. I got her from a place called Gregory’s Studio of Wonder. Here’s a story about it, if you’re interested.
The Theda Bara clock that Wendy gifted me with. For some reason, I can’t seem to get a good picture of it, but it’s fabulous!
My son painted this about seven years ago. It’s about 16 x 20 and much more colorful (and less glare-y) than it appears here. You can’t tell from this photo, but it has rips and tears, splatters and scratches, and it thoroughly reminds me of the artist. I love this painting.
Note: Are any of you having as many technical issues with posting as I am lately?
writerchick said,
April 20, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Hey Queenie!
I LOVE that painting. I mean, I want it. Like Now! I hope he still paints, that is amazing.
The clock is a hoot and I love that your guy put a flower on your desk – tre’s sweet.
Thanks for the tag, since my brain is currently misfiring just about all the synapses, it will give me something to post.
WC
I’m so glad you like the painting. It makes my heart really happy! I can relate to the misfiring brain synapses– I’m glad I gave you “blodder” (blog fodder), and I’m looking forward to reading your meme.
ivdanu said,
April 20, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Hey, moonbeam! that hand sign there is – if I`m not mistaken – the one the Italians do to conjure the evil (devil & comp)… I forgot how one of your posts can make me laugh and turn upside down my dark moods… Feels great, especially if I did not understood wrong and you have find a (good, excellent, well payed) work…
Danu!! So glad to see you here! Here’s the hand gesture I think you’re referring to.
I’m glad your dark mood was lightened a little. I’ve been worried about you.
2lazydogs said,
April 20, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Hey Moonbeam,
Thanks for tagging me! I was going to swipe this meme from someone else and now I don’t have to. Yay.
I want to learn sign language, also…have wanted to do that for years.
Love, love, love the painting -it’s fantastic!
Yeah, it’s always sort of bothered me that if I ran into a deaf person, I could only communicate that I loved them or hated them– nothing in between.
I’m so glad you love the painting– can’t wait to see your meme!
kimiam said,
April 20, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Hey Moonbeam! I was just about to fall off the face of the earth when I got your tag.
No, no, no! You can’t fall of the face of the earth– ever!!! I’ll miss you too much. Your meme was fantastic!
It’s a Fiver « Writer Chick Talks said,
April 20, 2008 at 8:29 pm
[...] buddy Queenie tagged me for a meme which I thought was kind of fun – so here goes. I guess there aren’t any [...]
David said,
April 20, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Thanks for not tagging me moonbeam
I’m glad you’re still finding time to post here. I love this blog of yours. April is almost over and May will swoop past us like a flock of doves. Not sure what that means, it just came to me … 
I seriously thought about tagging you David, but I didn’t have you pegged as a bag carrier, so I spared you. But if you get into a meme mood, please do it!
I don’t know what you said means either, but I like it! It reminds me of a cross between Robert Frost and Prince.
You haven’t been posting much lately. I’ve been checking…
Netty Gritty said,
April 20, 2008 at 10:17 pm
smoke screen, eh? but why do i smell marlboro now that i am reading your blog?
i would like to share five fave things i have in my waste bag. i never carry a purse and i probably never will.
1. a notebook – you never know when ideas pop up!
2. my trusty digital camera – i don’t leave home without it.
3. an extra pair of batteries. for my camera
4. an eye-liner. i am not a make-up person at all. but i ALWAYS keep an eye-liner for my theater performances – so that i don’t forget to grab one when i have a show!
5. some passport size photos of myself. i always run into situations when i need to attach those things somewhere for formal stuff.
No, no, Netty– all you’re smelling is Kenneth Cole perfume and Wrigley’s gum! The contents of your waste bag is very interesting– I didn’t know you did theater!
romi41 said,
April 20, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Thanks for the tag and I have to say: PLEASE post a step-by-step of the sign for “eat shit and die”….hahaha…I am so curious!!!
PS: you only chew a piece of a piece of gum? Good for you on the conservation…I often chew two at a time…lol..
PPS: your son’s painting is fantastic!!!
Romi, I couldn’t find an instructional video for how to sign “eat shit and die,” but here is a very good one on other cuss words that you may find useful.
P.S. Not only do I only chew a piece of a piece, but I spit it out after a short time. For some reason, gum just bugs me. Two sticks would make me feel like either Alvin or one of the other chipmunks.
P.P.S. Thank you!!!
Red said,
April 21, 2008 at 12:01 am
Im a 2fer when I chew gum, too …. must be the ex-smoker in me
Im in love with that painting, and looking at it has kicked my ass into gear into wanting to paint .. needing to paint, so I thank you for posting it. It’s wonderful.
I’m gearing up to be an ex-smoker, so I may soon be chewing a pack of gum at a time.
I hope you do start painting– I’d love to see the results!
thegirlfromtheghetto said,
April 21, 2008 at 12:42 am
So sorry to not have time to read your posts this week. Between being on vacation, Partylite and being harassed at work, I’ve been busy. Your blog is a favorite of mine and my husbands. BYW, I’m going through with the complaint. If anything maybe they will just transfer me. Anyhoo, I will definately do this meme, but first I still have to blog about Boston. BTW, Augusten Burroughs’ Possible Side Effects is such a great book.
I can tell from catching up on my blog-reading this weekend that you’ve been busy! I’m so glad you’re going through with your complaint. You’re very justified in doing so, and I hope you can get out of there.
No rush on the meme, and no need to apologize for not reading– this is a pressure-free zone!
Netty Gritty said,
April 21, 2008 at 8:01 am
please read waist bag and not WASTE BAG
why does english have to play gotcha with me? doesn’t it know it’s not my mother tongue?
“Waste bag” didn’t even phase me– that’s kind of what I consider my purse to be. Your English is better than most Americans– I wouldn’t worry too much!
betme said,
April 21, 2008 at 10:45 am
(((((HUGZ))))) I have missed your posts.
I too love the painting. It would look fabulous in my livingroom. And the photo of your grandmother… That is so special.
I want to be notified when your book is published. My shelves will be lined with the books of all the fantastic bloggers!
I’ve missed posting, and I was so happy to catch up on your blog this weekend!
I wish my son still painted– I want ten more. I think my grandmother was eighteen in that picture. And I’m sending big hugs back to you, my dear blog buddy.
kaylee2 said,
April 21, 2008 at 4:25 pm
hugs I love this post yes i am going to the game tonight
in about an hour…………will talk to you soon 
YAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the best news I’ve heard in forever! I can’t wait to hear how it went!!!!! ((((HUGS))))
kaylee said,
April 21, 2008 at 6:25 pm
leaving but i have a question why were you home today just a day off?
gypsy-heart said,
April 21, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Loved everything on your post…so good seeing your words here tonight…your spunky spirit is still alive and kicking!
Thank you for not tagging me!! hee, hee. It is all I can do to get around to read my favorite blogs!
I have the same question Kaylee has..did I miss something? Anyway, wherever you are you sound much, much better!
I’ve had a few problems techincal problems since the update. :O
thebeadden said,
April 21, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Thanks for doing the meme moonbeam.
Your son’s painting is fabulous, the clock is fantastic and the story about Gregory was so sad. Poor guy.
I hope everything is going well for you and Tom. Take care
joanharvest said,
April 22, 2008 at 12:17 am
I love your lists. I especially love your son’s painting. I have kept every single thing my kids have ever made. I have boxes of stuff in the attic. I also have some of it in my room.
Wendy gifted me just today. When I went to the PO to get my mail there was a box from her of Mexican candles including a St. Barbara candle. I love the clock she sent you.
Visiting England is on my list. I’ll have to take drugs and drink to get on an airplane. Actually my daughter and her husband will be on a plane in 25 minutes. They are finally coming home from their vacation in Vegas. I’m going to bed now so I won’t have to think about it.. When I wake up in the morning she will be home. Yea!!
cantueso said,
April 22, 2008 at 4:24 am
I also love your boy’s painting.
As to the things you wanted to do:
To get to Australia by boat : you mean a big ship, don’t you? An ocean liner? Because Australia is rather far. There are kangaroos and Noble prize in literature winners.
And the book: see to it that there is dialogue with children. With children!!! (The other ones don’t ring the bell) ¿Sabes?
Moonbeam McQueen said,
April 22, 2008 at 6:15 am
@ kaylee: No need to worry, just a day off. Hope you had a fantastic time at the game, and that at some point you’ll post about it. I’m really happy you got to go.
@ gypsy: I intentionally didn’t tag you for just that reason! I’m glad you liked the post though.
The technical problems are making me say “grrrrrrrr” a lot.
@ BD: Thanks for the tag– this was fun! We’re doing fine– I hope you and your hubby are too!
@ joan: I’ve done the same thing– I keep every object my children ever touched. This makes for a lot of boxes in the attic.
Wendy is a sweetheart. I love the little treasures she sends.
I have to drink like ten fishes to get on a plane, and even then I’m not drunk– it just sort of gets me to a lower level of believing that my fellow passengers and I are going to die a flame-y death, and that God is going to drop the plane.
Congratulations on your daughter coming home!!!
@ cantueso: Thanks! Yes, I don’t think I’d make it to Australia in a canoe, so it’ll have to be a big ship. I’ve wanted to go there since I was a little girl.
As for the book– Si. Entiendo. Did I say that right?
kaylee2 said,
April 22, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I miss talking to you tooo
hope we can soon! i fainted after i talked today 
my post is up!
Abbe said,
April 22, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Hey MB…I finally did this, but on one of my other blogs: http://indigolove.blogspot.com/
end of semester…trying to get the grading done and get caught up…..
Peace
Abbe
Moonbeam McQueen said,
April 22, 2008 at 7:05 pm
@ kaylee: I’m so sorry! I wondered what happened. Hope you are okay now.
I’ll check out that post right away!
@ Abbe: Sorry to tag you when you’re so busy, but the meme was great! Thank you!
Abbe said,
April 22, 2008 at 7:05 pm
yes, wedding plans..details via email only!
Adam said,
April 22, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Thanks for the tips on covering up smoke-breaks!
Anything by Augusten Burroughs is a great read! Right now, I’m rereading David Sedaris Naked. I wonder why it is that gay men write the best memoirs…
kaylee said,
April 24, 2008 at 5:54 pm
glad you are well
Moonbeam McQueen said,
April 24, 2008 at 6:29 pm
@ Abee: Oh boy! I’m sending my e-mail request this weekend!
@ Adam: You’re so welcome!
I’m a David Sedaris fantatic. Maybe growing up gay just makes some men more interesting. I’d rather read about some guy rearranging his mother’s potted plants as a boy than about tryouts for the football team. Of course, I gather that you’re straight, and your memoirs are fascinating.
@ Thanks Kaylee!
kaylee2 said,
April 24, 2008 at 7:13 pm
are you there moonbeam?
Wendy said,
April 24, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I come over here to read you AND read nice things about myself. Thanks! Hey, didja know that Augusten Burroughs’ new book comes out on the 29th? It’s a memoir of his father called “A Wolf At The Dinner Table” or something like that.
~m said,
April 24, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Play the piano
If you have any specific questions, I’m your piano man.
Hell, I even look like Billy Joel (or so I’m told)
~m
mittins said,
April 25, 2008 at 12:31 am
i have pondered over this list of things for many days now. my emotions when i read this was like
:O “same here” shock – i want to learn sign language also.
:O “no you didant!” shock – smoking is inappropriate and i advise against continuing.
also, it will take a while to get to all those places by boat. when i am on the plane i like to look at the clouds. and make friends with the air hostesses OR pretend they are robots ! OR take a lot of drugs first.
Sometimes Saintly Nick said,
April 25, 2008 at 4:09 am
That first five, since I’ve never carried a purse, reminded me of Phil Ochs ‘60s song, Drft Dodger Rag:
Sarge, I’m only eighteen, I got a ruptured spleen
And I always carry a purse
I got eyes like a bat, my feet are flat, and my asthma’s getting worse
O think of my career, my sweetheart dear, and my poor old invalid aunt
Besides, I ain’t no fool, I’m a goin’ to school, and I’m working in a defense plant
kaylee said,
April 25, 2008 at 7:09 pm
hey moonbeam stopped by to say hi
cantueso said,
April 26, 2008 at 2:25 pm
I have come to see whether the latest WordPress novelty has reached you yet. It has not, or have you already disabled it? Mullenweg announces it on the dahsboard, and I have it on my blog and don’t like it. At the end of a post, WordPress puts in computer generated recommendations of “similar” content.
Everybody here likes that picture that your son painted. I can’t figure out why I dislike modern art and enjoy kids’ painting more than almost anything except maybe Chagall and some Middle Ages things. Modern artists often try to paint like children, and that mimicry is not nice to see.
kaylee2 said,
April 26, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Hey moonbeam I will be on all night tonight if you want to talk/?
Moonbeam McQueen said,
April 26, 2008 at 5:52 pm
@ Wendy: I think I heard that– wow. Go Augusten! Way to milk a bad childhood! You know, when reading this one, I started getting bugged by his sentence structure. I want to be his editor, I think.
@ ~m: Wow– so we can add “piano player” to your list of many other talents! I’ve actually seen pianos that people give away, so I may be able to get one for the price of hauling and tuning. Once I get those things accomplished, THEN I’ll probably have questions for you! I hope things are going well.
@ mittins: I know it’s inappropriate, which is probably one of the reasons I started in the first place. I’ll eventually quit– I can’t stand the thought of your shock and disapproval.
I’ve never thought of getting through a flight by pretending the stewardesses are robots. i usually think that they are satanists, secretly plotting to make the plane go down.
@ SS Nick: If that list didn’t get Phil 4-F’d, I don’t know what would!
@ cantueso: I haven’t written a post since that latest novelty was established, so I don’t know if it’ll be on here or not. I get so befuddled by all of this stuff!
Not sure if “everyone here” liked my son’s painting, but I do. I enjoy art in many forms. Chagall’s one of my favorites too. Miro did some very nice, childlike paintings as well.
@ kaylee: I’ll be by to talk soon!
kaylee2 said,
April 26, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Okay sounds good:) i loevd yur sons painting,
romi41 said,
April 27, 2008 at 10:55 pm
GAH!…couldn’t get that youtube clip to work…I wanna learn cuss words!!!!