#TenThingsYouMayNotKnowAbout – #D.G.Kaye

/ Marcia Meara

I’m sure today’s author needs no introduction for most of you, but just in case there are some new folks reading along, I’m delighted to say that author D. G. Kaye is with us today. Debby is widely known in the blogging/writing world as a memoirist and a writer who generously spreads humor wherever she goes. Please help me give Debby a big welcome this morning. Debby? You’re on!

Thank you so much Marcia, for inviting me to share some of myself here today in your wonderful series – #TenThingsYouMayNotKnowAboutMe.

1.
In high school, I always managed to maintain an over 80 average – despite my one year failing art and gym! Yes, art and gym! How do you fail art and gym? Well, I did. I was the girl in the Janis Ian song – At Seventeen – when choosing sides of basketball, I’d be last pick. I was nowhere near athletic, nor was I interested in sports. My only saving grace was dance segment and health classes which helped bring up my saggy average in that class. I remember getting booted for a class or two when I was caught cutting across the track field instead of running the length of it, hoping I wouldn’t be discovered doing so, to no avail. And don’t even get me started with those ugly blue rompers, sack-like outfits we had to wear. Art was a whole ‘nother thing. I still cannot color in the lines! Even when it comes to my book covers, I have the vision of what I want, but cannot express with drawing anything with my own hands – okay, maybe stick people.

2.
Ambidextrous, I am, sort of. A weird mixture of one who writes with her right hand yet does most other things with the left. I also sucked at baseball because I have to wear a glove on my left hand for catching, and must take it off to throw the ball back with my same left, leaving a runner too much time before I could throw back the ball. I have no sports coordination with my right hand. When I attempted in my younger years, to play guitar, that was also strumming with the left hand. It’s complicated.

3.
Before I met my husband, I was in an abusive relationship with someone for seven years. I realized it after the first year of living together, but by then I was trapped. I have written much on the subject, but to this day am still petrified of publishing anything about those years, for fears of being sued by my vindictive stalker and abuser.

4.
I had many jobs and careers in my younger years. I was never fired, always left on my own volition. My earlier days were working in the fashion industry – selling clothes and doing the buying for some of those stores. I did a lot of temp secretarial in between jobs, and I was an executive secretary to the general manager of one of our downtown hotels for a few years. Before that, I worked for a photography company doing company sales for family portraits. My job took me all over the province of Ontario – with me as the driver. Those were my fearless days. I also became a certified travel agent, not because I wanted to work in an agency, but I’d struck a deal with an agency owner, I’d bring him clients on the side so I could keep my regular job and get my travel perks, commissions and benefits from the agency. I became office manager for an architectural firm, and later for a construction company, and then a real estate company. In my 30s, I went to ‘dealer’ school and became a certified casino dealer for blackjack and poker, then ultimately, became a pit boss. After a few years doing that, I got scouted out to work for a private company doing private parties. I only worked two or three nights a week and made more money (in tips) than I did all week working in a casino. I ultimately met my husband who was a guest of someone I knew at one of those parties. Once my husband moved in with me, he didn’t want me to work anymore. I must admit, it felt weird not working when I’d worked since a teenager.

5.
I am an empath and very spiritual and sense when spirits are around me. As of yet, I have not directly sensed my own husband directly around me, but, I have definitely received many signs. I am an empath who can sense spirit by smell and touch and an inner knowing, this makes me clairsentient, clairalient, and claircognizant. I also read souls through looking into eyes, sort of like a human lie and empathy detector. This has never failed to be an alert system for me. Except when I was younger and dismissed what I thought I saw. I rely on my instincts to guide me. My father and my dear aunt come to visit me sometimes. I know when they are around, my body starts to shiver, and I can smell my aunt’s perfume or my father’s cigarette smoke when they appear.

6.
Some sensitives are greatly familiar with astral planing. I know I must have gone to other realms while sleeping, many times over, but my only recollection of physically leaving my body, then plunking back into it, was about six months after my father died when I went to visit him in heaven. I still remember standing on the threshold between heaven and earth. I remember it so vividly to this day 32 years later.

7.
I’m like a mixed genre book. I don’t fit into any one type of box. I’m a Gemini, always troubled making up my two minds. I am soft, I am loud. I’m an extrovert, yet an introvert in other ways. When I was in my dating years, men told me I was an enigma. I liked that. My unpredictability kept them on their toes. My husband was a man of action and liked action. I was a great challenge for him, and certainly different than the doormats and looser women he was used to in his post first marriage playboy days. The spark never left us, and I attribute the ‘keeping him on his toes’ with me, a good part of why we had such a loving and dynamic marriage.

8.
I love to travel and have many places to travel to still, on my bucket list. I always follow my instincts. If I get an inner warning, or obstacles that keep appearing to stop me from something I’m wanting to do, I pay attention. For example, for years I haven’t been back to Europe because my husband had no interest in leaving North America, and I had no interest in leaving him behind. Since I lost him spring of 2021, I had hoped to run for refuge to one of my two best friend’s house in the U.K. later in the year. Sadly, Covid travel restrictions wouldn’t be lifted until late October, and by then, my girlfriend came here to visit me. She stayed for a month, which was almost till late November, and by then, it was getting too close to the new year, when I was geared up to travel down south to Mexico for a few months escape. Now in 2022, my friend is in midst of building a new house, living in a small rental, and Covid is picking up again. the AIRLINES here and there are a godawful mess, and our dollar is crap. So, it’s quite likely I won’t be getting to the other side of the pond this year either. In fact, I’ll be lucky to get back to Mexico next winter.

9.
I have zero tolerance of social injustice, bullying, inequality, and violations of people’s personal rights, and I will always stand up for the underdog. I also try to keep myself out of getting caught in those situations, because it is difficult for me to stay silent. And, in this day and age we are living in, calling out those who are wrong doers, can have serious repercussions. But I won’t hesitate to write about something unjust I come across. Sometimes, the pen is indeed, mightier than the sword.

10.
About my husband. I lost the love of my life last year. I have lost quite a few loved ones in my life and grieved them all, but there is no grief like losing the other half of ourselves. I blame Covid for the system not getting him into hospital, despite my daily efforts and rapports with doctors, for almost a year! By then, it was too late. It’s bad enough grieving a loss, but especially during Covid when I couldn’t have real people contact when I needed it, not to mention, the huge funeral my husband got ripped off of. I spent a lot of time searching for (useless) online grief groups, and reading many books, hoping to self-medicate. And I learned from reading many of those books, unfulfilled from what I was searching for, that there is a market for kinship and real talk on the subject. So, I decided to, and have been writing episodes to start a podcast to talk about the things that don’t get mentioned enough of on the subject of grief. Naturally, I’m titling it – Grief – The Real Talk. Stay tuned!
      ©DGKaye2022

You Can Buy D. G.’s Books HERE

Author D. G. Kaye

D.G. Kaye is a Canadian nonfiction/ memoir writer who writes about life, matters of the heart and women’s issues. She writes to inspire others by sharing her stories about events she’s encountered, and the lessons that came along with them. D.G. loves to laugh and self-medicate with a daily dose of humor. When not writing intimate memoirs, you’ll find D.G. writing with humor in some of her other works and blog posts, ranting about injustice, dabbling in poetry, and sharing a book review Sundays on her blog.

Check out All of D. G.’s work on her Author Page, here:
Author Page

You can reach D. G. on Social Media here:
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114 thoughts on “#TenThingsYouMayNotKnowAbout – #D.G.Kaye”

  1. Debbie has lived a most interesting life. Most of this I was already familiar with. I can so identify with sometimes being introverted and extroverted.

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  5. I have been following Debby’s blog for a while, and I am familiar with her books as well, but I’ve discovered some things I didn’t know (I was terrible at gym and art as well, and I did well with the rest of the subjects. Go figure!). Thanks for featuring her in the series, Marcia!

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  6. Wow, what an interesting and honest Ten Things. You have certainly lived a varied life.
    My heart bleeds for you losing your husband. I can’t imagine going through that, but I am so full of admiration that you have turned it into something positive that will undoubtedly help others.
    Thank you for sharing!
    I love travel too – where is on your bucket list and what are your favourite places you have visitied?

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  7. I can identify with the athletic thing in school due to never being tested for ashtma when young and having such discovered when I was in labor with my second child. Also, the abusive marriage as many know I often write on the subject. I find doing so freeing but yes, I had to change my name so that the abuser/stalker doesn’t know.

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  8. I think the thing I love most about Debby is her brutal honesty and her readiness to wade into anything that she thinks is unjust and do what she can to help the situation. I’m another At Seventeen child and I laughed at Debby’s stories about her schooldays. The abusive husband is a shocking scenario. I know others who’ve been through it and when people say ‘Why didn’t she just get out?’ it makes me angry because, combined with physical fear, the emotional abuse so strips away a person’s self-worth it robs them of the ability to see a way out.
    That’s an impressive list of that showcases her strength and intelligence. I’m aware of her active stance in support of the underdog, if only through the number of times she’s been punished by FB. Here’s to her getting to Mexico next year and perhaps Europe as well one day soon. I’ve just bought Conflicted Hearts and PS I love You having read this. It’s a terrific series, Marcia! ❤ ❤ ❤

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    • Aah, Trish, you are such a sweety. Seems to be a pattern I’m seeing here that us creatives didn’t thrive with athletics, lol. Thank you so much for your so kind words, you touched my heart. And just to clarify, NO, I never married the abuser. At least I was smart enough to know that. My friends always told me that that relationship, although, much too long, was meant to take up space till it was time to meet the love of my life. And thank you for your always wonderful support my dear friend. Hugs xox

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  9. I can relate to so much of your experience, Debby, and admire your strength, resilience, and honesty. I look forward to your podcasts on grief. There’s too much in this world that doesn’t get talked about. Hugs and love and respect, Sis! 💕🙂

    Marcia, thanks for sharing Debby’s Ten Things. Hugs 💕🙂

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  11. How nice to learn about Debby! Being an empath must be at once a blessing and a struggle. I think it would be interesting to have an executive secretary job in particular, but I’m amazed by all the different jobs Debby has had. Fabulous Ten Things!

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    • Thanks so much Priscilla. I was a very flighty Gemini when I was younger. I never just changed jobs, I changed careers. Determination is fun. And yes, being an empath is a struggle a lot of the time. Thanks for reading. 🙂

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  12. I knew I liked you, Debby, from the moment your online energy entered my space. Now, I know why. You’re such a fabulous “enigma”! 😉 Your desire to find a channel for you and others to gather and strengthen one another through the grieving process is admirable. Thank you for sharing these parts of your life with us. Marcia, this was another wonderful addition to your series! 🙂

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  13. Nice to meet you, Debbie. Great list. I consider myself somewhat ambidextrous, as I do some things right handed and other things left handed. I think I was supposed to be a lefty but as a kid was trained to be a righty. And as someone interested in the paranormal I find your being a sensitive and having out of body experiences interesting. Also, condolences on the loss of your husband 😥

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    • Thank you so much J for visiting and reading. Funny, I remember my paternal grandfather telling me he was born a lefty but used to get his knuckles slapped in school to make him write with his right. Maybe there’s some of that somewhere in me? Lol. And thank you for your condolences. ❤

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  14. Thank you so much Marsh, for having me over today. It’s always a treat to be featured here. I’ve been enjoying this whole series learning about inner secrets of many of my friends and new people here. Thrilled to be the one in the hot seat today. Hugs ❤ xx

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    • It’s a pleasure to have you here, Debby, and I love that everyone is enjoying your #TenThings list so much. I’m sorry to say, I’m not having a very good morning, and it seems to be getting worse by the hour, so I may not be able to respond to everyone’s comments until later today or possibly tomorrow, but I WILL do so as soon as I shake some of these Long COVID symptoms. Today seems to be heading for a really crummy one, but hey … I’m still here, so I’ll try not to complain. Much. 😁 Will be back as soon as I feel better. 🤗❤️

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  15. What a wonderful list, Debby! I loved learning more about you, especially how you embrace life. I chuckled about art and gym. I nearly failed physics, and to this day, it is a mystery for me. Thank you, Marcia, for showcasing Debby and offering this series on your beautiful blog. ❤️

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  17. Great ten things, Debby. No surprise you are a Gemini given your varied jobs. I’m a Gemini and have lived four different t lives so I fully understand your background. Getting to know you better was a treat. Thanks to Marcia for featuring you today.

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  18. It’s great to see Debby here, Marcia. She’s such a treasure to the blogging and writing communities. Her honesty and her ability to speak frankly are terrific, and we need to see more of that. Thanks for a great #TenThings!

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  19. I can relate to being picked last, Debby. Although I never thought of cutting across during those horrible runs, good idea, I did refuse to run, always walked:) You can sure tell a lot about a person by looking into their eyes, and that empath side can sure see deeper if we let it. Great list that you shined through no matter what life has brought you. Hugs!
    Thanks for sharing this, Marcia 🙂

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    • Hi Denise, thanks so much. Lol, for some reason, I would have expected the outdoorsy you to be one of those who enjoyed track. Lol, goes to prove, so far on this comment thread, seems to be a collective no on athletics. Lol. And on the empath side, oh ya, it’s hard to get one past me. A good radar to have! Hugs to you. ❤ xx

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  20. Hi Denise, thanks so much. Lol, for some reason, I would have expected the outdoorsy you to be one of those who enjoyed track. Lol, goes to prove, so far on this comment thread, seems to be a collective no on athletics. Lol. And on the empath side, oh ya, it’s hard to get one past me. A good radar to have! Hugs to you. ❤ xx

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  21. What an eclectic list from Debby. I was never athletic either, Debby. I was always the last to be picked for any sport. I too have a deeply spiritual base and have had communication with those from beyond the grave. My first communication with Rick after he passed was through a psychic medium and it was something I’ll never forget. Thank you for sharing these ten things with us. It’s great to know you better. Thank you, Marcia, for hosting this series!! Fabulous!

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    • Thank you Jan. Your spiritualitydoes not surprise me at all about you. But I had to laugh at once again, another comment about us writers not being athletic, Lol. Glad you enjoyed my snippers of life. ❤

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    • Hi Paula. Thanks so much for your interest. I actually used to write articles for a group I belong to – Sisters of the Fey. My ‘sister’ who ran the blog, closed it off last year, and I copied all my articles. Sadly, I moved my blog to another platform last year and when I did, those posts got chopped up and broken links. But here’s the good news. I am currently rewriting that series and will be featuring them in a new series at Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Blog Magazine, starting next week! After each feature, I will be reblogging them at my blog. So please come and visit. ❤

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  23. An interesting life Debby, but I am not surprised. I can see it in everything you write. I think I said a while ago – perhaps not to you, I lose the plot at times – that having researched Mediums, Clairvoyants, Witches, Spiritualists, psychics, and others, for a TV show that never happened in the end, I discovered so much that cannot be explained about those who can see the future and the past. I just don’t know what to think. I used to be quite psychic, when younger, but not so much now. I have seen ghosts, sensed presences, and had strange experiences after someone has passed and I am still not sure what it all means. Some things foreseen have come true, others have not. There is something there I am sure, but what it is and what it all means – you got me there. No idea. Fascinating insights into you and your life. Thanks so much. xx

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    • HI Jane. First, thank you for your lovely words. And you are right, so much can’t be explained, and I think it’s not for us to question. But since I lost my husband, I have read oodles of books on these subjects, and the afterlife is a fascinating topic. Being one who has and does sense spirit, I always questioned myself. But one thing is certain and scientific, energy doesn’t die. The soul is energy. Even though the body ends, the soul moves onward. That explains so much about the afterlife. It’s like another language and I am fascinated by it all, and it’s what keeps me feeling my husband close. ❤

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  24. More sistah fodder here, Debby. I hated sport at school and would bunk off home, but I loved dancing. I can write with my left hand if push came to shove, and like you I am an empath. I’m always amazed how alike we are, lol. x

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    • Omg Stevie, almost hilarious!!!! Sistahs in another life perhaps? I’m finding it so hilarious that every writer here commented on their unathleticness LOLOL. And you ‘bunked’ off home. I dashed across the field and hid by a tree and got caught. Lolol. ❤

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      • I used to bunk off home for sports days. Nobody would ever pick me for a team player, and even to this day I hate team sports. For ordinary PE my friend and I would say we had a period and would go and sit and read in the library. The Games teacher didn’t even know who we were, lol. x

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    • I noticed, Sharon, that you are a member of Sisters in Crime. I am as well. Hope to see you there. And i also caught a glimpse on your link about something on Alzheimer’s. I’m curious to know more about your interest in this disease as I am currently writing a crime novel involving a woman with Alzheimer’s. Your background is very impressive. Carol

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  26. What an interesting life you have lived, Debby, and what stories you could tell. You’ve shared so many fascinating facts about you! Thank you, Marcia, for opening the opportunity for another great writer.

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  27. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Weekly – August 6th 2022 – #Interview Marcia Meara and D.G. Kaye, #Bookreviewing Robbie Cheadle, Jacqui Murray, Alison Williams, #Fear Cheryl Oreglia | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

  28. How interesting, Sis. I’m technically right handed for writing, but use my left hand for almost all other things, even my mouse! I did this when I worked tax accounting so that I could use the calculator and write without switching hands. It stuck! I think that means we use both side of our brains. LOL! This was a lovely piece. Thanks to Marsha for the cool idea. 💜

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  31. Great to learn so many new things about you, Debby. I, too, was in an abusive relationship from age 16 to 22. Fortunately, like you, I didn’t marry him, and now I’m happily married to someone who appreciates me. I’m so glad you found your soul mate too, and I’m so sorry for your loss. I can tell the grief is still very raw.

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    • Thanks so much Sharon for your kind words and for sharing that you too experienced abuse. We don’t often talk about these things, and I really want to, but mine was so complicated and he followed me even after I was already seeing my husband. My husband would even answer the phone when I saw it was him calling, and give him a what for, but that didn’t stop him. This is why I cannot write about this guy until I know he is no longer living on this earth, lol. And yes, the hole in my heart for my lost soul mate is still so very raw. ❤

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  32. Pingback: #TenThingsYouMayNotKnowAbout – #D.G.Kaye | The Write Stuff – DGKayewriter.com

  33. Another interesting read, Debby. Thanks for shedding a bit more light about your personality, characteristics, and talents – some of which I knew; other things not.

    The only thing I can draw are stick figures. It’s kind of bizarre that we both are creative with writing, but not in other forms. And, like you, I do some things with my left hand (like deal cards, swing a bat, hold the stick for minigolf, and play air guitar) but I am a righty. It can get confusing. I’m an ambivert as well. 🙂

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  34. I was so happy to get over here and read this, Marcia, since I’m a Debby fan. I was most intrigued by her descriptions of being an empath and her spiritual connection to people who have passed. I tend to get very strong gut feelings and have learned to trust them, but nothing else to the degree Debby describes. And delighted to hear about the podcasts. I’m sure they’ll fill a huge gap for people when they really need information and a connection. Thanks, ladies, for the awesome post. 🙂

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    • Lol Deb! You probably do! And no! I detested that ugly romper, even way back then. Thanks for the good wishes Deb. I’m almost there with episode one. I’ll be keeping everyone posted! Hugs ❤

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  37. Wonderful post, Marcia and Debby. I knew some of those things about Debby, but not all. We are both Geminis and I think I could match her in almost every aspect of #1. Not so much in many of the others though.

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  38. Wow, Debby, you are generating a LOT of buzz here. Like a magnet, you attract lively conversation. Long ago I told my husband I’m a Woman of Mystery and Allure. I know you have been that and more to your Sweet Puppy. I admire your intent to publish Real Talk about Grief. Losing the other half of your Self is unbelievably hard. I can’t imagine. So now I’m reaching across thousands of miles with a hug ((( ))) Nothing I can say will assuage your grief, but you know I do care. 😀

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    • Hi Marian. Thank you so much for your kind words. You know me! I was born with the gift of gab, often told I talked to much when I was younger. Even my Puppy who was much more introverted than I used to ask me why I asked so many questions – in our earlier years. I told him, that’s how I learn. It has paid off in many ways. Again, thank you for the lovely comment. Hugs ❤

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  39. Debby, you are amazing interesting.
    A podcast sounds right up your alley. I’m sure many will be helped talking about grief and feeling support from you, and others.

    So sorry about your husband’s passing.
    Covid made a mess of many lives in various ways.
    Still is.

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  41. Hi Marcia, it’s nice to learn more about Debby – such a fascinating life! We have a few things in common, like geography (Toronto area), love of travel, ambidextrous (except for writing), and bad at PE. 🙂 Your strength and fortitude in the face of loss is inspiring, Debby. I’m sure your podcast will help many others who are grieving. All the best!

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