#NewSeries – #FiveMoreThings – #MarciaMeara

/ Marcia

Just for fun–the main reason I do MANY things–I decided to offer everyone who’s already done a #TenThings post a chance to come back and share a few more tidbits with us. So, as of now, if you’re interested in participating in this new series, email me and I’ll get you set up. And to get the ball rolling, here’s MY “FiveMoreThings.” Hope you learn a few things about me you never knew before. Enjoy!

FIVE MORE THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME

  1. I have always had to battle agoraphobia, or cocooning, as I call it. I’ve overcome it at times, and succumbed to it at other times, but it’s a constant battle, even today. And believe me, it’s tricky to teach painting classes, or share wildlife talks, when part of you would rather be home hiding from the world
  2. I spent a winter in Alaska when I was 12. We watched as the sun disappeared below the distant mountains more each night, and finally stopped rising above them for weeks and weeks. By the time we left, it had returned, and shone all but a couple of hours every day. We could also stand at our fifth-floor apartment windows and watch whales swimming by, daily.
  3. The only two things I drink are tea and water. Period. (Been that way for years and years, and I’ve never gotten tired of either one.) My favorite tea is … dare I say it? … “Earl Grey, hot.” (Oh Jean-Luc! How I do miss you!)
  4. I once figured out that, at a conservative estimate, I have canoed at least 600 miles on Florida’s rivers. For years, I went out on the river (usually alone) at least once a week, birding and enjoying our fabulous wildlife, but finally had to give it up due to back problems. I’ve been white-water rafting, too, but nothing made me happier than the peace and quiet … and stunning beauty … of paddling quietly down Rock Springs Run, or the Wekiva River, or even out onto the St. Johns. Glorious!
  5. As some of you may remember, I recently shared some pictures of me from a couple of years ago—like, forty or so—when I was a docent at the Central Florida Zoo. My favorite thing to do was stroll through the zoo with a five-foot long ball python draped over my shoulders, and introduce him to visitors. (Still can’t find the pic that shows the whole snake, so this will have to do once more.)

Yes, I love snakes. Always have, always will. But what I wanted to share today is that I’ve recently discovered the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. This is my adorable four-year-old granddaughter, enjoying HER first experience with a python brought to her school by a visiting reptile expert.. Notice she’s SMILING! 😁

And there you have my first #FiveMoreThings.
Again, if some of you who have taken part in the #TenThings series would enjoy taking part in the new #FiveMoreThings series, email me, and we’ll make it happen!

65 thoughts on “#NewSeries – #FiveMoreThings – #MarciaMeara”

    • Glad you’d like to take part, Sharon. Email me, and we’ll set up a date for you. My email & full instructions are listed under General Blog Rules in the header bar. Instructions are exactly the same as for #10Things … only with fewer “things,” of course! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • Glad you enjoyed them, Harmony, and I love that you got a chortle out of the “couple of years” line. I chuckled as I wrote it. (It’s still hard to believe that much time has gone by since those days … and me, with NO PYTHONS to share it with any more! *tsk*

      Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. I had no idea about the agoraphobia and it makes your canoe and white water trips all the more remarkable! Your time in Alaska sounds fascinating – I think some places in the Arctic circle provide bright lamps and other remedies for those who suffer from SAD in the winter – to watch whales from your apartment takes some beating! As for your delightful granddaughter (she keeps growing!) she’s not only smiling but hands-on, too! Definitely a chip off the old block. And I’d be delighted to be on your Five More Things series and am already looking forward to it. Every one of the Tens has been fascinating! ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Agoraphobia is a funny thing, Trish. I’ll maybe do a post on it one day, in case it helps anyone else who suffers from it. I can tell you one thing. Being forced to stay home for months on end during the pandemic didn’t help one bit. I’ve gotten quite content to be here in my house every day, and would probably starve to death if Mark didn’t do the grocery shopping! The first thing that comes into my mind when I wake up each day is, “Do I have to go somewhere today?” And I’m SO happy when the answer is “No.”

      I suspect most permanent residents of Alaska do need to deal with SAD. We were only there six months, and it didn’t bother us too much. (During the dark months, it’s too cold to go outside often, anyway.)

      Oh, yes my granddaughter was smiling, for sure, BECAUSE they let her “hold it.” I have another picture of her from that day with a small, slender snake in her hands, and she was thrilled with that, too. She’s my granddaughter, all right!!!! 😀

      So glad you want to take part in #FiveThings. Email me and we’ll save a date for you. And thanks so much for stopping by today and taking time to say hello! 🤗❤️🤗

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • She was thrilled, Craig! She got to hold a smaller snake, too, and was so happy when they letter help hold the Big Guy. Yep. She takes after her Granny, for sure! 😀

      Thanks for stopping by today and taking a moment to say hello. Always good to see you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Interesting 5 More Things, Marcia. Thanks for sharing 😊 I had no idea about the agoraphobia. Your trip to Alaska sounds fun . I’d like to go sometime, but not when it’s cold.

    If I can think of 5 no more things to share about myself, I’ll let you know.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Errrmmmmm … “when it’s not cold” ??? It’s Alaska, you know. Pretty much ALWAYS cold. 😂😂😂 Okay, it does warm up a bit in the summer, but don’t expect HOT. 😉 Come to Florida if you’re looking for that. We have it a-plenty! 😂😂😂 My father was stationed there for two years, and we joined him at one point for six months. Spent Christmas there, which was actually kind of fun, given the snow everywhere. I actually celebrated my 13th birthday shortly before we left.

      I think this is probably the first time I’ve ever mentioned my agoraphobia publicly. Not sure why I decided to toss it in there, other than it’s probably not something folks would expect from me, given all my wildlife talks, etc. I may do a post on it later, in case it would be helpful to anyone else who is trying to deal with it.

      And I’d really love to have you for a #FiveMoreThings post, when you’ve thought of a few more goodies to share. Just drop me an email, and I’ll save you a date. 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. It’s so delightful to read your Five More Things, Marcia. Your canoe trips are like meditation/prayer in motion. Quiet, ecstatic, and beautiful. Someday I’d like to participate in your new series, though I’ve never canoed. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Exactly so, Gwen. Me, alone in a beautiful spot that I absolutely loved, surrounded by all the glories of nature. Of course, I didn’t always canoe alone. I used to lead some birding canoe trips for various groups when I was active with Florida Audubon. Those were always fun, though very different from my solitary escapes, of course.

      And I promise not to make canoeing a requirement for taking part in #FiveMoreThings … or any other guest posts on The Write Stuff. Honest! I’d love to have you visit any time you wish, Gwen! Just email me, and we’ll save you a date. In the meantime, thanks for stopping by today and taking a moment to say hello.
      🤗❤️🤗

      Like

      Reply

  8. How I envy you that time in Alaska. I’d love to go there.

    I also used to love to canoe. My BF’s family had a weekend home at the river, and we used to take the canoe out all the time. So much fun!

    Nice five things, Marcia.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thanks so much, Staci. Glad you enjoyed it, and I hope you get to visit Alaska one day. It’s beautifully rugged and scenic in so many ways. And yay for canoeing! It’s more fun than most folks would think, isn’t it? It sure enriched my life, in many, many ways.

      Thanks for stopping by and taking a few minutes to say hello! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • It takes an agoraphobic to understand an agoraphobic, right? 😁As for snakes, at least you didn’t say you hated them, so I’m good with that. Yay, you! 😁

      Glad you enjoyed the post, Denise, and thanks so much for taking the time to let me know!
      😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • Aw, thanks, Jackie! I love doing so many things, even when I have to force myself to get out to do them. Once I’m actually “at it,” I enjoy every minute. And I loved seeing my granddaughters happy smile, too. Oh, yeah. She’s her granny’s little girl, all right. 😀

      Thanks for stopping by today, and I’ll be looking forward to your email! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • It was really beautiful, with a blanket of pristine snow all over the place. When we first got there, I asked my father what the very tall flag pole on the post commander’s little house was for. After the first heavy snowfall, I found out. It was so they could find his house and dig him out after snowstorms! 😀

      The post of Whittier was there because the port was one of the few that never freezes, so shipping could go on all year. It made for a beautiful view, but the one from the behind the housing complex was even better: a bright turquoise glacier wider than the entire cleared area. It sparkled in the sun like something magical.

      Maybe someday you’ll get there, and you’ll see some astonishing sights yourself, Sue. And thanks so much for stopping by today! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska. I’m not sure I’ll ever get there, but I loved hearing about it through your eyes. Also all that canoeing you did, and it must have been amazing to be a docent at the zoo.
    I love the pic of your granddaughter. It looks like she’s enchanted by that big snake!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Glad you enjoyed the post, Mae. Alaska is an amazing place to see, and I hope you get the chance one day! I loved my years of “docenting” and loved my years of canoeing even more. And I was SO tickled to see my granddaughter smiling as she “held” a snake. She’s off to a great start! 😀

      Thanks for stopping by, my Penderpal, and I hope to see you visiting TWS one of these days before too long. 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • Both of my kids enjoy nature and wildlife, too, but not to the same extent as I. My son works too much these days, and doesn’t actually go hiking or canoeing, but his house backs up to a preserve, and he does see lots of birds and critters from there. My daughter loves hiking, especially leading her yoga students on hikes in the Colorado mountains, where they find a scenic spot to do the class of the day. She’s into meditation in the quiet, scenic beauty of that part of the world, but always takes notes when elk or other interesting critters are spotted.

      So, both of them enjoy nature, just in their own individual ways. And growing up, they spent plenty of time with me hiking and canoeing, too. I’ll have to share some pics and funny stories about those days soon. Oh, and my daughter took the picture of my granddaughter with the snake and couldn’t wait to show it to me. She knew I’d love it! 😀 ❤

      Thanks for stopping by, Nancy! 😀 ❤ Always good to see you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. Alaska, oh that does sound like a great experience. Years ago I had a Norwegian friend who was brought up by the Arctic circle. She said they just used to go out and play in the dark in winter!
    I think many of us can understand agrophobia and as you say, after Covid , being introduced to Zoom meetings and for me being widowed and then having chemo ( an excellent excuse to stay home! ) I feel even more attached to my home. I would go so far as to say the best thing about going out is the joy / relief of returning home again! My sister says she has a piece of elastic drawing her back home and I am the same.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Oh, I love the analogy of the piece of elastic, Janet! And I can see you understand the issue very well. But the funny thing for me is, once I FORCE myself to go do whatever I’m supposed to do–be it teaching painting or giving a wildlife talk or whatever–I always have a great time. It’s just a real chore to get myself out that door, even though I know it will be fun.

      And yep, we went outside in the Alaskan dark from time to time, too, but not very far, because we were in a very wild area, with critters like moose and bear roaming about. But since it was a military base, there were indoor recreation areas all attached to the housing complex, so we could avail ourselves of those, too. Even a library! Imagine. Living in the same building as a library! 😀 😀 😀

      Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to share your experiences, too. 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. Always fun learning more about you Marsh. I think in many ways I’ve succumbed to agoraphobia after losing my husband. It’d definitely a thing. I’m still on vacay and know I’m up on your blog early April. I’d love to come back later for 5 more things. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • I can easily imagine agoraphobia kicking into high gear after the loss of your husband, Debby. I’m sorry you have to deal with it on top of the pain and trauma already involved. Here’s hoping you can fight your way through it, though, so that it doesn’t curtail your enjoyment of other things, including vacation, friends, and family.

      I have you scheduled for 4/11, and am looking forward to your visit. And when you’re ready to do a #FiveMore post, just let me know. In the meantime, thanks so much for stopping by and taking time to say hello. And don’t forget to take care of YOU. 😀 ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    • The snake was the last thing in the post, Teri, so if you read up to that point, you’re good. Many people have a phobia about them, I’m afraid, and yet they are so very important to the environment. My talks on snakes are the most popular of any I do, and one reason is because I have a surefire, instant glance way of telling whether one of our native snakes is harmful or not. I know not everyone will like them, but it’s helpful if when they spot one, they don’t have to worry about whether or not it’s dangerous.

      I hope you enjoyed the four things above the snake picture, anyway! And thanks for stopping by today. 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

        • Running is fine, if it makes you feel better. But if you’ve STEPPED on the snake, it would probably be nice to know it won’t kill you, even if you are shuddering or screaming uncontrollably. 😀 😀 😀

          And here’s a little fun fact I explain in my talks, too: There is no such thing as a “poisonous” snake. Snakes are venomous, not poisonous, and the difference is this: poison is INGESTED, either via swallowing or absorption. (Think arsenic). Venom is INJECTED via fangs or stingers. Snakes and scorpions and wasps and bees, etc, are all venomous. You can eat them without harm, though, should you desire to do so. (Urk 😝).

          There. Now you can share that little tidbit with other folks and they’ll be suitably impressed. Or possibly not. 😂😂😂

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply

    • Thanks so much, Sally! I’m really glad you enjoyed the post. Sadly, I’ve never canoed in the Everglades (which are all the way down in the tip of Florida and filled with all kinds of critters I’ve never come face to face with … yet.) Most of my canoeing has been done on Central Florida Rivers, which are absolutely beautiful in their own right, and much shadier than the Glades. Still … it would be fun to give it a go, I think.

      And I’m glad you liked the pictures, too. Thanks so much for stopping by to let me know! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. Another great bunch of info about you my friend, and I am so with you on the snake love ❤
    I have kept a number of snakes at home over the years and I miss them now we no longer have them, but can't sensibly trust the current pack of dogs not to liberate them as 'playmates'.
    I will start thinking about 2 more things to add to my original 10…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Oooh, so nice to know another snake lover. I’ve never kept any, myself, as there doesn’t seem to be any such product as “Snake Chow” in the pet stores, and I discovered I couldn’t stand the idea of putting live food in with a hungry snake. I figured I’d soon have lots of cages with rescued mice everywhere and some very skinny reptiles slithering about. 😂😂😂 But I would have loved to visit YOURS! 😁

      Let me know when you want to set a date for #FiveMore, and we’ll do it! And thanks for stopping by to share your love of snakes with me. 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

        • Oh, now, see … if I had known they’d eat frozen food, I’d likely have had snakes all over the place! Back when I was checking them out, all the pet trade folks told me live food was a must, and I couldn’t bear the thought of a little mouse sitting there shivering all over while the snake was deciding whether it was hungry yet or not. Man, I’d have been fine with frozen food!! Never thought about dead or dying tropical fish either. *sigh* The things you learn when you’ve moved on from the idea!

          Now when you say corn snakes, are they the same kind we have? A/K/A red rat snakes? I LOVE them so much! Beautiful creatures! We have garter snakes, too, including blue ones which are truly pretty, as well.

          If you find the pics, I’d love to see them! 😀

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

  21. Super fun, Marcia. I would never have taken you for agoraphobic since you’re so gregarious. Thank goodness for blogging so all of us hibernators and hermits can have a social life! And I love your description of canoeing. What peace and beauty in those miles of paddling. Finally, kudos that that granddaughter! A girl after her grandmother’s heart. ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Yes, to all of the above, Diana. Blogging is wonderful when I really can’t bring myself to go out, but over the years, I have managed to do the things I wanted to most of the time. And once I’m actually out doing those things, I do have fun. It’s just the working up my courage to GO part that is troublesome.

      There’s nothing like canoeing on our rivers down here, and having a granddaughter who likes snakes? That’s just the BEST!! 😀

      Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know you enjoyed the post! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • For my money, kayaking and canoeing are the same thing, only done sitting in different positions. 😂 Seriously, the experience of being on the river is the same, and I’m happily surprised that you’re familiar with Rock Springs Run & the Wekiva. They are amazingly peaceful and beautiful, aren’t they? And I hope you get to drift down them again one day, too. So restorative to the soul!

      Thanks for stopping by today, Yvette, and sharing your love a kayaking. Always nice to see you visiting! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • My sister and I try to take our kids to the Springs in the summers. We have hit many of the springs in the Ocala area and are hoping to go further north this summer. We are doing our best to instill a love for nature into the next generation. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        • You know, I totally forgot that you live in Florida, too, Yvette! DOH! Sorry about that. No wonder you enjoy kayaking all over the place. So glad you’ve been visiting various springs and rivers. We sure have some stunningly beautiful ones in this state, don’t we? And good for you for instilling a love of nature and wildlife into the “next generation.” It’s well worth the effort and will enrich their lives in so many ways.

          Happy paddling, my friend! 😀 ❤

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

    • Glad you enjoyed the post, Darlene, and I just responded to your email! 😀 My granddaughter really makes me laugh. She’s a sweetheart, as is her big brother, and her cousin (my son’s daughter).

      Thanks so much for stopping by, and I’m looking forward to having you visit TWS soon! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • Good for you, then. 😊 People should understand more about snakes and their place in the world. I also tried to be certain that the folks I spoke to knew exactly how to ID at a quick glance which snakes they needed to back away from here in central Florida. My time at the zoo was a terrific experience for me. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Looking forward to hearing what YOU think! NOTE: If in doubt about leaving comments on this blog, please read the privacy statement in the menu at the top of the page.

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s