Dawdling Dawdler

It’s time for Rory’s Garden Dawdler again — nine questions posed once a week for our answering pleasure. I’m writing this from a hotel in downtown Shanghai — celebration my 27th wedding anniversary and (cough! cough!) 50th birthday. Here is a pic of the hotel view.

THE GARDEN DAWDLER — Q&A

Are you utterly minimalistic in your lifestyle, an absolute clutterer/hoarder, or just messy?
My personal preferences lean toward minimalistic. I don’t like clutter and I’m quick to regift anything that I receive that I don’t need. However I can’t claim to be “utterly” anything — I’ve plenty of stuff in my life. I just wish I had less of it.

Do you prefer to sit on a chair, cushion, bench, floor or something else for comfort?
My favorite comfort spot right now is a little tatami corner we have in the house. If I’m home and inside, you can usually find me there either sitting on the tatami and writing at the low table or laying down for a nap. If I’m in the garden, I’m usually on our outside sofa under an umbrella — again either sitting and writing or laying down for a nap.

What is the most challenging part of your writing process?
Proof-reading. Editing. I’m an absolutely awful speller.

Do you think you are an addictive or non-addictive personality?
Highly addictive and it has gotten me into trouble. And it could again so I need to be careful! I don’t feel like I’m addicted to any one thing…I’m just addicted to addiction. The subject of addiction can change and sometimes it’s more “positive” but more often negative and destructive.

Do you feel in any way, shape, or form threatened by the arrival of AI opportunities or welcome the progression into your life with ease?
I’m super excited about what AI has to offer, but I wouldn’t be being totally honest to say that I don’t have some hesitancies. I’m not worried about AI taking over my job or things like that (go for it!), but I do worry about AI being used by people in harmful ways (intentionally or unintentionally) . The things are being trained by human knowledge and that includes our nasty side!

What subjects or topics inspire you to create the most concerning your writing?
Life experiences, mostly mine but also those that I observe. Lately I’m also inspired by the writing craft itself. I like trying new poetry forms or literary devices.

When was the last time you walked through a graveyard?
About a month ago while bringing my mother-in-law’s ashes there.

What are your top five favorite flowers?
Ok, I’m going to embarrass myself in lack of knowledge on flower names (sorry Rory!): Blue, White, Yellow, Purple, Red.

What would you say would be your writing quirk?
I like to think of myself and my writing as pretty quirky. I’d say the most quirky is that I write behind the logo of a pig sitting on a toilet! I feel like Rory wrote this question just for me. Haha!

Thanks Rory for the interesting questions as always. I look forward to reading everyone’s responses.

Be well,

Monty

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