Sunday, August 17, 2008

Fun Monday - a poser?

It's Fun Monday again, and as we stare off into the waters off the coast of Cuba tonight and wonder just how far Fay is going to come up the coast before making landfall, I wanted to take a moment to go ahead and do my bit to give ya'll something to read on Monday morning!

Our hostess this week is Lisa, taking a break from her Chaos to organize us all:

What is one thing you would like to ask your readers? Come up with a question to pose to your visitors and throw it out there on Monday. As we’re all visiting each other’s Fun Monday posts we should answer the various questions we come across.

OR

Show & Tell me about a bird, I’m easily made happy.


Well. I don't have much in the way of bird stories... But I'll make the effort anyway.

My husband was recently pet sitting for his son while he was away at a family wedding. The cats and the fish were easy, but there was also this Sun Conure. He was put into the bathroom with the sink dripping water and a ladder to get him up to the sink (the wings are clipped). DM went to check on the animals after a couple of days. He cleaned the litter box and gave the cats fresh water, then went to check on the bird.


The bird is normally a very noisy animal. It squawks and whistles and jumps around a lot. So when DM opened the door and the bird was just sitting there in the middle of the floor with its eyes squinted mostly shut, he knew there was a problem.

The last time he pet-sat, there were two parakeets that died shortly after stepson returned. DM was understandably upset when he found the Sun Conure in such a condition. He looked around - there was food, the sink was still dripping, the ladder was still there. He got a small bowl from the kitchen and filled it with water and set it down in front of the bird, which then began scooping the water up in its lower bill and tipping its head back to drink. It drank a.lot. Apparently it had no idea how to drink the trickling water in the sink and had gotten severely dehydrated.

After a couple of days of watering and visiting the bird (the cats would hide whenever he came), DM fell in love with it. It would squawk happily when he came into the bathroom and sit on his shoulder and nibble his ear during the visits. Tragedy averted.

Longing for a pet bird born. I had to put my foot down. No bird. We already had four cats, a dog and a fish. We do not need to add a noisy bird in a cage. It is a tragedy waiting to happen - our cats LOVE to hunt birds. They rarely catch them since the birds they hunt can fly away. I lost a guinea pig in its cage to a very determined cat once. I didn't want the same thing to happen to DM.


Okay - I suppose that was a little backwards from the assignment, but the other part was to ask my readers a question.

I thought about this all week and finally decided that what I want to know is this:

If you are a regular reader of this blog, why do you come back here and read it on a regular basis? Is it the incredibly fascinating stories? Or the deft writing? What makes you return?

As a struggling novelist, I want to know what it is about this blog that catches you. Conversely, if you don't come here regularly (other than Fun Monday), what is it that keeps you away the rest of the week?

I am NOT fishing for a larger readership, but I am curious about this.

31 comments:

Molly said...

Mostly guilty, I do come generally for Fun Monday. However, I only post anymore for Fun Mondays and visit only a few blogs. Earlier, when I visited more frequently, I was attracted by your warm friendly writing style.

Faye said...

First, I sincerely hope you dodge the Fay bullit, Sayre. Lived in FL for a year so remember what it was like riding out the storms. My neighbor lost a beloved bird to her new dog and still feels guilty about it.

As to you question, I'm a Fun Monday visitor for the most part, but want to write more often myself and visit more blogs throughout the week. I always look forward to your post because I know you'll have an original, insightful take on the topic. And, your comments show that you spend a great deal of time reading the post that you're responding to. That's so appreciated.

karisma said...

I LOVE YOU! Thats why! I do enjoy reading your posts but I feel more like we have become good friends. And I visit everytime I turn on the computer (which I know has been a bit infrequent these days but I do try to visit all my friends as much as I can). You are a very talented writer which I guess helps bring people back as well. It couldn't hurt could it?

Hootin Anni said...

We just got over Dolly and Eduoard, hope Fay does not sever damage!

I love the bird saving story! How super is that!

I have a FM question if you want to stop by.

Jill said...

i love the bird story, as for the question, unfortunately my life is getting ready to get hectic, and I trimmed by over 50 blogroll down to about 20 because i cant keep up anymore. but i stay with the blogs i do read because i feel invested in their future, does that make sense? they catch me in some way and leave me coming back for more, but no idea how. some of them it is humor, some of them it is experience, they have kids and i'm pregnant right now, some of them its they are older with teenage kids or an empty nest and they have different ideas from what i'm used to or live in different parts of the world...

Beckie said...

I stop by on a regular basis - mostly in my reader. I keep reading because you are a real person with a real family that you love very much. You are down right likable. I feel like we're friends - gee...I guess I should write back more if we are such good friends (~blush~).

Anonymous said...

Your descriptions are rich; your writing conveys subtlty and nuance in a way the spoken word does not. Reading your blog weaves the threads of our all-to-seldom conversation ito a tapestry of context and depth that almost replaces being there and experiencing it first hand.

Brother John

Jan said...

Love the bird story, but I'd let him get a bird. What's one more creature among friends.

You're on my reader. I don't always comment, but I love you're writing. I love the way I've gotten to know you and your family thru this blog.

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

The bird story was great! As for the second question, the thing that keeps me away, is strictly time! With a 9 and 11 year old i don't have much in front of computer time!

SwampAngel65 said...

I like your bird story. Thanks God DM figured out the problem and saved him! I know that I would love a bird, but I am currently running a zoo here and refuse to add one more thing to it!

I come by often for a few reasons...I like checking in on my fellow Florida bloggers and see how they're doing. I like what you have to say and always enjoy reading your words. We have things in common. I feel like you're a friend although we've never met!

Jeanna said...

Storytelling, photos, and a good lead.

Jo Beaufoix said...

I loved the bird story. I'm mainly a Fun Monday Reader but when I come here I tend to read a few of your posts as I really enjoy your writing style. Go for it with the writing, I think you'll be a success.

Anonymous said...

I shall endeavour to visit more regularly other than on a Fun Monday.

Anonymous said...

I read your blog because I think you are an amazing, smart, funny woman and I take a genuine interest in you and your life events. Reading your written word allows me to briefly escape into your realm and see things from the eyes of a woman I admire.

Oh, and I also have a thing for one of your brothers, that helps too! ;)

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

A few people have asked this question and it's a difficult one to answer. I guess I am also mainly an FM visitor but that doesn't mean I don't visit at other times too.

I think it's how people write that keeps me coming back to a blog. Some people can take a simple story and make it ping off the page. I guess you have that ability!

Attie said...

Love the bird story!! So glad he'll be alright!! Good thinking on getting him a water dish!!

And I ussally am here for fun mondays.....And haven't evan done that in awhile and I have always liked your posts...I just don't have enough time!!

storyteller said...

Living with a large bird has it’s ups and downs. My ‘ex’ took the parrot when he left … and I’ve been grateful. A dog and a cat is sooooo much easier to manage all by myself. I found your blog through Fun Monday … enjoyed visiting on Mondays and added your to my ‘reader’ … am grateful you include your whole post there (as I do). I drop by when I have something to say, but enjoy staying ‘current’ with your posts … just because ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

Big Momma said...

I am also guilty of only coming by on Fun Monday. If only I had more time. I have read more of your posts and I like that you are so centered around family. We need more people like you in the world.

I am glad that you nursed the bird back to health!

Big Momma said...

I am also guilty of only coming by on Fun Monday. If only I had more time. I have read more of your posts and I like that you are so centered around family. We need more people like you in the world.

I am glad that you nursed the bird back to health!

Big Momma said...

I am also guilty of only coming by on Fun Monday. If only I had more time. I have read more of your posts and I like that you are so centered around family. We need more people like you in the world.

I am glad that you nursed the bird back to health!

IamwhoIam said...

Good story. So no bird - yet.

Jennfactor 10 said...

I'm not a Fun Monday girl, I found ya when I thought I was going to Lose That Ass.
Sadly, I kept my ass, but it was worth it to find your blog! I come back because you write honestly and compellingly about your real life. A lot of blogs are often full of nothing but sunshine and rainbows, and they don't ring true.
Sometimes your posts take my breath away!

Sandcastle Momma said...

I found your blog through Fun Monday but I am always happy to find fellow Florida bloggers. Today has been crazy with school starting so I haven't had time to read much but I will be back!

Anonymous said...

I always enjoyed reading your comments over at Mama Drama and loved your sense of humor. So, I waddled over and have been coming ever since.
This is an ecletic place and I am just curious to see what you've left for us.

Unknown said...

I love the bird story and who wouldn't want a beautiful bird like that, especially after helping it recover. :)

I come back again and again because you are real. You don't try to be fancy, or talk above me - you could be my neighbor, my friend. :)

And I love the name of your blog - I can't help but smile when I come here because in my mind you are always smiling.

Joy T. said...

I'm guilty of only visiting for FM. But then that's more then I visit a lot of blogs so I guess I'm doing good :o)

Gattina said...

This bird seems to be adorable but you are right with cats it's kind of difficult ! I once fishsittered and had put the fish bowl high up in the kitchen, but still one of my cats managed to get the 2 goldfishes out and they ended in a corner !

Hula Girl at Heart said...

I'm not sure why. It's like making a friend in person. Sometimes it just clicks.

Jodi said...

I met you long before Fun Monday and I don't remember how. I come back because we are so much alike and because we're friends. And you Do write very well.

J.

Alison said...

great bird story...he is gorgeous!! I like reading blogs that are honest, make me laugh, make me cry, have beautiful photos....that is what keeps me coming back to my regular reads.

Robbiegirl said...

Whew, finally caught up with your blog after neglecting the internet somewhat recently. I'm a bad blogger.

I read your blog because it's interesting. Because you tell good stories, because you seem like a nice person.

We have stuff in common, and I feel an emotional connection to you despite not really knowing you, if that doesn't sound too soppy. Like I see some of myself in you somehow.