A Brown Hodgepodge

 How to Join the Hodgepodge?

 Answer on your own blog then hop back here to add your link to the party. 

Come on, you know, you want to do it...

1. What was your favorite part about growing up in your hometown? 

1960s - During my time living in the City, my friends and I would ring the door buzzers of the apartment buildings, a mischievous pastime akin to knocking on doors and dashing away before anyone could catch us. We found joy in the little things—like the thrill of spitting on streetcars as they rumbled in and out of the dark tunnels, cashing in our bottles at the corner Mom and Pop for candy. 

Sitting on the front stoop, we would observe the eclectic parade of interesting characters that drifted by, each with their own story etched into their faces. I lived in the Haight Ashbury in San Francisco.  Among them was the infamous "Spit Lady," a tough-looking woman with a penchant for chewing tobacco, whose aim was surprisingly accurate. There was one memorable occasion when her aim almost sent a stream of tobacco juice splattering onto my mom. 

When we relocated 20 miles south on the coast, the beach quickly became the center of my world (along with boys who surfed)   I experienced my first kiss at the beach! 🥰

2. Do you prefer 'material' gifts or 'experience' gifts? If you answered experience, tell us about one you've received and truly enjoyed. 

The gift of eternal life that God wrapped up for me 40 years ago -  I could have never imagined the experiences that would follow. It was never easy, but I was always hopeful, always grateful and a gift so precious I thought I’d surely lose it - Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” 

God’s gift of eternal life is permanent and cannot be taken away, lost, or forfeited. 

Oh what a gift we have in Jesus!  🎁 

3. Is brown a color featured prominently in your home decor? Your wardrobe? What's a favorite brown thing you own? Of the brown foods listed here which one is your favorite and/or most often consumed... brown sugar, brown rice, pretzels, coffee, dates, cloves, German chocolate cake, whole wheat bread?

I have beautiful real wood floors that showcase a rich, warm brown hue.

The first food that came to my mind was a pot roast I savored just last week. Its flavors are still vivid in my memory, and I can almost recall the aroma that filled the house while it cooked in the oven.  I love the rich, savory flavor of brown beef gravy that came from my pot roast; it's the perfect complement to the tender meat. I have a passion for the deep, indulgent notes of dark chocolate that melt in my mouth. Nuts play a delightful role in my preferences as well— Pinto beans provide a comforting flavor, and I love the natural sweetness of raisins. Lastly, the bold aroma and robust taste of my freshly brewed morning coffee - make for a pleasant way to start my day!

Sorry, I made my own list!  

4. Which 'Charlie Brown' character do you relate to most? If you're not sure, you can take a fun quick quiz by clicking here-Which Charlie Brown Character Are You?  or the one found here-Charlie Brown Quiz. I got the same answer on both. 

I am an introvert. I can 100% relate.  

5. What's a favorite item you've purchased this year? 

Nothing stands out to me. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 Where art thou, random thought? I sense your presence, tucked away in the shadows of my psyche, eagerly waiting for the right moment to break free and unveil your true essence. In this moment of reflection, I choose to embrace my thoughts with reverence, believing that they will eventually find their voice when the time is ripe—perhaps the next Hodgepodge. One never knows.  I sure don’t.