November 15, 2006

Stand Up and Be Collected!

I am being collected.

Really, I am.

It isn’t as frightful as it sounds.

Fellow Filipina blogger
Maria tagged me to be part of The People Collection Meme. And to tell the truth, I am quite enticed by the novelty of it all.

The brilliant
Sharon Jacobsen initiated this tag with the aim to help writers discover fresh inspiration for new stories, develop uniquely interesting characters, and discover possible resources for research.

Sharon put up
Five Things, which contains links to all the people in the blogosphere who generously offered to share five profane or mundane things about themselves for the cause of literary greatness.

So, for art’s noble sake, I hereby present my five:

1. Tattooed on My Mind


I want to get a tattoo but I just don't have the guts.

I dream of having one imprinted to the side of my nape, slightly below my right shoulder, sexily revealing itself when my long hair is accidentally brushed to the side.

My desired inked image changes with my mood. Maybe I could get a tiny butterfly with exquisite wings, or a grinning angel of mischief, or a simple yet ravishing red-black rose....

Then I think how bizarre it will look when I get old and wrinkly, and I am back once again to settling for wimpy stick-ons and henna dyed tattoos. Sigh!

2. Curiosity killed the cat...


....and satisfaction brought it back.


I ask WHY? all the time.

I grew up very curious and stayed that way.

My Dad unknowingly abetted in the formation of my inquisitive nature by having a ready answer to all my puzzled queries. It inevitably followed that I expected the men I dated to live up to my father's example and have the intellectual capacity and forebearance to deal with my relentless probing.

My husband will never forget the first time he told me he was in love with me. My instantaneous response was borne out of reflex: WHY?

It threw him completely off guard and caused him to launch into a panicked monologue of incoherent mumblings I still do not get to this day.

Actually, at that time, I did not care what he said. I just watched his piercing eyes as he spoke and they were answer enough.

3. Secret Spellbinder


I am a bit of a witch.

I have a strong sense of intuition. There are times when I know something will happen before it happens. And more disconcertingly, there are moments when I can actually will something to happen.

You would thus do well not to cross me.

Mwahahaha!

4. Suspect the Unsuspecting


I am a sucker for surprises. I love giving them and I love receiving them.

5. Silent Observer


I have a knack for reading people well. I'm quick to discover what makes people tick by observing them closely - the way they move, speak, look, dress, act and yes, blog.

I find human beings to be the most fascinating creatures on the planet and I thoroghly enjoy learning more about each new character I come across.

On that note, I now excitedly summon five bloggerfriends to make known five never yet publicly aired things about themselves.

1. Handsome Houseband
2.
Poet Tom
3.
WonderMom Janet
4.
Claudia
5.
Kris

When you are done with your meme, you can visit
Sharon's Five Things so she can link up your list to her blog.

If there are more of you who want to share something personal that may inspire writers to write better, don't hesitate to join in.

Stand up and be collected!

54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ok, woman. I'll hafta get on that.
I have 3 tattoos...I love them and I wish I had the guts to cover my whole body, but I am chicken.

Bearette said...

Very interesting! I'm really curious, too. I love that you asked your husband "Why?" I bet he wasn't expecting that ;)

And if you can will things to happen, maybe you could will an agent to take my novel! :D

Irene said...

WonderMom Janet: You have to show me those tattoos! Please post a picture quick! =) Have fun with your five, my friend!

Beautiful Bearette: I love that you're always one of the first to comment on a new post of mine. I always look forward to your reaction. =)

The loony witch is on your case. Expect an agent to be calling on you pronto! Just promise you won't forget me when you're rich and famous. ;p

Renegade said...

Tattoos don't hurt physically.

Just keep in mind that your tattoo will reflect your mindset at the time of inking. What if you decide in 20 years that you HATE BUTTERFLIES? Time for a cover-up.

A little advice - Don't get one of those sex tattoos at the bottom of your back... a lot of guys think that makes a woman look sleazy.

Please visit Renegade's BS

Irene said...

Hi Renegade! I'm not afraid that tattoos will hurt. I'm afraid that my husband and parents will kill me if they find out I got one. Haha!

It is just too jarringly out of character for the sweet ol' me everyone knows, so I'll have to content myself with dreaming about it. ;p

Thanks for dropping by my blog. Feel at home here. =)

Tom Atkins said...

Hmmmm. I've never been tagged before. Such a newbie!

This should be fun.

Da Winged Acrophobic said...

Fun read. We all know you better now. BTW a stick-on tatoo is still a tatoo.

temppixie said...

First time on your blog, enjoyed it! Had a tatoo done for my 40th, my friends 'the sisterhood' all agreed we would, very dicreet, at the base of my spine, so only nearest and dearest, ( or the whole pub when drunk one night!) can see it! I think all us women have a little witch in us!

Claudia said...

oooh nooo!!! (i'm hiding my face in my hands!) ok....i'll give it a go...but it may take me few days to come up with some things I think are good...I'll be working on it!

houseband00 said...

Ayan ka nanaman sa handsome-handsome na yan.

Baka may maniwala. =P

I will comply, Ms. Beutiful Tourism.=D

Thanks! =)

Theresa said...

Interesting!

I feel the same way about tattoos.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for taking part.

I had my first tattoo done earlier this year and am now planning another. I'm not worried about how it'll look when I'm old and wrinkly because I figure lots of us are going to be in the same boat by then :-)

Nice 'meeting you', Irene. I'll pop by again when I have more time.

Anonymous said...

Woot! Nice 5 things.

I'd love to have a tattoo too, but like you I've got no guts to get it and when I think about the future of me getting old, it'll not be nice anymore.

Bwahahaha.

Take care!

Irene said...

Poet Tom: Aha! I caught another virgin tagger! Hope you have a memorably enjoyable first experience, my friend. ;p

Winged Acrophobic: Do the tag also when you have time, so we can find out more about you. =)

TempPixie: Wow. A tattoo on your 40th! You're cool, woman! ;p

I'm so glad you dropped by my blog. Feel at home here!

Captivating Claudia: You can do it. Woohoo! c",)

Handsome Houseband: Totoo naman eh. =)

Enjoy the tag! Galingan mo ha! :p

Theresa: Thanks for dropping by often. I love hearing from Miss New York! (",)

Sharon J: You're the queen of this brilliant meme so we should all be thanking YOU!

I had a blast with it as I'm sure everyone else who did it. =)

Will look forward to your next visit! :p

Dahling Kyels: Do the tag, too! I'm sure you'll do a good job of it! c",)

freeepeace said...

If you're unsure about a tattoo then it's not the time for one. You'll know when/if it's time. It'll come to you. Or you'll will it. No rush.

Great list. :)

Lizza said...

It's nice to learn these things about you, Irene. I want to get a tattoo too...and I will, someday. :-)

Girlie said...

Very interesting idea.

I love the idea of tatoo, but I'd never do it because I'd probably get tired of what I choose and then it's too painful to remove it.

Anonymous said...

uy me third eye ka pala....

Maria said...

ahhh... your list is so fine! and i like the way you write.

ps: i share 1 and 5 with you.

choochoo said...

"Curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction brought it back" lol. Funny:D

ShadowFalcon said...

Well thats a very different sort of tag. I've always wanted to tatoo but like you I know it will hurt too much!

tr3nta said...

amusing compositions...
the cat and the radiator is beautiful....

Anonymous said...

Ooo, I like this meme. I never like meme's, but as a writer, this one is really cool. I so have to check out the responses other people gave for it.

I'm eventually getting a tattoo, well 2 actually. I've wanted the same 2 since I was 13, so I'm pretty sure I won't change my mind any time soon...

Wow, now that's interesting... a friend and I were just talking about intuition and willing things to happen (among other things) just last night...

Alexiev said...

Great...

Cergie said...

That seems very funny, however it's difficult for me to understand all the post
You are joyfull in your true life isn't it ?

Tracy said...

Oh how fun ! A tattoo huh? hmmmmm well the pain stops me from getting one myself. I find it interesting that you are a bit of a witch.... I too have such talents.

Thank you for sharing! As always your blog is fun to read.

houseband00 said...

Just posted my list, Irene. =)

I actually jad fun doing it. Thanks!

Terra Shield said...

I always wanted to get a tattoo on the ankle. Unfortunately, I have to wear shoes most of the time, so it's pretty much useless.

Time to think of a new location!

thethinker said...

I wouldn't have the courage to get a tattoo either. The pain of the actual process as well as what it would look like streched and wrinkled is not too appealing to me.

Great list.

krystyna said...

Hi!
I like your post. It is nice and fun. Thanks for sharing.
Best to you!

krystyna said...

I specially like 5.Silent Observer.

Suzan Abrams, email: suzanabrams@live.co.uk said...

Dearest Irene,
No doubt about it.
You'd represent a diamond collection!
hugs & kisses:-*

Amalendu said...

I am scared of you now...I hope you are not silently observing the blog writers in some ways...(Just Kidding)

Lovely refreshing Write Irene....

Cheryl said...

Hi Irene,
Thanks for dropping by my blog :)

Ah, I've always wanted a tattoo but couldn't decide what as well. All I know is when my grandkids see it, they should go,

'WHOA, cool tattoo grandma!
And it's not lame like the other grannies!'

:D

Michael C said...

Ok, Numbers 3 and 5 have really got me freaked out now. Surprise, I want to stay on your good side...that is why I gave you a surprise ;-)

merapuman said...

no tattoo for me please

Irene said...

Tantalizing Trish: I just bet you have a tattoo. ;p

Lovely Lizza: Wow, that I gotta see! Have fun in Baguio!

Sexy Shoshana: Stick-ons aren't that bad anyway. ;p

Techguy: Di naman third eye. I can't see spirits and such...thank goodness! Konting ESP lang. =)

Maria: Thanks again for the tag! I had a blast with it. c",)

Choochoo: My life's motto right there. =) Happy weekend, my friend!

Rebecca: Be careful what you will...it just might come true!

ShadowFalcon: Let's stick to stickers. That way we can move and change our tattoos around as we wish! ;p

Tr3nta: Thanks for visiting my blog! Feel at home here. =)

SolaceCai: Promise to show me your tattoos as soon as you get them. You go girl!

AlexieV: Great to see you here! Drop by again soon!

Cergie: Thanks for frequenting my blog even if some things get lost in translation.

Yes, I am happy with my life as I hope you are with yours. Hugs from the Philippines! =)

Magical Mysti: Wonderful! We witches should stick together. ;p

Handsome Husband: Buti naman nag-enjoy ka. Happy weekend!

TerraShield: Your ankle is not such a bad idea. It becomes more striking when the tattoo is not seen all of the time by everyone. =)

TheThinker: You're still very young. You just might change your mind. ;p

Krystyna: My husband just read my post and he said that although he agrees that I am very observant, there is NOTHING silent about me. Bwahaha!

Sweet Susan: You're the best! Happy weekend, beautiful! =)

Amalendu: But of course I am. Bwahaha! ;p Hugs to your adorable baby boy!

Cheryl: Now that is precisely what frightens me about getting a tattoo. Bwahaha!

Marvelous Michael: Thanks for the surprise! The observant witch is appeased. Good fortune will come your way soon. =)

Merapuman: Ok. I won't force you. ;p

Romeo Morningwood said...

WOW! I love your blog..I appreciate all of the colour, energy, and thought that you put into it.
Tatoo..I would love to get a bar code or my kid's initials inked but I am allergic to pain.
Curious..absolutely..I cannot understand why humans continue to screw everything up when we have so much information on why/who/what we are???
Spells..I once thought that I was fairly intuitive but now I am just a skeptic..a second guesser extrordinaire.
Surprises...I avoid them at all costs..especially the BAD kind.
Observer..I scrutinize human behavior and this goes back to the intuitive thingamabob,humans, for a myriad of reasons, have risen to the top of the food chain and everything we do is done to keep us there with or without our fellow Earthlings and the incidental species..all 2million of them...what could possibly be more interesting than people??

Meg said...

Thank you for visiting, Irene. I think out loud and pace a lot, so it was so soothing to read your description of a pregnant pause. I must try this as well. Lovely blog, and lovely to get to know you the first time I visited. I loved your Answer 2; I'm glad you two still got together.

Irene said...

Homo Escapeons: Thanks for visiting me and for sharing your interesting thoughts on each of my five things. I greatly look forward to learning more about you. Catch you again soon! =)

Meg: How wonderful of you to drop by! Please feel at home here. I'll most certainly visit you again. Have a soothing, pace-free weekend! ;p

Aidan: I sure am glad they don't burn witches now! Haha! I'm happy you visited! I'll see you again, okay? =)

Kit said...

What a fabulously creative blog you have. Glad you stumbled by mine, and led me back here to peruse at leasure. Look forward to visiting again.

Anonymous said...

I dreamt about having a tattoo for 11 years or so, but I was afraid of the comments I might hear if I arrived home one day with a tattoo... Finally got one at 31 :-) I wanted something noone else would have, so I designed it myself... everyone loves it, they say it is the perfect design for me :-)

Cherry Popcorn said...

I wonder what u think of me.. hehe.. hopefully is nothing too horrible! =)

I want tattoos too.. but i'm afraid i'll regret it later.. boohoo..

Anthony said...

She's a witch!! Sorry, I'm reading the Crucible right now...

Laura said...

Your tattoo desire did make me laugh, Irene. I've seen dolphins that have turned into whales swimming around pregnant ladies navels. I don't think I'll ever get a real tattoo but getting pixie-husband to plaster me with henna has been quite exciting.

Now don't laugh and don't think it too perverse but I found a picture of a stylised chinese water buffalo with script along its contours. It was in a book of charms-different symbols that could afford protection or luck. If I had a tattoo this would be it. Pixie-husband has had a lot of fun drawing the massive beast over my boobs so that only he sees it when unclothed. Hee!

In return, he gets some strange tattoos on his shoulders that I copied from those on the body of a bog person....

Claudia said...

just to let you know...I did it.

Irene said...

Food Mum: Great of you to visit! I'll definitely check in with you again soon to see what's cooking. :p

Pao: Cool! What was the design of your tattoo and where did you have it placed? =)

Pretty Princess Shin: I don't think you're ready to hear what I really think about you.

BWAHAHA! Just kidding!

I think you're simply adorable, my funny friend! (",)

CrimsonKing: Watch out. The loony witch's eyes are on you. ;p

Lovely Laura: It's fascinating to learn that my fungi collecting friend is also into henna tattoo painting with her husband! What fabulous fun!

I just might try it...if only I can convince my hubby to paint on me. =)

Captivating Claudia: Thanks for being game enough to do the tag! Hope you enjoyed. c",)

Anonymous said...

Hi Irene! thanks for your post in my blog :-) It's funny that no matter how many times I take that quiz and mark different answers, I get only Lizzy Bennet...
My tattoo... I'm a Tolkien geek, so I did some research on the meaning of my name, then translated it to Sindarin elvish and wrote it on the same runes of the One Ring. It is on my lower back.
you can see the design here: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/paolapilar/tith.gif
and the actual tattoo here: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/paolapilar/23b0.jpg

Irene said...

Hi again, Pao! I really like the design you chose. It's uniquely beautiful. Way to go, Lizzy! ;p

Anonymous said...

Oooh! I am very pro-witch. Wish I had a little of that in me, too!

Irene said...

Hi Maryam! I think there's a bit of a witch in every woman. ;p

Have a good week! =)

Jennifer said...

Hmmm, I'm thinking I want to blog this too, but Irene, 5 lang? Where would I begin?!? More than half the guys I've dated have had tattoos (I actually designed 2 of these tats--no, neither design bore my name, hehe), but I still haven't found the perfect form or location for my own bit of skin art.

GMEyster said...

Irene, thanks so much for your comment on my blog. Yours is wonderful, too! I loved the lightbulb jokes. Ha.

Have a great weekend. Gwen

Margo said...

My friend had a beautiful cross tattoed just to the bottom left of her navel. She hasn't had it removed, but she has had kids...not so beautiful anymore. LOL