Welcome back to my weekly Interview Series. (Sorry for the delay. I really have to figure out my AM/PM when scheduling posts!)
Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to my friend, one of the most energetic and creative women I know, Monika. She is such a motivator, cheerleader and support and I'm thrilled to share time with her on the Ella team. My life is so much more full, fun and kind with Monika in it. Join me and get to know Monika Wright:
What age did you start keeping a journal? I'm pretty sure that I did the diary scenario back in middle school but haven't ever really kept a journal until last year when I created a Gratitude Journal using my paper scraps and random journaling spots. I used ti to write a short, thankful thought for each day. It was very liberating.
Who's diary/journal {dead or alive } would you like to read? I think reading the diary of a frontier Mom, back in the days when our country was still just a wilderness, would be interesting AND make me much more appreciative for the comforts and conveniences I take for granted.
Who have you suspected of reading your diary? I don't think anyone ever read my middle school diary, although my two older kids have read through some of the entries in my Gratitude Journal. Which is totally okay...I keep it out in my craft room...nothing to hide and it has initiated some really wonderful conversations.
What is your idea of the perfect journal? One that makes me want to write each day. Which to me means bright, happy colors and fun surprises on each page. My 2010 Gratitude Journal did that while my 2011 journal, which has a much looser format, does not motivate me to write each day. Guess I know what I'm doing for 2012, right?
Which words or phrases do you most overuse {in speech and/or writing}? "mmm-kay," which my 5-year old continually reminds me is not a word. It is usually my response when one of the kids asks me a question while I am concentrating on something else, so I respond "mmm-kay" until a few moments pass and I realize what they just asked and then I respond with the appropriate answer!
What quote most speaks to you? This is really a phrase, but I always think of it when I am having a hard time understanding God's path for me: Everything Happens for a Reason.
Who {or what} inspires you? I'm often inspired by other people, then I like to run with it and make it my own. I'll see something and think to myself, "Well, what if I just combined this from here and that from there...." and a project is born. Having two young ones in the house again also inspires me to do the new, and few, things that I didn't get around to doing with my 19-year old son, who just left home 2 weeks ago to serve in the United States Navy.
Who is your favorite fictional character? Can't say that I have a favorite. I find quirky goodness in so many characters. Kind of like real life.
Who are your favorite authors? I read for pure pleasure and escapism, and the mystery genre is my go-to arena. I started reading Andrew M. Greeley in high school and now read Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, James Patterson and John Grisham. It's been a while, but I have been known to also ready sappy romance, chick-lit titles, too!
What is your greatest creative talent? I think I can, I think I can...that's what I tell myself. I don't have any formal training in the arts, but just rely on my instinct to tell me whether my ideas will work or not. I am a very "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of gal and very rarely do a do-over. Once it's done, it's done. Which is totally surprising to me as I am a perfectionist in every sense of the word.
What is your greatest creative challenge? Technical issues often times have me exasperated and that's where my techie husband gets most of the credit for keeping me up and running. I am not afraid to ask for help, but it's usually after I've exhausted what I might be able to do on my own.
That and trying to get all the projects completed that I have on my mental TO DO list!
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I first became aware of Lee by reading the comments left on some of the same blogs I read. She sounded so interesting and insightful...and that distinctive profile photo was so intriguing! I then met Lee when we were both named to the Ella Publishing Co. Design Team where I realized that she truly IS interesting and insightful and intriguing! Perhaps we'll actually get to meet in real life, one day!
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A city girl, now living in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Monika is married with three kids. She loves to cook, read, craft and work in her flower beds. Oh, and she takes way too many photos. Celebrating her one-year blogaversary at I Love It All this June, she is also a work-from-home Mom creating a variety of art prints, mini albums, journals and cards at iloveitall.etsy.com. Monika invites you to use the coupon code CREATIVE20 to enjoy a 20% shop discount at iloveitall on Etsy. Custom and personalized prints are not eligible for this special offer. Be sure to visit Monika's new I Love It All page on Facebook, too! She's a marketing marvel this one :)
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Up next? My friend Charlene O'Hara.
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Thank you so much Monika for participating!
