Viewpoints.com, where I'll be adding product reviews to my repertoire, is asking its writers to create profiles starting with "I am ..." I'm kinda lousy at self-promotion, in case you hadn't noticed, leaning more toward the self-deprecating.
Even so, I'm giving it a whirl and testing it out on all of you. Let me know if there's anything that doesn't ring true. And, uh, the photo is the official one I'll be using at the Viewpoints site. Try not to smirk.
I am a fairy godmother in training. I bestow kisses and dispense hugs to my two favorite elves, who work hard at being good and playing nice. I grant the occasional wish too, though I have to remind them I'm not the Money Wizard and that credit cards don't grow on trees. I believe in hand-me-downs, whether toys or clothes, and they're thrilled at every discovery, no matter how musty, creaky or faded. It's a value that's out of sync with our disposable society, I suppose, but I work my magic where I can.
I am paper trained. I put myself through grad school for journalism at that awkward in-between stage, when Woodward and Bernstein were ancient history, but the digital age hadn't yet dawned. I was almost alone in refusing to see newspapers as sacrosanct, but I absorbed their core values: to remain skeptical, do my own legwork, be my own best editor, and to pick words like wild mushrooms--the wrong ones can kill you. I hold myself to these standards in the dead tree industry, and for whatever will replace it.
I am a dead armadillo. There's a famous quote from Jim Hightower, a Texas humorist: "There's nothing in the middle of the road but yellow stripes and dead armadillos." That's me. I briefly flirted with the Dems, had a one-night stand with the GOP, and now I'm registered as "unaffiliated with any political party." I fall squarely into "none of the above" on most issues. Don't mistake that for indifference, compromise or lack of conviction. I just don't shout about it.
I am also a blogger, a book reviewer, a sometime vegetarian, a fabulous cook, a semi-observant Jew, a wannabe author, a wife and Mommy, an ex-smoker, reluctant driver and enthusiastic pedestrian. I don't know if all those things add up to much; I suspect the sum total of my existence cannot be measured by how much I ever get accomplished. That's a relief, because I never seem to get it all done.
Yay, Anne! That's great.
Posted by: Susan | February 09, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Cute picture, Anne. I love it!
I think the profile reads wonderfully. You sound independent and trustworthy.
Posted by: Kelly | February 09, 2007 at 08:02 AM
On behalf of Viewpoints-- you did us proud, Anne. I love the profile and love the photo! Your personality radiates through...
Posted by: Jolie | February 09, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Profile sounds great and you look hot in the picture. (I can say that, I'm her husband.)
Posted by: brettdl | February 09, 2007 at 09:55 AM
Thanks, all. I guess I am also very private, and profiling myself is still very hard for me to do.
Posted by: Anne | February 09, 2007 at 01:01 PM
It reeks of personality. Very nice.
Posted by: jules | February 09, 2007 at 03:42 PM
You are so totally NOT lame. Great photo, great profile. Will you write my bio next?
Ilene
(the one who really is lame)
Posted by: | February 09, 2007 at 04:38 PM
Oh no, I "reek" of personality? I must've forgotten to shower this morning. Drat, hate when that happens.
And, Ilene, you're not lame. Just busy. Hey everybody, Ilene is back teaching college again. Woo-hoo!
Oh wait, was I supposed to keep that secret?
Posted by: Anne | February 09, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Wonderful profile, Anne! You put a big grin on my face (have seen my share of middle of the roaders on the farm roads of TX)....
I'm so glad to have found your blog, while seeking some kidlit reviews. Am glad to meet you!
Posted by: Mary | February 10, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Welcome, Mary, and thanks. You'll definitely find plenty of kidlit reviews here.
Drop by anytime ... Roadkill Stew's a specialty of the house ;-)
Posted by: Anne | February 10, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Very cute.
I too am a vegetarian.
BTW, do you have a syndicated feed through LJ? If so, email me and let me know. :)
Posted by: Little Willow | February 14, 2007 at 07:21 PM
No, sorry, I don't. For some reason, LiveJournal completely baffles me. Is it generational? Or is my mind going? It's like I need a road map to figure it out.
Posted by: Anne | February 14, 2007 at 08:36 PM
Ha! I love it! I agree with Ilene , will you write my bio too!?
And the picture is great!
Posted by: Tiggermn | February 27, 2007 at 03:48 AM
Thanks, Tiggermn!
Posted by: Anne | February 27, 2007 at 01:25 PM