habee, From Georgia, 572 Fans, 393 Hubs, Joined 8 months ago
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lorlie6 interviews habee
A passionate writer shares her myriad interests
It is with distinct pleasure that I introduce a rising star on HubPages to those who don't yet know her. I'm speaking of habee, of course, and those familiar with her work will certainly enjoy a more detailed view of this fantastic Hubber--I know I will! So let's get right to it.
1) I see that you've earned many writing awards, among them AEvans' Top New Hubbers For 2009 And the Winners Are. So what brought you to HubPages 8 months ago? And what keeps you here?
Actually, Randy Godwin introduced me to HP. We've been friends for many years, and when I started writing on Helium, I got him to join that site. When he discovered HP, he returned the favor!
I like HP because I can write about just about anything! Sometimes I write hubs in the hopes of making Amazon sales or earning Google revenue, but sometimes I write just for fun. I HAVE to write! If I don't, my head will explode. I love the people here, too!
2) From your profile, I gather that you have quite a personal history in education and writing. Would you mind going into some depth about that?
I've always been fascinated with words. Both my parents were avid readers, and I grew up sitting on my dad's knee as he read poetry aloud. I guess it was inevitable that I become a writing and literature teacher. I taught in the high school that I had attended as a teen. All three of my girls had gone to school there, and my mom attended my old alma mater in 1937, so I had a history with the school. Over the years, I taught American Literature, World Literature, and creative writing. My last few years of teaching were devoted to British Literature, which I love. I've also taught grammar and writing skills at the local technical college, and for two years, I tutored for the English Department at our local college.
I really loved teaching. The interaction with teenagers was awesome! I retired early due to nerve damage.
3) I'll get straight to the point, my friend, how on earth does a Southern Bell from Georgia become passionate about saltwater fishing?
I've always been an avid angler, even as a kid. I've also always loved the ocean, so I guess I combined the two. We're only a couple of hours away from the beach, and we make the trip whenever we can. The great thing about saltwater fishing is that you never know what you're going to catch. If I'm fishing in a farm pond, I know when I get a bite that it's either a bass, a bream, a catfish, or a crappie, but in the ovean, it could be any number of things! You wouldn't believe some of the strange creatures I've reeled in!
4) In many of your Hubs you display a compassion and true caring for animals. Tell us about this love you have for creatures.
I've always had a soft spot for animals. Over the years, I've had countless dogs and cats, along with horses, cows, pigs, goats, turkeys, ducks, chickens, fish, snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, birds, an opossum - and a partridge in a pear tree! I've also been a dog and horse breeder and trainer. My husband, Johnny, and I have rescued a lot of critters. When we were about to get married, my dad warned Johnny, "If you're not careful, Holle will have a zoo!"
5) You are a very positive member of the forums, habee. How do you handle the negativity that sometimes presents itself?
I try not to let the negativity get me down. I'm a very positive person, so it usually "rolls off my back." I've always been slow to anger, and I don't keep grudges. I've found that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets. I'm a live-and-let-live sort of gal. It sometimes saddens me that much of the angst in the forums is over religion. I'm a Christian, but I respect the beliefs or non-beliefs of others. I was taught that a big part of Christianity is acceptance and tolerance, and that's how I try to live my life. Judging others is "above my pay grade," as our president is wont to say.
6) As a former resident of Birmingham, Alabama, I am very interested in your conception of the "New South." Have you been a Georgia resident all of your life? Tell us about your hometown.
I was born in Tifton, GA. I've lived here all my life except for a ten-year stint in Jesup, GA, when I was married to my ex-husband. Tifton is a great little college town, with an expansive University of GA Experiment Station and a Rural Development Center. Supposedly, we have the highest number per capita of PhDs in the U.S. We're also the Reading Capital of the World! It's a very close knit community, with a low crime rate. We celebrate the arts often, with events like the Arts in Black Festival, the Cinco de Mayo Festival, arts and crafts shows, plays, concerts, and the annual Love Affair, where many ethnic groups share their customs and traditions.
7) Describe for us your unique writing process, habee. How did you develop your individual 'voice?'
I can't really answer this question. I'm sure it has evolved from the thousands of books and poems I've read. This is something I always tried to stress to my students: extensive reading helps you become a better writer.
8) My final question is about my absolutely favorite topic-your legendary recipes! I have bookmarked so many I can barely keep track. Are these family recipes or ones you've come up with on your own? What keeps you cookin'?
I really enjoy cooking, and I come from a long line of excellent cooks. I love to eat, but it's more than that. To me, cooking and sharing food you've prepared yourself is a nurturing act. It's sharing a part of youself with friends and family. Food can nurture both physically and emotionally.
Many of the recipes are my own creations, while some came from my mom, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother.
Thank you, habee, for sharing some of your story with the Hubbing community--I know we will all be the richer for it. Your contributions to HubPages have been diverse and always 'from the heart.' Thanks again for the opportunity to get to know you a little better.
Now, y'all should do yourselves a huge favor and follow habee; I promise you won't regret it!
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