Writer's Interview: Daisy Mariposa
Meet Daisy....
Daisy Mariposa is a consummate writer. From parodies on art to Comet Halley (Halley's Comet), where she received the 2012 Hubbie for Most Interesting Hub. Daisy writes with a commanding, informative and unique style.
In this interview, Daisy explains how she became one of HubPage's first Apprentices and much more.
Please join me in getting to know Daisy better.
The times I feel most relaxed ....
I feel most relaxed when I’m creating craft projects, taking photographs, preparing artwork to be used in my Hubs, and researching and writing articles for HubPages. I have always found it very relaxing to engage in creative activities.
The times I feel saddest are...
I feel saddest when I learn about hunger and poverty and cruelty to children, the elderly, and animals. I don’t watch news programs on television, and I very rarely read the news on Internet sites any more.
I also feel sad when I hear people grumbling and complaining, when I hear people saying negative things, when I see people acting in a negative manner. I greatly dislike negativity. There’s no need for it, no use for it. I wish I could wave a magic wand and have negativity become positivity. Think how much better the world would be.
Something I'd like to teach others...
I am already teaching others about art history and geography via the articles I write for HubPages. I’d like to continue doing this. I’m certified to teach all art subjects in Kindergarten through the twelfth grade of high school. In addition to my degree in Fine Arts, I have occupational certificates in Travel Management and International Business. My writing for HubPages allows me to use the knowledge I gained in school and through my travels. By writing “educational” Hubs—articles about painting genres, artists, a specific painting, a museum—I’m teaching in a more relaxed atmosphere, I’m teaching without a traditional classroom.
My secret passion ... my dream job....
My dream job is the one I currently have. I work from home as an assistant to a very talented writer. I do Internet research, fact checking, and copy editing (editing for grammar, syntax, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, inconsistency in logic, inaccuracy of facts). I also convert manuscripts currently in Word format to the format required for publication as e-books. I do this by writing the XHTML code, not by using conversion software. (The result is much cleaner code if one writes it oneself.) I’m also responsible for the design, creation, and maintenance of the author’s blogs.
Most hated gift I ever gave someone ...
Very few of the gifts I have ever given someone were opened while I was present. I put a lot of thought into the gifts I give. I don’t know if I ever gave someone a gift which they hated. I would hope that anyone to whom I gave a gift wouldn’t be insensitive and thoughtless enough to tell me they hated the gift.
The best gifts I have ever given are friendship, loyalty, and love.
The gift I could have done without ...
I have received very few tangible gifts in my life. I can’t think of any gifts I could have done without. I’m both surprised and happy when someone thinks enough of me to give me a gift.
I received one gift which I thought was a bit unusual. A friend knew that I had purchased a few pieces of unfinished furniture, and that I had spent many hours sanding the pieces by hand and then staining them. One year, this friend presented me with an electric sander as a Christmas gift.
I can tell you about a gift with which I was thrilled. My good friend and fellow HubPages author Mohan Kumar, whose HP pseudonym is Docmo , surprised me by creating a special painting. Mohan took a painting by Jan Vermeer, “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” and a black and white photo of me as a three-year-old that was on my Facebook wall, and created “Daisy Mariposa with a Pearl Earring.” His creating the new painting wasn’t something to be used in a Hub. It was just something he was inspired to do.
If you peeked in my junk drawer, you'd be surprised to find ...
I don’t have a junk drawer. I have been drawing discernible objects since I was a year old and creating craft projects since I was two or three. All extra space in my house is taken up with art history and photography books, painting and craft supplies, and completed craft projects.
My date from Hades ....
If you’re asking about a bad date, I can’t think of any.
A great date would be spending the afternoon and evening on a deserted beach with someone special, enjoying the summer sun, cloudless sky, gorgeous sunset, shining moon, twinkling stars, sharing a bottle of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne.
My worst/ or funniest vacation story ....
I’ll tell you my most terrifying travel experience. I was traveling from Orange County, California to the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. (The Atacama Desert is the driest spot on earth, with no appreciable rainfall for more than 400 years. It’s located on a plateau between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Why was I going to the Atacama Desert?—to observe and photograph a total solar eclipse.)
My friend and I attempted to fly from John Wayne Orange County Airport to Dallas, Texas to Miami, Florida to Santiago, Chile. (We were to spend a few days in Santiago before flying to Arica in northern Chile and then travel by rickety bus to a Chilean army campground on a plateau west of the Andes.)
“Attempted to fly…”
The pilot of our flight couldn’t land in Santiago due to poor visibility. With only an hour's worth of fuel left—the pilot was insensitive enough to announce this—he requested permission to fly to Mendoza, Argentina.
No problem, you might think...wrong! Chile and Argentina were having skirmishes at the time—border disputes—and weren't on friendly terms. Do you remember the book and movie "Alive"—the fact-based story about a plane crash in the Andes Mountains?—I won't go into details about what the passengers did in order to survive.
With only a half-hour of fuel left, the pilot flew over that same part of the Andes. He even mentioned that we were flying over Aconcagua, the same mountain! Can you imagine how terrifying this was—crossing the Andes Mountains in an aircraft with only a half-hour of fuel remaining?!?
When we landed in Mendoza, the passengers had to remain on the plane while it was refueled—with the windows covered.
A life goal on my bucket list ....
The goals on my bucket list are all related to travel. I am fortunate enough to have visited more than 30 countries, island nations, and island dependencies. I would love to travel to all 50 of these United States. I would love to travel to 100 countries. I would love to take an around-the-world cruise or a cruise around South America.
These would be “working vacations.” I would write, photograph, and remember. I would share what I learned.
What I most look for in a friend...
I look for honesty. If I do something that’s wrong in any way, I want my friend to tell me—to volunteer the information without my having to ask. If I ask for advice, I want an honest answer.
I also look for loyalty. I don’t want a friend who runs hot and cold—someone who’s my friend one week, who doesn’t care about me the next, and then is my friend again the week after that.
Something I will never part with...
I will never part with my 17.3” laptop computer, my scanner, my digital SLR camera and associated lenses, my digital movie camera, my Kindle Fire tablet and accompanying stylus, my two models of Kindle e-book readers, and my passport.
A life lesson I will never forget....
I’m an individual, I don’t fit into a mold, I don’t behave or act or do what everyone else does merely as a means of “fitting in”—and that’s OK.
The worst part of getting older...
I have no idea what the worst part is of getting older. Is there a “worst part”? As each day passes, I become smarter and savvier. I look, listen, experience, learn, share my knowledge, and help others.
“Old” is a state of mind. I’ll become more mature, but I won’t become old.
A writing lesson I learned the hard way...
I’m very sorry, but I can’t answer this question. I have asked a few people what the question means, and I haven’t found anyone who understands the question.
Regarding writing, the best advice I can give anyone is... write. Don’t ever stop. Write about what you know, write what you feel, express yourself. There was a period after I joined HubPages during which I considered stopping writing. Dave Roome, one of my first HubPages friends and an excellent writer, convinced me to continue writing. I wrote a series of haiku dedicated to Dave, whose HP pseudonym is thejeffriestube called Haiku My Heartfelt Thoughts and Emotions in 17 Syllables.
My favorite movie and why...
I very rarely go to the movies, and I don’t watch television. I don’t have a favorite movie, television program, actor, or actress. I enjoy Disney films — the older ones. I especially enjoy the original Fantasia, not the sequel…for its creativity, artwork, animation, and music
What subjects / genres do you enjoy reading/ about ?
Before I began writing for HubPages, I read an average of 2-½ books per weeks. I read mysteries, historical fiction, and travel books. I also read computer technology and software-related books. Since I began writing for HubPages, I don’t have nearly as much time for reading. I’ve just about eliminated all of my reading for pleasure. The only books I have time to read now are ones that will help me advance my career as a copy editor, technical editor, publisher of e-books (converting the books from text to e-book format), and Web graphic artist.
What would be a subject/ genre that you would like to read more/ about...
I would like to read more collections of short stories written by the author for whom I’m working. He writes in several genres. His short stories, I think, have the widest audience appeal. The subject matter varies. They’re extremely good.
I would also read more poetry. Poems often use few words to express great thoughts or emotions. I like that.
Can you take us to a favorite piece of writing on HubPages by you that does not get much traffic...
One of my articles was awarded the 2012 HubPages Hubbie for Most Interesting Hub. Surprisingly, the article, Comet Halley (Halley's Comet), receives much less traffic than my craft how-to or museum / art history Hubs.
I was invited by HubPages to be in the beta test group for the Apprenticeship Program. This is the very first group. We began the program on March 1, 2012 and completed the program on August 31, 2012. Thirty - three people were in the group on March 1st. Only 18 people completed the six - month program. We're no longer Apprentices. We're Apprentice Alum. We have a green 'a' on our HP profile photos.
What song makes you want to pack up and leave the party...?
If you're asking what song I like the least, the answer is easy. The song that drives me crazy is “It's a Small World” by The Walt Disney Company. The song is sung repeatedly during a boat ride in Disney World’s FantasyLand in Anaheim, California and also at the other Disney parks. Whenever I hear that song, it becomes stuck in my head for hours, refusing to leave. Just answering your question has caused me to “hear” the song.
Your article, Dance Music of the 1970s: What is Disco Music?, gave me ideas for how to stop "hearing" that song. Of the many great disco hits you reminded me of, I selected Thelma Houston's "Don't Leave Me This Way". Hoping this is a bit easier on the ears, one of my all - time favorites!
Thelma Houston: Don't Leave Me This Way
Thank you, Daisy....
To honor your Half Birthday today, the HubLadies and I would like to take you on the trip of your dreams.
The Supremes song: "Love Train" will take us to our destination. So, up to you, Daisy... where shall we go?
Enjoy your special day. Thanks for taking the time to be interviewed.
© Maria Jordan (revised July, 2015)
Supremes "Love Train"
Comments
Bobbi,
Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me. I appreciate your very kind words.
Hi,
I really enjoyed reading this hub---it was great to read about someone I do not know personally but someone I admire. Because Daisy is always very kind and positive as she spreads fellowship to one and all.
Bobbi Purvis
Tehjib,
It's nice to "see" you again. Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me and adding your comment. I hope you have an opportunity to read some of Maria's other interviews. She's done an outstanding job with them.
I must say the interviewer and the interviewee was dynamic here. Very insightful, clear and interesting interview. Voted up!
idigwebsites,
Thanks for reading and commenting in Maria's interview of me. I appreciate it.
Very insightful and interesting interview. We're glad to see Daisy's unique opinions and advices about everything in life. Voted up etc.
Cathy,
Thanks for reading my interview and posting your very kind comments. I appreicate it.
Wonderful interview.
I loved what Daisy had to say about getting older, "Is there a “worst part”? As each day passes, I become smarter and savvier. I look, listen, experience, learn, share my knowledge, and help others. I totally agree with her." My experience as well, great stuff!!
voted up!
Maria,
Thanks, once again, for the opportunity to be interviewed by you.
Merry Christmas to your family and you.
Eddy (Eiddwen),
Thanks for commenting in the interview which Maria did of me. Maria has a knack for asking questions which cause her interviewees to think. Her questions and the resultant articles are terrific.
Another wonderful hub in this brilliant series Maria.
Great work and here's to so many more to follow.
Enjoy your weekend.
Eddy.
Maria (marcoujor),
It was an honor to be interviewed by you. Thank you so much.
Linda (Sunshine625),
Thanks for reading my interview again. Maria is such a great interviewer.
Look who I found! MM and Daisy! Fab interview as always! :)
Maria,
Thanks very much. I feel that if someone takes the time to comment in an article in which I'm interviewed, I want to honor their comment by responding.
Maria (marcoujor),
I hope I haven't missed anyone. I tried to post a reply to everyone who commented.
Linda (Sunshine625),
Thanks for visiting Maria's interview of me a second time.
moonlake,
It's nice to "see" you again. Thanks for reading my interview. Thanks, too, for viewing my Comet Halley video and article. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Genna East,
Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me. I appreciate your very kind words here, and in the comments you've been posting in my Hubs.
Myz (unknown spy),
Thanks for reading my interview and adding your comment. I appreciate your very kind words.
Rasma (Gypsy Rose Lee),
Thanks for reading my interview and adding your wonderful comment. I appreciate your continued support of my writing.
If you can get to Southern California from Riga, Latvia, we can go a red-headed road trip and visit all 50 states.
Vincent,
It's nice to "see" you again. I've enjoyed reading your poetry since the *SR* days.
Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me and adding your comments. I appreciate your very kind words.
Brenda (Hyphenbird),
It's nice to meet you. Thanks for reading my interview. I appreciate your very kind words.
mckbirdbks,
It's nice to meet you. Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me and adding your comment. I hope you have a chance to read some of my Hubs.
Frank,
Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me and adding your comment. I hope you have the opportunity to read some of my articles.
Ish (ishwaryaa22),
Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me and adding your comment. I appreciate your continued support of my writing.
Martie,
Thanks for visiting again. I'll occasionally send e-mails to my fellow HubPages writers when I spot misspelled words or other minor *ooops* in their Hubs.
I've been writing and editing professionally for more years than I'd care to admit, and it's work that I get paid for. The person with whom I have the consulting contract now...not a fellow HP writer...is most definitely compensating me for my work.
The profile picture I use for my HP work is one that I used on my bio page in one of the Information Technology books for which I was the Technical Editor. My real name (not my pseudonym) actually appears in the credits for a number of books.
Deborah,
Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me and adding your comment. I appreciate it.
Sheila (sgbrown),
It's nice to "see" you again. Thanks for commenting.
Maria's interviews are great! Her questions are very inciteful.
Mary (mary615),
Thanks for reading my interview and adding your comment. I appreciate it.
Joyce (writer20),
It's nice to meet you. Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me and adding your comment.
Mary (tillsontitan),
Thanks for reading and commenting in Maria's interview of me. I appreciate your very kind comments.
Rosemary (Rosemay50),
Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me and adding your comment. I'm glad you've enjoyed my geography quizzes. I hope to create another one soon.
Pam (Pamela99),
Thanks for reading and commenting in Maria's interview of me. Thanks, too, for reading and commenting in my Hubs.
Mohan (Docmo),
Thank you for taking time from your very busy schedule, my friend, to read Maria's interview of me. I appreciate your continuous support of, and encouragement for, my writing.
Thanks, once again, for creating *Daisy Mariposa with a Pearl Earring*. It's very special to me.
Rich (rcrumple),
Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me. Thanks, too, for your very kind words and your support of my writing. I can always count on you to read my articles soon after they're published. I appreciate it.
Nellieanna,
It's nice to meet you. I very much appreciate the very kind words you had to say about me. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and your writing.
The Frog Prince,
It's nice to meet you. Thanks for reading and commenting in Maria's interview of me.
bravewarrior,
It's nice to meet you. Thanks for your very kind words here, and in the HubPages fan mail you sent me. I appreciate it.
Martie,
Thanks for reading my interview and commenting. I appreciate your adding your very kind words. I guess I really am one-of-a-kind...and I like that.
Car51,
It's nice to meet you. Thanks for reading my interview and adding your comment.
Audrey (vocalcoach),
Thanks for reading my interview and for your comments about how great an interviewer Maria is. Maria elicited answers from me which I didn't know I had!
Vinaya,
Thanks for reading my interview and adding your comment. I value our friendship and appreciate your very kind words.
Laurinzo,
Thanks for your very kind words about both Maria and me. I appreciate it.
Dana,
Thanks, my friend, for reading Maria's interview of me and for adding your very kind words.
There's an icecream truck that's been driving through my neighborbood for the past few days...playing "It's a Small World." Just writing my comment has caused the song to start playing again...help!
Joseph (Lord De Cross),
It's nice to "see" you again. How nice of you to remember that we both used to live in Union, New Jersey!
Thanks for your very kind words about Maria's interview of me.
Janine,
Thanks for reading Maria's interview and sharing and tweeting it.
Thanks, too, for being such a great supporter of Maria's interview series.
Terrye (TToombs08),
Thanks for reading Maria's interview of me and commenting. I appreciate it.
Sunnie Day,
It's nice to "see" you again. Thanks for commenting. Maria is a talented interviewer. I'm happy to be among the writers she chose to interview.
Bill (billybuc),
Thanks for commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed reading my interview.
Daisy, you're welcome. I'm glad you did because your interview is shining!
Rema (remaniki),
Thank you for your very kind words. I appreciate it.
Alecia,
Thanks for commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed reading my interview.
Writing is an ongoing learning process. One should never stop writing...or learning.
Linda (Sunshine625),
Thank you for encouraging me to be interviewed by Maria. I appreciate it very much.
Maria enjoyed your interview with Daisy. I didn't realize I was so behind in checking out all the interviews. I have been to Daisy's Comet Halley (Halley's Comet) hub and enjoyed it. Love the music on it on Comet Halley.
Great hub voted uP!
(I’ve been away for the past ten days and haven’t had time to comment; so I’m just now catching up with this terrific series. )
I’ve only begun to read Daisy, recently, and what a pleasure this has been. We both hail from the same state, originally, and any Jersey girl is a gal of substance. I especially liked her comment, “I’m an individual, I don’t fit into a mold, I don’t behave or act or do what everyone else does merely as a means of “fitting in”—and that’s OK.” She is an assistant to a writer, but Daisy, herself, is a very talented writer. I am so pleased that Dave Roome convinced her to keep writing! Thank you, Maria and Daisy, for this fascinating interview. :-)
wow,,,so this is daisy.. beautiful woman with such an amazing talent.
Voted up and awesome as always Maria. Daisy is one fantastic lady and I just love reading her hubs. Since she has the same dream I do one day I wouldn't mind traveling the 50 states with her. Hugs to you.
Another masterpiece interview of a very talented creative writer. I've had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of times in the Hubs and in FB. She is very talented and I know her author that she works for has to be delighted with her brilliant assist. Every great author needs a brilliant assistant to keep them on track and inspired. I'm certain that Daisy is definitely an inspiration in so many ways. Bravo for this wonderful interview Maria. We all got to know a little more about Daisy Mariposa.
Ah, what a nice lady. Somehow she is (like another of your interviews) just as I expected. I love the sweet nature and gentle heart. Thank you Daisy for honoring us with your contributions to the writing world.
Maria,
I am honored, my friend, that you included me among the talented writers in your terrific interview series. Your questions were very thought-provoking. They encouraged me to verbalize about myself, something I rarely do.
As you suggested, I am going to be posting notes to thank those of your readers who mentioned me in their comments after reading your interview. Thank you for the opportunity to do so.
mar, your interview series is becoming the benchmark which all other interview series will be measured against.
Maria, thank you for exposing and showing off hubbers in this format.. I don't know Daisy Mariposa.. but you clearly brought her to light in this showcase.. bless you girl Frank
A wonderful interview! Daisy is really a very talented hubber! I enjoyed reading her craft and quiz hubs. Looking forward to more engaging interviews from you! Way to go, both of you!
Thanks for SHARING. Awesome & Interesting. Voted up
Good morning, Maria and Daisy. I normally wake up in the morning with something on my mind that has really intrigued me the previous day.
This morning it was Daisy's statement, "I work from home as an assistant to a very talented writer. I do Internet research, fact checking, and copy editing (editing for grammar, syntax, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, inconsistency in logic, inaccuracy of facts)."
Daisy is a highly accomplished writer - one of the bests in HubPages. Surely she deserves to be properly recognized by any writer for the work she is doing for him? I always give credit to others when they had checked my work for grammar errors, and to anybody who had contributed to a hub of mine, even to those who had only inspired me to write a specific hub.
Now I wonder, what is the etiquette about this. I guess Daisy regards her work as merely 'helping a friend', so she would not mind not being acknowledged. But the 'very talented' writer ought to do the 'right thang' by mentioning her name in his/her writings, stressing his/her gratefulness for her contributions to his/her success.
For me this is quite a sensitive issue, as I have spent most of my life 'behind the curtains' keeping kings and queens on their thrones. Today it seems to me that I've wasted time and energy on them instead of on myself.
Yes, Daisy's statement made me wake up this morning in the pool of bitterness I try to avoid. My hat off for her for doing so much for another writer without being recognized. Or maybe I am wrong, maybe Daisy regards a financial remuneration as more than enough.
Daisy, I really hope you are happy and contented!
Hugs to you!
wow Daisy is a great hubber.. this is a great interview.. great lady..
Hope Daisy had a great birthday..
Blessings
Debbie
What a wonderful interview! Daisy sounds like an amazing woman! You have done a wonderful job once again!
Happy Birthday Daisy, you are a remarkable woman! :)
Thanks for giving us the chance to know Daisy better. She is truly a talented writer and Hubber.
I voted this UP , etc.
Great interview with Daisy. Her last name in English means butterfly.
I've never heard of this lady before. I do wish her A very happy birthday.
It's good to get to know her.
Voted up and awesome, Joyce.
Daisy does marvelous things with the printed word and reading this hub just proves how talented and delightful she truly is. How lucky I am to be following both of you talented ladies.
Another great subject Maria with your terrific comments and music choices.
Voted up, useful, and interesting.
A very interesting interview Maria. I used to take her geography quizes but never seemed to do very well. Lol.
Daisy I read the book 'Alive' so can imagine just what was going through your mind, A terrifying experience for you and everyone else.
It was nice to hear the story behind the profile picture too.
Loved both choices of music Maria, once again you have done an awesome job.
Maria, Again this is a very interesting hub. I don't know Daisy well, so it was nice to learn so much about her. This was really a very interesting hub and I will read some more of Daisy's hubs.
This is another great interview Maria. Daisy has been a good friend who originally introduced me to HH. Her apprenticeship journey and the constant stream of instructive hubs are an interesting read. I did the parody painting of the Vermeer when Daisy was doing many similar parodies of various Hubbers. I am delighted she has chosen it as her profile pic! thank you Maria for your enchanting series of interviews with so many interesting women writers here in hubville.
Great topic and great hub! Provides a greater understanding as to what makes up this tremendous hubber! Great Job! Up & Interesting
Another amazing Hubber, another woman I'd not previously met on Hubpages! Reading the comments following the interview, I gain even more insight into her personality and all its many facets. Such extraordinary versatility! Daisy is admirable in many respects and interested in a wide range of interest, some I share with her. I couldn't resist looking up Vinaya's interview of her, as well, which piqued my interest all the more!
As always, Maria, you bring your interviewees into clear light, in such a way as either to clarify my impressions of them or to introduce me to some I hadn't known, but now whom, as a result of your interviews, I'd very much like to know better - as in this case! I've peeked at Daisy's hubpage, too, and see so many worthwhile and interesting hubs to be purused! Thank you for opening another valuable Hubber to me. You always present the interviews so individually and attractively, too! It's my pleasure to come and read them!
What a showcase of talent this is turning into Maria. Starting to brainstorm the Texas Hubber shindig!
The Frog
Maria, I love this series. I've met people I didn't know before you brought them to light. What an interesting woman!
Daisy is living my dream. I think I need to hit the follow button and learn from her!
Daisy is indeed an individual in an exclusive Daisy-mold. She really behave and act her authentic self. Her hubs are unique with high educational value.
Again, marcoujor, you published an excellent interview.
Like Daisy, I also celebrate my half birthday! What a wide array of writings! Thanks for introducing me to Daisy! Is Daisy Maripose a pseudonym? How lovely to link a daisy to a butterfly!
Maria - These are interesting questions. I enjoyed Daisy's answers and getting to know her better. You do a great job with your interviews. Better than a "talk show" so I'm giving you a hubtime award. "And...the hubscer award goes to - marcoujor! Up and sharing.
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