Interview: Dana Strang
Meet Dana....
I first met Dana Strang, also known as DanaTeresa, when my friend Linda (Sunshine625) introduced us a couple months ago.
From Haiku's to her Crazy Cemetery Series, I have found Dana's writing to be fresh, creative and most interesting.
I also appreciate Dana's commitment to writing. In the short time I have been reading her work, I see a strength and confidence emerging in her that is a joy to behold.
I think y'all will enjoy reading on and seeing how Dana proved some college professors very wrong in their creative writing assessments:
The times I feel most relaxed are....
When I am near water. Those are the times it is easiest for me to let go of everything and just enjoy the moment. The sight, sound, even the smell of being near water is so relaxing to me. It can be the ocean, a lake, pond, pool, fountain. I even like puddles! Splashing in rain puddles after a storm is such a simple joy.
The times I feel saddest are...
I suffer from bipolar disorder. I can honestly say that a period of bipolar depression is the time I feel the absolute saddest. It is the kind of core shaking, unrelenting sadness that makes every other kind of sadness seem trivial.
Something I'd like to teach others...
To be their very best self and to live the very best life they can, and to encourage others to do the same. It is something that I have just started learning. Those times I get it right are amazing.
My secret passion ... my dream job...
I keep very few secrets. I pretty much put it all out there, including my passions. At the very least share it them my closest friends. So if I do have a secret passion there is a reason its secret and I’m not about to let the cat out of the bag now!
My dream is to break out of the 9 to 5 office gig. It is just not for me!
Most hated gift I ever gave someone ..
I honestly don’t have an answer to this. I really enjoy giving gifts. I put my heart into it. I am sure there are things I have given that were “less than appreciated” but I hope no one hated them! And I never hated giving them.
The gift I could have done without ...
I really don’t get a lot of gifts. I appreciate every gift I have ever gotten. Even if the object is something I could do without, the act of gift giving makes it mean more than the object, and that is something I could never do without.
If you peeked in my junk drawer, you'd be surprised to find ...
Ha! Which junk drawer?! I am a bit of a packrat. I have a feeling I would be more surprised than anyone else by the things hiding in the backs of those drawers.
My date from Hades ....
I don’t have a real date to talk about here. Just like anyone else, I have had some great dates and some I’d rather not relive. One thing that makes for a hellish date is bad conversation. I would rather NO conversation. At least then I can listen to the voices in my head. J
My worst/ or funniest vacation story ...
I have a million vacation stories. All of them too are long to do justice in a short answer. I love a good vacation, especially road trips. You wouldn’t believe the things you can get at a truck stop! Let me just say, if you go on a vacation with me, you are coming back with at least a few stories, among other things.
A life goal on my bucket list ....
I actually don’t have a bucket list. The one thing I absolutely wanted to do was to go to Kenya. I was lucky enough to do that in college.
I would very much like to publish a book. Poetry or short stories. An actual physical book. Not an e-book. Nothing against those and it would be great if I could to do one. I just have this thing for books. I love them. To see my work in print and bound, to hold it, and open the cover and turn the pages…That would be the most amazing thing!
What I most look for in a friend...
Someone that I can be completely myself with and that will be completely themselves with me. Sharing everything - good or bad, happy or sad, sane or crazy, right or wrong. We love and understand each other unconditionally. Those are true friends. And I am lucky to say I have a few.
Something I will never part with..
My integrity.
A life lesson I will never forget....
.Listen to my inner voice more. I am still learning this one. That little voice is a better decision maker than an infinite amount of thinking.
The worst part of getting older...
Failing health.
A writing lesson I learned the hard way...
That I can really write and even possibly be a writer. Even when college professors were asking for copies of my papers I never thought anything more than “I am good at writing research papers”. Any sort of career at writing seemed as improbable as me being a Hollywood actress.In school, I got horrible grades in creative writing. I dropped out of a writing course in college out of pure terror.
But there was always that little voice that kept telling me maybe I could do it. When I came across HubPages, I listened to it. As usual, the voice was right. I have finally started exercising my voice as a writer. Shockingly, I enjoy creative writing more than anything else. I have a lot of learning and growing to do. Fortunately I have found a community where I can do that surrounded by talented and supportive people. I am excited to see where the journey takes me.
My favorite movie and why...
That is like putting me in a field of wildflowers and asking me to pick a favorite. There are so many wonderful movies, for so many different reasons.
I am oddly fond of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I think I could watch it every day. It has such a wonderful feel to it and Audrey Hepburn is just brilliant.
And then there is Gladiator. I have seen it well over one hundred times. I like the simple yet powerful story line, the action, the romance, the casting, the incredible cinematography and just the sound, look, and feel of the entire film. Plus, I adore Russell Crowe. OK. I admit it. I went through a brief obsessive phase. But I swear I like Gladiator for all those other reasons, in additional to Mr. Crowe.
What subjects / genres do you enjoy reading/ about ?
And here I am in that field of flowers again. Trying to decide which patch of flowers I like to look at best.
I enjoy good writing. It can be a poem, a novel, a romance, a mystery, a comic, even a textbook. If it has that certain something that captures my attention and pulls me through it, if I can get lost in it, that is what I enjoy reading most. Even better is when I am left with a feeling that lingers, or if I learn something. Those things stay with me long after I am done reading. That is what I really enjoy.
What would be a subject/ genre that you would like to read more/ about..
Again with the “pick one out of an infinite number” sort of question. Really? I was recently reminded how much I love mythology, especially Greek and Roman. It has been a while since I have read any. The stories and characters are captivating.
Can you take us to a favorite piece of writing on HubPages by you that does not get much traffic..
Can I say all of them?! My hubs really don’t get much traffic. I am horrible at self promotion. I spend absolutely no time on key words and SEO. I don’t tweet. I don’t have a website. I do participate in a fabulous facebook group. Guess if I want more people to read all of this drivel I am throwing out there, I better get on that. When I signed up for HubPages I told myself I could have about 6 months to get my feet wet and have fun. Time’s more than up. I better get to work!
What song makes you want to pack up and leave the party...?
Me, leave the party? You must be joking! I stay until the party’s over. Or until I am dragged out.
If you are asking what song I hate or what kills my party mood – I have a hard time listening to Van Halen. Not because the songs are bad. They are a talented band. I dislike David Lee Roth immensely. There is just something about him that makes me feel like he is an arrogant prick (can I say that?) {well, yeah, you just did...!!} and it ruins it for me.
Yes, I am a fan of “Van Hagar”. And yes, I am aware this is complete nonsense!
OK, I am feeling like a little Sammy Hagar: "I Can't Drive 55"...! I guess cuz I just can't either...!
Sammy Hagar: "I Can't Drive 55"
Thank you, Dana...
I have selected "Dance Fever" by The Supremes for you, Dana. It seemed like the perfect choice.
I have very much enjoyed getting to know you better. I also appreciate your heartfelt expression of gratitude:
Thank you again, Maria, for this amazing opportunity to share a little about myself with my fellow hubbers. I am truly honored. And to those of you who made it through to the end of this peek into my odd little world, thank you for stopping by! Oh, and go read some of my hubs! Please. Thank you.
You are most welcome, dear lady and I hope many will check out your amazing writing.
© Maria Jordan ( revised January, 2015)
The Supremes: Dance Fever
Comments
AUTHORSo true, Sunshine! Hope you and Dana are both feeling fine.
Dana, keeping your grandpa in my thoughts too. Hugs, Maria
Hey Dana and MM...Wow! I can't believe it's 13 months since this hub was written. Time flies when you are having fun! :)
- AUTHOR
Always good to see you, Dana...hope you are having a good week.
Dotti - thank you for visiting and for sharing this. the popularity of the cemetery stories was such a pleasant surprise. I was a little afraid to write them thinking that I might offend people. turned out to be quite the opposite. I am working on a few more, then I will compile the best ones and see if I can expand them into a book
MARIA - thank you again for this wonderful interview. I enjoyed it immensely.
- AUTHOR
D. Juris Stetser,
How wonderful that you stopped by to say such lovely things about a truly beautiful lady...I know Dana will be delighted to see you as well!
I just love this and of course most of all because its about Dana...She is such a big-hearted, warm and loving person, and I fell in love with her cemetery stories.. a wonderful sense of humor, and a wonderful person to boot. Love the Dana you portrayed, and I'm sure she is such a multi-faceted person, you could
have written hundreds more words about here. great hub and sharing, voted up, and every button they have!
- AUTHOR
Dear Dana,
I agree...we are so blessed to be a part of this supportive community.
I do hope that you are being gentle with yourself and that you are feeling some comfort and peace with these days. My thoughts remain with you.
Hugs, Maria
Happy New year :)
Debbie - How nice of you to stop by again. Thank you for your kind words. You are such a sweet friend... We cannot choose what life hands us. We can try to make the best of it. That is a lesson I am learning each and every day. Support from friends like you sure makes it easier. hugs.
Laurinzo - I am also gald that you found this article. What better way to learn a little more about me than through one of Maria's brilliant interviews. I am happy to call you a friend.
schoolgirlforreal - "a hubpages celebrity" - really? Sweet! Do I get an entourage? Will there be paparazzi? Hmm. Does that mean that I can't hub in PJs and messy hair? Of course it doesn't! ...Thank you for you kind compliment to my character. As I said in my comment to Debbie, all I do is try to make the best of things. My strength comes from great friends like you.
web923 - Thank you for following. Glad you liked that sundae poem. It amazes me how some of my most spontaneous and often oddest work is the most enjoyed. I look forward to seeing you around.
MARIA - thank you again for this great interview. I really did enjoy it. Thank you also for your kind words regarding the loss of my little brother. I miss him terribly. I have gotten so much support from fellow hubbers. What a great community.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all.
- AUTHOR
Thanks to schoolgirlforreal and web923 for stopping by and your kind wishes to Dana.
It's fascinating to read about other writers . The interview was extremely interesting and well done. I'm looking forward to following Dana and reading some of her poetry.
I'm very happy to read such a wonderful article about a hubber I truly admire who in my observation shows true strength in dealing with adversity. I applaud you Maria for another awesome and interesting hub on what I call "a hubpages celebrity" :) ;) Happy New Year!
- AUTHOR
Dear Laurinzo and Deb,
Thank you both so much for your kind words to Dana. Our hearts are all with her and her family with the recent loss of her brother.
Hoping everyone had a peaceful Christmas and hugs to all, Maria
Maria..I simply had to read this again about Dana.. I loved it then and I loved it more now.what a wonderful person Dana is and Maria you are so awesome to write about this wonderful woman and writer.
Dana you have been through so much. My heart goes out to you my dear.
Many blessings
Sharing again
Debbie
Don't know how I missed this one before; but glad it got shared ... very well done ladies
Dana is a very interesting person, a great writer, and a good friend
Laurinzo
- AUTHOR
Yipee! Linda, thank you for reminding DEAR Dana and I am LOOKING forward to the continued series.
Hugs to you both, Maria
LINDA - you are right! you reminded me that I am halfway through one. It's a good one too. Hopefully will make you jump, cringe, and laugh.
Dana continues to crack me up! We're due for another cemetary story :)
- AUTHOR
Thanks for sharing your HEART, Dana! Hugs, Maria
lovedoctor926 - Thank you for giving my work a shot. Hope I can turn out some great work for you!
bravewarior - Some great things to have in common, don't you think?
Thank you again, Maria, for letting me share a little about myself. :)
- AUTHOR
Sha, It is SIMPLY lovely to SEE you here, where I would agree that the 'three' of us have the DESIRES as DESCRIBED by Dana!
Hugs to you both, Maria
Maria, thank you for this insightful look into Dana. She and I seem to have a few things in common, such as calming waters, believing in yourself and wanting to lose the 9 to 5. Great job, once again!
- AUTHOR
Lovedoctor, Thanks for your LOVELY comment about Dana.
Hugs to you both, Maria
Awesome interview questions. Dana comes across as a sincere person. I just recently started reading her work. Looking forward to reading more.
- AUTHOR
After 60 hours without power, I am so happy to come back to say HI to y'all... I missed you and appreciate seeing these amazing comments to Dana:
Dana-- Followers, new and old, are DEVOTED to you due to your writing. This is DELIGHTFUL.
drbj-- You have DAZZLED me with your DESCRIPTORS starting with 'D'...!
Mary-- Thank you for your MESMIRIZING MIX of MATERIAL.
b. malin-- Your remarks are BUOYANT!
Genna-- You plant a GARDEN in your GREETINGS.
Peggy-- Your POINTS PROVIDE much PLEASURE.
Hoping it won't be too long before I am able to get around and visit each of you. Hugs to all, Maria
Dana. It's nice to meet you here through Maria and her interview series. What a wonderful outlook on life. I really liked what you said about the gifts you receive and give. Truly admirable.
I hope you have fun on your cruise.
Hello Maria. Another terrific choice. Love
Peg
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!
Thank you MARIA for doing such a great job with this, as if I had any doubts that you would. You are so very talented at bringing out the best an most unuqie qualities of each and everyone you interview. You are such a pleasure to be interviewed by. I am so fortunate that you chose to spend your time and talent on me...... Nice song choices too. How did you know I have a lead foot?!
THANK YOU to all of the HUBBERS that have taken the time to read this interview. Special thanks to those who took the extra time to comment. I appreciate each and every one of you more than I can express in a single comment (I am a wordy gay, and as you must have gathered by now, prone to typos too!)... I graciously accept all offers of hugs, adoption, fans and follows, reads and shares....
To those friends that I am aquainted with, I treasure each and every one of you for making my laugh, lifitng me up, pushing me forward, and setting an example of what good writers and good people are. I would single out who is who, but each of you all are all of that to me. HubPages, the way it has let me finally write, what I have learned here, and the friendships I have made have saved my life in more ways that one ....
For those of you who are new friends (some of you I recognize from your work, a few names are new and I will be checking you out) thank you for giving me a shot. I hope you like what you see....
I am so truly grateful each and every time my work is read and appreciated. I write for the joy of it and also because something inside me says that I have something worth sharing. Thank you for letting me share it with you all.
As some of you know, I am in the midst of some trying times (And also going on a last minute cruise!) so I have not been hubbing as much as I like. I am always writing even if only in my head, and will share it with you as much as I can. Hope you continue to enjoy it.
THANK YOU :)
Thank you for introducing me to Dana. I’m looking forward to reading her “Crazy Cemetery Stories” and her Haiku, which I love. I especially liked her answer to what she would never part with: ‘My integrity.” Wonderful interview, Maria and Dana. :-)
I have been Following Dana's Hubs, always find them to be a Rewarding Read. So, Maria, once again, you have done a Fellow Hubber justice in this Wonderful Interview.
Dana is truly an outstanding person....working against all odds she continues to write and do it well. I have to admit though I've read some of Dana's work I am not a follower but you can rest assured I will rectify that ASAP.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
Thanks to you, Maria, Darling Dana appears to be a Delightful writer so I will Dash off to Discover her Dissertations. :)
- AUTHOR
MIGHTY glad to MEET you, Mhatter!
RIGHT nice of you to stop by today, Rich!
ENJOY your day as well, eddy...
Always so GOOD to see you, Gypsy.
Hi to Dana and thanks to y'all for saying such wonderful remarks!
Thank you for the great introduction to Dana Maria. Enjoyed much. I agree with her that any place near water is a very relaxing place and I'd join her for Breakfast at Tiffany's if only Audrey could join us too. Hugs.
I have not come across Dana but after eading this I will now be looking out for her. Thanks for sharing this great hub Mar and here's to so many more to come.
Enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Maria -
Dana is a great person that I am well familiar with. Her writings will take you from cheeseburgers to volcanoes and circle around to graveyards. She has so much talent yet to share. A great person, and of course, another great interview by a great interviewer!
Thank you for sharing this marvelous interview.
- AUTHOR
AW shucks, Audrey, You are an AMAZING ANCHOR AROUND here at HubVille!
Nellieanna, You are also a NEVERENDING source of kindness and support.
Ruby, Both you and Dana have a natural RADIANCE in your poetry.
Thanks to each of you for your supportive remarks to Dana and hugs to y'all, Maria
Well I must admit, ( again ) I do not know Dana but i want to. When she stated that she wrote poetry, I was hooked. She appears to be a fun-loving person, my kind of people. Thank you both for a most enjoyable interview. Another winner Mar...Cheers
I'm delighted to meet Dana! Her interview presents such a likable, warm, authentic person, I was instantly 'at home' with her. I felt I'd known her for a long time.
That is endearing trait in anyone, especially a writer, and it's one that is impossible to fake. It's not anything specific which she says or omits specifically, even in body language; but rather it's her essence which just permeates what comes forth from her. One senses a true-blue soul.
I almost named "Breakfast At Tiffany's" as one of my very most favorite movies. I have all Audrey Hepburn's movies. Another one I love was almost her first American acting job - "Roman Holiday". It's a precious movie you'd love if you don't already know and love it! She managed to have the most appealing leading men, too! Gregory Peck in "Roman Holiday" is an example. :-)
Of course, there are also specific things which are enormously appealing and interesting in Dana's interview and in her profile. I absolutely know I must get to know her better! In addition to being an outstanding person, she's a top-notch writer. Smooth, clear, original metaphors, grammatically pristine, natural, humorous - - well, you get the idea. I like it!
Paula, maybe I can be Dana's great-auntie Nellie? I couldn't be her aunt since you're too young to be my sister! :-)
Maria - you're the guardian angel of this family of kindred spirits!
Ohhhh, Maria - You do an amazing job with your interviews. You're better than Oprah! As I read through this hub and learned something about Dana, I just wanted to reach out and hug her. I love how open and forthright she is. Thank you so much for introducing me to this very unique lady. Will go to her hubsite and do what I can to increase traffic.
And I'm sharing this all over the place. You are MAGNIFICENT MARIA!
- AUTHOR
Good Afternoon, Y'all,
I am hoping DEAR Dana will be as pleased with these DEDICATED comments as I am. Thanks so much to each of you for stopping by and I do hope to visit you at some point soon:
Linda, You are DIVINE.
Mary, You are DETERMINED to be a sweetheart.
Daisy, Your DEVOTION to Dana is beautiful.
Car51, It's DOWNRIGHT awesome to see you!
Janine, You are as DARLING as those Peeps!
Bill, Your comments are as DISTINGUISHED as you.
Lizzy, You make me DIZZY with happiness, lovely lady!
Paula, Could you do DOUBLE DUTY if I wanted to join in...I promise to clean up!
Mike, You are just as DROLL as Dana...and that's a good thang!
Martie, You rightfully point out our DIVERSITY and our universality.
Jools, Your DESCRIPTIONS are right on!
Pamela, As usual, your remarks are so DIGNIFIED.
Docmo, You are so right! Dana is our DYNAMIC star!
Vinaya, Your visits are DISTINCTIVE.
Alecia, You are so DELIGHTFUL.
Joyce, You DELIVER the coolest comments.
Sharkye, Nice to meet you, lovely DEMEANOR.
Terrye, You are so DREAMY about your girlcrush.
Deb, I DEEPLY appreciate your visit.
Have a good night y'all and Hi to Dana. Hugs, Maria
I Love Dana she is one of the nicest and funest hubbers.. and on facebook she is great!! I love you Dana.. this is a great hub another great interview..
many blessings my friend
Debbie
A great interview on my little girlcrush, Dana! Voted up and more! :)
Another great interview. I love reading these and gaining a little insight to the hubbers behind the usernames!
Another great interview with Dana who I have not met yet.
It is so good to learn about her. Now I'm off to her hubpage.
Voted up and beautiful, Joyce.
Another great interview! I loved learning more about Dana! Voted up and interesting.
This is the first time I'm reading about Dana. Maria, thanks for introducing another good writer. I hope to follow Dana's works in near future.
Regards
Dana is a bundle of energy. Underneath that wild, funny, tattooed rock chick exterior lies a smart, intelligent, wonderful writer who has oodles of talent and a very bright future. I'm delighted to be her friend here and on FB as she cracks me up.. she'll make a great drinking buddy. The interview here again proves her multifaceted personality and how she overcomes her personal struggles- like many of us here- and aspires for the stars. You know what, she'll get the stars! Heck, she IS a star. Thank you Mar.
It is very enjoyable to read about Dana as I have not run across her Hubs before, but will check them out now. This is another great hub about one of our gals. Voted up!
Maria, another interesting interview about one of my fave hubbers - her cemetery stories are a hoot :o) And her cat stories....and her poetry.....I could go on.... :o)
The more interviews I read, the more I realize how unique everybody is, but also how much we are all alike. Dana's comments in FB often make me smile - she is spontaneous, always friendly and supportive.
Thanks, Mar, for another enjoyable interview :)
Another interesting interview mar, with such a finely tuned sense of humor, Dana Strang will certainly become a recognized writer.
Maria.....I'm preparing the adoption papers! Dana is so sweet and refreshingly authentic, I'm stealing her to be the daughter I never had! I am once again taken aback by the fact that I have not met another wonderful author, until your gracious introduction! I'd be glad to compensate you, Maria, for your incredible PR work, but I could never afford you.....you're too good!
Dana, so nice to meet you....I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. What color would you like your room painted? Trust me, I'll be a "cool" Mom......I had great teachers!!
I'm off to your profile page!
This was a pleasure to read. Dana is not only funny, she is an excellent poet. I remember her first Haiku ...... Enjoyed getting to know Dana more, and from her answers you can tell she has a beautiful heart. And she loves the water, aww.... Just like me :)
Thank you, Dana, for letting us get closer to you, and Maria, for bringing this wonderful writer to us. Hugs to you both :)
Maria, another wonderful job and interview. You do so well with these, and I look forward to every single one of them.
Oh awesome interview and I love Dana. My favorite article by her is /her Easter Peeps article, because I love those candies and she just did them such justice!! Another great interview on yet again another wonderful woman Hubpages writer. Have of course voted and shared all over too!!
Dana has obviously discovered her passion -- writing! Her writing brings joy to so many people! Hopefully the interview will bring her more "traffic"!!
Maria,
Thanks for publishing this terrific interview of one of my favorite writers...and favorite people. Your questions elicite responses from people on subjects about which I'll bet they never verbalized.
As I told my friend Dana just the other day, she's a much better writer than she thinks she is. Dana publishes collections of haiku on subjects about which other people don't write, such as socks. Her series of cemetery stories are so funny, they cause me to laugh until I cry and my ribs hurt.
Well done. Maria! Well done, Dana!
Thanks for letting us know Dana a little better. A great interview.
I voted this UP and awesome.
Dana's Crazy Cemetery Stories are very interesting and funny. Maybe I like morbid humor, if so, I say bring it on Dana! More!!!
Dana is a wonderful person, writer and friend. Awesome interview ladies!!!
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