Getting to Know Shauna Bowling
The Latest on Sha...
- Meet Bravewarrior (a self-interview writing challenge)
As is true of most writers, I'm not comfortable talking about myself. However, as writers, we grow when we accept challenges and venture outside our comfort zones. Read on to learn what makes me tick.
Meet Shauna....
Over these weeks, I have discovered that Shauna Bowling is a woman after my own heart. She wears her rose - colored glasses 24 / 7 and always reminds me of the power of positive thinking and determination.
Join us as we learn (even more in Part 2) about Shauna and what puts a sparkle in her step:
The times I feel most relaxed are....
I love sitting outside. I have a little bistro set on my front porch and a gazebo with an adjacent outside living room I've created on my back porch. My property is abundant with trees. I love to have my morning coffee outside and watch Mother Nature's world wake up. I have hawks, red-headed woodpeckers, owls, hummingbirds, butterflies, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, bats.... so much nature at my feet! Evenings are nice too. I love the sound of the night bugs singing in the trees.
The times I feel saddest are...
Other than the death of a loved one or beloved pet, I can honestly say I don't really ever feel sad. I feel "down" from time to time, but that's my psyche's signal for me to take a break and "empty out".
Something I'd like to teach others...
Always be true to yourself. You cannot be there for others, or offer advice and guidance if you are not first true to yourself. You must be honest with yourself and admit when you are wrong or when an unpleasant situation, directly affecting you (or others), occurs and causes strife. You need to take a look. One thing I've learned through life, is to go inside and ask myself, "what is the common factor?" in whatever situation it is that is making me unhappy or causing a down slide or causing it to perpetuate. The answer is ALWAYS, me! Granted, some things happen as a result of circumstances beyond our control, but allowing it to keep you from living life, from moving on and getting back on track is because you allow it to debilitate your momentum and become an excuse for not moving forward.
See it, accept it, pick yourself up by the bootstraps and fix it!
Additionally, I have a self-proclaimed motto by which I live: if it feels good do it, if it doesn't don't and when it stops, quit!
My secret passion ... my dream job....
Oh, this is a no brainer! My passion is writing. My dream is to once again become a full time writer and forgo my 8 - 5 job working for someone else. I have the drive, the equipment, the talent and the desire. I'd better get kickin' 'cuz I'm on the downside of the hill! (you know, over-the-hill!)
Most hated gift I ever gave someone ...
I wouldn't know. If I've ever given something someone hated, they were gracious enough to hide their dismay!
The gift I could have done without ...
Menopause!
If you peeked in my junk drawer, you'd be surprised to find ...
Ummmmm, I'm kind of anal. I don't have a junk drawer! Everything has it's place in my house!
My date from Hades ....
I don't know if I should go there. Let's just say, I feared for my life.
My worst/ or funniest vacation story ....
Growing up, we didn't take family vacations. We traveled to visit family, as my mom is one of ten. There was always someone to catch up with.
As an adult, I've never been in the financial position to take an actual vacation. I take a day here and a day there. I know, dull, huh?
A life goal on my bucket list ....
To actually take a vacation!!! Ha ha!
As previously stated, I want to become a full time writer. I have a novel in my head that I'd like to put on paper, then in print and become successful.
I'd also like to jump out of a plane (parachute!! parachute!!), but I don't know if I'd actually have the balls to do so at the nth hour!
What I most look for in a friend...
Understanding, patience, being able to sit quietly together without feeling uncomfortable and not being afraid to let me know when I've pissed them off.
Something I will never part with...
My cats. I chose a husband over my cats once. I ended up firing him. My cats are true. Lesson learned!
A life lesson I will never forget....
I actually have two that come to mind. The first is, cocaine kills. I had a bout with addiction and it killed my sense of responsibility. It killed my drive and credibility. I, fortunately, recognized what I was doing to myself, pulled myself up by the bootstraps and removed myself from temptation. In 1987 I moved to an area where I knew no one because I couldn't "just say no". I live in this area still today and gave birth to my son 20 years ago. He's got a stable life, having lived in the same house since he was two.
I've also had a dear friend die from cocaine overdose. Bad, bad news! Trust me folks, just say no!
The second, is don't go into debt to compensate for a spouse's inability to keep a job and help with finances. I'm still paying for it, which is the hugest (is that a word??) obstacle I have to overcome if I want to achieve my dream of becoming a full time writer. Think ahead. Have a dream on the horizon and don't make choices that make the climb harder! Choose a life partner who's a partner, not a cling - on!
The worst part of getting older...
The body parts don't keep up with the mind! Don't squat down - unless you can spring load yourself up off the floor! I've gotten pretty good at it actually!! :)
A writing lesson I learned the hard way...
Don't send emails telling how you really feel when you have a buzz on! Words can be wise, but they are also deadly weapons! If you have a bitch to bitch, wait a day before you hit the send button!
My favorite movie and why...
Love Story. I've seen the movie 8 times and read the book 11 times when I was in Catholic school. I love movies that make me cry. Crying is cleansing.
Another movie I watch whenever it comes on TV is Forest Gump. It's just an awesome story and takes place in the 60's. Magical times when so much was going on and America wasn't afraid to speak. And the music was awesome! In the 60's, even the music had a voice.
Forest Gump himself, although fictional, is the epitome of overcoming the odds to reach for and grab your dreams! He loved unconditionally and forever, his compassion was unwavering and his disability was enough so he wasn't wary of being himself (unlike we who have been conditioned to reach for dollars, forsaking strengthening our souls). In other words, he had the innocent heart and soul of a child, but the bravery of a lion! He cared and persevered even when he was turned away (Major Dan,Jenny). He beat the odds every single day of his life. Isn't it ironic that his innocence and keeping a promise to his "very best friend" made him a fortune! I think there's a lesson here, don't y'all? Very inspirational, not to mention phenomenal portrayal by all the actors!
What subjects / genres do you enjoy reading/ about ?
I love mysteries, suspense and the paranormal. My favorite authors are Dean Koontz, John Grisham and Iris Johansen. Stephen King, in his early days is a favorite, but once he changed his genre with the Dark Tower series, he lost my interest. I'm not much into the sci - fi genre.
What would be a subject/ genre that you would like to read more/ about...
I'd like to read viable solutions to overcoming/eliminating current debt. With the increase in the cost of living, increased interest rates, increased taxes, being a single parent and having a stagnant paycheck (no raise in over 4 years), I've had to "supplement" my income with credit cards. My current unsecured debt is almost as much as my annual salary. If I could eliminate my debt, I could put the necessary energy into fulfilling my dream of becoming a full time writer.
Billybuc wrote a hub on downsizing, ridding yourself of unnecessary "things", which was inspirational and informative, but doesn't address my current situation. On top of my unsecured debt, I have 13 years left on my mortgage and a car payment. I need real life solutions for those of us who are in real financial trouble!
Can you take us to a favorite piece of writing on HubPages by you that does not get much traffic...
Hmmm. I had to go to "my account" to look that up. I'd have to say, The Wind - Written in 1983
Thank you, Shauna....
Of all The Supremes songs I know and have learned for this series, "The Happening" most spoke to me of you, Shauna.
Thank you for agreeing to this interview and sharing yourself with us.
© Maria Jordan (revised November, 2014)
The Supremes: The Happening
Comments
AUTHORDear Dana and Sha,
The idea of getting together for tea and a lovely conversation sounds so appealing to me as well.
Thank you both for your wonderful comments. Hugs, Maria
Shauna - read and commented on the other one too! So very glad to have crossed paths with you here! :)
Dana, welcome to the inner me! I'm so glad you read Maria's awesome interview. There's actually a part two that I had balls enough to answer!
I'm very pleased that you see my spirit. It is what moves me and keeps me seeing life through rose-colored glasses!
I don't know why it took me so long to get to this one. What a beautiful woman! She has visited someof my work and I have appreciated her comments. These answers as SO different from mine. Yet I see a spirit and a heart that puts me at ease. I would love the chance for the three os us to sit and chat over coffee or tea. Something tells me it would be great.
- AUTHOR
Wonderful to see spy and Rahul stopping by to visit Sha with such lovely remarks... And a great excuse to wish you all a happy and peaceful 2013!
Love and hugs, Maria
Rahul, I miss you my brother. It seems you and I are both busy doing other things outside of HP. We need to catch up!
Well! Lovely to know about my cyber sista!
Shauna is a glowing ball of love and affection... She has been an outright support and has always been kind to me since the time we know each other...
We often dream together about .... meeting and discussing our interests ...
Love you sister and hats off to you Maria for interviewing her..
Brilliant interview
Sha is a super great amazing friend i have here in Hp. she's a true friend and very kind..we shared the Green tips series :) You really rocks Sha!!!! Way to go! love you
- AUTHOR
Dear Mary,
Thank you for taking the time to MEET SWEET Shauna. I believe the two of you will enjoy getting to know each other's work.
Hugs to you both, Maria
Mary, I appreciate your comment. I guess you hit me on a good day. My score ranges from 92 - 96. I think is has to do with postings. The more you post, your score goes down until you get comments and/or followings. I've been trying to figure it out myself!
It was nice to meet bravewarrior. Any Hubber with a score of 95 is one I'd like to be friends with! I admire bravewarrior for her honesty. She sounds like a wonderful person.
I have to go and acquaint myself with her.
- AUTHOR
moonlake, Sha is a SINCERELY passionate and dedicated writer...you will be MOST delighted with the poetry and essays you find in her corner.
Hugs to you both, Maria
Moonlake, Axel is a purebred Flame Point Himilayan. I have to have him shaved once a year because he gets matted. I've discovered male Himilayans have course hair and does not brush easily. If you're considering the breed, stick with females. I've never had a problem with their coats!
Loved the interview. What a cat Axel is one big boy. I don't know Shauna but will hop over to one of her hubs. Vote up.
- AUTHOR
You are BOTH SO SWEET... !
Yes! I ditto Shauna...Amen
Amen!
- AUTHOR
Gypsy-- Beckie-- Hyphen-- and Sha,
I am GRATEFUL, BLESSED, and HAPPY that we are SAFE after the STORM...Have a peaceful night. Hugs to y'all, Maria
Beckie, I hope you are faring well in this horrible storm. Used to, the hurricanes it us in Florida and never went your all's way. Wow, Mother Nature is on a rampage!
Hypenbird, thank you for your comment. It's people like you that keep us in the positive mode!
How could I not love someone with the name Bravewarrior? What an outstanding personality and spirit! Thank you both for making me aware of Shauna-Bravewarrior.
Shauna - I wanted to get this out to you before we lost power as the lights are starting to flicker.
You just gave me goosebumps! Obviously a much higher source is letting you know just how gifted you are.
Blessing to you and your friend from Upstate loves ya a bunch.
Beckie, I feel the same way about you. I was so distraught when you left us for a while. You are very dear to me. I've imagined us sitting on my porch taking in nature and talking more than once. You blew me away with 'she is the possessor of the white light'. Heaven, one of my other dear friends I've met thru HP calls me 'Light-Bringer'. That is just too weird and amazing at the same time.
You warm my heart continuously, Beckie. I count on you for my lightning bugs! Love ya lots, Beck!
I just found this and so glad I did or I never would have forgiven myself for not commenting. I had the beautiful pleasure of meeting Shauna when I was very new to Hub Pages. God blessed me because you couldn't ask for a kinder soul to welcome you aboard. She has always been an uplifting and inspirational source to me and I have grown to have a fond love for her as a dear friend. Every so often lightening strikes and God opens a doorway for a special soul to bless your path. That is my Shauna and I cherish her every day. She is a possessor of the white light.
She has just recently made a courageous and brave step towards her writing career and I am so proud of her. She truly is a Brave Warrior.
I am sending an eternal flight of fireflies to you Shauna.
Thank you Maria. It was a wonderful interview.
Gypsy, does Sid have long hair? My other two are Sheba and Shiloh. They came from the same litter but Shiloh looks like a seal point Himilayan and Sheba looks like a tabby. They both have gorgeous blue eyes, but I assume different daddy's. There mom was a pedigree Himilayan. I didn't know cats can be impregnated by more than one male at a time. Weird, huh?
Shauna Sid is a long hair breed with a huge fluffy tail. And when we adopted him he looked completely dark gray. Now two years later he is dark and light gray, some very light spots, golden brown and a few other colors. Wonder who his parents were. lol Anyway he is adorable. Who are the other two four footed loves in your life?
- AUTHOR
Simba, Your remarks are SINCERELY beautiful to a SPECTACULAR lady...Thank you for STOPPING by.
Keith, I pray that both you and Sha will have all KINDS of vacations in your future.
SALUTATIONS to Sha and hugs to y'all, Maria
KD, let me know where your vacation sends you. I don't know if I'll ever see one, but you never know, right?
Glab to meet you, bravewarrior! I'm in the same boat as you: taking a vacation is one of my goals LOL. THank you for another great interview, marcoujor :)
Jon, my oh my oh my! You are too kind, my friend. I am who I am and that's how I see others. I hate to see good people suffer heartache. I just try to offer some of my own experience. Maybe I shouldn't but I just can't help it.
I love you, too dear friend. I hope one day the oceans no longer divide us and we can sit and cry and laugh together!
Shauna is truly an Angel on earth !!!
She has helped me....... a total stranger with the most difficult and tramatic period of my life and I now consider her as a very good friend , in fact i would go as far to say that I love her !!! She writes awesome hubs and poetry and has more empathy that even heaven could handle. Her story may have started in the states but her life and love is felt all over the world , this is only capable by a heart as pure as Shauna's she lights the world with her soul.
I cannot express how much I care for this woman and I am positive that you will feel the same if you follow her amazing path here on hubpges.
Simba
- AUTHOR
Hi Y'all,
Ruby, Sha is the REAL deal, as far as authenticity and honesty, just like you...!
Martie, You weave MAGIC in your remarks and MAKE me smile from ear to ear. I am looking forward to your new piece and will be by MOMENTARILY.
Mickey, Please be MICKEY, goofy... We know you have MEDIOCRE,
MISGUIDED and MONSTROUS taste in MOST everythang yet we MANAGE to love you.
Eddy, It is EASY to see why we all love you so.
Pamela, Thanks for always knowing the PERFECT thing to say.
Heavenleigh, I am so HAPPY to see you here, thanks!
Gypsy, Great to see you at both interviews with your new GAL pal!
Sha, This is SERIOUSLY SWEET...thank you SUGAR!
Hugs to y'all, Maria
Gyps, as long as the body can get me around, I'm not so worried. The mind, however, must stay in tact! Axel (my booger boy) is one of 3 cats that share my life. He is a Flame Point Himilayan. The other two are Himilayan mixes I rescued. What type is your Sid?
Shauna is a great and passionate writer. Glad to see she also likes Stephen King. Enjoyed this much and I absolutely adore her Axel. My Sid got quite excited when he saw the picture. Let's keep being young at heart and mind Shauna I'm sure the body parts will follow along. Hugs.
Heaven, there is nothing more insulting to the beauty of music and what is does for our souls then repetition, annoying sounds, lack of melody and no message! Move me, soothe me, motivate me and make me want to sing and dance!
Love to you too, Heaven. You are very special to me!
Oh very cool!!!! Thank you Maria and thank you Shauna! I loved getting to know you better! I'm not a fan of that Ring My Bell song either.
What a great sense of humor, set of priorities, and outlook on life you do have, dear Shauna!!! Brave and Warrior indeed. Much love to you and to Maria for an awesome interview!
Voted UP and Awesome!
Thank you for the warm comment, Pamela. Maria is doing a wonderful job with these interviews!
This is another great interview. Shauna sounds like someone I would love to get to know. I have not met her on Hubpages, but will certainly check out her hubs. This was all very entertaining and interesting. Voted up and awesome for both of you!
Frog, don't take it personally. I've been lax in visiting everyone. I just don't have enough hours in the day anymore. I'll work on it - promise!
Always, thank you for your support. I need all I can get! Hopefully, it'll start paying the bills. Ha ha.
Martie, I truly hope your date from Hades was nothing like mine!
Mickey, you ornery old coot! Damn, I love all those you mentioned in your comment. I don't know why I love you either. You're completely unforgiving and and just plain mean! Just kidding. You know you've held a corner of my heart since we met - whether or not you're yanking my chain!
Eddy, your words touch me. It is you who is an inspiration to me. You've been thru so much pain yet you love life and have time for others. You, my friend, are the admirable one!
A brilliant hub on a brilliant writer.
Thank you sop much for sharing this one maria;and thank you also bravewarrior (shauna) for being such an inspiration. Therefore double thanks here and I wish you both two wonderful weekends.
Eddy.
This has become a bit distressing - I don't know why we like each other so much . . . in the other interview hub Shauna talked about how much she liked Lennon's "Imagine", which I've never liked, and now, well, if there's one movie I dislike more than "Forest Gump" it's "Love Story".
Now, I know I'm the odd one here and that everybody likes "Imagine" and "Love Story" and "Forest Gump" but me - I guess it just rattles me a bit when someone I'm so fond of is so wrong about things . . . next she'll be saying she likes "Titanic" and "Dirty Dancing" and "An Officer And A Gentleman" . . . and The Eagles and Journey . . . and yet, she's so easy to like!? This is distressing.
Bravewarrior is a woman after my heart. I was surprise to learn how much we have in common - even a date of Hades. From the deepest corner of my heart I wish that all her dreams come true.
Having Shauna as a fellow-Perspective with you, Maria, certainly gives me more courage to air my perspectives on issues that boggle the mind and soul.
Another most enjoyable interview, voted up and pinned :)
I think this woman is the most truthful person I have had the privilege of meeting, and I hope her dreams of becoming a full time writer comes true. Thank you Mar, you sure know how to pick em.....Cheers..
- AUTHOR
Joyce, I am JUBILANT that you are checking out Shauna's writing.
Bill, Thanks for BEING so faithful in your follow and support of this BEAUTIFUL woman.
Frog, FORGET conspiracy... October is almost over... I look FORWARD to breathing.
Sha, Your comments are SIMPLY SPECTACULAR.
Love y'all...even you, TFP, ... Hugs, Maria
But bravewarrior you never come to see me either. You and Maria have a conspiracy going against the frog? Oh my....
Bill, again the goose bumps. You have shown me more love, respect, support and friendship than anyone in my 55 years on this earth. You have a huge part of my heart. And I am blessed to have gained a corner in yours. I love you my friend. Forever and always!
Sha
Now I've read both parts; I just figured HP had screwed up when they posted two of these this morning. :)
Well, what do you want to know, Maria? If you know Sha you know that she is compassionate and passionate about life. You know that she has been knocked down more times than one person ever deserves to be, and yet she continues to get up and answer the bell for the next round. You know that she loves her son as much as life itself and would do anything for a friend.
Sheez, I happen to think this woman is incredible, so there you go!
bill
Joyce, it is my pleasure to meet you. I am honored!
This is so very good giving me a chance to someone new to me.
Shauna sounds like a really nice lady.
Voted up, awesome and very interesting, Joyce.
Off I go to see Shauna's page
Oh my Lordy Goshen! Y'all have put the HUGEST smile on my face!
Rich, your words have touched my soul in a way I can't convey. What the hell does that say about me as a writer????? Lots of love to you my friend!
Car51 you have validated my journey. Since I responded to this interview, I have indeed quit my day job and am trying my hand at freelance writing. Your support lets me know I've made the right decision!
Linda, what can I say? Let's meet at the Witch's Tower, watch the stars do their dance and celebrate!
Frog, you are always wanted! What would I do without your grinning face?
Paula, I'm glad you've come into my world. I've known and respected you as a follower of many I follow. I always read what you have to say. And today...... well, shucks. I have such a grin on my face and a smile in my heart! Thank you so much!
Maria, Maria, Maria. My dear friend. We've shared a lot of secrets and have become good friends. I have to say you epitomized my soul with your music choices. I love you dear lady! You have made me shine! Talk to you soon!
- AUTHOR
The Frog Pouts... Come on, baby... We go way back!
Paula, Thanks for your POSITIVELY PERFECT PONDERINGS!
Peace to y'all as well. Hugs, Maria
Maria....You young and lovely creature....once again, thank you for introducing me to an interesting "tell it like it is, " lady! Just the type I want to hug and share a coffee with!
Shauna.....wonderful interview! You have strength and PIZZAZZ....now that's a WORD! and btw...so is hugest!! lol....Which describes what I can clearly see....is your "TALENT".....huge, huger, hugest!! Peace!
I know where I'm not wanted :( I'm pouting just fine thank you very much Miss Maria.
- AUTHOR
Rich, I am REELING myself in for the finish line as I have two more lovely ladies in my series, for now... thank you so much for your RIDICULOUSLY RESPECTFUL speed in REMARKING!
Car51, To me everyone needs to say more, I was so CHARMED when Sha took me up on my offer.
Linda, You have the best taste in friends that I know we shall be LONGTIME LADY pals...!
TFP... TOUCHE and I am sorry to be so TARDY in your TURF.
Thanks for all of your thoughtful comments.
Hope y'all have a wonderful day and HI to Lady Sha... Hugs, Maria
Maria! BRAVO once again.
TFP
Maria, you did a fantastic job of unveiling what I like most about Shauna - the fact that she is real. She and I often feel that we are sisters by different mothers and yet I learned many things about her in this interview that I did not know. I certainly enjoyed every word and applaud you for asking great questions that reveal those little things that make Shauna tick. Voted up!
Excellent hub! Bravewarrior (Shauna) has a clear way of articulation -- obviously why she is such a gifted writer. Looking forward to Part 2 (hopefully you'll explain why Bravewarrior needs a two-art interview).
Maria, Maria... here you go again! Work, Work, Work! And this time, about one of my favorite people on Hubpages! Shauna is a great person and a great writer. I don't think she really knows how good she really is. She's always there commenting and doing all she can to support. Can't say enough good about her, or about the job you do with these interviews. I guess I'll simply have to give my trademark... Great Job!
57