A Chat With Jodah: Interview Yourself Writing Challenge
Availiasvision's Challenge.
Availiasvision aka. Jennifer Arnett recently issued a challenge for other hubbers to interview themselves (see: Interview Yourself:A Writer's Challenge)
Although I thought this was a great initiative I myself was tentative to undertake this challenge as I (like a number of others have said as well) have never been good at talking about myself. Public speaking has never been my forte and I generally like to quietly sit in the background and not be the centre of attention.. well unless something really riles me, then I can change in an instant like the "Incredible Hulk".
Well, as you see I chose to accept the challenge. Please grab a cup of tea or coffee and sit back and relax for a few minutes while I interview "Jodah."
The Interview
Hi Jodah, in your own words, please tell us a little about yourself.
Well where to start.. how about the present? I am born and bred Australian, aged somewhere between 50 and 60 (it's a bit like the Hubber Score...keeps you guessing). I am happily married to Kathleen and have been for over 30 years. We have three sons and one daughter, and at recent count 14 grandchildren (one born this month). I should add that three of these are honorary..but that's a long story.
We live in a quiet rural area of the South Burnett region in South East Queensland, Australia on a forty acre property with four dogs, four cats, and a selection of poultry. (for more on that see my hubs "Life on the Block" and "In Search of Self-sufficiency")
Our move to this location is a long story, but basically we had to move south from Rockhampton (where I had first been employed in the railways and then in the Library of the University of Central Queensland) due to the ill health of my parents. My wife was already employed in the caring field and moved first. I stayed as our youngest son was in his final year of school there and didn't want to change. After he graduated I too moved south to be with my parents.
Unfortunately, it was less than a year before my father passed away and my mother a year later. My wife was working in Brisbane at the time and injured her back at work, resulting in a permanent back injury, then suffered another traumatic experience which resulted in depression and an anxiety disorder. I had to give up full time work and become her carer. We needed to find a quiet place to get away from it all. Hence, we came to live where we are now.. "on the block". We call our property "The Haven."
If you'd like to know a little about my childhood please read : "There's a New Kid in Town."
Questions from "Inside the Actor's Studio"
What is your favourite word?
My favourite word would have to be thanks, or thank you (but that's two). It just doesn't seem to be said enough these days. People expect things and take everything for granted rarely bothering to show gratitude. A heartfelt "Thanks!" can really make your efforts feel worthwhile and help brighten your day.
What is your least favourite word?
Pedantic. For some reason I just hate it. I can handle fussy, choosy, particular etc but pedantic gets my goat. My wife thinks it strange that I proudly wear a t-shirt with 'Procrastinator" emblazoned across it, yet can't stand the word pedantic. I guess I'm just a little weird.
What turns you on creatively, spiritually, and emotionally?
Hmm, that's an in-depth question. It requires a rather lengthy answer, sorry. I used to love to sketch and draw cartoons. In fact I was drawing as far back as I can remember. Good artists inspire me.
I always wanted to be able to sing and dance since watching musicals like "Annie Get Your Gun" and Elvis Presley movies from a young age. Unfortunately both those skills have eluded me. Perhaps I can dance slightly better than I sing..but then again..maybe it's the other way around.
Poetry has always inspired me from the first Dr Seuss book I had read to me. Now I find it a great vehicle for expressing my opinions and views on the world in far less words and a slightly gentler, but equally effective way as writing lengthy articles of cutting prose, protesting, or waving placards. Poetry is also less likely to come over like a sermon.
I am inspired by stories of people doing good deeds. Helping the poor, saving abused animals, risking their lives to save someone else's. These things turn me on. I know it sounds cliched but I want to stop all wars, abuse, and inequality.
What turns you off creatively, spiritually, and emotionally?
I hate most of the political correctness in society today. It has just been taken too far. For example in most western countries today we have to embrace multiculturalism (which is good) and embrace other culture's rights to practice their own religions and beliefs, but this has come at the expense of the freedom to openly embrace and demonstrate our own, chiefly, Christian beliefs. In many places it is now considered unacceptable to say "Merry Christmas" .. it's replaced with 'Happy Holidays." Evolution" is taught as fact in schools and "Creation" almost never discussed and dismissed as simply a fictional religious theory. That really irks me, and I hate how any open discussion of Christianity or the Bible leads to a heated argument (even here on Hub Page forums).
What sound or noise do you love?
The pitter patter, then symphony of rain on the roof after a long dry spell or drought. Anyone laughing spontaneously (not the canned laughter that pervades tv sit-coms and the like), and especially a baby's laughter. You know that is real.
What sound or noise do you hate?
The voice of unwelcome tele-marketers when you pick up the phone. Nothing else compares to that.
What is your favourite curse word?
I very rarely swear (I used to at one stage when I worked in an all male environment) but I usually say something like "FAR OUT!"
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
When I was at high school I wanted to be a commercial artist, now I would love to be called a published writer/poet. As a younger kid I wanted to grow up to be a secret agent like 007. Lots of kids say they want to be a firefighter, well I have already done that. I was also good at most sports so I would have liked to have been a professional sportsman, possibly a tennis player, though it's much too late now.
What profession would you not like to do?
I'd hate to be a politician (no one likes them), and I don't think I would make a very good teacher. Although I am generally laid back I tend to stress out under pressure and sometimes lose my patience. I don't like having to attempt something over and over. I like to get it right the first time.
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"You did your best. It wasn't perfect, but thanks for giving it a go."
An Exciting Read
I thoroughly recommend this book 'Ice Station", written by one of the hottest Australian authors and it is non-stop action For lovers of the "action adventure" genre.
Challenging Questions (set by Availiasvision)
1. In the film version of your autobiography who would you choose to play yourself?
Well, Mel Gibson and I are the same age and both Australian, but I pass on that one. Though he is an accomplished actor I don't think our personalities are anything alike. Another Aussie (well Kiwi, but don't tell anyone) is Russell Crowe, once again a great character actor but not really a matching personality. If I could choose a slightly younger Robert Redford than I think I'd pick him to play my character. He seems humble and more similar to my personality, though I look nothing like him (I wish). I can really relate to his movies as well.
A couple of times I have been likened (in appearance) to British actor Rowan Atkinson aka. Mr Bean, but I'm not that funny so I'll give him a miss too.
However giving this more thought and choosing a slightly younger actor who could play my character over a greater time span, and who bears more of a vague resemblance to me.. Robert Downey Jr. Now personality again could be a problem, but hey he's an actor and a damn good one. I'm sure he could do my character justice.
2. What quality or talent do you wish you could cultivate?
My writing and art. I would really like to write and illustrate my own childrens picture book, possibly with rhyming verse but not necessarily. I have written the text for two children's books so far, but for a different author who doesn't have English as his first language. He gave me the outline of the story he had in mind and hired me to write the text, one in rhyme, one in prose.
3. Who's your favourite fictional character ever?
Well that has changed over the years. As a child it would have been Zorro, Batman, or James Bond. Now, probably Jason Bourne from Robert Ludlum's ''Bourne Identity' and others in that series, John Smith from the 'Covert One' series by the same author, or Jack West Jr aka 'Scarecrow' from a series of books by Matthew Riley. All of these characters are very similar action hero types. I guess that is my secret unfulfilled desire.
What is your opinion of challenges like this?
4. If you could have the career of any author, who would it be?
Difficult one, there are so many I admire. Probably James Patterson. Alex Cross made him an almost household name (who hasn't heard of James Patterson?) Now he is so successful and churning out so many novels a year he has to hire co-writers to assist him. He has however recently turned his hand to writing a series of books for children in the hope of encouraging them to read, as well as donating money to libraries to promote childhood reading as well.
5. What inspires you?
I think I answered this earlier in Questions from "Inside the Actor's Studio" but I'll add to that. Anything that has the potential to make the world a better and fairer place. People who go out of their comfort zone to help others without asking for accolades and credit. Certain songs, book titles, a phrase I hear, or a place I visit .. may inspire me to write. Or these challenges.
6. When did you first realise you were a writer?
In about 5th Grade at school. We had just moved to a new town because of my dad's job, and I wrote an essay about that which included some of the local characters we had encountered since moving in. The teacher was so impressed she read it to the class and said it looked like she had discovered another promising English student.
Around the same time I wrote a poem about a haunted house called 'The House on the Hill," which I have since improved and added to and turned into a Halloween hub.
I wrote another free form poem while at school also that had me thinking I may be a writer. I had forgotten to do my homework, which was to write a poem. As the lesson started I quickly jotted down some random thoughts in poetry form. Nothing rhymed. Just my luck, the teacher chose me to stand and read mine to the class. I was packing it (Aussie slang..if you want me to interpret ask in comments). Unbelievably the teacher loved it and pinned it on the wall. My brother is eight years younger, and I visited him in that same classroom years later. That same poem was still pinned to the wall.
My Own Questions for Jodah
Who is the writer or writers who have inspired or influenced you the most?
Thank you for that question. Most definitely Leo Tolstoy. He is most famous for 'Anna Karenin' and 'War and Peace' but when I was working in the University library I came across a book of his short stories. They actually turned out to be parables. Honestly these stories changed my life and how I looked at my fellow man and the world around me. I never considered if they influenced my writing, but I'm sure they did subconsciously.
Oh, and of the contemporary authors I have to mention Paulo Coelho. His books 'The Alchemist' and 'The Pilgrimage' are incredibly inspiring.
What person in the world (other than a writer) has inspired you?
Without doubt I would have to say the Dalai Lama. He is incredibly wise and humble, but has the craziest sense of humour. I feel that humour is important in every aspect of life, and not taking yourself too seriously.
The Alchemist is the most inspirational novel I have ever read. It can change the way you think and live your life.
An Inspirational Journey
You refer to yourself primarily as a poet. What other poets have inspired you?
Three off my favourites growing up were also Australians believe it or not, A.B.'Banjo' Paterson, Kenneth Slessor, and Dorothea MacKellar. I also liked Edgar Allen Poe (both his poetry and stories).
How long have you been writing on Hub Pages?
Well I recently received my "Five Year" accolade, so yeah five years. Though for the first three I wasn't really active or part of the community and only wrote three hubs. I think I've more than made up for it in the last two though. I think I'm up to around 160 hubs now. I love it here. I have joined a couple of online writing sites but this is the best I have found. The community here is wonderful. I was blown away when I was awarded the accolade of "best poet" for 2014 in the Hubbie Awards this year. There are so many great writers and poets here that I never expected to win.
Well, that's all the questions. Thank you for taking the time to let the readers know a little more about you.
To tell you the truth I was nervous about this interview. Thanks for going easy on me. I hope the readers didn't find it too boring.
Check out this Beautiful Hub By Missy Smith
- He Comes From the Land Down Under (Jodah)
This is my ode to my friend here on hubpages, Jodah. I hope you like it mate! :)
Other Interviews in Ths Challenge
- An interview with suzettenaples - a Hubpages writing challenge
Well, this is a first for me; interviewing myself for a Hubpages challenge from availiavision. - Meet Availia's Vision
Who is the elusive Availiasvison--the girl in the red jacket who is always writing about her fantastical adventures and vivid short stories? An interview with Availa. - Meet DzyMsLizzy | A Self-Interview
A self-interview with the author, in response to a challenge from another Hub Pages author. - Challenging Questions - Answered by Tillsontitan aka Mary Craig
What's a good way to get to know a writer? By interviewing them of course. This interview may or may not fit in that category. - Meet Bill Holland aka Billybuc: The Interview
A few tidbits about yours truly in response to a challenge - More Than You Wanted to Know About cam8510-An "Interview With Myself" Writer's Challenge
On Hubpages, availiasvision, aka Jennifer Arnett, has issued a challenge which I have accepted. To interview myself. Here are the results.
© 2014 John Hansen
Comments
Dear Jodah,
Even though this was outside your comfort zone, I'm so glad to learn more about you, from you...and grateful for the links to other interviews you have shared - as I have not heard of this challenge. Great job!
I love this interview, John. I especially like that you answered the actor's studio questions, in addition to adding a few of your own. It's always nice to get to know online friends. What a pleasure it is getting to know a bit more about what makes you tick - and what ticks you off!
Well now that I know all about you the lure of mystery is all gone. However now that I know a little about you I can appreciate your work even more. Thank you for divulging so much about one of my favorite authors.
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Thanks for being the first to read this Maria, even as I was editing it. Glad I introduced you to this challenge and I hope you join in.
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Thank you Shauna. Glad you enjoyed this interview. Now I have no secrets :) please don't hold it against me.
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Sorry to remove the mystery Eric. I was tentative about doing this and baring all so to speak. But now it's done I can breath easier, and it's something of a relief. Thanks for your kind words.
John: what a wonderful interview. You are so interesting and have lived such an interesting life. I do like Robert Ludlum, Paul Coehlo, and Leo Tolstoy as writers and authors. They are quite inspirations. I love the Dali Lama also and I agree with you-he is humorous as well as wise. This is a thoroughly wise and interesting write.
a straight stand-up guy nice to meet you.. Alex Cross is one of my favs.. so patterson is in my top ten.. great interview great challenge..:)
Jodah, I'm so glad you answered Availia's challenge. It is so nice to get to know you better. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about you and your family and your influencers.
Fun interview. It's always interesting learning new things about the people we spend so much time with. Thank you for opening up, my friend.
I really enjoyed reading your interview, Jodah. Who knew you were so interesting? ;-) The part I enjoyed the most was how you took it upon yourself to move closer to your parents to take care of them, and now take care of your wife. Self-sacrifice is tough, but it is so rewarding in the long run!
One's own interview is a unique idea. John, you have interviewed yourself with élan. I love this interview and got to know other aspects of your personality. Apart from your kindness and a poetic heart, what I especially love that you are a strong family man.
It was interesting to know how a writer /poet was born. This is indeed a great response to Jennnifer 's challenge. Voted up and shared.
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Thank you for your kind words Suzette. This sure was interesting for me too. I learnt a lot about myself I didn't know before :)
Glad to hear you also like those three inspirational authors too, and the Dalai Lama. have a great day.
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Hey Frank. thanks for reading buddy. Glad you enjoyed the interview.
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Thank you Iris, it took a lot for me to finally decide to take on this challenge and open up. I appreciate your kind words.
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Hi Bill, it wasn't as easy as you may think for me to do this. I am a pretty private person usually. But it feels much better now it's done. Thanks for reading.
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Country-Sunshine, good to see you. yes, you are right about self-sacrifice. It is difficult at the time but rewarding in the long run for your integrity and peace of mind. I also believe you reap what you sew. I am glad you enjoyed this, I never saw myself as very interesting before.
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This was quite a step for me Harishprasad. I wasn't sure I could do it, but I am glad now that I accepted the challenge. Thank you for your kindness once more, also the vote up and share.
For someone who finds opening up a challenge on its own, you did wonderfully, John. It's been a pleasure getting to know you and reading what you have to offer. Thank you. Kim
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Thank you Kim, that was a kind thing to say. It took a lot to start believe me, but once I got into it I felt more confident.
This is a very interesting interview, Jodah. You did a great job with the challenge. I enjoyed learning more about your life and I also enjoyed learning about the topics that you wove into your interview.
Jodah I found your interview interesting and enjoyable. It's good to know more about your life and family. I would like to read your poem that is still pinned on the wall at your school. BTW, Crowe is another one of my favorite actors, as well as Redford...Voted up....
John, strewth..that's a ripper!! Brilliant interview, I'm not sure who is more impressive here, the interviewer or interviewee. Good job, very illuminating. A pleasure knowing you.
Very Good Interview jodah, think you have a bit of split personality going on there.
Good evening again John.
I said I would and I did.
I've just noticed at the end of your interview Suzettenaples has entered Jenn's challenge, so I'll be going over there as well.
Back to This hub challenge.
One part of your hub that I found interesting was where you lived. My father's youngest brother although born in N.Ireland, emigrated from Scotland with his wife (my aunty) to Townsville. They lived there many years and eventually moved south to Brisbane. They had two sons who have families, one in Sydney and the other has just moved west to Perth. I send them my hubs every now and again. Funny thing is although my sister has met them, I never have, thanks heavens for emails. I'll have to Skype them sometime.
So back to the main topic "Your interview"
A thoroughly well written interview John. As it's been said many times it's nice getting to know people and what a great way of doing it.
We all have our own little bit of history we can share with others.
Well done, and take care.
Ghaelach
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview Jodah. An excellent interview where some great interviewing techniques were displayed. Careful, you might have to give up your day job. Lovely to meet the man behind the words. Well done and thank you for sharing a little of your life.
Sally
We have a couple of things in common, Jodah--an interest in children's picture books and the Dalai Lama.
Keep in touch. I love the Aussie accent; maybe someday I'll get to visit there.
Voted Interesting.
John, I do so love this interview with yourself! I knew you were multi-talented, but this brings out the full background and personality of you! Love it!
How about Kenneth Branaugh to play you in the movie? Well, maybe when he was younger . . .
Jodah: Thanks for the insight to yourself. I could tell through your writings that you were extremely creative with a caring heart. But now I can see where your strength comes from. You are truly amazing. Voted up and awesome!
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Thank you Alicia, that's very kind of you. Glad you found this an interesting interview. So did I
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Hi Ruby, thanks for reading my interview. Yep they are great actors. Tell you the truth I can't remember what I wrote in that poem as hard as I try. I'll have to go back to Woodford and see if it's still on the wall.
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You are a sweetly Jo. Thanks for the kind words. The hardest part was that I never knew what questions the interviewer was going to throw at me next
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Haha Clive, it sure felt like that at times..wasn't sure who was who.
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Hi James, thanks for popping over to read this interview. Funny thing is, I have relatives in Townsville, Brisbane, And Sydney too..none in Perth though, but a son in Darwin. It is amazing what you learn about people through challenges like this. We have all certainly led different but interesting lives. Take care.
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Thank you for reading Sally and for your kind comment. Yeah the interviewer was relentless..
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Thanks Marie, hope you get over here one day. There are still a few people left here who have an Aussie accent.
What a nice interview, glad to meet you! I don't know that I would have been able to pull it off so admirably, being intensely private. Someday .... Well done Jodah. :)
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You mean my split personality Nellieanna
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Aw Dana, now you have me blushing.
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Thank you Rachael. It was a real challenge for me to do this, but once I started it wasn't so bad. You should try, it is actually therapeutic.
Not one thing boring here, John! This is such a great interview here and I loved learning so much about our Poet of the Year, very interesting indeed.
I love that current photo of you there holding your HubPages mug. I received mine too the other week. You chose the same colors as did I. I was surprised at how great quality of a mug it is and a really good size too for my 100% Colombian coffee. I think your photo would be an excellent profile photo/avatar.
I truly hate the political correctness that has just gone way overboard nowadays. I agree with all you have stated here and then some, believe me!
I love actor Robert Downey, Jr., as he is truly phenomenal and you do look a lot like him, and I think you made a great choice of who to play you.
You have a beautiful wife and family, and what a blessing ALL of those darling grandchildren there! Wow, that is amazing. I loved learning about where you now live and why ... you are a good and honorable man to take care of your precious wife. There are not many to be found out there nowadays, but it is inspiring to know, you are such a man.
Up ++++ tweeting, pinning, G+ and sharing
I am so delighted you have taken this interview challenge, as you have surpassed the challenge and then some.
Blessings ... we, here in the US, beginning tomorrow, are celebrating Thanksgiving Day, and it will go on pretty much for the next four days LOL ... of stuffing our faces with so much amazing food LOL. We all have so much to be thankful for in this life, and that includes all of our HubPages friends and family.
Blessings to you and your lovely family
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What an amazing comment Faith. I don't know what to say other than thank you and I am glad that I decided to do this challenge. Glad you enjoyed getting to know me better and I may take your advice and change my profile photo. In life you do what you need to do with whatever God throws your way. I suppose a lot choose to run away when it gets too hard. Thankfully I am not like that. Thanks for the blessings for myself and family and the same back to you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Hi John, very pleased to meet you, especially being a fellow Aussie. This is such a compact and interesting interview - I know I'd be daunted by such a task, so I'm in awe of your self interview. Well done and thank you, interesting and entertaining. Cheers Maj.
Jodah!! :-) Bravo ! Bravo!
John,
This is a solid name with so much character and honor in your words! This was touching and wonderful to read.
So very cool to read about what makes you the special *You* that embraces life. Great taste in actors, I love Robert Redford! Wonderful to know you are an Eagles fan. I could easily write about all the songs of the Band Eagles that made me cry, grow and dream! Love the song choice. :-)
Your wife is beautiful! And so are the grandkids, :-) Wishing you and yours a very blessed Thanksgiving! Up all the way..shared and voted all across the board! :-) You are amazing! thank you. :-)
I agree with Bill, it's nice to get to know the people we spend so much time with. From your writing here it seems things in Australia aren't much different than they are here in the states, and I have to admit I share many of your likes and dislikes. Political correctness and telemarketers certainly get on my nerves.
Hey, I have four married children but only seven grandchildren, you certainly beat me there, how'd you do that ;)
So glad you decided to respond to this challenge, I really enjoyed reading this glimpse into your life.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
Hi Jodah this was a great cameo of you and your family. I think it is difficult to interview yourself, but you did yourself proud. You look too young to have grandchildren, but you and your wife would make super grandparents. I hope your wife is well. Thanks for sharing. Blessings. Audrey
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Thank you maj, so glad this interview was successful I have never done anything like this before in fact I don't think I have interviewed anyone let alone myself. Pleased to meet you too.
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I may have had reservations actually taking on this challenge Jo but going by the wonderful and touching comments this interview has attracted, I'd do it all again in a flash. Thank you for your humbling words. yes it looks like we have quite a bit in common with our likes. Have a great Thanksgiving. Many blessings to you and yours.
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Hi Mary. No, I don't think life is an awfully lot different here than the States. As for grandchildren. My eldest son has five to three different women (not my influence) so he started it off. My daughter has one son, my second son has four boys(two inherited), my youngest son has one boy...and eldest son's ex has three more girls who call us grandparents...complicated but interesting. Glad you enjoyed this expose and thanks for the vote up. Have a great Thanksgiving.
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Thank you for reading this interview Audrey and for your generous comment. I think I was 40 when my first grandchild came along and it's been steadily growing from there...5 are inherited.. but still part of our family of grandchildren. My wife is in constant pain and is on morphine patches but is as well as can be expected. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
You come out as a sensitive, honest and sincere person. Your moving out to be with your parents during the time when they needed you most is truly amazing. Thanks for revealing yourself, that there are still good persons in this each-to-his-own world.
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Thank you Dip Mira for your kind words. Glad I came out as sensitive, honest and sincere. I do strive for those things. I appreciate you reading this.
Hey Jodah, incredible interview. Job well done. Very inspiring. You have a very interesting life. Congrats on being married over 30 years. I know you have lots of fun with the grandies. Thanks for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thank you word, much appreciated an glad you found this interesting. Yes the grandies are always fun. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Not boring at all. In fact, your easy-going conversational style makes it very appealing. No only did we learn some interesting things about you, we sense your honesty and your genius as a writer. Excellent!
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Why thank you MsDora. I am at a loss for words. Glad you enjoyed reading this interview.
Very interesting to know you through this hub!
I must say that you have taken the challenge wonderfully and it was nice to get introduced to your family. You are a genuine, honest and sincere person and your sensitivity reflects in your writings.
Glad to know you more through this self interview. Great family pictures! God Bless!
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Thank you Chitrangada. Your comment is very kind and appreciated. Glad you enjoyed getting to know me more. God bless you too.
I consider you as a happy and peaceful fella, great one, an individual whose company one really enjoys. "If I could choose a slightly younger Robert Redford than I think I'd pick him to play my character. He seems humble and more similar to my personality, though I look nothing like him (I wish). I can really relate to his movies as well."
GREAT LINES.
ENJOYED READING YOUR INTERVIEW BY YOURSELF !!!!
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Thanks for reading SAQIB and for your generous comment. I am glad you liked my comment about Robert Redford. Glad you enjoyed this read.
Excellent, and if I neglected to congratulate you earlier on your 'Best Poet' award, allow me to do so now! Well done!
Jon, you're a testament to what a human should be. What a wonderful life profile you got there and I must say I was very touched reading about your life. Made me believe they are still good people on this planet and its great to know you. Oh I just saw you won the Best Poet award and I say it's about bleeding time you got it, what took them so long to award you LOL. Keep up the good work and one day when I come down under I will hunt you down and pester you to write me a poem LOL!!
Boring?! How could this possibly be boring? You have some fascinating things to say and you've done a lot. I just love reading about everyone else!
I agree completely with what you say about political correctness; it's gone way overboard and has in some cases gone totally the other way (as your example regarding religion).
I'm coming up to my 5th year too and I'm amazed how different my writing has become. I've certainly learnt a lot here. Your poetry is wonderful and you fully deserved the 2014 accolade.
Great interview, superb response to the challenge.
Ann
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Thank you Will. If I remember correctly you did congratulate me before but I'll accept it again anyway
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Hi dear Aneegma, you are so sweet. You make me sound like a saint..I'm not perfect believe me, but I try to be a "good" person. Anyway your words humble me. Thanks for the congratulations on the award, and if you do come to the land down under you damn well better look me up
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Thanks for that wonderful comment Ann. Sometimes when I read of others lives I think that mine has been quite dull, but I guess that is a normal response.. The grass is greener on the other side syndrome. Glad you found this interesting as I have all other interviews so far. It's amazing how ones writing changes so much over time isn't it? Well done on your five years too.
Hi John, I really enjoyed reading this. =)
I've also found the Dalai Lama to be a pretty inspiring person, and I LOVE his sense of humor and almost constant goofiness.
I really enjoyed the personal stories of your childhood teacher who appreciated your talent and took the time to build you up. Teachers have such power at their fingertips and on their lips. With their words and gestures towards their students, they can give a child wings to fly or give him chains to enslave his spirit. I'm so glad your teacher was not one for handing out chains.
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Thanks for reading this Chris and your encouraging words. You are so right about the teachers' positive or negative influence. I look forward to reading more of your writing too. Cheers.
I enjoyed reading your history, what motivates and inspires you, and what you hope to achieve. Keep writing, keep dreaming, keep reaching. That's the only way we get to where we want to be. And that is a beautiful HP mug to be proud of!
Oh, I love that you are now using that awesome photo as your profile pic, as it is so current! All of your profile pics are awesome as well, but this one is timely and current. Cheers!
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Thanks for reading this Flourish and for your encouraging words. I hope this helps you know me a little better.
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Thanks Faith, I took your good advice and change my profile pic. I thought that made good sense to have a more current photo and with the great mug.
Awesome!
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing a glimpse of Jodah with us. Okay, wait...this wasn't just a glimpse, it's quite a handful of enjoyable and good to know information about the author actually. :)
Great images and that music video (Eagles) is going to my JukeBox Page.
I really enjoyed reading this and yes, over a cup of tea.
Love from the sky~
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Thank you for reading and enjoying this insight into what makes me tick Cris. Glad you are an Eagle's fan too. Enjoy that cup of tea in the sky.
John, actually, for some time now, I've had this itch to get to know you a little better. You've resolved that quite well here. Thanks for participating in the challenge. When I first heard about it, I shied away. I don't know why, I've certainly opened up on a couple of my hubs. Maybe I'll still give it a go if it isn't too late for the challenge. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Very interesting. Good to meet you.....again.....John.
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Thank you Chris, I think this challenge may have caused quite a few people to shy away. I didn't think I would participate either but eventually thought what did I have to lose and it may actually do me good to open up. I think Jennifer said there was no time limit on this one so maybe you can give it a go. Your other recent hub was a good start. Good to meet you too.
Jodah, it was nice to get to know you a little better through this hub. Opening up that way definitely takes some bravery. Thanks for sharing!
It seems to me that your movie starring Robert Downey, Jr., might just be a big hit! Thanks for sharing this fascinating piece! ;-)
Hi John. I’ve read a few of these interviews with interest and enjoyment. Like you, talking about myself and public speaking make me want to hide under my desk. But you did a terrific job here, and I think we learn more about ourselves in accomplishing this task. I loved the down-to-earth humor, such as: “aged somewhere between 50 and 60 (it's a bit like the Hubber Score...keeps you guessing).” Kudos on your long and happy marriage to Kathleen. 14 grandchildren? Wow! You have been blessed. You have also meet life’s challenges as Frank wrote, “a straight stand-up guy.” I can clearly see Redford playing you in a film. (Given my substantial respect for this gentleman, that’s quite a compliment.) Thank you for sharing, and especially for being you. It has been a privilege getting to know you.
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Ah, thank you Dr Bill. Glad there will be at least one person in the audience if it released
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Hello Genna, your kind and candid comment has me blushing ☺️. Thank you for reading my expose. You are so right, we do learn more about ourselves by reflecting on our life and putting it out there for others to see. The 14 grandchildren is a whole story on its own and surprises even me. I appreciate the comment about Robert Redford playing me in a film..he has always been someone I greatly respected too. A privilege to know you also. Take care.
Jodah
I enjoyed the hub and learned we have a lot in common…it was a fun read.
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Thank you Firstday. I'd love to know the things we have in common. Have a great day.
Jodah, that was an incredible interview. Yes, another Jason Bourne fan! Damon just signed up for another one for 2016. I think the world could use another Bourne. What a lovely life you have out on the acreage. It's commendable, the sacrifices you've made for your family. I am also very turned off by our politically correct and "tolerant" world. The world seems to be tolerant of everything except Christianity, but we were told that from the beginning, so no surprise there.
Seriously, I am jealous of that Hubpages mug. Did someone make it for you?
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Thank you Jen. I am glad you feel this interview met the challenge you set. Thanks for the kind words. Great to hear that Mat Damon signed on for more Jason Bourne..he's the best. The "Hub Page' mug is the prize that Hub Pages handed out to the winners in the various sections of the recent Hubbie Awards. Mine was for "best poet", but I think the major winners of "Best Overall Hubber" etc received a mug and t shirt.
What a cool gift!
You have shared a greater you with us and I am so glad to have stopped by to have found out so much more about another talented writer on HP.
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Thank you DDE, I enjoyed getting to know you as well. It isn't easy to open yourself up totally at first but afterwards it feels good
I have been absent for a while, so it was very interesting to read this hub first. I feel like I know you better, and I have always enjoyed your writing. I think you did an outstanding job of answering the many questions, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
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Welcome back Pamela. It is a real compliment that this was the first hub you chose to read on your return Thank you for your kind words as always, much appreciated.
I really enjoyed reading your interview.
Regards,
ziuby.com
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Thank you very much ziuby.
Awesome! Very interesting, not boring in the slightest! I love learning about other people so this was a lot of fun for me this morning :)
God bless you, Jodah*
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Thank you motherofnations. Glad you found this an interesting read. God bless you als.
I'm with you on the sounds you love and hate! I enjoyed knowing more about you.
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Thanks Diana, not many secrets left
So nice to get to know more about you Jodah. Great self interview I can say.
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Thanks for reading Gypsy, nice to know you too. Glad you enjoyed this interview and I'm coming over to read your latest hub.
Hello Jodah.
After learning everything about you what you wanted us to know, went to make a small cup of coffee to do at least something according to suggestion of a pragmatic (hope isn't offending) writer, a messenger of hidden truth revealed to everyone needy to find it. Oh, one special for me , your first three years on HP ! A bright side to mine third year on HP without a single article published. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Voted up and interesting.
Peace with us.
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Thank you for reading Michael and for your kind comment. No, "pragmatic" is not insulting at all. You may have been a member of HP without publishing a hub in three years but at least you read and offer constructive comments which is more than many do. I look forward to read your first hub when you decide to write one. God bless you and your family also. Peace.
Nice to know you better Jodah and congratulations of the Hub poet award. Well deserved.
Anna :)
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Thank you for the kind words and congratulations Anna, much appreciated. Good to know you too.
I enjoyed reading your self interview and learning more about you as a writer and person. Thank you for sharing with us! Incidentally, I can appreciate you loving the sound of rain pattering on the roof after a drought. We're three years into one in California and we've had 15 days of rain thus far in December. It is relaxing and peaceful to once again hear that sound.
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Glad you enjoyed reading my self interview Mel. We have only had half our normal yearly rainfall so far but more this month than any other this year. Thanks for reading.
Jodah.....This self-interview is fabulous. I've tried to read as many as possible, not only this particular challenge, but the others as well.
I am sorry to admit that I have not ever responded to any of the "challenges" by our fellow hubbers.
I don't honestly know why. I do know that I really enjoy reading all the hubs written by those who have accepted the different challenges.
It's interesting to me to see how vastly different from one another they all are.
You did a wonderful job on this, Jodah. I suppose I still have time to submit my own. It shouldn't be difficult for me. I talk to myself all the time. (What is it they say about that habit, Jodah?) Please, be kind..........UP++++
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Hmm Paula, I think they say people that talk to themselves are seeking conversation with someone on the same intellectual level, or they have no one else to talk to.. :)
Seriously it's never too late to respond to one of these challenges...please do it...I want to know more of the Paula story. Thanks for reading and the vote up.
I know that I am late in reading this John but I thought that I read yours. Anyway that was really, really, interesting and it looks like we had a few things in common, even though we are halfway around the world from each other. I voted this up, shared and pinned it.
Kevin
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Better late than never Kevin :) Yes, it does seem that we have quite a few things in common. In a lot of ways it doesn't really matter where you live, basic morals and what's right and wrong pretty much stay the same. It's how people deal with situations that often differs. Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing. Your support is always appreciated.
Very nice job with this, Jodah. It's nice to learn more about you. You are quite erudite. It was very nice of you to include links to other people's hubs. I've been thinking about doing one of these myself. I'm saving it for my birthday. It's a milestone birthday, so the interview will be the way to celebrate it. It's Feb. 11. Voted up and Interesting and Awesome.
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Thanks for your kind words catherine. I don't think I have actually been called "erudite" before. Can I add that to my resume in "qualities" :)?
It would be great if you could partake in this hub for your milestone birthday. What better way to celebrate an introduce yourself to the wider HP community. Thank for the vote up. I look forward to Feb 11 and what you come up with.
Jodah, I voted this hub up, funny, and interesting. Really good hub here, I really enjoyed it. You had me laughing by comparing your age to a hub score! I can totally relate. Glad you put yourself out there since I know that this was indeed quite the challenge.
Keep on writing! I can't wait to read more by you. May 2015 bring you many blessings.
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Thanks for visiting my hub Liza and for such a kind comment. Glad I managed to give you a laugh. I do have my funny side as you will see by reading some of my other hubs. I love these challenges as they really help to extend your range of writing and allow you to try things you otherwise wouldn't attempt. Blessings to you for 2015 too.
Thanks, Jodah!
A really interesting interview, and you are very brave for doing it, it can't be easy revealing so many things about yourself, but you have obviously made many good friends on this site, and judging by the reaction it got it was a good decision to take the plunge..thanks for sharing this:-))
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Thank you Smilealot. I think it was a difficult and confronting step for a lot of hubbers to undertake this self-interview, but once I started to write it got easier and everyone is so kind here I was confident that it would be well received. I appreciate your kind comment.
Jodah, this is great! When I was much younger, I took a Writer's Digest correspondence course based on the book, 'The Craft of Interviewing'. Your approach should be the basis of learning for both new and experienced writers. Personally, I would like to interview myself every year...I'm sure many of my answers would change. Great article...Thanks!
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Thanks for reading this Joel, and for the great comment. Yes, surprisingly I found it an interesting experience interviewing myself. I learnt some things I didn't know
"Packing it," you say. Smiles. While I have felt all along that we shared a connection, I now know even more having read your auto-bio why that might be. Several similarities, interests and events... Right now, I am trying to hit the 100 mark. I can't imagine making it to 160+. Hoping to have my response to this challenge floating in hub space soon. In the meantime, thank you for being you and one of my favorite HP friends.
Many Blessings,
Kim
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Hi Kim, thanks for reading this personal interview. I too felt a connection with you here from the very first we came in contact through hub comments. I couldn't believe it when I reached 100 hubs and now I am on the way to 200. You will pass 100 in no time. I look forward to reading your own self-interview soon. I am sure I will relate to you even more after reading that. Great to have you as a friend.
This was a pretty cool idea for a hub. If you don't mind, I may just steal the idea from you. Good hub! It is great to read about you!
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Hi Stargrrl, sure steal away. It wasn't really my idea but was in response to Availiasvision's challenge to interview yourself. You should check out hers (link at the top of this hub) and some of the other responses. Glad you liked this hub and good to meet you.
I love this...a really fun idea and you carried it off with wit and humility. Were there any questions that you were hoping you wouldn't ask?
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Thank you hannah David Cini. I appreciate your kind words, and yes there were a few questions I am glad I didn't ask myself :)
Thank you for sharing this illuminating look into yourself and into your life. I always like to know a little about what kind of people are behind the writing I enjoy.
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Hello Kyllyssa, this was a wonderful challenge for getting people to reveal themselves and what motivates and inspires them. When you know a person's background it enables you to read more into what they write and understand where they are coming from. I am glad you found this "illuminating", I like that word. Thank you for reading this.
I love the sound of a baby's laughter too! It makes me smile and sometimes laugh too every time. Very interesting to learn more about you. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you for reading this expose Shanmarie, it wasn't easy to start with but I became more comfortable as I went along..yes, a baby laughing is sure to set me off too.
Fabulous - and now - on to "There's a New Kid in Town"...
p.s. I must not be very observant. I just noticed the mug in your photo says HubPages. I like. Also, wonderful family!
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Hi Essie, thank you for reading my self-interview and for your kind comments. Yes, I love my Hub Page mug. I hope you like New Kid in Town too.
This was a great insight into the person you are. I mean I have already formed a great opinion for your character, but this was awesome. I am like you in so many ways. Dr. Seuss is one of my first inspirations, and I still draw inspiration from him. Circumstances of my life through the years have veered me towards appreciating and loving Sylvia Plath and Edgar Allan Poe, but there are so many. Politics Suck! I mean excuse me for that, but it's true. This was just so interesting to read. I feel like I know you on a whole different level now. Today my parents are married 48 years. It was so nice to read about your lovely wife and family. I'm 43 and have never quite made it down the aisle; close but no cigar! lol... I'll be back to read more. :)
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Thank you for reading this and getting to know me Missy. Sometime it's hard to 'bare all' so to speak, but it feels good afterwards when you get lovely comments and people become closer to you. I am so glad you feel we have a lot in common. Glad your parents are still together after 48 years, but sad you have never quite made it down the aisle yet. We all have our dark, sad times too..you can tell that from some of my writing, and yes I agree..politics does suck! Big time. It's great having another friend here on HP. Keep writing.
John. You only know one way to cook. As usual, everything on this menu is.............................................................
WELL DONE
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Haha Bill, great comment. Thanks mate.
nice projecting your self
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Thank you Sujaya.
Jodah....so glad that I stopped and read this. I feel as if we have had a conversation and some of the layers of this person whose writings I try to get to from time to time has begun to emerge. You revealed so much about yourself that it gives a new dimension to coming here to read.
Hopefully settling in your new digs has been good for your wife too..it certainly sounds as though it is an idyllic spot to live and embrace life.
Angels are on the way ps shared
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Thank you for reading my self-interview, ps. I am glad it gave you more of an insight into what makes me tick.
Jodah....Although I commented here nearly 2 yrs. ago.....luckily, there's no rule about how many times we may respond. I read your interview once again and thoroughly enjoyed it once again.
I love your writing style, so it's always a pleasurable experience to read your work.
Hmmm, we have a few things in common, Jodah. We think quite a bit alike on some issues. We've both also been blessed with 4 lovely children and that "boatload" of grandchildren. We are so lucky, aren't we? Sometimes I'm so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, all I can say is....."Wow."
Nice to know you better. It's clear to me that we may just get to know our virtual friends even better than those around us. We writers must make the special effort to "communicate" with one another, rather than leave our friends with assumptions.
Your lifestyle and environment sounds like a little bit of heaven to me. I wish you many more years in your happiness & peace. Paula
Excellent interview. I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you very much for sharing your life with us. Reading this gives me the same uplifting feeling as "a baby's laughter," which, by the way, happens to be one of my favorite sounds, too.
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Thank you for rereading this interview Paula and getting to know me a little better. When I first started writing online at HubPages I was a little guarded, but as I hot to know people here as friends I found they really appreciate the personal approach and "knowing" the person behind the pen. We certainly do have some things in common and not the least our children and grandchildren. Thank you for your generous comment once again, and best wishes to you in all you do.
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Always good to see a comment by you on one of my hubs, Marlene. So glad you felt uplifted like "a baby's laughter' by reading this. Now you know me a little better.
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