Though I’ve admired her blog for a long time now, I’ve only recently started chatting with Amanda of Letter Inside Out. In my move from Blogger to WP, Amanda was so wonderful in helping me understand more about what exactly RSS is and how to best use it with her informative post: RSS – What is it and how do I use it? She also runs an online book club called Geeks Who Read Book Club that sounds super fun. Intrigued by her smarts and appreciative for her help, I knew I just had to get her over here to share about her life away from reading.
Big thanks to Missie for asking me to take part in her When I’m Not Reading post, I’m excited to get to share a bit of insight into my craziness.
Is there ANY time I spend not reading? Not really. I’m the one who is always within reach of a book. If I’m watching TV, I’m probably reading. On the computer? Book in hand. I’ve jokingly said I’ve read at the movie theater, but it’s not so much a joke. It’s happened.
The number one place to look for me when I’m not reading is to see if I’m at the computer. I’m definitely a computer nerd. Blogging aside most of my “work” is done at the computer. But we don’t want work, we want fun. So, I’m pretty much on Skype during my waking hours taking to my blogging friends. We do discuss books and blog-related things, but we also come up with the CRAZIEST conversations. (Sometimes they also move to Twitter, if you’ve ever seen me tweet something really random, that’s why!) I often make them little presents – like the day I made April of My Shelf Confessions into a cannibalistic pony.
Another of my computer-related time sucks – Second Life. If you’ve never heard of it, think “The Sims” only real. If you have heard of it, I promise I’m not as crazy as some of the players! Basically, you can be anything and do anything. My avatar, Alice, has RPed as a vampire Queen, run from zombies, visited places like Forks and Hogwarts, shot at things, and made tons of friends. It’s a book lover’s dream! People create entire “worlds” for different books and movies and you can EXPLORE!
When I’m not on the computer, I’m typically not home. I live in a very small town in Western Kentucky, we are known for having lakes, “taters” aka potatoes, a national quilt show, and the fact we have a Wal-Mart. (I kid you not, the Wal-Mart thing was listed in an Bloomsberg report about our town. We don’t even have a book store!) I sometimes drive a few towns over and go shopping (30-45 minutes) and spend time with friends. When the weather is nice, I’ll venture to the lakes and tourist attractions. I mostly explore when I can drag my friends or family along, but there is always something new to see! This picture is from an area not far from my house that I sometimes go to sit and read/write, have a picnic, or just walk around and watch the animals.
In the past few months I’ve also added guitar playing as a hobby. My brother was self-taught and really good, he always would try to teach me how to play but I’d get frustrated. He passed away earlier this year, so now I want to learn to play. I’ve only been trying for the past couple of months, I’m getting better but no where near “good”. Also on that same vein, I’m a writer! I’ve written since I was a child – I have published poetry over the years and attempted several novels, but I am just now getting started on a new project. That is taking up a lot of my time.
Last, but not least…I have a knack for finding “lost” animals. Most of which end up coming home with me. Nearest and dearest to my heart is Summer, she was found by a cute elderly lady who didn’t want a pets. I brought her home with me and she takes up A LOT of my time, mostly because she likes to “talk” to alert me of ANYTHING that happens outside and she won’t stop until I come see. Usually it’s a fallen leaf, a bug, or a bird in a tree.
Thanks again, Missie, for asking me to join you this week!
-Amanda
Letters Inside Out
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Amanda, please accept my condolences for your brother. I bet he is pretty darn proud of the fact that you’ve taken up guitar playing in his honor.
Funny about the Wal-mart thing. I’m from a small town too, so I know what it’s like to not have a bookstore nearby. How is your local library? Oh, I remember when I was addicted to the Sims, and everyone kept tell me to try SL, but I never did. You’ve now got me curious. It must be loads of fun to explore those other worlds. Good luck with your writing and your new project. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
When I’m Not Reading is a feature used to spotlight book bloggers I follow. Missed a featured book blogger? No worries, check out past guest posts here: Featured on When I’m Not Reading.
It seems the highlight of every small town in the Wal-Mart! I know all about that as I have to go about 20-30 mins to do any real shopping too. The area you live seems lovely by that picture and I think I may end up being the newly addicted player of Second Life. If I can visit Hogwarts count me in!
I love that you’ve taken up guitar playing in your brother’s memory. And I have a dog that is the same way as your Summer. It’s quite annoying, but they’re so lovable it’s easy to get over it and forgive them for the constant disruptions.
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The highlight is definitely Wal-Mart in most towns!
Hope you enjoy Hogwarts if you check it out.
There also plenty of others from different books, it’s fascinating to see what people create!
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I love Amanda and her blog!! Amanda, I know how you feel – I lost my borther when I was 17 and so I know how you feel and nothing I can say will make it better. I’m very sad about your loss!
But Ilove that you picked up playing the guitarr and I hope it will bring you some joy! It’s awesome to hear that you care so much for los animals!!!! That is so lovely!
)
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Thanks, Danny! It’s been a rough year, but the guitar playing is definitely helping!
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I like Amanda’s blog a lot too.
I’m so sorry, Amanda. I lost a brother 4 years ago too and I know how thoroughly your life changes after that.
But I love that you have music and animals combo in your life. Also, I totally get you, I read everywhere, all the time. It’s not so great for my social life, but at least I’m happy.
Wonderful post, ladies. I’m already Amanda’s follower and I love her posts. I should comment more often, though.
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It definitely is a big change.
Animals have kept me sane, actually.
LOL! Luckily my best friend is a big reader like I am, so when we have quiet moments when we are together we both pull out our books.
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Hahaha read at the movie theater? I’ve totally done that too! x) (The reason I don’t have a reading spot is probably because I can read anywhere LOL…) I wish I could be as tech savvy as you, but technology and I are like me and the kitchen: closer to enemies than BFFs. And I LOVE how you’re going to learn to play the guitar! I’m really sorry about your brother, but, like Missie said, I’ll bet he’s SO proud of you for playing the guitar in his honor <3 I couldn't imagine!
And I adore your EVEN MORE for saving lost animals — that's so amazing!! Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself, Amanda — it's really nice to get to know you!
<3
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It’s a great place to read! Most people just don’t get that.
I definitely read everywhere but have 2-3 favorite spots.
The kitchen and I get along tentatively. I love to bake. Everything else – not so much!
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Hey Amanda! It was really nice to learn more about you! I would love to play guitar it’s amazing! I have the sims but I confess I’m not that patient, after a few hours I can’t play it anymore lol. thanks for this great post!
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I used to play The Sims games for hours at a time! Not so much anymore. SL is a big different as you are fully in control of the character and are able to chat and DO things. Even that though I can only handle in small doses anymore.
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Hey!!!!
Great post!
I am so sorry to hear about your brother.
I’ve been meaning to ask you, is there anything cool to do in Paducah? My husband and I have been thinking of going through there. He assures me there isn’t much but I want to see it for myself for some reason.
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Come see me! LOL! I’m about 30 minutes away.
Paducah has a great artist area. There is riverfront that is fun to see, they paint murals of various pieces of history. There are also various museums in that area. Unless you are into art and crafts the biggest pull would be the nature things. The lakes are about 20-30 minutes away. There’s a bunch of nature things in that area as well as hiking, museums, etc. In the opposite direction there is Metropolis – there is a huge Superman museum there/giant Superman statue.
I can’t think of anything else off the top of my head. If there is anything specific you want to know feel free to email me and I’ll be happy to answer! (Or if you come out this way!) amanda(at)lettersinsideout(dot)com
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LOL, omg that pony!! *giggles* My favorite is when you made her Hannibal though. Very fitting!
That’s cool you’re trying to learn how to play the guitarr now! I bet you’ll be awesome in no time. I’ve read in many places, but I’ve actually never tried the movie theater yet. My friends don’t like my reading addiction as it is, so I doubt it would make them very happy ;x LOL. Also, Summer is awesome! Seeing falling leaves is important. *nods*
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It’s funny, Bex, when I sent Missie the post I went “I should’ve added Hannibal!!!” Or the horse I made her.
Oh, the guitar, I was the singer of the family. So I have the musical know-how…for how it should sound and what have you? But playing..not so much.
Leaves are important. So are envelopes.
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Thanks again Missie for featuring me! You should check out SL! It’s more of a time-suck than The Sims though if you let it be. It’s just tons of fun to visit the book-worlds.
We do have a fairly decent library! It has an excellent YA section. (The YA section is run by an author so that probably helps too.)
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[...] featured for her “When I’m Not Reading” post today! Go see what I do (and meet [...]
That pony picture totally reminds me of My Little Pony doll, which I still have. Except it was purple, had blonde hair, and sparkles. That pony could kick mine’s butt any time. LOL!
I only look for and buy purses that can fit a book, because I take books everywhere. If it doesn’t I won’t buy it. I know people say they feel naked without their cell phone, etc, but I feel like that without a book. LOL!
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My purses have to be big enough too! Although if for some reason I HAVE to have a smaller purse (or run out of books..gasp!) I’ll read on my phone or iPod.
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hehe I just came from her blog! I do everything backwards!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the 10 wordpress plugins —seriously those just rocked! But I said that over there huh?
I am a paid computer nerd so I am often behind a computer! I see nothing rock with that at all
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Backwards works! I am so happy the 10 plugins post was helpful for you!
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It’s lovely knowing more about you, Amanda. Oh, I can imagine Summer doing that, vying for your attention for that fallen leaf. So cute!
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She’s an evil little thing, but is so adorable I can’t help find it amusing.
She also helps me by “cleaning”. Whenever I’m opening boxes, she rearranges them. The problem is when I put them by the trash and she brings them back to the bedroom.
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I tried Second Life a while back but my computer and connection just weren’t up to it. Maybe, now that I’ve upgraded, I should try again–and look you up! Like you, there’s always reading material within arms reach (though it’s usually *in* my hands).
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother but I love that you’ve taken up guitar in his honor. That’s a fabulous tribute.
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You should try it again! You can also adjust the settings on the program. It’s a pretty massive program for graphics and all…but so fun! If you decide to play feel free to look me up!
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So nice to “meet” you Amanda!!! I have to say I very much want to be made into a cannibalistic pony. That is amazing. Could I be a cannibalistic unicorn? That could be even better:)
I’m sorry to hear about your brother, but I think learning the guitar in his honor is a beautiful way to keep him with you. And I’m sure you’ll be good eventually!
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They do have unicorns on that little web-program! I made myself into a unicorn. I was “pretty” though.
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Lovely post, nice getting to know you! And your little dog is adorable!
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You sure have fun in Second Life
I tried it for a computer class but I never saw any people..except for the time I stumbled on a nude beach, lol
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Oh those beaches…I avoided talking about the fun I have had..erm, visiting the lesser “family safe” areas. How fun of a class assignment though!
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Oh the cat is just adorable I totally want to kiss its nose. Wow! You read a lot. I wish I could find more time to read. I think it is wonderful you are learning to play the guitar, I am sure your brother would be proud. Love the pony avatar!
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Yay Amanda! I am heading over to read the RSS post as soon as I’m finished here
I know what you mean about the small town. Mine used to be small, but has boomed over the past 15 years… 2 huge malls, Super walmart and 2 regular Walmarts, etc – yet, NO BOOKSTORE! It makes me sad.
And I’m sorry about your brother, but what a wonderful way to remember him by.
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I don’t think my town would have room for even one small mall. We do have a few shopping plazas with 2-3 stores, but nothing can ever stay in those. What’s with towns and no bookstores though!? Hahaha, ours had used bookstore when I was growing up and it was always busy, but the owner retired and nothing else popped up.
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Missie thanks for introducing us to Amanda today. Amanda all three of my animals qualify as rescues and would not love them anymore if they were purebred Chihuahua and pedigreed cats! They are my babies and like Summer demand that I notice everything they do, most times that means lizards on the windows outside at night for the cats and the traffic going by on the road in front of our house for the dog. It does get a bit much to hop up and down everytime one of them finds something interesting to “point” out to “Mom”.
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your brother, never matters if five minutes ago or years when we lose a loved one it hurts for as long as we are alive without them. Kudos that you have musical talent, I can carry a tune but could never sit down to learn an instrument as have neither the patience or the aptitude for it.
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Aren’t they so helpful?
Thank you for stopping by LIO yesterday. I believe I followed you back everywhere.
Also thank you for your kind words. It’s a tough journey, but it’s part of life.
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Your avatar stuff sounds like a lot of fun. I never got into it. I was afraid I’d be too addicted!
((HUGS)) for the loss of your brother. I bet he is thrilled you are picking up the guitar. Go for it!
Great meeting you!
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LOL! Looks like you have fun with the computer programs.
I just made a pony for my twitter adi the other day. It is fun! 
Nice to meet ya!
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Nice to meet you, Amanda. Oo, the little pony is so cute!
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Hi Amanda! I gotta say a huge kudos to you for leaning the guitar! I bet your brother would be really proud.
It does seem like everyone in small towns kind of flock to Walmart. I grew up in a small town and when we’d ‘hang out’ it would be driving to the next town over to go to Walmart. At least Walmart sells books!
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Amanda rocks! I had to post that lol.
No but seriously…she does.
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From cannibalistic ponies to guitars to sheltering animals – your nonreading time is definitely diverse.
I’m very moved that you’re trying to learn how to play in honor of your brother – what a wonderful tribute to him!
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[...] Life – I’ve admitted to being a geek a few weeks back on The Unread Reader’s When I’m Not Reading feature. At least once a day I got to the Second Life website to read the blogs there. At least I [...]
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