–by Christine Rimmer
Ever played blog tag? You tell something about yourself, then tag the next blogger. She tells about herself and tags someone else. I thought it might be fun to play tag here, on our Special Edition Authors Blog. So I’ll start with 5 things about me….
Here we go:
1. I took a man and a cat and drove across America in a Volkswagen Bug seeking stardom in the Big Apple. The man was my first husband. The cat was named Alice. She was a very strange cat. And after that trip, believe me, stranger still. We settled in Brooklyn to start our climb to the top. It was…a fine life experience. I’ll say that much for it. My big moment in the Big Apple? I starred in The Importance of Being Earnest in a church in Flatbush. I played Gwendolyn and got to say my favorite all-time line from a play. “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.” Thank you, Oscar Wilde. And see, here’s the poster from my long-ago debut at Flatbush-Thompson Congregational Church….
2. My maiden name is Smith. Chris Smith. That’s the first real me. My dad’s name? Tom. My mom used to tell a funny story about checking into a hotel right after they were married under the names Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith. The clerk looked at them like, Oh right. Sure you are. And then there was my first really cool doll that wasn’t a baby doll. She was a big doll, at least two feet tall with silky brown hair and gorgeous pink skin and big blue eyes with long lashes. I was about two. My mom said, “A doll like this needs a special, special name.”
And I said. “Ummm…Smith.” So that was my gorgeous doll’s name: Smith. At least through kindergarten, I thought Smith was a truly glamorous name. And I still love it, to tell the truth. It’s one of those names where you’re always going to find other people who have the same name as you. And I like that. I do.
3. I met my husband at a Parents Without Partners discussion group. He had a son and so did I. But I never dreamed we might end up together. I thought he despised me. He was so serious—except when he was funny. Really funny, a wit sharp enough to cut. Deep. He talked about things like personal responsibility and how we can’t change other people, only ourselves and if our marriages didn’t work, blaming the spouse was not going to make our next relationship any better. He would level those ice-blue eyes on me and I would think, okay, well, yeah. I guess I could use a little personal growth. Or maybe a lot. But this guy? Him I could just kill. And then, one evening, he called me and…asked me out. I found I was inordinately pleased that he had called–so I said yes. We went to dinner and walked down by the Sacramento River. We talked until dawn. Shared our first kiss. I found out how sweet and tender he could be. How he listened. And then there were those really muscular arms and big shoulders…I knew he was the love of my life that night. I was right.
4. I was once a really good coffee shop waitress. Yes, all right. It’s something of a cliché, the struggling actress spending her lunch hour in duty shoes. That was me. I lived the classic waitress/actress cliché. I worked at the Riss Restaurant (among other fast-paced venues) on the Upper East Side and I could deal ‘em off the arm with the best of them. It’s one tough job, waitressing. You’ve got to be fast and efficient and smart and know how to prioritize. And smile while you do it, if you want to make good tips. When I started making a living as a writer, I hung up my duty shoes for good. But I still have those dreams where I’m workin’ the lunch rush and I haven’t got a clue what I’m doing, and can’t keep up. It’s almost as bad as the dreams where I’m back in college and it’s finals week and I suddenly realize I’ve got a class I’ve never bothered to attend… EEEK!
5. I was a crystal runner. Twice, I drove cross-country from LA to Arkansas and back in a Chrysler New Yorker name Hal. You may already know this. I mean, I know I’ve mentioned my crystal running days in previous blogs. Hey, I’ve probably mentioned all this stuff in previous blogs. You know me. Big on over-sharing. (!?) It was a while ago, my crystal running days. I would go with my friend, Deborah Lou. She owned the New Yorker and had named it Hal because it was one of those talking cars. You know, “Your door is open.” And “Please fasten your seatbelt.” Sounded just like a certain computer named Hal in a very old movie, 2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY. This was back when quartz crystals were all the rage for healing and channeling energy. Deborah Lou would get them from the crystal mines in Arkansas and bring them back to LA to sell to…well, I forget exactly who she sold them to. But those trips were really fun. And since I still have a fondness for rocks of all kinds, I’ve kept several examples of the crystals I found back then. Here’s one I rather like–but then, I like them all! 
So there you have it. 5 things about me. Now I’m tagging you—because you are so the best! Comment here with at least one thing about you (and more if you feel like it) for a chance at a $10 gift card from your choice of Amazon or Barnes & Noble. I’ll pick a random winner tomorrow and post the winner on our Winners page. Good luck!
Wow, Chris, five really interesting things! I am going to Tweet this right now…
Lilian, thanks for the tweet!
This is fun! Those were 5 great things! There was something similar to this circulating around facebook a few years back…you had to list 25 random things about yourself and then tag friends who had to repost their own list. I loved reading all the random facts about people I’d known for years!
Two random things about me:
1. I’ve been to 46 of the 50 states and 19 different countries. While in Pamplona, Spain, I slept on the street the night before the running of the bulls. I hated the running of the bulls and will never go back to see it again, but I’m glad I got to say I did. I didn’t tell my parents until the day AFTER we went.
2. I am one of a very few people to be born in Woodstock, NY. We have no hospital, my mom chose to have me at home (it was the 70s, and we were in Woodstock, after all). I love being able to truly call it home – to this day, it is still is full of peace, love, music, and hippies (and no fast food or traffic lights!). Anyone who loves the 60s should come visit!
Laura, two really excellent things! Born in Woodstock. To me, that is one magical place. And I never knew they still had no fast food or traffic lights there. Love that!
And what traveler you are. I am in awe. And so glad you didn’t get run down by a bull!
What a fun blog, Chris! Here’s a little known fact about me: When I was in college, I was a stand-in on The All New Mickey Mouse Club television show (the Disney Channel revival). It was the show that launched the careers of J.C. Chasez, Keri Russell, Justin Timerlake, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, and, of course, Britney Spears. My senior year, I landed a plumb freelance public relations job during the opening of Disney’s MGM Studios. I escorted two mouseketeers to their media appointments during the press event for the grand opening celebration. I had so much fun! After the freelance job was over the production company offered me a job as a stand-in for the show. Basically, what it boiled down to was wearing a tag with one of the mouseketeers’ names and standing where the director told me to stand so they could mark the camera angles for the show (this was done while the kids were in school and rehearsal). It was the perfect part-time job for a college student and it came with some cool perks. I got to meet George Burns, Bob Hope (who were starring in a show that being filmed on the sound stage next to the Mouse Club) and Annette Funicello (who was a special guest on the show).
Nancy, what a fascinating life experience. And you got to meet all those cool stars, too. You’re right. About perfect for a college job–both the escorting stars and the stand-in gig. I was always so bored with my college jobs. I’ll bet you were never bored!
This is fun. I wish I could have met George Burns. My family and I use to crew for hot air balloons. My youngest son and I would hold the crown line while the envelope was being filled with air. Then we would chase the balloon, help deflate it and put it in the bag. We received free rides for crewing. Before I was married, my girlfriend and I took a train to NYC and saw the Macy Day Parade. To this day it is the only parade I watch on TV. I have seen the Rockette show four times. Twice in NYC, once in Myrtle Beach, and once in Cleveland.
Sandi, wowee! Fascinating people with amazing life experiences are on the blog today! Love the whole concept of crewing for a hot air balloon. Now there’s some magic in real life for ya.
Interesting stuff!
One thing about me – back in 2000 I participated in the Tae Kwon Do Nationals in New Orleans. I was a yellow belt and out of 9 thirty-something women took bronze in forms. Won a silver in sparring, but there were only 3 of us. I’m most proud of my bronze! Unfortunately after we got back I rolled my ankle in class by attempting a flying side kick. I was scared to do it, but faced my fears and leapt. I guess I got so hyped up I over compensated the landing. Nothing broke but man you should have seen the awesome coloring of the bruises – purples and reds at first.
Marcie, outstanding. Congrats on those medals. You so earned them! And I hope your ankle healed up good as new?
Yep – took a while, but all is good. Alas, the classes didn’t continue.
that is a fun blog, I wish I was as good a writer as you.
Dawn, thank you! XOXOXO! And I hope you write every single day. It’s the main secret to success in writing.
I am a military brat, I lived in England for 3 years I went to a English school when I first arrived. Been to about 13 countries. I had my picture made with Cameron Mathison of All My Children/Good Morning America. On a good day I can read 4 or 5 books (if that is all I do) This summer I have been reading 3 books a day
Alisha, 13 countries and up to 5 books a day! You go, woman! I think it’s so uplifting and life-affirming to live in different places. You are an inspiration.
Tag, now I am it – LOL – so many interesting things about so many interesting people!
So…where to start?
1 – I am the youngest and only daughter of four – my brothers are 15, nearly 11 and 9 years older than I am – so when they were stuck wity babysitting duty, I got to hang out with the older kids, which I thought was really cool.
2 – I had my son Joseph when I was 20 years old – he was due on Christmas and he was born on New Year’s Eve morning!
3 – that is about it – LOL – really – second-hand fame? My mom got to meet the original astronauts as part of her job back in the late 50s/early 60s – she worked on the “Air Side” of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard as part of a group working on developing the spacesuits. She still has her typed card with the astronauts’ names and ranks so that she would remember how to address them.
Felicia, great things to know about you. So you were the baby and got to hang with the big kids. Very cool. And a New Year’s Eve baby. I love that! Did you see how they just put an explorer robot on Mars? So very amazing….
afternoon ladies! I am a semi military brat my dad was in the navy for about 10 months and we had to move out to alameda california. lived in vallejo which was about 20 miles from san francisco. beautiful city san fran was but i HATED living out there.and was so glad when we came back to tn
Amy, it’s so fascinating that we so often feel grounded wherever we consider “home.” That was always California to me, which is where I grew up. The first time I saw Tennessee I was struck with how lush and green everything was. So exotic seeming to me–but to you? Home!
Hmmm, what to share….
I once worked as a hospice coordinator which meant that I admitted clients into the program and made sure they received the care that they needed. One time a nurse got sick so I had to go out and care for a dying patient until I found a replacement (don’t worry, I am an RN). I’d been out running errands with my little girl when the other nurse called so I had to take my then eight-year-old daughter with me to the patient’s home. She and the woman really hit it off.
The patient, Edith (she told me she was named after the wife of one of the early Presidents of the 20th century–I can’t remember which one) gave my daughter a porcelain doll that my daughter still has to this day. She called the doll “Edith” after her new “friend.”
Cindy, I should have known you were a nurse. I know you use your knowledge in your books. Love the story about the your daughter and Edith and the porcelain doll. Wonderful.
This is fun, Christine!:) My fun fact: I have been backstage with The Monkees, Huey Lewis and the News, and Delbert McClinton.:)
Leanne! I’ve seen a cool picture of you with Huey Lewis–and now I feel this burning urge to go listen to Hip to Be Square and The Power of Love…
This is cool!
1. When I was 16, I studied abroad in Germany for a semester and when I was 20 I went there again but for a year.
3. I was an extra on a movie and got to watch firsthand Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Biel’s amazing acting. Also at the same time I got to talk to James Marsden and Pee Wee Herman.
4. I just graduated from university in May with a double major and have no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life! But I’m so lucky to have understanding parents. It’s so much harder for qualified graduated to get a job and I think a lot of parents forget it isn’t as easy as it once might have been.
5. Lastly, I honestly have about 300 Harlequin/Silhouette books on my iPad Nook app. I am a little bit addicted!
Thanks for reading!
Christina, love your addiction. And you saw Jake Gyllenhaal in person? Be still my beating heart! Here’s to much success in life–and love. Just keep after it. That perfect job will be yours in time. XOXOXO!
Loved the sharing, Christine.
Here’s mine – in my first life, I trained to be a dancer. Once at a dance studio Mitzie Gaynor (probably no one remembers her from South Pacific?) gave me a pep talk – you know the old “Work hard and you’ll get there, kid.” bit. I was a young teen and had recently been in a summer production of South Pacific, and I was totally star struck, because Broadway muscials were my secret dream, and there she was (looking for Rossano Brazzi’s age by this time) the queen of a great movie muscial giving little ol’ me advice. And she still had fantastic legs!
Lynne! Great story. I do remember Mitzi Gaynor. I loved her in all those old musicals. And dancers seem to always keep those fabulous legs, don’t they? I guess they earned them. So…how far did you take that dancing career? I lasted as an actress till my late 20′s. Then I finally got smart and started trying to write for a living….
I got smart around age 24 (that’s already considered old for a dancer- and I was still pursuing a career, not getting very far) That’s when I went back to school to become an RN. Didn’t start writing until a major midlife crunch called “empty nest”.
1. I guess I’ve lived a rather boring life, however I have had the opportunity to travel to 48 states, and 4 other countries, including Canada multiple times. When younger, my parents bundled up their 6 kids, including a 9-month-old, and tried camping for the first time. We all loved it and traveled for many, many years. Then I married a stay-at-home (as in ‘not traveling’) man, but I made sure our kids had opportunities to go places through school trips.
But, I met my husband of 27 years through one of them, and I now have two great kids.
2. I majored in Linguistics and Anthropology in college, and got in a few master’s credits, but then I ran out of money and had to get a ‘real’ job. This led to many jobs not related at all to what I studied!
3. I love to read! I stick mostly to romance, because I enjoy books with happy endings, however right now I’m in the middle of “The Help”.
C-Jay, doesn’t sound boring to me. And I really enjoyed The Help.
Love your camping childhood with parents and all those siblings. And your college majors. Cool!
l. I did not marry until I was 29. I married the only man I every kissed beside my Dad. We’ve been married 33 years.
2. Also my husband had a dream about me before we met and I had a dream about him years before I met him.
3. I have two daughters and 4 grandchildren. Each daughter has one grandchild and I have another on the way in Jan. Also the other two I count as grandchildren are step-grandchildren God gave me.
4. Two of my cats I have in house we saved their life. Other one was a stray we got when we lost all our cats. Now we have the three inside cats and about 8 outside plus kittens.
5. I have taught children in church for 44 years. Now I sub but still teaching. Children have been my life.
Please enter me to win.
Jane I do love the story of you and your husband. So romantic and beautiful. And it’s wonderful that you have rescued cats. So many of them lead lonely, scary lives without humans to love and care for them. And you know I adore your grandchildren!
Christine … cool blog …
My sister & I took my parents on a road trip …13 states in 8 days … talk about a whirlwind trip … but nothing like seeing the USA!!!
I’ve worked 25 years … since I was in college … for one company!
Texas is the most awesome place in the world!!
Kim! 13 states in 8 days. That probably belongs in the Guinness Book of Records! And very impressive that you’ve worked your whole career for one company. That’s so rare these days…
This is fun… So I’m it. Okay…
Some time ago, I worked as a high school counsellor for 5 years in a very large high school. Rescuing abused and abandoned children was a big part of my job. I was young and I wasn’t afraid. One night the father of a child I rescued put a bullet through my baby’s window, right into her crib. I changed jobs.
Wow, Linda! That is such a scary story. I’m taking it that your baby was uninjured. What a terrible thing to do. And it made you have to give up helping other kids. That’s just evil! I hope that guy paid a visit to the judge. Grrrr.
Daughter wasn’t in the crib but should have been. One of those miracle moments. The father just got another 60 day psych evaluation. Changing jobs broke my heart.
What interesting and beautiful facts about you!
1.A little interesting tidbit about me is that I had 4 wedding ceremonies when I married my hubby 24 yrs ago. First was the civil ceremony. Then, my mom is a Christian minister and since I am an only daughter I always wished she would marry me. My dad is Muslim, so my mom combined the ceremony so that my dad would give a blessing from the Coran, and it was a Persian style wedding. Lastly, my hubby and I are Catholic, and we said our vows at our church. People would say if we ever thought of separating, we’d better really think about it, lol! My parents divorced when I was very young, but Mr and I are still happy together with 3 kids.
2.The first time I went skiing in 1985, we found that someone had taken our table in the lounge while we were skiing. It was Christopher Reeves with his family. Of course I got to take a pic with him. So glad I did.
Thanks, Lorelei! I love your four weddings story. It could be a cool movie or book. My Big Fat Civil Christian Muslim Persian Catholic Wedding. Oh, yeah! And how cool you “skied” with Christopher Reeves.
And the winner is…
Sandi in OH! Sandi, congrats, congrats! Email me at christine@christinerimmer.com to claim your gift card. Everyone, so much fun to learn more about you!
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