This month I want to do something more personal.  What would you like me to share with you? Something about travel? (I’m leaving for Paris WH Smith Event and London next week,) writing, marketing, my events, etc. Please leave your comment below. It will help me decide what interests you.

My online friend, Doreen Cox, nominated me for The Liebster Award (Click her name to read Dody’s post.) You can also read Doreen’s “My Gutsy Story.”

1. When you receive the award nomination, post 11 random facts about yourself and answer the 11 questions asked by the person who nominated you.
2. Pass the award onto 11 other blogs (while making sure you notify the blogger that they have been nominated!)
3. Write up 11 NEW questions directed towards YOUR nominees.
4. Of course, do not nominate the blog of the one who nominated your blog!
5. Paste the award picture onto your blog. (You can Google the image; there are plenty of them!)

1. I hated reading as a child, and English language, English Literature and History, were my least favorite subjects. (Shocking! Considering all writers love to read, love literature and most love history.

2. I was born with a black mohawk.
3. I lived in Nigeria as a child, and my mom spoke Danish to me from birth.

4. I am an only child. My mother and I were very close. She died at 57, before I moved to the U.S. I wish she had known my husband and children. She was a Kindergarten teacher and excellent at connecting with children
5. I made an impromptu speech in front of my class, at the English School of  Paris at age 13. My classmates snickered, and did not vote for me. That  traumatic incident impacted me for life, and I decided to overcome my fear of public speaking.
6. I left home at 14 to attend boarding school in the U.K. It was my own decision as I wanted to take subjects in high school that weren’t offered at my school in Paris.

7. I always wanted to become a pilot, but my eyesight was terrible. I considered joining the RAF (Royal Air Force) as an air traffic controller, but did not fit in with the strict rules.

8. I studied “Computer Science” in college, but was hopeless at it, so I transferred to “Environmental Science.”  After that, I started a Masters degree in “European Studies,” at Reading University in the U.K., but disliked the “history” part, as I was more interested in contemporary topics. I’m sorry to admit this, but it’s the truth,  so I quit, and got a research job at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland for one year.

9. I rarely feel settled. My mind is always thinking of the next place I want to visit or live in, or country I want to see. I don’t know if I will change as I grow older, but I’ve always been this way.

10. I am married to a “quiet” man. This may explain why I like networking and meeting people, as I cannot keep my mouth shut for long periods of time.

11. I’m a Virgo, supposedly a “perfectionist,” however, I view myself as disorganized. I work better under deadlines.

Here are the answers to the questions asked of me by Dody:

1. What is the first book that you can remember reading?

The Noddy series by Enid Blyton.
2. Did you ever have a nickname?

SØS. No not SOS, by my mother.

Snookie by Duke, my husband.
3. What is the most favorite thing that you did when a kid?

Spending the day swimming with Lilian, my best Danish childhood friend. Eating Danish pastries after we swam in the morning.

4. What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?

Travel and swim and snorkel in Caribbean warm waters.

5. Do you have an unusual or interesting habit?

I really like boysenberry jam on sharp cheddar cheese, on a slice of whole grainy brown bread.
6. If you could have a chat with someone you do not know, who would this be?

Jane Goodall. I love “Gutsy” women who are older and wiser. I would like to ask her to be a part of the “My Gutsy Story” event I so want to put together in 2013.
7. Describe your ideal bookcase.

Memoirs and travel stories.
8. What is your favorite spot in which to read?

I can’t read for long periods at a time, so on the bike at the gym, or when I walk my dog.
9. What is the most interesting vacation you’ve ever had?

On a safari in Kenya and Tanzania with my kids aged 6 and 9. The youngest was only 2, and stayed in the U.S.
10. Do you have a bucket list? Share one with us.

• Take a Spanish immersion class and live with a host family in Panama.
• Teach English in a totally foreign country where the locals are friendly and receptive to learning. Where should I go? Any ideas welcome?
• Travel to Australia, and do a house swap or house-sit for 6 months.
• Do 27 months of Peace Corps work.
• Live in Naples, FL, for a while.
• Start a Baby-Boomer movement of “Gutsy people.”
• Always learn from other people.

11. Complete the sentence: “I wish... I knew how to fly a small Cessna. I wish I had nursing skills so I could work and volunteer in any country in the world. I wish I’d become an author and motivational speaker in my 30’s.

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Because I am a curious person, I wanted to learn more about a few people whose blogs I enjoy: Belinda Nicoll, Miss Footloose, Annabel Candy, Barbara Hammond, Muriel Demarcus, Laura Dennis, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Dagg, Kelli Norgaard, Lois Joy Hofmann, Jennifer Fink

Here are my questions to you.

1. What is your biggest accomplishment so far in your life?

2. Where did you first meet your spouse (if applicable)?

3. How do you see yourself at 80?

4. What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5 years.

5. What is your biggest fear in life and why?

6. Are you a Gutsy woman? In what way?

7. Where do you see yourself living when you retire?

8. Do you regret any decisions you’ve made in your life?

9. Is there a profession you would pick today if you could start over? Which one and why?

10. What are you looking forward to in 2013?

11. How do you stay motivated?

I do hope that your busy schedules can allow time for your acceptance of this award!

Do you have a “My Gutsy Story” you’d like to share?

DECEMBER will be DIFFERENT.

I shall be leaving for Paris and London, and plan to share stories, photos, and other posts during this month on my blog.

I am collecting new “My Gutsy Story” submissions for 2013.  NOW is the time to submit your own “My Gutsy Story” and get published in our Anthology. Please contact sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.

To submit your own, “My Gutsy Story” you can find all the information, and our sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here.

Thanks and don’t forget to VOTE on the sidebar.