April's Last Wednesday Hodgpodge

How can this be the last Hodgepodge of April?! Mercy, this year is flying by! Join me over at Joyce's blog to play along after you read and comment below!

1. April showers bring May flowers...what have you been showered with this month?

Books! I've read some great books this month (tomorrow is my 20th review of the month!) and have more that I can't wait to start in my TBR pile!

2. What is the nature of compassion? Is it learned or innate? Can compassion be learned? If you're a parent is this something you've purposely sought to instill in your children, and if so how?

I think it comes more naturally for some people than others, but I think it can be learned. I have been intentional about trying to instill it in my kids by modeling it and placing them in situations where they can show compassion. I never shielded them from funerals once they got past the age of 4 or 5), took them to visit elderly friends, prayed in the car when we passed a wreck, etc. I certainly haven't done it perfectly, but it's borne some fruit.

Part of my goal was not specifically to just instill compassion but to teach my kids to be others-centered. That is a basic characteristic that I feel is so important and much too neglected today, and the "side effects" include not only compassion but humility, patience, gentleness, and a whole host of positive traits.

3. Do you prefer to watch romantic comedy or romantic drama...or are you rolling your eyes saying bring on the action flicks?

Mostly the romantic drama. I have to be in the right mood for romantic comedy and a little goes a long way. I can watch some action flicks but even then, I'm focusing more on the interpersonal relationships.

4. It's April which means baseball season is officially upon us here in the US of A. Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying "A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz." Agree or Disagree?

Disagree. I'm not a big baseball fan. The games take too long and are too slow. And I do love my Texas beef!

5. What's something in your community or city that needs fixing or improving?

Don't EVEN get me started! LOL

6. Share a song you enjoy that mentions flowers or a specific flower in its title.

I was torn between two, so I'll share them both. Growing up, I always loved it when we sang the old hymn The Lily of the Valley! Here's a version with just a couple of verses from one of the Gaither Homecomings:



And as a Texas gal, of course I've always LOVED The Yellow Rose of Texas! Especially since yellow has always been my favorite color. Yellow roses were my wedding flowers!



7. April 22nd is Earth Day...do you believe there's life on other planets? That wasn't the question you were expecting was it?

There may be plant life, but I don't really think there are people on other planets. And no, I didn't expect that with the Earth Day lead-in! LOL

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm looking forward to a road trip with my girl this weekend as we head to early registration at her college. We'll get to meet her roommate as well!

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