10 Questions with Mushy of Mushy’s Moochings

1. Describe your blog in five sentences or less.
Mushy’s Moochings is about Mushy, and the lessons I have “taken from life and offer back!” At times, it is a daily family diary, but the principle purpose is to chronicle my life, in narrative and photographs, in the hopes my grandchildren will one day wonder, “What was Papaw like when he was young?”

2. Link us to one post from your blog that best defines who you are.
An Interview with Mushy

3. What sets you apart from other bloggers?
Probably my age…most seem to be at least 10 years younger, but moreover they are usually 35 to 45 years older. I also find that am happier than most bloggers. I do not blog for companionship or praise; I have all that in my life. I just blog because I love people and find that most are good people. I just love to share my life and thoughts with others, in hopes that they will be the same thing in an honest, candid, way.

4. When and how did you first discover blogging?
I retired in September of 2005 and it just came to me one day prior to leaving work that blogging was something I would like to do. I already had several “misadventure” stories written that I have used in speeches over the years, so, I was soon on my way. I did not post regularly until my step-dad died in the winter 2006. In writing, and posting, about his death got me hooked and I haven’t slowed down much since.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve related to blogging or the internet?
Memes, awards, and other things that seem to obligate you to post something out of context with your blogs purpose. Oh, yeah, I hate blogs about cats!

6. Name one plug-in, blogging widget, or service that you can’t live without.
I have a couple that I love and that make my posting easier; (1) eCleaner (gets rid of the < > and html marks that accumulate in passed on emails, (2) DigitalPhotoResizer (reduces photos and adds a copy write watermark to each), (3) I also love the added capability of Firefox that spell checks even comments!

7. If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog, who would it be and why?
My long deceased friend Sam…he was my hero, but could never understand why anyone would like him! However, he liked me just as much as I liked him. I miss him.

8. How has blogging made you a better person?
They say the study of history prevents us from making the same mistakes again. After writing, and gaining the obvious therapy of doing it, I can see my roots and why I am the way I am today. I have a couple of guys that read my blog that seem to look up to me as a “brother,” and I think it’s because of my experience and the strength it seems to have given me.

9. What are your tips for becoming a better blogger?
Write the truth; write about what happened, and how it has made you better. Don’t brag, but let your life be a witness to the good in you and people in general. Give hope to those that need a boost in life, and always be there to lend an ear. Most people just want to talk their problems through with someone, and the answers just seem to come.

10. Name one great blog that you read on a regular basis. What makes it unique?
I have 76 blogs that I read at least once a week – probably 20 of those I read daily. I have about 5 that I don’t feel complete unless they have commented on my most recent post. I suppose these 5 are the most important, and I could never get it down to one, although Fathairybastard has become like a brother to me over the past year. He visited me recently and we got along just the way we thought we would if we ever got the chance to meet. That was a very satisfying experience. Therefore, Jeff is my main blog buddy!

Categories: Personal, Ten Questions