PA Member Spotlight October 1, 2009 - Flaricka

[Jguy1964]

Me & my granddaughter                                              
 
                                        Me & my son

How did you first hear of Pogo?

FLCruise told me about it in the summer of 2006.  Then last year was able to return the favor by introducing her to PA.

How many games have you finished?

Three:  Dice City Rollers, Beaker Creatures, and Keno Pop.  I have also ranked out in Thousand Island Solitaire, although I still have 4 or 5 (thousand) treasure chests to pick up!

Do you have a favorite character?  Why?

I really like Emma the robot receptionist in Makeover Madness:  she’s always on time, always does a good job, never complains, never takes breaks, always has a smile.  She’s really worth every cent of her paycheck!

Do you have a favorite game?

Thousand Island, Boggle Bash, Mahjong Safari, and Everyone Wins Bingo.  (Ask me tomorrow, the list might be different!).  Since the Pirate Regatta I’ve also grown rather fond of Boardwalk Sea Ball (which I abhorred when it first came out!), and I’m thoroughly enjoying the Golf Solitaire monthly challenge!

How did you come to PogoAddiction?

I was googling ”Pogo” and stumbled across it.  I was blown away by the posting of upcoming Pogo challenges!  I lurked for about a year before I tried for my first PA weekly badge.  It was such a rush, that I did Angel’s New Member’s challenge and joined in the socials in order to earn more tokens to buy more challenges, and Dog Days 2008 was going on, and … well then I was smitten!

What is your fondest memory of the forum so far?

No one single memory pops out.  I love the camaraderie and all the random acts of kindness shown by the other members.  I love the contests, although they tend to stress me out because I’m really not very good at them.  I tend to love those challenges where I can take my time lol.  That’s why I suppose I love the socials most of all … just friends hanging out together … that’s the BEST!

Do you have any words of advice for the newer members?

      (1) Take your time and read, read, read, read.  It took me a very long time to sort through all the “how-to’s” but they really are worth the effort.  

       (2) If, after you’ve read everything, you still have questions, don’t be afraid to ask.  Everyone here has been very supportive and helpful.

       (3) Join in the socials.  Everyone is always positive and upbeat … no talking smack or bickering, like I’ve seen in Pogo chat from other fansites.  The people are not cliquish and we have a great time!  And it’s not only a way to get to know one another better, but also a good way to get to play a wide variety of games each week.  Even when nobody’s chatting, it’s just so comfortable to settle down in a room with other friends around.

When you come to the forum, what do you do first?

I check my messages, then look at the shout box, then peruse the recent posts.  I also pop over to the home page to see what new upcoming challenges have been added and check my profile to see if my most recent challenge badges have been posted lol.

What would you like to see more of on PA?

Gosh, that’s a real toughie, since I LOVE LOVE LOVE this site.  I guess, though, that I would like more access to those elusive Personal Challenges, but other than that … not a thing!

What is the best book you have read?

Probably the Harry Potter series, which sparked my imagination in a way I don’t remember other books ever doing.  I also Loved “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, “Clan of the Cave Bear”, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, and “The Stand” (by Stephen King).  I’m sure there are scads more, but my mind wanders.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

New Zealand!  The absolute “differentness” of it all!  The pictures I’ve seen are breathtaking … and of course I’d love the opportunity to have a personal guided tour by one of my favorite photographers (provided Kiwi would be available, that is).

What do you like to do when you aren't on Pogo or PA?

I play with my 5 year old granddaughter, I watch movies, I go out with family and friends, and I read … a LOT.  Before becoming a Pogo Addict, I did a lot of needlepoint and cross stitching.  Theresa Wentzler is my favorite needlework artist, and here are a few of her designs I’ve finished:

       Castle Sampler  http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/cass_l.html
       Rapunzel  http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/rap_l.html
       Trade Winds  http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/tw_l.html
       Christmas Sampler http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/chs_l.html
       Stroke of Midnight http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/som_l.html  (this one still needs the backstitching done … I’ve been sidetracked!)

Who is your hero/heroine?

My younger daughter.  She has suffered from severe anxiety attacks since she was 18 or 19 (she’s now 27).  She was also widowed at age 23 with a 6-month-old daughter.  She’s been living with me since last summer while she returns to school to finish her degree, so I’ve been able to see first hand what a remarkable job she’s doing.  She’s a wonderful and wise mother, she cooks fabulous meals, she is bright and sunny and VERY determined.  She is a full-time student, shuttles her daughter to school and soccer, spends time gardening and giving my house her very unique and artistic personal touches and improvements.  She’s such an example to me of someone not letting obstacles get in the way of her personal growth and happiness, even when it takes monumental effort some days just to get out of bed and out the door without shaking, and at the same time, she showers love on those around her.  She is very open about her anxiety problems, using her quirky sense of humor to put it all in perspective.  She once ran for (and won) Student Body President of our local community college with the slogan “Vote for Me, I Have Issues!”

Which holiday is your most favorite? Why?

Probably Halloween.  Of course I love Christmas, but sometimes it can get really stressful.  Halloween is purely, totally, completely fun fun fun!!  I mean … what’s not to like … I get to act out, act up, and decorate to the max.  The smells, the food, the nip in the air, the creativity … I can enjoy all that without breaking the budget!

In closing, tell us more about yourself and something we don't know about you.

First Off, I’m sure you don’t know this, but … I ADORE Alan Rickman (hehe, I just had to get that in somewhere!)

I’m pretty relaxed and content.  I’ve been very lucky.  I have 3 wonderful, talented, unique children, and one beautiful, sunny granddaughter.  I’m 54 years old, and even though I’ve been divorced for 15 years or so, my ex and I have remained friends, neighbors, and (until recently) coworkers.  I have long-time friends I love dearly and I live in the same town with all my extended family (which is a mixed blessing lol).  I have a job I like, a comfortable home, and ice cream in the freezer!  I also have a bit of a sharp tongue at times, but I try to keep it under control.  So please overlook my occasional rants … sometimes my evil other self slips out and wreaks havoc.

[kikihellman]

flaricka, you rock my world!  i loved reading about you, and you know i share your affection for AR (as well as a host of other things, it appears).  your life seems full and happy and interesting, and your ability to roll positively with the punches is a delight.  i'm so glad you're here, and so glad you told us a little more.  

[Lguy1967]

Congrats Flaricka on being in the PA Spotlight.
I enjoyed reading more about you, and getting to know you better.
Enjoy your time in the Spotlight!

[olivia]

Flaricka! it was a pleasure to read and "meet" you !  

[gizdor]

Congratulations Flaricka!  It was a pleasure to read about you and get to know you more! Enjoy the spotlight!!

[GBSfan278]

Flarika/Dolores!! It was a pleasure reading your interview, I love seeing you in socials & now I know more about... YOU! Enjoy your time in the spotlight!!

[FLCruise7]

To my dear friend Dolores - congrats on being selected for the Spotlight!  I'm happy to attest that Dolores is just as warm and caring in person as she is here on PA.  Her heart and home are always open.  She has a great sense of humor (as I'm sure most of you already know) and always helps others whenever she can.  

Enjoy your time in the Spotlight!!  

[SusyQ151]

Congratulations Flaricka for being chosen for the Member Spotlight.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading your interview.

Those samplers you have worked are gorgeous.  I do a bit of cross stitch myself.  I have one I've been working on for the past 14 years.    All I have left to do on it is about 20 or so french knots.  I really hate doing french knots, but I'm sure I will finish it some day.

Enjoy your time in the spotlight.

[sac101652]

Congrats Flaricka for being chosen for the Member Spotlight. I enjoyed getting to know you better.

[Jrfan89p]

Congratulations, I really enjoyed Reading your story. I am always glad to learn new things about people. Enjoy your time in the spotlight, you deserve it.  jrfan p.s. don't be afraid, hayden and jayden fixed the scary pumpkin lol

[paintnut2]

Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself and your life with us, flaricka.   Your sense of humor and upbeat personality shine through your interview and in socials.   Thank you for being a part of our PA family.  

[bttrfly2268]

wow hon! nice pictures you have there of you and your family. warms my heart  
hope you enjoy your time in the spotlight!

[LisaMarie]

Congrats on your spotlight Dolores!  It's nice to learn more about you.  I completely enjoyed seeing your cross stitch crafts, & really like the Rapunzel.  

[MJClark5]

Thank you for letting us into your life a little more.  
I really enjoyed reading  and getting to know you a little better.
Congrats sweetie and enjoy your time in the light  
 

[EricCedras]

    Congratulations Flaricka for being chosen for the Member Spotlight!!!