I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately. I’ve just been in this kind of blah stage where I can’t come up with anything witty to write about. I’ve read some of my other more popular posts that people joined in on. One was about horoscopes, another about happiness and then there was my Canadica post.
They brought in some great comments and we seemed to have a good time, in a playful mood, interacting.  I’ve been off my game lately. My brain just hasn’t been in a fun kind of mood and I’m sick of it. I can be fun, really, so join me and:
Press the button up there to the right, it’ll make sense.
I thought it’d be fun to have a poll.
I’ve never done a poll on my blog before. I did polls in college.
I had to write a paper and I interviewed people, passed out questionnaires and then manipulated added up all the stats to support my theory.
But Poll Daddy (PD) is right here on Word Press, so he’s going to do all the work for me.
And PD asked me:
You are, PD so here goes. I’m posting some passages from writers at the end of this post (now don’t leave, it’ll be fun) and I’d like you to vote for your favorite one.
Whee! We are having some fun now, huh?!!
If you want to guess who these writers are, then please do so when you leave a comment. And, please tell me which one you liked the least and tell me why — express yourself, garishly, boldly, fearlessly.  C’mon, it’ll be fun.
I’ll post the results next week, revealing the writers and the one you liked best. And yes, this is copyrighted material, but I guess it’s okay since it’s just snippets and I’ll be giving credit (and links to where you can buy them) in a few days. (And you can peek inside books on Amazon).
I figure this is a way for you to kill some time and maybe it’ll spark some creative something in my brain to make it more fun if I ever decide to do another poll on something else. I’m doing this one on WORDS because I’m trying to string some together myself on projects that have been on a back burner for way too long.
And get deep and creative yourself with your comments. After all, they’re just words and I think all of us do a pretty good job of stringing em‘ together.
And oh yeah,Â
I don’t know why I did that. Â Anyway, read on!
The Passages (I’ve nicknamed them to keep it simple):
#1: Â Gaunt Face
“His gaunt face, with staring eyes and shrunken features that had been delicate, still retained a trace of distinction. He looked like the hulk of an evangelist or a professor of esthetics who has spent years in contemplation in obscure museums. She wondered what had destroyed him, what error on the way could bring a man to this.”Â
#2: Â Chitchat Â
“She took a moment to appraise me. She did not want to go but understood that I was uneasy, that I felt spotlighted here, that I was not much of a talker to begin with — chitchat in crowded rooms always left me exhausted — and these things all had to be weighed. A family had to be managed, like any other organization.”
#3: Â Green Dress Woman
“She came in and took her coat off right away and sort of chucked it on the bed. She had on a green dress underneath. Then she sort of sat down sideways on the chair that went with the desk in the room and started jiggling her foot up and down. She crossed her legs and started jiggling this one foot up and down. She was very nervous, for a prostitute.”
#4: Â Crazy Beautiful
“Crazy beautiful! That’s what her doting parents had always called her and they were right. She was accustomed to eyes greedily taking her in; her kudzu-like hair coiling, winding and lush, the color of pale wheat and browned biscuits, Prussian-blue eyes and a pearly, luminescent skin that felt like silk stretched across a perfect, sinewy canvas. She didn’t grow into beautiful. Beautiful grew into her, bringing attention and shame.”
#5: Â Tan Eels:
“Always swimming underwater, the black waves of her hair flowing behind her like a school of eels. Always tanning herself (which none of the other women did) into the deep lacquered walnut of an old shoe. That woman needs to keep her clothes on, the mothers complained. She’s like a plastic bag full of worms. But who could take their eyes off her?”
Now vote below for your favorite…c’mon play, it’ll be fun. Â Have a great weekend.
Brigitte's Banter 
Chitchat is my life. Woman in the Green Dress made me nervous, so, it falls to the bottom of the pile.
Posted by Addie | January 18, 2013, 9:00 amThanks, Addie! Made you nervous, huh? You may be surprised where that one comes from. Happy weekend!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 9:03 amI can’t wait to find out. I think it was all of the hesitation and the ‘sort of’ and jiggling foot stuff. I felt uneasy reading the passage, a need to get up and move in a determined way. I love when words can cause you to have a definite feeling along those lines.
Posted by Addie | January 18, 2013, 9:08 amI know, so despite it making you nervous, it evoked an emotion and that’s what writing is about, right?
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 9:12 amCrazy Beautiful was my choice. I loved that “Beautiful grew into her…” I could really relate…. HAHA!! LOL! Just kidding!! Hey, you said have fun, right? 🙂
I think I might steal the idea of doing polls on those blah days. Good one, Brig!
Posted by A Gripping Life | January 18, 2013, 9:24 amHey Grippy, thanks for participating! Why did you like it? Which one did you like the least? Yeah, polls are fun — can’t wait to see what you come up with. Thanks my friend. Happy Weekend.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 9:26 amI think I have to be engaged right away. I liked Chit-Chat, too. I can relate to feeling exhausted from superficial dialogue. I also liked the style of the Green Dress Woman – I especially liked the use of the word chucked! It reminded me of my younger days. “…and sort of chucked it on the bed.” Love that.
I didn’t get pulled into Gaunt Face, so much. Not sure why?
Posted by A Gripping Life | January 18, 2013, 9:50 amI’m the same way. I’ll pick up a book and read the first few paragraphs and know whether I’m interested or not. It’s odd that you picked up the word “chuck” and it reminded you of younger days…you’ll see why. But you’re sensitive that way. Thanks, Lisa!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 10:49 amCrazy Beautiful was just the right kind of descriptive – I could conjure that girl up in my mind right away.
Posted by A Gripping Life | January 18, 2013, 9:52 amI love it when writers get descriptive. I think the goal is to say enough so that the reader can get just enough info and then she/he is able to create their own interpretation of what someone looks like.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 10:50 amI can’t even recognize any of these passages. Now, if you had included something from Beowulf, I’d know it. I’m so useful. This was fun, Brig! You’ll hit your stride again soon!
Posted by Emily @ The Waiting | January 18, 2013, 11:07 amSo no favorite at all? No vote? Oh well, maybe next time. Thanks, Em…hope I hit my stride again soon too! Have a nice weekend.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 11:11 amI no! I cast my vote! I just don’t want to sway anyone ;D
Posted by Emily @ The Waiting | January 18, 2013, 11:11 amThanks, Em. 😀
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 11:12 amOne of the things my daughter always complained about growing up was that I don’t play games. “Let’s play, mom,” was usually greeted by a groan from me. I think when they were passing out the “play” gene, I must have heard “Who wants some clay,” and just went about my business (whatever THAT might have been). One of the things I realized in reading these snippets is that I like the broader strokes more. I like the luxury of filling in the blanks. The ones with a wealth of descriptive detail seemed somewhat stifling to my imagination. Interesting…is that what playing is? Well, THAT was fun! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | January 18, 2013, 11:49 amHey M, ha! That’s funny. My posts have been a bit deep as of late so I though a more lighthearted one was in order — hence, the reason for this playful one! Did you vote? Do you have a least favorite? Maybe my post wasn’t clear enough…oh well, I’ll give myself a B plus for effort. Thanks, M and have a fun weekend!!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 11:53 amYes, I voted. My least favorite was the one with the kudzu tresses — waayyy too fussy for my taste. The one with the eel-like hair was kind of interesting, once I got past the creepiness of the image of swimming with eels THAT conjured in my mind! And I give you an A+ for effort, my friend. Maybe two polls? A most favorite and least favorite? Some of us are just too lazy to do much more than click a button! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | January 18, 2013, 11:59 amInteresting! That’s what cool about polls — all the differences of opinions and why people relate to certain things. I find it interesting anyway. You’re not lazy — Fridays are lazy days anyway, right? ;). i almost did insert two polls, but I was hoping to spark some conversation about why one was a “least favorite.” I’m a newbie to this blog/poll thing. Thanks, M! And I seriously loved your play on words today. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 12:10 pmSo looks like we both caught that “play” vibe from the Universe today, Brigitte! 😉 xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | January 18, 2013, 12:15 pmAh yes, we are sisters that way. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 12:17 pmThey were all by Shakespeare and the many writers of the Bible — everything originated with these them
“deep laquered walnut of an old shoe” – she is going to be sorry later
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | January 18, 2013, 12:53 pmYou may be right, Lou Ann. Writers take cues from other writers. And yeah, all that sun does make a girl sorry. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 1:02 pmthat was merely my cover for having no idea what books these passages come from-lol
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | January 18, 2013, 1:19 pmThat’s okay. I didn’t either until I read them. Thanks for playing!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 1:25 pmalways for you
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | January 18, 2013, 1:27 pmAll of the passages were interesting and, I think, well written, but my favorite was green dress. I keep a list of quotations and passages I’ve encountered that really moved me. I think it’s a worthwhile exercise.
Posted by Smaktakula | January 18, 2013, 12:57 pmSmak, that doesn’t surprise me! I do the same myself and thanks for playing.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 1:03 pmI have posted this three times- I give up. Iike number one..
Posted by mrsmac1214 | January 18, 2013, 1:02 pmNot sure why it’s giving you trouble but thanks for playing!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 5:44 pmI have some guesses, but I’d never reveal them, because I know I’ll be wrong, and then I’ll be embarrassed. It’s the old introvert-not-speaking-up-in-class thing all over again. 😉 But fun post. I look forward to seeing the results of the poll!
Posted by Carrie Rubin | January 18, 2013, 1:32 pmThat’s okay but I hope you voted, Carrie. You’re a writer — a published one — so hope you did! Happy weekend and thanks!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 1:34 pmI absolutely voted!
Posted by Carrie Rubin | January 18, 2013, 1:36 pmI voted green dress. I don’t think it’s Catcher in the Rye but it seemed rather Holden Caufieldish. This is fun!
Posted by Maggie O'C | January 18, 2013, 2:02 pmThe green, huh? Great choice and you and I should start a bookclub. Like Oprah and it could be our recommendations. Who knows where it may lead? Thanks for playing and joining in the “fun.” 😀
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 5:38 pmThis is fun, Brigitte. It was a toss up between “Chitchat” and “Crazy Beautiful.” I see I’m not alone. All of them were great. I wonder who they might be? I look forward to the results post! Have a great weekend. I voted for the “Chitchat.”
Posted by The Bumble Files | January 18, 2013, 2:03 pmHi Amy, thanks for voting. What swayed you one over the other? They’re some of my favs as well. You have a great weekend too.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 5:39 pmI am embarrassed to admit I like number one… egads
Posted by unfetteredbs | January 18, 2013, 2:16 pmWhy would you be embarrassed? There’s no right or wrong — you like what you like. A very worthy choice!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 5:39 pm’cause it is not as pretty as the other ones but I do believe it is one filled with the most mystery and curiosity hence why i like it
Posted by unfetteredbs | January 18, 2013, 7:12 pmThat’s the one the makes you want to read more and that’s what it’s all about!
Sent from Brigitte’s iPad
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 7:31 pmand I anxiously await the reveal so I can read more 🙂
much fun B!!
Posted by unfetteredbs | January 18, 2013, 7:36 pmI voted for gaunt face, but I have no idea where any of these are from! I’m looking forward to seeing where you go with this. 🙂
Posted by jmmcdowell | January 18, 2013, 3:27 pmHi JM, you and Audra both like that one. Stay tuned for the big reveal next week and have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for playing.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 5:40 pmwell I voted. My favorite was the green dress. I like the style and the descriptions used. My least favorite was the beautiful one. Ugh. Maybe I’m just jealous. haha! Nah, I don’t think I would want to be beautiful. Too much attention paid to you then. Too much effort to keep up. I’ll stick with being me. 🙂
Posted by JackieP | January 18, 2013, 4:23 pmThat’s a good one, Jackie! So Crazy Beautiful wasn’t your cup of tea, huh? I think you’re beautiful anyway. Have a good weekend.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 5:41 pmawww thanks Brigitte. You have a great weekend also.
Posted by JackieP | January 18, 2013, 6:02 pmGreat idea. Now my choice better win!!
Posted by denmother | January 18, 2013, 5:28 pmHey DM, always nice to see you here and thanks for playing. Have a great weekend!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 5:45 pmI like the visual writing of Tan Eels. (please don’t be Twilight, please don’t be Twilight)
Posted by mabukach | January 18, 2013, 6:15 pmNow Mike, do you really think I’d have a copy of Twilight? Not that there’s anything wrong with it but it’s just not my thing. I like that visual myself and thanks for playing!
Sent from Brigitte’s iPad
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 7:36 pmHahaha no, of course not.
Posted by mabukach | January 19, 2013, 10:36 amTan Eels was my favorite.. i like the way they write.. descriptive without alot of extra words.. (right now it’s in a tie.. Come on Tan Eels, bring home the glory 😉
Posted by free penny press | January 18, 2013, 8:04 pmThanks for joining in, Lynne!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 8:09 pmLove the description – and the catty behaviour – in “Tan Eels.” But the only one I think I recognized was “Green Dress.” Is that from “Catcher”?
Posted by Deliberately Delicious | January 18, 2013, 8:21 pmHey Sally! Thanks for playing. All will be revealed next week. ;). Have a wonderful weekend my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 8:26 pmI liked Gaunt Face best, but I can’t even begin to guess where any of these passages are from. Nice choices, though, they all have lovely language and evocative descriptions. Have a great weekend, Brigitte!
Posted by Madame Weebles | January 18, 2013, 8:31 pmThanks Weebs! Nice choice and glad you enjoyed. Thanks for playing and have a great weekend yourself. Hope you and your loved ones are doing well.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 8:38 pmYay! So glad you’re doing a blog game here too. 🙂 The passages were fun but I chose Green Dress as my favorite because 1) green is my favorite color, and 2) because the end of it (her being a prostitute) was a bit of a surprise. I also really liked Crazy Beautiful for the ending: –> “Beautiful grew into her, bringing attention and shame.” Makes me wonder why shame is there and what it might allude to. Love that all the passages have nice descriptive words without being overly descriptive. Fun stuff!
Posted by lillianccc | January 18, 2013, 8:58 pmThanks for sharing your two favorites, Lillian! So glad you enjoyed the game and thanks for coming out to play. I like things that surprise as well. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 9:19 pmGreen Dress. I have no clue who the writer is but I can relate to the woman…hey…wait…I’m not a prostitute though but I have this nervous energy, especially when I have to wait…
Posted by dianasschwenk | January 18, 2013, 9:15 pmGreen dress is gaining in popularity! So it’s the nervous energy you can relate to,huh? :). Always nice to see you, D and thanks for playing.
Sent from Brigitte’s iPad
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 9:21 pmimpatience or nervous energy yes!
Posted by dianasschwenk | January 18, 2013, 9:22 pmI know the feeling well.
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 9:28 pmI just love Crazy beautiful for those 2 sentences near the end. “She didn’t grow into beautiful. Beautiful grew into her…”
Posted by char | January 18, 2013, 10:04 pmHi Char! Thanks for picking your fav and for playing. Nice when authors stop by — thank you and have a great weekend!
Posted by Brigitte | January 19, 2013, 11:07 amHi Char! Thanks for picking your fav and for playing. Nice when authors stop by — thank you and have a great weekend!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 10:08 pmCrazy beautiful was my favorite, Brigitte. Loved the writing and I could visualize her. Green Dress Woman was my least favorite – people who jiggle their feet or legs really annoy me. Also the use of “sort of” twice in the same passage.
Can’t wait to see what you’re up to!
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | January 18, 2013, 11:21 pmThanks for playing, Cathy. I love how people’s opinions vary. Stay tuned…. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 19, 2013, 11:08 amBrigitte,
The Green Dress, not because of the topic, but the descriptive merit of the excerpt.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | January 19, 2013, 2:18 pmHi Eric — many like that one. Thanks for playing and your input — much appreciated!
Posted by Brigitte | January 19, 2013, 2:55 pmHi Brigitte,
I liked the green dress and the pretty girl, because they instantly brought an image ti my mind. I disliked the eels one because that description of her in the end as being like a plastic bag full of worms grossed me out 🙂
Posted by sarafoley | January 19, 2013, 2:50 pmHey Sara — green dress! Which one is the pretty girl? One and the same or is that another one? Ah, but being grossed out, maybe that’s what the writer intended — ? Thanks for playing!
Posted by Brigitte | January 19, 2013, 2:58 pmoh, I was talking about two of them – the pretty girl I was thinking of was the with the hair like kudzu :). I am sure the writer was trying to make the reader feel icky, so I guess he/she should be commended!
Posted by sarafoley | January 20, 2013, 2:55 amThanks for playing and making us play, Brigitte! I’m for the green dress too… the way you feel like you’re right there with her and seeing her…
Posted by Les Petits Pas de Juls | January 19, 2013, 2:55 pmHi Jules — thank for playing — so it was a vivid picture for you, huh? Appreciate your input!
Posted by Brigitte | January 19, 2013, 2:59 pm