During the month of April, I participate in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. That is 26 posts in one month, for each letter of the alphabet, time off for good behavior on Sundays. Over 1800 bloggers are participating this year. Last I checked, I was #892. This year, Millie and Willie Cottonpoly, my sock puppet creations, are here to tell you their story and share reviews, ideas, and inspiration with you. They’re also helping to teach theatre classes for kids in the Brainerd area, and continue to view and review theatre productions and some books. This retired couple doesn’t just sit around watching reruns on MeTv. (Although, Willie does like to put up his feet whenever Petticoat Junction comes on. It’s that sound of the train whistle. Millie makes no apologies for watching the Lassie marathon while holding her dog Tillie on her lap.)

I is for Interrupting, an unpleasant social guffaw. Even mild mannered Willie can get too full of himself and liking the sound of his own voice. Here’s an out-take from yesterday’s interview with author Joanne Sundell about her Huskies and new book Arctic Storm. 

 

Willie: Did you ever take the train up to Alaska for your research?
Joanne: I’ve never taken the train, but I’d…
Willie: Traveling by train is the greatest form of transportation. Why, I’ve seen this country from east to west, and north to south, and I’d do it all over again.
Millie: Joanne, you were saying that you have visited Alaska, but not by train…
Willie: I mean the sound of the train, chug chugging along, it can lull you right to sleep. Then, the sound of the whistle pulls you right back out and there you are in the land of the midnight sun, with a moose staring at you through the window.
Joanne: That’s what I said earlier in the interview. You could be daydreaming about..
Willie: And, the food they serve on the train! Mm. When you’ve been working all night, and the smell of fried eggs comes your way, It’s just the best.
Millie: Yes. What are some of the foods you tried while you were visiting Alaska, Joanne?
Willie: I’d go right for the salmon. Eggs and salmon for breakfast. That would be delicious.
Millie: Willie. (stern look)
Joanne: Millie, I understand you’re a dog whisperer. What kind of dog do you own now?
Willie: We have a Schnauzer named Tillie. She’s so spunky. She likes Millie’s lap the best, but we have great walks along the railroad tracks. She loves it when I sing I’ve been working on the railroad, all the livelong day.DSC_0252
Millie: (snaps off the record button and stares at Willie) Willie Cottonpoly, you are being an interruptus Buttkus. You’re being rude to our guest and answering questions for me.
Willie: Millie, I’m sorry. I was just so excited about talking about the trains, and Alaska, and the dogs. You know I love Tillie.
Millie: Willie. Stop. You need to take a break. You can come back into the studio when you’ve learned how to listen, and not step on other people’s toes when they’re talking! 

Willie walked around for a while, then went back into the studio and apologized to Joanne and Millie. Later, he got Millie a gift certificate for a pedicure. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Do you think people interrupt too often? Do you notice that women are interrupted more often than men? Have you ever been an interruptus buttkus?