Taking Tea in the Kasbah



I must have been in a generous mood last week when I presented y’all with a quintuple quandary that boasted a whopping FIVE options. Even more impressive than my generosity was the number of fine readers who faced the challenge head on and didn’t shy away from it. Instead, the kasbah was full of logic, intelligence, wit and, of course, some snark. (What would the kasbah be without snark? *shudders* Best to not even think like that.)

photo credit: josef.stuefer via photopin cc

photo credit: josef.stuefer via photopin cc

Here’s the breakdown: Most of you chose to give up the sense of taste with the idea that weight loss goals could be more easily achieved or because it was the only one you could bear to give up. Two people opted out of their sight, two more would say adios to their sense of hearing, and one person who possesses a very sharp sense of smell was willing to let go of her super power. Thoughtful and thorough explanations were given for each of these choices. Interestingly, no one opted to give up the sense of touch. Also interestingly, I wasn’t surprised. I’ve always suspected the patrons of the kasbah to be a touchy-feely sort of group.

So what would I give up? As a writer, I simply can’t part ways with my sense of touch (how would I type or hold a pen?) nor that of my sight (I love to read the written word and see the letters dance across the page in perfectly balanced prose). Also, I couldn’t bear to give up my hearing and miss out onΒ music, movies, audio books, radio plays, or the velvety voice of a certain classy British actor.

So, that leaves sense of taste and sense of smell. There are so many wonderful foods out there in the world, and so many tasty things yet to try. The joy of cooking and, subsequently, the joy of eating would be greatly decreased for me. Thus, I’m pressed into giving up my sense of smell, even though there are so many memories tied up in that sensory experience. While I would be worried about not having an awareness of possessing an offensive odor, I do shower with regular frequency and, if needed, I could employ the sniffing capabilities of a friend or family member to smell check me before I leave the house. Problem solved.

Now, if only all of life’s problems were so easily dealt with, but then that would make for a mighty boring existence, wouldn’t it? I don’t want y’all to having a boring Wednesday, so I’ll do my bit for humanity and give you this week’s question, which I like to call Choose Your Own Adventure:

Would you rather make your living as

a stunt double in Hollywood working on major movies with dangerous stunts

photo credit: twm1340 via photopin cc

Human-made danger. photo credit: twm1340 via photopin cc

– OR –

a scientist who studies active volcanoes on a remote, yet beautiful island?

photo credit: SteveD. via photopin cc

Danger by nature. photo credit: SteveD. via photopin cc

Β ***

What will you choose this week, adventurous readers? Will it be the chance to work with A-list directors and celebrities and the lights, camera, dangerous action of Hollywood? Or will it be the quieter, yet no less dangerous work of the volcanologist on the far away island? Ponder it a bit, have a cup of tea, and share your thoughts. I always enjoy hearing from you.

18 thoughts on “Wednesday’s Would You Rather… Question: Choose Your Own Adventure

  1. It took no pondering for me, Tami.

    The words remote tied with Island suggested I might live a life of solitude. Yes, I know I could commune with nature and enjoy all of God’s beauty. But, really. I do not WANT to be alone on a remote island away from my friends and unsuspecting strangers targeted as fodder for my writing.

    It I were a Hollywood Stunt double, I could chicken opt out of assignments that exceed my risk tolerance boundaries. But, those boundaries would expand when I studied with a rocking hot hunk competent stunt person of the male gender.

    Bonus! I could sleep with develop an intellectual and caring friendship with executives seeking books for The Next Blockbuster Movie.

    • on ,
      Tami Clayton said:

      As always, you have thought of everything in your answer to the WYR question of the week. Solitude and quiet have their place, but if it’s action you seek (yes, I know you’re smiling over the double entendre), then Hollywood is certainly more suited to that. Bonus points awarded for your bonus scenario, Marketing Genius.

  2. Easy. Give me the volcano and the remote beautiful island. The peace and tranquility.I’m sure there would be a couple of other introverts hanging around there, for those times when I needed human contact.
    I’m betting all your followers choose the Volcano this week!

    • on ,
      Tami Clayton said:

      Will all the introverts be on the island while the extroverts take over Hollywood? Tune in next week to find out the final results! πŸ™‚

  3. Island, island, island! Sure, I might meet celebrities, perhaps even be invited to lunch with a certain classy British actor, but an island is pretty. And, I like safety. Stunts would put me in danger daily. Volcanoes don’t go off everyday, and if I’m a scientist worth my salt, I’ll know when the next eruption is due.
    Hmm. If I were a stunt artist worth my salt, I’d be able to ensure my safety, but there would be others in the mix, directors who don’t take my advice, extras who get in my way…

    Settled. Island. Pretty island. Mojito in hand because volcano-ing is hard work and I’ll need my down time.

    • on ,
      Tami Clayton said:

      Of course you’d be a rockin’ volcanologist, able to leap tall volcanoes in a single bound and all that. The villagers on the island will probably want to make you their queen, too, so dust off your tiara before you go. Oh, and save me a mojito. That’s my fave. πŸ™‚

      • A rockin’ volcanologist queen, for real and for true? Wowza. Do you suppose they’d let me have a parade?

        • on ,
          Tami Clayton said:

          Absolutely. And you shall be carried on the backs of six strong, nicely tanned men who will feed you grapes and read you poetry whenever you wish. Did I mention the island has a name? Fantasy Island, if you must know.

  4. It is unanimous, at least so far. Scientist studying volcanoes. I am in desperate need of no one being anywhere near me.

    • on ,
      Tami Clayton said:

      Oh, pal. Sorry you’re in desperate need of solitude. If I could, I would magically grant it to you on the remote island of your choice. Because I am not Hermione, I will instead send you some gentle quietness and perhaps a soothing beverage of your choosing.

  5. on ,
    Marcia said:

    My brain is tired tonight…so I’m not pulled towards making risky stunts decisions or stressing alone on a remote, lonely island….
    About all I can do tonight is eat chips with a pair of tweezers! πŸ™‚

    • on ,
      Tami Clayton said:

      You could always bring your tweezers to Hollywood or the island. They are tiny enough to fit in your carry-on, I’m sure. πŸ˜‰

  6. Ooooh, volcanoes! I have always loved them, don’t ask me why. But you know, if we all go to that island to study the volcano we could have some pretty wild parties. πŸ˜‰

    • on ,
      Tami Clayton said:

      Volcanoes are fascinating to me, too. I will be traveling to Hawaii this spring and I plan to hike around/near Kilauea and see some lava flows.

      I have no doubt all of the kasbah patrons who have chosen the island will be having some rockin’ parties while there. That’s one of the bonuses for choosing it, right? πŸ˜‰

  7. Duh….Stunt double, of course. I practice stunt doubling at home all the time. You didn’t know this?

    The island setting is tempting, but I’m not sure I want to study volcanoes. I almost failed geology in college. BORRRING.

    • on ,
      Tami Clayton said:

      I learn something new about you every time you stop by the kasbah, Brinda. Stunt double in your spare time, I imagine. In between writing books and blogs and social media time and working full time. Wow. You are my hero. πŸ™‚

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