Hello, friends. A few of weeks ago, I encouraged fellow writers (and anyone else who wanted to play along) to write a short story to accompany the writing prompt I featured and then allow me to interview them. As with many things new, a lot of times people like to wait until they see someone else dip their toe in the water before they take the plunge. But I anticipated as much when I put the challenge out there. So, rather than waiting for someone to be the first to respond to my writing prompt, I’m jumping right into the interview mode, without the homework. Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of my newest blogging sisters as well as one of the most artistic and creative photographers I know, Sandra.
Please tell us your name and the links to your blog, website, Facebook fan page, Twitter, etc. When did you start photography? What motivated you to undertake learning all you could about photography?
Thank you again for having me over Rachel! My name is Sandra. I have been posting on Square One Notes since 2010. I have a Twitter account, my handle is: @squareonenotes although I’ve taken a social media hiatus lately. WordPress is currently my only regular haunt.
As far as my picture collection goes, the backstory is that my husband Erik bought me a Nikon for Christmas about five years ago. I took a class to learn how to use it and have enjoyed experimenting with it ever since.

Sandra
Do you offer any of your photos for sale? If so, please share the link(s) to purchase your work:
I’m more of an enthusiast/hobbyist. I don’t consider myself a pro. I share my pictures on my blog. Taking pictures gets me out of my head. It allows me to disappear into my surroundings instead of my thoughts. It’s become a daily practice. I really enjoy it.

One of Sandra’s beautiful photographs!
What is the one thing you have done and the one thing you have not done during the course of your life that would most surprise (or shock) your readers?
I have set off the fire alarm more than once while cooking a meal.
I have not had a drink in 17 months!
What is the one thing you have done and the one thing you have not done during the course of your life that would most surprise (or shock) your mother?
I regularly serve store bought tortillas to my family. My mom always made them for us from scratch. They are so delicious when they are homemade but they are time consuming and labor intensive. Sorry mom, it’s true.
I did not always go to bed on time. In the days of call waiting I would dial up the lady who tells the time so my friends could beep into the line without the phone ringing so we could talk when I should have been sleeping.
If you could travel through time, what is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self, and would your younger self listen?
I would have given my younger self the money to buy tickets to that Nirvana concert I missed right before Kurt killed himself. I didn’t go because I was a broke college student at the time. Still makes me sad that he is gone.
If you had one year to prepare, which record do you think you would have the best shot at breaking in the Guinness Book of World Records? Have you ever actually attempted to break a world record at anything?
I have never attempted breaking a record. I loved reading this book when I was a kid. I think I would have the best shot at breaking the record for most t-shirts worn at once. It would make my concert t-shirt collection famous!
I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing time with you Rachel! Thank you for welcoming me so warmly to your blog!
Xoxo,
Sandra
***
Thank you, Sandra, for answering my questions with such fun responses! I hope everyone else has enjoyed getting to know you as much as I have. (If I could talk to your and my own younger selves, I’d have gotten together the money and gone to that concert with you!)… By the way, I if anyone’s looking for me, I think I’m going to Sandra’s mom’s house for dinner! 😍
(If YOU would like to be featured in an upcoming interview, please visit my Call to Writers for details.)
Rachel, I had so much fun answering your thoughtful questions. I’m happy we are friends! Can you believe how much has changed since we first started working on this post? I hope you and your family are healthy! Xo 😘
Sandra, it seems like forever since we planned this interview! My daughter was sick, got tested, and was negative, thankfully. I hope you are all doing well! xoxo ❤
Oh how scary! I’m so happy she does not have it! I hope she is on the mend and you are doing well. ❤
‘Breaking the record for most t-shirts worn at once’, young Sandra…a challenge like no other. Suspecting that not a living soul has tried this previous, I’ve just had a go myself. 14 tee-shirts later and going for the 15th sadly my extra special, ‘Always Look on the Bright Side’ Python shirt ripped apart at the sleeves…ruined…is no more. Beat that, young lady. Best wishes to the lovely two gals on this post, The Old Fool
Rachel, I love that Mike picked up the gauntlet! So sorry to hear about the python shirt tho! But now there’s room in the closet for a new favorite. Thank you for reading and commenting Mike! ❤️
Your gauntlet is mine, young Sandra…such are the ways with gauntlets. I wish you well, The Old Fool
Ha! Great answer, Sandra! 😀 Stick around, and I’m sure you’ll love Sir Mike as much as I do. 🙂
Sir Mike, your snake shirt is no more? How sad!
Wearing all your clothes is a great way to avoid paying for an extra bag at the airport. Great interview, you two.
You get my thinking, Craig! Also an excellent way to ensure people keep their distance (give the crazy lady with all the clothes her space!). Thank you for reading and commenting! ❤️
LOL! You’d need quite a few layers to equal a safe 6 foot distance. 🙂
It’s also a great way to go back and forth between Canada and the US after a shopping trip. 🙂
Good idea.
Thanks for the introduction and interesting interview!
Hi Merril, thank you for reading and taking the time to comment! Xo
You’re very welcome!
Merril, you’ll love Sandra. She’s very talented and showcases her amazing photography on her blog. 🙂
Thanks for bringing my soul sis Rachel out to the light of your fantastic blog, Rachel. Way to let it fly, Bialdez!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Mark! Bialdez pride 🤘🏽😘
GO TEAM BIALDEZ! You two rock! ❤
Your soul sis is my new good friend, Mark! I think she’s awesome! ❤