Pied Type
“Pied type” is printer’s jargon for loose type that has been spilled or tossed into an unsorted heap (photos here and here) and it seemed an appropriate metaphor for the disorderly, multi-topic blog of a retired editor. The chaos began when I opted for convenience and rolled several old single-topic blogs into one. While I sometimes regret the decision, it’s way too late to undo it; there are more than 1,300 posts here now, dating back to 2002.
Before I retired, I chalked up some 30 years in editing and publishing, the latter half as managing editor of a small medical journal. A generalist with a degree in journalism, I was fascinated by and worked in almost every part of the publishing process at one time or another — from typesetting and printing, to writing and editing, to graphics and layout, to advertising, to the final printing, binding, and distribution. My least favorite task was bookkeeping; my favorite was layout and design.
In answer to those who’ve asked, my avatar is an asterisk, not a flower or a paint splash, because I’m a bit of a typography nut and because it’s rather distinctive among avatars. I horde copies of it because I’ve long forgotten which font it came from and I could never recreate it from scratch. As often as I’ve thought of changing or updating it, I’ve yet to come up with anything I like better.
Politically speaking, because I seem to do that a lot, I was a lifelong Republican until George Bush was nominated in 2000. My switch to the Democrats lasted only six years. Since then I’ve been a registered independent and feel much the better for it. After all, neither major party is a good fit when you are pro-choice and anti–illegal immigration, pro-environment and anti-union. No one party is right about everything all the time, and I think intelligent people should remain open to new information and ideas.
Biases I can’t escape: A “Happy Days” childhood and being the adopted daughter of a doctor (ob/gyn), one of five children, mother of one, grandmother of two, twice divorced, atheist by default, lived mostly in Oklahoma, vacationed mostly in Colorado, moved frequently, and always had pets. I am 68, moved (again!) to Denver six years ago, and now fully indulge my inclinations to be a news junkie, blogger, gamer, computer addict, and an extremely introverted hermitess.
Your comments here are always welcome, and I enjoy reading every one of them. I do, however, reserve the right (rarely employed) to edit or delete objectionable material (spamming, off-topic, obscenity, crossposting, etc). If you’d prefer to email me privately with comments or questions, the contact form will speed your note directly to my inbox.
Cheers,
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Note: I’m constantly revising this page, so some of the comments below may refer to earlier content.
Discussion
34 Responses to “About”
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LOL. Funny lady!
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Posted by Lumpy | March 14, 2008, 1:13 am MSTYou’ve been tagged, yo!
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Yipes! Again!?
Posted by lumpylumps | April 18, 2008, 12:55 am MSTI had to make a change. I’m no longer at L.L. If you come by you’ll know who this is.
Posted by javaqueen14 | May 3, 2008, 2:25 am MSTWhat a delightful blog! Don’t mind me while I poke around in your cabinets. In fact, I’ll stock them with Tums.
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Hi! So nice of you to stop by. You just go ahead and make yourself at home while I put on some tea. Oh, and thanks for the Tums. I just can’t seem to keep enough of those around …
Posted by Pandionna | June 9, 2008, 3:02 pm MSTWow 30, I had no idea you had so many blogs before. Are they still around or have you consolidated all of this into one? I guess we’re all blog maniacs, eh?
Annie
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Yep, I consolidated. They all point to this place now, with no entries of their own. Not sure it was the right thing to do, but at least I’m only writing at one place now.
Posted by writerchick | June 16, 2008, 8:54 am MSTSaw your comment on WC’s post and you say you crave comments and adoration, so i thought i wander over and leave you a comment and tell you i’ve been lurking for some time!
So consider me “delurked”
Nice place you have here…you’re in my reader
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Oh, *happy dance*!! Welcome, and thank you! See? Delurking wasn’t so painful, was it?
Posted by anonymum | June 29, 2008, 6:06 pm MSTNot too sure about it not being painful. My neck’s been a bit stiff since, but I’ll be ok I think! It had sort of set in the whole peep around corners and duck when needed angle until now!
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Well, take it slow. Don’t make any sudden moves. Maybe keep some heat on it so it won’t tighten up. Or maybe it would be easier to just go back to lurking. Whatever it takes, be good to yourself.
Posted by anonymum | June 29, 2008, 9:28 pm MSTNice little blog you have here! I’ll make a link to it on my blog.
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Hi, Chris. Welcome, and thanks. I’ll link to you, too.
Posted by Chris | August 15, 2008, 7:56 pm MSTPiedType,
Wow. This is a very sophisticated forum. I enjoyed reading and I share your carefully considered political views.
I am honored that you have read my blog. Thanks for your visits and perspective.
Dr. B
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Thank you, Dr. B., but it’s mostly just me being a cranky old lady. The next time you drop by, I’m likely to be talking about my dog or my latest computer issue. “Pied Type” is a bit like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates — you never know what you’re going to get.
Posted by drtombibey | May 25, 2009, 9:54 am MSTWell, that’s what you want. Each one a surprise, but all good. -Dr. B
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Posted by drtombibey | May 26, 2009, 11:34 am MSTChocolates? Did anyone say chocolates? I’m sure I heard chocolates…
Posted by katharinetrauger | August 8, 2011, 10:24 pm MSTHi Katharine. Yes, chocolates. A whole box. Help yourself!
Posted by PiedType | August 9, 2011, 9:40 am MSTGreat blog you have here. You made a comment a long time ago on mine and I’m just now getting around to following the link back. I’m adding to you my blog roll, I like your perspective.
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Gee, I have a recognizable perspective?
Seriously, all compliments appreciated. I wish you’d left your URL so I could visit you again and reciprocate on the blog roll.
NVM. I found you.
Posted by sank63 | October 19, 2009, 9:49 am MSTInteresting. Provocative. Informative. Emotional. Impressive. Educational.
My inspiration to create my own diatribe. You’re a class act, Ms. Richards.
Posted by ImALibertarian | September 29, 2011, 12:58 am MSTThank you, sir.
Posted by PiedType | September 29, 2011, 9:50 am MSTGreat site! Glad I stumbled across it.
Posted by She speaks.... | December 11, 2011, 12:10 pm MSTThx. Do come back!
Posted by PiedType | December 11, 2011, 12:34 pm MSTYours is one of the few blogs I have subscribed to, Susan. I think you do quality stuff and I find I almost always agree with you. Merry Xmas!
Posted by Jim Wheeler | December 14, 2011, 3:47 pm MSTAnd to you, Jim, and also Mollie. It’s a pleasure to know a fellow senior blogger who writes well and is intelligent enough to agree with me most of the time.
I’ve subscribed to your blog, too.
Posted by PiedType | December 14, 2011, 4:58 pm MSTHas it really been three years since we “met?” Wow!
Posted by Pandionna | December 14, 2011, 3:51 pm MSTHard to believe. Time flies when you’re up to no good.
Posted by PiedType | December 14, 2011, 4:59 pm MSTWow, I love what you’ve done with the place! This About page is one of the nicest I’ve ever seen in a personal blog. Substantive, informative, yet still personal. The linking to existing posts is a great idea. I might have to steal it as I’ve been thinking for a about 2 years now that my own About page is ultra-lame. Especially compared to yours.
Anyway, thanks for being such a frequent and pleasant visitor to my greasy little web corner, and have a Merry Christmas!
Posted by David | December 21, 2011, 7:15 pm MSTGlad you like it, although all the praise is a little embarrassing. The links, for example, were sheer laziness. Why repeat what I’ve already written when I can just link to it? It may be a case of TMI, but for now, so be it.
Stay warm and enjoy your grandbaby’s first Christmas!
Posted by PiedType | December 21, 2011, 9:59 pm MSTAn Asterik…well I have wondered and I like it, find it a clever one. Cool that it has a special meaning to you. I briefly passed through and skimmed through this page on my first visit. I thought I would take a moment to read and absorb this time LOL.
At my age absorbing is an issue! My Mom told me I am experiencing “Pre-Senior Moments”. Well, I told her “The Senior Benefits should follow soon then, right”? I am thinking of things like the “Super Senior Specials” say at restaurants, the zoo (I never go to, but if I do…I am just saying, it’s there) oh let’s not forget for the Nature Lover, reduced admissions to State and National Parks!
Oh dear, I do digress here
I love Colorado…the other side of the Rockies from where I am.
A pleasure to meet you my new friend of Blogomania. I am a new student at this but it is fun and challenging.
smiles, Rx
Posted by Raven of Leyla | January 1, 2012, 5:10 pm MSTHave you gotten your lifetime pass to the parks yet? I forget what I paid for it (something very reasonable), but I now have free admission for life to the state and national parks. Best senior perk I’ve come across so far.
Posted by PiedType | January 1, 2012, 7:46 pm MSTOkay, I’m not sure if this is the “proper” procedure, but doing it anyway. How else would you know I nominated you for “Candle Lighter Award” – unless you read the post, but life happens and you may miss it. Congrat’s! You deserve it. LOVE YOUR BLOG! http://motleynews.net/2012/01/03/candle-lighter-award/
Posted by She speaks.... | January 3, 2012, 10:48 pm MSTAww, thank you. I really appreciate it. I’ll be sure to pass it along when I think of an appropriate list of recipients.
Posted by PiedType | January 3, 2012, 11:29 pm MSTHello Pied Type,
I have been admiring your work and blog that is why I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! If you have received it before please accept it again. If you don’t accept awards that is fine too, no problem.
Please follow link here to pick up your Award
http://ravenofleyla.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/wow-i-got-these-awards-d/
Congrats and smiles,
Raven
Posted by Raven of Leyla | January 4, 2012, 12:12 pm MSTIt must be award season. Yours is the second I’ve received in 24 hours. I’m always flattered to receive an award. Thank you. As for passing it on to others, I generally don’t. I find it too stressful trying to pick and choose among the many blogs I enjoy.
Posted by PiedType | January 4, 2012, 1:22 pm MSTpied type hmmmm…something learned every day. i love what it represents. i shall check in often. continue…
Posted by barkinginthedark | January 4, 2012, 10:46 pm MSTThat’s me. Hopelessly pied. Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by PiedType | January 4, 2012, 11:03 pm MSTHaving a blast rummaging around in your posts. Your listed past occupations, interests, personal and family background all make you the interesting writer I’m seeing. Oh, and being over 50 definitely helps -grin-. High Five and many thanks.
Posted by Rachael Black | January 30, 2012, 10:55 pm MSTThank you. Glad the age things helps, since there’s not much I can do about it. Age (at least an approximation) and gender are the first two things I always want to know about other writers that their posts often don’t reveal.
Posted by PiedType | January 31, 2012, 8:47 am MST