Q & A | SECRETS REVEALED | THE KLACKNERS

9.11.2014

Q & A | SECRETS REVEALED

A couple of weeks ago, I opened up the blog for questions, any questions you liked, and you guys came through with some good ones! I always love reading posts like this because it allows me to get to know the blogger better. I hope these answers give you a little more insight into my life! Just imagine we are sitting at a corner table in a cozy coffee shop sipping on our favorite drinks and talking about life. And here we go...





What's your dream job "when you grow up"?
I would love to get married, have kids, and run a cute graphic design shop out of my own home.

What has been your favorite state in the U.S. to visit & why?
Colorado. Hands down. I spent a few summers in Colorado that changed my life, and I fell in love with the state and my friends there. Aside from it being the place where my best friend lives, Colorado is breathtakingly beautiful and a perfect state for someone like me who loves adventure and the outdoors!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Anywhere anywhere? I think I'd live somewhere in Great Britain. Maybe in Scotland in a cute cottage along the coast. My ancestors are from Scotland, and I would love to spend some extended time there exploring all the different places my family lived. Also, I love fun accents. So there's that. I've never actually been across the Atlantic, but it is a dream of mine to go.

When do you feel most alive?
Anytime I am outside adventuring. A good hike, a day out in my kayak, witnessing a beautiful sunset (let's be honest...when have you ever seen a sunset that wasn't beautiful??) or sitting by the ocean and watching the waves come in will do the trick.

What are you reading during your quiet times?
I am currently going through the Hosea study from She Reads Truth. It's really good! I'm a little behind because I started late and, to be honest, haven't gotten to it every single day.  I don't think that I've ever read all the way through Hosea, so I've really enjoyed doing that over the past two weeks. Do any of you use She Reads Truth for your devotions?

How have you found peace in being single?
This is a funny one to me because there are days when I think that I've got this whole single thing handled and other days when I cry over it. I'm emotional, okay? As a girl growing up in the south, there is this unspoken (and sometimes spoken) rule that you need to get married, pop out some babies, and be a mini Martha Stewart by the time you're twenty-two. Let me tell you, that just isn't the way the world works for all of us and that is OKAY. Everyone's story and journey is different according to the plan Jesus has for each of our lives. You are not less than because you are single, and you are not behind in life because you are single. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. That's hard to remember sometimes when all of your friends are getting married and starting families, but you have to believe that Jesus has a plan specifically for your life and eventually, step by step, you will find out what that is. You also have to remember that this time is not for "waiting"; it is for living. Don't forget to live your life and use the time Jesus has given to you right now. Make new friends, invest in your existing friendships, go on coffee dates, read a lot of books, spend time with Jesus, and take as many adventures as you can. This post about being significant without a significant other by Shauna Niequist is quite possibly my favorite article I've ever read regarding relationship statuses, and I highly recommend taking the time to read it!

What do you dream for Rivers & Roads?
I love this blogging world a whole lot more than I thought I would in the beginning. I have been delightfully surprised by the community I've found and the friends I've made. My dream is for Rivers & Roads to continue growing so that one day I can take this whole blogging thing full-time and maybe pursue starting a small businesses associated with this space.

What fictional universe would you live in?
This is a tough decision for a nerd like me! However, I think I'd have to say I'd live in Narnia. It's been my favorite fictional place since I was a little girl. I've read the books countless times, and that magical land and it's unique inhabitants hold a special place in my heart.

What is your spirit dog?
I mean, if I were a dog, I would probably be a Labrador Retriever. They are super loving and friendly, and they are really good swimmers! They like to go on long walks and take long naps...just like me! #twins

What qualities do you look for in a man?
Nerdy and adorable. ;)

What is your favorite flower?
I love tulips and sunflowers!...not necessarily together. Tulips are so classy, and sunflowers may be the happiest flower in all the land!

If you could be an Olympic athlete, which event would you participate in?
I'd totally be an Olympic swimmer! I grew up swimming competitively since I was seven years old, and I loved it!! It's my favorite event to watch of the summer Olympics. That and gymnastics. Now, if we are talking obscure Olympic activities, I would totally rock the "awkward faces" event. I have a rare talent in that department. Ha!

Why you be so cute? 
Uhhhh. I was born this way. ;)

Ocean or mountain?
Mountain! Listen, I love the ocean, but I couldn't live in the sand all the time. So. Much. Sand. Also, I sunburn far too easily. If the sun weren't so destructive and the sand didn't get EVERYWHERE, I'd be fine with sitting by the ocean for the rest of my days. However, there is just something beautiful and still about the mountains. I'd need access to some sort of body of water though...like a lake...so I could swim and kayak any time I wanted.

What is your go-to comfort food?
Does ice cream count as a food? ;) Okay, cool. Ice cream. Also, chips and salsa for dayssssssss. I could eat my weight in chips and salsa, but only mild salsa. I'm a sissy when it comes to spicy things.

What is your favorite photograph you have ever taken?
Oh wow. I can't pick just one! This photo is one of my favorites, though. I was staying in a cabin on top of a mountain in North Carolina and got to witness one of the most glorious sunsets I've ever seen. I felt like I got a tiny glimpse of heaven. The picture does not do it justice.

What are your favorite blogs to read on a daily basis?
There are so many great blogs out there, and I honestly wish I had time to read more every day. Here are a few of my favorites:
Oak + Oats
Elah Tree
Maiedae
Taking Steps Home
Sweet Lavender Bake Shoppe

Well that was fun! Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for me! Now it's your turn. Pick one of the questions above and leave your answer for me in the comments!! XOXO.

Kristina said...

Meg, thanks for being so open and answering all these questions. I loved your responses to my questions (quiet time and singleness) and will definitely check out the article you recommended!
I also love to follow the she reads truth studies but also like to check out the daily devotionals from if: from time to time.

Laura Jean said...

I've so been looking forward to this post! Thank you for sharing your heart on singleness. When Jacob and I got married our pastor said we are two whole people becoming a team, not incomplete halves becoming a whole. We each have our individual passions, goals, and unique experiences. I think it can be so dangerous when a relationship status is viewed as insignificant or less worthy and the other put on a pedestal. Everyone has a role in this kingdom whether married or not and that is such a beautiful thing. And yes, Ice Cream TOTALLY counts :)

Meg McIlvaine said...

Amen. Oh my goodness, I love what your pastor said so much!! And that we each have an important role in this kingdom. :) So very true. Thanks, Laura!!


Let's get together and eat all the ice cream. ;)

Meg McIlvaine said...

I hope you were encouraged, and I hope you love that article. I usually hate articles on singleness because they all say the same thing, and I never find them helpful or encouraging. However, I feel like Shauna just knows how to speak to me, and I LOVED her post. :)

Cassie Lee said...

I love Scotland! I spent three months living there and it was amazing!

Christina Main said...

She Reads Truth, woop woop!

Christina Main said...

Shoot and then I got to the bottom. You're lovely. Thanks for the shout out. Your blog is a daily visitation for me as well!

Samantha@Elah Tree said...

Nerdy and adorable! ;) Mountains for life! Chips and salsa! We need to live in the same place!

Madison said...

Love love this! I learned so many things about you! :)

Elizabeth Mayberry said...

man. I want to respond to all these!


- you be so cute
- That Shauna article is a must read!
- so much Colorado love
- Is he safe (Aslan)

Amy said...

can we be neighbors and run a little shop together and let our children run around?! GAH perfection. hahaha.
outdoors, adventure, she reads truth = YES!
singleness = agreed. we've had many conversations over this! there is most definitely that unspoken rule and i loathe it. BLEHK
small business = yes. narnia = yes.
swimmer = TWINSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
also. chips and salsa...i could eat my weight as well - and if you throw guac in there i will probably eat myself to death.
THAT PHOTO IS STILL ONE OF MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES!
:) you're one of my favorites tooooooooooooooooooo (i literally just sang that, out loud, at work) whooops.

Kristina said...

Yes and yes! I was really encouraged by your words, I especially loved that you pointed out that being single is not a time for waiting but a time for having fun and adventurous! And I also loved the article. I think I am no inspired to read one of her books too :)

Meg McIlvaine said...

ummmm yes. that sounds great!
oh definitely bring the guac! so delicious.
i laughed out loud thinking of you singing that out loud! bahaha

Meg McIlvaine said...

I've read that Shauna article multiple times. It's just that good!
Always have love for Colorado.
Aslan is my favorite.

Meg McIlvaine said...

Oh yay!! :)

Meg McIlvaine said...

You know it! ;)
Friend, maybe one day we will. Let's just get Beth and Bruce to move to SoCal too and we are set!

Meg McIlvaine said...

You are welcome!
Are you doing the Hosea study? I am liking it!

Meg McIlvaine said...

Oh my goodness...so jealous! I would love to spend several months there!!

Rachel said...

This was so fun to read! I completely relate to the being single one! Some days I'm all like yeah i got this I love it then others it flat out sucks! Ha ha but you are so right we are exactly where God wants us to be and it's all in His hands, that is a comfort for sure! Where would I live? I'm going to go with Austria, I've never been but I have heard it's like a fairy tale! Or Colorado is always amazing!

Meg McIlvaine said...

Amen!
Austria! Then you can sing The Sound of Music all day every day! ;)

Victoria said...

I love Q & A posts! I learned so much about you in this one!!! :)


You truly do seem to be enjoying this life of yours...and yet, I love that you have dreams and are willing to put them out there too! I mean...It's way too easy to keep our dreams unspoken, or worse yet, to let them die. I'm glad you're not doing either!!!


Tell me about Shauna Niequist. I have her book "Bread & Wine" on my list of books to read at some point and everyone is always talking about her...If you were to introduce us, what would you say about her? Is she single (or did she marry late or none of the above)?

Meg McIlvaine said...

Hooray! Then it was a success. :)


Thanks, girl. That is so sweet of you to say. I certainly and trying to enjoy this life of mine! It is a gift.


Oh Shauna. I've read Bittersweet and am on Cold Tangerines. Both are amazing, down to earth, and have totally applicable content for everyone. Shauna is married and has two little boys, I believe. Seriously get one of her books! I haven't read Bread&Wine, so I don't know what to say about it, but I love the ones I have read!

Victoria said...

I meant every word!!!

Thanks for the intro to Shauna!!! I'll look to see which of her books was published first and begin there. :)

Megan Sybrant said...

yay I love this! i really have enjoyed your blog...you and i are kindred spirits. chacos. adventure. mountains. water. i totally agree with you on the ocean part. the ocean is nice for a vacation. couldn't live there though!

Meg McIlvaine said...

Ah! Megan! Let's meet up and go on and adventure!

Meg McIlvaine said...

Yes, exactly!
You should totally read her books. I've read Bittersweet and LOVED it. I'm reading Cold Tangerines right now and loving it too!