Anne here, answering a question asked by several people — do you keep anything special on or near your desk? We do, and we've decided to make it into a little fun competition, so you need to match description A, B, C, D, E, F and G with Wenches Mary Jo, Jo, Pat, Cara/Andrea, Susan, Nicola and me.
The first person who correctly matches the desk objects with the names will win a wenchly book of your choice (as long as it's still available.)
(**Post script: Alas, nobody guessed correctly, it was obviously harder than we thought. For the curious, the answers have been posted in the comments stream.)
A) North Carolina sand dollars from an author friend back in Charlotte, an ugly garden troll my Irish mother adored, and a mannikin from one of my St Louis buddies to dress up or down or let scream at the Forces. Special memories that have survived various moves… 
B) Lamb Chop, the adorable white stuffed lamb on the printer is from New Zealand–Rotorua, to be exact. She fell in love with Wellington, the koala puppet who is cuddling her. It's like one of those war bride romances where she forsook all she knew to go with her true love. When they aren't cuddling, they like to argue the merits of their respective homelands. For example, which country has the best glowworms???? Sometimes I hear them giggling together in the middle of the night…
C) This old, ink-stained vintage piece of wood type sits on my shelf, a fitting companions for the books. (It likes to lord it over the paper pages, reminding them without letterforms they would merely be boring blanks!) I find the texture of the wood, the shape of the letter and the subtle shine of countless coats of printing ink beautiful, and it reminds of how much I love the whole process of making books, from writing and design to printing and binding.
D) The fairy inside this globe has been watching over my office for several years. Her gentle, magical presence reminds me, when I'm writing and glance up to see her sparkle in the light, that a little natural enchantment is always part of the writing process — what's imagination but a form of magic? My little globe-fairy likes to sit on the desk in a sunny spot, casting rainbows on the wall and carpet. At night (as in the photo), she basks in the glow of the stained-glass lamp that sits on the oak hutch. She's a good luck charm — and a music globe too, twinkling out a little tune now and then.
E) This paperweight is special and important to me. Important because my desk faces the windows, which are usually open, so I need something to stop my papers flying off in all directions. Special because it belonged to my grandparents and I loved it from when I was a small child. The colors are so deep and rich and it looks so mysterious, like a glimpse into other distant worlds. The seagull flying over the glass makes me think of magical journeys that I can take in my imagination. 
F) I've always fancied a sword, and a medieval one especially. It's a good thing to have on my desk when my characters aren't behaving themselves.
G) I'm a born beachcomber and cannot come home from any trip without a small collection of pebbles and other sea detritus. I have several small containers that take it in turns to live on my desk from time to time. This is an alabaster bowl (once dropped and inexpertly mended, alas) that never fails to remind me of the sea. Somehow staring at these pretty little sea pebbles always sweeps my mind clear.
So, now over to you, dear readers. Can you match the desk objects with the wenchly writer?
Or if you don't want to play the game, just tell us, do you keep anything special on your desk?
This is such a great idea, Anne! Obviously I’m not eligible to win a book, but I love seeing how all the the Wenchly voice speak through our chosen objects. *G*
This is such a great idea, Anne! Obviously I’m not eligible to win a book, but I love seeing how all the the Wenchly voice speak through our chosen objects. *G*
This is such a great idea, Anne! Obviously I’m not eligible to win a book, but I love seeing how all the the Wenchly voice speak through our chosen objects. *G*
This is such a great idea, Anne! Obviously I’m not eligible to win a book, but I love seeing how all the the Wenchly voice speak through our chosen objects. *G*
This is such a great idea, Anne! Obviously I’m not eligible to win a book, but I love seeing how all the the Wenchly voice speak through our chosen objects. *G*
This is impossible! I can imagine two or three of you having one item, and not sure who would have another.
Mary Jo-sand dollars
Jo wood type
Pat fairy globe
Cara/Andrea pebble sea shells
Susan sword
Nicola-paperweight
Anne-Rotorua and Wellington.
This is impossible! I can imagine two or three of you having one item, and not sure who would have another.
Mary Jo-sand dollars
Jo wood type
Pat fairy globe
Cara/Andrea pebble sea shells
Susan sword
Nicola-paperweight
Anne-Rotorua and Wellington.
This is impossible! I can imagine two or three of you having one item, and not sure who would have another.
Mary Jo-sand dollars
Jo wood type
Pat fairy globe
Cara/Andrea pebble sea shells
Susan sword
Nicola-paperweight
Anne-Rotorua and Wellington.
This is impossible! I can imagine two or three of you having one item, and not sure who would have another.
Mary Jo-sand dollars
Jo wood type
Pat fairy globe
Cara/Andrea pebble sea shells
Susan sword
Nicola-paperweight
Anne-Rotorua and Wellington.
This is impossible! I can imagine two or three of you having one item, and not sure who would have another.
Mary Jo-sand dollars
Jo wood type
Pat fairy globe
Cara/Andrea pebble sea shells
Susan sword
Nicola-paperweight
Anne-Rotorua and Wellington.
Fun post, Anne. I love knowing what the other Wenches treasure on their desks. Wish I didn’t know the answers already, though – I’d love to try guessing this Wench puzzle!
Fun post, Anne. I love knowing what the other Wenches treasure on their desks. Wish I didn’t know the answers already, though – I’d love to try guessing this Wench puzzle!
Fun post, Anne. I love knowing what the other Wenches treasure on their desks. Wish I didn’t know the answers already, though – I’d love to try guessing this Wench puzzle!
Fun post, Anne. I love knowing what the other Wenches treasure on their desks. Wish I didn’t know the answers already, though – I’d love to try guessing this Wench puzzle!
Fun post, Anne. I love knowing what the other Wenches treasure on their desks. Wish I didn’t know the answers already, though – I’d love to try guessing this Wench puzzle!
Oh this is a tough one!
A. Susan
B. Nicola
C. Jo
D. Mary Jo
E. Pat
F. Anne
G. Cara
I have a bobble head frog on my desk to remind me that heroes have to be frogs before the heroines kiss them and make them princes!
Oh this is a tough one!
A. Susan
B. Nicola
C. Jo
D. Mary Jo
E. Pat
F. Anne
G. Cara
I have a bobble head frog on my desk to remind me that heroes have to be frogs before the heroines kiss them and make them princes!
Oh this is a tough one!
A. Susan
B. Nicola
C. Jo
D. Mary Jo
E. Pat
F. Anne
G. Cara
I have a bobble head frog on my desk to remind me that heroes have to be frogs before the heroines kiss them and make them princes!
Oh this is a tough one!
A. Susan
B. Nicola
C. Jo
D. Mary Jo
E. Pat
F. Anne
G. Cara
I have a bobble head frog on my desk to remind me that heroes have to be frogs before the heroines kiss them and make them princes!
Oh this is a tough one!
A. Susan
B. Nicola
C. Jo
D. Mary Jo
E. Pat
F. Anne
G. Cara
I have a bobble head frog on my desk to remind me that heroes have to be frogs before the heroines kiss them and make them princes!
This is imposible, but let’s play the the game! As I didn’t want to say the same as the first comments, I had to change a couple of options (Mary Jo & Pat)
Jo – B
Cara/Andrea F
Susan C
Nicola G
Anne A
Mary Jo E
Pat D
What have I got in my desk? Apart from a lot of papers, I’ve got a little basket that one of my children did in school, and I use it for my tea bags (I do also have an electric kettle on my desk), post-its, clips, and other things I need at work.
This is imposible, but let’s play the the game! As I didn’t want to say the same as the first comments, I had to change a couple of options (Mary Jo & Pat)
Jo – B
Cara/Andrea F
Susan C
Nicola G
Anne A
Mary Jo E
Pat D
What have I got in my desk? Apart from a lot of papers, I’ve got a little basket that one of my children did in school, and I use it for my tea bags (I do also have an electric kettle on my desk), post-its, clips, and other things I need at work.
This is imposible, but let’s play the the game! As I didn’t want to say the same as the first comments, I had to change a couple of options (Mary Jo & Pat)
Jo – B
Cara/Andrea F
Susan C
Nicola G
Anne A
Mary Jo E
Pat D
What have I got in my desk? Apart from a lot of papers, I’ve got a little basket that one of my children did in school, and I use it for my tea bags (I do also have an electric kettle on my desk), post-its, clips, and other things I need at work.
This is imposible, but let’s play the the game! As I didn’t want to say the same as the first comments, I had to change a couple of options (Mary Jo & Pat)
Jo – B
Cara/Andrea F
Susan C
Nicola G
Anne A
Mary Jo E
Pat D
What have I got in my desk? Apart from a lot of papers, I’ve got a little basket that one of my children did in school, and I use it for my tea bags (I do also have an electric kettle on my desk), post-its, clips, and other things I need at work.
This is imposible, but let’s play the the game! As I didn’t want to say the same as the first comments, I had to change a couple of options (Mary Jo & Pat)
Jo – B
Cara/Andrea F
Susan C
Nicola G
Anne A
Mary Jo E
Pat D
What have I got in my desk? Apart from a lot of papers, I’ve got a little basket that one of my children did in school, and I use it for my tea bags (I do also have an electric kettle on my desk), post-its, clips, and other things I need at work.
Interesting selections. If you tweet, why not tweet the post (there’s a click button up there) so we can read more suggestions!
Interesting selections. If you tweet, why not tweet the post (there’s a click button up there) so we can read more suggestions!
Interesting selections. If you tweet, why not tweet the post (there’s a click button up there) so we can read more suggestions!
Interesting selections. If you tweet, why not tweet the post (there’s a click button up there) so we can read more suggestions!
Interesting selections. If you tweet, why not tweet the post (there’s a click button up there) so we can read more suggestions!
This was fun! Here are my guesses:
A=Pat
B=Anne
C=Cara
D=Jo B.
E=Nicola
F=Susan
G=Mary Jo
This was fun! Here are my guesses:
A=Pat
B=Anne
C=Cara
D=Jo B.
E=Nicola
F=Susan
G=Mary Jo
This was fun! Here are my guesses:
A=Pat
B=Anne
C=Cara
D=Jo B.
E=Nicola
F=Susan
G=Mary Jo
This was fun! Here are my guesses:
A=Pat
B=Anne
C=Cara
D=Jo B.
E=Nicola
F=Susan
G=Mary Jo
This was fun! Here are my guesses:
A=Pat
B=Anne
C=Cara
D=Jo B.
E=Nicola
F=Susan
G=Mary Jo
In my office/quilting room I have a number of miniature teddy bears. My special one is Niki (short for Nicholas) who accompanied me in the operating room when I had (successful) cancer surgery.
In my office/quilting room I have a number of miniature teddy bears. My special one is Niki (short for Nicholas) who accompanied me in the operating room when I had (successful) cancer surgery.
In my office/quilting room I have a number of miniature teddy bears. My special one is Niki (short for Nicholas) who accompanied me in the operating room when I had (successful) cancer surgery.
In my office/quilting room I have a number of miniature teddy bears. My special one is Niki (short for Nicholas) who accompanied me in the operating room when I had (successful) cancer surgery.
In my office/quilting room I have a number of miniature teddy bears. My special one is Niki (short for Nicholas) who accompanied me in the operating room when I had (successful) cancer surgery.
I can’t guess. I would be so wrong. But I will tell you that on my desk stands a 12 inch tall King Leonides who talks to me! Of course, I have to push the button to make that happen…sometimes, he talks all by himself… 😉
http://amzn.to/Vvy8oX
I can’t guess. I would be so wrong. But I will tell you that on my desk stands a 12 inch tall King Leonides who talks to me! Of course, I have to push the button to make that happen…sometimes, he talks all by himself… 😉
http://amzn.to/Vvy8oX
I can’t guess. I would be so wrong. But I will tell you that on my desk stands a 12 inch tall King Leonides who talks to me! Of course, I have to push the button to make that happen…sometimes, he talks all by himself… 😉
http://amzn.to/Vvy8oX
I can’t guess. I would be so wrong. But I will tell you that on my desk stands a 12 inch tall King Leonides who talks to me! Of course, I have to push the button to make that happen…sometimes, he talks all by himself… 😉
http://amzn.to/Vvy8oX
I can’t guess. I would be so wrong. But I will tell you that on my desk stands a 12 inch tall King Leonides who talks to me! Of course, I have to push the button to make that happen…sometimes, he talks all by himself… 😉
http://amzn.to/Vvy8oX
Theo, that is so cool. By far the best “thing on a desk.”
I remember a story about Dorothy Dunnett, who apparently had a toy parrot in her hallway that repeated back what was last said. She was going to open the door and tripped on something, so the visitor entered to the parrot repeating a stream of rather heated words!
Theo, that is so cool. By far the best “thing on a desk.”
I remember a story about Dorothy Dunnett, who apparently had a toy parrot in her hallway that repeated back what was last said. She was going to open the door and tripped on something, so the visitor entered to the parrot repeating a stream of rather heated words!
Theo, that is so cool. By far the best “thing on a desk.”
I remember a story about Dorothy Dunnett, who apparently had a toy parrot in her hallway that repeated back what was last said. She was going to open the door and tripped on something, so the visitor entered to the parrot repeating a stream of rather heated words!
Theo, that is so cool. By far the best “thing on a desk.”
I remember a story about Dorothy Dunnett, who apparently had a toy parrot in her hallway that repeated back what was last said. She was going to open the door and tripped on something, so the visitor entered to the parrot repeating a stream of rather heated words!
Theo, that is so cool. By far the best “thing on a desk.”
I remember a story about Dorothy Dunnett, who apparently had a toy parrot in her hallway that repeated back what was last said. She was going to open the door and tripped on something, so the visitor entered to the parrot repeating a stream of rather heated words!
One correct guess Shannon — it’s obviously a lot harder than we imagined to match the wenches with the objects. Thanks for trying.
One correct guess Shannon — it’s obviously a lot harder than we imagined to match the wenches with the objects. Thanks for trying.
One correct guess Shannon — it’s obviously a lot harder than we imagined to match the wenches with the objects. Thanks for trying.
One correct guess Shannon — it’s obviously a lot harder than we imagined to match the wenches with the objects. Thanks for trying.
One correct guess Shannon — it’s obviously a lot harder than we imagined to match the wenches with the objects. Thanks for trying.
Thanks for stepping in MJ — and apologies to everyone for being absent — I’ve been down with ‘flu.
Thanks for stepping in MJ — and apologies to everyone for being absent — I’ve been down with ‘flu.
Thanks for stepping in MJ — and apologies to everyone for being absent — I’ve been down with ‘flu.
Thanks for stepping in MJ — and apologies to everyone for being absent — I’ve been down with ‘flu.
Thanks for stepping in MJ — and apologies to everyone for being absent — I’ve been down with ‘flu.
Thanks for having a try, Louise — but sorry, you struck out on all counts. It’d funny — when we were doing this, the other wenches all thought it would be so easy. LOL. I guess it is easy when you know the answers.
Thanks for having a try, Louise — but sorry, you struck out on all counts. It’d funny — when we were doing this, the other wenches all thought it would be so easy. LOL. I guess it is easy when you know the answers.
Thanks for having a try, Louise — but sorry, you struck out on all counts. It’d funny — when we were doing this, the other wenches all thought it would be so easy. LOL. I guess it is easy when you know the answers.
Thanks for having a try, Louise — but sorry, you struck out on all counts. It’d funny — when we were doing this, the other wenches all thought it would be so easy. LOL. I guess it is easy when you know the answers.
Thanks for having a try, Louise — but sorry, you struck out on all counts. It’d funny — when we were doing this, the other wenches all thought it would be so easy. LOL. I guess it is easy when you know the answers.
Sorry, Bona — you struck out as well. I love that you have your child’s home-made basket on your desk. My dad kept something I made, aged 5 or so, on his desk and it touched me so much to think that he’d kept it all those years.
Sorry, Bona — you struck out as well. I love that you have your child’s home-made basket on your desk. My dad kept something I made, aged 5 or so, on his desk and it touched me so much to think that he’d kept it all those years.
Sorry, Bona — you struck out as well. I love that you have your child’s home-made basket on your desk. My dad kept something I made, aged 5 or so, on his desk and it touched me so much to think that he’d kept it all those years.
Sorry, Bona — you struck out as well. I love that you have your child’s home-made basket on your desk. My dad kept something I made, aged 5 or so, on his desk and it touched me so much to think that he’d kept it all those years.
Sorry, Bona — you struck out as well. I love that you have your child’s home-made basket on your desk. My dad kept something I made, aged 5 or so, on his desk and it touched me so much to think that he’d kept it all those years.
Dee, well done! You picked Pat correctly, also Cara, and Nicola. The rest are still up for grabs.
Dee, well done! You picked Pat correctly, also Cara, and Nicola. The rest are still up for grabs.
Dee, well done! You picked Pat correctly, also Cara, and Nicola. The rest are still up for grabs.
Dee, well done! You picked Pat correctly, also Cara, and Nicola. The rest are still up for grabs.
Dee, well done! You picked Pat correctly, also Cara, and Nicola. The rest are still up for grabs.
Thanks, Barbara — I have a fondness for miniature things in general, but Teddies were always my favorites. Wonderful that Niki carried good luck with him.
Thanks, Barbara — I have a fondness for miniature things in general, but Teddies were always my favorites. Wonderful that Niki carried good luck with him.
Thanks, Barbara — I have a fondness for miniature things in general, but Teddies were always my favorites. Wonderful that Niki carried good luck with him.
Thanks, Barbara — I have a fondness for miniature things in general, but Teddies were always my favorites. Wonderful that Niki carried good luck with him.
Thanks, Barbara — I have a fondness for miniature things in general, but Teddies were always my favorites. Wonderful that Niki carried good luck with him.
LOL Theo, that looks like a lot of fun — thanks for dropping by.
LOL Theo, that looks like a lot of fun — thanks for dropping by.
LOL Theo, that looks like a lot of fun — thanks for dropping by.
LOL Theo, that looks like a lot of fun — thanks for dropping by.
LOL Theo, that looks like a lot of fun — thanks for dropping by.
I’m sorry our little mix&match puzzle proved so tricky for everyone — we wenches were sure some of our choices would be a dead giveaway. Alas, nobody wins the prize, but for those who pondered, here are the answers:
A= Patricia Rice
B=Mary Jo Putney
C= Cara/Andrea
D= Susan King
E= Nicola Cornick
F= Jo Beverley
G= Anne Gracie
I’m sorry our little mix&match puzzle proved so tricky for everyone — we wenches were sure some of our choices would be a dead giveaway. Alas, nobody wins the prize, but for those who pondered, here are the answers:
A= Patricia Rice
B=Mary Jo Putney
C= Cara/Andrea
D= Susan King
E= Nicola Cornick
F= Jo Beverley
G= Anne Gracie
I’m sorry our little mix&match puzzle proved so tricky for everyone — we wenches were sure some of our choices would be a dead giveaway. Alas, nobody wins the prize, but for those who pondered, here are the answers:
A= Patricia Rice
B=Mary Jo Putney
C= Cara/Andrea
D= Susan King
E= Nicola Cornick
F= Jo Beverley
G= Anne Gracie
I’m sorry our little mix&match puzzle proved so tricky for everyone — we wenches were sure some of our choices would be a dead giveaway. Alas, nobody wins the prize, but for those who pondered, here are the answers:
A= Patricia Rice
B=Mary Jo Putney
C= Cara/Andrea
D= Susan King
E= Nicola Cornick
F= Jo Beverley
G= Anne Gracie
I’m sorry our little mix&match puzzle proved so tricky for everyone — we wenches were sure some of our choices would be a dead giveaway. Alas, nobody wins the prize, but for those who pondered, here are the answers:
A= Patricia Rice
B=Mary Jo Putney
C= Cara/Andrea
D= Susan King
E= Nicola Cornick
F= Jo Beverley
G= Anne Gracie