This I've Got a Secret! Seniors Survey is for the over-40 crowd and part of the process of gathering information to complete my Seniors With A Secret series.  As we get older, the younger generations tend to look upon us as "locked in the limits of their experiences with us." Those working outside the home are seen simply as old people with an outside job. If there's anything even a little exciting about you, it is still viewed within the limitations of their experience.

This is your opportunity to share your secret.  I am looking for those things about you that they would have never imagined you capable of doing -- breaking horses, drag racing, flying a plane, espionage! special awards -- anything, but, it must have happened before they knew you.  Have you ever done anything really crazy -- something so removed from your normal life that most people would find it hard to believe?  Are you published?  Have you created your own original recipe (that people really LIKE to eat!)?  Recipes will definitely be shared at the end of each book.  This is your opportunity to let them know that, "still waters run very deep."

So far, I have received just over 125 survey returns from my local area but I would like at least another 500. Of course, all submission are welcome and will be useful.  The following categories are also first-person stories I would like to receive to give me a head start on the other books in the series:

• GIFTS OF LOVE -- most of us go through our lives helping each other and not giving a second thought to doing so but we have also been the recipient of kindness from others.  Receiving a gift of love from unexpected sources is a beautiful experience that creates a need in ourselves to share the gift. If you have been the recipient of such a gift, please let me hear about it.

• GIVING THE GIFT OF LOVE -- if you have ever been involved in helping to bring this type of gift to someone else

• MAKING A "SOLOMON'S" DECISION -- if you have ever found yourself in the position of having to make a "Solomon's" decision.

• TURNING POINT -- a situation in your life that literally caused you to change the direction of your life.  The story may be outwardly dramatic or relate an inward transformation.  I am especially looking for personal experience rather than abstract philosophizing.

• A UNIVERSALLY FUNNY SITUATION --  For your story to be universally funny, it can certainly be a very specific situation that has happened to you but cannot be something that would only be understood within your own circle of friends or family.

• MESSAGE TO THE WORLD -- Is there a special message you would want to share with the world, based on your own personal experiences?  This is your chance.

In the Brief Description section below, there is only enough room for 1,000 characters but that should be enough for you to give me a brief description of what you would like to share.  Upon submitting your information, you will be e-mailed a Tickler List e-Book to help start your memories. Most participants, so far, write out their story in a Word document, cut and past the Release text into the same document and send it to me as an attachment.  That way, everything is in the same file.  (Your electronic acceptance of the conditions is sufficient.).  In addition, there will be a release form for you to acknowledge, giving me permission to use your story in the series.  At this point in time, my plans are to use only the initials of the contributor and their demographic. (i.e., J.Doe, Dallas TX)

Thank you, in advance, for participating!

In addition, please let us know if there is anything we can help you with concerning our company, products, or services. If you provide us with your contact information, we will be able to reach you in case we have any questions.