Generation One: Meet Amanda Hobble

Basics:

Name: Amanda Elizabeth Hobble (formerly Salisburg)

 

Birthdate: March 10, 1000

Age: Right now Amanda is 47 (1047 - Year Jeff and Rosamund get married)

Hair color: Reddish Brown which is a combination of her mom’s hair (reddish blonde) and her dad’s hair (brown)

Eye color: Brown, like her dad’s

Skin color/nationality: Light

Accent : Amanda doesn’t really have an accent. When she normally speaks, her voice is a nice tone. Not too high, or low. Right in the middle.

Height: 5 feet 9 inches

Weight: 150

Tattoos: None

Piercings: Just her ears

Birthmarks: None

Disfigurements: None

Scars: She has one scar from the surgery she had after Scarlett was born.

Nicknames:  Her sisters call her Mandy which is the nickname her dad gave her. Chuck calls her sweetheart.

Where did she come from: She moved to Appaloosa from the city.

Where does she live: Amanda lives on a horse ranch in the town of Appaloosa Plains.

Why did she choose it and how did she acquire it: While growing up, Amanda lived in the city but always wanted to move to the country. Because of that and the fact that she knew there were several people in Appaloosa who were experienced in the music industry (including Johnny Johnson), she chose to move there after both her parents died in a car accident. The Hobble ranch was built on a piece of land that Amanda used to live on when she first moved to Appaloosa.

How does she handle intruders (graciously, violently,): The family doesn’t have many intruders since they have a fence and gate around their property. There are continually paparazzi hanging around outside which usually doesn’t bother her too much, unless they start messing with the kids.

How does she usually dress: Before Amanda moved to Appaloosa she dressed in skirts and blouses every day. Ever since moving, she usually wears a nice top with jeans or capris.

 

What does she wear to sleep: Amanda usually wears a light nightgown to sleep in.

Does she wear jewelry: Her regular jewelry is her wedding rings, and a pair of earrings (usually whatever matches her outfit). She sometimes wears bracelets and very rarely wears necklaces

Is there anything about her appearance she wishes she could change: Amanda likes the fact that she resembles her mom so there’s not much she would change. She does wish her lips were a little fuller but that’s it.

How would she look as the opposite sex: Of her two sons, Jefferson resembles her the most. So probably some version of Jefferson (just not as muscular).

 

What does she smell like: Why (does she wear the scent or does it occur naturally): Amanda usually smells like lilac since she uses a body wash that smells like them.

Does she have an accurate mental picture of her appearance (how she sees herself versus how the world sees her): Amanda’s good looking and she knows it. She isn’t conceited about it though. She knows what clothes look best on her and knows how to dress for any situation.

 

Favorites and Habits:

Habits: She fiddles with her fingers a lot when she’s not playing the piano.

Hobbies: What does she do with her time: Amanda plays the piano, cooks, paints, rides horses, and visits her old friend, Honey in her spare time.

 

Favorite color: Spice Brown

Favorite music artists: Amanda loves Pop music and has a guilty pleasure of listening to boy bands.

Movies or TV shows: Amanda loves to watch musicals and especially loves to watch “The King and I.” 

Books or authors: Amanda doesn’t read very much and doesn’t watch many movies (even though she used to be a soundtrack composer.

Political stance: Is she active in politics or does she not care:  Amanda wishes she cared more about politics, but she doesn’t pay much attention usually. She’s far too busy stressing over her children.

Pet peeves: Although Amanda has gotten used to being recognized, she really dislikes it when people approach her to take a picture when she’s eating.

What sort of gifts does she like: Thoughtful gifts. Doesn’t have to be expensive, just has to come from the heart.

Favorite time of day: Amanda loves the night time. She’s a night owl and did most of her composing at night.

Favorite weather/ Season: She loves the Fall when the temperature is just starting to get a chill in it.

 

Where does she like to spend her time: Anywhere that Chuck is, that’s where Amanda wants to be. When that’s not possible she can be found at her piano.

Favorite food: Amanda has been known to sneak a cookie or two.

Favorite drink: She loves hot chocolate.

Favorite animal: Horses

Does she have any pets/Do they want any: At present, the Hobble ranch has three horses 

What relaxes her: Playing the piano and getting a massage from Chuck.

Does she have any bad habits: Sometimes when she’s nervous she bites her nails.

First memory: Sitting at a piano banging on the keys

 

Resources and abilities:

Where did she learn her abilities: Amanda started taking piano lessons when she was young. She learned a lot about the music business from her mentor and friend, Johnny Johnson. She still isn’t the best horsewoman, but she has learned, she’s learned from Chuck

Where does her income come from: Amanda’s initial income came from working in the music industry and money her parents left her.. She eventually chose to leave the industry and compose music. She then made money by composing three movie soundtracks which she still receives royalty checks for. She and Chuck have invested some of their money in real estate.

Job: Amanda is retired from composing but she loved doing it. Her job now is helping around the family ranch and being a stay at home mom to their last child, Scarlett.

Why does she have her resources/How long has she had them and how have they served the character over time (Ex. Contacts, money, political power, fame, etc.): Amanda’s resources come from her being a movie soundtrack composer. She composed her first soundtrack  in 1026, the same year that Charlie and Bridge were born. Because of her being a successful composer, the family is very well known and Amanda is recognized most places she goes. She has many contacts in the movie and music industry.

What are some of her more notable merits and flaws (including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc.)/How did they develop/How has this helped or hindered them in the past: Amanda’s biggest flaw is that she tends to be very oblivious. She’s not as bad since she’s older now. She tends to be a little overprotective of her children and sometimes is a little too pushy with them. Her obliviousness almost caused her to lose a chance with Chuck.

How is she with technology: Amanda isn’t really a technology person. She knows how to use a computer enough to do what she needs to do but besides that, she doesn’t use much technology.

Is she specially qualified in any particular field/Would she be considered at the top of the field: Yes, Amanda is qualified in both the music industry and composing. She was at the top of her field when she composed

Has she ever been publically acknowledged for anything (Ex. Nobel Prize): She was nominated for an Oscar for her second and third soundtrack.

Is there anything she’s deliberately sought to improve at:  Amanda still continues to improve her piano skills and horseback riding skills.

 

Languages: Amanda only speaks English.

 

Relationships and history:

Family history:

How does it affect her: Amanda grew up in a loving home with two wonderful, caring parents. Her mother always encouraged her to listen to and follow her heart which is a big reason why Amanda moved to Appaloosa Plains. When Amanda was 23 her parents were killed in a car accident. It’s still something that Amanda deals with as with each passing milestone (including her children’s), she’s continually reminded that they are not there.

 

How does she feel about her family/ How does her family feel about her:  Amanda has three sisters; one older and two younger twin sisters. Her older sister sometimes acts more like a mother figure (especially since their parents’ death). All the sisters mostly got along when they were growing up but aren’t as close as they once were.  Amanda’s sisters love her but have never understood her fascination with the country.

What was she like as a child: Amanda was a very carefree child (partly because of her being oblivious).  She liked playing the piano and could usually be found singing or playing the piano for any family member who would listen. 

 

Favorite toy: Her favorite toy was a small keyboard her parents got her for her sixth birthday. 

Favorite game: She loved playing Candy Land when she was younger

Playmates: She mostly played with her sisters.

What did she want to be when she grew up:  She wanted to be a musician or work in the music industry.

Best memory from childhood: Her best memory is from when she was 11 years old. During the summer the family went to the beach for vacation. She was up early one morning and her dad asked her if she wanted to take a walk on the beach. She was very much a daddy’s girl and relished every moment of the walk they had alone on the beach. As they returned to the house she saw her mom standing on the front porch of the beach house, waving to them. Whenever she starts to get sad that they aren’t around anymore, she thinks of this memory.

Worst memory from childhood: Being lost in the subway without one of her parents when she was 10 years old. It was only for a few minutes but she was very scared.

Where did she grow up: Amanda grew up in the city.

 

How did she view it as a child/Did it change as she got older: She didn’t mind growing up there but always wanted to move to the country. She became less and less happy living there as she got older and once her parents passed away, she moved.

How does she feel about the place now: She has fond memories of living in the city but would never move back there now. She’s gotten too used to country life.

Did she, or has she in the past, had a mentor: Amanda had a mentor in the music industry. His name was Johnny Johnson.  

 

What was her relationship with this person, and how has it changed since then: They were attracted to each other from the beginning of their relationship. They never dated as long as he was her boss but once he wasn’t, they began dating. He taught her many things about the recording industry and helped her with her confidence in herself. They’re romance didn’t last long but they are still friends.

What sort of education has she had: Amanda has a high school diploma and an honorary degree from university. Her education came mostly from experience and learning from people in her field.

Does she want more: She has no desire to go to college but does want to learn more from others in her field.

Who was her idol growing up: Her first idol was her dad.  

Who is her closest friend, and why: Besides Chuck, Amanda’s closet friend is Honey Randall.  They were both in the recording industry at the same time and got to know each other. They both have children the same age and even live next door to each other.  One of Amanda’s sons and one of Honey’s daughters are married.

 

What does she like to do with this person: Amanda and Honey love to sit and have coffee together and they do almost every morning. They also like to go the karaoke bar and sing together.

Does she have any rivals: Fortunately, she has never had a rival.

Has she ever been betrayed/ By who, and how did it affect her: She has never been betrayed, or at least if she has, she’s never noticed.

Is she married: Yes, to Chuck Hobble

Children: Bridgette Rose, Charles Frederick, Jefferson Allen, Scarlett Amanda

Grandchildren: At present: Charles Fredrick III (she will have 11 in totatl)

Child who’s most like her: Scarlett

 

 

Sex and Romance:

What is her sexual orientation/Does she ever question it? Amanda is straight and has never questioned it.

Age on first date: Fourteen.

When did she lose their virginity: Amanda lost her virginity when she was seventeen

Who to: Her then boyfriend, Tony Walker

Where: During a party at one of her friend’s house.

What was it like: It was okay; she really wishes she had waited since he turned out to be a jerk.

Past Partners: Tony Walker – high school boyfriend, Johnny Johnson

Current Partner: Chuck Hobble

 

What initially attracted her to her partner: The first thing Amanda noticed about Chuck was his build and his blue eyes.

How did she meet her partner: They met in a local bar during Amanda’s first night in Appaloosa Plains. They had somewhat a rocky start to their conversation but were soon talking like they had known each other for a long time.

 

How long have they been together: They have been married 21 years.

What type of relationship do they have: It’s a very loving and supportive relationship. 

 

Do they have any plans for the future: They look forward to the day when there last child is grown and they can enjoy sitting around with all of their grandchildren.

What is she now attracted to in her partner: Besides the fact that Chuck is good looking, Amanda finds the fact that Chuck is a gentleman very attractive. She also thinks he has the most gorgeous blue eyes.

What would be her perfect date: Having a romantic dinner at home and then snuggling on the couch watching a good movie.

Has she ever hurt someone she loved: No, not anything major.

Does she fall in love easily: With both Tony and Johnny, yes, she did. With Chuck, no but she was a little older and her relationship with Johnny made her a little more careful.

 

 

Drugs and Alcohol

Age when she first got drunk/What was it like: 19, She didn’t enjoy it very much.

Does she drink on a regular basis: Not usually, just during special occasions.

What kind of alcohol does she prefer:  Wine.

Has she ever tried any other kind of "mood altering" substance:  No, she’s led a pretty sheltered life.

 

Morality:

One thing in her past she’s ashamed of: Amanda is not a big believer in living in the past and because of that, she doesn’t dwell on things that have happened in the past. It’s one reason she has been able to deal reasonably well with her parents’ death.

 

One thing she’s proud of: Her children

What is one thing she feels strongly about? She has always been a believer in following your heart and she has tried to impart that belief in her children.

One trait she admires: Dependability

What disturbs her: When there is upheaval in the family.

Do the ends justify the means in her eyes: No, she believes that if you have to do something illegal, immoral, cruel, or anything unpleasant to get a result or end, it’s not worth it.

Is she a leader or a follower: It depends on the situation; if it’s something relating to music or family, she’s more a leader, if it’s something relating to the ranch or other areas she’s not so knowledgeable then she tends to be more of a follower.

What does she feel responsible for: (Ex. I owe it to the world to do this.): To create music people enjoy and to raise her children to be happy adults.

Does she believe that a person can redeem themselves from mistakes of the past: Yes

What scares her: Living longer than Chuck, seeing one of her children die, heights, and clowns.

 

How does she feel about death: Amanda isn’t scared of dying but she is scared of Chuck dying before her. She can’t imagine living without him so it scares her that it could possibly happen.  

Has she been significantly affected by it: She was affected by her parents death and still deals with it.

Does she value faith over reason or vice versa: It’s about equal with Amanda. She believes there is a time for each.

Does she believe in an afterlife: Yes.

Does she have any habits that reflect her beliefs (Ex. regular prayer, vegetarianism, etc.): She prays regularly.

Does she respect the beliefs of others: Yes.

Would she be more likely to act for the good of one or the good of many: It would depend on the situation. If it was a family member, she would act for the good of the one; if it was something relating to society, she would act for the good of many.

 

Is she manipulative: No.

 

Future:

What are her dreams/What does she want to do someday: Amanda has already lived her dreams. She lives in the country with her cowboy, has four beautiful and wonderful children, and has had a successful music career.

Are there places she wants to go: Amanda would love to go to Paris. Hopefully Chuck will take her there one day.

If doesn’t apply already: does she want to get married:  Already married

Have children: She has four children

Would she ever consider adopting a child: She would have considered it but not now.

Does she have any prominent sensory associations (Ex. the smell of their mother’s perfume, the sound of ice cracking under their feet as a child, etc.): Whenever she sees a beach she thinks about her parents.

How would she like to die: As long as she is surrounded by her children and grandchildren, she’ll be happy.

Who famous does she want to meet: There’s no one famous that she wants to meet.

What will she be like in her old age: Pretty much the same, just a little wiser.

 

 Quick Answers:

Stuck in a waiting room. Which magazine does she pick up: Southern Living

Tea or coffee: Tea

Sleep on side, stomach, back: Side

Dog or cat: Dog

Cake or Pie: Cake

Favorite word: Love

Least favorite word: Impossible

Favorite swear word: Shit

Pizza – Deep dish or thin crust: Thin

Favorite holiday: Valentine’s Day

Favorite month: September

One word that describes her: Musical

Most beautiful thing ever seen: Children being born

Story Writing Questions:

Was her story planned out from beginning: Mostly, she was supposed to find a cowboy and marry him but Johnny tried to derail that. I knew her beginning and middle, but her ending was up in the air for awhile.

What song/songs that helped in writing this generation: Suddenly – by Billy Ocean, Mirrors – by Justin Timberlake, That’s Where You Find Love – by Westlife.

Was there another ending to this generations story: Yes, originally Amanda was supposed to die from childbirth when Scarlett was born. I went back and forth for weeks and when it finally came time to write the moment when the doctor tells Chuck about Amanda, I couldn’t do it. Not only did it end up changing her ending, it changed the next generations beginning. In the end, I thought the ending of her dying would have worked for her but not the kids. I wanted their story lines to be more upbeat. Plus, I fell in love with her character and couldn’t do it.

What’s one thing about this character that that has not yet been revealed that you would like readers to know: She is a very passionate person. I don’t think that really came across in her story as well as I had hoped.  It’s one of the reasons she was able to follow her dreams after her parents died. She is passionate about everything, her music, her family, anything she pursues.

What’s one thing you would change if you could rewrite her story: I would have to say the ending. I sometimes wish I hadn’t chickened out but I think it’s worked out well.

What’s your favorite thing about her: How caring she is; she just walks up to one of her children or Chuck and hugs them.

What’s your favorite thing about this generation: How these two people came together after experiencing heartbreak and made a happy, loving home for their family.