Eleven Questions I've Been Asked

1. If you had to choose one vice in exclusion of all others, what would it be?

Are we speaking here of the infamous seven—vainglory, envy, anger, dejection, avarice, gluttony, and lust? Or are we talking of imbibing spirits, smoking, cussing, indolence, lying? So many choices, so little time… If my back was to the wall, I’d choose indolence.

2. If you could change one specific thing about the world, what would it be?

Its self-perception.

3. Name the cartoon character you identify with the most.

Hobbes from Calvin and.

4. If you could live one day in your life over again, which day would it be?

The day my mother died. I would not follow the doctor’s suggestion to go home and get some sleep, but would stay with her and hold her hand until she was gone.

5. If you could go back in history and spend a day with one person, who would it be?

Lewis Thomas. His view of the world was perceptive and encouraging, and he was a most eloquent writer. If he was busy, I’d be happy spending the day in the company of Carl Sagan or Albert Einstein, chatting about stars and time.

6. What is one thing you lost, sold, or threw away that you wish you had back?

I regret losing the old family homestead.

7. What is your one most important contribution to this world?

My four children. They are all fine young adults with a sense of purpose, an innate kindness, and an honest desire to be of help to others.

8. What is your one hidden talent that nearly no one knows about?

I can draw fairly well.

9. What is your most cherished possession?

I cherish them all – that’s why I keep them. I’ve dragged a few pieces of family furniture from pillar to post. I have my Memere’s china, my mother’s tea pot, the coat tree my father made in high school shop class, a handmade flowerpot from my eldest son that says “To a great mom from a great son,” a photograph of my home street from my second son, two framed original poems from my youngest daughter, a beautiful woven basket from my eldest daughter. From my sisters there are bits and pieces purchased in the countries through which they’ve traveled, photographs and books and records, the broken mantel clock from my childhood…

10. What one person influenced your life the most when growing up?

Besides my family members? My high school English teacher. She encouraged me to write, and took the time to help me find my own way of expressing myself.

11. What word describes you better than any other?

Me.