Interviewed by Charlee Compo for Eguild
1. Look out your window and describe to us what you are seeing.
In my bedroom, French doors open onto a balcony that faces east. In the moments
before the sun kisses the horizon, when the birds are cheerily wishing each
other good morning and fragile wisps of mist swirl across dew-diamonds in the
grass, there is a sense of expectation and wonder in the air. The gentle breeze
stills and the sky shades from deepest slate to palest gold. And as I watch, a
small grey squirrel, with furry tail jerking left and now right for balance,
wirewalks to the other side of the street.
2. Go to the mirror and describe to us what you see when you look at your face.
It is early and the serenity of sleep still glows upon pale skin. My eyes are a
deep, dusty blue and there are lines around them that crinkle when I smile.
Staring at my reflection, I wrinkle my nose and laugh. The sound is a gentle
ripple in the cozy silence, born by delicate lips that relax naturally into a
gentle smile. With a small sigh, I unpin my hair and let it down. The curling
stands are dark mahogany shot with silver. Unbound, they fall past my knees.
3. When you look at your loved one(s), what comes to mind?
My daughter and son are both grown, each with a life and family of their own.
They are capable of making serious decisions and accepting whatever
responsibilities may come. When I look at them, I see the caring, successful
young people they are, and I am very proud. But I remember tow-headed toddlers
with trusting blue eyes and chubby legs, plump little arms wrapped tightly around
my neck, the feel of small, warm hands slipping into mine and the joy of
impulsive kisses. It was all so long ago. And yet, it seems like yesterday.
4. Have you ever lost a family member, a dear friend or a beloved pet?
Give us some idea of how you felt. What "obituary" would you have
written to immortalize your loss?
When my husband died, I was at a loss as to how to express my feelings. Confused
and aching, I scribbled a small piece that allowed me to articulate the emotions
swirling within my heart. The minister read it at my husband’s memorial service.
A wise man once said that
what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a
butterfly. I suspect that is true. Death is not an end. It is instead, a
transformation to another, better part of the soul’s journey.
But it is the point where we must say farewell.
During our years together, Bob and I never said goodbye. Whether he was
leaving for work, going away on a fishing trip, or if the separation were
as simple as one of us going downstairs to make coffee, we always agreed to
"meet at the pass." It was a promise we made to each other. A
promise I’ll carry in my heart forever.
But now the time has come to say farewell. It is difficult, but I know I
must. Because a farewell is necessary before we can meet again. And we will
meet again. I am certain of it, because he told me the butterflies would be
waiting.
And when my wings are dry, I’ll meet him at the pass. |
5. What color is your personality?
Emerald green with lightning flashes of sulphur and magenta
6. What color is your writing?
Shades of brilliant orange, salmon, coral, pink and mauve. The colors of a Florida sunset.
7. What color is your anger?
Blood red.
Your hurt?
Cobalt blue.
Your laughter?
Coral-pink.
Your joy?
Saffron yellow.
8. Imagine yourself all alone on that desert island. What and who would you want with you?
Assuming there would be no electricity for a computer, I’d want books and paper and pencils. That way I could read and write to my heart’s content. As for companions, I’d select my dogs. They’re good company and they don’t mind the silence necessary for reading and writing.
9. Write a four to eight line poem (it’s gotta rhyme!) that expresses one of the following:
A. love
B. humor
C. sadness
D. mystery (this can include paranormal and esoteric musings)
E. religion
As a child’s own child is a gift from God --
So age gives this thought rise,
Somehow the world seems new and bright
When seen through a grandchild’s eyes.
10. Finish the sentence and expound on the idea (give us an example of your writing):
There was in the firelight a…
...pair of ancient lovers, huddled together beneath a worn blanket, sharing warmth
as they gazed into the flames. Their greying heads leaned inward; their gnarled
hands nestled together in the folds of faded cloth. Words were unnecessary. The
autumn fire burned brightly.
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