Proust Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness? An exquisite bath in an exquisite bathroom. What is your greatest fear? Harm to my child. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Insecurity. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Judgement. What is your greatest extravagance? La Prairie makeup. What is your favorite journey? The one I’m on. What do you consider the most overated virtue? Restraint. On what occasion do you lie? To protect someone. What do you dislike most about your appearance? The category it puts me in. What is your greatest regret? Believing that I was “too old” at 25 to get my MFA. What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband, Nick, and son, Sebastian. When and where were you happiest? On a stage. Which talent would you most like to have? Speaking many different languages and the talent of eloquence. What is your current state of mind? Anticipation. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wouldn’t care about what other people thought. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? They would always go on bike rides with me when I asked. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being a mother. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? A bird because I like the idea of soaring. What is your most treasured possession? Letters and gifts from my son. What do you regard as the lowest dept of misery? Feeling hopeless. What is your favorite occupation? Journalism. What is your most marked characteristic? Warmth. Who are your favorite writers? Nick Madigan, P.D. James, e.e. cummings, Alan Ayckbourn, Harold Pinter. Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Marianne Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility), Lenny Magrath (Crimes of the Heart). Who are your heroes in real life? Michelle Obama, Congressman Jamie Raskin, caregivers, essential workers, healthcare workers, and all of those who have helped me along the way. What are your favorite names? Sebastian, Olivia, Veronica. What is it that you most dislike? Hatred. How would you like to die? Holding the hands of those I love. What is your motto? “You catch more flies with honey.”