Q & A

Heidikins, just back from the world's longest roadtrip through Wyoming, sent me some fun questions - sort of an evolving meme where you answer someone's and then send new ones to other folks who want to play. And it doesn't require me to admit that I've read almost no classic literature and don't watch Grey's Anatomy, so I'm in :)

Here you go - the dish about Trish:

1. What inspires you to write? Either in the blog-world or in "real life"?
I think I write because I read so much. Reading has always been a big part of how I figure out life - everything from how to survive a heartbreak to how to cope when I don't like the decisions our country's leaders are making. I like the space reading gives me to process - it works better than a conversation sometimes, because I don't have to accept someone's whole perspective or make an immediate choice. No author has ever called me to say, "Hey - are you applying my suggestions???" So, to whatever extent my life experiences might be helpful to someone else, I suspect it will only happen if people have the space to take what they like and leave the rest. Writing and blogging gives you that kind of space.

2. What is your favorite thing about living in New England?
Right now, I love that the Boston Red Sox are winning, because that still feels like a miracle! I also love the people here. New Englanders are famous for being cold to outsiders, and in a lot of places that reputation is well-earned. But there is a lot of love under those gruff exteriors, and I think knowing how to recognize the signs of that caring is one of the skills you pick up here.

3. When you've had a rough day, what do you to do unwind and relax?
First, I close the cover on my laptop! Honestly, my worst days usually involve a jam up between the (seemingly) great ideas in my head and the nothingness showing up on my computer screen, so to unwind, I need to prove to us both that I'm bigger than my computer, and that I call the shots :) I'm learning that a couple miles on the treadmill gets my frustration out, as does talking with a friend who can make me laugh. After that, I love a glass of Cabernet and a romantic comedy on DVD - I'm a sucker for happy endings. If you've read this blog before, you've heard me wax poetic about my love for How to Lose A Guy In Ten Dates, Must Love Dogs, Hope Floats, Little Miss Sunshine...the list goes on and on.

4. What is your definition of a perfect day?
I have a friend who defines happiness as "When life exceeds your expectations." To have that happen all day long would be pretty cool. Here's my best guess at what that might look like for me:
It would start with me sipping morning coffee while the sun streamed in over my down comforter and THAT DOG dozed at the end of the bed.
I'd open my Bible to some random page that would happen to be one of those great passages about how God loves me, he has a great plan for my life, and I don't have to worry about the 17 little things niggling at the edges of my brain.
I'd write brilliant prose for the next two hours, then practice the things I'll say during my upcoming appearance on Oprah to celebrate the success of my books...you know, like how much I love the solitary days as a writer, but I also enjoy going out on tour, meeting my adoring fans...
Lunch would be my favorite sandwich since fourth grade: Baloney, cheese, mustard, mayonnaise, and cucumber on whole wheat bread. Big pile of Lay's potato chips on the side.
After lunch I'd surf through my favorite blogs and web sites, which would make me laugh so hard a little bit of water would come out of my nose.
Then I'd crawl into bed with a book, reading some other writer's brilliant work until I dozed off for a nap. (I'd wake with a start at some point to realize that still hadn't walked THAT DOG, but then I'd realize my wonderful husband had taken care of that).
Dinner would be sushi with a chocolate martini, after which hubby and I would cuddle on the couch and watch the Red Sox pummel the Yankees. (We'd celebrate afterwards, but I'll keep that part private).
I think that about sums it up :)

5. Do you collect anything? What? How did you get started? What do you love about it?
I mostly just collect books. I LOVE new books - it's a bit of an addiction. But because I've moved so much since I graduated from school, the urge to collect other things hasn't really hit me yet. I'm way too aware that anything I acquire I have to love enough to haul up and down stairs the next time I relocate. I think I could collect rooster figurines - they crack me up (as some of you may recall from this post - where can I get that cookie jar???) But hubby HATES them, so I guess my "Celebrate Poultry!" decorating scheme will remain a pipe dream...

So there you have it...five questions, five answers. I should probably lay in a stash of baloney in case tomorrow turns out to be my perfect day! Now, if any of you would like 5 questions of your own (personally selected by me, just for you) email me at trishstevekylie AT yahoo DOT com and resist the urge to comment on how lame it is that I have my dog's name in my email address (there are other Trish Ryan's out there, AND other TrishandSteve's...what else could I do?)