I’m an animal lover — especially dogs and horses, a bit of a techno geek, and have plenty enough Irish in me to enjoy the gift of gab.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m the pioneer of my family: husband and I are out here in California with our animals, while all the rest of our family is back on the east coast.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I wear a couple of career hats, now all under an umbrella of being a small business owner: Wonder Dog Ranch is the dog daycare and boarding business my husband and I operate, now entering its second decade; but my background is in local government and telecommunications regulation — and that brought me to Monrovia. Since I enjoy telling stories, I also enjoy writing articles and columns for local publications, and sometimes just for the pleasure of documenting my thoughts.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I’m thrilled that Market Grill is back in operation!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
In June, we will celebrate two decades living in Monrovia.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I met Betty Sanford when I first moved to this city, and I admired her engagement, devotion, and commitment to this community and all her accomplishments and those of her family.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland is calling me, with Australia being a close second. I’ve been doing genealogical research and have some good leads about family locales back on the old sod. Bur for current family, I’d love to go visit my niece and her husband in their new house in Australia.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Show up and Speak your Truth with Civility.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Watching the aurora borealis
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Classic jazz – no particular band – is both energizing and calming — I play it while writing and it helps me to focus.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Devon restaurant – lovely spot for an elegant and romantic dinner with a European feel.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Ukrainian President Zelensky, who has inspired the world with his determination to protect his country. I guess the appropriate place to meet would be Mundial, as that means “worldwide,” as his influence is global and the world needs to help him.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
I love our mountains: they embrace our city and I think contribute to our sense of place that captures both natural beauty and appreciation for history.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m pretty sure we’ll still be here for the next decade or so, enjoying our animals, our garden, our friends and neighbors.
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most don’t know that I first attended school in Brussels and struggled with being the speaker of a foreign language.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The middle of the ocean on a sail boat where nothing but the vast beauty of sea and sky inspires endless possibilities and reminds you of your place on this planet in this galaxy.
Q: What is your favorite month? Favorite holiday? And what is the best single day on the calendar?
I rarely deal in single favorites – every month has its advantages. When you live in the moment, each month and each day is a favorite when I’m enjoying it. The flowers of spring, the relaxation of summer, the brisk, crisp clarity of fall, or the chill and calm of winter. The best single day on the calendar is the one you find when you wake up to greet it.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My husband’s Hollandaise sauce.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My great aunt, who at 96 years of age is still helping her family and enjoying her life.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Puppy breath.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, heart, art.
