Jennifer Louden wants to interview you. And she’s doing a drawing so click the link if you want, and go answer these questions for her too. I don’t know why I decided to answer these questions. Perhaps it’s because of something nice that happened to me today. I’ll share about that on Friday. But for now here I go:
Name: Katie McIlvaine. This is who I was for the longest time. More than half my life. At my core, this is who I’ll always be. Kate George is who the world sees, Katie McIlvaine is who I am.
Hometown: For the longest time Auburn, California was what I would say if you asked my home town. Finally, after all these years, it’s South Royalton, Vermont. Where my heart is.
Profession: This is kind of hard. I’m an author, yes. Also a school employee. But what do I think I’m on this earth to do? Weave laughter. Tell tales. Bring feeling and meaning to other people’s lives. A purveyor of stress relief.
Favorite Dharma Book: (You could translate dharma to mean book that helps you lead a life that is true to your values.) I don’t know that there is any one book. There are many stories of fearlessness and courage. Those are the two attributes I think are needed to live authentically. Many people are role models.
Deepest Wish: World Peace? Deepest wish for myself? That I would learn to live ever more authentically. That I will be able to get my kids braces. That I will come to peace with myself.
Mantra: Well, fuck me. No that’s not right. Don’t Postpone Joy -and- Life Rewards Action. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
(I can’t seem to pick just one thing for any of these questions. What does that say about me?)
Superpower: Splintering Reality. Sometimes I can also put it back together.
Favorite quote: We don’t need no sticking badges.
My heart is open when I: allow myself to be seen. When I open myself to true joy and sorrow. When I laugh and cry with other beings.
Okay that’s mine. How about you? Will you answer the questions, if not for Jennifer Louden, then for me?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for playing along and sharing these Kate. You are spunky truth telling and I’m glad we are connected! (Kid’s braces are a very good wish.)
Name: Have had many (married and divorced 3x). Currently like Judy, Judy, Judy
Hometown: This one is almost impossible as I have lived so many places. I would probably go back to Albuquerque, NM if circumstances were favorable, though.
Profession: Patient care coordinator / writer
Favorite Dharma book: Women Without Superstition : No Gods – No Masters by Annie Laurie Gaylor
Deepest Wish: That we would stop the process of making this Earth uninhabitable for future generations. For me personally: I want to learn to write with more enjoyment for the process.
Mantra: I make fun my bitch. (Erin McCarthy said it before me.)
Superpower: I don’t get defensive.
Favorite Quote: “You, little dead girl, are going to be a reaper.” Mandy Pitinkon from Dead Like Me (This changes frequently, btw.)
My heart is open when I: sit down to read. Unless I don’t trust the author – like Evanovich now – although I don’t usually read them once I can’t trust them.
I’ll answer for you. Although wow, this goes to great honesty depths.
Name: Skye Hughes. Until I was 45 it was Cindy Hughes, or Cid. Finally, at 45, I realized I could choose a name I loved, one that suited me better. So I did.
Hometown: I’m going with the traditional meaning, which is the town where you were born and grew up. At least, that’s my meaning. Chino, what used to be a small town in So. Cal. As far as a town where I feel comfortable and at home, that would include both Seattle and the town on the Oregon Coast where I lived for several years. Houston hasn’t quite made the cut yet.
Profession: Writer and editor. I do all kinds for a living (when I have work). I’ve just finished the first draft of a novel, so I might be able to add that kind of writing and editing to my resume, as well.
Favorite Dharma Book: It’s Easier Than You Think by Sylvia Boorstein, a book about the basics of zen Buddhism. Second fave is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, who was a Stoic philosopher as well as an emperor and warrior.
Deepest Wish: I’m going to have to be a copycat and say I want the same thing for the world. As for me, I just want to be happy and serene.
Mantra: It’ll be okay, usually said when I don’t believe that things will be okay and I’m trying to convince myself.
Superpower: I have two. The first is meeting deadlines. I have great accuracy there. The second is adding a surreal aspect to anything and any time.
Favorite quote: “Turns out being normal is a little trickier than it looks. One of those nuance things, I guess.” — Jayne Ann Krentz, All Night Long
My heart is open when I: Let go of fear (I have a lot of it). Play with cats. Talk to my closest friends and my niece and nephew.
There you go: more than most people know about me.