It’s a shame that the written word can sometimes be misunderstood or that words can be interactive because this interview was a hoot! It comes across like it was a simple process of asking questions and getting replies, but the truth is that we spent most of this time in fits of giggles and shedding literal tears at our mother’s reply to these questions. Some replies are very open and honest and others were delivered with such zest and if you know our mother, so so much life! This year has been an emotional one for our family, not only did R1 move to the UK with her family, but our mother also moved out of our family home of 20+ years. The feelings of new beginnings and change came as a bit of a surprise, but she took it in her stride and has embraced the positive side of taking a leap and jumping out of your comfort zone. Read along and share a chuckle or two at our quirky and hilarious mother dearest.

Light Questions:

Q: What is the tone/sound of your alarm clock?

A: CJAD 800

Q: Morning person or night owl?

A: Morning Person

Q: Fave quote

A: Maya- someone shows you who they are- believe them

Q: Sandals or Sneakers?

A: Sandals

Q: Your word for the year

A: Downsizing

Q: Last picture you took

A: Of you and Rae for the blog

Q: What book you would recommend?

A: To Kill A Mockingbird & Roots

Q: Countryside or beach?

A: Both

Q: One fun fact about you

A: I’m a goofball

Q: Electronic or paper calendar?

A: Paper

Q: Fave flower

A: Roses

Q: Savoury or sweet?

A: Used to be sweet, but I’m diabetic, I have to change my palette.

Q: Fave artists

A: Oprah & Denzel Washington

Q: Fave season

A: Summer

Q: How would you describe your fashion style?

A: Comfy and try for what looks good on me.

Deep Questions:

Q: Current role model

A: Nelson Mandela

Q: What causes you anxiety?

A: Bills

Q: If I could grant you one wish, what would it be?

A: Travel around the world with family.

Q: What 3 things bring you joy?

A: – My granddaughter

– Music

– Giving my life to God, letting go and letting Him takeover

Q: When was the last time you meditated?

A: This morning.

Q: What would you like your legacy to be?

A: That I lived, laughed and loved.

Q: Describe yourself in one word.

A: Crazy, but in a good way.

Q: If you could meet anyone from the past, who would it be?

A: Maya Angelou or Nelson Mandela

Q: What do you see when you look in the mirror?

A: I see strength, Black and beauty, I see a self-assured woman.

Q: If you could give your younger self-advice, what would it be?

A: Listen to your gut, don’t second guess yourself, stressing out doesn’t help.

Q: When did your religion become central in your everyday life?

A: When I had kids- because I said to myself I needed God to get me through this.

Q: Because of the increase of secularism, are you ever tempted to not be so “open” about your religion?

A: No. I don’t see any need for change in my way of life, I think that one has to be willing to stand for what you believe.

Q: What made you become a daycare worker?

A: It was my 2nd option after arriving in Quebec and realizing I would need to return to school in order to be a teacher.

Q: What is something you accomplished this year that you are most proud of?

A: Being able to let go of a lot of things I owned and not worrying about it. We moved from our house of 20+ years. I realized I was holding on to a lot of stuff and I didn’t know why.

Q: What was something that was difficult for you at the beginning of the year, but is no longer difficult?

A: Finding a place to move and once it was done, it was done being anxious and became happy with the change.

Q: What was the most challenging thing for you this year? Or the last few years?

A: Moving

Q: What 3 most important things have you learned this year?

A:  – Change is good

– Pain could be productive

– Don’t let small people stop you from your dreams

Q: What’s your most important goal for next year?

A: Oh Lord, to be more fluent in French and possibly take a French class. Also to improve my computer literacy.

Q: How do you plan on achieving them?

A: I’m researching into it.

Q: Of the books, you read this year, which was your favourite and why?

A: Isabelle Allende- In The Midst Of Winter: This is my favourite author, she hasn’t written a book in a long time, I have been waiting for her next work for a long time. I wasn’t left disappointed. Her books take you to so many places, but you can never predict the way she creates the imagery for her books. They are always unpredictable. I enjoy how easily she includes diversity and inserts parts of her Spanish heritage into her books.

Q: What do you love about yourself?

A: Everything except my fingernails.

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