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HOUSECAT, HOSTESS, ENCOURAGER

I am a retired travel agent, retail store owner, teacher, and non-profit grants reviewer. Currently I am a Housecat. This is my true nature. I love to travel, whether it’s across the street or across the ocean, to have new experiences, wonderful conversation, and eat fabulous food. But I can’t have to sweat much doing it.

How did you you arrive at your Style Statement?

Read about Style Statement in a magazine (Domino, I think). Became obsessed. It took 6 months, but I finally got up the gumption to make the reservation and call it a Christmas present to myself. Had my session with Carrie and adored every minute. I forget—does she have a degree in counseling? I’ve never been in therapy, but I imagine the interview was similar. At the end I felt both drained and exhilarated. It is something I would wish for everyone!

What does your Style Statement mean to you? How do you interpret your first and second words?

I’m not sure that the words shouldn’t be switched, as Harmony resonates deep within (probably too much, since I’ll do almost anything to avoid confrontation). I try to put a Sophisticated touch on every choice I make, but I’m still researching the implications of that (and that’s typical of a Sophisticate). Right now my interpretation is classic with an edge. For instance, eventually my dining room is going to be Granny Apple Green, which will look great with my good china and everyday dishes, as well as my all-white partyware. It’s going to be very refined and traditional, but I plan to use bright fuschia linens with everything! This color is nowhere else, but will be a surprising accessory.

How has your Style Statement been useful to you?

Well, it sure has made me cut out the kitsch! My HUGE project of the moment is a major remodel of my house; my Style Statement has become my mantra as I make the gazillions of decisions required.

My Style Statement has been a lot like the reuseable cloth grocery bags—what a GREAT IDEA! So I give myself access to them, then totally forget to take them to the market. But as time goes on, I remember more and more often until finally it’s second nature to take them in and I can’t imagine shopping without them.

Often I’m leery of starting a project because 1) I’m overwhelmed by the decisions that will need to be made and 2) I detest unsolicited advice (and I have many friends who will give it). My Style Statement has given me both the confidence and the boundaries in which to make aesthetic decisions.

10 Things that you love…

I am going to consolidate because there are many, many things I love: My Family, fiction, cooking & eating, France, entertaining & being entertained, E- or I- anything, laughing, lipstick & shoes, travel, my dogs.

Where in the world have you, or do you, feel most at home, and why?

Housecatitis – curling up on a sofa with a big, fat novel and Les Bebes (the dogs) within patting distance, puttering around the kitchen, puttering around my new garden (dubbed The Imaginarium by my husband—isn’t that great?), setting a lovely table, laughing really hard with my friends.

Hey, wait a minute. All of these things do happen in my home. So I’m ahead of the game, right? Or does this just mean I don’t get out much?

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? (Forget about comfort or practicality—what would you feel amazing in?)

If Oscar de la Renta makes a caftan, that’s it. Plus long dangly earrings and flip-flops. Would wear it to the Academy Awards and forever after.

What do you like to be noticed for, and appreciated for?

I am a very charming dinner companion. As I indicated above, I love both to entertain and to be entertained. People also love my cooking. I am also very organized—except when I’m not. I hope that people I love think I am non-judgmental and their biggest cheerleader. Also I have lovely skin.

Books, movies or music that have inspired you?

This one is hard, as I’ve read a bazillion books. In fact, some of the motivation for our remodel is to line many walls with bookshelves to get my thousands in stacks off the floor. And I am not a fan of very much non-fiction so the conventional meaning of inspire may not apply. But several authors “inspire” me in their use of words and their ability to transport me and the verbal pictures they can paint.

Inspirational Authors:

• Pat Conroy – I always have to look up at least 3 words in each of his books. I love the way he puts words together; they stay with me ages after I’ve finished his books.
• Ferrol Sams – Another Southern author whose pitch-perfect evocation of farm life during The Depression mirrors my father’s life as a child and young man.
• Michael Malone – The most incredible writer of dialogue. I always wish I could be a participant in his conversations.
• Anne LaMott (her writing is mainly spiritual non-fiction, which I normally won’t touch, but I find her transcendant) – author of my all-time favorite quote, “Joy is the best make-up, but a little lipstick never hurts.” She writes about her spiritual journey with such self-deprecation and humor. It’s totally relatable (and entertaining).
• Agatha Christie – There is nothing more enjoyable to me than British drawing-room settings, both in books & movies. And I’m a sucker for a good mystery. Dame Agatha is the champ!
• JK Rowling – Why the heck not? I finally had to start ordering 3 copies of her last few books as my husband, daughter, and I would have serious fights about who got to read them first.

Movies: I love small independent films with no special effects where the emphasis is on plot and dialogue. Oh, come to think of it, I was inspired by Michael Moore’s Sicko to finally throw off the Republican constraints that I’ve lived with all my life and embrace my true Democratic nature. This has been quite a jolt to friends and family.

Music: I’ve been listening to a lot of k.d. lang (Hallelujah) and Melissa Etheridge (I’m the Only One and I Will Always Love You) lately. Also Tegan & Sara (You Wouldn’t Like Me if You Met Me). Just noticed a theme here. I am not a Lesbian but I sure like their music. The biggest musical inspiration to me has been my iPod. I can listen to anything anytime anywhere and I LOVE IT.