By Madeline Otten
Correspondent
Where do you live?
“Red Dirt Farm – Between Wilmington and Kents Store.”
How long have you lived in Fluvanna County? What brought you here?
“We have lived here since 1991, when we purchased the farm.”
Tell us about your family –
“My family is my husband, soulmate of 32 years – and various rescue animals, that we have called our children over the years.”
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
“A farmer.”
What was your very first job?
“My first job was a waitress at Michie Tavern.”
What do you do for a living?
“I’m an artist and a flower and chicken farmer.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“Same as my living, make art, grow flowers, and raise chickens. I also enjoy photography; my camera is always with me.”
What is one food that you could never live without? What is one you can never bring yourself to eat?
“Potatoes. Never met a potato I didn’t like. Liver – yuck!”
What are your three favorite movies?
“I couldn’t narrow it to just three, so for character building and life lessons – Down to the Sea with Ships. – 1949 version, In a Secret Garden Comedy – Arsenic and Old Lace – Mystery/intrigue – Laura – Fantasy – any Harry Potter.”
Which is better – a novel or a movie?
“In my opinion, both. I love old movies – anything from 1930-1940s, because I love the sets and scenery, costumes and time frame of those eras. Novels, because I can make everything up the way I want.”
What fictional character do you wish you could meet and why?
“Miss Kitty from Gunsmoke – she was tough as nails, strong willed and a smart businesswoman. She always had the Marshal’s back. The actress, who played her, Amanda Blake worked hard for animal welfare.”
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
“I’m still waiting to receive it.”
What pivotal decision helped to shape your life?
“Leaving a corporate job that made me miserable.”
Tell us about a way you have changed over the years.
“I am learning to stop putting everyone else and their needs before my own.”
What has surprised you about your life?
“That life has gotten harder as I have aged; not easier.”
What’s one thing you hope to accomplish before you die?
“I hope to write a book. Stories about a farmer and the animal kingdom that talk to the farmer.”
Tell us about one of your regrets.
“I wish I had been a better boss at the corporate job.”
Tell us about your proudest moment.
“When a customer told me I was living the dream.”
When you are having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?
“Sit quietly with nature and my camera.”
What quote or saying do you connect with most? Why do you like it?
“To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow – it gives us hope.”
