an intro
It is so cringe to begin or even end this by saying: my name is Erika and I love to write. I live in Miami and have two kids and a husband and a house. I’ve never been someone I felt is understood well by the writing of a few sentences but I thought before I exercised my writing skills at length I should acquaint myself with this tiny void on the internet just in case someone happens across it and wonders who the writer is.
I have an obsession with quite a few things (I am an obsessive person) but I can think of few things I love more than a good questionnaire. Included herein are my responses to one of such questionnaires. As per Vanity Fair, “The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature.”
What is your idea of perfect happiness? I have so many ideas for ‘perfect happiness’! The literal existence of my children is perfect happiness. A nap in bed after a shower. A book that distracts. A cup of black coffee. Vacation Danny. A perfect manicure/pedicure. Flowers in a vase. Being cold and walking out into the balmy sun. An orgasm. The moment you fall in love with a piece of art. Hope.
What is your greatest fear? Vomiting
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My reactiveness
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Ignorance
Which living person do you most admire? My sister
What is your greatest extravagance? A bottle of Evian while I grocery shop or ridiculously expensive hotel rooms when I travel
What is your current state of mind? Apprehensive but optimistic
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Chastity
On what occasion do you lie? I can’t lie
What do you most dislike about your appearance? Ankles
Which living person do you most despise? Anyone who has harmed a child
What is the quality you most like in a man? Decisiveness and curiosity
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Confidence and curiosity
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? OMG or WTF
What or who is the greatest love of your life? 3 men named Garcia
When and where were you happiest? Last week at home watching a three-way hug
Which talent would you most like to have? Any musical talent
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wouldn’t change a thing.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Forgiving
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? A man or a flower
Where would you most like to live? France
What is your most treasured possession? My mom’s toe ring from the 90’s I wear on my pinky
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Jealousy
What is your favorite occupation? Lady who lunches but sources art for others when she feels like it
What is your most marked characteristic? Passion
What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty shown as public support when needed
Who are your favorite writers? Artists are the best writers IMO. First that come to mind are Matisse and Malevich.
Who is your hero of fiction? Midge Maisel
Which historical figure do you most identify with? A feminist in the 70’s
Who are your heroes in real life? Marta
What are your favorite names? Vera, Celine and George.
What is it that you most dislike? When people impose their beliefs on others
What is your greatest regret? Picking limestone tile during my reno
How would you like to die? In my sleep after a day filled with something beautiful, something delicious, a walk and a call with each of my kids. With a heart full of love-filled memories.
What is your motto? There must be more than this provincial life.
So now you know my true nature.
x Erika
Love this and love you! I laughed and teared up. ❤️