getting to know me

At ages 13 and 20, Marcel Proust answered these questions (though not in this order) with clever, thoughtful words that I can't beat. But I'll answer them myself anyway.

Your most marked characteristic?

Spaciness. At least that is how it comes across to other people. I always know exactly where my head is.

What is your principle defect?

There's too many competing for this position to pick just one.

What natural gift would you most like to possess?

The ability to make music, and hypnotize with it -- a close second to inter-dimensional travel, which may or may not be considered "natural" (depending on the audience).

What is your idea of earthly happiness?

Being by the sea, on the sea, or living as a mermaid in the sea.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

A total severance from divinity, mystery and magic. (Nihilism?)

What is your favorite occupation?

Writing my stories when I feel like it, listening to children tell theirs when I don't.

What would you like to be?

A professional dream machine, and a sweet heart.

Where would you like to live?

Almost anywhere around the Puget Sound, ideally in a mildly haunted house.

Who are your favorite characters in history?

The sad ones. I can't help it.

The quality you most like in a man?

Sensitivity and emotional honesty; it shows real bravery.

The quality you most like in a woman?

Creative guts and an inspiring sense of self.

What do you most value in your friends?

In my real friends, I'm always grateful for a shared love of bikes, an understanding of magical places, and an intuitive grasp of my need for space. In my imaginary friends, everything; they're just great people.

What is your present state of mind?

Scattered. It's no good.

How would you like to die?

I'd like to disappear and leave people wondering what happened to me and if I was even dead at all. But not until after my parents died; that's just a cruel thing to put your parents through.

What is your motto?

It used to be, "If there's an exception to the rule, it's not a rule." After that it was, "Let it go." I am working on a new one right now; I don't have one and I think that's a bad thing.

I visited Proust's grave in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in October. Someone had set out a tea cup on a small plate for him. He's one of my favorite dead people, though that list is quite long.