Sunday, June 06, 2010

THE PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

Lots of people are doing this, but Simmone thought of it

What is your most marked characteristic?
Martin says I'm either strong-willed or pigheaded or single-minded. I am not sure exactly which. I'd have said analytical.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
No bullshit, no game-playing, what you see is what you get

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

No bullshit, no game-playing, what you see is what you get

What do you most value in your friends?
A highly developed sense of play.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Forgetfulness.

What is your favorite occupation?

Reading, researching a topic that interests me.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Champagne, fish and chips, on a balmy summer night at Kate Constable's house, watching my children deeply involved in some complicated narrative game that involves Una traipsing past in various outfits. Or exploring a new country with Martin.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
When someone stops talking to you and won't tell you why.

In which country would you like to live?

Australia. (With a holiday house in a Mediterranean country.)

Who are your favorite writers?

Marilynne Robinson, Helen Garner, Anne Tyler

Who are your favorite poets?

Simon Armitage, Adrienne Rich, Margaret Atwood, Gwen Harwood

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Trout

Who is your favorite heroine of fiction?
Undine

Who are your favorite composers?
Bach, John Adams.

Who are your favorite painters?

Matisse, the Australian impressionists (Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton), Geoffrey Dyer

What are your favorite names?

Eglantine and Marmaduke (unfortunately Martin also shares naming rights).

What is it that you most dislike?

Lack of empathy.

Which talent would you most like to have?
I'd love to be able to run really, really, really fast.

How would you like to die?
Without fear.


What is your current state of mind?

Sunday afternoon lethargy... fuzzy pregnant ennui... mmm, mandarin.

What is your motto?
Everyone has a story.

2 comments:

  1. Once upon a time I was meandering around the cemetery at Nambucca Heads in NSW - it is stunning, sitting up high on top of a hill overlooking the ocean - and I stumbled across the grave of Marmaduke England.

    I have loved the name ever since.

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  2. Anonymous6:10 PM

    Hi Lyrian
    I know the spot you refer to. In fact Marmaduke is an ancestor of my wife. Do you have any connection with him?
    It sure is a lovely location, I called in there 3 mths ago.
    Phil J

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