Today’s installment of 20 Questions features Darla, from the currently titled She’s A Maineiac. Her site has gone through a couple name changes, some real, some theoretical, but I think she’s settled on this one, as she’s a firm believer in getting the soundtrack to Flashdance stuck in people’s heads.
Darla and I, I suspect, have been friends for many years in another universe. She attended the small college I was set to attend – except there was no housing available – at the same time. Add to that our abiding love of music from the grunge/ Sasquatch / Seattle periods in the early 90’s, well, there you have it. She’s got this whole vlog thing down more than I have, but I’m getting to it…
So get ready for my best-pal-and-maybe-bandmate-in-another-dimensiony goodness because, Hey! Darla! Let’s play 20 questions!
What quality do you most admire in others? The ability to laugh in the face of your worst fears. To find the humor in absolutely anything. We all are dealt a hard hand, (I’ve certainly had my share of tragedy)…but to be able to make things lighter takes some of the edge off. I really do believe humor can save the world.
Of course, it's best to avoid oozing too much confidence.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? Whenever I’m challenged with something, I can be completely gung-ho and confident but there’s always that tiny nagging doubt that creeps in and I worry if I can pull it off. Someday I’d like to crush that fear forever and just be that person that oozes self-confidence. (after typing that out, now I’m a bit worried how your readers will perceive it…see…that self-doubt is a buzzkill)
If you could come back in your next life as anything, what would it be? A dog. To spend your days chasing butterflies, running mindlessly around a field, smiling that goofy sloppy dog smile all day. To simply be happy about everything and anything. Yeah. Sounds like a good life to me.
You’re suddenly made the absolute ruler of your country. What is the first change you make? Free doughnuts for everyone!
Little known fact: John Lennon's "Imagine" was the original theme song to Three's Company!
What 3 songs do you think you’ve listened to more than any others in your life? “Imagine,” by John Lennon. “Black,” by Pearl Jam. The theme to Three’s Company.
If you could relive one day – either keeping it the same, or changing something – what would you choose? Damn, now I’m going to cry. Great. Well the day my dad passed. I would be there with him. That is all.
What is your biggest fear? Answering 20 questions from the Byronic Man
What would you like the title of your biography to be? I’m torn between two… Eat. Pray. Weigh. or Nobody Told Me There Would Be No Beer
What movie or book has had the biggest impact on you? Oh god, I hate narrowing these things down. Any of the Little House on the Prairie books. I remember reading them one after another at the library. Those books hooked me into a lifetime of reading. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving had a huge impact on me. (editor’s note: Prayer For Owen Meany is SO GOOD) Also any of the Thich Nhat Hanh books, especially the one on prayer. I think I was a monk in my past life. Give me some bamboo flip flops, a wooden bowl and a spoon, let me chant all day and I am in heaven.
The crying: this is also why Darla litters so much.
What is your favorite thing about blogging? When I realize there is someone else out there who genuinely understands my sense of humor and tells me something I wrote made them cry from laughing. I also love it if I’ve made someone cry from my more serious writing. To connect with someone you’ve never met is priceless. So, to sum up: I like to make people cry. It’s a hobby of mine.
Least favorite thing about blogging? The writing. Oh, dear God, all the writing that’s involved is just such a giant pain in my ass. Once I’m in the zone I’m fine. But to keep coming up with something somewhat interesting is a challenge that most days involves lots of coffee. Also–a big pet peeve of mine is when I write something tongue-in-cheek and a reader will take it too seriously, then fire off a series of nasty comments. Lighten up, people!
Which superpower would you choose if you could: the ability to fly, or to turn invisible at will? The ability to fly. Then I could zip around and visit all of my brothers, who all live on opposite ends of the country. It would also make all of those emergency trips to the store for more chocolate easier.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Answering these questions. I am basking in sweet bliss right now, truly. Also, sitting by the ocean and clearing my mind with soft breezes and saltwater. If I’m near water, I am happy.
Of which of the 7 Deadly Sins are you most guilty? Gluttony. I start out with good intentions only to suddenly find myself covered in a blanket of salt and vinegar potato chip dust.
Hellooooo, Darla.
What public figure (past or present) are you just sure you’d be friends with, if you ever met? Conan O’Brien or Abraham Lincoln. I like extremely tall men.
What public figure would you really like to sit down and give a good talking-to? To explain why they’re wrong, wrong, wrong. Rush Limbaugh.
If you could spend a year in any time and place, when and where would you choose? 1918. In Freeport, Maine. When my gram was in high school. I admired her all my life and would have loved to see the world through her eyes back then…to experience that moment when she saw her first car, when she went to college (unheard of for most women back then)
You are offered the following bargain: You will record a pop song that will become a huge hit. You will become very famous and wealthy. After a year, though, there will be backlash and you’ll become a pop culture joke. You will never record another hit, and you’ll be called a one-hit wonder, but you will have the experiences, and enough money to live modestly for many years (or extravagantly for a couple). Do you accept? Hell yeah. No wait…after more consideration I would have to honestly say, Hell yeah! I’m fine with ridicule. Have you visited my blog lately?
"Theyah's been a merduh, ayuh."
If you could be any TV detective, who would you choose? The only one that comes to mind is Angela Lansbury in Murder, She Wrote. But I’m not sure I want to be her. Too frumpy and her Maine accent is horrible. Can I change this to top secret agent? then my answer would be Maxwell Smart. Who wouldn’t want to talk into your shoe and drop through the floor at will?
What would you most like people to say about you after you’re gone? She was a genuinely kind and loving person who only wanted to help others. And she sure did make us laugh.
The Byronic Man 
March 1, 2012 at 7:17 am
Wow, I am slow this morning. It took me a while before I figured out the significance of Paul and Babe. [sigh] More coffee.
March 1, 2012 at 7:35 am
That makes two of us.
March 1, 2012 at 8:42 am
Darn it! My caption prowess has failed.
I was going to go with the Jolly Green Giant, but Paul Bunyan is waving. Also, that statue is at the Trees Of Mystery in northern California, where my wife always insists we stop when we pass through that area.
March 1, 2012 at 8:44 am
Actually, it was the caption that caused it to finally click for me. “OH! He’s tall!”
My brain is just not functioning well this morning.
March 1, 2012 at 9:30 am
Oh, no! I meant that I needed more coffee, I swear! And that I’m slow this morning…your captions are always top-notch.
March 1, 2012 at 7:29 am
Darla, I won’t hear a word against Jessica Fletcher! Actually I’ll give you the accent thing having heard your vlog as a bonafide Maineian, but did you see the Murder She Wrote special where she was in the Deep South, fantastic! I was disapponted in The Celtic Riddle though – she never took on an Irish accent. The only impression I do is of Jessica Fletcher at her typewriter, theme tune and all.
March 1, 2012 at 7:37 am
Please tell me she is the one who killed all those chefs. The most telling clue is in the title of her show for God’s sake! I have never seen a show. I do like the theme song though, very catchy.
March 2, 2012 at 1:11 am
Never seen it!! I’m speechless, it’s all I watched when I used to bunk school.
March 2, 2012 at 4:06 am
Between that show, MASH and MTM I suppose I lived a sheltered life. I did watch plenty of Three’s Company. This explains a lot, doesn’t it?
March 1, 2012 at 7:40 am
Great answers, Darla! The above are just some of the many reasons I follow and read your blog. The fact that I stalk you is a bonus for your greatness.
March 1, 2012 at 7:47 am
These were tough questions, Lenore. I drew a blank on every single one. Then I took a swig of nyquil and the thoughts began flowing like nyquil.
March 1, 2012 at 8:20 am
LOL That, Darla, may still be my husband’s and my favorite post of yours. I will never take Nyquil again without thinking of it. That stuff does amazing things for writing. And child-sitting. Perhaps I should get some.
Loved the post, Byronic. Looks like my morning blog read’s just gonna get a little longer.
March 1, 2012 at 9:32 am
If you take some, just promise me that your husband will be at his best, ready to handle flying teacups and toilet paper baths.
March 1, 2012 at 7:43 am
B-man, this was just the thing I needed today as I sit here and watch the snow pile up outside. Thank you. The captions and the pictures were the icing on the cake. I am a bit disappointed in you, however. I was up at 6 am waiting by the computer for you to post and slowly began to realize I wasn’t incentive enough for you to get up at 3 am.
March 1, 2012 at 7:44 am
…and you changed it to Maxwell Smart! yesssss! you’re good man
March 1, 2012 at 8:43 am
Hey, we got a huge pile up of snow here, too! See? We’re like *this*. (Um, I’m crossing my fingers right now)
March 1, 2012 at 9:34 am
Whoa. I am officially freaked out now. The things we have in common!
March 1, 2012 at 7:48 am
Yeah, what was with that totally fake Maine accent on Murder She Wrote? I have only ever hear one actress lay it on with even the smallest bit of authenticity: Kathy Bates. Great to learn even more about you, Darla. And now, of course, I’ll have to read more of this as of yet undiscovered treasure, The Byronic Man.
March 1, 2012 at 8:48 am
Thanks to Kathy Bates, I like to imagine that people in Maine are constantly shouting, “He didn’t get out of the cock-a-doody car!!” and “You just better start showing me a little appreciation around here, Mr. MAN!”
March 1, 2012 at 7:54 am
Love Maxwell Smart too! Hate Rush Limbaugh too!
It was fun getting to know you more.
March 1, 2012 at 9:35 am
I think I may be in the majority on both of them, but who knows?
March 1, 2012 at 1:28 pm
It’s hard to imagine people liking both of them at the same time, but I’m sure it happens.
March 1, 2012 at 8:58 am
When I saw you wanted to come back as a dog, I thought for SURE the next line would be something about licking yourself, Darlotta.
Where do I get my donuts?
March 1, 2012 at 9:38 am
Well you can thank me then because I set that little scenario up just for you to swing on in and leave a hilarious comment. This interview was weird because I was very moody while answering the questions…I was serious, then I wasn’t…then my mind went blank, then I heard the theme to Three’s Company. This winter has sucked all of my brain cells away, Peg.
March 1, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Don’t listen to her. Answering these questions is delightful and rewarding. It’s also good for your hair and skin.
March 1, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Toss in “erase wrinkles” and “lift sagging bits” and where do I sign up?
March 2, 2012 at 4:07 am
Hey! Not fair, those weren’t in my contract. I demand compensation.
March 6, 2012 at 9:03 am
It’s MEEEEEE again, sliding down Darlinnigan’s rainbow!
March 6, 2012 at 9:57 am
Why hellooooooo again, Pegolegociousness! I’m having fun following your trail of Reese peanut butter egg wrappers!
March 1, 2012 at 9:08 am
Apparently, Darla and I have a few things in common, save for one…in others, I admire their ability to laugh in the face of my worst fears…and then mock me until I cry.
I feel that it shows true strength. At least, that’s what they tell me…
March 1, 2012 at 9:38 am
I can cry in the face of fear. I am very good at it. I leave the laughing thing up to others.
March 1, 2012 at 9:24 am
So much material to work with, so little time. Great, great answers to fab questions. And Darla, I do think you’re a genuinely kind and loving person who only wants to help others. And you sure do make us laugh.
March 1, 2012 at 9:41 am
And I sure do, Elyse. I sure do.
Wait, was that subtle sarcasm? I can never tell. In any case, I re-read that last line and thought, that sounds lame! So I went with it. I’m a pretty daring blogger I guess.
March 1, 2012 at 10:54 am
dammit! I left off the last line.
‘Which is much more important than any of those other things.’
March 1, 2012 at 10:57 am
No sarcasm in my response what so ever. This could mark a first in my life. Senility apparently has set in.
March 1, 2012 at 11:02 am
I am really scared for you, Elyse. (I am also right behind you with the senility)
March 1, 2012 at 11:06 am
Glad to have the company. It’s a long and winding road.
March 1, 2012 at 11:08 am
Thank you, Darla for introducing me to The Byronic Man — and thank you, Byronic, for creating such a well-thought out list of questions for Darla to answer. I’m gathering your 20 questions is a series? I’ll have to peruse your blog to find out. So fun to read all your answers, Darla. I was out all morning in the snow — running errands in the wet slush, not playing 😦 — and this was just what I needed to feel warm and cozy again.
March 1, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Yes, it’s a series I started up a few weeks ago (they’re all gathered in the 20 Questions category on the home page). 20 questions tends to lean toward the ling side, post-wise, but “Let’s Play 12 or 13 Questions” lacks a certain zip.
Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for reading!
March 1, 2012 at 11:40 am
I would come back as a dog, too, as long as that dog had good owners, a loving home, and wasn’t tied to a pole in the freezing cold with no food to eat or long walks on the beach. (The trick is to be specific when requesting reincarnations, Darla. Otherwise, you could end up as the featured puppy on those SPCA commercials.)
March 1, 2012 at 1:33 pm
I always think that, too – that wishes will invariably be ironic, unless you’re really, really specific. Too many Twilight Zone episode, I suppose.
March 1, 2012 at 5:42 pm
True. Once I was shopping for clothes and declared “I’d like to find something that has my name written all over it!” Of course, I was referring to a style I could call my own, but on the next rack I found the ugliest, hand-me-down sweatshirt with “DANA” scrawled across the front in Comic Sans font. Not funny, universe– not funny at all.
March 1, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Did you buy it? I mean, obviously you wouldn’t want it, but, it seems like you had a certain obligation.
March 1, 2012 at 7:10 pm
A friend and I used to go antiquing together in Europe when we both lived there. One day she went without me and called me announcing that she’d found a trunk with my name “all over it.” Well, it said “Elise” — she bought it, expecting me to reimburse her. Of course, being a truly wonderful human, I did. Now I have a trunk — and not a particularly antique-y one at that, that has my name misspelled. It’s lovely. Truly. Want it?
This was kind of in response to Dana’s comment. I wonder if that will be where it is placed. 🙂 Otherwise, I will be seen as more deranged than usual.
March 2, 2012 at 6:49 am
I’ll take it off your hands, Elise. The chance of me finding my name on anything in the universe is slim to none so I might as well go with Elise.
March 2, 2012 at 7:24 am
It’s yours. Come and get it. We have no snow.
March 2, 2012 at 7:29 am
I remember the trauma of not being able to get a license plate with my name on it. Whenever someone I know is having a baby I recount this trauma. They never listen. It was also a problem for my own mother: http://fiftyfourandahalf.com/2011/11/30/christmas-with-mom-contest/
I wanted to be named Mary when I was a kid. It was all about the crap! And now I have a trunk with the name misspelled. Oy vey.
March 1, 2012 at 10:36 pm
I didn’t buy it. No regrets, either. (If I REALLY wanted a shirt with my name on it, I’d buy some of that 80s puff paint and go all out with the ugly. Comic sans, universe? Is that all you’ve got?)
March 2, 2012 at 6:53 am
I thought ‘chasing butterflies’ and ‘slobbering with a goofy smile all day’ implied that I wouldn’t be tied to a pole, Dana? No? Ok, next time I’ll be even more specific. Don’t want Sarah McLachlan crying over me.
March 2, 2012 at 9:59 am
I guess so, but you never know with making wishes…
March 1, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Hi,
Fantatic answers, I agree sometimes it is hard to narrow down what we like to a couple of books or movies, well done. 😀
March 1, 2012 at 1:34 pm
I teach a film class and inevitably, every single time, at least one person asks what my favorite movie or movies are. And every single time I groan and can’t think of anything. You’d think I’d plan ahead, but my brain freezes up.
March 1, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Thank you for introducing us to She’s a Manieac, Byronic Man. I too would like to come back as a dog – my daughter’s dog so I could continue to love her unconditionally for some extra years. And like me, she loves dogs so I know she would care for me exceptionally well.
March 1, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Darla is well worth being introduced to. And I think that’s an excellent plan, in regards to your daughter’s dog.
March 1, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Darla, you had me at your very first answer. Byronicman, keep up the fire!
March 2, 2012 at 4:10 am
Thank you kindly, BrainRants!
March 2, 2012 at 6:19 am
I”m trying to figure out how to take it that my most popular posts are the ones featuring other people. But thanks!
March 1, 2012 at 7:46 pm
The salt and vinegar potato chip dust — priceless! Can I be a part of that sit-down with Rush? We can blast Pearl Jam until he admits that he is secretly in love with OxyContin and Courtney Love.
March 2, 2012 at 4:14 am
You’ve read my mind. It’s like we’re sharing the same brain. We could even play ‘Imagine’ backwards and prove to Rush that he is in fact the devil in disguise. Little known fact, if you play “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen backwards, they tell you “it’s fun to smoke marijuana”. God, how I wish I still had my old turntable…
March 1, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Hmm … *insert Thinker pose*
I actually read all 20 questions and answers, and it generated a few questions of my own: hehehe
1) Would they be Krispy Kreme donuts?
2) Would you come back as a St. Bernard with one of those mini-wine barrels under your chin?
3) Chrissy Snow or Cindy Snow – which one was your fave?
4) Do you think you could write most of my blog posts for me? I would definitely not credit you, but would send you an email to thank you! It would be almost like giving you full credit, except people would think I wrote it – epic win-win for both of us!
6) Why do you think there’s a picture of Lizzie Borden’s dad with that big blue ox in the picture, above?
Well, I think that’s all for now. Look forward to hearing from you.
March 2, 2012 at 4:19 am
1) For you, yes. But just the classic plain ones that come straight out of the oven, all full of stop-your-heart gooey goodness.
2) This is a fabulous idea. Damn, I should’ve been more specific on the dog thing…
3) Definitely Chrissy. Her real name was Christmas. Her snorting abilities were top-notch. She got kicked off the show and was reduced to talking on the phone to Jack from another set. I really felt for the poor girl.
4) After reading your reply, I think you should be writing mine, MJ.
5) Where’s number five?? Or did they change the order numbers come in on me again?
6) I think that pic means I like extremely tall men, not Lizzie Borden or her dad. Just a wild guess.
March 2, 2012 at 7:43 am
D-Woww, all great answers, again. And special thanks to the Byronic one for hosting such a splendid writing lass!
1) YES, always the classic spud (donut, not potato!) straight out of the oven – girl after my own heart.
5) Your powers of observation are superb. I purposely left #5 out and you caught it. That is so Jessica Fletcher-Maine-esque!! hehehe
March 2, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Darla all I’m seeing is a smudge of beard and a wisp of t-shirt. You promised at least half a hottie head!!
I mean.. Nice answers.
March 2, 2012 at 9:11 pm
I believe you mean “wisp of t-shirt with dog hair on it.” Mmmmm. Classy.
And you know Darla. SUCH a liar.
March 5, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Isn’t a smudge of beard enough for you?
March 3, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Interesting questions and nice answers.
Seems the “come back as a dog” was the favorite answer. We walked for a few miles on the beach this afternoon and we’re all tired. Monte Carlo our lucky dog has been snoring in his favorite chair since we got home, while I had to cook and clean and am now desperately trying to catch up with my blog reading. I can’t bear to look at him.
March 5, 2012 at 3:29 pm
That’s just it Rosie, the snoring thing? I could get used to that….
March 4, 2012 at 8:47 pm
Very well thought of questions, Byronic Man.
And Darla, excellent answers, in inspite of the uncoffeed you. Or were your coffeed? I suppose I shouldn’t have given up the divine beverage in that moment of maniacal stupidity.
Thank you both for a very refreshing read!
March 5, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Thanks, Priya, but I’m not sure I can tell the difference anymore, hyped up on coffee or not. I just blame this long drawn-out winter and cabin fever.
March 5, 2012 at 9:49 am
Hey Darla, I couldn’t find an email for you. I thought you’d be interested in this article, It’s a followup to our discussion yesterday on my blog: http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1001181. Let me know if you can’t access it (and give me an email address) and I’ll send it to you.
March 5, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Thanks, Elyse–I can access it, I appreciate you linking it. You know me, always up for a chuckle or an deep serious discussion on end of life issues. I’ll have to email you later tonight when I get off this blasted iPad.
March 5, 2012 at 11:46 am
I saw this post was up and I’ve been DYING to read it!! So awesome. But does Byronic Man’s comment in the beginning mean you posted your video/another blog?! Gahhh, I hope not, because I can’t watch it now!
You are a geniunely good person, Darla, and boy do you make me laugh (your biography titles killed me :)! Those Little House books have really had an impact on me, too! I swear I read them all at least 20 times.
March 5, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Jules! It’s about time you get back to blogging. Where you been? Out having a real life? Oh.
I don’t know what B-man was eluding to with his comments. I thought it meant HE was considering doing a vlog himself?? (I think that would be fantastic)
But yeah…uh…I did a few more vlogs.that I REALLY regret now but it is what it is.
And yes, I am a good person, geniune and kind. reminds me of Stuart Smalley on SNL “I’m good enough…I’m smart enough…and doggone it…people like me”
March 6, 2012 at 7:51 am
Yes, I’m trying to cross over to the vlog realm, especially posting some short films, but it keeps not happening. My current method of ‘hasty, typo-ridden writing’ seems to be what I can manage at the moment.
March 6, 2012 at 8:46 am
hmm…how strange–mine as well…
March 6, 2012 at 11:14 am
Great questions! I loved getting to know more about Darla as she is one of my favorite bloggers. And now I can add the Byronic Man to my list of blogs to read.
April 13, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Sorry for coming across as creepy with a bunch of new comments within an hour. It’s that I have time to play on the computer and really am enjoying your writings *tear in eye* Oh, hello again Coming East *waves hand*
WHY I’m back is because I have to write, LOVE that you would like to give Rush a good talking to. Kind of think that you may need a cattle prod or some type of physical torture device however, his brain doesn’t seem accept others opinions or etiquette of any type well.