Heidi Hart

I've been monstrously busy for the past month, so I'm super late with this, but here goes:

Are you named after anyone?

No. I was supposed to be named for my grandmother, Carolyn. She knew that if my mother had a girl, it would be named for her, so when I was born, Grammy got on the horn and started bragging to all her friends and relations about her new firstborn grandbaby and namesake. Then the next day, just before being discharged from the hospital, they brought my mother the birth certificate to proofread, and she said, "You know, she doesn't look like a Carolyn," and she changed my name to Heidi. My Grammy was not thrilled.

"Hart" is my great-grandmother's maiden name, and my middle name, but that great-grand was from a different branch of the family tree so that didn't help unruffle Grammy's feathers.

When was the last time you cried?

I don't specifically remember, but that's because it happens often enough not to be noteworthy, and not because it was all that long ago. It was especially bad when I was pregnant. I had to stop listened to country radio, because every other song would make me bawl.

Do you have kids? 

Two boys, 4 and 2. They are endlessly entertaining, challenging, and surprising. They have their moments of beastliness, as all kids do, but mostly I'm amazed that a curmudgeon like me wound up with two such goodnatured little men. Being their mom has taught me a lot about how to be myself.

If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?

Yes, though Friend-me would be frustrated that I am so busy I never have time to get together.

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

I use sarcasm in moderation. Too much, and it just makes you seem bitter.

Will you ever bungee-jump?

Aw, hell no! I have a healthy sense of self-preservation, especially now that I have a family of my own. A momentary thrill just isn't worth all that I would lose if something went wrong.

What’s your favorite cereal?

I am not a cereal person, but in the winter I enjoy Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Gluten Free Hot Cereal, with butter and milk and maple syrup. And I do enjoy the occasional rice crispy treat, but traditional cold cereal with milk? Ugh, no.

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

I don't know how to describe it, but I think my initial focus upon meeting someone new is to get a sense of whether they are genuine and trustworthy. I don't trust people who talk without listening, or who seem to need to be the center of attention.

What is your eye colour?

Depends on the day, my mood, and what I'm wearing. My license says brown, but they're mostly only brown at first glance. If you look closely, they're brown around the edges and gold/amber closer to the pupils. Sometimes they look amber. Makes me sound like a teenage vampire, doesn't it? I promise, I don't sparkle.

Scary movie or happy endings?

Happy endings, definitely. I don't like scary movies, never have. I don't like the feeling of suspense. When I read mysteries, I usually read the first chapter, then the last chapter, then go back and read the middle, so that I can enjoy the story without that sick feeling of wondering whodoneit and will it turn out okay?

Favorite smells?

Many. Gardenia. Fresh cut grass. Thieves oil. Vanilla. Clean babies. My wife's shampoo.

Summer or winter?

Summer, though I live in Vermont where the winters are six or seven months long. My absolute favorite season is spring, because it's such a relief after such a long, cold winter.

Computer or television?

Computer. I haven't owned a TV in ten years, and I don't miss it -- except during the Olympics.

What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home?

California. I've been to most of the continental US, and to Canada, but otherwise I am not widely traveled. Maybe someday, but right now I can't imagine having the time and money to go abroad.

Do you have any special talents?

You know that trick Molly Ringwald does with her lipstick in The Breakfast Club? Yeah, I can totally do that.

But, I'd say my most valuable talents (though they aren't very sexy) are my gifts for organization and problem solving.

Where were you born?

Hanover, New Hampshire. I was baptized in the church directly next door to the house in which I currently live, but I've lived in 4 states and moved 15 times in the years between. I've sort of come full circle.

What are your hobbies?

Writing. Reading. Gardening. Hiking/walking. Playing with my kids.Cooking if I'm inspired, but if not, cooking is just drudgery.

Do you have any pets?

A 12-year-old cat, Willow, and a 1-year-old chihuahua mix, Lolly. They don't get along. When our boys are older, we plan to get chickens and maybe a goat or two, but for now we have enough small critters to take care of (boys included).

Favorite movie?

I hate questions like this, because I have a lot of favorite movies but can never settle on the best. Today's answer is Shawshank Redemption. Ask me tomorrow and I'd tell you something different.

Do you have any siblings?

I am the oldest of three. I have a sister who is 4 years younger, and a brother who is 4 years younger than that.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I am a grown up, or so they tell me. When I get to the end of my life, if I can look back and know that I've been a positive force in my community, and that I've given my kids the skills and tools (and hopefully some measure of financial security) that they can also be positive, independent, contributing members of society, I think I will count my life a success.