5 questions from Larry…or me…or you

{AN UPDATE: I may keep this game rolling indefinitely...it's a living experiment. So keep the interview requests coming!}

This interview chain has been circulating online and I've decided to play. Basically, you agree to be interviewed by a fellow writer. Your answers are published on your blog and theirs. And in turn, you agree to interview anyone/someone who would like to be interviewed by you. And on it goes. An inquiry revolution. I love the meaningful connection that it's generating.

Read THE INTERVIEW RULES at the end of this post if you'd like to be interviewed by moi.

Interview with Larry, founder of the {very thoughtful and poetic} blog, Yesterday, Today, Forever:

1. What three things do you do for yourself every day?
I used to abhor the very thought of routine. And now, my "routine" feels like a ritual and I adore it.

Snuggles: Morning snuggles with my little boy is essential. If we skip that love-rooting, than the whole day can feels a bit wonky, like one of the tires on our wagon is loose.

Breathing: I do some yoga "breaths of fire" every morning, either when I walk the dog (as long as no one is watching,) or in the kitchen. Whatever works. Fire breathing is defined as "a cleansing and energizing breath, powered by abdominal contractions." I love it. Just a few fiery exhales can make the past go bye-bye and bring you right to where you are. The very best instructional resource I've found is from Kundalini yoga master Gurumuhk. Here's a snippet from her awesome yoga DVD.

Perfume and mascara: even if I'm writing all day and won't see a soul other than my hubby and kid, I'm rarely without my amber oil and black/brown mascara. A girl's gotta feel good in every way.

2. When did you begin blogging? Has it changed the way you write?
Firstly, can I say that I really loathe the word "blog" or "blogging"? It sounds like "snot" or "blah." I avoid referring to myself as a blogger - I am a writer who happens to publish my work online. And I think that even more fundamentally, I'm a philosopher who happens to write. And...I don't consider myself a diarist (I'm too private) so the web-log terminology is even less fitting. Rant complete.

So, no, the medium of Internet publishing hasn't changed the way I write. I'm fortunate that as a communications vehicle, the web is a great ride for my natural style of communicating, which tends to be pithy, quick, and direct. {and I didn't really answer the question: I started writing when I was about 6.}

3. If I wanted to get you in a really good, peaceful mood, what should I do, say and plan.
Well, we would not be meeting at an outdoor café in the cold. (I have the metabolism of a reptile, if I’m not warm and cozy I’m distracted and cranky.) You should probably be incredibly honest. And you should probably bring some high-grade organic milk chocolate.

4. You can meet your favorite writer anywhere you like? Who and where do you meet?
I think Anne Lamott is a ruby gem of a human being. And we'd meet somewhere warm to laugh our butts off, philosophize, and eat milk chocolate. If she had to cancel, I’d meet with Leonard Cohen just about anywhere ... even in an igloo.

5. What do you feel is the connection between longing and belonging (a la John O'Donohue)?
Great question. I think it’s a really precious dualism that you can’t escape if you want to be wide awake. We want to go home...we are home. We seek approval...we seek to be free. We want to be independent and truly self-referencing but the truth is that we do need each other ... because we are each other. I think it’s just what Ken Wilber means when he refers to holarchy.

I think longing and belonging is the “interesting times” of our consciousness. It’s damn hard euphoria.

. . . . . . . . .

THE INTERVIEW RULES
* leave me a comment saying: "interview me"
* all comments will be published
* I will e-mail you five questions of my choice
* you can then answer the questions on your blog {with a link back to my blog}
* you should also post these rules, along with an offer to interview anyone else who e-mails you wanting to be interviewed
* anyone who asks to be interviewed should be sent 5 questions to answer on their blog
* it would be nice if the questions were individualized for each blogger

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55 comments so far. add your own.

 

Oh there it is haha My first comment didn't post but I said: Interview me! :) This would be great because I just started a blog and would love to link it out. I've been having difficulty getting an audience.
I was once interviewed for a mini-feature on CarrieandDanielle about my Comfortable Bold hair :)

 
 

this was really lovely Danielle, thanks for letting me interview you ! :)

 
     

    Dude, you don't get off that easy.
    Here are 5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Larry:
    1. Why do you write poetry?
    2. What do you envy?
    3. Where are you right this minute?
    4. What are you setting out to do?
    5. What's your continuous wish?

     
 

Interview me! (Great questions... fascinating answers.)

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Emma:

    Hey, Old Soul Ink...
    1. So, like, what's the big deal with typefaces? Why does it matter? Could a normal person possibly be obsessed with a...typeface? I mean, really. Please explain the lunacy. {FYI: Helvetica is the only way to go. Ever. Just my opinion.}
    2. Are you an old soul?...how do you know?
    3. What 3 books rocked your world?
    4. The best thing about LA is....?
    5. What's your big dream? Please tell me.

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

Please interview me! This is a great idea--I really enjoyed reading the interview.

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Ruth:

    So Ruth, tell me the truth...

    1. How does one go about cultivating emptiness?
    2. What are you having a hard time getting rid of?
    3. If you could say one thing to Barak Obama, what would it be?
    4. What's the one lesson in your life that keeps repeating itself?
    5. Best kiss happened, where?

     
 

How Cool! Interview Me, please!

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Stephanie:
    1. If you were to make it on Oprah, what would it be for?
    2. What fear haunts you?
    3. What's the best advice your mama ever gave you?
    4. What do people thank you for most often?
    5. What 2 books rocked your world?

     
 

What a great idea! Interview me!

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Betsy:
    1. Are you more analogue or digital?
    2. Who inspires you to be your most amazing self?
    3. What do you dread?
    4. What do you have to offer the world?
    5. How would you describe your relationship with money?

     
 

Interview me too please!

This is such a great idea. Reminds me of an Oprah show where they had celebs interview other celebs. The results are unique.

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Sabrina:

    1. How are you generous?
    2. How are you stingy?
    3. What fear have you conquered?
    4. What 3 books have rocked your world?
    5. What in your life is calling you to expand?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

love it! interview me!
thanks for sharing - yourself, your truth

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Chantal:

    1. How do you feel when you're creating your art?
    2. When have you been speechless?
    3. What's your current mantra?
    4. What is standing in your way?
    5. If you were a gift, how would you be wrapped?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

Interview me, too!

You're gonna be busy, Danielle......:)

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Michelle:
    1. What has cooking taught you?
    2. What do you avoid?
    3. What 3 books rocked your world?
    4. What do you find yourself wishing for most frequently?
    5. How would you describe your best quality?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

Okay everyone - keep it coming, really. I'm up for it. If the Obamas can dance at 10 balls I can interview @ least ten people to serve my planet.

 
 

Interview me! I'd be honoured; and the fun doesn't stop either, does it, when I get to do the same for others. cool.

 
 

interview me

If only for the fact I love organic chocolate (milk or dark) Anne Lamott and Leonard Cohen. But also because I already must keep up on your writing.

Thank you, please pick me pick me! waves jumping up and down earnestly

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Cindy:

    1. If you were a natural disaster, what type would you be?
    2. What movie do you think is most effective for inspiring a positive shift in ending racism?
    3. What do you collect, and why?
    4. What 3 books rocked your world?
    5. I'm borrowing this from the great poet, Mary Oliver: "What will you do with your one wild and precious life?

    xo
    Danielle

     
       

      Oh ,wow, I'm so happy! I thought you'd passed me over. I kept waiting to get a notification email. Dang. Now I've got these five questions and all this wonderful linking and posting and stuff to do. :-)

      cindy

       
 

Hi Danielle,

Have you reached "interviewee overload" yet? If not, I would love to be part of this.

Thanks!
Emmanuelle

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Emmanuelle:
    1. What is your form of genius?
    2. What do you want more of?
    3. In your opinion, what was David Bowie's best phase?
    4. Who inspires you and why?
    5. What are 3 books the rocked your world?

    and a bonus Q, just for you:
    what advice do you give most often?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

That looks like fun, Danielle. Thanks for the answers. I am in, if you are still counting in.

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Alban:

    1. What feeling are you usually trying to create for yourself?
    2. What teaching from the Course In Miracles was most effectual for you?
    3. What's your guilty pleasure?
    4. What 3 books rocked your world?
    5. Milk chocolate or dark?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

i'm in. interview me. please. (and kudos on the great new site - i've only just begun devouring it...)

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Mr. Stuart Swing:

    1. You've just been given $10million. You have to give it all away. What do you do?
    2. Will chocolate improve my sex life?
    3. What's your recurring fear?
    4. What's so great about being Canadian?
    5. What is your favourite way to show love?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

okay, I've stopped counting. Bring. It. On.

 
 

Heh - love this idea! I'd love to be interviewed as well. What a great way to spend a Wednesday.

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for That Red Girl:

    1. What does red symbolize for you?
    2. What's the most recent synchronicity that occurred for you that made you think "life is on my side!"?
    3. What's the best relationship advice you've been given?
    4. What 3 books rocked your world?
    5. What melts your heart?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

Interview me! Discovery is key.

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Sweet Safina:

    1. I assume you think that faith is essential...yes? Why?
    2. What are you looking for?
    3. Silver or gold?
    4. Who would you like to interview?
    5. What 3 books rocked your world?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

I love it! Count me in for the interview. Great answers on yours- this is a great way to start dialog and connect all of us.

 
 

Yes please, delicious conversation with your own mind!

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Allison:

    1. How do you think hoop dance can make the world a better place?
    2. Do you fight or flight? Why?
    3. What's the best advice you've ever been given by a relative stranger?
    4. What 3 book rocked your world?
    5. What are you determined to do?

     
 

Just found your site (through someone on Twitter, I think) and am loving it. Yes please to the interview, but only if you haven't gone mad with all the requests by now!!

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Tess:

    1. What is your favourite prayer?
    2. How can one find the sacred in a shopping mall?
    3. What is your most cherished possession?
    4. What 3 books rocked your world?
    5. If you were to throw a celebration, what would it be for, and how would you create the party?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

Hi Danielle! Please interview me!

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Julie:

    1. If you could have been born into a different era or culture, what would have been a good fit for you?
    2. What 3 books have rocked your world?
    3. What treasure would you like to discover?
    4. What is precious to you?
    5. Where does your strength come from?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

Interview me!!!

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for JennaLuna:

    1. When do you feel most powerful?
    2. When do you sell yourself short?
    3. How do you like someone to show you their appreciation of you?
    4. What 3 books have rocked your world?
    5. How do you feel about tomorrow?

    xo
    Danielle

     
 

I'm an astrologer, Danielle. Care to share your sign?
Also I love fashion illustration and have done some for myself.
Feel this upcoming year may be momentous. My son may re-up
in the Army and go over as a Major which causes me lots of angst.
I need my creativity more than ever and plan to start a book.

 
 

love the questions. curiosity has got me. please include me in the game.

 
     

    5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Bella:
    1. What could Italy teach America?
    2. What is your form of genius?
    3. What 3 books rocked your world?
    4. What keeps you up at night?
    5. What wish would you like to grant someone?

    bonus Q:
    6. Where do your ideas come from?

     
       

      D- thank you for your thoughtful questions.

      Italy can teach America {us, Americani} to slow down. Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say. What's the hurry? Practice, patience and perseverance. Wisdom from our elders. Italy can teach America to spend more time at the table: eating good food, being in conversation, enjoying the most basic essence of our everyday life- a way to nourish ourselves body, mind & spirit.

      My form of genius is how I see the world - aesthetic arrest is what I hope I can offer.

      3 books that rocked my world:
      - The Soul of Rumi by Coleman Barks. Soothed my soul. Saved my life.
      - Reflections on the Art of Living edited by Diane Olsen. Essays from Joseph Campbell's Esalen teachings. 1987 PBS series led me here...
      - The Sacred Path of the Warrior- Chogyam Trungpa. Chapter Four: fearlessness. Mirror, mirror....

      My bank account balance keeps me up at night {or up early in the morning is more like it!} Can I cover the bills?! Tough times for a time.
      Dreams and inspiration awaken me from my slumber. Sacred hour where the magic unfolds.

      I wish to grant one {any ONE and every ONE} the chance to truly know their greatness and beauty.

      Bonus Q:
      Ideas come from everyday experiences. What I read, where I travel, who I meet. 3 am early morning musings. Sacred Sunday writing. Gifts of grace generously offered. Creative collaboration.

       
 

Ok, here's the thing, I really relate to Danielle and I'm often living my purpose, but then fear gets in the way and I sometimes go back to not living my purpose... how do you sustain your life purpose, when you worry or you feel fearful etc???? This is the question of the ages................
Also, how to manage all the different careers and stuff in your life?

 
 

5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Jessica:
1. So, you're apparently, like, obsessed with magazines. Please explain.
2. What breaks your heart?
3. What would you like to say to your future self?
4. What do you need to let go of?
5. What 3 books have rocked your world?

xo
Danielle

 

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