Your humble hostess, unplugged

Were you named after anyone? My middle name is Elizabeth. Wasn't she a queen or something?

If you were another person would you be friends with you? Two Erins? The world only needs one Erin. If there were two Erins, the last thing you people'd need to worry about is whether or not they'd be friends.

Do you still have your tonsils? Yes.

Would you bungee jump? I like bungee cords, keep one in my trunk at all times.

Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? You know, I don't think I've ever gone to bed with a man who left his socks on. Good christ-awmighty, that's a relief.

Do you think you are strong? I am stronger than shallots, almost as strong as garlic. I might be as strong as onions, although I don't make people cry. Except my kid. I hate it when I do that.

What is your favorite ice cream? When you're naked in front of the open freezer at three in the morning with a carton in one hand and a spoon in the other, particulars are really not important.

What is the first thing you notice about people? What is beautiful about them.

Red or pink? Hm. It's more of a dusky rose.

Do you like your handwriting? After my brother died I couldn't write. My hand would just cramp up into an impossible knot. It eventually came back to about 90 percent. Then Dad died and I really couldn't write. Had one hell of a time writing thank-you notes to all the neighbors for the casseroles. Wrote them in pencil and badly at that. My writing came back to about 60 percent. Signing books is always embarrassing for me because of it.

What is the least favorite thing about yourself? Wow. The cornucopia of choices before me is dizzying. My obsession to write is the best and worst thing about me. I am an awful housekeeper. I hate my belly, but not as much as I used to.

Who do you miss the most? When the gentle tether between us billows in the breeze like the strand of a spider web and threatens to break, I weep at the fear of losing you. I love you. Do not go away. Please never, ever go away. I must stay connected to you.

What color pants and shoes are you wearing? I am in a pair of undies. That's it. They are gray.

What was the last thing you ate? A piece of cold pizza or my husband. Can't remember the order.



What are you listening to right now? Bubbles in my club soda, the sound of typing.

If you where a crayon, what color would you be? The blue velvet of the sky when the clock reads one handful of diamonds before dark.

Favorite smells? Fresh air. My daughter and all of her tweeny-sweet perfumes.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? A man who spent his life toiling to build the pyramids of Giza.

Favorite sports to watch? Sex.

Hair color? Eye color? Do you wear contacts? Brown, brown, no.

Favorite food? I am thankful for every morsel I put in my mouth. Well ... that one breakfast at the Huddle Hut off the highway in one of the Carolinas produced effects other than feelings of being thankful.

Summer or winter? Whiskey on the rocks with a splash of soda.

Hugs or kisses? I could probably sleep with another woman, but my profound desire for the heterosexual experience would turn the affair into a train wreck.

What book are you reading now? Chris Adrian's "The Children's Hospital."

What did you watch on t.v. last night? I sleep on my tummy.

Favorite sound? Laughter. I love the coo of mourning doves. I was sad when I learned they are mourning doves and not morning doves.

Rolling stones or Beatles? Dig "Torn and Frayed." Or "Before They Make Me Run." A'course "Hide Your Love Away" makes me swoon as well.

What is the farthest you have been from home? California.

Do you have a special talent? I can hula-hoop for an hour.

Where were you born? My father pulled me from the banks of the Cuyahoga River.

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This in an updated repost of a previous entry. Photos are of Erin O'Brien, her husband Eric, Erin's toe (and resident toad), daughter Jessica's original artwork, and a funny set of Adam and Eve figures that stare at Erin from their windowsill perch while she does the dishes, peels the potatoes or leans over the sink eating a tomato.