batch no. 5

MsD asks: My question: Beatles or Stones? P.S. For any of you that win a mixed CD, I can attest to JC’s amazing ability to spin you her world via songs

Rolling Stones, all the way. Don’t get me wrong, the Beatles are fantastic but I like my music with a bit of an edge (like most things in my life). The Beatles are a bit too bob your head to the side bubblegum pop for me. They are the sweet boys next door versus the guys you definitely don’t want to introduce to your mother. The thing is, I’m not even that rebellious. Or perhaps I should say, I’m not an extroverted rebel. But I think the rebel gene brews within me and it’s often what propels me forward. That kind of attitude does not pair very well with Yellow Submarine and I Want to Hold Your Hand. I must, however, concede that the Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album was pretty epic. And Lennon– well, Lennon is simply legend, isn’t he?

Micheline asks: My question is, on your many travels, have you ever gotten help from a complete stranger? Help that just wouldn’t have been the same if it was offered by someone you knew?

My favourite good Samaritan story is that of a woman I met in Cortona a couple years ago. I wasn’t down and out but I’ll never forget her selfless kindness.

Also… that’s kind of how I met the British Boy. He was a complete stranger referred to me by my ex-boyfriend’s brother (of all people…. awkward), but Joe, without even knowing me welcomed me into his home. Here is the first email he ever sent to me:

Hey Jeanine,

I’m well thanks. How’s things with you? Bet your excited for your trip. What’s the occasion? Business or just good old pleasure? So, I met Brian through Olly Drake a  great friend of mine from when I lived in BC. I love Canadians and Olly and Brian are great.  Of course you can stay for both nights if it’s convenient. I live in the north east of London between Angel and Dalston. A place called Newington Green. Are you flying into Heathrow or Gatwick I wonder? Let me know and I can give you directions to mine. Tuesday morning I will stay at home from work and settle you in. Tuesday night we can hang if you have nothing to do. Wednesday night I am off to see Tina Turner with mum and bro for my mum’s 60th so will not be around. There is tons to do within easy reach of mine so let’s hope for good weather! I used to live near Bath and so can tell you how to get  there on Thursday. I’m headed that way on Friday to go down to devon. There is a very comfy sofa bed with a big inflatable mattress which goes on top of it. Apparently it is great!

So let me know if that all sounds good to you
Joe

How could I not fall in love with such a friendly stranger? Little did I know that his random act of kindness would lead to the beautiful love story we’ve since weaved for ourselves.

Susan asks: Have you ever felt so empty inside when at the same time all the blessings in life have been pouring on to you like rain? Have you ever felt so lost?

Yes, love. Many times. Such is being human. But no matter what, I find my way back. Every time. Either through yoga or music or a conversation with friends or a good night sleep. I’ve learned to deal with those low cycles by recognizing that they too shall pass. That tomorrow is another day. And I try not to add fuel to the fire by pouring my energy into them or guilting myself out of them. I see the funk, I acknowledge it, but as my lovely friend Elizabeth says: “Try not to let it rule your life.” Also. My word this year is TRUST. So, whenever I get overwhelmed into a state of paralysis, like I’ve fallen through ice and can’t find my way to the surface… I just have to stop and know, with all my being, that it has always worked out and will continue to be so. Somehow. Perhaps not in the way I planned but in a way that is right for me.

Leslie asks: I’ve got one… can we be friends?

Sure thing. As long as you’re not psycho. Call me fussy, but I draw the line at psycho (wink). And I might judge you if you have complete disregard for the planet. Otherwise, I’m pretty open.

Xanthe asks: My question is… when exactly are you coming to London? hurry up already!

I am flying out on June 21st, baby! Fancy meeting for a cup of coffee? Actually. I think this calls for a glass of wine at Gordon’s, don’t you?

Fiona asks:  What is the single most important thing I need to know about you? p.s. no cheaty long sentences 

I’m scared shitless most of the time but I try not to let it stop me from doing what I want to do. As the quote goes, “Sometimes, you’ve got to jump off cliffs and build your wings on the way down.”

And so ends the questions, folks. Thank you so much to all those who participated. I simply couldn’t bring myself to chose the most original question because, truth is, I thought they were all fantastic. So I went the way of the coward and chose a comment at random with a custom number generator (oh! the things you can find on the internet). And the winner is Miss Charlane.  Come on down and claim your prize. You are the big, big winner!