Over the years I’ve built a number of friendships entirely on the internet. Either by chance or coincidence, I’ve stumbled across some fascinating, funny, talented, amazing people and while the relationships are virtual, the friendships aren’t. Every day I am amazed at how cool it is to get to know someone on the other side of the world without ever so much as shaking hands. The internet can be a place of faceless anonymity but sometimes real connections with real people can be made and I think it’s one of the best things about the internet. Well, that and cat videos.
I’d like to introduce you to some of these people. Please meet Deb Segelitz, my friend from Scotland, as she answers my completely professional and mature Ten Questions.
1) Who are you and what’s your deal?
I’m Deb Segelitz, or Deborah, but never, EVER Debbie! I grew up in scenic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and now live in the even-more picturesque Scottish Highlands. That was never in my plan, by the way, until it became the ONLY plan, executed successfully over a crazy year of relocation! I blog and read and avoid gardening and cooking, and when I’m not doing or avoiding those things I’m restoring old British fountain pens and selling them on to new owners who I hope love them.
2) Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Melissa McCarthy. You know, the woman who played ‘Sookie’ in ‘The Gilmore Girls’ (and probably heaps of other roles since then, but I’m pretty out of touch when it comes to TV and movies). She’s round and cute and looks like someone who would be a fun friend to have. I base that purely on her fantastic smile. Plus, she’s way cuter than I am, and Hollywood is supposed to be true to life except with better looking main characters.
3) Everyone has some kind of a superpower. What’s yours?
I can make it rain! No lie. It can be bright and sunny and breezy, and within five minutes of hanging the washing outside on the clothesline, it will begin to rain. Matt, you know me well enough to know how often I complain about this on Facebook – you know it’s true! That’s bad enough, but it’s when I bring it all back into the house only to see the sun shining ten minutes later that it gets just a little bit frustrating! So as superpowers go, it’s not a great one.
4) What’s outside your window?
A very messy plumber’s yard with far too many toilets and pipes strewn about. But beyond that is this hill… so, not really all that bad! This hill is knock-your-eyes-out yellow for a few months out of each year, and the flowering bushes smell just like coconut suntan lotion. So lovely!
5) If I came to visit, what local spot would you take me to?
It’s a pretty tiny village, and very quiet. I could take you to our local heritage center and terrify you with the mannequins and stuffed dogs they have as part of their exhibits. But because I like you, I would take you on a long ramble to see the ruins in the hills instead, ending up at our ‘famous’ local restaurant where you could dine in the company of a stuffed bear, a life-sized motorcycle cop statue and a headless, red-corsetted lady.
6) What’s some local gossip?
My husband is much better at the local stuff. For example, he knows who everyone’s parents are… and who they THINK their parents are. Apparently some of these old ladies had one or two ‘adventures’ during their childbearing years!
7) Where’s your favorite place to eat?
We don’t have a lot of places to choose from here in the village, but a cafe opened this year which I really like. The owners are great and the food is more than just the usual cafe fare. But my favorite restaurant in the world was a vegetarian place back home called Blue Sage. I am a dedicated carnivore, but the chef there made things that made me forget all about meat! Plus, they were around the corner from my apartment, and they did take-out. I still dream about their menu.
8) Ginger or Mary Ann and why?
I used to be a Mary Ann girl all the way, but I think Ginger would be great for a wicked giggle, out and about. I’m not sure Mary Ann would ‘get’ sarcasm, but I have no doubt that Ginger would!
9) You must grab one item from your desk to use in the zombie apocalypse. What is it?
My desk is lacking in weaponry, since they frown upon that here in the UK, so my only choice would be to grab the fountain pen with the hardest nib so I could start stabbing zombie eyeballs. In other words, I would be zombie food in pretty short order.
10) What’s the question you wish I had asked?
I wish you had asked me for next week’s big lottery number. Because I know… but now I can’t tell you. Should’ve asked!
Matt Grigsby was born and raised in Redding but has often felt he should have been born in Italy. By day he’s a computer analyst toiling for the public good and by night he searches airline websites for great travel deals. His interests include books, movies, prowling thrift shops for treasure and tricking his friends into cooking for him. One day he hopes to complete his quest in finding the best gelato shop in Italy.
