I’m weight-challenged. Beauty-challenged. Discretion-challenged. Career-challenged. And so much more. But. One thing I ain’t is “Truthfully Challenged“! I tell it like it is. I was given a challenge earlier this morning by Trudy from “Rendezvous in New York” to answer “Vogue’s” 73 questions.
I don’t read Vogue anymore nor do I read any other fashion magazines these days due to the ageist tone and obsession with tampon string-thin models, models that probably had their first periods last year, and the obsession with celebrities-as-models. I know. I know. I’m a bitch—but I’m an honest and charming bitch at that. Besides, I can’t turn down a challenge. And with that, I give you 73 of my honest answers and a peek into my thinking process!
My days of reading Vogue ended for good when Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were on the cover. Wintour has managed to make Vogue the National Inquirer of the fashion rags! But–I’m up for a fun challenge!
- What’s your favorite movie?
” Amelie”. Because it is a film about love and happiness and finding that right person. I watch it on a regular basis. The kissing scene between Nino and Amelie is quite possibly the best kissing scene in any film of all time!
2. Favorite movie in the past five years?
“Boyhood”. Linklater was robbed of the Oscar. He should be boycotting the Oscars because of the way this spectacular film was shunned. I still get pissed off that “Birdman” won. Ugh!
Linklater should boycott EVERY Academy Awards ceremony–he would be validated because this film got robbed!
3. Favorite Hitchcock film?
The Birds. It was the only Hitchcock film I ever saw.
Ugh. To this day I cannot stand birds!
4. A book you plan on reading?
“After You” by JoJo Moyes. It’s the continuation of the greatest tearjerker of a book “Me Before You”. I’m crying already.
5. A book that you read in school that positively shaped you?
“Fun With Dick and Jane”. This reader was simple and concise and gave me the love of reading and words that I now have. It was the ONE book that made an impact.
THE most important book I’ve ever read–it changed my life because it taught me to read.
6. Favorite TV show that’s currently on?
“Portlandia”. It is the most realistic and human show on TV-of all time. We all know these characters in real life and whenever I watch this show, I am moved.
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein bring everypersonyouknowandhavemet to life on the greatest TV show ever. Portlandia.
7. On a scale of one to ten how excited are you about life right now?
The demons of depression have returned and to tell you the truth, they ain’t fixin’ to leave any time soon. I guess I need to go downstairs and get the air mattress and some pillows and blankets. Like J. Crew’s Style Guide pages, I would say my scale is 00.
My little demons have returned for a while!
8. iPhone or Android?
Yes.
9. Twitter or Instagram?
@yes. #picsofmearealwaysagoodthing
10. Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
Me!! Who else is there?
11. What’s your favorite food?
Red meat. I said RED. Not overcooked till it becomes brown!
There is a reason it is called “red” meat. You are welcome!
12. Least favorite food?
Gummies. The texture makes me gag.
13. What do you love on your pizza?
I do not like pizza. Therefore I do not love anything on my pizza except perhaps a winning lottery ticket.
14. Favorite drink?
Chocolate Milk made with Bosco. It’s been my favorite since I was a child.
15. Favorite dessert?
Nutella and a spoon. It’s my go-to pity party dessert!
This and a spoon is all I need.
16. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?
Milk chocolate
17. Coffee or tea?
Cawfee first thing in the morning. Tea all the live long day.
18. What’s the hardest part about being a mum?
When you realize that your kids have grown into responsible adults and they don’t need you anymore. You lose life’s purpose.
I wish I could return to these days when my kids needed me!
19. What’s your favorite band?
The Kinks
Look how cute Ray Davis crooked smile is. I’ve always loved The Kinks!
20. Favorite solo artist?
John Mayer
Ever since I first heard this CD, he’s been my favorite!
21. Favorite song?
Tie: “Apeman” by the Kinks/ Michel Polnareff “L’amour Avec Toi”
22. If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be?
Michel Polnareff. My voice blends very well with his. I know this. I sing along with his music in my car.
23. If you could master one instrument, what would it be?
My voice. Both speaking AND singing!
24. If you had a tattoo, where would it be?
On my scalp to hide the bald spots.
25. To be or not to be?
To be or not to be what?
26. Dogs or cats?
Dawgs.
Chippy–our rescue rascal. What a cute dawg!
27. Bird-watching or whale-watching?
Neither. I would rather people watch. It’s more entertaining. (Click on “people watch”–it’s an article I wrote)
28. Best gift you’ve ever received?
Life—from my parents.
Thanks Mom and Daddy!
29. Best gift you’ve ever given?
Life—to my children
30. Last gift you gave a friend?
Home made candied pecans to MaryBeth
31. What’s your favorite board game?
I’m bored with them all.
32. What’s your favorite country to visit?
France.
33. What’s the last country you visited?
France
34. What country do you wish to visit?
India.
I want to enjoy all the happiness of a Bollywood movie and the bright colors and the food and history. I want to visit India so badly!
35. What’s your favorite color?
Bright yellow. Not pastel yellow. BRIGHT yellow.
36. Least favorite color?
Any color in a pastel hue.
37. Diamonds or pearls?
Take a guess!
- Pilates or yoga?
Yogi Bear. Oh wait. I thought it read “Pirates or Yogi” I need stronger glasses.
Oops! I thought it was Yogi!
40. Jogging or swimming?
Swimming.
This is my idea of a good swim. Like my orange fake tanned legs?
41. Best way to de-stress?
Take a hot bath.
42. If you had one superpower, what would it be?
To be invisible. Sometimes, I just want to disappear!
43. What’s the weirdest word in the English language?
“fungus”
44. What’s your favorite flower?
Peony. The most beautiful and fragrant of all flowers. When I lived in NJ, I had the most beautiful peonies growing on the side of my home! I would go out in the morning with my coffee and sniff them.
The most beautiful of all flowers!
45. When was the last time you cried?
When I answered Question Number 4
46. Do you like your handwriting?
Absolutely! The nuns taught me the art of perfect penmanship!
Trust me, you don’t mess with these broads. Penmanship had better be perfect or big trouble and a sore hand!
47. Do you bake?
Food? Yes. But I stopped baking my body in the sun.
I bake Brioche. Lots of Brioche!
48. What is your least favorite thing about yourself?
My imperfections
49. What is your most favorite thing about yourself?
My imperfections
50. Who do you miss most?
My dad
51. What are you listening to right now?
Nostalgie Radio. Francis Cabrel and Michel Delpech are singing “Le Loir et Cher”
52. Favorite smell?
Nordstrom’s at King of Prussia Mall. I don’t know what they clean the store with but the scent is my favorite.
53. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
My daughter, Oona
54. Who was the last person you sent a text to?
My daughter, Oona
55. A sport you wish you could play?
Deep Sea Fishing
56. Hair color?
Bottled Jet Black
Underneath that bottled black is natural white!
57. Eye color?
Hazel
I do wish they were more green though.
58. Scary film or happy endings?
Happy endings
59. Favorite season?
Summer
60. Three people alive or dead that you would like to have dinner with?
My three very much alive children.
Always fun when I have dinner with my babies!
61. Hugs or kisses?
Kisses
62. Rolling Stones or the Beatles?
The Beatles
63. Where were you born?
Queens, New York
64. What is the farthest you have been from home?
Australia
65. Sweet or savory?
Savory
66. Lipstick or lip gloss?
Lip-plumping, ooey, gooey lip gloss
I think the lip gloss plumped up more than my mouth!
67. What book have you read again and again?
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
I have a copy in my sun room and I still read it regularly!
68. Favorite bedtime story?
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
69. What would be the title of your autobiography?
“PHUCKED”
70. Favorite sound?
Tie: Le Chant de Cigales (The sound of Cicadas)/ French Police Sirens
71. Favorite animal?
Woolly Mammoth
Ask my kids or Bonaparte what my favorite animal is and they know. They know my love for the Woolly Mammoth!
72. Who is your girl crush?
Angelina Jolie
Seriously. I need to get fillers to make my mouth look like that. She’s beautiful!
- Last photograph you took?
Me for my “Down With Love” post.
I challenge my blogosphere friends to answer these same questions. It’ll be fun on this snowy and cold President’s Day! All I ask is for you to link back to my blog! XOOXOXOXOXO!
Enjoy more Kinks!
Love it!! Thank you for accepting the challenge, you did an amazing job. I forgot about Amelie and Madeline those are my favorites too. I think I will buy Madeline just to get reacquainted! Thank you for those good memories that I forgot.
Hi Trudy! Oh the challenge was great fun! It made me think which is a good thing. Isn’t Amelie the greatest movie of all time? I think I may watch it tonight. I watched “La Strada” over the weekend and it was so depressing that I could use a happy film! Hehehehe. I think Madeline is one of the greatest reads of all time too. All. Time! XOXOXO!
I have the DVD I should watch it as well. I’ve been in a rut with films so I’ll break out of today. Also I love Angelina too she’s gorgeous.
H! Do you watch Amelie in French on Netflix?
Hi, Shar, I have the DVD. I watch it in French with English subtitles! XOXOXO!
Thanks Catherine. Thought I was missing something there…A good night to watch so I can forget the snow!!!!!
Trudy. Great minds think alike!!!!
A great list Catherine, and is that you in the swimsuit looking so hot! 🙂
Hey Spear–LOL. That photo was taken over 25 years ago! I’m 30 pounds heavier these days! XOXOXO!
But it is amazing – you’re still looking so hot! 🙂
Oh my gosh, Cath, are you my long-lost sister??????
Yes, to no.2…. Birdman was .. how can I say it? Irredeemable.. and since everyone said it was great, everyone insisted it was great.. and so on.. the word of mouth nonsense that if you do not understand something it must be great. I loved Boyhood too.
34. Yes, by all means. If I start working this year and make a packet, a ticket to you and Bonaparte is assured, I promise you,
46. You make me so proud. There is nothing if you cannot write properly. (Although my hands are useless now, I still love my handwriting as it used to be.. yes, the Jesuits taught well too… hehe or rather, I taught myself… )
48. 49. Agreed.
56. 57. Genetic, but yes, the same.. 😀 points to a new clue to sister-brotherhood… hehe..
66. And this proves it best.. only a brother would ever say this 😀 Wrinkled cleavage… argghhhhh… (Do forgive me the perfidy, but brothers are often nasty and often outspoken).
That explains it all. That affinity that I felt? Yes, hmm.. it is like Luke Skywalker finally coming to terms with Leia being his sister.. etc etc.. the only bad news is we have some Darth Vader for a father hahaha…
PS: Movie recommendation of the day >>> I am watching Paper Towns.. don’t know if I shall like it, but I guess I will… let us see… recommended 😀
Hi Tej. Oh. Don’t even start. Birdman was the worst movie I’ve ever seen. I nudged Bonaparte when we were in the theatre and asked if we could leave. We walked out of the movie. Pretentious piece of shit. Boyhood ruled! And I am dreaming about my future trip to India. I love all things Indian. I really do!
Oh…I can’t wait to hear about Paper Towns. I’m not crazy about Cara Delevigne so I never bothered! XOXOXOXO!!
..And may I confess I don’t know the first thing about Ms Delevigne until you mentioned it? That is how much of a recluse and misanthrope I have been hahaha….
Great post!! Really enjoyed it!! Love your eyelashes!! (Care to share that secret beauty trick? Because they’re gorgeous!)
OMG! The eye lashes!Sometimes when I go out, I wear false lashes. They are Ardel lashes–three bucks at Walmart! XOXOXO!
Well, they’re gorgeous, and I think I’m going to invest, 😀
Thank you–by all means. Fake lashes rule!!!
The post is long but I think its the first one which kept my interest at the peak the whole time. Interesting answers but one thing I wouldn’t agree with u
Is about India you will very less of
What bollywood shows u the real country is totally but u surely will enjoy
here.
Thank you Meloheart! I definitely write the long posts, and I’m so happy that I was able to keep your interest–that is GREAT news and feedback for me! I know that you’re correct about India, but I’ve wanted to visit for so many years. One of my friends got married in India (she’s from NY and her husband is from Mumbai) and when I saw the photos, I literally drooled. The colors, the fabrics, everything about that wedding was ethereal and beautiful! I know that when I make it to India, I will absolutely love it! Thanks again! XOXOXO!
Good to know. I wish you a happy journey in advance.
Thank you Meloheart! XOXOXO!
You’re welcome
Interesting. I’m there with you on some of your answers (The Kinks, Yogi Bear, Angelina Jolie), but a life without pizza! You’ve got to be kidding me, right? 🙂
Bun. I swear, I am NOT a pizza fan. I think it goes back to childhood. My father said that pizza was not a meal, therefore we never ate it growing up. I’m just not into it–I may be one of the few people on earth who feels this way. I cringe when I see pizza with pepperoni and red sauce gives me heartburn……XOXOXO!
It’s shocking to hear, Catherine, but I guess I’ll have to take you at your word.
p.s. If you’re not going to eat that slice of pepperoni pizza, can I have it? 🙂
Bun. Take the entire pizza! XOXOXO!
Well, Catherine, if you insist… 🙂
I thought 73 questions???? But then read every one of them – and your answers – and loved it all. So funny, but very sorry to hear about the demons, noooooo. Leave our Catherine alone!!!!! Anyway I’m going to do the questions, oh yes! Thanks so so much, Catherine, for your wonderful writing (truly), your humour and for your inspiration, because I’m going to do them on my blog – woo hoo! xxxxx
Hi Penny! OMG! I’m so happy you are going to do the 73 questions! I cannot wait to read your answers!! Lol–I’ve got to let those demons go–perhaps outside in the horrific rainy weather we are experiencing here! Thank you! XOXOXO!
I love all your blogs and humors; and you are a “charming” woman!
Thank you Christophe! XOXOXO!
Never fails… I’ll be reading along on your blog having a grand time and BAM!!! I lose it. “Pirates or Yogis?” LMBO!!! And heartily approve the name of your book!
Lady Calen! Hahahahah! Swear to you I read that as “Pirates or Yogi”. My eyesight sucks. It was pretty funny though! Yayuh–isn’t that the greatest title for a book??? XOXOXOXO!
You ever read Nora Ephron’s ” I Feel Bad About My Neck?” I can see you writing the same kind of humorous book. 😀
Oh yes! Definitely sisters …do you know how sisters can be so alike in some aspects and so oh so different in others ? You rock Catherine , you’re my dear big sister who I look up to …because she’s got it all together (wow! 73 answers and with pictures , movies and music …I’m in awe – I haven’t even been able yet to put 5 outcasts in Room101 (shame on me) and its been days , or weeks now? ) , and still she has lots of humour and playfulness in her 😀
Loved your post , including our differences 😉
Turtle Hugs
Hi L’il Sis! I’m glad you loved the post. It’s all so fun to have differences too!! Hey sista–get going on those five outcasts! LOL XOXOXOXO!
You know me …slow is the way 😉
Yes, Bosco! Do they still make the stuff? I remember the glass bottle…
GK. Of course Bosco is still made! Unfortunately it is now in a plastic squeeze bottle. I wish the glass bottle would be reintroduced! XOXO!
Since you’re listening to Nostalgie I have to imagine you in France right now. Interesting take on the songs and I have to say I’m impressed: Polnareff isn’t easy to sing to even (especially?) in the shower. That man’s voice is special. It was a fun read and charming.
Oh. No. I’m not in France presently. I have the Nostalgie app on my iPhone. I listen to my faves all day! That’s so funny. My singing voice pretty much sucks but it’s easy for me to sing along with the lusty voice of Polnareff! I love him. Glad you enjoyed! XOXOXO”!
I grew up listening to Nostalgie. That’s what my mom had in the car. It always makes me think of her if I needed reminders 😉 .
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You’re welcome! Oh it was offered to anyone who wants it. You’re in? OMG. I cannot wait to see your answers! XOXOXO!
I love your blogs but I wish each section was a post because I want to comment on everything. I 100% agree with models on magazines and it was one of the first posts I read of yours. I wrote my own blog on the topic after you inspired me. Birdman? OMG, it was horrible! Boyhood was lovely. I could go on and on but forget now. That’s what happens when I read your blogs. They’re the best! XO
Hi Cathy. Oh I’m so glad that you felt the same way about “Birdman”. I was shocked at friends and family members who actually loved it. WTF???? I continue to be incredibly happy that you are enjoying my blog posts! XOXOXOXO!
The entire time I was watching the Birdman I was thinking WTF? Then when it won I was flabbergasted.
Cathy. ME TOO!! We actually walked out of that movie. When Emma Stone (Ugh–she bothers me) was sitting on the roof and emoting I turned to Bonaparte and told him I couldn’t take it anymore. Neither could he so we left. I cannot even print what my reaction was when that drivel of a film won! XOXOXO!
Luckily I didn’t pay to see it. I watched it on TV and was expecting greatness. 👎
Thanks for another hilarious post! I was daunted, at first, by the thought of 73 answers but your replies made me smile & laugh. I then watched Victoria Beckhams Vogue video, followed by a spoof one. Here’s the link: http://youtu.be/rrsmyrKCIK4
Apparently, VB thought it was funny enough to share on Twitter. Good on her!
Anyway, you’ve inspired me to try & do a version on my blog. Watch this space…!
Merci beaucoup X
LOL. June–thanks so much for that link. I loved both and it makes me actually like VB–she’s a good sport and has a good sense of humor. The spoof was incredibly funny too! I cannot wait to see your answers!!!! XOXOXO!
So many answers were just right with this 🙂 I think I’ll try it out! By the way, you’re lovely 😀