Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did they teach you?
My parents. They both instilled in me the values I use every day and which I hope I am passing onto our daughter. Their house and their hearts were always open to people who were alone or may have needed a friendly shoulder. They emphasized to the four of us the importance of a good education, giving back to your community, and never giving up. My father taught me to be optimistic and look on the bright side of things. He’d always say, “Things could be a lot worse”.
What do you listen to, watch and/or read to find out what’s going on in the world?
I like to watch CNBC and Power Lunch if I’m home at lunchtime. MSNBC at the end of the day. Friday nights, Real Time with Bill Maher, and I listen to NPR when I’m driving around.
Are you reading anything interesting now?
I just finished “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” I couldn’t put it down. I’m about to borrow the next one in the series.
How would you spend your ideal day?
It would start with lots of sleepy snuggles with my daughter. Then we’d pack up the boat and spend the day on the water with a group of friends. We’d go tubing and water skiing, laughing until our stomachs hurt. Then we’d pull up on shore and have a picnic and watch the sun set. It doesn’t get any better than that. It’s what I think about all winter.
What is your favorite beach on Island?
Coatue — inside or outside beach. It’s all gorgeous.
What is your Favorite Island Meal?
Anything at Lola, all year long.We just love those Panko rolls! The atmosphere is always charged.
What is your Favorite Walk?
The Bluff Walk in ’Sconset in late winter/early spring when there’s no one around.
If you could re-live a day of your life again, which would it be and why?
The day they handed our daughter to us in the baby home in Russia. I was so full of fear and anxiety at being a new mother and what lay ahead. I would like to go back in time and embrace that moment more fully.
How do you help a buyer celebrate their new purchase?
I put a lot of thought into finding a gift that will fit their personality and their new home. Sometimes it’s a beautiful handmade throw from The Looms. Other times, I might find a door knocker that ties into a story they told me.Then we’ll go out to dinner and my husband will tell them stories about growing up here and what the island was like in the 70s.