What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having just ordered in a great restaurant.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Possibly Ghengis Khan, without the sense of purpose.
Which living person do you most admire?
My sister Ruth.
Which is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I can be a giant doormat.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Decent wine – what’s the point otherwise?
What is your favourite journey?
Probably to bed.
On what occasion do you lie?
When I just can’t face something.
Which living person do you most despise?
He Who Must Not Be Named But Has A Perma-tan And A Hideous Yellow Comb-over.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Life itself, and my kiddies Sadbh and Gwen.
When and where were you happiest?
Every time I got what I really, really wanted, before I moved on to the next thing.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To know when to just leave it alone.
What is your current state of mind?
Excitement.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Forgiveness.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
Myself again – I’d like another go, please.
What is your most treasured possession?
Memories of my mum.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Loneliness. And no coffee.
What is your favourite occupation?
Chatting and drawing.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Kindness.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Divilment.
Who are your favourite writers?
Raymond Carver, Sarah Waters, Joan Aiken, Carson Mc Cullers, and Maya Angelou.
What is your motto?
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Jennie O’Connell was born in Galway and loves painting and drawing nostalgic, quirky, and evocative scenes for children (and adults ). An exhibition of Jennie’s paintings for children on the theme of ‘Our Day Out’ will be on at Engage Art Studios, Salthill from October 5 to 17 during the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children. See www.baboro.ie
