I met Meg when I was 5 years old.

I spent many Halloweens running around her neighborhood as an itty-bitty cheerleader or witch gathering buckets of top-notch candy.

Then I’d make my way back to her home and spread out all my candy with her daughter in her room to take inventory of our stash.

It felt like real-life Halloweentown.

I wish I could take a snapshot of my memory and show you how lively and fun it was.

It was pure joy, you would’ve loved it.

Nonetheless, 20 years later Meg is still in my life.

And she’s just as wonderful as ever.

If you have Meg in your life, then you are extraordinarily lucky.

She’s endlessly curious and friendly, warm and inviting, utterly smart and charismatic.

I’m so happy to know someone just like her.

And now, you get to see a little slice of her life as well.

I don’t know about you, but getting a sneak peek into people’s minds is a treasure.

But especially when it’s someone that you’ve known for so long because although you may know someone for decades…

There’s always more to uncover and discover.

And if you’re wondering, yes, I still dress up as a witch for Halloween, of course.

Let’s dive in.

What’s your name, where were you born, and where did you grow up?

Margaret. Born and grew up in upstate New York

Does your name have an origin? Or, what’s the story behind your name?

Because my father’s family was English, I was given an English name. 

What’s something you wish people knew about you?

That I got green eyes from my Irish grandmother.   

Where’s your favorite place in the world?

The favorite place I have visited is Petra in Jordan

Where do you feel most alive? Most welcome? Most yourself?

When I am swimming.

Describe yourself to me in 5 words. 

Intelligent, patient, nurturing, bookwormish, and adventurous.

Describe humanity to me in 3 words. 

Contentious, basically good and diverse

What’s something you’re scared to say, but want to?

I am afraid of outliving everyone I am close to. 

Tell me about something that you love. 

I love live theatre

What’s something sweet that you love?

Any sweet treat

Tell me a story of a moment in your life that makes you happy. 

When I visited my brother, who was my best friend, when he was at college in California. We spent a long weekend together just hanging out and talking.  

It was the last time we saw each other as he died soon after.

Tell me a story of a moment in your life where you were scared, what happened and what did you do? 

I was running alone on a track one afternoon with no one else around and a strange acting, scruffy looking man started to approach me in a threatening manner. Unbeknownst to him my German Shepard that I had at the time was running loose nearby. I whistled for my dog who came to my side and the guy turned and left. 

Tell me something that you never thought would happen to you. 

That I would have such a great family, complete with kids. 

What’s something you want?

Grandchildren

What did you dream of when you were a kid? Do you still dream about it? 

That I was really a princess who had been hidden in another family for my own safety and my royal family would be returning to reclaim me soon. No, I have finally given that one up. 

Who do you admire and why?

Strong women. Types like Hilary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi who refuse to cave to men in power. 

If you could change anything, what would you change? 

The strong division that is ruining our country. 

If you could go back in time and relive your life, would you? If not, why not? Also, do you wish you lived your life differently? 

No, once is enough. No, I am happy with the life I have and consider myself lucky.

Tell me something you miss.

Family members who are no longer here.

What’s a risk you decided not to take? 

I never did join my family in jumping out of that plane. 

What do you dream about? 

 New places to travel. There is still so much of the world to explore. 

What’s a risk you decided to take and what happened because of it?

I decided to move to Colorado without ever having visited it. The whole path of my life happened here. 

If you could do something again for the first time, what would that be? 

I would go scuba diving because seeing under the ocean for the first time was like getting to see a new world. 

What do you love learning about?

The way people in other parts of the world live. I like to see how people all over are different and still the same.

If you could have a special talent or superpower, what would it be?

The power to understand whatever language was being spoken. 

If you could change any law or rule, what would it be?

Term limits for members of Congress. 

Tell me something you’re glad isn’t in your life anymore. 

Several old boyfriends.

What are 3 things you wish you had an endless supply of?

Energy, good health and ice cream.

What’s your favorite quote or words to live by?

The sun will come up tomorrow. 

What do you love most about the world? 

That there are dogs in it. Dogs are better than we are. 

Tell me about something that changed your life forever. 

That I am the last man standing from a very large family. 

If today was your last day on earth, what would you want to say?

It’s been a good ride!

I love it.

Love,

Anastasiya

P.S. I know you loved this one, so here’s another one for you that also has a Meg…