In an excerpt from her recovery memoir, Last Call, Nancy reminisces, somewhat dreamily, “I don’t remember the first time I noticed alcohol, I just knew it was there on the beach at the shore…”
Nancy's still there at the shore—living her dream— but the alcohol is long gone.
The principal motivation for my creativity. Spreading the message of hope and recovery.
The principal motivation for my sobriety. To help others, while also helping myself.
My favorite qualities in a person. Honesty, sense of humor, kindness.
What I appreciate most about my friends. They call me out on my shit.
My main fault. Too hard on myself (and others) and judgmental.
My favorite occupation. Writer.
My dream of happiness.
Living by the beach
sober
and being with Lucy
and my spouse.
My idea of misery.
FUBAR. (Fucked up beyond all recognition.)
My greatest regret.
Not getting sober sooner.
My proudest moment.
Getting and staying sober.
Other than myself, who would I like to be? Oprah. Yeah, I know.
Where I would like to live. Encinitas, CA
My favorite color.
My favorite authors. Augusten Burroughs, Kelly Corrigan, Caroline Knapp
My favorite poets. Zilch.
My favorite composers/musicians. John Mayer, Grateful Dead, Wiz Khalifa, DMB, Mumford & Sons, too many to list.
My favorite painters/designers/photographers. Annie Leibovitz
My hero(es). My Dad, Bill W.
My favorite food and drink. Arnold Palmer, Brigantine fish tacos
My drug of (lack of) choice when I was using. Booze and Blow—the more the better.
What I hate most of all. Liars, hypocrites, people that suck.
The natural talent I'd like to be gifted with. Having an amazing voice—Adele style.
How I want to die. In my sleep.
My present state of mind. Grateful, serene, content.
Faults for which I have the most indulgence. Charming—that one always gets me.
My favorite motto.
This too shall pass, and in this passing you will grow.
[from the Traditional Sufi Adage]
ABOUT RECOVERY REVELATIONS™
Our Recovery Revelations Questionnaire is based on the questions of a late 19th century English "confessions album" later mistakenly attributed to French novelist, Marcel Proust. Vanity Fair uses a version for their Proust Questionnaire and James Lipton uses a variation on Inside the Actors' Studio.
You are encouraged to engage the interviewee(s) and explore their answers further in the comments.
If you'd like to be share your Recovery Revelations, please contact Chris for details.