… Anne Shade
What’s the time of the day when you feel most like yourself?
First thing in the morning when I’m up early doing something I love like writing or working out and meditating. I feel most at peace with myself during that time.
What’s your coffee order?
I don’t drink coffee. I’d order a Chai Latte with almond milk.
Describe yourself in three words?
Loving, stubborn, creative
What do you think of garden gnomes?
I think they’re adorable as long as they stay cute, inanimate, objects and don’t suddenly come to life and start attacking people.
Sweet or savory?
It used to be sweet until about five years ago, now it’s savory.
What makes you smile?
My children (most of the time), and a really good book.
Do you believe in soulmates?
Yes, I believe everyone has a soulmate, whether they meet them or not. I also believe that a soulmate doesn’t necessarily have to be a lover but could be a friend or family member. They could come into your life for the long haul or just to help you transition through a difficult stage in your life.
Gloves or mittens?
Gloves that convert to mittens.
What makes you cry?
Since I hit menopause, the real question is what doesn’t make me cry?
What personality trait gets you most often in trouble?
Within the past few years, I’ve developed a new personality trait that seems to get me in trouble often. I give zero f**ks when it comes to expressing myself or saying what I feel needs to be said. I’m not out to hurt anyone’s feelings but I also won’t allow anyone else to try to pass their negative energy onto me.
What is the one thing you wish you could quit?
I wish I could quit my day job. I wish I was at the point where I could retire so that I could open my bed and breakfast and write full-time.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Yes. I believe it’s possible to instantly connect with someone’s energy and know right then and there that you could love that person. It may not be forever but it could be the love you need your life at that time.
In a crowded room, what makes you notice a woman?
First is the way she dresses. You can tell a lot about a person by the care they take in dressing. It could simply be a pair of jeans and a shirt but what would get my attention is how she put the outfit together. I love a great pair of shoes/sneakers and a jacket worn with jeans. The second is the way she carries herself. It doesn’t matter if she’s a quirky nerd or high-profile professional, I love a woman who is confident in who she is and carries that confidence in the way she walks and talks. Last is her smile. A bright, beautiful smile seen from across a crowded room gives me butterflies.
Would you go to high school again? College?
I wouldn’t go to high school again as I don’t think I’d do anything different. I learned lessons then that shaped who I am now and to go back and change it would change who I became. I didn’t go to college until I was much older so I think I would like to change that part of my life. I’d go to college right after high school instead of the military. BUT, once again, that decision also would change the person I’ve become so maybe not.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
What I’ve Learned
Three women you’d have over for dinner and what would you serve?
Michelle Obama, Author Beverly Jenkins, my high school Black Literature/History teacher, Lillian Stewart. Although, unlike Ms. Jenkins and Ms. Stewart, I’ve never met Mrs. Obama, but all three women are dynamic in their own rights, and all have had a big influence on who I am as a proud Woman of Color. I would serve salmon roasted with olive oil, garlic and shallots, my special boozy braised collard greens, and sweet potato souffle for dinner. For dessert I’d offer the option of my homemade carrot cake and deep-dish apple pie both served with French vanilla ice cream.
What is the one memory you’d give anything to relive?
Being five years old, sneaking out of the bed in the middle of the night and sitting in the doorway of our living room watching my parents and the rest of their singing group practice. The memory of listening to them sing and seeing the joy on my father’s face as he came up with choreography still brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.
What’s in your fridge right now?
I just went grocery shopping this past weekend so there’s too much to recall but my staples are Chobani Zero Sugar vanilla Greek yogurt, Ripple plant based milk, eggs, and salad fixings.
If you could choose one song to be played every time you enter a room, what song would that be and why?
It changes frequently but right now it would be “Ain’t No Better Love” by Seal from the The Harder They Fall soundtrack.
If you could have an evening-long conversation with one author, who would that be and what would you talk about?
If she were still alive, Maya Angelou. I would just want to talk about life and bask in her wisdom and creative spirit.
Anne Shade has two books out in February and both can be found here:
Her Heart’s Desire: Her Heart's Desire
My Secret Valentine with Julie Cannon and Erin Dutton: My Secret Valentine