Jane Flanagan of Ill Seen, Ill Said is constantly inspiring. Blogging since 2007, she has a great following and readership-I’m always discovering new blogs and artists! With many regular features such as Where We Blog From & Sunday Best, there is never a lack of new material and you can easily become lost for hours…I love it when that happens. I also happen to be a Samuel Beckett enthusiast, so naturally I was smitten from the start. Thank you Jane!

 

What is your present state of mind?

Pensive, which is my default setting.

Your favourite colour and flower.

I love chalky grey-blue colour. Sweet pea is my favourite flower.

Your favorite qualities in friends.

Kindness, intelligence and a mischievous streak.

The reform that you appreciate.

The admission of women to Trinity College Dublin (where I did my undergrad) in 1904, which was progressive at the time (Oxford & Cambridge didn’t permit women until 1920/1). 

Your favourite motto.

“Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” -Samuel Beckett, Murphy.

Your biggest flaw.

Without question, self-doubt, which sometimes borders on self-loathing.

What gift from nature would you like to have?

To breathe underwater. I am a complete waterbaby and love the idea of being a selkie and taking to the sea.

Your favourite poets.

Philip Larkin, Aram Saroyan, Anna Akhmatova, David Berman.

Your favourite hero (or heroine) in fiction.

Sabine & Teresa from Unbearable Lightness of Being. I think most women have pieces of both characters in them. I like that they’re kind to each other too, when it is least expected.

Your favourite hero (or heroine) in real-life.

Samuel Beckett.

 

**the proust q & a is a regular feature..check out the archives here**