Interview with Julie
What is the secret to happiness?
There is no Blue Bird of Happiness (more the pity!). A few lines by an Irish Poet Shamus Heaney speaks to me: “Hope for a great Sea Change on the far side of revenge. Believe that a farther shore is reachable from here. Believe in miracles and cures and healing wells.”
My personal belief is to treat everyone with dignity and respect. To truly believe that everyone has a seed of sacredness even if their lives appear really weird. A marriage without either trying to control is a degree of happiness. Children arriving is a source of joy, come what may. Children love you unconditionally.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop worrying about your freckles. You are foolishly letting a career in singing slip away. You have the talent, yet you are so insecure. Why are you so swayed by other people opinions? You are kind and compassionate yet scared of commitment. Why can’t you be assertive, adventurous and face reality?
What advice would you give to parents these days?
You cannot love your children too much. If I had my beautiful seven back as children, I would have far more patience. I would read books to them, and I would be a helicopter mother. My advice is to let them know that they are the light of your life. Tell them they are truly precious, and God has blessed you by giving them to you.
What is the most important thing about being a parent?
Being a parent is difficult. You are dealing with hearts that can be so easily hurt. The important part is to love them unconditionally. Listen to them and not compare one child with another. I don’t believe in sending a child to their room, (I actually think it’s a dreadful punishment). Do not be in awe of parents who have already reared a family. Respect their wisdom however you know your child much better than they do so you don’t have to follow their instructions. Have your child interact with extended family, the more the better. Take time to marvel at your child. A one-off in the history of Humankind.
What isn’t worth stressing about?
Mice taking up residence under your fridge. Yesterday has gone forever with all its pains and joys.
The mistakes which we as humans have all made should be looked at, grieved, and then laid aside and get on with living. Friendships without reason which have grown cold (not everyone has to like you). When the dog comes in and sheds its hair all over the lounge room. Conspiracy theories. Someone using crude language. Lipstick that runs. The iron that burns your lovely blouse. Knowing your right yet letting the other take the floor. Not trying to win an argument.
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?
I would be a lady Reindeer. They have an air of mystery about them. They are also very special as they grow antlers. They are sleek and fleet of foot. They stand their ground!! Apart from all of that, I could meet up with Rudolph.
What is your favourite meal of all time?
Roast Pork with apple sauce with lots of crackling on top. Baked sweet potato, baked turnip, baked onion, baked parsnip, eggplant cauliflower Au Gratin with a lovely serve of broad beans and lashings of gravy.
My preference is for Bernadette (daughter) to cook it for me!!! My dessert wine trifle served with Spanish cream and quince jelly. My favourite drink would be Irish Coffee preferably made by Danny (son).