Picking Peg O'Brien's Brain

Q: Where are you from, and how did you find your way to Woody Creek?

A: I grew up on a diversified family farm in an Irish-Catholic community near Dubuque, Iowa. When it was time for me to strike out on my own, professionally and personally, about 7 years ago, I ended up trailer-sitting for a friend here in Woody Creek.  I planned on moving out of Colorado back to the mid-west or out-of-the-country for a while, to establish a practice in a place that could use it, or pursue further education.  Within a few months i realized, to my surprise, that Woody Creek offered potential for both of those.

Q: For what reasons are you still in Woody Creek...what is it about WC3 and the area that mean so much to you?

A: The neighbors here.  Whether we talk or not, whether they still live here or not, I love to be near them or their legacy.

Q: What's the best book you've ever read?  What do you most like about WC3's bookstore?

A: Right now I have two favorite books: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" illustrated by Sylvia Long (picked up at the WC3), and "Aspen Cooks - recipes from the Thrift Shop of Aspen" (given to me by Patti Stranahan).  I like the WC3 bookstore because Pickett has winnowed out and only presents for consideration the books with truth and beauty.

Q: What would someone not know about you at first glance?

A: I love to sing, curse, smoke cigars, and play poker.  At the same time.

Q: If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?

A: Protecting others from harm. 

Q:  What do you think will happen in 2012  - (Mayan prophecy, end of the world, or just the beginnining? )

A: An opportunity for more light and intelligence in our culture.  Of course, that happens every year, every day.  The trick is for individuals, i.e. me, to connect with it.  So I think I'll have that chance.

More about Missy

 

 

 

 

Q:  How did you come to be in and around WC3?

A: I moved to Woody Creek in 1976 when the Tavern was a post office, store and gas station. The train still came to Woody Creek once a week to pick up iron ore that came from a mine above Ashcroft.  Woody Creek was an active ranching area.  WC3 had some time before coming to fruition.  I have been a part of it since the Stranahans and Ann Owlsley got it going.  Meanwhile I am a first and second grade teacher at Aspen Community School.

Q:What's your favorite leisure-time activity? 

A:My favorite leisure time activity is a combination of hiking/walking/ xc skiing/ in the woods with my binoculars and journal with a small water color set of paints or with friends.

Q: What would be a perfect 24 hours? (money, obligations, travel constraints don't apply...).

A: A day at the Margie Hut in the summer with my favorite friends or family, great food, including chocolate cake, and the peak of wildflower season.

Q; Any profession you've always wondered about...something you've always wanted to be?

A: I have always wondered about being a weather reporter; sort of like Jim Santori on the weather channel when he is reporting on a hurricane and looks like he might blow away at any minute.

Q: Why is Woody Creek/WC3 important to you? 

A: I think a place that provides community is the best kind of place there is. I love seeing the variety of people, the delicious food, the books, the opportunity to show my art, and the various gatherings. 

Q: Favorite Song/Album/Band ?

A: My favorite song are from the Sound of Music and Simon and Garfunkle.

Q: Will you share a  guilty pleasure?

A: My guilty pleasure is eating a piece of chocolate cake just because it tastes so great  and cloud watching in the evening summer sky.

Q: If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?  

A: If I were a super hero I would use my powers to slow the world down and reduce the amount of just plain stuff.

Visit: woodyc3.org for more info about WC³ and all it has to offer you, the community.