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.