I'm February Grace, your host, and today I will be chatting with author (and self-proclaimed seashore-loving denim addict) Hilary Grossman!
Welcome, Hilary! Please tell us a little about yourself!
HG: I dated a guy so commitment-phobic that I was able to write a book about our relationship.
I have an unhealthy addiction to denim and shoes.
I love to find humor in every day life. I liken life to a game of dodgeball - I try to keep many balls in the air before they smack me in the face.
When I am not writing I am the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer. I live on Long Island.
Q1: Where do you go when you want to relax?
HG: Relax? What is that? Just kidding…. Well, sort of.
I am a total beach bum. I find nothing more relaxing than being by the beach. It doesn't matter if I am lounging in a chair reading my Kindle, strolling by the shoreline or just sitting on the sand staring at the beach - just being there completely calms me, regardless of the temperature or the season. Nothing is more beautiful than a snow covered beach… Fortunately I live by the beach :)
Q2: Are you energized by being around people, or are you more of an introvert?
HG: I am a reformed introvert. When I was young, I was very quiet and shy. In my twenties that completely changed. I think waiting tables played a major role in the transformation. I had to be comfortable meeting and greeting new people. Now I love being around people, can talk to anyone about anything, and don't mind being the center of attention speaking in front of a large group. However every once in a while that shy girl returns. I sometimes get a little intimidated and quiet in large groups if I don't know anyone.
Q3: Housework: tolerate it, hate it, or find it kind of enjoyable?
HG: I have a love / hate relationship with housework. When I am super stressed or worried about something I turn into Ms. Clean attacking every possible particle of dirt and grime (real or imaginary) with zest. But if all is okay in my little world I tolerate it. Although no matter how hard I try I can't stand to dry dishes. What is the point? If you leave them out they will dry on their own!
Q4: What is your favorite dish/dessert to cook at home?
HG: From my cleaning answer, can you tell I am an all or nothing kind of girl? I love to go on a cooking frenzy, especially on a cold winters afternoon. I start with making a HUGE pot of spicy tomato sauce. While that is simmering I grate mozzarella cheese. I cook a combination of sautéed shrimp, meatballs, fried chicken cutlets or sausage with a big pot of penne. I then combine into separate trays making various types of baked ziti. We end up having one tray that night and then freeze for future dinners so we just have to pop in the oven. As for baking, I am big on the chocolate chip cookies. I always include Macadamia nuts in them. And Christmas time I always receive boxes of Godiva from a vendor that I work with. If I have candy handy I chop it up and add it to the mix…
Q5: *bonus question for everyone* Do you collect anything? If so, why?
HG: Do shoes and jeans count? I have an unhealthy addiction to denim, I think I have 70 pairs of jeans. As for shoes, I can't pass a shoe store without a purchase. As for how many pairs of shoes I have let's not even go there, okay?
~*~
Gotcha, not going there :~)
Thank you so much for visiting today!
You can learn more about Hilary, her love of the beach, and her novel by visiting her website: http://www.feelingbeachie.com
See you next time (which will be on Friday, this week only) when my guest will be author Eleanor Parker!
~bru
