Whenever new members (or even members who have been on the boards for awhile) want one of those cool Twilight signature banners, the go to person for most of us is Singer. She has mad skills with graphics and loves to help out a fellow TM when she can! Since she is always so willing to create a custom banner or avatar (as well as helping out with all the adoption graphics), we decided it was time to get to know her better. So I present the September Twilight Mom of the Month....Lara aka SINGER!!!!

1. Where did you grow up?

Around Chicago [Evanston, Waukegan] until my mom passed, then I was raised by her adoptive parents in a very small town in Illinois close to Iowa. [And then just my Gram,
who passed in May '08.]

Me with Gram before she passed away


Gram’s wedding picture

With my stepdad and his wife. Look! A Cullen shirt


My paternal grandmother

With one of my cousins

2. What were you like as a small child/elementary school? (Personality, hobbies, likes/dislikes, friends, groups, activities, etc.)

Absolutely brilliant!
[Been going downhill ever since - seriously.]

Played piano, always w/ the artworks, lots of bike-riding and game-playing.
Totally geeky kid who loved school and making cassette recordings at home.
[Was a Brownie and Girl Scout, to boot.]

My brother Kevin and I in 1979 (such mad card skills!) and Kevin and I today



My brother and his family.

3. Did you ever date anyone that reminded you of Edward?

I’ve had some lovely guys in my life, but I am drawn to that character because of his humor, sarcasm, and sincere reactions. Like Bella, I'm
uncomfortable with a total Adonis, [not fond of bulky/muscled types, though
the Brothers are slowly causing me to reconsider!] but probably would have
made an exception if he'd sparkled in sunlight...

Definitely had a special one who was in many ways ideal for me but our humor
was so similar that it almost felt like he was a long-lost brother!

My Edward


4. Did you ever date anyone that reminded you of Jacob?

In terms of fiery passion, straightforward action and an absolute connection with one another? Yup. His nickname was Monkey, though not very wolf-like. [We also found conversation very difficult = drat!]

My Jacob


My last boyfriend
(He looks a lot like Josef from Moonlight!)


5. Any pets?

Currently 2 kitts: Mio Picchu and Tophie [Sophie] Tucker.

They’re a total blast, though Mios my problem child, as he is a
true scaredy-cat who cannot stand travel of any kind, doorbells, or sudden movements! [Oddly enough, hes also the most affectionate little bugger Ive ever had the pleasure to adopt.]
Tophie's my first female & definitely the assertive athlete of the family!

I love all critters but just don't have the time to devote to a canine right now,
and I felt too guilty whenever I had birds...the 6-foot iguana was interesting, though.
(Yeah I would have liked to have seen that!)

Mio as a kitten and Mio today


Tophie as a kitten and Tophie today


Such good friends!

With my former kitty, Esel. It was our last day together

6. Describe your life now using 3 adjectives.

Fur-filled - Evolutionary - Definitely Imminent

With my friend Kat

7. What are your current hobbies, interests, etc?

Making various artworks for the TMs.

Seriously, I have a "thing" for problem-solving.
Whether thats an image, a web design, coding issues, new skills, I’m
trying to learn, older ones I'm trying master, household dilemmas, human behaviors
- theres a tenacity to follow-through that I cannot seem to shake.

Unfortunately, as a result, exercise has taken a back-burner, but I love
to ride a bike [fast], walk + look at architecture, do yoga and swim, too. [At least my body does, not so sure about my brain.]

Cooking, movie-watching, playing guitar, shooting pool, singing, piano, reading [daily], taking photos, etc. Conversation's always a favorite, too.


8. What is your professional background?

My first job was working concessions at a state park but I failed utterly
as a real waitress later on. Ive worked doing art at a T-shirt print shop, and schlepping mail for a Correspondence Course office while at the Univ. of Il.

Profession? Im an art instructor for the bubbies [Kinder. to 15+] this will be my 17th year! It truly is the toughest job youll ever love. Ive worked all around the state, from wealthy 'burbs, to farmlands, to gangland and with students ranging from Pre-K to adult.

I think teachings in my blood as its certainly been in my family for many, many years.
Although most of them left it in the late 70's/early 80's...chickens!!!

9. List some of the songs currently on your ipod.

Inchana Massina by Ali Farka Toure
Night Terror by Laura Marling
"Lost in Space (Marine Munchkin)" by Neil Young
When Your Mind's Made Up by Glen Hansard & Markta Irglov
Slow Country [Strictly Rubbadub] by Gorillaz
Nowhere Warm by Kate Havnevik
Boogie Chillun! by John Lee Hooker
Water by P.J. Harvey
Riding for a Fall by Horace Andy
Stray Dog [et. al.] by Robert Pattinson

10. Any current books you are reading?

Reh-vamping the BDB but am on Rehv, so soon to be finished.
[Trying to decide whether to do the same w/ SVS or TWIsaga]

Managed to read The Alchemist in between, and have Middlesex on tap.

Have been thinking lately that I'd love to see Cloud Atlas by D. Mitchell made into a movie, since scenes keep entering my mind...oh to have been
a director!


11. Name one thing you believe to be unique about you.

I managed to leave behind the constant [and rather useless in the end] need to try and please everyone, all of the time.

12. What is the one thing you love best about TwilightMOMS?

Hearing everyones diverse points-of-view has got to be it.
[Insightful, ridiculous, side-splitting and never, ever dull!]

I also love seeing the creative, fantastic works by other TMs -
meals, poetry, jewelry, cards, siggies - all of it!

13. Describe the inside of your house to us?

Small, hardwood floors, lots of windows, homey, funky and never as clean
as I think it should be guess thats never been Priority One, to tell the truth.

14. When was the last time you revamped a part of Twilight/New Moon/Eclipse/Breaking Dawn?

Wait. Did I *stop*?!?! (LOL!!)

My favorite picture of LaPush (back in 1996)

15. What is your favorite flavour of ice-cream

I'm a coconut paletas kind of gal.

16. Any fun keychains on your key ring?

Nope, just the facts, ma'am = Twilight!

17. If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world, where you go & why?

Oooh - thats such a tough one!
I'm actually taking my first trip overseas on Christmas Day - to London.

It would probably be a few countries in Africa, as I'd really love to see
some fantastic wild animals. I worry about habitat...and water...and...


18. If you could have a vampire super power what would it be and why?

The ability to break myself of habits that are not very useful.
Yeah I think we could all use that superpower!

19. What else do you go fan girl about? (besides Twilight)

This is my first fangirl experience the Pattz, man...just...the Pattz.
Here are some pics for you!



20. Whats your favorite book of all time?

The Shipping News by E. A. Proulx
[But it's like a 20-way tie, since I love so many for different reasons.]


21. Who's your favorite fictional character?

Hercule Poirot. He's the first one who caused me to chuckle out loud, and whose foibles were met with an Aawww...



22. Anything else you would like to say?

Um, I was REALLY shocked to be picked and feel honored to be in such great company!
[I remember several TMs of the Month from before...]

I'm also considering this as a B-day gift, since I arrived on the 3rd, of Sept., WAY back when!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LARA!!!

Lara,

I must say I sure had fun getting to know through your interview!! You do so much for TM's. Have a great birthday as well

Congrats on being named the TM of the Month!! It was great to read about you & get to know you a bit better!

Your kitties are adorable & I loved your descriptions of them!

And you are such a doll for offering to help so many with their avatars & banners! One of these days, I may have to go to you for one for me! (My photoshop skills are pretty poor!!)

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)

CONGRATULATIONS Lara!! You deserved this, as you've done so much for us!! We're glad you're apart of TM's!! I hope you have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Its great to get to know you Singer!!!

I'm so proud that you did my siggy!!

I live in a small town on the Illinois/Iowa border....hmm...i wonder......

Congrats Lara!

Happy Birthday, too!

Thanks for everything you do for your fellow TwilightMOMs! Awesomeness is your middle name.

It was great to get to know you! I had fun reading you interview!

I would love for you to make me a siggy sometime, because I'm still new and don't have a cool siggy yet! If you're not too busy let me know, send me PM about it!

Lara's second home (it seems) is the request thread for sigs & avatars - if anyone wants one made for them by the very talented ladies (including Lara herself) then please take a visit to this thread:

http://twilightmoms.net/viewtopic.php?f=167&t=8209

Great interview and Happy Early Birthday!

Congrats!

Congrats Lara!! I loved learning more about you.


Happy Birthday!!!!

Oh, you are just TOO sweet!!!


[Am I getting verklempt over here?!?]


Thanks for your well-wishes and kind comments, everyone!

It's been a ball being here on the TMs boards!