Cuppa with Karen

Who is your hero?

Jesus!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I think the important part is to LIVE – in its fullness. I already have two places on earth I call home – England and Australia.

What was your first job?

A soliticitor’s office.

If money was no object, what would you do all day?

I would volunteer in some sort of creative capacity and work with people to see them … yes … flourish! 😊

What is your favourite book or movie?

I loved “the Book Thief”, a completely unique story written from a very different perspective. It also carries family memories as my young children loved me retelling it to them and couldn’t wait for me to read more so they could hear more.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Roast anything. I love the veggies especially.

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

Conversation. I love listening to people and their stories.

Do you love or hate rollercoasters?

Oh, good question. I have loved riding them, but oh they are so dangerous.

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?

A knife, rope and flint to start fires

What was your favourite subject in school?

Sport

Do you collect anything?

Seedpods of Australia – so different from anywhere else. Also shells. Just love the variety and creativity of our Creator.

Who was your favourite teacher? Why?

My sport teacher. She encouraged, stimulated and stretched a group of us to do more. She believed in us.

Why did you get involved in the production of “Flourishing”?

I love to sing and as I’d be attending anyhow, wondered if I could be part of it. Actually I could.

Who is your favourite character in the show and why?

Kendall. Really. She is amazing, so full of ideas and engaging community. I appreciate her honesty, particular in this mental health space where so many still experience shame. Her creativity and encouragement have caused so many to flourish.

Florence Nightingale was known as the lady with the lamp because she spent time with her patients and really stepped into their darkness and cared for them. Who is a person who is not a family member who stepped into your life and helped you flourish?

The friend I’ve known the longest in Melbourne. We met on holiday in East Gippsland and discovered we lived close to each other. Her name is Paula and she is amazing. Our families enjoy each other’s company, but she has stuck with me through thick and thin.

Vincent van Gogh dreamed of people being deeply moved by his art.

If you had all the talent in the world, what kind of art would you want to be creating?

I love to use natural products. Flowers, gum nuts, wood, seedpods. All are so unique. Art comes in many different forms and I enjoy creating.

Helen Keller once said: “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

What is your “one thing” you can offer to help a person in a tough place flourish?

Be there. Listen.

What messages, thoughts, and/or feelings would you like the audience to leave with after watching “Flourishing”?

No man is an island. Sometimes we don’t realise what an impact we have by offering our own unique identity to the world around us. Each of us can make a difference to those we come into contact with. Let’s make it positive.