About Kara

Gene Stickey's World
Talking to and about Kara

At her recent bridal shower

Even before her soon to be marriage (December 3) another change has been made in her life. Kara reports as follows: "My new job: Visual Manager for Mothers Work, Inc." This retailer has well over 1000 stores across the country. They specialize in clothing and many other things for the expectant mother.

Kara's job is to see that the stores and the merchandise in the stores present themselves in the most visually appealing way.

Earlier I had asked Kara to give us a few ideas of those things she likes as well as those she does not like. I gave her a questionnaire as a prompt. She has used the questions to frame her answers below:

What do you like in music?

like -
most music
don't like -
COUNTRY, COUNTRY, COUNTRY! Also, not really a fan of "world" music, and rap/hip-hop music

like to dance?

YES! Although I can say I'm definitely NOT a fan of line dancing, or any kind of dancing associated with country music

Recent films you liked and didn't like?

have not seen a really good film in some time!!!

LIKED:

Wallace & Gromit movies, Antwone Fisher, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Wedding Crashers, Rudy, Remember The Titans, Talented Mr. Ripley, The Piano,

DIDN'T LIKE:

White Noise, The Woodsman, Action movies, War Movies,

In Clothing:
how style interested or concerned are you -

I am facinated by style, fashion, fabrics, textures, colors, really the art of it, but absolutely refuse to pay a the high ticket prices commonly associated with such items. I can admire, but I don't need to wear it to enjoy it.

Do you have any current favorites?

I prefer to shop in certain stores based on the style portrayed, the clothing they offer. I don't really follow designers specifically. There are a lot of "looks" I really like, but would never wear myself. I stick to a simple, basic clothing approach.

In Books:
Anything you like to read?

I don't really enjoy reading much fiction, I prefer non-fiction, how-to books (because I love learning a new trick now and then), arts & crafts books, health & wellness books, occasionally a best-seller listed title. I love books on CD - just listened to humorist David Sedaris in my car. I am currently working my way through several titles: "Freakanomics," "You, The Owners Manual," and others

Home Furnishings:
Period furniture? Early American? Modern? (please describe any particular interests)
Interior colors?

I do like mission period, some arts & crafts movement items, but used in an eclectic mix, not a pure presentation. Mission/Arts & Crafts design tends to be a bit too dark & minimalist for me. I like a warm, inviting environment, without looking too much like a country cabin. I do prefer natural materials...stone walls, wood floors, stone hearth, etc...Modern design is great to look at, but I don't think it's practical or liveable. Shaker style is also nice to mix in to a design...simple & clean design.

Are you fond of (or hate)

glass, crystal or china?

depends on what the item is. Not really a fan of crystal (maybe it's my age or generation), like glass & china special wall decors

I prefer paint to wallpaper, and love wood trim (crown, wainscotting, etc.) such as molding. My favorite tool is my compound mitre saw

jewelry men/women?

I prefer silver jewelry, don't like big obnoxious & flashy jewelry, prefer gemstones to diamonds

Art?

Where to begin....my favorite illustrator is Maxfield Parrish, with NC Wyeth a close second. I love watercolorists such as Winslow Homer, like vintage posters, postcards & vintage luggage label design, Dale Chihuly glass art, Degas' pencil sketches, many more, just can't think of them all. I absolutely cannot stand the artwork of Thomas Kinkade - commercial garbage!

Other interests or passions?

LOVE, love, love to cook, and invent new recipes.
Love to try new restaurants, cuisines.
The only food I will not entertain the thought of trying is seafood....ANYthing from the sea is not a friend of mine!