If you haven’t heard of Madeline Walker get on over to The Twenties Club to check her out. Cue deep exhales of relief that someone else is also battling a mouldy flat and sighs of admiration as she still manages to look incredibly chic while doing it. Inspired by her wonderful and relatable writing I wanted to do my own spin on her 20 Questions series. I’ve spoken before about the agony and ecstasy of this twenty something time of our lives and I wanted to give people a chance to share what they’ve learned or wish they knew. I’ve certainly loved reading the inspiring and down to earth answers that have been given by the gals on her blog so I wanted to cast the net wider. There’s nothing better than being reminded that everyone is just taking it one day at a time and hopefully it will help to show that while we’re all chasing different pursuits we have so much in common and that is inspiration in itself *wolf whistles*.
Name
Minnie Parker
Age
21
Are you at uni?
Yes. I’m doing my honours in Art History.
What do you do for work?
I have a part time job at Mi Piaci shoes and also get a dribble of cash from writing about art.
What inspires you?
It may sound incredibly vague and broad, but to me the world is always what creates that chest-swelling feeling I associate with inspiration. Just really small and mundane, things about the planet, that when you stop and give them some attention, are actually just so cool. Like how daisies open themselves up to the sun, or the sheer achievement that is mass public transport, or even just the sky (I don’t think that one needs explanation). When I have those moments I just want to live and contribute. I also quite often find myself thinking about just how much my friends inspire me, but (I would hope) that goes without saying.
What are you most proud of?
Tears have been known to escape my eyes whenever my friends do anything remotely worthy of admiration. But in regards to myself, what I’ve accomplished at Uni.
First thing you do when you wake up?
I’m not human without a shower.
What is your perfect Sunday?
Not having to wake up to an alarm. Reading in bed before I get up. Blueberry pancakes with someone I love. Chill exercise (walk/yoga/beach swim). A big group hang out with pals. Cup of tea before bed.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
Me and flatmates marching up to our apartment in a straight line like strange little soldiers. I can’t tell you why this was so hilarious, but I got the giggles bad.
What are you passionate about?
Learning, community, art, social policy, the amount of funding Arts gets at the University of Auckland.
What does your ideal night look like?
Dancing like a lunatic with everyone I love.
Best comfort movie?
The Boat that Rocked.
Favourite 3 songs that get you on the dance floor?
Come on Eileen, Dexys Midnight Runners. (2) You Get What You Give, New Radicals. (3) Shake it Out, Florence and the Machine. (Being honest, you can get me on the dance floor with just about anything.)
Something that you luurve about yourself?
I’m ~chill~ (for lack of a better word). (Please don’t think I’m trying to evoke the “cool girl” thing from Gone Girl.)
If you could invite four people living or dead to dinner who would that be and why?
Marti Friedlander. She was a NZ photographer who I am currently writing an essay on. She seemed like the most warm-hearted, hilarious and wise woman – the exact kind of person you want at the dinner table.
Grandad. He died early last year, and sadly it wasn’t until then that I came to understand the level of his intelligence, passion, and contribution to society. Both him and Marti grew up in orphanages and have the same quality of warmth. They would get along really well I think.
Barack Obama. I want him to roll up his shirt sleeves in that very endearing way of his and tell me how to fix the world.
My sister. Mostly because I miss her, and I know she would also enjoy the above assemblage of people. But also because I think they would enjoy her company
What is your favourite season?
Summer – freckles, surf, linen clothing, berries ❤
Favourite thing to eat when hungover?
Chocccccccccccc.
Favourite item of clothing you own and why?
My little red gingham dress I got from Emporium in Wellington when I was 17. I hardly wear anymore, but it’s just me.
If you could have a word with yourself at 13 what would you want to say?
Intelligence never goes out of style.
Anything you’d like to ~improve~ about yourself?
Quite honestly, I think I have a tendency to be too hard on myself, or at least my mum does. I’m always striving to achieve something… Striving is a funny word – it suggests a kind of heroism but also immense exertion.
How does the future make you feel?
Excited! I feel like a lot of people my age express fear about the future and having to be an adult and getting a job, but I truly believe that if you have the right attitude life will often just work out and you’ll be happy. At the tender age of 21 there’s so much ahead, and so many opportunities to grab. If the future isn’t looking bright then do what you can to change it.
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