BEL ESPRIT

Name: Michael McPhie

Origin of Name: Originally a Hebrew name asking the rhetorical question “Who is like god?” Also shared by at least 2 other kids in each of my elementary school classes. 

Religion: The Oracle told me that I alternate wildly between taking life too seriously and not seriously enough. That sounds right. 

Artistic inspirations: The Abstract Expressionist artists managed to be creative and revolutionary, even in times of crisis. 

Living situation: Own, but I sublet an office space with guinea pigs. 

Pets: 2 guinea pigs (Remy and Pinot) 1 rabbit (Armando) 1 dog (Ginsberg) and 1 cat (Frida). I am closest to the guinea pigs because we share a worldview. 

Family: I have many fur babies, but the IRS still won’t let my claim the child tax credit. 

Favorite or least favorite physical feature: As an artist, I’ve been told I have a good eye. The problem is I don’t know which one. 

Habits: I’m organized, but I bite my nails. 

Pet peeves & simple pleasures. The sensory experience of rain is one of my greatest pleasures. The sound, the smell, how it feels on my skin. I have a major pet peeve for car horns. They should henceforth be outlawed. 

Early bird or night owl: I am in a long-term, long-distance relationship with the moon. 

What are you particularly unskilled at: Directions. I get lost even with Google Maps yelling at me. 

What are you unusually skilled at: Absent-minded alliteration 

Something you hate: Injustice, inequality and tomatoes. 

Something you love: Libraries and bookstores. 

Happiest memory: Finding a moment of total peace and contentment at the Oregon coast. 

Approach to life: Introverted but passionate. 

Personal philosophy: Find what you are passionate about and do everything to pursue it. Finding meaning is more important than finding happiness. 

Biggest wish:  A personal library with one of those sliding ladders.
Accomplishments: Getting my work in Bel Esprit, obviously. 

Quirks: I love writing letters and my pen pals have become some of my closest friends.