Down the Tubes Productions

This week, we decided to write a “getting to know us” post! We each answered 5 questions about ourselves – and there were a few surprises! Enjoy!

1. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

I am confident that Brad will respond to this question with an inspirational, intellectual and well-informed choice.  

I will not.

My pick is Ava Gardner – a screen siren of the Old Hollywood era and my favorite actress. At a time when women were expected to be dainty, demure, and content with keeping a home and raising children, all the while deferring to their husbands – Ava spit in the face of convention. She had rollicking affairs, swore like a longshoreman, threw back drinks merrily, and didn’t give a great goddamn about any of it. She reveled in the knowledge that people were speaking disparagingly of her and found it endlessly entertaining. To quote her long time friend, “Ava was a dedicated contrarian – someone you could depend on to do whatever she was asked not to do – “  I relate to this on a visceral level. 

Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner – they were the loves of each other’s lives, but a theatrical and disastrous pairing that I am obsessed with completely.  For example, Frank called Ava the night before every one of his subsequent marriages – just to make sure that there was no chance of them reconciling. He sent her flowers on her birthday every year until her death which she would keep in place until the new arrangement arrived the following year. He even had a statue of her at his home in Palm Springs, California – (his final wife finally made him remove it). There were dishes thrown, insults hurled, and a single take recording of “I’m A Fool To Want You” sung by Frank which captures their relationship so perfectly.  Ava – when asked about her marriage to Frank in an interview – quipped, “I miss Frank. Well, I miss fighting with Frank…”. 

I am in deep admiration of a life lived so unapologetically – and I strive to emulate her each day. 

2. What’s something you’re passionate about that most people wouldn’t guess?

I am of Southern Italian descent, and am passionate about learning and practicing the old ways of the Stregas (Italian witches). Their magic came from their mastery of herbs, natural elements, healing practices, and spiritual beliefs. There is a saying that as long as there is a Strega practicing in the world, the moon will still rise. I just love that sentiment and am always seeking new knowledge through reading, research or talking to others with similar interests. 

I think most people would be surprised to know that I am a professional Tarot/Oracle card reader. I hold a professional certificate through training completed with Hay House and am pursuing a program of study through The Tarot School of New York. I have the unique ability to channel messages from those that have departed in addition to my deep instinctual knowing of the energy surrounding situations. I offer card readings both in-person and virtually through my business, Soaring Eagle Oracle. I am fortunate enough to have an established multi-state client base, and am looking forward to offering my services at local psychic fairs in 2025!

3. If you could instantly learn a new language, which one would it be and why?

Of course, I am incapable of following directions and am not answering the question correctly – there are 2 languages that I wish I could learn instantly: Italian and American Sign Language (ASL). 

I desire to be instantly fluent in Italian (beyond the command I have over the naughty words) to allow me to do both genealogical research and continue my exploration of the Southern Italian traditions of healing and magic. A bucket list item is to live in Italy for an extended period of at least a month in the regions where my family came from, and knowing the language would help immensely. I would love to be able to fluently write to my family members in Italy without the use of Google translate, too! 

As my hearing weakens at an unpredictable and sometimes alarming rate, ASL has moved to the top of the list of things I need to pour serious attention into above all other hobbies. Brad and I are slowly plodding our way through lessons, maintaining our sense of humor while confronted with the reality that this is a necessity and not an option (anyone know how to sign “anything”? We can’t figure it out…). I do wish that I could automatically absorb all there is to learn about this complicated language – it is so much more than hand gestures, as I am learning quickly. The stress of knowing that this is something I have to learn impacts my enjoyment of learning at times, but I keep trying to maintain a positive perspective and embrace the process of moving towards at least functionality with ASL. 

4. What’s a topic you could talk about for hours?

In the mood for a never ending, impassioned rant? Tell me how much you love Notre Dame Football. I will counter, firing on all cylinders, about my disdain for the Fighting Irish, the campus, the coaches, Lou Holtz, the gold helmets, and Rudy – peppered with my unwavering love for the Boston College Eagles. Try me. 

5. When you think about what’s next for Hearing Things in 2025, what is one thing you want to work towards to make it a reality? 

I tend to have grandiose visions and Brad has the logical, methodical style that pulls me back to the ground. My ultimate goal is to be on the Today show, amassing legions of fans and being sought after speakers for conferences, university lectures, and serving on advisory boards…but in the realistic meantime, I would like for us to start doing public presentations and speaking at conferences!  That seems like as good a place to start as any!