The Curious George Questionnaire: #2
Gloria Horton-Young shares her curiosity with George and friends
When Sheila Moeschen and I first started yapping about modifying the famous “Proust Questionnaire” for Substack—especially along the lines of our shared interest in developing one’s curiosity—I threw out that beloved children’s book series Curious George.
It just seemed right.
The next thing I did was tap my Substack friend Gloria Horton-Young to see if she was game to join in our first round and was thrilled when she said “yes!”
When I first encountered Gloria on Substack I knew I was witnessing a force of nature at work in an ecosystem where others are drawn into her orbit. She’s opinionated (love it), a tad spicy (keeps things fresh), and a fearless fighter for the best causes (we need more of these warriors). My curiosity about how Gloria would respond to our questions is now your pleasure to read.
Stay hydrated, stay intrigued—Mike
Sheila: I’m constantly learning from the many, diverse voices here on Substack. For me, a cool feature of this series is getting to peek inside the art and interests of people different from mine. It’s a super win-win-win in my book. I couldn’t be happier to dig into Gloria’s corner of the world.
Gloria Horton-Young Answers The Curious George Questionnaire
1. To me, curiosity is the itch you just have to scratch, a spark that leaps from mystery to mystery, illuminating paths unseen. It's the secret map hidden in the folds of an old library book, a wildflower growing through a crack in the pavement, a riot of thoughts tumbling through my mind. The delight of a smile from a stranger.
2. Describe a road not taken? Any regrets? Becoming a mudlark in England, spending my days combing the banks of the Thames for forgotten relics. I imagine my alternate self, knee-deep in mud, fingers meticulously sifting through centuries of history. With each low tide, I'd rise early, armed with a small trowel and a keen eye, eagerly searching for hidden treasures. Each found object—a shard of medieval pottery, an old Roman coin, a rusted key from the Victorian era—whispers tales of the past, filling my days with adventure and discovery. The thrill of uncovering a lost piece of history, holding it up to the light, and imagining its journey through time would be an exhilarating way to connect with the stories of those who came before us. The riverbank, with its ever-changing landscape and rich tapestry of artifacts, would be my endless source of wonder and fascination.
3. Tell us how you fill your curiosity well… I fill my curiosity well by diving into quirky books, conversing with souls wrapped in their own stories, and wandering through art galleries, garage sales, coffee havens, bookshops and museums, losing myself to find something new. I relish in decoding ancient recipes, stargazing from rooftops, and eavesdropping on the wind's whispers in forgotten alleyways. I collect bizarre trinkets, like a pebble shaped like a comma or a feather with a hint of cerulean blue, each with a story or poem I conjure up.
4. Wonder or awe? Wonder—it's the hidden note in a song, a whisper that turns the mundane into a treasure map of delights. It's the awe of sudden laughter of a stranger, the dance of fireflies at dusk, the taste of rain in the air before it falls. It's finding a scribbled message in a used book from the antique store or seeing shapes in the clouds that tell their own stories.
5. How would you spend your last day on earth? I'd throw a grand soirée, every beloved face a constellation, feasting on chocolate, dancing like shadows in the twilight. We'd write wishes on lanterns, release them to the sky, and end the night with champagne, stories and singing merging with the stars. I’d bring out my old vinyl records, let the music spin tales of joy, and toast the world goodbye.
6. What is the purpose of life? Or phrased another way: “My life philosophy is…” My life philosophy is to embrace the unexpected, laugh in the face of the ordinary, and weave playfulness into every thread—life is a poem waiting to be written, line by line. I live for impromptu candy consumption, midnight movies, and the serendipity of stumbling upon a hidden café that feels like a second home. I wear mismatched socks because it feels like a tiny rebellion, and I believe that every day deserves a dash of whimsy.
About Gloria
Gloria Horton-Young navigates life's vast library as a word enthusiast with a passion for rhymes, books, and ever-entrancing art. Companion in mischief, avid political debater, and daring adventurer who forgoes the safety helmet every single time. You can find her on Substack at She Who Stirs The Storm.
Oh my God, thank you so much for asking me to do the Curious George questionnaire! It’s not just fun—it’s like a treasure hunt for my soul. I get to talk about my weird little obsession with mudlarking, which, let’s be honest, makes me feel like I was probably a crow in a past life. Just out there, scavenging for shiny bits and lost treasures. Honestly, what more could I want?
Oh, and yes, the last day wish. That’s a very intriguing question, and it really gets you thinking—what would you do with just 24 hours? It still has me pondering all kinds of possibilities.