How would you describe yourself?
I am a 59-year-old woman, with an unswerving quest to live life to the fullest. Love my family and friends deeply, and live my life with an open heart. Love learning about new cultures and love to travel. I am an entrepreneur and truly believe imagination, inclusiveness, and honesty have served me well in my years as a business owner. I am many things to many people. The one thing I am, above all others, is true to myself.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Raising my three boys into adulthood as a single mom.
Have you read any good books?
I am a voracious reader. Historical fiction is my favorite genre.
Who is your personal hero?
Hands down, my mama.
Do you have a life philosophy that you live by?
It’s simple. Love.
What do you like most about yourself?
That I can be myself and not “worry” about what others are thinking.
If you could change the world, what would you change?
Wow. Big question. More women to be in positions to create policy around the world.
What do you think is the meaning of life?
Again, love.
Do you prefer working alone, or do you like working with others?
It depends on the circumstances. I enjoy collaborating with people to accomplish an end goal. However, if the occasion requires deep thought and introspection, I am best on my own.
What’s something that no one would guess about you?
I am highly empathetic and have a level of telepathic abilities.
What is your deepest belief about life?
Being of service, in our very short life span, is our greatest gift to humanity. Whatever that may encompass.
If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
With my mom. She is on the other side of the veil, so that would mean I had crossed over as well. So, in Norway, on a mountain, overlooking a fjord.
If you could do anything, anywhere right now, what and where would it be?
My son is currently stationed in Spain. My two-year-old grandson, Merlin, is growing up without his grandma Debbie. I would be playing with him right now.
What’s the one thing you wish you could have a do-over for?
I would have gone to college. I received an associates degree in vocational school, but life would have been easier for my kids and I with a well-paying career.
How do you work on yourself?
I practice gratitude and self-reflection every day.
What’s one thing you’ve had to overcome in your life?
Lack of confidence.
How do you handle being in a bad mood?
Publicly, put on a smile and fake it till you make it. If I can be alone, escaping with a book or good movie, ALONE.
Who is the most important person in your life?
Myself.
What did you learn about yourself from any of your previous relationships?
From my parents? That they are human beings with faults and they did their best raising me. From my boys? As adults, not to treat them like children. They deserve respect and thoughtful consideration in all matters. Friends? Relationships with friends ebb and flow. Not all friends will choose to continue making an effort to maintain a friendship. Let them go without being bitter or hurt. They have their own path to travel.
What question do you always want people to ask you about yourself?
I enjoy when people are curious about asking deep, self-reflective questions. Small talk has its place in our society, but big talk is what my soul yearns for.
What is your favorite music, or all time favorite song?
My favorite band is the Glenn Miller Orchestra. I love swing music.
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perry. I find myself thinking about my mom, my sons, and my husband when listening to this song. If you believe in reincarnation, then a thousand years of loving someone is more than just the lyrics in a song.
If you weren’t here running your business or doing the work you do, what would you be doing instead?
Traveling. I got the travel bug at a young age, and love exploring new places and meeting new people.
How has this pandemic affected YOU or YOUR BUSINESS here in the Driftless?
COVID-19 taught me to roll with the punches as a very new business owner.
It taught me perseverance, patience, and to cherish every single day as a gift.
What is your favorite season in the Driftless & why?
Autumn. By far. I love every season, but the hills covered in the colors, the migrating birds, and the smell of a crisp fall day serves all my senses well. I love the chill in the air and wearing cozy sweaters. Visiting the apple orchards and baking. So many reasons!
Tell us of an experience /memory you had with Driftless lakes, rivers or waterways?
The Kickapoo River comes to mind. I have spent so much time paddling with my boys, my family, and friends. Most recently, my friend from Tokyo, who had never been canoeing in her entire life!
Is there any place in the world you have been that reminds you of, or is similar to the Driftless?
No. It is completely unique and I have traveled around the world several times.
What is your best childhood memory?
The first time I visited, I was 17. The people in the Driftless were exceptionally kind and friendly. It made a lasting impression on me.
What are some of your favorite places to go for fun here in the Driftless?
Whew. There are too many to list. Seriously.
What are some of your favorite places to eat here in the Driftless?
Pacifico in Viroqua. The Hermitage in Gays Mills. The Lemon Door in Fennimore.
If you were to tell a friend to come and visit the Driftless Area, and they ask “Why” … What would you tell them?
It’s Wisconsin’s best kept secret. You have to experience it first-hand. Then you know.
Are you a Cat or Dog person?
Dog
Are you an Early Bird or Late Owl?
Early Bird
If given the opportunity, would you go to outerspace (moon, mars, space stations)?
No
What color socks are you currently wearing?
None
What skill or instrument would you like to learn or play?
Piano
What 1 message would you put in a bottle?
I love you.
What was your very first job?
Rock County Home Health as an in-home aid.
If any, what would be your dream job?
Hah! I am living it!
How/where did you meet your best friend?
Elementary school.
What does your dream vacation look like?
Hiking in the mountains, listening to ancient waterfalls, walking along the beach as the waves sing their eternal song, meeting wonderful new people and learning about their culture, allowing my inner child to play and be in wonder, seeing beautiful historic architecture, and learning about history from a new perspective.
Tell us a short joke.
The first joke my grandma Juanita told me that I understood the punchline. Horse walks into a bar and the bartender says “What’s with the long face”.
If you could learn another language, what would that be?
Norwegian, Gaelic, German, and French. I did learn Japanese, but have lost most of it to time and disuse.
I Would Rather …
Live in a tree house.
So, what’s your story? Where were you born?
I was born in New Orleans, LA. I moved to the Driftless Region in my late 20s, so over three decades living in the Driftless.
Tell us about what you do for work or your business, and how long have you been doing this?
Co-owner of the Old Oak Inn, Acorn Lounge, and Reception Hall, LLC. I own and manage a B&B, restaurant, bar, music venue, banquet hall/event venue, and tour guide service.
Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career with your business.
Music On The Veranda. This outdoor music venue helped us get through our first two years in business. We purchased the business in March, 2020. Having an outdoor music venue helped create wonderful relationships with our community and musicians in the region. This kept us viable and in business in the midst of an international pandemic.
Tell us about a recent project or problem that you made better, faster, smarter, more efficient, or less expensive.
We are actually the antithesis of new and improved. We still use the phone for booking customers and taking to-go orders. Initially, while I was attempting to build a website to include online booking, we still had to take calls for booking reservations. I enjoyed the conversations with people looking to book, explaining the minutia about the house, and basically building a rapport with customers. We still book by phone four years later with no intention of online booking.
Tell us about one person who you’ve met, that stands apart from the rest, or has influenced you while here in the Driftless.
It’s impossible to name one person, having lived here almost my entire adult life.
What do you wish other people knew about you or your business?
Personally, I wish people knew how important it is to me to have difficult conversations in person versus texting or messaging. Too much gets lost when you cannot see the emotions displayed in the course of a conversation. It’s too easy to be abrupt or cruel, and equally too easy to be misinterpreted.
About the Old Oak? We are Magic in the heart of The Grove.
Writing and photos by Deb Arndt
