How would you describe yourself?
I am an outgoing person who enjoys people. I am very creative and throughout my life I have been involved in music, quilting, gardening, and recently writing and being a published author.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
I consider my children to be my biggest accomplishment. They are all amazing people who are using their talents and skills to help others and make the world a better place. Second only to my family would be my marriage. I have been married to the same man for almost forty-seven years, and he’s still my best friend.
Have you read any good books?
I read tons of books. Since I am a mystery fan, I highly recommend writers like John Sandford, CJ Box, Lousie Penny, and Alexander McCall Smith. I also enjoy Malcolm Gladwell and Geraldine Brooks, especially her latest book, Horse.
Who is your personal hero?
My personal hero would be my dad. I refer to him as a true Renaissance man. He loved music, hunting, and later in life, he taught himself how to wood carve. He was a leader in his community and church, sharing his talents with others.
Do you have a life philosophy that you live by?
Do what you can, where you are, with what you have. In pursuing the risks involved in my writing career, I remember a quote from Will Rogers, “Sometimes you have to go out on a limb, because that’s where the fruit is.”
What do you like most about yourself?
I am willing to try new things without knowing if I’ll be any good at them.
If you could change the world, what would you change?
Man’s heart needs a makeover, and I believe faith in God is the only way to effect that change.
What do you think is the meaning of life?
Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Do you prefer working alone, or do you like working with others?
I usually work alone, although when I taught I worked with a team of teachers who were incredible and are still some of my best friends.
What’s something that no one would guess about you?
I am shy about sharing my talents. I don’t like to brag about what I can do.
What is your deepest belief about life?
God loves us, and through his son, Jesus, he provided a way for us to have a relationship with him.
If you could be doing anything, anywhere right now, what and where would it be?
I would be hiking in the Swiss Alps minus the yodeling.
What’s the one thing you wish you could have a do-over for?
Sometimes I’ve been quite critical of others. I realize now that was a mistake.
How do you work on yourself?
I regularly read my Bible and ask God to help me change so my life is pleasing to him.
What’s one thing you’ve had to overcome in your life?
I have psoriasis. As a result my skin was an embarrassment to me and I was constantly explaining my problem to others. I also have had psoriatic arthritis which can be very painful. As a result I have had many joint replacement surgeries.
How do you handle being in a bad mood?
I vent, and I thank my husband and kids for being good listeners.
Who is the most important person in your life?
Jesus Christ.
What did you learn about yourself from any of your previous relationships?
If I’m not careful, I can dominate relationships with my ideas and thoughts instead of considering what other people might have to offer.
What is your favorite music, or What is your all time favorite song?
“Climb Every Mountain” from the Sound of Music, and anything by Mozart.
If you weren’t here running your business or doing the work you do, what would you be doing instead?
Creating something – a quilt or a painting.
What is another name you would give the Driftless?
Gorgeous!
What is your favorite season in the Driftless & why?
I love the fall with the blaze of colors that contrast with the bluffs, creeks, coulees, and Mississippi River.
Tell us of an experience /memory you had with Driftless lakes, rivers or waterways?
We took our kids canoeing on the Kickapoo River after a lot of rain. One of our canoes got wedged against a fallen tree and tipped over. My daughter almost drowned, but my husband caught her hair as she was sucked under and saved her.
Is there any place in the world you have been that reminds you of, or is similar to the Driftless.
No, I think it is really a unique, special place.
What is your best childhood memory?
My dad and mom always took us for nature outings on Sundays, into the Wisconsin woods.
What are some of your favorite places to go for fun here in the Driftless?
Grandad Bluff in La Crosse, Amroe Road in Prairie du Chien and Goose Island near La Crosse,
What are some of your favorite places to eat here in the Driftless?
Olde Towne Inn in Westby, Kos in Westby and Kickapoo Corners in Readstown.
If you were to tell a friend to come and visit the Driftless Area, and they ask “Why” … What would you tell them?
Beautiful scenery and very friendly people.
Are you a Cat or Dog person?
Neither, but I choose Monkey
Are you an Early Bird or Late Owl?
Early Bird
If given the opportunity, would you go to outerspace?
No
What color socks are you currently wearing?
Pink
What skill or instrument would you like to learn or play?
Wood carving
What 1 message would you put in a bottle?
Jesus loves you.
What was your very first job?
A waitress
If any, what would be your dream job?
I don’t know
How / where did you meet your best friend?
My cousin is really my best friend. We grew up together.
What does your dream vacation look like?
A quiet cabin on a beautiful lake.
If you could learn another language, what would that be?
Spanish
I Would Rather …
Live in a tree house
By: Sue Berg – Driftless Mystery Series
