Marie is a simple old fashion name. Why this name for a character and what skills does Marie have?
Marie is actually my middle name. It is a name I do not use very
much so I thought I would use it for a character. Marie started out as a Lumberjack and Carpenter, which she still is today. I also got her into Tinkering. She has had a few other skills, but when the soulstone came out, that changed. She may learn a new trade(s) once she GM's in Carpentry.

Your real life husband is Joseph of AoA. He got you hooked on this game. How did that happen?
To make a short story long, he had actually been trying to get me
to play for four years. However, with two kids, a full time job, and
going to college, I thought I probably shouldn't. But...after my
husband got my brother to play, they both nagged me until I tried it, I was hooked immediately (especially when someone gave me a check for 1,000,000 gold my first night playing...woohoo). I have played everyday since.

At the Luna Bank recently while a character named " Creep' was being a creep.( I like to think he was role playing). He negatively accused me of being young in age without really talking to me. When I revealed my real age is when I met you as you chimmed in with your age. You mentioned briefly you have been working on getting your life together and getting a BS. Tell us a little about that journey.
As I mentioned, I have two kids, work full time, and was going to
college for *mumbles* years. I have just finished my last course and
have graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in accounting. It has been hard on all of us. Now, it is time to start cooking dinner again, getting the house cleaned, and spending quality time with my family. Oh, and spending more time playing UO.


Lady Lava and Marie chatting on Lava's front porch

Moving away from the crowd at the bank we moved to my front porch to chat a bit then for a tour of your lovely house. How long have you had this house and do you own it alone or with your husband?
I have had this house for a couple of months, and it's all mine. I
let my son share it with me. He has two characters on his own account and has his own house outside the north gate of Moonglow, but he claims it's "too small." (What is he talking about? A 7x7 is a huge house...lol.) I bought the house from a friend after the Tokuno minors started dropping, which I traded gold and major arties for. (Thanks Davey...I'm still lov'n it!) I am, and probably will always, continue to work on the decor.

Each floor of your house has a different feel to it. The upper most level is a tavern under construction. Many tables and chairs are scattered about and a very impressive bar too. I could not help put notice the grand pool table. Did you design this and the other decor of the house?
I actually have 3 floors open to the public, the first floor has
vendors and a work room, the second has the beginnings of my rune
library and the fourth is to be a tavern (Note to self: hire a
bartender). I did in fact design the house myself, the pool table
however, I borrowed the design from a friend. After seeing hers, I had to have one so, I built it. For anyone wanting to stop by, go to the NW corner of Luna and head west a few screens. (Make sure you duck underthe tree branches, I do have bandages however, in case you forget.)

What one item do you cherish the most in the realm?
I would have to say my most cherished item in the realm is my green
arrow. I had read about them and when I saw one for sale, I jumped at it. I have never seen one since. The green arrow is on display in my work room on the first floor of my house if anyone would like to see it.
I would probably cry myself silly if anything ever happened to it.

Share with us your most embaressing UO moment.
I am a very passive and cautious person so I am not easily
embarrassed by accidents and the such, however, the worst thing that
happened to me is probably, after playing for a while, and knowing you have to lock everything down, I didn't, and lost some great stuff
(including my rune books). Oh well, we live and we learn. I haven't
made the mistake again, yet.

What is your favorite color in and out of the realm?
I really don't have a favorite color. My color preference changes
with my mood in real life and game. My characters are always changing their appearance. Marie, however just wears the scraps of clothing and armor her sisters leave lying around. (You could probably tell by looking at her that she is very mismatched...lol.) I do like the blaze color as it is an unusual color that you just don't find, especially in real life.

What was the thing/person that killed you the very first time?
Marie, for being a lumberjack, doesn't go fighting. She started
killing mongbats and cows, however, she did fight a troll once. Marie does not really have much fighting skill, magery, chivalry, or
healing...well you get the picture, it didn't turn out well. She did
kill the troll in the end.

Which living person do you most admire?
I have to say my mother. She raised me to be independent,
appreciative of my surroundings and friends, honest, and not to quit. She has her own business, and as busy as she is, she still takes time to watch my kids (and dog) when my husband and I go out of town. Thanks Mom!!!

What do you dislike most about your real life appearance?
What I most dislike about myself in real life...hummm...my weight.
After two kids and no metabolism, I've packed on a few pounds that
will not come off. I still try though. That is one of the things I like about UO, no matter what you look like in real life...you can still look SEXY in game!

What do you value most in your friends?
I most value honesty. Without honesty...you are lying. Any
relationship based on a lie is doomed to fail.

Who is your favorite hero in fiction?
I think I have to say Frodo Baggins. He proves that no matter how
small and insignificant you think you are, you really can make a big
difference. Never give up!

Who are your heroes in real life?
There are too many...first, my boss. He helped tutor me through
school. He kept encouraging me even when I wanted to quit, to keep
going, thank you! Second, my kids, for their understanding that Mom is going to school to make a better life for the family (and maybe to get a chance to go to Disney World when Mom gets a big raise), thank you!
Third, but probably should have been first, my husband. For his "take charge" of the kids with their school work and sports activities so I could go to school, and for him yelling, "we put too much time and effort into you going to school for you to quit now!" comments, thank you!

What is your motto?
If you feel like you're going to give up, take a "short" break.
Don't ever give up. Can't is not a word, for you CAN do anything, it is by choice that you "can't" do it.

Marie it was great meeting you and thank you for your time.

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