Character Interview - Blake Hartt from Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Blake Hartt from Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia answered a few of my questions so let's get to know him a little bit better.

1 – So, Blake can you tell us 5 things about you we might not know? Don’t worry because good or bad we still all love you.   

Five things? Well, I guess if you’d like. Once, when I was walking through the woods I came to a clearing and I was in the center. I’m used to a few lightening bugs but that night there were tens of thousands! All at once. It was amazing. It was a time I wished I had Livia with me. To kiss her right then would have made the moment perfect.

2 - You count Livia’s smiles (how amazing are you, really?). Do you remember the first time ever she smiled at you and can you tell us a little bit about it.

Of course I remember! It’s number one. That morning she looked timid. Train travel is a specific thing. There are tickets and times. People that have done it for years don’t look around much. She kept checking her time schedule and watch. After she was settled on the platform she just began smiling at anyone that looked her way. I was trying to watch her on the sly, but when we locked eyes…It just became everything. I was used to being invisible, just a fixture on the platform. She made me feel like a person that day. And of course I knew she was beautiful. Every day and night afterword, she smiled. At me.

3 – Which one of her smiles would you say was the most important for you?

The next smile I’m going to get is the best one. It does something to my heart, every time.

4 – I know this might be a delicate topic for you but have you been able to truly overcome your fear of the sun? 

I think I’ll always concentrate on it. It’s very hard to overcome fear. Managing it and enjoying the benefits of facing it make it worth the internal battle.

5 -  How often do you play piano nowadays?

 Everyday. For me it’s like cathartic. Just hearing the notes means I’m in control. And now, it’s like letting some of my love for Livia into the air. Sharing it a bit.

6 - What did you and Livia do for Valentine’s Day?

 I gave her a bouquet and a song. I picked the wildflowers from that same clearing I saw the fireflies in, actually. And the song? Well, I have a million for her. Every time I think I know her, she surprises me again. Just yesterday I caught her watching a child out of the corner of her eye that was too close to the road. She’s always looking out for others. I love that about her. (The child’s mother grasped his hand, he was fine!)

Thank you Blake!