Meet a Contributor: LAURIE GIBBS
Made Local Magazine Production Team
Laurie Gibbs is a writer, editor, graphic designer, project manager, and sometimes educator who collaborates with a variety of businesses and organizations in the Bay Area, including Made Local Magazine. When not working (which her family would argue is “not often enough”), these days, she’s visiting the ocean, swimming, reading, spending time with her family, and juggling all the other life stuff.
Photo Credit: Julia Gibbs
Who do you admire, and why?
Right now, I admire both of my teenagers. They’ve been thoughtful and resilient under a unique kind of pressure; and when things get rough, they communicate way better than I ever did at either of their ages. It gives me hope for the future.
What was the last best thing you ate?
A freshly picked peach from a friend’s garden. Tasted exactly the way summer should.
Name something you do or do not regret.
Hah, that’s a moving target! There are days I regret working for myself, but most days, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m good at what I do. This summer, though, I was walking on a college campus and thought, “I should’ve studied marine biology.” LOL. I’ve started to accept my choices as part of me.
What 3 things bring you joy?
The ocean, my dog, good conversation.
Where else have you lived?
All over California—San Diego, Thousand Oaks, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Mountain View, San Francisco and Larkspur—and some of these places more than once. I’ve moved a lot.
What are you good at making?
Blintzes, thanks to my grandma. And I can roast just about anything perfectly, no thanks to my grandma.
Recall a time you changed your mind about something.
I thought I wanted to be a teacher. Part-time gigs were great, but after doing it full-time, I realized it was too much for me. It truly is a calling—deep respect for all those teachers out there, especially now.
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
I would write a novel. I’m working up to it. We’ll see.
If you could instantly have one skill, what would it be?
The ability to understand and speak every language.
You host an intimate dinner party with up to 4 guests, living or not. Who’s coming?
My dad (deceased), his dad (deceased), my mom (living), her dad (died before I was born and was very close to my mom)…I think there would be a lot of love and tears and, hopefully, words that were never spoken.