Who are you?
Tanya Trusova, a Russian woman in her fifties living in Ireland for the last 7 years.

What is your idea of the perfect sermon?
I'm not looking for perfection; "perfect" is almost synonymous to "dead". If something is perfect - there is no room for improvement, development, change.

Do you have a favorite word for what is ultimate for you?
Freedom!

Which living person do you most admire?
It's a mosaic of different people.

Give three words which best describe yourself:
open-minded, trustful, not looking back.

What is the most interesting place or situation you have been in?
I'm sure it lies in the future.

Describe the place where you grew up and spent most of your time.
Born in Poland, spent early childhood in Leningrad, grew up in Latvia, worked and raised the family in Moscow.

What are some of the things about you that have not changed over the years?
I'm on my way of returning to my authentic self now.

What do you consider your most significant achievements? I've raised my two wonderful children in quite difficult times; then I've started a completely new life in Ireland.

What do you most deplore in yourself?
Nothing really.

What is your greatest extravagance?
I'm quite moderate in spending.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Financial independence.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
"Don't be afraid", and "It's never too late".

With hindsight, what would you have done differently?
I wouldn't waste so much time on false hopes and expectations; I would take control of my life earlier.

How would you like to be remembered?
I suggest the following epitaph: "She loved dancing! She was also a good mother and a great friend."

Who is your favorite author?
Boris Pasternak; Mikhail Bulgakov

What is your favorite book?
"Doctor Zhivago"; "Master and Margarita"

What CD is on your player at the moment?
I'm listening to music on the radio - whatever it plays.

Have you read Bible?
Not in full, just bits and pieces.

Do you believe in life after death?
No, I do not. I strongly believe in our right and even obligation for a fulfilling life before death.

What is your favorite quotation?
”Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way".
Leo Tolstoy, "Anna Karenina", the opening sentence.