Sarah [nee Joann] Murphy Jurado. When Damien and I got married, I dropped my middle name + replaced it with my maiden name, Murphy. Very few people in my life had ever called me Sarah; it was Murphy or more often just Murph. I wanted to take my husbands name + didn't enjoy the look of a hyphen, so Joann got the ax. [Sorry, sweet middle name just like my mother's. I like Murphy better.]
2. Last surreal moment you had?
Currently, every single moment is totally surreal. I'm in Europe for the first time, on tour with my husband. This morning I woke up in Paris, which was surreal. As I type this I'm in Den Bosch, NL and there is a statue of a gold dragon down the road, so I'd say this qualifies for surreal as well. Even getting gas or going to the grocery store is a sort of romantic adventure right now; it all feels like a dream.
3. I noticed you meditate; what led you to the practice?
I've tried my hand [or my mind, as it were] at a number of different practices, most conducted without much discipline on my part. I try now to sit at least one a day for at least 15 minutes, using the word 'presence' as a touchstone to just be in the moment. I tend to always have a thought or worry in the past or future, so I need that respite of quiet.
4. I would fight to the death for ____________
For my family.
5. Do you have a muse? (who/what, & why?)
Endless muses. I'm surrounded by talented + inspiring humans - jessiekaye.com or reneemcmahonphotography.com or photojj.com or paper-tiger.net for just a few examples. All the Vagabonders. Autumn deWilde. Lauren Dukoff. People picking up a camera for the first time; fresh eyes.
6. Happiness for me is _________________
Always there, if I stop to look for it.
7. Music can change the world. True or False? (why?)
True. On a personal level, it has literally changed my life. Carried me through difficult times; inspired me to start taking photos; helped me meet the love of my life. I think in those same individual ways, music has the power to be a catalyst for bigger + better things. More art. More love. Does this sound like bullshit? As I said earlier, I woke up in Paris this morning on 4 hours of sleep; the exhaustion has an 'in vino veritas' quality to it where I have no filter. I mean these grandiose statements quite truly.
8. Sunday mornings are ________
Rarely as perfect as I want them to be. I would like a cafe au lait, two fried eggs, fresh strawberries, mild sunshine, the New York Times, a great football game, and a cozy blanket. I don't know that I've ever had that PERFECT idealized Sunday.
9. If you had the power to change one thing about your personality, would you? and if yes, what and why?
I would pay infinitely less attention to other people's opinions of me.
10. If you could interview President Obama with 2 questions and voice your opinion about a current affair...
(what would you wear to the interview?) NO, I'm kidding, what would you ask/talk about?
[I would finally justify buying a pair of Manolo Blahnik black patent leather mary janes + a smart understated suit, for the record.]
Is there still any transparency in the highest levels of government? Are we, as individual citizens, still connected to the process? I know his election would indicate that YES WE DO, but it still feels overwhelming at times. I'd love to have a heart to heart with him, to seek some reassurance that we are not powerless.
11. Is there another natural talent you wish you were gifted with?
Singing! Or any musical talent at all.
12. I'm inspired to do good when ____________
Always! Literally. I'm thinking of getting a tattoo on my wrist that says "Do Your Best." Including altruistic actions + general goodness.
13. Do you have personal philosophy?
No? I suppose the above mentioned "Do Your Best" could be considered as much.
14. Favorite Artists: (music,poetry,photography,painter,author)
Oh, man. Today? John Vanderslice, Allen Ginsberg, Richard Avedon, Andrew Wyeth, Joan Didion. This is an infinite list, updated daily.
15. Heroine?
Gloria Steinem.
16. I live for ________________
Today. Or, at least I try very hard to. It does require some attention, some meditation, and some humor.
