Rockford’s sister Phoebe is intimidating. She’s an artist, a sculptor and an award-winning mixologist. (Her latest cocktail menu is based on a Tom Waits album.) Like the rest of Rockford’s family, she is very tall and has a commanding presence. If you have ever met me in person, you know that I am neither tall nor commanding. I found Phoebe a little (a lot) frightening for a number of years.

I first met Phoebe when I was 15 or so. I am sure she does not remember this, because it was a very brief meeting. She was in a production of “Guys & Dolls,” and I went because I love musical theater. And also because I had a big crush on Rockford, and I knew he would be there. He spotted me after the show, and he introduced me to his sister and his parents. (They might tell you that the first time I met them was at a Chinese restaurant, where I ate nothing but rice and Jell-O. But they would be mistaken. About the First Meeting, but not about the rice & gelatin. I tell you: They scared me.)

A few years later, I worked at our college newspaper with Phoebe, and a few years after that I married her brother. And then a few years after that, she wasn’t quite as terrifying any more.

These days Phoebe lives in Philadelphia with her fiance, Christian, and Pockets the cat.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

That changes on a daily basis.

I haven’t spent a lot of time outside the US, so pretty much anywhere would do. Sometimes anywhere other than here sounds divine. Now that it’s fall, almost Thanksgiving, I’d really like to be in some mountains. NC preferably, but the northern end of the Appalachain range, up around Cooperstown would do nicely. Why? Autumn and spring are my favorite seasons in the mountains. Obviously if I were in the NC mountains there would be the added benefit of being with my family. I have, in the past few years, not been able to get home as much as I would have liked, which is to say almost never.

There’s this tiny little town in NY state, near Cooperstown, called Roseboom. The reasons I was there the first time were sad, but the place itself reminded me a lot of home at a point in time when I was particularly missing it. It also has an amazing name. I’d like to revisit there.

What’s your favorite sandwich?

This is going to turn your stomach Nichole: Tomato, onion, mayo, salt, pepper on some sort of squishy wheat-based bread. One of the best things about summer.

Who would star as you in the movie of your life?

Someone with a lot of patience. Um … I have no idea. Christian says a cross between Ingrid Bergman and Tilda Swinton.

Who would play your significant other?

Jeffrey Wright

What is the worst advice you’ve ever been given?

I can’t publish it. Suffice it to say it was life-alteringly bad advice.

What was your first job? How old were you, and how long did you work there? Did you like it

I started working in my parents’ antiques business when I was 12 years old. I continued to work with/for them until I started college. And then again after I was in college until I moved away for grad school. Yes I liked it. I love my folks and I love antiques. It’s a real gift to be able to work with your partner and your family. I hope someday to run an antiques business with Christian.