Hold on to your hearts this week because you are about to fall endlessly in love with the one and only Rachel Billington. Magnetic, magnanimous and just plain magical - she is so utterly darling you won't be able to help yourself.
I'd love to tell you some sort of tangible origin story, some sort of solid corner stone upon which this deep friendship was built, but in all honestly I wouldn't know where to start. Rachel and I have been through it all, Emo, Nu Rave, the-resurgence-of-Britpop, twee indie club nights and everything in-between. She is my go to for mind-bending philosophy chats, and never ceases to put a smile on my face when I think of the cheeky twinkle in her eye. A little while ago Rachel and her gorgeous wee family moved to the South Island to take up residence in a breathtaking homestead just outside Dunedin. Unsurprisingly Auckland hasn't been the same without one of it's brightest lights, but here is a little digital window into the life of my sweet pal !
If someone was going to write a blurb about you, what would it say ? What would you like it to say or not say ? To quote a recent birthday card from my mother, “Bright Spark, Bringer of Joy, Peacemaker, Laughter Harvester.” If any of those things are true I’m happy.
How do we know each other ? Do you remember how we met ?
Kayleigh, you are one of those magical people who just seem to have always been there, and I have NO idea how we met. I think we were in each others’ orbit for a while via various friends/friend circles/scenes/what-have-you… But from humble beginnings we became thick as thieves, even living together for a while!
What do you “do”? When you’re not eating or sleeping ? What do you wish you did ?
I drive my step-children to school in the mornings, and pick them up in the afternoon. I try to keep the house in order but life (and boredom) can get in the way. I try to cook lovely meals for my family and make sure their tummies are full of yum. I read a lot of books and debate philosophy and politics and the virtues of reality television with my partner after a couple of wines. I volunteer with Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust and with Red Cross doing refugee resettlement, and have returned to uni to do a Master of Politics. I wish I had the motivation/discipline/bravery to write the stories in my head; I wish that I won’t let the fear of failure stop me.
What is something you would like everyone to care more about ?
I wish that people valued kindness more, that they would teach it to their children and challenge themselves to be kinder - kinder to others, kinder to the planet, and kinder to themselves.
Where is your favourite place to eat and what do you order there ?
Prego never fails to impress and they do the best tiramisu on the planet.
What was the hardest thing that happened to you in the last year ?
Moving to Dunedin and away from my family. I miss my nieces and nephews so much that sometimes I can’t sleep through the sadness.
Where is the best place you’ve visited and why ?
Melbourne, simply because so many of my favourite people live there. Every-time I visit Melbourne I leave with a full stomach and a happy heart.
What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given ? How did that advice come to you ?
There was a point in my life where I had a decision to make and two choices. The first choice I was quite committed to (almost resigned to, in fact) though it was not really what I wanted to do. The second choice was pretty left-field but I felt personally compelled towards that path, at the risk of letting somebody down. I went to my dad for help and he gave me the best piece of advice I’ve ever received. He said,
“You are young enough to be selfish; if you don’t do what you want to do now, you won’t be happy.”
I went on to learn that selflessness is not always a virtue, and there are times when you need to prioritise your own happiness.
What is the one thing that will never leave your wardrobe and why ?
A beautiful pink alpaca wool coat I bought in Buenos Aires.
What is something you wish 16 year old you had known ?
You Got This. Also, don’t get tattoos until you’re at least 20 - laser tattoo remover really really really fucking hurts.
What is your greatest fear ?
Bad things happening to the people I love.
What do you love least/most about yourself ?
I love how extra I can be for the people I love. Like making 4 test cakes before landing on the perfect cake for a birthday or event. I didn’t realise how extra I was until my sister teased me for it recently.
What is your greatest extravagance/secret shame that you spend money on ?
Absolutely books. Every visit to a bookstore is an exercise in self-control.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
A river.
What are you listening to, reading or watching that you think everyone should know about ?
(take creative license, can be an old faithful)
EVERYBODY should watch Lemonade by Beyonce. It is an absolute masterpiece.
What song or songs can you not help but dance to/play over and over ?
It’s All Coming Back to Me Now - Celine Dion. This is a recent development and I have no idea why, but I feel the urge to listen to it most days. Chelsea Jade’s new stuff is also on high rotation. If I want to dance it’s Beyonce, Robyn or anything emo from my misspent youth.
Who do you most admire and why ? My older sister Chloe. Despite growing up anxious and isolated, she has grown into the most kind, compassionate and fiercely loyal person, incredibly attentive to her children, with a sense of justice like no one else I’ve ever met.
(Oooft doesn't she just melt your heart ? Thanks Racheroozle for sharing with us !)
This is our fourth profile in "People" now; what are some questions you are burning to see ? What would you love to know about our guests ? Drop me a line below or comment on the nearness instagram and let me know.
Til next time xoxo
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