Talking with Angela Swanson of Mill Valley

Strawberry resident and mother of two Angela Swanson has been singing for an audience since she was nine. She has two CDs out and is most fond of the second, Poemas en Barro, which takes her back to her Spanish roots. As a recent addition to local band Key Lime Pie, she can be seen this summer at the Marin Brewing Co., the San Rafael Farmers’ Market on Fourth Street and the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Check out keylimepiemusic.com for more venues.

Describe your personal style. I like comfortable clothes but I always have that rock ’n’ roll flair, very sixties, seventies type thing. I also love to dress up for special occasions and tend to be more conservative at those times.

What are you wearing? I am wearing a camisole and a shirt from Gap, my Buddha pants are from Culture Shock in Fairfax, and my boots are Nine West. I purchased my belt years ago from the Rastro
(flea market) in Madrid. My earrings are from Treasure Tibet in San Rafael, my necklace and rings are from Sun and Moon Jewelry Design, and my coconut shell bracelet is from Monarch in Mill Valley.

Who are your fashion influences? I don’t really think I have any. I just like to mix and match and wear whatever feels right.

Where do you love to shop in Marin? I like the Gap at the Village in Corte Madera, because it’s the only place that has jeans that fit me well! I also love Culture Shock in Fairfax to find that fun stuff to go out and sing in.

What is always in your bag/pockets? My cell phone, gum, cough drops and Kleenex.

What is your best cheapo secret? I love going to shop at consignment shops for rare stuff.

What’s your fashion pet peeve? Black socks with sandals. Actually, any socks with sandals!

What is your view of Marin style? Casual and comfortable, yet trendy.

Where do you love to eat in Marin? The Marin Brewing Co. in Larkspur, Piazza D’Angelo in Mill Valley and Guaymas in Tiburon.

How do you spend your weekends? Playing and writing music, gardening with my husband and usually hosting playdates or chauffeuring my girls.

Where do you go to pamper yourself? To rehearsal with my band Key Lime Pie, and my Buddhist meetings.

How would your friends describe you? Sarcastic sense of humor about everything, glass-half-full kind of gal, very creative and sensitive, able to hang out with the guys, compassionate, romantic and at times moody.

What was the last book you read and why? Learning from the Gosho: The Eternal Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. A crucial part of my Buddhist practice is to study, and since I don’t get a lot of time to read, I take any possible chance I get to read about Buddhism in order to deepen my understanding and my faith.

What was the last movie you saw? Juno.

If your life were a movie, what would be your theme song? “Little Wonders” by Rob Thomas, because if there’s anything I have learned it’s that life moves fast, so I try to live in the moment, good or bad, because it’s gone with a blink of an eye.

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