Name: Patty Kogutek
Age: Geez, ran out of fingers and toes!
Title: Author, a.k.a. “Sister Mary Vodka”
Married/Single: Took me a while and a few marriages, (including one to God,) but finally found the “right” one. Married 24 years!
Kids: Loved being an elementary school principal so had 800 at a time! None of my own.
City you live in: Currently split time between MT and Phx. Selling a home in Whitefish, MT to reside permanently in sunny Phoenix, AZ.
A typical day in my life includes…
Like some need their coffee, I look to my daily inspirational hike to set my day on the right start to write, inspire, and look for guidance within. Like to throw in a round of golf, lunch, with friends, a proper happy hour, and relaxing dinner with my husband and friends.
I was born…
born in Sioux City, Iowa….Mom wanted to name me “Sue”…creativity runs in our family!
My favorite thing about Arizona…
Love the sunshine which makes my soul sing.
I’m listening to… My Heart!!
My family…
It’s not whether your family is dysfunctional or not….it’s just a matter of degree!!!
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
my deceased father. I took so many dinners and opportunities for granted.
One thing I cannot live without…. I travel with a trunk of shoes!
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a nun to please my heavenly father and my earth father. Sometimes dreams don’t’ work out for the best.
I’m inspired by…
helping others achieve their happiness and feeling the “aha” moments in life.
The one person who motivates me is…
Me. If I want to change the world it starts within. Inspiration is an inside job.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
Why would I want to change the world? The only thing I have control of is my attitude toward the world.
The perfect day would be…
able to enjoy each present moment with love and laughter.
My first job was…
Candy striper…one day on the job and hated it. Had to finish out my summer commitment though, as any good “guilt sponge” would do.
My favorite escape… Any beach…any day…especially sunset.
My life…
is an open book. The greatest “nun secret” of my past life was published 5 years ago. “A Change of Habit: A Spiritual Journey From Sister Mary Kateri to Sister Mary Vodka” chronicles my life as a catholic nun for 7 years and my search for a meaningful relationship with God and happiness.
I’m currently working on…
Getting my new book “G-vites ~ Everyday Invitations From God” launched and into as many hands as possible, giving people “permission” to find a relationship with God outside of the church walls, in their daily experiences.
Always… Have faith that EVERYTHING works out for the best – eventually
Never…Give up
Favorite Quote…
Found my favorite motivational quote in a Chinese fortune cookie: “Sometimes your greatest failure, can launch you into your strongest power”…or something like that.
Biggest Dream…
That everyone will realize that they HAVE indeed won the lottery and that they are living blessed lives fulfilling their destiny. Here’s to your happiness.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
The “perfectionism” that plagues me to get everything “just right”. Perfectionists are never happy! Let’s ditch the guilt, expectations of others and enjoy our own personal journeys.
