The latest installment of our Baristanet Profile series, where we get to know the people in our neighborhood:
Name: Annicia Adams Durka
Where do you live? In the South End of Montclair on Lincoln Street.
When did you move there? Four years ago.
Where did you grow up? Most of my childhood was spent in California on the central coast and in Southern California, but I was born in Alaska. I lived there until I was 7 years old.
How do you make a living? I’m a textile designer. I love my job!
Coffee, tea or … ? Yogic Chai.
What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday? Going to an early yoga class, then working/playing in the garden with my son and husband. Spending time in our yard all day. Then we throw some food on the grill and drink a few of my husband’s homemade beers. To finish off the day my husband and I sit around the fire pit in the back yard after our son has gone to sleep and watch the fire.
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant.
What’s on your nightstand? Always a large glass of water and right now two graphic novels by Rutu Modan, Exit Wounds and Jamilti. I love the way she tells a story. Her illustrations are wonderful and I love her use of color.
What are you listening to? The Allah-Las. They are a dreamy, beachy sounding band from LA. It reminds me of being on the beach in California. It’s helping me get through the winter.
What are your current addictions? Popcorn with braggs and nutritional yeast. Binge watching The Tudors.
Talent you would most like to have. I would love to be able to play an instrument well. Really well. Probably the piano or guitar.
What’s the worst-kept secret about Montclair? The fact that we can take our toddler on a “hike” and it can be a quick outing. Eagle Rock Reservation and Mills Reservation are so close. It’s a wonderful way to foster a love of nature and being outdoors without a long drive or an all-day commitment. They are such little gems and we are all lucky to have them in our backyard.
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? She was a loving generous person that always put friends and family first. She had an upbeat spirit and always made people feel happy when they were around her.