Tara Penner
– As reported to Kristin Millis
Tara Penner was born and raised here in Moab. She loves it, but wishes there were an ocean nearby. She gets to tell the world how amazing the scenery is here as the director of the Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission. Don’t tell anyone, but she secretly wishes to be a stock car driver.
1) What initially brought you to Moab?
I was born and raised here, and have a long line of family history in the area. I came back from college because I simply could not stay away from the beauty and the lifestyle.
2) What do you love most about living in Moab?
I love the community more than anything, but I also love the ability to get out and enjoy this amazing playground we live in.
3) What do you dislike about living in Moab?
The distance from an ocean.
4) What is your occupation?
Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission Director
5) If you could have any job in the world, what would you most like to do?
Doing it! Although, I have always thought being a marine biologist or a paleontologist would be very cool.
6) Describe a typical day in your life.
Getting my daughter up and ready for the nanny, going to work, coming home and doing the typical cooking/cleaning, playtime with my daughter, and then spend time with my husband , or working on projects around the house. I always have a sewing project going on, gardening (starting up a winter greenhouse), or building something!
7) Some people have bumper stickers on their car that reads: I’d Rather be Sailing. What would your bumper sticker read?
I’d Rather Be… water skiing!
8) Tell us one thing people don’t usually know about you.
I grew up wanting to be a stock car driver, and secretly still would love to do it.
9) In high school, you would have been considered the person most likely to…
Succeed, and then trip and break my leg.
10) What is your favorite Moab activity?
Wow – really, just one activity??? Hmmm….. I guess it would be hiking, because it allows the most access to our area.
11) Tell us your favorite non-Moab place to visit.
The ocean. Anywhere. Okay, preferably somewhere warm, my favorite places I have been so far are Hawaii, Mexico, and Florida, but I do quite like Washington and Oregon just for the beauty of the coastline and the jagged rocks.
12) What do you consider your greatest achievement in life?
Becoming a wife and mother. May sound cliché, or boring, but I could not imagine anything greater in my life.
13) If you were President, what’s the first thing you’d do to make life better in America?
The first thing I would TRY to do is create a healthier, more sustainable society.
14) What superhero power would you most like to have?
Flying, of course!
15) If you could be an animal, what would it be? Why?
A dolphin. They get to swim all day, explore the ocean, and they always look happy, even if they are not. On top of that, they are extremely intelligent and playful – the perfect combination, if you ask me!
16) What is your all time favorite movie?
“Forrest Gump”
17) And, your all time favorite book?
Impossible to say – I just finished reading The Color of Rain, but my books range from Helter Skelter, to Janet Evanovich, to the Bible. I read every chance I get, and truly enjoy them all! Even if it is “Go Train, Go” one hundred times a night with my daughter.
18) If you were stranded on a desert island, which three CDs would you want to have with you?
How much sense would it be to have CD’s in this scenario? I would say I would want some really crappy ones, so I would not feel bad about using them as a flying disc.
19) If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
Steve Irwin, or Jesus. Steve seems like he was always so full of energy, and upbeat, and I am sure would have me laughing until my stomach hurt. Jesus – Who WOULDN’T want to ask Him 100 questions and have Him turn your water into wine?
20) What is your life philosophy?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
