Waukegan nature lover and former teacher David Toledo was taking time from his job to eat an afternoon snack and enjoy the vista at Wilmette’s newly dedicated Elmwood Dunes Preserve when the Pioneer Press happened on him on Nov. 3. He shared his thoughts on holidays, his favorite colors and more.
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What are your two favorite holidays?
I think my favorite two holidays are Halloween – just because everybody gets to perform and act as someone they aren’t – and my second favorite may sound strange, but it’s Mother’s Day, because seriously, we appreciate our mothers so much, and this is the day we can honor them.
Can you give us four or five words that you think describe who you are?
One of them, since I’m into astrology, is Gemini, since that’s what I am, and that should tell you a lot. I had someone read my palm in San Francisco – without my permission, but it turned out to be interesting – and he said I was genuine, so that’s a second word. Thoughtful, maybe, and what else? Silly.
When it comes to pizza, what’s your pleasure; deep dish or flat?
I lived in California for a year, and I have to say it’s deep dish for me, because I missed it so much while I was there. I love it with slices of fresh tomato on top.
Can you tell us about a cause or charity you believe in?
I think my favorite cause, which aligns with my profession, would be agriculture, sustainable agriculture. We have to get back to sustainable practices, and everyone needs to eat!
Since we talked about two favorite holidays, let’s ask you about another two: your favorite two colors.
One of them would be purple, definitely, because it’s mysterious yet elegant. And second will have to be a dark or royal blue, because it’s my mom’s favorite color.
If you could meet any historic figure, who would it be?
I don’t know any particular name, but I’ve always wanted to know an Aztec leader because I am so curious about the Aztec civilization.
Do you have any movie or piece of literature you like?
When I was a sophomore in college, a professor made us memorize at least 10 lines of a poem. The poem I chose was “Yo Soy Joaquin/I Am Joaquin.” It starts, “I am Joaquin, Lost in a world of confusion/Yo soy Joaquin, Perdido en un mundo de confusion.” I met the poet, the author Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales.
Now for something really random; are you going to go to the new “Star Wars” movie?
If anyone asks me, I’ll go, but it’s not on my schedule.
– Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press
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