What can you possibly ask someone that you have grown up with for over 16 years? That's the question that I asked myself when I decided to bring my sister into this project. Knowing Ashley since the day she was born, I felt I knew nearly everything about her. She is obsessed with Nirvana and has a crush on Kurt Cobain. She's a vegetaian, as I am, and can eat a truckload of junk without gaining an ounce. She is learning to play the drums and studying agriculture. Her nickname is "Smiley", and rightfully so. She loves bright colors and is a fan of 50's and 60's iconic figures. Knowing all of this, I had to think a good deal before sitting down to talk with little sis about her past, present and future.

Interview conducted at the Furtado home in Bradford, MA on 7/18/09

Jessica: Give me some general information about yourself- kind of like a Myspace biography. What would you say to someone who didn’t know you?

Ashley: I want success as a drummer. I’m a hippie. I hate discrimination against anything and I believe in all equality.

J: What is your most vivid memory from childhood?

A: I fell off my bike and cut myself in a… graphic place… I couldn’t go to the bathroom and I was afraid to tell (our) mom. Also, I can remember that every Christmas Eve you, our cousins, and nana would have to sleep, or pretend to, until midnight so that Papa could pretend to be Santa and deliver gifts.

J: I remember both of those things. And moving on to now, which song lyrics do you feel describe you best at the present?

A: I’d say “Come on Get Happy” by the Partridge Family. I love music from the 60’s and 70’s and my nickname is Smiley because I’m happy… But “Nobody’s Fool” by Avril Lavigne describes me, too, when she says “I’m for real; I feel what only I can feel. And if that don’t appeal to ya, let me know, and I’ll go ‘cause I flow better when my colors show.”

J: You are unique, indeed. Here’s a question that I’ve been waiting to ask. Why do you want to be a florist? I would have never picked that career for you.

A: When I took a class in it I thought that it was interesting. I love all of the colors that flowers show. I plan to do floral design or greenhouse management when I am older.

J: Interesting. What is your most prized possession?

A: Hmm… my mouse, Pip, because I love animals and having to take care of them.

J: Since you love animals, what is one wild animal that you would own if you could?

A: A spider monkey. They are cute and they seem like they would be fun to train… they seem like little people.

J: And lastly… what is your favorite childhood memory of us as sisters… and don’t tell me that it’s when I used to pinch you!

A: I was going to say that, haha. It would probably be trying to be like the Spice Girls… singing and dressing up.

J: That was fun. My favorite was playing school. I was always the teacher.

A: Yeah, because you’d tell me I was too little.

J: That’s right. You’ll always be too little to me.