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Michelle Tumes—Her California Dreams are Coming True
interview by Michael Herman
Shelvis? It's an interesting nickname for someone who avoided the spotlight whenever possible. But Michelle Tumes has overcome her stage fright and has enjoyed personal and professional success. The last four years have been good to her, which is something she doesn't take for granted.
Michelle's love of songwriting can be witnessed in her numerous accomplishments, one among many being Jaci Valesquez's "In This World." To top it off, Michelle recently received ASCAP's 2001 Songwriter of the Year award. She also enjoys singing and has achieved a balance of songwriting and performing responsibilities. Michelle's marriage and subsequent move to California, a strong reminder of her native Australia, add to her continued blessings.
What is Michelle like today? How would she describe herself? You might be surprised to find out she'd someday love to record a song with … well, you'll have to read on to find out.
What three words best describe you?
Reflective, unorganized, and happy.
What motivates you?
Encouragement.
What are your spiritual gifts?
Discernment and hospitality.
What's one thing you've overcome in your life?
Fear, in general, and shyness.
Other than salvation, to which of God's promises do you hold tightly?
God's continuous love amazes me.
What would your friends say is something you do that's "odd?"
I spill food on my shirts. My husband would say that right away about me.
What do you do that's a total waste of time?
Watching TV, especially Seinfeld reruns.
What are some of your nicknames?
Shelly, Shelby, Shelvis, and the Shelvinator.
What is the best way to change your mood? (good/bad)
I go for a run. It's a good release for me and it helps clear my mind.
What language would you like to speak?
French.
What job would you like to do for a day?
I'd like to help children feel better. I'd be a pediatrician.
What's a great lesson you've learned?
When I'm praying, I've learned to go with my instincts from God.
What's something you would like to do better?
I should really have a tidier house.
What animal, other than a dog or a cat, do you think would make a fun pet?
A horse.
What's the one thing you want to take out of your life?
Refined sugar.
Do you collect anything?
I like to try to get something from different places I travel to. Not always the same type of thing, but something that would remind me of that place.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Cooking, I've become a much better cook over the past few years.
With what artist would you like to perform a song?
Bono.
Meeting what person would give you butterflies in your stomach?
Sting. I sent a note up to his room after a concert once when I was a lot younger … but I don't know if he ever read it.
If you were on the show Survivor, what would your luxury item be?
Chocolate. It might melt in the heat, but even melted chocolate is good.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
"You know?"
What is the best meal you've ever prepared?
Chicken Kiev.
This Or That:
(Michelle's answer in CAPS)
- Morning Person or NIGHT OWL?
- Summer in America or SUMMER IN AUSTRALIA?
- FRENCH FRIES or side salad?
- DRESS-UP or Casual?
- Left-brained or RIGHT-BRAINED (creative)?
- SPONTANEOUS or Scheduled?
- Sunrise or SUNSET?
- CALIFORNIA or Nashville?
- TAKE A DARE or Turn It Down?
- Large or SMALL AUDIENCE?
- HOTEL or Campsite?
- SURF or Turf?
- Sing In the Car or JUST DRIVE?
- Big Breakfast or JUST COFFEE?
- Spicy or MILD?
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