TueNight 10: Margaret Crandall

By TueNight Crew

(Margaret with her neighbors’ dog, Daisy)

Age: 48

Basic bio: Margaret Crandall is TueNight’s new newsletter editor, a native East Coaster who has lived in San Francisco for almost 20 years. Her roommate is a silver mannequin named Svetlana. 

Beyond the bio: I keep coming back to the words “achieve” and “contribute.” I spent most of my life thinking I was supposed to achieve, but finally realized I’m happiest and at my best when I contribute to larger efforts from behind the scenes. 

What makes you a grown-ass lady? Recognizing how much I still have to learn (and being excited to learn it).

1. On the nightstand: Heads of the Colored People by Nafissa Thompson-Spires, a box of Kleenex, my glasses, and Emerita Pro-Gest and Phytoestrogen creams, which someone insisted I try, but I don’t notice any difference re: mood/energy level. 

2. Can’t stop/won’t stop: Browsing Etsy for the perfect vintage caftan. (I just ordered a 70s “summer house coat” for the TueNight Slumber Party!)

3. Jam of the minute: I mostly listen to old reggae and rocksteady on Pandora. Stuff like Delroy Wilson’s “Better Must Come.”

4. Thing I miss: My dog. She died a year ago. The neighbors think I’m taking care of Daisy (above) two days a week, but really it’s the other way around. 

5. ’80s crush: Don Johnson. I even went to Miami to look for him. 

6. Current crush: Billy Porter, for his talent, his confidence, his voice. I would listen to him read the dictionary. #THECATEGORYIS

7. Latest fave find: The Kristoff candle from Lita+Ro which reminds me of Christmas as a kid and doesn’t overpower my apartment, and these Monrow linen blend jogger pants when they were on sale. I wear them all day and sleep in them too. They are basically pajamas you can wear outside. 

8. Last thing I lost: My reading glasses, which were, of course, on top of my head. 

9. Best thing that happened recently: After a 33-year break, I started playing tennis again. I’m back at a beginner level, but it’s so fun I don’t care if I hit the ball over the fence. 

10. Looking forward to: A COVID-19 vaccine, seeing East Coast family and friends, and getting my hair cut.

Originally Published August 6, 2020. Updated April 2, 2021.