Last week I went to New York for my favorite day of the year — the day I get to be supermodel for a day! Isn’t that stressful, you ask?  Well, it would be if I didn’t know from experience how this group of experts takes my naked face and clean-only hair and transform me into camera-readiness. 

Sure, it takes hours (Sadly, more time each year is required to putty up the cracks.) but I’m in good hands.  Makeup artist to the stars (like Jewel) Charlie Green works wonders.  (She’s got lots of miracle-working putty, which Jewel doesn’t need, but I do.) Hair stylist Mitch Barry (he does Kyra Sedgwick’s hair) takes over then and manages to tame my cowlicks, which is tantamount to driving the herd. 

Then we break for lunch.  By that time, I’ve been there for several hours and everyone needs sustenance.  Except I must deny myself, so I can fit into the clothes stylist Risa Knight and her beautiful assistant Ariane have brought for me to wear.  After lunch, Charlie touches up the makeup, Mitch tweaks my hair, I’m zipped into impossibly tight jeans, and we’re ready to start actually taking pictures!  (Once I was in the jeans, I did allow myself a chocolate chip cookie.)

Andrew Eccles is an excellent photographer, and having worked together for years now, I consider him a friend.  (If I had a “best side” he would find it!)  He got very creative this time with the book’s “theme,” and I think you’re going to appreciate the technical aspects of the photograph.  He runs a very relaxed set and I even get to pick the music.  It’s fun! 

This year, as a special treat for her, I took my daughter Rachel along.  I’ll never be able to go back without her.  She charmed the whole crew and when we left at 5:30 that afternoon, after a seven and half hour day in the studio, she was exchanging email addresses with her new BFFs.  Andrew even took some shots of us together, so we’ve got souvenirs of that special day. 

And speaking of children. . .I’ve got good news about my son Ryan.  Some of you may remember him from  “Guiding Light” and “The Young and the Restless.”  For the past couple years, he’s been writing a novel.  I’m pleased to report that it’s finished and he’s SOLD it to Pocket Books!  It’ll be out in hardcover next spring, date TBD.  It has a title, but I’ll let him announce it to you when he gets his own website.   It’s fast-moving, funny, and fantastical.  I’ll keep you posted on progress.

The whole family is off to the beach for the Memorial Day weekend.  Enjoy yours.  Be safe!”