What happened when three dear friends kidnapped me for a long weekend in Nashville to begin my birthday celebration (yes, I’m celebrating until my B-day on Oct 3) exemplifies the wonderful email I recently received about the power of friendships with “our sisters”.  The power of women supporting women – the joy of these bonds – can not be overstated.

I had never visited Nashville so it was the perfect adventure.

It was a thrill to stay at the recently restored, gracious and lovely, Hermitage Hotel.  When built the Hermitage was a symbol of Nashville’s emergence as a major Southern city where the famous flocked.

After checking into the hotel, we immediately headed to The Frist Center for the Visual Arts and The Golden Age of Couture, Paris and London 1947-1957 exhibit organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

The Golden Age of Couture celebrates a momentous decade in fashion history which began with the launch of Christian Dior’s famous New Look in 1947 and ended with his death in 1957.  It was Dior himself who christened this era fashions “golden age”, a period when haute couture thrived and Paris enjoyed renown worldwide for the luxurious creations of designers such as Cristobal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain and Hubert de Givenchy.

London also proved itself a burgeoning fashion capital, boasting Savile Row, the undisputed home of bespoke tailoring, and prominent couturiers such as Charles Creed, Hardy Amies and Norman Hartnell, who dressed debutantes, aristocrats and the royal family. Fabulous examples of evening gowns, cocktail dresses and tailored suits from V&A’s collection were shown along side fashion illustrations and photographs by Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton and Irving Penn.

This exhibit pays tribute to the impeccable workmanship and creative flair behind some of the most famous couture styles of all time.  It captures a time when dressing was an elegant art. Exhausted but still eager to explore, we drove to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art to view the exceptional work of renowned glassblowing artist, Dale Chihuly.

The dramatic works were on view inside the house and installed amid the natural landscapes of Cheekwood’s beautiful gardens.  The giant garden of glass and a 30-ft neon sculpture, the Saffron Tower, the works tucked into groves and floating in the ponds, all beautifully lighted, were truly spectacular at night.

Our “sister” weekend included antique hunting (found perfect wedding gifts for the daughter of another dear friend) in charming, Franklin, TN - shopped at fabulous Jamies, a great store for designer clothes – visited the Parthenon and Vanderbilt University – and spent hours at Belle Meade Plantation, a historical landmark, now a museum which tells the story of the prominent Harding family, a rich history that intertwines thoroughbred horse breeding and war.

Any visit to Nashville would not be complete without a visit to a Honky Tonk on Broadway.  The music was great at Tootsie’s – where I had a night I’ll never forget.

My friend, Laurie, asked the band to play some Patsy Cline (my favorite) for my birthday - which they did to wild applause.

About 10 minutes later I went to the ladies room, closed the wooden door to the stall and thought I locked it.

Until it burst open and a woman stood there, smiling. 

“I’m goin’ to sing you, Happy Birthday!” she shouted in a lyrical southern accent.  She proceeded to belt out a fabulous Country Music meets Pop rendition of Happy Birthday which I shall never forget.

Honestly, what could be a better example of woman supporting women and the perfect ending to my outstanding 4 days and 3 nights in beautiful Nashville.

The Romance Writers of America conference in Orlando, Florida, ended with a party where 2000+ writers cheered one another on to greater success.  What a fabulous support system.

The conference is the place I recharge my creativity, reconnect with friends and reboot my career.  I did all of the above before I blew kisses until my friends disappeared from view and the airport loomed in front of me.

That was when the trouble began with thunder storms, flight delays, the Red Carpet Club closing before I finished my glass of champagne, lighting flashing outside my airplane window and a bumpy ride.

I arrived safely home in Chicago at one p.m. the following morning.  The same day I was scheduled to model in a charity fashion show at The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago.

Five hours later – yes that would be 4 hours of sleep and 6am – I was at the hairdresser, make-up and the rehearsal.  Even the professional models were complaining about the carpet on the run-way making it difficult to pivot, so you can image how we non – professionals were quaking in our four inch heels.

My first dress was a glorious vintage black 1950 Mr.  Blackwell.  It has a scoop neck, long tight sleeves, low cut back and a beautiful over-skirt.  It is a fashion piece straight from the pages of a 1950 Vogue Magazine.  The dress received wild applause from the audience – later many encouraged me to buy the dress, except for one dear friend who said it looked as if two small boys were fighting under the graceful but wide over-skirt. 

My second outfit was a purple dress from one of my favorite designers, Luca Luca, which is perfect for the Fall season.  Thank goodness I only had to walk in the dress, not sit down in it.  Either the dress shrunk on the hanger or four days of partying with writers, editors, agents and readers added a few pounds to my hips – I’m betting it was the later.

Squeezing in and out of the purple dress caused me to reflect on the last forty-eight hours and my “professional” party vs my “philanthropic” party.

The true is I love them both and they both give me a great feeling of accomplishment.  I’m so proud to be a published author and I love talking with readers – I will never get over my feelings of deep gratitude that readers spend their hard-earned money and precious time reading my books.

Clothing our bodies is a fundamental pleasure, along with breathing, eating and sleeping, plus a few more we all know and love.  So fashion, clothes big sister, as indicator of our social mores and moods is important – besides it is fun.  The Fashion Show was such fun it raised several thousand dollars for my favorite charity, The Service Club of Chicago.

I have this saying:  The square of life is health, wealth, love and perfect self-expression.  I have discovered that I must have both parties – professional and philanthropic - for my perfect self-expression.  May yours be as sweet.   

I recently returned from a trip to LA with two teenagers – age 14 (girl) and 19 (boy or adult male as he wishes to be called) so have now complied a new list for “doing Hollywood.”

If your time is limited hire a driver.  Our driver was from Armenia, loves America, and had dozens of stories to tell about the celebrities he has driven. Even if half or none of the stories are true, he was wonderfully entertaining!.  He drove us to a street where we had a fabulous view of the HOLLYWOOD sign for a photo opportunity and he shared some exciting new information.  At the end of said road there is a stable where we could ride horses up to the sign (remember in the fun film, PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTENING THIEF when the entrance to Hades is the H of the Hollywood sign?).  No time to ride this visit but definitely MUST DO next time.

Next we had to walk the several blocks along Hollywood Blvd. studded with our favorite “stars” (it was disturbing to note that the teenagers did not recognize many of the “stars” – how fleeting fame!)  Our walk ended at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre where they were most interested in the hand and foot impressions in cement – particularly when the 19 yr old young male found he has the same shoe size as actor, Will Smith.

After this morning of fun there is only one place to stop for lunch – The Ivy on Robertson (the last time I was there photographers were knocking one another over to get shots of Paris Hilton eating her salad).  This visit, there were a few young TV starlets nibbling on lettuce who were promptly recognized by 14 yr old. The best part was our pre-arranged meeting with a dear friend’s daughter – she goes to USC and regaled us with the joys of living in LA (yes, the young male is smitten with both friend’s daughter and going to school in sunny California).  The Ivy is a MUST DO for people watching, truly charming décor and seriously yummy food.

After lunch came dessert – a VIP Tour of Warner Brothers Studio.  The Back Lot – the Harry Potter Museum – the huge sound stage where they created the final storm in THE PERFECT STORM – the set of Two and A Half Men (where we were told Charlie Sheen had just signed for 2 more years) – all of it was as exciting for me as it was for teenagers (both said “awesome” multiple times).

The end of a perfect day in LA came when we entertained my favorite actor/stuntman/writer/director/producer, Kevin Foster, for dinner at my favorite restaurant in Southern California: The Parkway Grill in Pasadena.  He brought signed copies of his new independent film HALFWAY for the teenagers (they had watched my copy with the following comments: 14 yr old, “It’s the best movie I’ve ever seen besides the Twilight movies; 19 yr old, “I can’t watch it again with my friends.  I got teary in too many parts”).  Truly it is a wonderful film which Kevin is currently promoting through Film Festivals.

You’ve seen my friend Kevin in the films LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN with Sean Connery, THE VILLAGE by director M. Night Shyamalan, IRON MAN – to name a few.  And in TV shows, Alias and more recently in Castle.  I’m delighted to report that Castle, Nathan Fillion, is a great guy.  Not only has Kevin appeared in Castle but so has his beautiful fiancée, Molly.  Recently Molly had a part as a bartender stuck behind a tiny bar, stepping carefully around hidden electrical equipment.  While they were shooting the scene, Molly stepped to the right as directed, tripped over a wire and all the lights went out.  She was mortified, ready to burst into tears, when Nathan walked over to her and said, “Don’t worry.  Most days I do the same thing.”

It’s wonderful to discover the object of my devotion deserves it.

Would I have “done Hollywood” in this way if I hadn’t been with two eager teenagers? – NO.  Would I have missed out on a terrific day – YES!  Loved it and hope you do too on your next visit.

This June, Hollywood came to Chicago and I’m thrilled to report that I was there for AN EVENING WITH ROBERT DOWNEY, JR.  The award winning actor was in Chicago to receive the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award.

RDJ was adorable as was his wife/producer Susan, who is from Chicago.  If I hadn’t been a fan before (loved both IRON MAN films, SHERLOCK HOLMES plus so much of his earlier work) I would have immediately fallen under his spell.  RDJ was sweet, witty, insightful and appeared genuinely happy to be at the party.

The evening at The Ritz Carlton started with cocktails, moved on to dinner in the intimate ballroom - each course was named after a RDJ movie and all were beyond yummy!
The best part was the Q & A with Todd Phillips ( also charming and approachable) Asking questions and RDJ Answering them.

Being a film fan I’m familiar with Todd’s work – he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for BORAT (which I did not see).  His latest film, THE HANGOVER (which I did see – it had many very funny moments) is the highest grossing R rated comedy of all time, winner of the Best Comedy Film Award from the Broadcast Film Critics Ass., and the Golden Globe winner for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

The Q & A revealed some “hot news” tidbits.  RDJ and his wife, Susan, have formed their own production company, Team Downey.  Their first project will be the Steve McQueen script “Yucatan”, a heist film.

Plus Todd showed a “first time ever seen” film clip of his new film DUE DATE starring Robert Downey, Jr., Jamie Foxx and Zach Galifianakis.  Very funny!  I’ll be standing in line to see it this Fall.

Oh, yes, I also acquired what will no doubt become a family heirloom for my children and grandchildren.  I always talk with my hands.  Obviously at some point doing the live auction my hand must have shot upward because I am now the proud owner of a signed copy of THE HANGOVER and an IRON MAN helmet signed by Robert Downey, Jr.  – the perfect end to a perfect evening!

You all know I’ve been a movie buff since I was five years old so I have collected quite a large repertoire of famous movie lines I throw out whenever the occasion warrants.

“Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up” the iconic line Gloria Swanson utters in the final frame of the classic film SUNSET BOULEVARD now holds new meaning for me.

I was lucky enough to be featured in the June 2010 issue of Sheridan Road Magazine – complete with a large picture of me.  The picture is . . . nice.  (Does anyone ever really like their pictures?  Don’t we always think we could have looked thinner, taller, less fatigued, smiled more or less – the list is endless.)

Of course people have been polite:  “Great article.  Nice picture.” Until, at last, someone told me the truth.  It was the owner of the car service we use to drive us to the airport.  I called to arrange a pick up for an upcoming trip to LA.

His exact words:  “Good article.  Picture wasn’t so good though.  They didn’t capture your energy.”

Interesting, I thought – how could a picture capture my energy?

A day later I was notified that I was among six very lucky Chicago authors who would grace the cover of Make It Better Northshore Magazine – plus we would be interviewed and individual pictures taken of us.

This time I wanted my picture to be more than just nice. I wanted it to have energy.  I determined to be ready for “my close-up” by researching what tricks models/actresses use to look their best.

Here’s a few tricks I learned:

1. Sit up really straight so you have that little arc at the base of your spine.
2. Avoid carbs and salty food a day before the photo shoot – cuts down on the dreaded bloat.
3. A little (fake) tan makes you look thinner.
4. The dewy look is fabulous (personally I love it) but you must powder your nose for the camera.
5. Tighten up those jiggling upper arms by putting your hand on your hip, never flat to your side.

Armed with such information I felt ready for the big day.

We had been instructed to bring something all white for the group shot, but for our individual shots we were told to wear whatever reflected our “brand.”  I took two Zac Posen dresses and one Nazia, a Chicago designer - all are purple to match the gown on the cover of my newest book, A BLACK TIE AFFAIR.  Of course I took shoes and jewelry to match each dress.

I felt slightly silly lugging so many outfits until I arrived to discover my Co-Covergirls had also brought multiple choices.

John Reilly, a well known brilliant Chicago photographer wanted to do something fun, something with energy. So when he asked for a volunteer to pose at the top of a tall ladder I thrust up my hand. (Joy!  At last I wouldn’t be the “short one” in the front row).

My slightly wobbly ladder and the stools the others perched upon were all draped in white.  We were all dressed in white – rather like angels sitting on clouds.

When you see the August 2010 issue of Make It Better Northshore Magazine I’ll be the angel hovering above the others.  My nose will be powdered, my spine will have an arc, but my hand will not be on my hip. Both hands will be clutching the ladder to hold my heavenly perch.

But maybe you won’t notice my jiggling arms because I’m wearing a fabulous Larry Vrba turquoise, pearl and rhinestone bib necklace and earrings.

Last trick: every close-up needs some bling.

I confess I’m addicted to film and I have been since I was five years old.

As many of you know, my mother was born developmentally disabled.  At age 5 it became my job to help take care of her.  It was a gentler time, when a little girl could safely take her obviously challenged mother by the hand to go on the bus to movie theaters in my Midwest city.

As I grew older – learned to read, write; to reason – and my mother did not, movies became the vehicle through which we could connect.

From the time I was five until I left for college, most weekends I took my mother to four movies for the sheer joy of being able to laugh with her at funny films, cry at sad ones and scream during horror flicks.

Every time I walk into a darkened theatre I think of my mother and the joy film has always given her.  For me the summer movie season is more than a bonanza of fabulous  films – it is an opportunity to magically connect with other loved ones in the same way.

This June, there will be several magical moments in Chicago.  Not only will Ron Howard be honored at The Film Festival, but Robert Downey, Jr. will be awarded the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award – and I’m thrilled to report I’ll be in attendance!

Of course IRON MAN 2 is at the top of my Summer movie list ( I’ve already seen it and I give it an A – Robert Downey, Jr. again delights!), but here are a few of my other must-see summer movies:

·         ROBIN HOOD (saw it – found it interesting – great cast and director)

·         SEX AND THE CITY 2 ( I was at the Premier Party on May 26 – all dressed up, sipping champagne and enjoying the film.  I don’t care what the critics say.  I’ll see it again just for the clothes, shoes and fun gals.)

·        PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME (The female lead, Gemma Arterton, was very compelling in CLASH OF THE TITANS- ok, it wasn’t the best film but she was memorable!)

·         LETTERS TO JULIET (I’m a hopeless romantic)

·         SHREK FOREVER AFTER (Yes, I’ll be seeing this with young children)

·         KNIGHT AND DAY (I’m hoping it will replace my unpleasant memory of Cruise and Diaz in VANILLA SKY)

·         JONAH HEX (For some reason I can’t explain, I feel compelled to take the risk and see this one)

·         THE A-TEAM ( Loved the series – like this cast)

·         THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE ( I saw the first two with teenagers – how can I not see this one?)

·         THE KARATE KID ( I was at the Olympics in China so will enjoy revisiting those sites - plus Jackie Chan is just too much fun!)

·         TOY STORY  3 (Another opportunity to share with the children)

·         LOVE RANCH (This one is strictly for me – Helen Mirren rocks!)

·         INCEPTION (I’m not a big fan of Chris Nolan, the director – but I’m giving this one a chance)

·         THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (Because I am a fan of Matt Damon and Emily Blunt)

·         SALT (Angelina Jolie is always interesting)

·         PREDATORS (I still love horror flicks)

·         THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE (It looks like a blast with Nicolas Cage)

·         THE LAST AIRBENDER (Again for the children – plus this director has done some good work in the past – he needs a winner after a string of misses)

·         EAT PRAY LOVE (How can I resist?)

·         THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE ( I must rent THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO before I see this one)

·         GOING THE DISTANCE (Just because of Drew Barrymore)

·         THE SWITCH ( It looks like a fun summer romance)

I wish we could see them all together to share the magic! 

xoxo

Sherrill

The Chicago landmark Palmer House Hotel very generously hosted my book launch party for A BLACK TIE AFFAIR on Thursday, January 7. Michigan Avenue Magazine co-sponsored it - covering it for a future issue.

Food, open bar, champagne, books - the place to be that night from 5:30 to 8 pm. Many of my friends, old and new, agreed - over 200 sent in their RSVP's. My good friend, Ruth Glick (Rebecca York) and her husband flew in from Washington D.C. The Book Stall ordered more copies of A BLACK TIE AFFAIR to sell at the party. I bought a new purple dress to match my book cover. It would be a night to remember.

The blizzard started at 4am Thursday morning. Dire predictions of 12 inches and increasingly high winds flooded every news cast on radio, TV, internet. I started getting phone calls at 6:20am -- what was I going to do? I fleetingly thought of those old TV shows, "I Dream of Jeanne" and "Bewitched" and wished I could wiggle my nose and make the snow go away to come another day.

All I could do was follow what I had learned at my Grandmother's knee - "No matter what happens, make the best of it."

A friend picked me up in his jeep and got me to the hotel in time for me to change out of my woolies and boots into my new purple dress to match my cover and my glittery Louboutin shoes.

The book store was there - stacks of A BLACK TIE AFFAIR and TALK OF THE TOWN neatly displayed. The bar was open - the champagne chilled - waiters were standing at attention, armed with trays of shrimp, crab cakes and mini cheeseburgers.

At 5:30 I plastered a smile on my face, determined never to let it waver even if I had to eat every shrimp, crab cake, mini-burger myself, besides guzzle 20 bottles of champagne.

At 5:36 the first intrepid guest staggered in from the storm. I signed the first copy of A BLACK TIE AFFAIR at 5:42 and never stopped signing books until the room captain whispered in my ear at 8:25, "Sherrill, it is after 8, we are going to close the bar."

Yes, it was a night to remember. The night 170 of my friends braved the elements to celebrate with me. I'll never forget it. I wish all of you could have been there.

xoxo

I grew up in my grandmother's house surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends of my grandparents who needed a place to stay. It was said of my grandmother that "she never knew a stranger."

My grandmother's generosity is what the holidays mean for me.

Several years ago I started giving "An Almost Christmas Eve Party" on December 23 for friends who were alone at the holidays. Each year the party has grown and now includes friends of my children. The party’s theme decor is always where I have traveled in the past year. This year my invitation reads:

It is almost the night before Christmas and the memories of our travels to Akumal, Cozumel, a wedding in Transylvania, Milan Fashion Week, Theatre in London, Canals of Bruges and cruising the Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean Seas are dancing through our heads.

Please join us for the cuisine and music of some of our favorite places.


I wish you all could be there. I believe my grandmother would be pleased.