The Makeover Guy

Thanksgiving

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:50:48 -0500

I received an email from a man at growingbolder.com who asked me what I was most grateful for. I replied, “Hair.” I sifted through my cornucopia of gratitude and thought…corny. I don’t want to sound corny. I am grateful for so many things, but for some reason its personal. I’m grateful, but its rather vulnerable for me to express gratitude, so I said "hair." However, it IS Thanksgiving Day. Our morning haze was interrupted by a heavy thunk on the window. “Was it a bird?” I asked Robert, knowing of course it was, but what else do you say… “Yeah, it’s struggling,” he said. I looked out. “It’s a Robin.” “No, they’ve all gone south,” he replied, as he always does. Like he knows a fact and it’s an absolute truth. “It’s a Robin, Robert, there are bunch of them.” As our eyes panned our yard into the neighbors’ we saw what seemed like hundreds of Robins. “It’s Lois,” I decided. “She says ‘Happy Thanksgiving.’” . Lois is my Grandmother whose body gave up 6 years ago. Her spirit touches me frequently. Last night it was a color – a rose-beige fabric in “White Christmas,” the sappy-but-I-love-it holiday movie we watch at least twice a year. The carpeting at "the farm" was rose beige, but by the time I could remember it, it was more …“greige.” Thoughts come pouring when Lois touches me. She touches me when I smell lilacs. She touches me when I taste a root beer float. She touches me every Halloween and I think “popcorn balls.” She touches me when I bend over to pick up a crumb off the carpet. She touches me when I see a robin. Spirits are stronger in the holiday season. So too is sentiment, I suppose. On Thanksgiving it is gratitude that strikes me -- hard enough too forget about being corny, and to just be grateful. Grateful for memories. Grateful for this lifetime. I am so grateful. I’m grateful that I can live with the person with whom eternity isn’t long enough to fully appreciate. I’m grateful that my Mother has found true love, twice in one lifetime. I’m grateful that I was published, and people are touched. I’m grateful to have employees who are devoted. I’m grateful for two of the most beautiful babies in the world that press up against us hard and growl in soft happiness. I’m grateful for this…being able to express myself, at a computer, in front of a fire as flocks of birds dance through the trees. I’m grateful for so much. And I’m grateful for hair.

Please Help Me Build My Beauty Revival Guide

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:19:18 -0500

Sometimes we forget who we are, or where we’re going, or who we are trying to become. Sometimes a day turns into a week, then a month and soon, we’re just coasting. Living life by default instead of creating it how we want. That was the core reason for writing “Staging Your Comeback.” The belief was that if I have to look at a sheet of paper every day just to keep myself in check then others must need it to. That’s how the beauty revival guide that accompanies the book was created. Understandably, for several reasons, my publisher didn’t want to produce a beauty revival guide to accompany the book. So I created the system for people to do it themselves. Using downloads from my site and the tenets of the book, it is fairly easy. Now I want to create a beauty revival guide already assembled, so the process is that much easier. And visually, I believe if I provide an actual guidebook with all the pages to fill out and check off in it, I’m more likely to follow through with my plan. I’m that way. I like a kit. So I need your help. I’ve gotten so many emails from people who’ve gone through the system and are seeing remarkable results. Great stories. But I know I’ve missed something. So I need your ideas. How can I make the beauty revival guide stronger and more helpful? How can I arrange it so it’s simplified, yet more effective at getting you off your butt and out of the rut? I’d love to include stories. I’d like to include motivational quotes (got any that move you? Send them along!) I’d like it to become a piece you look at every day that is your motivation to become your best yet. So I’m just asking for your ideas. What would you like to see in this guide that could help it help you look forward to cracking it open and getting on task? Throw them at me. Especially those of you have created your own revival guide and tailored it to your needs. You must have some great ideas I can use. That’s it. A long way of saying…I need you to help me help you look, and be, your best. Just email me back with any ideas. All are welcome. Thank you, Chrisotpher

Hosting on Live TV -- A Different Ball Game

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:11:24 -0500

I lost my virginity yesterday. To the world of television hosting. I've done a TV show or two, but yesterday, October 13th, marked my first venture into actually hosting a live television show. Totally different scene. When head producer from Twin Cities Live asked me if I had ever read a teleprompter, as she was nodding like "say yes, because we don't have time to go over it," I said. "yes." And I have. I've read a million teleprompters ... but never out loud. I figured we'd run through it, and was waiting, but alas, we didn't, it was live, and there was no going back. I also learned that a word could be cut off in the middle while reading a teleprompter. Which is why I thought I was talking about a hospital named Brea St. Cancer..., but it turned out I was supposed to say Breast Cancer. Oops. It was fun, though, and a baptism by fire experience I'd gladly do again. You can check it out here. Click "Christopher Hopkins" for the opening segment.

Some Recent Encouragement

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:56:14 -0500

I just have to share these. They really hit home the reason I do what I do, and hopefully you can relate. Hello Christopher Hopkins, I've never written to an author before but after finishing your book, Staging Your Comeback, I had to let you know how much I enjoyed a book that was not only full of valuable information but also written with a little crazy humor! Over the years I've read a zillion books on make-up and fashion but now that I'm in my fifties (how did that happen so fast?) I realize I need to re-learn what I thought I knew and re-adjust what I thought worked. (If Madonna can transform herself so many times why can't I?) So, while I was not starting at zero in many ways, I still needed to be reminded of some of the basics that have gotten blurry over the years. In addition, you provided some cool new thoughts that I've added to my new me. And, thank you again for a writing style that is to the point but takes the time to have a little fun along the way. There were several instances when I nearly fell out of my chair with laughter! Good job! Best wishes, TB, a new fan in Ada, Ohio Hi Christopher, You genius, you! How did you know that at 43, I’d put my children first for so many years, and that my home-based freelance writing business allowed me to sink into a state of comfortable pigginess? Your book allowed me to remember what it felt like to take the time and effort to say to the world, “Hey, here I am!” I really had let the passing years fade the memory; it was a very natural slide to invisibility. But now, with both our sons in college, my limp hair longer than it should be, my makeup drawer outdated and unused, and 20 pounds from somewhere (oh, that would be the pigginess) cushioning my frame, I don’t know where to start! But, I’ve got still got the assets (so to speak). At 5’10” and with pale skin and dramatic dark hair and eyes, I remember there was a stunning woman in there. But still, I believe my beauty lies in my confidence, passion, intellect, and general love of life. And that’s why I adore your book so much: you recognize that a woman’s beauty and allure “comes from within,” with plenty of expert “help from without.” So – I want to be a make-over subject for you. Are you writing a sequel? Starting your own TV show? Need make-over candidates for your speaking engagements? I know there are plenty of good make-over artists around, but I want you. Because you get it. And you’re a sharp businessman; aging baby boomer women will part with bags of money for your advice. And you’re witty, a talented writer, and most of all sincere. Boy, you sell yourself. I’m sold. OK, enough love. Can I be a make-over candidate? I can email you some before pics! But most of all, thank you. Somehow, over the years, I had forgotten that I was worth that effort. You rock my world! Kelli Wilmington, NC

and then there was the time I was a singer...

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:02:46 -0500

Ever look back and think, "I used to...?" I do. A lot. I work through most of "I used to's.." ending up with either "I'm glad I did," or "at least I did." I rarely think I wish I hadn't. Recently I came across some old footage of a performance of mine for a PBS special with the Erie Philharmonic. It has been nearly 10 years since I stood on that stage with Maestro Eiji Oue conducting. Some things seem like yesterday and some things seem like another lifetime. When I look now at how young I appeared then it seems like incarnations ago. I wanted to share it though, so here it is. I'm glad I did.

Appreciating the Lost Art of Lovely

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:56:10 -0500

I don’t know why I’m inspired by women “of a certain age.” Tippi Hedren was in Minneapolis being celebrated for her accomplishments in the entertainment industry for Minnesota Proud, a company whose mission it is to celebrate noteworthy Minnesotans. I did her hair and Amy Goulet did her make up. I couldn’t decide if I actually admire her because she was once a movie star, and I’m somewhat mesmerized by that entire era, or that she is just so lovely. Lovely and sexy and smart. Confident, and vulnerable, and a Minnesota girl. So is it that? I like that she’s one of us? I kept wondering why I was captivated. I still do. Tippi Hedren One of the staff commented, watching as I was cutting her hair, “Christopher is in his glory.” She was watching Tippi. The toss of the head, the bat of the eye, the point of the toe, the grace of the hand. And she was right. There is something remarkably pleasant being in the company of a lovely woman. A woman who knows how to be a lady and how to make you want to be a gentleman. Marilyn Carlson Nelson is that way. They command attention and respect by the art of being lovely. So Robert and I went to her reception dinner. She had been up since early that morning, doing media all day, a presentation that lasted over two hours, then arrived at the event, well, still flawlessly beautiful. Lovely. Everything. Gown, earrings, hair, smile. They just don’t grow them like that anymore. And she was planted and raised right here. Minnesota. But I realized as I watched her sitting with friends she’s known for over 70 years, that they all had a certain loveliness and charm. All from the class of ’48, they were slim, hair done, clothes attractive, and, lovely. My mother has the same elegance, and she, well we, are from generations of plain old farm folks. Bean walking, corn detassling, stock car race watching country folks. Judy Garland, Loni Anderson, Marion Ross, Winona Ryder, Arelene Dahl, Cheryl Tiegs, Jane Russell and Ann Sothern are all Minnesota girls. And all have a certain, poise. Something that comes from within. My Mom, Joann Hopkins It’s a dying art I feel. And one whose torch I will carry. As long as we bombarded with the Brittney’s and Lindsay’s and the Paris’s as examples of who we have become, I will continue to celebrate the women who give us pride in who we once were. And whom we can aspire to become again. Ann Sothern Winona Ryder

So You Want to Write a Book?

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:12:08 -0500

If you’re interested in writing a book, or have book ideas, I have a few women who can help. First, the aptly named “Help Me With My Book” is a website operated by Kim Weiss. She’s also the publicist for HCI Books, the company that published my “best selling” book, Staging Your Comeback! She's helped me immensely in getting my book out and in the public eye. Another woman who is fantastic at helping with proposals and generally directing you in your quest is Laurie Harper. She really got me focused and able to get off my butt and out of that rutt of...can I really write a book? Her website is “author biz” another great name. On the new books in beauty department, just hot off the press is a great book called “Green Beauty Guide.” For those interested in staying natural and keeping pretty, this is a great resource for saving the planet and saving face. What a great combo!

A FEW Updates to Keep Things Interesting

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:37:20 -0500

Staging Your Comeback has been such a consistent seller at Wal-Mart over the past couple months that it has been picked up for six different Mod sets (planograms in Wal-Mart speak) in the Fall. To put that in perspective, the only other title that HCI publishes that had more Mod sets was "A Child Called It." Also, sales at Target have been so good that the book has been chosen for the planogram in 1,561 stores! Currently, it is on a best seller promotion because of the TV exposure. Since then sell through continues to exceed expectations and the book will move to the planogram (Life and Home section). The book continues to hold its own on Amazon as number two in Beauty and Health (and I’m going to make sure it gets to number one!). Feel free to add a review if you have not (and you like the book!). I can use all the good reviews I can get. Little House on the Prairie, The Musical a must see for fans of the books and show I had the great fun of going to the first preview of "Little House on the Prairie, The Musical" which is showing at the Guthrie and headed to Broadway. Sold out until October, the Musical has Melissa Gilbert playing Ma. I had the entertainment value of attending with Alison Arngrim (Television’s Nellie Oleson) which, of course, made the experience more interesting (and hilarious). Drinks after the show with Melissa, Alison, and other cast members reminded me why I so pleased to no longer be “in theater.” The drama, the angst, the who am I, am I good enough, who are you, I don’t care. We did give Alison a tour of Minneapolis, complete with the flour tower tour at the Mill City Museum. A must experience if ever in the Twin Cities. Later we took her to a party at the Chambers hotel, where, gay icon that she is, she was inundated with men who LOVED that character. I looked over and she was sitting on a chair surrounded by grown men on the floor looking up at her with bright smiles and laughter. Shows you you CAN be a bitch and be loved. See? Christopher Hopkins, Tennis Star If you have a chance to grab one of the last remaining tickets (O.K. there are tons) to the Ronald McDonald House Classic Golf and Tennis Tournament on Monday, August 4th, you will be able to watch (and play alongside) local "celebrities" and do something good for charity. I have decided that yes, I will actually attempt to play tennis, something I have not done since 1984. Maybe 1982. And as memory serves me, I wasn't very good then. Which is why I quit. My parents TRIED to find a sport in which I could excel. I wrestled (where I just laid laughing when I got pinned "This is ridiculous"). I played basketball (where I knocked someone's tooth out doing lay ups, and was penalized for "traveling" having NO idea what that meant). I was in Little League (where I walked to first because the ball hit me in the arm, only later to get a black eye in the outfield when the ball rolled to me, hit a bump and popped up into my face). I shan't forget Miss Gullickson, the 7th the Phy Ed coach shouting "Hopkins, you pansy!" when I complained about doing ANOTHER 50 yard dash. I mean seriously, why? She must 60 something and arthritic now. One can only hope. So for the entertainment value alone, come play tennis with us. Or golf. Or just watch and be entertained with bafoonery. I must go shopping for an outfit. I mean, I should really get on the court and practice.

A Trip "Back Home"

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:40:20 -0500

I just returned from a book signing event in my hometown of Redwood Falls. Redwood Falls, Minnesota is a town of about 5000 people and is 2 hours (we use time instead of distance) southwest of the Twin Cities. Sort of like those on the coasts like to think the Midwest as “fly over” territory, people in the Twin Cities at times tend to think of rural areas as, well, provincial. They’d be wrong. As I greeted women and signed books at A & W Furniture and Gifts,one of the largest furniture show rooms in Minnesota, I was once again reminded of the lovely women from where I was raised. The women who we saw every day as our teachers, secretaries, board members and Moms – those Mom’s who showed up for Parent/Teacher conferences and sporting events and who we secretly compared to our own. What I remember, "back then,” was that the ladies in my hometown knew how to make themselves attractive. They had their hair done, their nails were manicured, and they wore fresh and classic looks that represented their sense of style. Their look was based on appropriate for the occasion. Women dressed up for church, out of respect. Teachers dressed professionally and attractively out of respect for their profession and their students. Men wore jackets. Sales clerks got ready for work. Moms walked through the park with tans, short shorts, and cute figures. Though the community’s industry was based primarily on agriculture and manufacturing, there was a sense of respect and pride in appearance that raised the image of the small community. But the world changed. Casual, relaxed, comfortable and “who cares?” took over in the 70’s and 80’s and by the time we hit the 90’s it had transformed the urban, took over the sub-urban and slayed the rural with a vengeance. Cut-off shorts and sweats at Church? Absolutely. “God doesn’t care what you wear.” Ill fitting, poorly made flimsy knits suctioned to figures that embraced curly fries? “I’m just running to the store.” But I was given a gift last night. A reminder that not everyone has “gone with it.” I was reminded as I saw those same teachers, secretaries, board members and Mom’s, now older but still oddly as I remember them, of what I loved about my home town. A sense of right. A sense of respect for the occasion. An effort made when it would be so much easier to not. A belief that it doesn’t matter where you live; it is how you live. I knew they did it, in part, for me. They know I have become “The Makeover Guy” and I was signing a book about beauty. They knew I’d notice. But I also knew they did it for themselves. They “got ready.” And I realized again that it is from those women, in large part, that I built my voice. Their influence helped in how I wrote my book and to whom I was speaking. And it reminded me of what I loved about growing up in a town that took pride in its appearance, its sense and respect for occasion. It reminded me that how we appear speaks so much more about our self respect and respect for others than anything we do or say. You won’t convince me that appearance isn’t important. It certainly isn’t everything, but it represents everything you are saying when there isn’t time to say a thing. View image The Book Signing Event in Redwood Falls, MN View image Classmate Erik Scholl's Mom, Bev and his sister Jane View image English Teacher Sandi Schwartz getting "free" advice View image Aunt Mary Wetmore and her daughter Emily (who would want me to make a point that she is pregnant here).

Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb, fun at the Today Show

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:05:29 -0500

Our flight is delayed. Again. Robert and I are sitting in the Seattle Airport with our Grey Goose martini’s up, twist. I prefer olives, but am avoiding the salt. TV you know. Adds 10 pounds of water. We have respite from the TV appearances, and I’m taking the opportunity to consider myself on vacation. I started in Chicago, flew to New York, then onto Seattle where I just finished my segment with KOMO-TV Seattle. It was a blast. It was fun to do in the news room and to have a live audience. I do better with a live audience. I leave satisfied I know what happened. When I don’t get instant unbiased feedback, I find that I replay the segment continually in my head trying to remember what was said, and how. With an audience I get a reaction and I know how I was received. Good or bad, I can let it go. Christopher on ABC 7 News Chicago Christopher on KOMO 4 in Seattle Not so the Today Show. I have been replaying the segment in my head over and over and I still don’t know how it went. I am TOLD it went well. I received positive comments from the producers, the women in the green room who watched the segment, Robert, my P.R. people from Hoda herself and from the sexy camera guy who gave me the thumbs up. Not sure if it was about the segment, but I don’t care. What I recall is that as I sat on 1/3 of three stools, up walked Hoda Kotb, with a gracious hand shake and a “I really liked your book” compliment complete with genuine smile. Tension slightly relieved until Miss Kathie Lee followed her with a “Yes, very good, it’s all bunk…back hand. I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt that it was a make me laugh jab. I do the same thing. When something is obviously good, rather than be obvious, I try to balance the compliment with a slightly sarcastic joke. “You’d look great with a little color,” I’ll say to a tan woman, or “You should try wearing earrings,” I might mention to a woman with huge discs hanging from her ears. I mean well, but I might not be interpreted as, well, meaning well. I do this with friends however, or strangers who I think will get it. So, I gave her the BOTD. What could I do? We were on in a minute so I tossed a compliment. She is quite pretty in person. She accepted gracefully but kept a professional distance. Almost cynical. We all had polite dialog until the segment began. Christopher Hopkins with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, Today Show Now we are on to San Francisco where, I have every intention of celebrating with abandon. Robert just took a photo of me. I’m starting now.

What Women are Saying

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:37:52 -0500

Christopher, I am a 47 y.o. woman who let herself go. I don't really know why except I've gained 60 lbs over the past 8 years and gave up wearing make-up and wearing anything other than sweat pants and horrible fitting blue jeans. Your book has given me the inspiration to get out there and try again!!!! To be honest, after seeing Sex N the City movie two times since it came out, I did go out and buy 5 easy summer dresses. Non form fitting but much much nicer than sweatpants. I also bought an expensive designer purse and shoes as I couldn't go through summer in my new dresses with a 5+ year old black leather purse. But your book has provided me with a true game plan for the summer. I am going for a pedidure today and for eyebrow shaping on Tuesday. I just booked both appointments. Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me some courage to start over. Nancy Christopher –I just finished reading your book and had to email. I send a thousand ‘thank you’ notes for writing your book. I am a sixty something who just returned to the work force for my fourth career and believe me I had no clue what to wear. When I was twenty and thirty is was simple – read a magazine, buy a little suit, understated make-up and I was good to go. Now with the uneven skin and the wrinkles and the SAD state of dress in the work place I was totally lost. I have never before been in this position so your book was a Godsend. I shall use every page (including the ones about organizing my closet-ugh). Best of the best to you Sincerely, Danna Dear Christopher, I bought your book and loved it I have underlined and highlighted each and every page. I feel that your book is a breath of fresh air and a joy to read and am following all your hints and guidelines. I am the true alluring/dramatic can't you tell and won't give up without prying your book out of my hands.The words old lady will get people beaten to the ground.lol If you are planning a beauty journal/workbook that goes into more depth. I would buy it yesterday. smooches phyllis Hi Christopher! I’m really excited!! I bought your book yesterday – it JUMPED off the shelf at me – exactly what I was looking for to revamp and revitalize!! I have been fervently studying every page, highlighting, making notes in the margins, writing affirmations, taking measurements, and kickin’ ass!! (Okay, not literally, but you get the point). PS – I’m 44 and I look too frumpy for the way I genuinely feel inside. I’m tired of covering up the real me with all this frumpiness!!! You’re book speaks right to the heart and soul of a woman – do you know that? Your words jump off the pages and have pulled me out of this mess that I am not, but of which I have become. THANK YOU!!!!! Rebecca Orange Park, FL Good Morning, Mr. Hopkins: I purchased your book yesterday, and while I have only had time to do the initial "hit the high points" read, I have to say that you've hit a home run. My goal this morning is to find my tape measure and determine my body type, etc. While I have always tried to dress stylishly and appropriately, and have always styled my hair and used makeup, something's been missing. Hopefully, your program will give me the little extra something I need to feel completely confident in this second act. Thanks! Jo (age 51) Dear Christopher, The first time I wrote to you I had started to add some new looks to my wardrobe and was starting to wear some make up on a regular basis. Well it's almost 2 months now and my wardrobe is almost totally changed. I'm wearing a light but complete make-up everyday and for the final transformation I colored my hair for the first time in 5 years! My hair could have been called salt & pepper in the front but was nearly all gray/white in back. I used your guidelines and went with a color that was a little lighter than my natural color when I was younger. When I walked into work on Monday morning the comments were great. Everyone agreed I looked about 15 years younger and people said I looked like my own younger sister. All that was very fun but the biggest change was on the inside. I just felt better, younger, more confident and more ready to take charge of this phase of my life. Then one day I had the opportunity to speak with the top 2 people in the company about a situation that I thought I could contribute to and do you know what happened? I got promoted! This week I moved out of the "cube farm" and into my own office. OK, so the 30 years of retail experience I bring to the job is important but you can't tell me that the changes I made both inside and out after reading your book didn't help! I'm not sure I ever would have put myself out there and spoken up for my own position without the personal confidence I've found. Thanks again, I'm a believer and I'll be watching for the sequel, Debbie

Wrapping it up on Tour

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:34:09 -0500

I'm home (I love that word) after the first leg of what will be, hopefully, many more legs of touring. I have been lucky. Other than the state of our airlines and of my 6'4" stuffing itself into less than roomy seats every day, the actual on camera experience became easier each time. The hotels vary, but in general were lovely, and the energy of each city and its people is educational. And, I'm reminded why I love Minneapolis. Often people assume we're from L.A. or New York then ask when I explain I am from Minneapolis, "Why would you want to live there?" Ask anyone who does, or who has traveled here. I've yet to visit a city where I'd rather live. What bums me out is the state of our flight attendants. I'd pay big bucks to go back to hot pants and pantyhose, fun hats and finished make-up and hair. They just always look like they've been ridden hard and put away wet. Sigh. I think probably because of the state of the airlines, they have. Oh the days of "Western Airlines, the o-o-o-o-nly way to fly." On Monday our media escort, Larry. gave us the tour of San Diego and La Jolla where we did the requisite drop ins to book stores where, again, they didn't have books, didn't really care, or couldn't be found. I appeared on Good Morning San Diego, badabing badaboom, to the airport, to the hotel in Sacramento, to a quick walk around Old Sacrmento (which was quite fun) to a conversationless dinner with bad martini's at the Embassy Suites. The Makeover Guy on Good Morning San Diego Up early, I called into an Arizona radio show called "The Duo" which was hosted by two "regular guys" trying really hard to find a common ground with "The Makeover Guy." The first question, "Where did you get that name, in high school or something?" started the ball rolling, but we found our pace when we got on to picking up women in bars, not telling your wife she has a fat butt, and the difference between Roseann Barr and Delta Burke. Next. I then called up to the Justin and Maryann Show in Sacramento and, joy, even though Maryann wasn't there, Justin had read, liked, and could talk about...what? MY BOOK!! Good interview. Next stop: the Arden Fair Mall, where KCRA channel 3 does "Reports at Noon." And, again, with a female anchor missing, I was interviewed by Walt Gray, who couldn't be less interested in makeovers or beauty products, but sleep-walked his was through the segment like a pro. Walt Gray from KCRA feigns interest in beauty for older women On to Phoenix, where it was 100 degrees. Check in, ask around for a restaurant, have the doorman hail a cab and as we entered the car waiting for us Robert realizing that there is no meter asks, "How much will it cost to get to the Barrio, which is on 16th and about 3 miles from here..." "Thees caht ees all yoors for tonight." (?) What does that mean? "So...does the Hotel pay for this, or what?" "Thees is a subcahntdacted cohmpany..." Basically, we were confused, and it took about 4 blocks to finally get: "Eeet eees 16 dollar flat lrate." "Turn around, take us back, you didn't say that when we got in the car." This led to some drama, some talking to the door man, the front desk man, and eventually walking in the heat to the convention center where we flagged down a cab driver (who didn't understand us, but wanted to know how far we were going before deciding if we could get in). He took us to our restaurant ($14.00 with tip). And we enjoyed a fantastic Mexican dinner and two of the best margarita's I've had in a while. The cab ride back was $10.00 and took half the time. Wake up,puffy and bloated, then drive to Good Morning Arizona (see it here), Sornoran Living Live (see it here) one radio interview that turned out to have cameras lighting and took an hour. It was an interview with Clarissa Burt (Clarissa Burt Talks), who I loved and mildly lusted for, immediately, and somehow felt oddly, past life love. I must devote an entire blog to her, because, I'd have definitely not been gay for at least 24 hours had I met her in the 80's. But that is an entirely different blog. After our hour of fun it was on to the airport for the 12:20 flight. Good Morning Arizona Sonoran Living Live Ready to go home? Not quite. Our Northwest flight ran into problems, came back to the gate, and, you guessed it, was detained for several hours. Fortunately we managed to get on the next flight (I have people now) and we ended up in Minneapolis at 7:46 p.m. Home. That word. We were all "Minnesota Smiles" when, we ran across an airport advertisement with my Mother, her only time, I think, in a canoe. Joann Hopkins, my mother "acting" like she can paddle a canoe

Book Expo America and Celebrity Sightings

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:03:54 -0500

Books, and books, and more about books. That is what you see at the Book Expo America that was held at the Los Angeles Convention center. I did three signings for my book and spent the rest of the time perusing the world of books. Signing Books at Book Expo America What made my trip was the camaraderie and “getting to know” my publishing team at HCI books. And get to know them I did. But out of professional courtesy, I'll leave the details out of public record. Let's just say book people know how to party. So do beauty people. Combine that and, well, it's a fun time. Carol Rosenberg and Michelle Mastrisciani, my editors But not only that, there was the official “celebrity sightings” that were like little sprinkles to the icing on the cake. I’m also not a “celebrity” person. Unless, that is, it is a REAL movie celebrity. And to me, that means you had to have made your movie in somewhere near the Golden Age of Hollywood. You can have all the Brad Pitts, and Jennifer Annistons, the Tom and Katies, the Brittney’s and the Tori’s of the world. Give me Elizabeth Taylor, Doris Day, Esther Williams and Debbie Reynolds. I know, gay, but true. And if you’re going to give me an icon, give me Tippi Hedren. You know, “The Birds?” But that’s not all she’s know for, she is STILL working it at 78 and looking, well, breathtakingly beautiful. So you can imagine my moment of, “WHAT?” when I found myself looking into the beautiful wide eyes of Tippi. We talked about animals “I live with the animals”, books “could you sign one for my daughter,” and Minneapolis “I am from Minneapolis, I grew up there.” I could just have stayed right there in the presence of loveliness. On the flip side, I ran into Jamie Lee Curtis. If it were Tony Curtis or Janet Leigh, well, I’d have stopped in my tracks. But it was Jamie, right in front of me, on the phone, and I thought, "We both celebrate mature beauty,I have to give her a book." So I showed her the cover. She was interrupted, trying to be pleasant, but not really. “I am the antithesis of that book," she said aloofly but with decision, "I believe we are fine exactly how we are and don’t need to make a comeback.” Not one to make a snap judgment I see, and maybe, dare I say, slightly bitchy? But, I loved it. Why? I don’t know. I think there's a book "Why Men Love Bitches," and, well, you have to like and respect a confident woman -- even if she’s totally off about the sum of your life’s work and willing to dash it with a passing blow. And I wanted to say, but held back (imagine) "Is that why you have a fabulous haircut great clothes worn to flatter, and a MGM face full of make up?” I know what she meant, though. She assumes I am one of those. That guy that tries to make women feel insecure by telling them they need botox and have to wear fabulous heels and spend a fortune on their hair and wardrobe. She was wrong. So I made sure she got a book. Besides, she could use a little comeback. There was William Shatner, Lindsey Wagner, Ernest Borgnine, Leonard Nimoy, and even, Henry Winkler. As Henry signed a book for Robert, I watched women my age giddy to see “The Fonz.” But I felt nothing. It wasn’t Henry Fonda or Rock Hudson. It wasn’t Sean Connery, Gregory Peck or, my favorite, Cary Grant. But then I realized that one sized celebrity does not fit all. When Robert was in the presence of Alison Arngrim (Little House on the Prairie's Nellie Olson) being 100 percent Finnish was so surprised he almost reacted. In fact, he quickly hung up the phone and started to gush. We ended up spending much of the evening listening to what can only be described as a woman who can't stop, save to sip her chocolate martini. I could do an entire blog about the woman who has a one-woman show called "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch" but it wouldn’t do her justice. You have to experience her to appreciate her. She’s full on entertainment and information that would put a Fox News/E Hollywood Entertainment combo to shame. Christopher, Alison Arngrim aka. Nellie Oleson, Robert Lindquist I am officially an author and now, I am officially an author who has "done" the BEA. As "our driver" (see I can't even say it without quotes) drove us from Los Angeles to San Diego, Robert and I floated in our Vicodin haze. Prescribed for my shoulder, but handy for a hangover, as we traveled I thought how fortunate I am to have met such interesting people all working hard to take things to the next level. I am thrilled to get to THIS level, so anything beyond this will be heaven, well, heavener.

A Moment to Breath, a Second To Think

Fri, 23 May 2008 07:40:59 -0500

The realities of what is involved in a book tour now in my arsenal of experience, I finally have a moment to think. It's not so bad, actually. Like everything, it's how we respond to the events that make it how it is. I could easily make it frustrating. I mean, one's entire schedule and life is thrown imperceptibly out of whack. There is effort on P.R. and publishing people to make it more pleasant, but even they cannot predict the inevitable challenges of the airlines, the traffic, the hotel and the food. There are the call in's to radio shows from the hotel room. If people could only see what you look like, they'd maybe rethink you as an expert. Some radio hosts are interested, which makes it fun, and some, like the A.M. host in Harford who said "Christopher Hopkins is here with his new book....um...what's the title, Christopher?" that make it deflating. There is media training. I put media training up there with voice training. I think I was probably a better singer before I had voice training, but of course you MUST have voice training, so I did. You can lose yourself when someone is retraining you on how do to it. But, back to responding to things positively, in the long run it's a good thing. Right? Trying to be a good student. During media training a 50 plus reporter, freneticism defined, burst into the room with her first question. -- to Robert. "Who are you!?" Caught off guard and flustered, he managed, "Christopher's...personal assistant." "My Love Slave," I shot back, smiling. (Don't mess with my man, girl!) Undaunted she turned to me, sat down, and began scribbling imperceptibly as I spoke. "So, why not MEN over 45?" ? "Um. Well, I guess, I don't think they'd buy that book. Maybe if it were for women to makeover their man..." "Well, don't you think men need a makeover?" (She is woman, she is posturing,I hear her roar.) "Yes, but really, that isn't what I wanted to write about." It's morning, I'm puffy and sitting under a florescent light with a north facing window to my side when out comes her digital camera. I move to face the light in hopes of some photo flattery, but, alas, when the article comes out, I realize my eye bags made their appearance for the camera. Check it out in the Hartford Currant. After spending countless rehearsals in my mind and audibly at dinner with Robert I knew I didn't quite have "Sally Hansen Line Fix Lip Repair and Volumizing Lip Shield available at Sally Hansen Lip Lab, Luminous Blonde Collection including rich colors like Vanilla Malt and Honey Butter by Garnier Nutrisse and Smooth MIneral Collection by NYC New York Color with a blend of mineral powders including Mica that minimize fine lines and imperfections....down pat. But the show goes on, ready or not. Robert, my "personal assistant." THE TOUR HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN! So I whipped through it on air. (Click here, then click The Makeover Guy, to watch) The at 6:00 a.m. the next morning a "media escort" picked us up and off we went to appear on what I must admit was one of the liveliest and exhaustingly entertaining syndicated morning shows called, "The Daily Buzz." As the commercial drew to its close the anchor mentioned, "We only have about three minutes." In other words, "I'm used to having to drag these things along, don't be boring, and get to the point." I need no encouragement to speed up. But morning coffee and adrenalin in check, I was pretty much done in two minutes. They asked me to stay for another segment an hour later, and I did. The media escort ran to a nearby fast food restaurant pick us up a "chicken in a biscuit, with tater tots and ketchup on the side." Mmm. More coffee. At this point all those talking points whirling in my head I began to feel like I'd had a chip inserted into my hard drive that re-created the me I know closer to a robot that could not think for himself. I was not pleased. Following "The Buzz", our media escorts drove us to book stores around Orlando for drop in book signings. Here I realized that no one really cares that you're an author. They don't really even seem to care that you just appeared on television in their city and they should be stocked with more than two books. They look at you more as if you are a mild irritant to their already miserable day of stocking books. "What book?" "What's the name?" "We have two in stock." Thunk. I wasn't feeling good. Off center. I expressed my frustration via email to my publicist. She encouraged me with a "that is so not nice what you are saying!!! Authors would kill for a tour like yours." I was reminded why I keep my dark moments exclusively to Robert who has never in 20 years, put baby in the corner. Be positive, be grateful, be polite. And carry a large stick.

The first night in Hartford

Mon, 19 May 2008 22:29:37 -0500

First day in Hartford Connecticut. On the plane ride the flight attendant recognized me from the STRIB article and said she was coming to reVamp! for a haircut. We arrived, took a cab to the hotel in Farmington, NH, about 40 minutes and settled into the hotel room. I didn’t have internet, my iphone STILL doesn’t download itunes, didn’t get mail, and my computer didn’t get internet until we got a technician in the hotel. But we managed to get it settled, and went to dinner at Max’s Oyster Bar, where Vicki, our lovely 38 year old waitron (server she prefers to be called), mother two, wife of a chef, recommended a lovely dinner. I went to the restroom where for the first time I encountered a man texting while using the urinal. Now, men usually do not speak when standing in that uncomfortable, pretending you don’t notice someone is next to you moment, but I couldn’t resist. “Now that’s multitasking,” I said. “Never a dull moment,” he replied. We took a cab back to the hotel and are suitably fatigued After seeing the men in this restaurant, and I’m sure it can’t be said for all of Hartford, but still, I wonder why I threw out all my blue button down collared, or pin striped oxfords when that is, apparently, complete with pleated gray slacks or khaki’s, the dress code. Lucky I brought my classics.