Archives

Recent Posts

Hey everyone!
I decided I must send out a quick newsletter because a friend told me she was hurt that I’d dropped her from my list and wondered how to get back on. That’s when you know it’s been too long since we connected.

BIG PIECE OF MOVIE NEWS!!!
An offer was made to turn Wife in the Fast Lane into a movie! Whoo Hoo, it’s true. I’m very excited about it. Now, it’s not all signed sealed and delivered yet, but it’s definitely in the works. Growing up Jewish, we were taught never to talk about good news until it’s all happened (lest you put a curse on the event), the classic example being we aren’t supposed to decorate our baby’s rooms until after the child is born. But as a student of Mama Gena’s School of Womanly Arts, I have seen firsthand how talking about your desires actually helps manifest them, so I am blabbing to you now. Anyway, I’ll keep you posted as to when you should look for your red carpet outfits, which I am sure will be in the not too distant future. Well, scratch that. Another thing I have seen firsthand is that it takes a long time for a movie to be made, but they do get made. I recently read the script for The Ivy Chronicles and I love, love, love it. You will too.

My Whirlwind Travels
Let’s see, when last we spoke, I had just turned in my new book, Holly Would Dream, after undertaking a back-breaking, research trip through Europe to be sure I’d gotten all the details right. The trip took me to Rome and then on a cruise on the Silver Whisper around the Italian Riviera. It was rough, but it had to be done. Many people think it’s easy being a writer, but the demands are endless, let me tell you.

On my return, I immediately packed for my annual trip to Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona with Mom. You probably think I’m some sort of jet setter. Well, I’m not. Mom and I go every year as you might remember (I always write about it). But this year was extra special. You see, the prize for my Wife in the Fast Lane one-liner contest was a $2,000 gift certificate to Canyon Ranch. Elizabeth Blair, the winner, met me and Mom there. She brought her mother, Rita, along. We had lunch and so much fun visiting. I really wanted to show you a photo of the three of us together, which we took right before I stuck my hand into a cactus and had to be rushed to medical, but it’s not in a format that I can use to upload here so you’ll have to imagine. Beth is tall, with dark hair, stylish glasses and wide Julia Roberts smile. Her mom, Rita, is an adorable blond who just lost 65-pounds. Can you believe that? I still can’t get over such an amazing accomplishment. Anyway, they had a wonderful time together at the Ranch and I was so excited to finally meet Beth.

Me, Whining about Aging
One of the downsides of going to Canyon Ranch is that besides going to Medical to get cactus thorns pulled out of my hand, I go to Medical for blood work and other diagnostic tests. It always leaves me so Joni Mitchell blue. This year, I learned that my osteopenia had gotten worse so strength bearing exercises aren’t just recommended, they’re a must. I suppose it’s the universe’s way to get me to exercise and not just lament the fact that I have no time to do it. Sigh.

Aging has become a part time job. Can you relate to that? Seriously, I used to have one doctor in my Rolodex. Now I have eight in my Palm. There was a day when I used to laugh at Sally Field and her once a month Boniva commercial. Puh-leaze! I thought. Now that I’m taking the drug, I really do see the benefits of a once a month dose! It’s easy as 1-2-3. OMG, did I just say that? Last week I had to have a colonoscopy. Thankfully, I will spare you the details. The workouts take an hour a day, the fluffing up of the hair and skin - don’t get me started. Mark says I should let my hair go gray, but I think not. And do you know how much more effort it takes to eat right versus eating wrong? A lot!!! And choosing vitamins to take is so confusing.

Conversation with Mark last night:

Mark: Do you remember the name of city where the Ritz Carleton on the west coast of Florida is?
Me: No, I can’t remember it. But doesn’t what’s her name live near there?
Mark: Who?
Me: You know, what’s her name with the blond hair.
Mark: Oh, you mean the one who works at that law firm. What’s the name of the firm?
Me: Isn’t that the firm you used for that case?
Mark: Which case?
Me: You know, the case with the broker who, oh what did he do?
And so on. This is what aging is like, people!!! It isn’t pretty. It is time consuming. And it’s very confusing. Okay, now I’m spent. I think I’ll go drink one of my eight twelve-ounce glasses of water the doctor said I should drink.

The Hardest Part of Writing
I’m back. Now that Holly is turned in, I’m at that point in the writing process where I have to decide what my next book will be. I think that is the hardest point of all because it’s such a big decision. Whatever story you commit yourself to, you’ll be working on for the next two years (maybe more), so it has to be something you are absolutely in love with. Right now, I’m putting all my ideas on a pad and I’ll pick one to go with in the next few weeks.

The second hardest part of the writing process (to me). I tend to write my story until it’s done, not worrying about the quality of my first draft. That way, I know what the story will be, and I can then go back and really work on the characters, the descriptions, the plot points that don’t quite work, etc. This is the process that works for me. But the problem is, when I read my “shitty first draft” (that is actually a technical term writers use), I get scared that I’ll never be able to make it better. But then, of course, I make it better. Still, it’s a frightening time in the writing process. Why am I telling you this? Because, should you become a writer, or actually in any endeavor, it is good to understand where the scary points are so you can push through them and know that it will all work out despite your trepidations. Okay, life lesson over!

Books I Recommend
Finally, I have a wonderful book to recommend. One of my favorite books of all time was Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follet. It was written ages ago and if you haven’t read it, you’re in for a treat. He just wrote a sequel - World Without End. I finished it last night and loved it. But beware, you won’t be able to put either book down.

On the spiritual side, I’m reading Creating Money - Keys to Abundance, by Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer. I know that title doesn’t sound spiritual, but it is. I’m finding it very inspiring.

For those of you interested in Mama Gena’s work (I know, I talk about it a lot), check out her book Mama Gena’s School of Womanly Arts. It’s not a substitute for the course itself, but it’ll really get you thinking about how to add more pleasure in your life and how to manifest your desires using your power as a woman. If you’re a man, this is a good book to give to the woman in your life.

As for other books, I tried to read The Manny, but couldn’t get past chapter 4 so I don’t recommend this if you’re looking for some good chic lit. My friend, Tatiana (who has a wonderful book coming out end of next summer called Gilding Lily) lent me The Infidelity Pact by Carrie Karasyov, and that was really fun. I also enjoyed Getting Rid of Matthew by Jane Fallon.

Chocolate I HIGHLY Recommend

Last but not least, for your holiday gifts, check out Southnfrance.com for the BEST chocolate bon bons you can buy. These are all made by hand with the most delicious ingredients. They have wonderful flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut buttah, coconut, and more. This is a small company owned by Pascal Siegler (from France) and Charlene Dupray (from the South - hence the name). Seriously, I am a huge chocolate lover and these bon bons are TO DIE FOR!!! Plus, they’re reasonably priced, which is a bonus, because they are so good they really should cost a lot more. Check out their website. It is a lot of fun and Charlene is a wonderful blogger.

Anyway, great to catch up with you again. Enjoy the Fall,

Hugs and Feathers,

Karen

September 4, 2007

Darlings,

ARG! Summer’s Over, But What Fun It Was!
How are you? No really, how ARE you? If I’m sounding rah-tha David Niven-ish, it’s because I’ve just returned from the Continent on a research tour Mark and I took for my new book, Holly Would Dream.

That’s right, key scenes of the book take place in Rome, at the Hassler Hotel, so of course, we had to visit the Eternal City and stay there. The media director was kind enough to show me all their Presidential Suites (which we sadly couldn’t afford at 2,000 euros/day), and I was able to hone the details of my story accordingly. As I blathered on about an earlier note to you, this book involves a fashion historian who is obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. As it turns out, Audrey stayed at the Hassler throughout the making of Roman Holiday, so I took that as a good sign.

I had written a scene where Holly and her love interest go out for dinner and dancing on a lively barge restaurant on the Tiber River (much like that scene in Roman Holiday where Audrey and Gregory Peck go, where the fight breaks out - remember?). Anyway, when I got to Rome, I realized that the Tiber is now a marsh that smells suspiciously like doody, so I moved my scene somewhere more romantic and less aromatic. I chose a place called Il Palazzetto, which is an al fresco bar above the Spanish Steps where Mark and imbibed every night of our visit. Naturally, we became the bartender’s pets and they let us stay and drink with the staff and their friends even after they closed. This happens to us wherever we travel thanks to Mark and his legendary after-hours charm.

Other important scenes take place on an ultra-luxurious ship called the Tiffany Star. So, again, in the name of research, Mark and I were forced to cruise on the most sumptuous of the small ships, the Silver Whisper. Sigh. I know, you feel very bad for me, that I had to work on vacation, but I am THAT committed to truth in fiction, so it was the least I could do.

The ship was absolutely wonderful and we had a blast partying, dancing, and singing karaoke. I sang back-up on a Meat Loaf song that Mark performed. We were terrible, of course. I mean, who can touch Meat Loaf when it comes to performing? No one, that’s who. We shouldn’t have even tried. Next time I’m backing up Mark doing the Bee Gees. They would have been easier.

We met the greatest people - all in the name of research, of course. With our new friends, Celia Graham (recent lead in Phantom of the Opera) and Ben Jones (movie producer and new father of adorable puppy, Norman), we toasted each other’s wishes and threw our champaign glasses off the stern of the ship at midnight - a scene I may just add to Holly. Since action takes place in Tiffany Star’s kitchen and bridge, I toured both places on the Silver Whisper. Holly also has a “thing” with the captain of the ship, but I didn’t research this personally as Mark and I were too busy celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary.

The Ivy Movie
Speaking of celebrating, Jim Berg and Stan Zimmerman, the adorable and talented screenwriters for The Ivy Chronicles, just showed me their first draft of the script. Yipee! They were generous enough to let me comment on it, which is unusual. I’m told most screenwriters stay as far away from original authors as possible. While I had a few suggestions, on the whole, it was absolutely brilliant. They did an amazing job of adapting the book, adding some hysterical scenes and really fantastic original touches. I’ve even staked out a place for me to have a little cameo at the end. I’m starting my big diet now in anticipation and I may just have to double up on my pole dancing classes.

Back to School

The kids are looking forward to going back to school. Okay, that’s a lie. I don’t know why I even wrote it.

This Month’s Recommendations

I DIG DOUG

My friend Candice just took me to the FUNNIEST off-Broadway play. It was written and is performed by Karen DiConcetto and Rochelle Zimmerman, two young women right out of college. What a debut! It’s about two NYC teenagers obsessed with pop culture who discover that the presidential election is the ultimate course in reality television. It’s a madcap crash course in politics, fashion, gun control, animal cruelty, grand theft auto, and the art of seduction. It is HYSTERICAL, so much so that I’m going back to see it again with my kids. It’s at the Bleeker St. Theater between now and September 16 - 212-691-1555.

Getting In…Kindergarten

My friend, director and producer, Pamela French, spent a year documenting three families as they rode the rollercoaster ride of the NYC kindergarten admissions process. In other words, it’s The Ivy Chronicles, only for real. Watch it Sept. 10, 7 p.m., on The Learning Channel (TLC).

When Do We Eat?

My dentist recommended this one. It is laugh out loud funny; I kid you not. It’s also very irreverent so if you’re easily offended, don’t rent it. It stars Leslie Ann Warren and Jack Klugman and it’s about a dysfunctional family’s Passover dinner. If you’re Jewish you’ll really appreciate it, but even if you’re not, you’ll still pee in your pants with laughter.

Hope you had a wonderful summer. I’m looking forward to seeing you or talking to you soon. ‘

Hugs,

Karen

August 1, 2007

Hi everyone, in case you’re wondering why you haven’t heard from me in so long, the reason is two-fold. First, I’ve been hard at work editing my new book (Holly Would Dream) and second, I’ve been pole dancing. Yes, I know you’re shocked - I’ve been EDITING! A novel doesn’t write itself, you know.

And then there is the other thing - pole dancing. Included in the curriculum is stripping (note to mom: NOT all the way) and lap dancing, all done to the tune of six-inch patent leather high heels. Several of my friends were doing it and I thought, that is the LAST thing in the universe I would ever do even on a bet. I’m no sexpot, I have no sense of rhythm, and I failed the Presidential Fitness test in 6th grade. But then I thought, why not give it whirl (get it, whirl). So I did. I must confess that the first day of class, I announced to everyone, “I’m afraid of the pole.” But guess what? Now you can’t get me off it!

So far, Mark won’t let me install a pole in the house and Schuyler finds me enormously embarrassing (although she does want to borrow the shoes) - Sam (age 14) continues to remain closeted in his room most of the time and doesn’t care.

In support of pole dancing, let me say that women across America are doing it - check out Sheila Kelly’s S Factor. It’s fantastic exercise. The first part of the class is spent in a killer workout, training the muscles you need to excel at the pole (stomach and arms especially). Then there’s lot’s of stretching and sexy dance moves we practice before going for the pole. The exercises and pole tricks are done in a darkened studio, lit by candlelight, with no mirrors.

Some of the women in class are absolutely gorgeous to watch and if I were not the confident, self-assured wife in the fast lane that I am, I could easily develop a complex.But I’m choosing not to. The way I look at it, for someone my age (over 40 ahem, ahem) at my fitness level (let’s just say I can’t do the splits) to even attempt this, well, it’s a beautiful thing. I have to give myself credit. Well done, Karen! And take a look at what Mr. Pole’s done to my body! Yes, that’s me with someone else’s head photoshopped on.*

Goose Down Scam Rocks the Southwest!

I was speaking to my brother, Don, in Dallas last night and he told me a story that shocked me to the core. It seems that he was getting his very expensive goose down couch reupholstered. After spending about $3,000 on this (fabric, labor), it came back and felt wrong. He had another upholsterer check it and it turned out the first one had stolen all his down and replaced it with a cheap synthetic filling. It’s now going to cost him another $2,000 to buy new down and fix the botched job. He’ll have to go to court if he wants his money back from the crooked upholsterer who, of course, denies everything. Who would have thought there is a market for stolen down? Anyway, consider yourself warned.

Holly Would Dream

So many of you have asked what my new book is about (okay, four have asked), so I thought I’d share some flap copy on it with you (it’s still in flux, but you’ll get the idea).

Holly never seems to get it right - but that won’t stop her trying.

Fashion historian Holly Ross has always been obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. As a child, she dreamed of being Sabrina, Princess Ann, or Audrey herself - living in a simpler time when the clothes were beautiful, the men debonair, and the endings happy. After she grew up, Holly’s beauty and talent never approached that of her idol and the only movie her life resembled was a horror flick.

So where did it all go wrong? How is it that in one day Holly finds herself homeless, jobless, penniless - and fiance-less? Why is she cruising on the ultra-luxurious Tiffany Star in pursuit of real estate tycoon Denis King? And how come she is trying to track down a suitcase full of priceless Audrey Hepburn gowns before Interpol tracks her down?

With the gorgeous Mediterranean and the eternal city of Rome as the backdrop, this romantic fashion caper starring the endearingly accident-prone Holly Ross is filled with intrigue, comedy, and plot twists galore. Will Holly get the promotion she deserves - or will she be thrown in jail? Will she capture the heart of Denis King - or will he marry society girl Sydney Bass? And when Holly’s escapades start to resemble an Audrey Hepburn film, will she find happiness pursuing a new dream while finally starring in the movie of her own life?

Ta da! Hope this appeals to you. I promise it’s a lot of fun.

Book Recommendation of the Month

Like she needs more publicity! But I have to admit, it’s a great read.

Hope you have a wonderful August. Mark and I are taking a cruise. I’ll tell you all about it in September.

xoox Karen

* I’m lying, but at least I’m honest about it.

Today is Father’s Day and I am so missing my dad. He died about ten years ago. I wish I could pick up the phone and call him in heaven. I’m dying to know what he has been up to spirit-wise, which of his old pals he’s been hanging out with, what life in heaven is like, what work he is doing, how often he visits me, what insights he’s had about the meaning of life. I could go on and on with all the questions I would ask if only I could reach him on the other side. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Apple could come up with a cell phone that would connect you to your loved ones who have crossed over? If anyone could invent something like that, it would be Apple.

I am a firm believer (well, hoper is more like it) in life after death and reincarnation. After Dad died, I asked the Rabbi what Jews think of all that. He told me that we do NOT believe in life after death, although my father would live in my heart forever. Dad took issue with the Rabbi’s words and made his presence known to us in the days after he died. My mother walked into the kitchen one morning, and several light bulbs exploded. My grandmother’s potted flowers flung off the kitchen counter and over a coffee table on the night Dad passed away. On the day of his funeral, as I was putting on my make up and trying to decide whether or not to wear mascara, the bulbs around the bathroom mirror started blinking as if to say, ‘don’t bother, you’ll just end up with raccoon eyes.’

“I know you’re here, Dad,” I told him. What do Rabbis know about life after death anyway?

A few years ago, I went to see a psychic who can communicate with people on the other side. After a long conversation with a spirit that I was pretty certain was Dad, I asked the psychic to ask him to say something that would prove to me beyond the shadow of a doubt that it was his spirit in the room. She said something to him psychically, then said to me, “Who is trying to take his watch?”

“Excuse me?” I said. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Someone is trying to take his watch,” she said, “and he doesn’t like it. He can’t speak and tell them not to take it. He can only speak with his eyes.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said. “Ask him to say something else.”

Again, the psychic talked to the spirit psychically. “He says I should say the word, ‘Tina,’” she said.

“Ahhh,” I said, “you’re definitely talking to my father.” Tina was his dog, a little white fuzz ball who was with him until the end. Dad adored Tina.

Later that day, I called my mother and brother to tell them about the session. They were both on the phone as I recalled what happened. When I told them what the psychic said about the watch, my brother gasped. “What is it?” My mother and I asked.

Michael told us a story he’d never told anyone. “On the day Dad died,” he said, “I looked over at him and realized he was wearing a very expensive watch. It occurred to me that if he died, we might forget about it and they would take his body away with the watch on and we’d never see it again. So I went over to him and started to take it off. He had been in a coma for days, but as soon as I started to take off the watch, his eyes opened for a few seconds and he implored me not to take it. He didn’t say a word. I just knew he didn’t want me to remove the watch. So I left it on him. That moment, when he looked at me and pleaded with his eyes, is the most powerful memory I have of the day he died. But I never told anyone the story because it was just this one moment and didn’t seem significant.”

If that doesn’t make you believe that the spirit continues after death, I don’t know what would.

Since I couldn’t call Dad today, I just spoke to him in my mind (as I do everyday), wishing him a happy Father’s Day, telling him how much I missed him, how much I’d love to talk to him just one more time. Whenever I go see my mother in Denver, I never have the urge to visit Dad’s grave. I think it’s because I speak to him so frequently, as though he were right here with me. I don’t feel he spends much time hanging around the graveyard.

So, happy Father’s Day, Dad! If I could, I’d give you the biggest hug and thank you for being there for me all my life. You were, and are, the greatest Father ever! I love you.

Love to you all, and to your fathers,

Karen

June 7, 2007

Hello there!

Did you miss me? Please don’t think that I loved you and left you after the Wife in the Fast Lane Contest. No, I just went underground for a while to finish my new book. We’re leaning towards calling it Holly Would Dream. It was so much fun working on a new project. Here’s what the cover in the UK would look like. Isn’t it great?!

Oh Happy Day! A Man Tried to Pick Me Up!

I have so much to tell you, I don’t even know where to begin. So I think I’ll start with something very exciting that happened to me yesterday. I was walking home from the grocery store and a very cute man with a mole on his face sidled up to me and said, “nice eggs.” I thought he was talking about the eggs in my Food Emporium bag, so I said, “really, you like brown eggs?” Cute Man with Mole said, “oh no, nice legs!” So I looked around for the woman he might be talking about, the one with the nice legs and said, “where?” He said, “You! You have nice legs.”*

Well, you could have scraped me off the sidewalk. I’ve been married now for a very long time so I naturally emit the “not available” vibe, the one that prevents strangers from flirting with me right on the street when I’m schlepping Food Emporium bags. Unfortunately I was too shocked to remember to say, “thank you, it’s true,” which is what we’re taught to say in Mama Gena’s School of the Womanly Arts (where I’ve been studying for the last year). But I did say, “thank you, you’ve made my night.”

He Likes Me, He Really Likes Me!

So then Cute Man with Mole said, “are you going home so soon?” I told him I had to get back to wait for the groceries. Yes, I do lead an exciting life. He said, “that’s too bad because I’d really like to hang out with you.” Oh happy day, thank you, thank you, thank you, I’m thinking inside! Cute Man with Mole wants to hang out with me.

But what I said was, “that would be fun, but I need to prepare dinner for my kids (i.e. order from Bon Bon Chicken). He was visibly disappointed and asked if I had to cook for my husband, too (sly of him, eh?). I told him, alas, I did have to cook (NOT - Mark hasn’t eaten one of my meals since the candied beef incident of 1981), but I thanked him for making my night by asking.

Anyhow, I’m totally psyched that Cute Man with Mole actually thought I had nice eggs, I mean, hot legs, and tried to pick me up on the streets of Manhattan! I guess it was a good thing I wasn’t carrying chicken breasts in my Food Emporium bag. For those of you who are single and dating (or married and dating), this would be no big deal, but for me it is beyond BEYOND because it hasn’t happened in a long time!

*Note: It was not Enrique Iglesias who tried to pick me up, but I used his photo as a reminder to all of us that just because a guy has a mole, that doesn’t mean he isn’t cute. People with moles often get a bad rap.

Schuyler’s Sweet 16

Last month I reported on the upcoming Sweet 16 Party we were planning to throw for Schuyler. Well, the party happened and I’m happy to report that, despite all my misgivings, it turned out to be a great event.

We held it at City Hall Restaurant, an excellent venue. There was security (ear-pieces and all), 160 teenagers, a DJ and an MC, mocktails, and even a light show. All the kids had fun and so did the adults (who stayed upstairs and drank).

Schuyler’s Ode to Her Devoted Parents

The highpoint for me was the very special candle-lighting ceremony. Schuyler lit 16 candles, one for every important person in her life. Then she read a poem about each of us. Here’s what she said about her beloved parents:

“August 20th 1991, was the day that started out all of the fun. Daddy and Don had been out all night, and once they got to the hospital, Dad was already out of sight. While Mommy sat in labor for 14 hours, Daddy was in the lobby looking at flowers. I was finally born, after all that time, and I didn’t realize how hard this would be to rhyme. You guys have always been there for me no matter terrible I’ve been, even that time sledding when I sliced open my chin. You’ve put up with so much after all these years, from screaming and disappearing, to my laughter and tears. I love you so much, you’re second to none, will Mom and Dad come light candle number one.”

Awwww! I know. Then she presented a retrospective of her life (in slides) to the tune of “Thank Heaven for Little Girls.” I was in tears.

Wonder of Wonders

The highlight of the evening came during the speeches. Mark and many of Schuyler’s friends spoke. I couldn’t because I was just too choked up. Then, out of nowhere, Sam, our 14-year-old, the one who never comes out of his room, the one I only see as a blur dashing from his bedroom to the bathroom to the front door, the one who growls when I say “how was your day,” took the stage. He delivered the most eloquent speech about what it has like to grow up with his sister, how much he loves her, and then he outed her for having the party three months early (but still). The important thing is HE SPEAKS! THE BOY TALKS! IT’S A MIRACLE! You have no idea how relieved Mark and I were to have witnessed this moment. It was worth the price of the party just to watch him in front of the crowd.

Anyhow, we missed you and wished you were there.

Book Recommendations

Have you finished Wife In The Fast Lane yet? Did you not love it!!! If so, feel free to get in touch with me and gush your heart out. If not, you must order up a copy right away. People love it and you wouldn’t believe how much they gush.

Life’s a Beach

If you’re looking for something new to read, Claire Cook, who wrote Must Love Dogs, has just written Life’s a Beach. The story centers around Ginger Walsh, a relationship challenged 41-year-old who is back home living in the family FROG (furnished room over garage) in the fictional town of Marshbury. You’ll enjoy watching her navigate the relationship waters with her sexy glassblowing boyfriend, accompanying her niece who has a role in a movie being made in town, and worrying about her future as a couple of Red Hat Realtors try to sell her parents’ house. It’s the perfect read for sitting on the beach on a hot summer day.

The Audrey Hepburn Treasures

Another book I absolutely adore is The Audrey Hepburn Treasures. This is a sugar-coated biography (but that’s okay) which is accompanied by reproductions of personal momentos such as invitations, letters, playbills and the like which can be taken out of sleeves, touched, examined, and enjoyed. What is unique about it is that it is just like reading Audrey’s personal scrapbook. My new book centers around a character who has a special connection to Audrey Hepburn, so I’ve been reading all her biographies and watching her movies of late. This one is especially fun to read and play with. Another bio that I enjoyed because it is more realistic, showing the good with the less good (there’s nothing bad about Audrey), is Audrey Style, by Pamela Keogh. So, if you’re an Audrey Hepburn nut as I am (but not in the stalking way), you’ll enjoy these reads.

Fat, Broke, and Lonely No More

This is Victoria Moran’s latest and she writes wonderful books. Real-life anecdotes, practical strategies, and a light touch make this a must-read. First, Moran helps you discover the root of being fat, broke, and lonely. Then she teaches you how to break up with fat, broke & lonely for good (I’m currently in the process of breaking up with fat - it’s tough but I’m hanging firm). And finally, she teaches you how to hook up with the life of your dreams—and who doesn’t want that? I do, I do!

I fear I’ve outworn my welcome. Enjoy your summer and stay in touch.

Love,

Karen