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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
 

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
 

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!

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.

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

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.

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 tour begins today. If you're interested, come back during the upcoming weeks for updates of the thrills and chills of what, at this point, is the unknown. Right now I'm learning the script.

"Garnier Nutrisse is made with grape seed and avocado oil to keep your hair healthy looking and is available at most drugstores..."

Wait until you hear about Sally Hansen's Lip Fix Line Repair!!

Right now the airlines put us in separate middle seats and for the price of up to 30 dollars we can "try" to get seats together. Nice.

Check out the Minneapolis Star and Tribune article today. HUGE! Don't forget to see the links in the side bar to see the makeovers. The actual paper version has some great photos including some of our staff, who work tirelessly to keep the makeover magic going at reVamp!

You can also see an audio slide show I whipped together with Kim Ode who wrote the article. However, with Rici's makeover (gold crocheted vest) I meant to say it shortens her waist, not her legs. See how quickly a mistake can go into the press as fact?

Finally, I tell you what's "in" on ivillage.com. Check it out.

The book tour starts tomorrow. Robert is coming along as my personal assistant. Without him I would lose everything including my wallet, luggage, itinerary, cell phone, and of course my train of thought.

Which was...oh yes, my tour schedule. These are the television stations where I will be appearing. I will also be doing radio, print and dropping into your local bookstore to sign books. So ask your local Barnes and Noble and Borders when I am expected. (Because I'm not exactly sure...I'll ask Robert).

Here goes:

May 21st, Hartford, Noon News Channel 8
May 22nd, 7:20 a.m. (Live) The Daily Buzz (Winter Park, Florida)

This is a syndicated show that will appear in 141 cities from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Zanesville, Ohio.

Check http://www.dailybuzz.tv/about/localstations.php to see when it airs in your town!

May 23rd, Tampa WFLA TV, "Daytime." Also airs on sister stations:

Washington DC,WJAL
Raleigh Durham, NC,WNCN
Cincinnati, OHWBQC
Las Vegas, NE KPVM
Jacksonville, FL WCWJ
Wichita, KA KGPT
Savannah, GA WSAV
Charleston, SC WCBD
Augusta, GA WJBF
Columbus, GA WRBL

May 24th, Baltimore, 11 News Saturday
May 29th - June 1st, Los Angeles, Book Expo America
June 2nd, San Diego, KUSI-TV, Good Morning San Diego
June 3rd, Sacramento/KCRA-TV, KCRA 3 Reports at Noon

The book tour is sponsored by Garnier Nutrisse, Sally Hansen, and NYC New York Color Cosmetics.

Other news: Wal-mart just purchased several thousand books, so you can pick up a copy there, as well as Sam's Club and Target.

Also I'm in Redbook this month, if you'd like to check that out.

Check out secondcherry.com. It's a fun review from a website dedicated to "women who refuse to mature."

I have every intention of keeping my blog going while on tour. This a great way to communicate with you, the one who is perhaps curious as to what a book tour is all about. All I know right this moment as I lie on my bed, dogs at my side, coffee on night stand, I have no idea what I'm doing nor what to expect.

So to help, I hope, I finally purchased a new cell phone. I absolutely hated having a cell phone, I didn't use it. It was always out of battery power so I rarely had it with me. The only phone calls I received were from solicitors. I do NOT like being distracted only to have someone attempt to convince me I should be investing in something. "I"m in the middle of a sentence and NO I DON'T WANT Uranium!"

Eh hem. The Iphone. Love. I'm addicted and I didn't even open a manual. Of course the "no problem" sales guy named Ek, convinced me it would be smooth as a summer breeze. "Just hook it up to your computer and it's done." I returned the next evening because I couldn't get mail or hook up to the internet. He pushed one button and boom, I was on Google. With a "see how simple it is and how stupid you are" smile he handed the phone back to me.

"Yeah, well I can't get email..."

About an hour later, and several attempts between he and his colleague (and a few see how simple it is and how stupid I am comments from me) I can pick up my email. From ONE of my accounts. So I am prepared to go off on tour with hopefully no extra technical challenges. The phone is, I am told, to make things simpler. That has not been my experience in the past.

So I've got the phone. I've got my computer, my script, my laundered shirts...Igot my suit pressed, got my best vest, all I need now, is the girl. Got my striped tie, got my hopes high, I got time on my hands and I got rhythm now I all need is the girl to go with them.

WHY must I ramble into show tunes at the least opportune moment? (left that wide open for you).

All in all I'm sitting here looking at clothes draped everywhere, a script I still need to learn, post cards, book marks, make up, hand sanitizer, breath mints, and I still need to pull out Robert's clothes (because, he will inevitably ask...what should I wear?) And I will scream YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE THIS ALL WRITTEN DOWN IN YOUR NOTEBOOK!

And it will do no good.

As I wrap up this blog, it's time for me to go off into this uncharted territory and try to figure out what to wear in three different parts of the country on 5 different television shows. In some odd way, I LOVE IT. I'm looking forward to time traveling with my partner, who, apparently cannot be seated next to me unless I check in 24 hours before the flight and pay up to 30 bucks to find seats together.

The airlines. That's an entirely different blog. Check in tomorrow!