Memories of Sunset & Gower

Isn't it funny how certain things can trigger a memory? When I smell Aramis cologne, it reminds me of a high school boyfriend. When I smell Shalimar, it reminds me of watching my mom get dressed up to go out. Well a friend posted this photo on Facebook today, & memories came flooding back. This is the corner of Sunset & Gower in the 1960's. We filmed Bewitched right here at Screen Gems & I used to eat at the Copper Skillet all the time. One day, Johnnie Whitaker took me on my first date here. To be fair, I don't think he considered it a date, since I think I was only 5 years old & he was probably 10. It was while we were filming the Jack & the Beanstalk episode of Bewitched. I ordered breaded veal cutlet & he paid with a check. Awwww, memories!!

Welcome Back Mad Men

I missed you Don Draper & I'm happy to have you back! After a 17 month hiatus, the 2 hour Mad Men 'movie' didn't disappoint. I've been to a few parties over the years that have a "Zoobie Zoobie Zooooo" moment: where someone does something like get up in front of the group and sing & dance a completely choreographed routine. It may not come across as sexy, entertaining or adorable as planned, but it definitely leads to years of quiet giggles & inside jokes. It's always a little distracting to me when a character is suddenly replaced by a new actor, probably causes flashbacks to Bewitched. So in the opening scenes, I was confused why MJ Delfino was suddenly being called Bobby Draper. But in Hollywood it makes sense, the old Bobby, Jared Gilmore, has a big part on Once Upon A Time & Desperate Housewives is going off the air, so little Mason Vale Cotton needs a new job. I'm just glad they didn't replace Joan. What did you think of the new Mad Men episode?

Happiness is a Warm Puppy!

Thought I'd share this great photo I just received by Lisa Webb Photography. It was taken at Debbie Durkin's Main Event Red Carpet Lounge Eco-Oscars Event which took place at Mary Pickford's old estate, where they filmed The Artist. They've asked the "celebrities" who attended to autograph the photos, which will be auctioned off to benefit the Fur Fitness Foundation http:furfitnessfoundation.org. Being a lifelong animal lover, I'm more than happy to help! They also graciously sent a framed photo for us to keep. My Dog, Zuma (Mandolin Trails Absolute Afternoon at the Beach) is a Leonberger. The breed is still fairly new to the US & are originally from Germany. They were bred to not only 'look like a lion' but also do water rescue. Leonbergers have webbed feet & can jump out of a helicopter to save someone. We adore her! For those of you who've read my blog for awhile, you might remember when we first got Zuma. You can enter the word 'Zuma' into the search section of my blog to read past posts, including her appearance on Animal Planet. She's not a little puppy anymore & weighs more than I do!

I Believe The Children Are Our Future...

Went to two amazing children's charity events this weekend. The first was a Fashion Week Event for Girls Today Women Tomorrow. It's a fabulous mentoring program. http://gtwt.org The second was a Storyland Funtini Extravaganza benefiting Reading, Writing, It's Exciting! http://rweprogram.org/site/ It was all part of the Reading Across America program. I volunteer in a classroom every week. Hope you can all find something that you're passionate about & get involved. On a superficial note: I'm wearing a St. John Jacket, Milly skirt & vintage ostrich handbag. Photo Credit: Paul Archuleta, Film Magic, Getty Images

Grey's Anatomy Cast Sings to Benefit the Actor's Fund

Darren & I went to a really fun event last night. Inspired by their singing episode, the cast of Grey's Anatomy took to the stage of Royce Hall at UCLA for a concert to support the Actor's Fund. The talented Sandra Oh accepted her singing limitations & acted as a lively emcee, while Eric Dane provided the comic relief. They all looked like they were having a great time & sounded much better than you'd expect for a TV Cast. Sara Ramirez (whose name is pronounced like "sorry") had previously won a Tony for Spamalot & was fabulous. Jessica Capshaw is expecting her third child & looked adorable. The highlight for me was definitely Justin Chambers young daughter who is destined to be a STAR!! Take a minute to visit the Actor's Fund Website (http://actorsfund.org). They're an amazing organization that's been supporting the entertainment community since the 1800's.

Here's the set list for those interested in such things: 1. Chasing Cars- Sara Ramirez, Kevin McKidd, Chandra Wilson 2. How We Operate- Kevin McKidd 3. There's A Girl- Sarah Drew 4. Wait- Chandra Wilson, Sarah Drew 5. Running on Sunshine- Cast 6. Young Folks- Justin Chambers & daughters 7. Everywhere I Go- Wilson 8. Keep Breathing- Ingrid Michaelson 9. Looking At The World From The Bottom of a Well- McKidd 10. The Story- Ramirez 11. How To Save A Life- Cast

PSA for PBS

I shot a Public Service Announcement for the PBS Network today. Growing up in Los Angeles, I've been watching PBS as long as I can remember & my kids watch it now. KLCS, "The Education Station" is one of only 7 PBS stations in the country that is licensed to a school district. Sadly LAUSD is in the midst of a financial crisis & PBS is in jeopardy. Unlike most PBS networks, KLCS has never asked for support from their viewers, but now they have to. They don't need much, but they do need you, pick up your phone & text KLCS to 80888 to make a one time donation of $10. No bank account or credit card is needed or visit www.klcs.org & choose the donor level that works for you. It's easy & completely tax deductible. Support PBS/ KLCS. Together we can make a little magic.