Friday, May 15, 2009

Do-Over!

by Trish Milburn

It's Friday. Time to party! Not only is it the beginning of the weekend, but it's time to celebrate my newest release with an examination of the do-over. No, I'm not talking about the cry kids make when a game doesn't go their way and they want to start it over again. I'm talking about starting over in a bigger way. Whether it's a makeover of one's self or home, or starting an entirely new life, I'm a fan of the clean slate.

My husband recently made the observation that lots of my stories are about people who have bad pasts. True, but I love to show that no matter what someone has gone through, there's the possibility of starting over and creating a brighter future. In my Harlequin American that released this week, Her Very Own Family, Audrey York arrives in tiny Willow Glen, Tennessee, with the aim of starting her life over. She’s leaving behind a fast-paced part of her life that ended in a scandal not of her making but which scarred her nonetheless. The perfect balm for her battered soul presents itself when she buys an old gristmill and undertakes the renovation necessary to turn it into a restaurant. What she doesn’t expect is to befriend an older neighbor who insists on helping her and then fighting the temptation his son presents when he joins the renovation too. While she enjoys her time with Brady Witt and his father, Nelson, she fears that her old life will catch up with her and shatter this new life like it did the old.

I guess deep down this theme calls to me because I, like so many people, had a childhood that wasn't all light and roses. The idea of reinventing myself held immense appeal, and that started the moment I left for college. I even changed the version of my name I used. Up until my high school graduation, everyone knew me as Patricia. But once I stepped onto my college campus, I adopted the name Trish. Now, it sounds weird to hear someone call me Patricia because I've been Trish longer. And if anyone ever calls me Pat, they are related to me. I hate that name, but what can you do? They've been calling me that for nearly 39 years.

I also like makeovers of other kinds. I can't tell you how many times I've been flipping channels and been sucked into the universe that is known as What Not to Wear. It's amazing what the right clothes and a new hairdo can do for a person. And it's not just looks; it's self-confidence that improves.

It should come as no surprise, now, that I'm a big fan of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I honestly think there hasn't been an episode during which I didn't cry. The families' stories of loss and struggle are heartbreaking, and that makes their joy at receiving a new dream home all that more satisfying. I don't know these people, but I'm so happy for them as the bus driver "moves that bus" and they see their new home for the first time. This season, the show has been honoring heroes of all kinds, and the season finale is this Sunday night. It's a two-hour episode, which means I'll just end up crying twice as much.

In amongst the emotions, however, I get to see some really cool interior design. I don't want them to come tear my house down, but it sure would be cool to go on vacation for a week and come back to an entirely new interior. :)

It was Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that actually inspired the hero, Brady Witt, in Her Very Own Family -- both his carpentry skills and his looks. Take a look at the cover of the book and see if you can see the resemblance to show designer Rib Hillis.

How about you? Do you like makeover shows? Which ones? Why? Ever had a makeover yourself? How did it make you feel? Anyone else an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition fan?

One commenter will win a copy of Her Very Own Family.

142 comments:

Anna Campbell said...

Ha ha! He's mine all mine!

Anna Campbell said...

It's into the pantry with the chook. By the way, has anyone else noticed he's getting fat? The buttons on that brocade jacket are looking rather strained these days.

Trish Milburn said...

The chook has flown to Oz. :) LOL on the GR getting portly.

I'm off to bed. See you chickies in the morning. Keep things rocking while I'm sleeping.

Anna Campbell said...

Trish, congratulations on your second release in as many months! Wow, you're taking over the world, girlfriend. This book sounds fantastic - I'm not surprised A Firefighter in the Family was wonderful too.

Oh, What Not to Wear? Love it. Or at least I did when Trinny and Susannah were in charge. I felt they had empathy with the people that the new presenters just don't have. T&S understood that clothes are a reflection of a whole life. I can remember crying my eyes out regularly at WNTW - there was a divorced woman one that really touched me. These women had basically been hiding from the world for decades which is so sad.

Fedora said...

Anna!! Congrats ;) And hmmm... perhaps he was overindulging while at Limecello's--she's quite the chef!

Trish, I do think it's fun to see makeover shows. The only kind of extreme change I've had is major haircuts--it's fun to change your look, even if just to try it on :) I think that making an extreme change stick needs commitment though (even with something like a haircut!)--I love books that tell the stories of people who do re-make their lives! It's such a testament to the strength and resilience people have, and it's such an inspiring and encouraging and hopeful thing to read their stories!

Trish Milburn said...

Okay, obviously I haven't made it to bed yet. Anna, thanks so much for saying you liked A Firefighter in the Family. I'm excited that I'll be having a sequel to that book (Adam's story), probably out sometime next year.

We have different hosts for WNTW here in the U.S. -- Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. And it's true that how one dresses is often a reflection of how they feel or how they feel about themselves.

Trish Milburn said...

Fedora, I recently got a new hairstyle after many years of the same cut. It's not huge as in going from long to short because one can only be so drastic when it's already short, but it's at least a bit different.

Helen said...

Congrats Anna enjoy your day with him

Congrats Trish the book sounds wonderful I finally got your first book from Amazon a couple of weeks ago and plan on reading that next up hopefully I will be able to get the newer one quicker this time. I don't think Harliquinn release this series in Australia I have got Tawny's and Beth's here in Oz, actually I saw Beth's this morning while shopping.

I do enjoy a TV show here in Australia called Renovation Rescue where the team renovate a persons home and they are always people that really need it I too often end up crying in the show and the houses and yards are beautiful I would love to go away for a couple of weeks and come back to a lovely house and I am sure they would make sure I have a wonderful library when I got back home.

Again congrats Trish

Have Fun
Helen

Pissenlit said...

Congrats, Anna! I'm sure his jacket just shrunk a bit, is all. *cough* :)

Oh, I love do-over stories! Congrats on the release!

My faves are Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and What Not To Wear.

I let some friends in my dorm give me a makeover once after they kept begging me late one night. They did my hair, my makeup and had me put on different clothes. They thought I looked really good after. I swear, I looked like a hooker.

Heh, I had that name change thing in university too though it wasn't entirely by choice. People kept asking if they could call me Jacquie and in the beginning, I didn't mind as long as they spelt my name and its diminutive correctly. But then, everyone called me that and then any new people I met, I'd have to introduce myself as Jacquie otherwise everyone got all confused as to who was being referred to if someone mentioned a different form of my name. Nowadays, you can tell who met me during the years I went to university just by what name they know me by. I totally switched back after I graduated. :P

Tawny said...

I adore makeover shows. My husband doesn't adore me watching makeover shows so much (at least not the home ones) since I tend to find a million ideas and most of them require he do the work *beg*

I used to watch What Not To Wear all the time, until I realized I was a prime candidate LOL. That and I'm not a fan of "classic" dressing for myself and thats what they lean toward, so I rarely found fun ideas.

Trish - I'd love to see a picture of your new hairstyle!!!

Annie West said...

Anna, I know the reason you've got the chook is because you're avoiding WRITING. Get back to that grindstone!

Trish, some makeover shows are tremendous fun. I love What Not to Wear. Other than that I mainly prefer the home and garden makeovers. Actually (I know it's not a makeover but it's the same principle) I love Grand Designs - the UK show about people building the home of their dreams. Each episode is filmed over years as you see them with the land or ruin or even water tower at the beginning and the finished/almost finished home at the end.

Congratulations on the newest release!

Annie

Minna said...

Yeah, I have watched Extreme Makeover: Home Edition sometimes. I definitely like positive shows like that much more than e.g. Survivor where everyone is doing their best to stab each other in the back.

Aikakone - Keltainen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYjMTeUKWXI

MAARIT Tuuli & Taivas (Wind & Sky)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDf5NDRRUoU

KEVÄT JA MINÄ - TOMMI LÄNTINEN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV8cRMmMAFY

Neiti Kevät
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwIgXd6avWY

Pave Maijanen - Lähtisitkö
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLlNe6vyokI

Tomas Ledin - Sommaren är kort
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVdGOz_ptDg

Llehn said...

My favorite makeover show is Peter Perfect where Peter goes around giving failed businesses a new image and plan! So inspiring to see the hopelessness in the business owners eyes turn into new hope when they realize how they can rejuvenate their flagging businesses. So inspiring!

Tawny said...

I just have to say, btw, that I can't imagine you as a Patricia or Pat. I just can't. You're Trish *g*

Blodeuedd said...

I don't love them, but I do watch them :)
My fav is How do I look cos the changes are so drastic sometimes.
I have been known to watch them all.

Deb Marlowe said...

Congrats Trish! Your new release sounds fantastic!

I really enjoy What Not to Wear too. Even when they fight so hard, the subjects usually feel better about themselves afterwards!

Gillian Layne said...

Hi ladies! I love all those makeover shows on the Home and Garden Channel, although some more than others. I loved Design on a Dime with Joan Stephens, I think? but they keep changing hosts. And I love Desperate Landscapes, because right now I have one (sigh) and I love the inspiration.

Trish, I've already read Her Very Own Family, and absolutely loved it. I know it's set in Tennessee, but I told my dh it made me homesick for Springdale, Arkansas because there was an old mill there brought back as a restaurant,and it was so great. Your vivid descriptions really brought the story to life. Thanks for the great read!

pjpuppymom said...

Congrats, Anna!

Trish, congrats on the release of Her Very Own Family! You've written another winner. I read it over the weekend and absolutely loved it!

Caren Crane said...

Oh, Anna, you sneak! I think you have evil plans for our feathered friend. Slave labor, perhaps? *g*

I know, Anna will launch her Extreme Makeover: Aussie Home Edition and strap a toolbelt on the GR. I want pictures!

Trish, I love Ty Pennington in all his ADHD-ness. He is so cute and such a big kid! I love do-over stories and makeovers of all kinds. I figured out after 5 books or so that I always have a makeover scene of some sort. I think it's because I long for do-overs and makeovers!

Like Fedora, I have done major hair makeovers, but that's about it. Have never been able to splurge on a new wardrobe - plus I always buy what I like and think looks good on me, so what would change? *g* BUT, I have taken fashion advice from The Incomparable Claudia Dain. TICD can convince a body to buy something new and different, let me tell you. She makes you feel like a million bucks...without spending it!

I am all about EMHE, Trish. It makes me cry, too!

Caren Crane said...

Minna, I'm with you! I think shows like 'Survivor' are horrible to watch. Then again, my friend Deb Marlowe loves them because she says they strip people down to the core of who they really are at heart. Humanity is too ugly for me! *g*

Caren Crane said...

Llehn, I have not watched 'Peter Perfect' but it sounds like one I would like! It's so hard to see your own anything in a different light. What a great idea!

Caren Crane said...

Gillian, very sadly, I have a landscape in need of a major makeover, too. The neighbors curse our weeds daily, I'm sure!

Minna said...

Then there's another show I like. I think it's Secret Millionaire.

Nancy said...

Anna, you finally succeeded in your quest! Congratulations. I hope you can make more progress in the picking-up-after-himself lessons.

Trish, congratulations on your new release! I'm looking forward to reading it.

I do like makeover shows. What Not to Wear is a favorite, and there used to be a show called Fashion Emergency that I loved.

I also thought of changing my name when I went to college, but I ultimately decided against it because Nancy (there were three in my second-grade class) is at least phonetic, and my middle name, a family name, defies easy pronunciation.

I sympathize on the Pat thing. I really dislike being called Nan and don't understand why people I barely know feel free to do that. Makes me feel like a Bobbsey Twin (and they're long out of print, so if you know who they are, you're older than you may want to admit). Many of my college friends call me by my last name, and that's fine. That's what we did back then, probably because the school had been all-male, the guys had gone by last names, and the women dropped into the practice.

Speaking of college, I got a do-over there. I transferred. My first school wasn't a good fit for me. The second, where many of the men in my family had gone, turned out to be perfect.

I go to the beach with an ever-changing group of my female classmates every year. There were five Nancys at the first such gathering, five years ago, and we all go by our original last names. When I hear mine among those women, I feel a combination of being 20 again and coming home.

Nancy said...

Tawny, I know Clinton and Stacy would ditch most of my wardrobe in a heartbeat. I don't own a "dressy trouser jean" because they never fit me and I hate waiting for alterations.

I love my SFF and comic book t-shirts. I often choose one on a writing day for inspiration. I would fight to keep those t-shirts. And yes, I do occasionally wear them out of the house, which would give C&S hives.

Caren actually forced me into new wardrobe venues before National last year when she decreed that I could not wear "those polo shirts" that tend to be my main warm-weather alternative to fannish t-shirts. *g* So I went to the outlet mall and ended up with some nice tops I've also worn to teach (no t-shirts for teaching; bad for the authority image) when I didn't feel like wearing a suit jacket.

Nancy said...

Where are all y'all getting Trish's book? I keep looking, and I haven't found it yet!

Gillian Layne said...

Nancy, my copy came in an Amazon order over a week ago. Our local bookstore is too hit and miss for me to rely on all the time.

Terri Osburn said...

Congrats on the new release! I've haven't bought any new books for a while so I think this calls for a bookstore trip.

I LOVE make-over shows. I sort of gave myself a make-over after my divorce. Lost weight, cut off the hair, updated the wardrobe and started wearing things that actually fit instead of three sizes too big.

I also made-over my life a few years ago and though that's still an ongoing process, obtaining my college degree in about six weeks feels like reaching a far off mile stone.

I'm addicted to WNTW though I've stopped watching EMHE because it felt like the designers were all auditioning for a bad soap opera. LOL! It's so cheesy and melodramatic I couldn't stop rolling my eyes. But the things to do to the houses are truly amazing.

Kirsten said...

Hey Trish! I'm so excited to get a new Bandita book! This one sounds great -- I am a HUGE fan of the makeover. I don't watch the shows much these days, but I would if I ever found the time. I love a book or show with a great REVEAL. That's the best part.

My secret shame? Anyone remember The Swan? Where they'd do all sorts of plastic surgery to a woman to turn her from ugly duckling to swan? Oh, it was horrible. Absolutely horrible. But I loved it.

Kirsten said...

Oh, and I'll reveal that I had my own little makeover. I had a particular form of plastic surgery that my insurance company paid for because it was "non-cosmetic." Having it done took a lot of weight off my shoulders, if you KWIM. ;-) All for $5! Really amazing.

I love what it did for me. I can wear normal clothing, normal undergarments (I used to have to special order them -- no one carried my size!), can jog without pain...okay, never mind, jogging still hurts, but you get the idea.

So I have a special feeling about makeovers. I think you have to be careful, because I can see how people get addicted to it. But for someone who really needs it? I'm all for it.

Susan Sey said...

Oh, the GR is going back to Australia! Congrats, Anna! Keep an eye on him. He's tricky. And he may be trailing a swath of taffeta & a butt bow after yesterday. :-)

And Trish, what a great topic! Her Very Own Family sounds exactly like the kind of book I crave when I'm feeling stuck in my own life. The idea of making over your life--and doing it right this time--is so appealing sometimes.

I used to love summer camp for this very reason--it was a chance to start over once a year with a brand new peer group. The potential was dazzling. I lived for it.

And I, too, dropped the family nickname when I was a college freshman. Whenever a caller asked for Susie, my roommates just yelled, "Susan! It's your family!"

I'll have to run out to see if HVOF is on the shelves here in MN yet. With my house practically crumbling around me, I could use a HEA that involves some carpentry. :-)

Trish Milburn said...

Helen, I hope you enjoy A Firefighter in the Family and are able to get Her Very Own Family soon. I think by virtue of its name, Harlequin American isn't one of the big lines outside of the U.S. Still, I'm happy when I hear of people in other places getting them.

Renovation Rescue sounds like my kind of show.

Trish Milburn said...

Pissenlit, LOL on the difference in opinion about your dorm makeover. :)

That's interesting that you changed your name for university then changed back. I don't think I've ever run into anyone who has done it that way.

Trish Milburn said...

Tawny, my hubby gets anxious too when I start talking about home makeovers because they...cost money. :) Now, I understand because I can be frugal too. But sometimes stuff has got to be done. Like now we're in the process of getting an estimate on new carpet because when we bought the house 9 years ago, I made a poor choice on carpet. Hint: Do not put light-colored berber in a high-traffic area. Doh!

Trish Milburn said...

Tawny, maybe I'll post a photo of the new 'do when I get it cut again. Most of the time I don't "fix" it (meaning time and product) because I'm sitting here at my computer all day. Seriously, why bother if no one sees me? :)

Trish Milburn said...

Annie, I bet I'd like garden makeover shows too. I really need someone to come pretty up my yard, but when I got the estimate I about stroked out in the middle of my dining room. Um, no, I'll do it myself, thanks.

Grand Designs sounds good. Your mention of the water tower reminded me that I used to love watching a show here called Extreme Homes. They'd make homes out of all kinds of interesting structures -- old warehouses, a train caboose, even an old grain silo. I don't think it's on anymore because I can't find it.

Trish Milburn said...

Minna, while I'll admit to being a Survivor watcher (though not this season), I know what you mean. I watch another show on The Discovery Channel that comes on after Deadliest Catch called Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment. They started off with nine Americans who volunteered to be stranded in the wild of Alaska on the verge of winter, and they have basic supplies and some rudimentary skills to help them try to find their way out of the wild. Unlike most reality shows, this one encourages the volunteers (they're not contestants, and no one is voted off) to work together to get to their destination.

Trish Milburn said...

Llehn, I've not heard of Peter Perfect. Is it on outside the U.S.?

Tawny, I'm glad you can't imagine me as one of my previous name incarnations. :)

Trish Milburn said...

Blodeuedd, I've seen How Do I Look? a few times too. I really like the shows when the makeover does just as much for the person's self-confidence.

Deb, you're right. But I think it must be hard for the subjects to accept the embarrassment of having their friends or family out their lack of style on national TV. And then having all your comfort clothes thrown in a trash can.

Louisa Cornell said...

I think his being locked in the pantry MAY have something to do with the incredible shrinking brocade jacket! That and Lime's cooking! Enjoy La Campbell AND as your dear CP has busted you I add my advice to Annie's GET BACK TO WORK !!!


Trish I am thrilled about your new release! I really loved A Firefighter in the Family! And I am so excited to hear there will be a sequel. Can't wait to get my hands on Her Very Own Family!

I am a big fan of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Ty is such a doll and I love to see what they do to the houses. They did one in Montgomery (about 20 miles from my house) and the family was so deserving and so appreciative. y favorite one has been of the family that rescues animals. They did a huge kennel attached to the house with bone-shaped beds and the watering bowls were TOILETS! Cracked me up. And yes, I always cry!

My house and yard need a makeover in the WORST WAY !! I need a Renovation Rescue!

And Trish I love that you took the opportunity of college to reinvent yourself. You did a bang up job as you are one of the nicest, most intelligent and most fun people I know!

I've had to reinvent myself a couple of times. When the DH died I went from being the doctor's wife to being the broke widow with lots of bills to pay! Major do-over!

And now I am doing the best I can to remake myself into a professional writer !! When is it too late to make yourself over? Only after they put you to bed with a shovel, my friends!

Trish Milburn said...

Gillian, I may have to watch this Desperate Landscapes show because, well, I have one too. You know you're in trouble when the ChemLawn people leave one of their little weed checkoff flyers on your mailbox and every box is checked. Eek! But the yard work is exercise. Bonus!

I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. Cool that you actually know of an old mill that was turned into a restaurant. There's a great bed and breakfast in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee that is in a gristmill. Loved falling asleep listening to the waterwheel.

Trish Milburn said...

PJ, so glad you liked the book. You all are starting my day off on a very nice note. :)

Caren, LOL on the image of the GR with a toolbelt. Hey, maybe he'll work off some of the pounds he's been gaining. Hmm, perhaps I should strap on a toolbelt.

Ty is a big kid, isn't he? He has so much energy. And I like how the designers all show such emotion. And I don't think they're faking it when you see their tears. They're human and moved by these stories like we are.

Hmm, perhaps I should go shopping with Claudia.

Trish Milburn said...

Caren, my hubby can't stand Survivor and those shows either. He said they encourage backstabbing, and he doesn't like that. I do find it interesting how people behave under extreme circumstances, and my favorite contestants are always the ones who hang onto their morals despite what it might cost them.

Trish Milburn said...

Minna, is Secret Millionaire where the person goes around and gives money to deserving people? They don't know the person is a millionaire? I think there's something like that on here, or at least was, but I've never seen it.

jcp said...

I prefer those shows that use and organize what you have like Clean House. Anything cab look good with tons of money spent on it.

Trish Milburn said...

Nancy, how interesting that you and your college pals go by last names. How very military. :) I think it's cool that you and your college friends go to the beach each year. I'm at the point where my college friends all have little kids, so we don't get together very often. They're all doing the mommy thing. And interestingly, it seems three is a big number now. Three of my four college roommates have three children, and the other has two.

Trish Milburn said...

Nancy, I'd fight for my fan T-shirts too. In fact, I wore one of my Supernatural ones last night for the season finale. It's red and says, "Don't fear the reaper. The Winchesters took care of it." :) I also got a new Supernatural shirt in the mail yesterday. But hey, they fit in nicely at Dragon*Con.

Becke Davis said...

Is it just me, or are there references to Oz EVERYWHERE? Even though, in this case, Trish meant Anna's Oz.

Congrats, Anna, on snagging the GR. I think I've only caught the wily rooster once, maybe twice. C'mon, GR -- I wasn't THAT rough on you, was I?

Trish, I love the premise of your story, and I always love a good do-over. I must admit, I like to see the "before" almost as much as the "after." I remember those Seventeen magazine (or was it Glamour?) when I was a teenager -- they always had candid pictures of "do's" and "don't's."

As to Extreme Makeover, I thought you were going to say you based your hero on Ty Pennington. But I checked out your link and, oh yeah, I can see it!

Trish Milburn said...

Nancy, I saw the book at Books-a-Million. Haven't been anywhere else, like Wal-Mart, to look yet.

Trish Milburn said...

terrio, first, congrats on you upcoming college degree! That's so awesome.

And what you said about the makeover after divorce is common, I think. I have a friend who did the same thing and I almost didn't recognize her when I saw her. Another was still recognizable, but I could also see the differences not only in her appearance but in her attitude. I think these post-divorce makeovers help people feel better about themselves instead of being down all the time. That's just speculation on my part, but it feels right. I say, You Go Girl!

Trish Milburn said...

Kirsten, I'll join you in your shame and admit that I did watch a few episodes of The Swan too. Mainly because I was curious, not that I thought all that drastic plastic surgery was an especially good idea. I'm more of a fan of enhancing the assets one already has, but this was interesting to see how far some people go for external beauty.

Trish Milburn said...

Kirsten, I have a friend who wants to have that kind of surgery. Her mom did when she was younger. Let's say their family is "blessed." :)

Trish Milburn said...

Susan, I think you hit on something that makes makeovers of all kinds so appealing -- sometimes we feel stuck in our lives even when we have good lives. If we have good, stable home lives, sometimes the idea of the open road and being a free spirit with no ties is appealing. I may actually write that type of story at some point. But people who are rootless often crave the very type of life that some of us feel is constraining.

Trish Milburn said...

Aww, Louisa, thanks so much for all your kind words. You're one of the sweetest people. Missed you at the HOD luncheon this year.

I liked that episode of EMHE with the animals too. Another that has stuck with me was from an earlier season where the entire family except one son was deaf.

They did a makeover near here too. A lady who'd been paralyzed during a tornado got a new house. I remember when she was injured. A tornado came through and she barely had time to cover her child with her body before the house came down on top of them. So sad.

Anna Sugden said...

I love do-over and make-over stories too, Trish. I think they give us all hope.

I also think people who have the courage to take a step and make the necessary changes in themselves or their lives, deserve a huge amount of credit. Those who haven't been there think it's easy. But, speaking from personal experience, it isn't. But, as you and I and a number of others here can attest - there is a huge reward if you can do it.

Going to have to duck my head again as haven't seen any of these programs. I don't watch much TV. I used to love the home do-over ones though.

BTW the Amazon pigeon has got stuck somewhere with this book. I suspect he's holed up reading it!

Trish Milburn said...

jcp, I've not seen Clean House, but I know the concept. And you're right -- enough money can do wonders.

Anna Sugden said...

Helen - occasionally HA's come out as Special Editions in England. You may find the same in Oz.

Anna Sugden said...

Kirsten - I know a bunch of people who have had that strain-relieving surgery and are sooooo glad they did.

Trish Milburn said...

Treethyme, I love the before and after shots. They're so dramatic.

And while I love Ty, he didn't seem like the right model for my hero. Personality-wise, I wouldn't say Brady is like Rib, but I did base the physical appearance on him. And the fact that he's a carpenter. I don't know about the GR, but Rib looks good in a tool belt. :)

Anna Sugden said...

Annie - I love Grand Designs too. Haven't seen it for ages, but remember seeing a wonderful episode about an abandoned church being made over. Fabulous.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Wow, he's the down-under-chook this week! :> Congrats Anna!

Great post, Trish. I love makeover shows too. What not to Wear, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, etc. I adore home makeovers on HGTV and the Extreme Makeover.

Llehn, I've never hear of the Peter Perfect, but that sounds really cool. We have on here in the States on Bravo w/ a hairstylist who goes around helping owners turn their businesses around. Really cool.

Blodeuedd, that's my fav part, is the reveal when people love the way the look. I do wonder sometimes, esp. with the house stuff, if anyone goes and modifies it afterwards. Sometimes you can tell they still are comfy with the changes!

Trish Milburn said...

Anna S., I'm laughing at the idea of the Amazon pigeon sitting back somewhere reading my book. Hee hee. Hope he arrives across the pond soon.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Trish, I loved that Extreme Homes too. They rerun it now and again, but I guess they ran out of extremes!

Trish Milburn said...

Anna S., your mention of the made-over church reminded me of a place I saw in Jonesborough, Tennessee (the state's oldest town) called The Parson's Table. It's a church that has been made into a restaurant. I didn't get the opportunity to eat there, but I'd like to.

http://www.theparsonstable.net/

Anna Sugden said...

Oh and I used to love a TV show over here a few years back where they were given a room and told to kit it out in a particular historical style - decoration and furniture etc.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

BTW, that should have been AREN'T comfy with the changes!

Trish Milburn said...

Jeanne, I've wondered that too about whether people change some of the house stuff later on, especially the more out-there designs. It might totally not be their style.

You know, I think HGTV is a black hole. I could totally see myself getting caught up in the shows and looking up hours later to see an entire day had gone by.

Trish Milburn said...

Anna S., that historical style show sounds interesting. Were the contestants/guests/whatever historians or something?

Anna Sugden said...

The Parson's Table looks lovely, Trish!

There was a TV series over here in the '80s called Capitol City. In it, a character called Max lived in a converted church which looked fab (though was probably really just a left-over set from a historical drama!)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Trish said: You know, I think HGTV is a black hole. I could totally see myself getting caught up in the shows and looking up hours later to see an entire day had gone by.

SO true! The Sunday morning shows w/ all the landscape stuff sucks me in and doesn't let me go until about 11 or noon. :> And I used to think only Meet THe Press and Charles Kuralt could do that to adults...

Trish Milburn said...

Well, now that I've looked around the site, I see The Parson's Table is now a special events facility instead of a restaurant. Bummer.

Terri Osburn said...

Kirsten - I had that same surgery 17 years ago and the dang things grew back! I swear, back to double letters and not from weight gain either. How does that happen?! LOL!

But I don't regret it. I do worry about my daughter now. She's 9 and off to the exact same start I was. Maybe since she's supposed to end up 8 or so inches taller than I am, she'll be okay. But at least if she needs to take drastic action, I can tell her how it works.

Trish Milburn said...

terrio, they grew back! OMG, I've never heard of such. They will not be denied! :)

jo robertson said...

Great post, Trish. I love the idea of makeovers (although I avoid watching the shows) because I'm convinced everyone deserves/needs a do-over in her life, large or small.

To me, it's about overcoming the genetic and environmental factors and becoming the person YOU want to be, not the one coded by your DNA or determined by the family you were born into.

When I went to college, I too, changed my name, using my middle name of Jo instead of my first name Benita. Hence, I became Jo Lewis and my husband loves telling everyone he married Joe Louis (the Brown Bomber), the famous heavy-weight boxing champion of the 30's and 40's.

jo robertson said...

Llehn, I do love those shows about reviving flagging businesses. They're so interesting!

Anna, forgot to congratulate you on getting the rooster, but I must say when he returns to the US someone must put the chubby chook on a diet!

Congratulations on your new release, Trish!

Trish Milburn said...

Jo, I love your point about overcoming genetic and familial factors and becoming the person you want to be.

Trish Milburn said...

Just got an e-mail from my editor. The follow-up to my first book just got a release date -- March 2010. Now must brainstorm new titles.

Pissenlit said...

Kirsten - Having it done took a lot of weight off my shoulders, if you KWIM.

One of my friends had that done. She always had to special order bras too and she'd get these painful-looking grooves from the straps. If a bra was lying around her room, she'd often go, "Hey look, I have a hat!" and put it on her head. I think she was much happier after the surgery

Llehn said...

Hi Trish,

Peter Perfect is on the Style Network. Peter is English but he lives in LA and the business owners are all Americans. I love Peter! He is quite a character!

Pissenlit said...

Trish - Pissenlit, LOL on the difference in opinion about your dorm makeover. :)

That's interesting that you changed your name for university then changed back. I don't think I've ever run into anyone who has done it that way.

I'm Chinese and I think they were aiming for "exotic". Two words...EPIC FAIL!

I never minded the name, Jacquie, per se, I'd just never intended to entirely switch names as I've always preferred Jacqueline. I should've just smacked 'em all down in the beginning with, "No. It's Jacqueline. Deal with it." *snicker*

Anna Sugden said...

LOL Pissenlit - I had the same problem with my real name, Anahita. Not Anita or Annanita. In the end I thought it was easier to shorten it to Anna.

Minna said...

Minna, is Secret Millionaire where the person goes around and gives money to deserving people?

That's the one.

Lovebugs - The Highest Heights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CseWa_d43ck&feature=related

Aleksandrov Red Army Choir on Eurovision Song Contest 2009, Moscow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCZNfeWGTkQ&feature=related

Kirsten said...

Terrio, I have noticed a slight increase in the years since I had it done, but nothing too dramatic yet, LOL. I guess it's a matter of time. Our bodies seem to have something in mind for us, regardless of what we want from them.

And I have the same fears for my little one. But I suppose that's life. You can't fix it all for them.

Pissenlit, LOL about the hat. I wish I had such a good sense of humor about those contraptions. I was just bitter about spending so much money on them.

Trish Milburn said...

Llehn, I'll have to check out Peter Perfect.

Pissenlit (aka Jacqueline), one of my roommates in college (she of the two kids) is named Jacqueline, but we called her Jackie, which she'd been called as we were growing up.

Donna MacMeans said...

Trish - Congrats on the new release - WOOHOO! You're stacking them up!

I'm not into the makeover reality shows so can't comment there, but I do love the idea of making-over one's self to mitigate a hurtful past. Trouble is - we have a hard time making over the internal - don't we? That's what I love about these books - the conflict between the retained internal and the new & improved external.

Can't wait to get this one in my hands, Trish. Congrats!

Christie Kelley said...

Trish, congratulations on release number 2 this month. That is an awesome accomplishment!!!

Great blog, too! I actually did the makeover with my name when I published. No one had ever called me Christie, yet that's what I decided on for my pen name. I've always been Chris or Christine.

Do you really think I'd like home makeover shows? Maybe a few years ago, but not anymore. I never want to see or have anything to do with another remodel.

Pat Cochran said...

Congratulations, Trish!

I hear you on the name thing. I didn't like being called "Patricia" in my school days and absolutely hated the nickname relatives gave me: Patsy Ann! Yuck! By high school,I was trying to get everyone to call me Pat. Didn't work, my senior year
there were five of us in one class!
Five variations on the name, guess
who was landed with Patricia! In
nursing school, I finally became
Pat and have been called that ever
since.

Pat Cochran

Trish Milburn said...

Donna, good point about the internal. I think if we truly want to make ourselves over, we have to work on both the internal and external. The internal feelings often manifest themselves in the external appearance.

Trish Milburn said...

Christie, I think maybe you've had enough home makeover for awhile. But your home makeover yielded beautiful results.

Pat, hope I didn't offend by saying I didn't like the name Pat. I should clarify -- I don't like it for ME. It doesn't feel right even though my family has always called me that. I feel like a Trish, ya know? And you're middle name is Ann? LOL. So is mine.

Gillian Layne said...

Trish, this is the link to the mill/inn/restaurant:

http://www.innatthemill.com/

I don't remember it being so "upscale" but we haven't lived there for over 15 years.

I hear you on the yard. The weeds LOVE me, they really do. :)

Trish Milburn said...

Gillian, that's a lovely mill. Here's the B&B where I stayed.

http://www.oldemillbbinn.com/

Trish Milburn said...

Totally off topic, but I'm highly annoyed that my 4-nugget Chicken McNuggets only had 3 nuggets.

Cassondra said...

Oh, Trish, I don't have tv here, but I LOVE that home makeover show. I've read that cute guy's book--the one who's the star of the show--can't remember his name. But he has a couple of home makeover and design books out, and that's an escape for me--interior (and exterior) design. You wouldn't know it, to look at my house, but it is.

I've never seen "What Not To Wear" but I know I'd love it too. These kinds of shows, and seeing people made over and what a difference it can make--suck me in like nothing else. I'm a total fan of that kind of tv.

Pissenlit said...

Trish - Totally off topic, but I'm highly annoyed that my 4-nugget Chicken McNuggets only had 3 nuggets.

Ask for 1/4 of your money back. :)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Trish, I say you get a serious do-over on your nuggets! ha!

:>

Beth Andrews said...

Trish, congrats on the release of Her Very Own Family! I can't wait to read it *g*

I love makeover shows! What Not To Wear and How Do I Look? are a couple of my favorites. I made the mistake of watching a rerun of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition while on the treadmill the other day. Trying to run while bawling your eyes out isn't as easy as you'd think ;-)

And I love what you said about makeovers inspiring confidence! That's the best part of the fashion shows for me.

Actually, the scene I'm working on now for my WIP my heroine (who happens to be a hairdresser *g*) exlains to the hero that it's not just about cutting hair. It's about empowering people by helping them look their best :-)

Trish Milburn said...

Cassondra, it's Ty Pennington. I haven't read any of his books, but his attitude is infectious on the show.

Pissenlit, I think it'd cost more in gas than the quarter I'd get for the MIA nugget.

Jeanne, LOL on the nugget do-over.

Trish Milburn said...

Beth, I love the sound of your hairdresser heroine already. Oh, and please don't fly off the treadmill because you're crying!

Anna Campbell said...

Rooster update - buttons have finally popped. It must have been that last pack of Tim Tams! He really needs a week or two tramping the hills with P226 to get back into shape.

Trish Milburn said...

Anna, I think I need that workout too. I'm going to start popping buttons soon. On that note, I think I'll revise a chapter then go clean out the other half of the job.

Okay, here's a new question to generate some more discussions. If you had %10,000 to do a makeover on your house, your yard or your wardrobe, which would you choose and why?

Pissenlit said...

Trish - I think it'd cost more in gas than the quarter I'd get for the MIA nugget.

Darn. I guess you'll just have to settle with shaking your fist in the general direction of the Mickey D's.

Anna - Rooster update - buttons have finally popped.

You'd think that he'd be losing weight what with all these cross-continental flights.

Nancy said...

Anna C. said:He really needs a week or two tramping the hills with P226 to get back into shape. . . .

Yes, but p226 teaches him all sorts of things that are, let's say, less than convenient for us.

Anna Campbell said...

Hmm, picturing Trish and the Rooster under the draconian eye of P226. Rather a scary image! ;-)

Pissenlit (I had a horrible urge to give you a short nickname there and then thought, maybe not!), the rotter rooster wheedles his way into first class and then breaks into the galley and eats all the snacks. He really is a handful!

Nancy said...

Anna S., I used to love Trading Spaces, and I think it was based on a UK makeover show--Changing Rooms, or something like that?

Nancy said...

Gillian, thanks. We have one local store that always gets H/S releases promptly, but it's the farthest one from where I live.

Nancy said...

Terrio, congrats on being so close to your degree! That's great.

Nancy said...

Trish wrote: Nancy, how interesting that you and your college pals go by last names. How very military. :) I think it's cool that you and your college friends go to the beach each year.Thanks, Trish. I'm convinced the last-names thing is because the school used to be all-guy and hadn't had women long when we arrived. We've kind of gotten away from it with the women who don't have duplicate first names. But the Nancys are sorta stuck. :-) And it really is special to me. There were so few women in that class, 76 total, I think, that we invite everybody we can reach by email. There's a core group that goes every year and then a kaleidoscopically changing cast that rotates in and out.

In fact, the beach trips are a sort of do-over for me. As a transfer, I missed freshman orientation with my class and really didn't get to know many of them. These trips have enabled me to make friends I didn't have before.

And one of them posed with me next to the Silver Surfer! *G* And no, beer was not involved.

As for the t-shirts, they do go well at DragonCon. That's the main place I wear them in public. Can't wait to see your new one!

Nancy said...

Louisa, Joan's garden blog reminded me that our yard needs a major do-over. We need to put out lots of bulbs this fall.

Nancy said...

Trish and Jeanne, the dh and I used to assure each other some of those homeowners were buying paint as soon as the red light on the camera died. Some of them were just so aghast at what had been done, and with reason.

We control freaks wouldn't do well on such a show.

Nancy said...

Jo, wrote: To me, it's about overcoming the genetic and environmental factors and becoming the person YOU want to be, not the one coded by your DNA or determined by the family you were born into. . . .

This is so true! There's a magnet on my file cabinet that says something like, "It's never too late to live your dream," or something like that. I'm away from home and can't check.

As we get older, I think, we have more roads not taken and fewer roads available, but there still always are alternatives.

Nancy said...

Yay on the 2010 release date, Trish! I'm eager to see what else you do with that family.

Pissenlit said...

Anna - Pissenlit (I had a horrible urge to give you a short nickname there and then thought, maybe not!)

Well, to be fair, I suppose there ARE days where you could quite rightly call me pissy. ;)

Mari said...

My favorite makeover show is Extreme Home Makeover also. Evry story is heart warming and is guaranteed to bring a tear to my eye!

Maureen said...

Congratulations on the new book! I do like make over shows. What Not To Wear is a favorite of mine simply because they tell women not to focus on a size number but on what makes you look good.

Unknown said...

Congrats Anna, on getting that rooster! Have fun with him!

Congrats Trish on your new book, its party time here at the lair! I don't usually watch make-over shows but I need to. I need a make-over in the worse way. I would love for someone to give me a make-over and my house. That would be fantastic. I did cut all of my hair off a while back just to be different but it still didn't help the make-over part. If you know anyone giveing make-overs send them my way.

Trish Milburn said...

Nancy, I like this quote: "It's never too late to live your dream." So true.

Oh, and the follow-up to Firefighter is Zac's best friend Adam's story. I want to write Randi's younger brother's story, but we'll see if I can sell that one at some point.

Trish Milburn said...

Mari, glad to see another EMHE fan in the Lair. :)

Maureen, I totally agree with liking the fact that What Not to Wear tells the women not to focus on the size. I think we get way too caught up with that. Sure, we should strive to be fit, but we're not all built to have Heidi Klum's body, no matter how hard we try.

Trish Milburn said...

Virginia, wouldn't it be great fun if we could have a big mass Bandita and BB makeover?

My problem is that even when I do get a new haircut, I can never replicate the style when I get home.

pjpuppymom said...

Nancy, I picked up my copy of Trish's book at Wal-Mart.

pjpuppymom said...

When I hit Jr. High I decided I wanted to be called Pat. That lasted through high school. In college I wanted to separate my identity from my mom (also a Pat) so I changed it to Patty. Of course, the aunts and uncles still call me by the "dreaded childhood nickname". Many of my college friends call me by my last (maiden) name. I don't remember how that got started but it stuck.

I love easy makeovers - like re-painting the rooms of the house or changing pillows on the bed. Stuff that's not too expensive but makes a huge difference in the "feel" of the room.

I'm always experimenting with my hair. It grows like a weed so I don't worry about not liking a new hairstyle. It doesn't last that long anyway! lol

My kleenex and I always enjoy Extreme Home Makeover and I get such a kick out of What Not to Wear. Love Stacy and Clinton!

Keira Soleore said...

Fo, the trip from Kirsten's house to yours was most likely the shortest trip he's ever taken.

Trish, many, many, many congratulations to you on 2nd book release!!!!

Extreme makeovers? Sign me up. Every aspect of my life is up for re-consideration. Oh, you mean, you meant the house or yard or something like that? Eh. Take me, instead. I'm far more challenging.

------

I'm late commenting on Joan's Garden Party blog. I posted a comment there, but am reposting it here...

Oooh me, oooh my. Y'all are so sweet.

Posh & Cassondra, the first flower bouquet my husband gave me on our first date were yellow tiger lillies. And I've oohed and aahed over your gorgeous orange RITA outfit often enough that you know yellow and orange are my favorite colors.

I'm always, always, always a sucker for roses. Not particularly the usual red/pink/etc ones, but the ones with the most exotic fragrance and color. So the Reine Rose is fantastic. Thank you, Becke & Jeanne. And with a Duchess in the Lair, how about a Queen, too, eh?

Nancy, just the fact that it's a flower you love that matters. Name's overrated; love's more imp.

Thanks for indulging me folks.

Trish Milburn said...

PJ, are you really another Patricia?

You're so right about the small changes, like new color/coat of paint, making a room seem like it's new. Rearranging a room can give a bit of that same feel too.

Trish Milburn said...

Keira, thanks for the congrats. I agree that Posh's jacket was fab. Trish Morey has a fantastic orange one too.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Trish! Just got the very last copy of your latest at the B&N!

Trish Milburn said...

Yay, Jeanne! Hope you like it.

Nancy said...

Maureen, I agree that looking put together is more important than being a particular size, and I also like that feature of What Not to Wear. Clinton and Stacy are good about that.

Nancy said...

Keira, thanks for sharing your garden blog comment. I'm going to figure out that flower sooner or later!

Nancy said...

PJ, thanks. There's not a Wal-Mart near me, unfortunately, but that's good to know.

Trish, same goes for Books A Million. Will keep trying.

Nancy said...

Keira, I heard a rumor that a certain someone in the lair is plotting to steal a certain item of Posh's wardrobe, though not that particular one. I hear gratuities to the rooster may be involved.

Nancy said...

Trish, glad you like that magnet quote. I'll send you the exact wording when I get home. Thanks for the preview on the book. :-)

Nancy said...

Beth, I like that your hairdresser character wants people to look their best. My hairdresser tries to do that for me. When my hair started to gray, she asked me if I wanted to color it, but the original color is so dark that I know I'd eventually have to stop and then be shocked, so I said no. I'd rather get used to it gradually, and at least it's developing some curl.

Don't have the complexion for blonde, either. However, I've always secretly wanted Batgirl's color, dark red hair. I casually mentioned that to my hairdresser, and before I had finished enunciating the "d" in "red," she said, "I won't do that." All in one breath.

So I think she means it, and I think it's her version of saving me from myself. *g*

pjpuppymom said...

Yes, Trish. I am another Patricia.

pjpuppymom said...

Nancy, how about Target? They usually have a decent Harlequin selection.

Nancy said...

Good point on Target, PJ, and there's one right across the street from this hotel. I'll give it a shot tomorrow. Thanks!

Nancy said...

You know, Trish, revisions are the writer form of do-over. And you can have them again and again.

And again.

And again. *sigh*

Caren Crane said...

Keira, I would gladly GIVE you my orange outfit. It's so distinctive, I'm afraid I'll never get to wear it again. *g* However, they could take that outfit and make you a tiny little salwar kameez, then use all the leftover fabric to make curtains, a bedspread and probably throw pillows.

Seriously, I don't think the ladies in the shop had ever dressed a woman my height before. They were having a lot of fun!

Caren Crane said...

Nancy, please do not attempt to lure Keira to the Dark Side. Just because Joanie has designs on that blue and green Chico's jacket, it does not mean the Banditas and BBs need to declare open season on my closet!

Keira, really I would gladly share with you, but those pants would be like a tent!

Caren Crane said...

Btw, just saw the new 'Star Trek'. I love it, love it, love it!!

Joan said...

I'm in the midst of my own makeover show:

Exhausted Nurse Turned into multi-pubbed historical/paranormal author....

News at 11

Trish Milburn said...

Nancy, having recently finished the third set of revisions on my second YA, I'd rather not think about that type of makeover. :)

Joanie, I like the sound of your makeover. Go, you!

Trish Milburn said...

Caren, isn't Star Trek awesome!? I still want to see it again.

Trish Milburn said...

Thanks for all the lovely comments today, gals. I'm headed off to read something I didn't write. :) I'll do a separate post for this too, but Pissenlit is the winner of the book.