The Very Lovely Day

Today has been a stunner, an absolutely lovely gorgeous day. What did P.G. Wodehouse say when he put words into Bertie Wooster's mouth? "Today I rose with the lark, and I think, the snail."

The morning began with a rollout of croissant dough, to be baked in Herbs de Provence, Cracked Pepper, Roasted Garlic and Plain versions and shoveled off to Joe Ortiz in Capitola, who has promised to examine the effort and give his opinion. I worked with finesse to bring about a good batch of buttery rolls but the fact is, I had my mind sneaking off to the second assignment of the day - to interview one of the world's most beautiful women for an article in SUCCESS Magazine. The rules of Hoyle prevent me from saying who she is until the article runs in the magazine, but I can tell you how she struck me: as lovely on the inside as on the outside, which led to all her print and film work.

I've interviewed a few shining faces over the years, and like the rest of us, they have their preferences. Did you know that Ginger Rogers would only accept two types of gifts from fans? White roses . . . and ginger ale. Stars can be particular. Opinionated. Obstreperous to use a very pompous word, but then again so can I, so I try not to judge on the things I know nothing about - and that's other people's lives.

Don't assume I'll wander off here, the point is that the woman I spoke with today made my day a beautiful one, all because she told me "thank you." She thanked me for being so carefully prepared for the interview, and for giving her thoughtful questions. I know my eyebrows raised. The moment was delicious. It was a phone interview, and she couldn't see the flour sticking to my eyebrows.

I don't know why more famous folk don't think to say thanks - maybe all the queries drain them of the mental juices so they end up thinking "when, when is this over?" instead of "thank you for your interest in my work."

Were she here right now, I'd give her a fresh croissant and good sweet tea in a Haviland cup. I'd say, "Here's to you. Here's to the lovely day."

Merci mille foie, beautiful star.