Day 2, Chicago Trip

I was just a few minutes late to the TLN building where I was to tape an interview with Aspiring Women. I need to remind myself that Chicago is not Montana. I cannot go two miles in two minutes here like I can back home.

I got to the building and was met by the amazing producer Pam. After waiting a few minutes in the green room, I was ushered in for makeup. I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to do my own makeup, so the makeup lady had to wipe mine off. Then she airbrushed my face, redid my eyes and put dramatic lipstick on my lips. I know that more makeup is needed for the bright lights, so I didn’t mind. (It was THICK though.)

After that, I was ushered into a studio and was interviewed by Shirley Rose. I’d met Shirley before and she’s wonderful. She immediately put me at ease. We mostly talked about my teen pregnancy, abortion, the beginning of Hope Pregnancy Center, etc. We talked a little about Generation Xers. And before I knew it the interview was over–which was a good thing since I was getting hot under those bright lights.

After that we taped some B-roll. I don’t know what this stands for, but basically it’s filler for when I’m talking during the TV spot. For the b-roll I walked along a wooded trail, looking contemplative. I sat on a log, fiddled with my wedding ring, stood by a pond, smiled as I stared into the sky, etc. Then, later when they produce the show, they will have those images while I’m telling my story. I felt like a star: “Look to the sky. Lift your face. Brush your hair behind your ear.”

Also, I was taped in some guy’s office as I worked on his desk. It was a huge, immaculate office and I had to laugh. That is NOT what my office looks like. Pam also went around the building and gathered up six women to be in my “post-abortion” Bible study group. I’d never met these women before, but they did a great job “acting” like we were bonded by what we shared.

The show will be produced sometime in the fall … or maybe next spring. I’ll let you know! Personally, I was amazed by what a complex shooting it was. But the people at TLN are wonderful!

After that I drove from Aurora to Chicago. I am sure that God helped me pick my hotel, because I only had to make three turns and I was there! I almost pulled out in front of someone once, and came close to clipping a guy who was crossing the street … not bad for my first downtown Chicago driving experience!!!

After talking on my cell phone to a few Chicago friends, I met two other friends for dinner. Kendra and Ashley Smiley are amazing and we had fun talking books and ideas!!

Finally, around 9:00 p.m. I returned to my hotel and crashed. I couldn’t believe how tired I was. It was a full, happy, busy day. I survived!

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