The show's theme is "unconventional marriages." There were two other couples involved, both of which were really fascinating. One was a husband and wife, the husband of which is a cross-dresser - full-time. The other couple was an orthodox Jewish couple who had never touched each other until he put the wedding ring on her finger.
Then we had a wardrobe consultation - we'd been asked to bring three outfits along. Turns out they also had a whole room full of extra clothes, shoes and accessories for anyone who didn't have the right look. Fortunately our first choice outfits passed muster right off. Then we went to "hair and makeup" and got spiffed up.
I never would have thought Emil would consent to be primped like that, but he rose to the occasion and was a very good sport about it all. In fact, he made it a point to re-read the book on the plane and we did some mock interviews for each other as preparation. Walking around the studio lot was a thrill in and of itself. Huge concrete buildings with big signs saying "Stage this and Stage that".
But the cherry on top was that the beautiful white mansion that sits at the front of the lot turned out to be the actual Tara from Gone With the Wind! And all this time I was sure that that movie had been filmed on location in Georgia!
MAB: Wow! Maybe if Scarlet and Rhett had read your book, they would have had a happier ending to their relationship!
When we ended your last interview, you were just starting to get your pottery studio up and running again, after more than ten years. How is that going now?
LSS: So glad you asked, because in fact, we've got a firing on right now and I have to run down and turn up the heat! BRB...Okay. Having the studio all set up in my basement has been wonderful. It turns out that Emil has done a lot more of the clay work than I have, just because I always have handwork I need to do for school. But he's really enjoyed it and I think he'd agree that it's been good for his soul to get his hands back in the clay.
MAB: I'm glad to hear about the creativity in your pottery studio, too! Has this publishing journey enhanced growth or changes for you and your family, (especially pertaining to the topics in your book)?
LSS: You know, I think that publishing the book has really been a boon to our family in a number of ways. First and foremost it has kept reminding me and Emil to check in with each other and keep the growth going because people ask! It's almost like we have a lot of coaches out there who have an interest in our work together.
Same goes for our relationships with our daughters. The book and the various events that have arisen are a consistent topic of conversation with them so it keeps them interested in how things are going with us. In fact, our middle daughter Julie will be coming to town to attend our little screening party when the show airs. I know that our friends and fans who will be attending will be eager to ask Julie some questions about how she's experienced this whole enterprise.
Speaking of the girls, I think that all of them are more inclined to examine their relationships too, to make sure that those connections are in line with what they are really wanting in their lives.
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