I wrote a post one time called The Height of Vanity. It was about my hair, and I could have titled this post The Height of Vanity, Part II, though it’s not just about my hair. Though my hair is involved.
My hair is always involved.
By the way, I just got my hair highlighted. I know everyone cares about my hair (what? no?), so here is a photo I took with my phone.
Anyway, back to my book! First of all, let me say, again, how happy I am with HarperCollins. I have never had a publisher include me in so many decisions in regard to the production of a book before. I love that. And they don’t even act like I am a gigantic pain. Which I am. Your Honor, let me provide the evidence.
They’ve decided they really want to use this photo for the cover of my book. And I was like, “But you can’t!” And they were like, “Why?” And I was like, “MY HAIR!”
I just don’t like it. See how my hair is tucked behind my ear there? All I see is my EAR when I look at that picture. My ear! My ear!
They offered to solve this problem by photoshopping my hair over my ear. So then I had to explain that I just really didn’t like this photo AT ALL. I don’t think I look good in it. And I would never ever be able to look at the cover of my book. Ever. And then I threw myself on the ground and pretended to be dying.
Because I’m mature and professional like that.
So they agreed to a re-shoot. Jerry is coming back, and we are re-staging the photo, just as it was before. And he’s going to take pictures of me in the barn loft window with that chicken until I’m happy. I hope Jerry doesn’t mind staying the rest of the week. (Ha.)
Adam re-staged the hay for me when he was here. The hay was mostly in the back of the loft, of course. He counted as he was moving bales and told me I had around 160-170 bales left.
We’re hoping today is clear and the re-shoot can go off as planned. Cross your fingers for my hair.
GrammieEarth says:
So funny! I love the original shot. Great smile. Strong arms. Freaked chicken. 😆
Good luck Jerry!!
On March 28, 2013 at 8:09 am
Granma2girls says:
I totally get that. Although I think the pic looks great, we are our own worst critic when it comes to photos of ourselves. Sometimes it may be the way our face is turned, our expression, our posture, or that one characteristic of ourselves we always tend to focus on- our ears, smile,hair,etc. And some people just look better with a front face shot than a profile or slight angle. Hopefully, there will be something from the re-shoot that you really like. Have fun!
On March 28, 2013 at 8:15 am
marrypoppinz says:
I like the photo above….
On March 28, 2013 at 8:28 am
jamitysmom says:
I think it’s a great photo! You look so young and fresh! And it looks very natural. Just my humble opinion Suzanne! It makes me smile… :yes:
On March 28, 2013 at 8:31 am
Cheryl LeMay says:
There is nothing bad about that original photo. I like your hair behind your ear-you can see more of your face and expression. I think you just like to “hide” behind your hair sometimes. I used to do that when I had long hair.Not no more now- I cut it. Oh, I also like your phone picture. Good luck with the photo shoot. I hope you find a picture you’re happy with.
On March 28, 2013 at 8:32 am
Pete says:
It’s a charming pic! Ear? What ear?? (Oh, there it is!)
On March 28, 2013 at 8:33 am
JK Newsome says:
I think the pic is ok, but, I understand, that being said, I like the one of you leading the cow best………….just sayin
On March 28, 2013 at 8:47 am
PaulaClark says:
I like the picture. Personally I think you need to pull your hair away from your face a bit. Every picture I’ve seen of you, your hair is always hanging around your face. When my hair was long I could NOT stand that so I kept mine pulled back a bit or behind my ears. So I don’t know how you can stand that hair. I was thrilled to see the ear! I know. We all have our issues. Mine is hair around my face so my hair is short now and I am so free!
On March 28, 2013 at 9:03 am
GA_in_GA says:
I so understand. But I will ask the unspoken question – Will you ever have a photo you’ll like?
I recently told a photographer no pics of me, only the birds. I know I will never find a photo of myself I like – unless it is from 3 decades ago . . . 8)
On March 28, 2013 at 9:15 am
Old Geezer says:
Stanley Kubrick was known to be a perfectionist. He was capable of ordering retake after retake — in some cases over a hundred — often driving his actors to tears and near nervous breakdown.
He is considered one of the best directors of all time.
Be nice to Jerry.
On March 28, 2013 at 9:23 am
BuckeyeGirl says:
I totally understand too, but I disagree because I like that picture just fine. I think your ear is kinda cute as far as ears go, and I don’t see what isn’t to like about it, but the chicken looks like she’s too worried, so be sure to get the chicken lookin’ better this time and it’ll be great! :chicken: :chicken: :chicken: Oh,and suck in your cheeks and give that ‘aloof model’ look! 😆 Hope Jerry enjoys his week at the farm… :devil:
On March 28, 2013 at 9:33 am
SwissMiss says:
Well until you said something about your ear I was looking at the chicken. I was thinking that your chicken is a lot tamer than any I ever dealt with, cause I would have had attractive red marks on my hands and arms from the chicken trying to make an escape. Bet the chicken can hardly wait for today’s photo shoot.
Jeanne
On March 28, 2013 at 9:44 am
Anita says:
Got to throw my two cents in! I LOVE that picture you hate. Every bit of it, and I can see the strong similarity to both Wes and Ross in your face at that angle. (And NO that doesn’t mean you look like a MAN!) You look great in that photo, and I’m sure you’ll look great in the next one!
On March 28, 2013 at 10:00 am
FujiQ says:
Funny! I don’t blame you. My husband sometimes will take pics of me, and I’m like, I don’t like it, take another, and he’s like, what’s wrong with it??
I can just see the circus you’ll have trying to get that chicken to cooperate again!
On March 28, 2013 at 10:08 am
willsahna says:
Seriously, I thought that was a cute pic, and didn’t notice your ear. The hat covers some of it. I like this pic a whole lot better for the cover than the chicken and the wine glass. I did not think that was a good representation of you and your farm, but I didn’t say anything then. Didn’t want to be negative! But I am so glad thy changed! Hope you get one you like, but they could use this one nod it would be great too. I agree that the hair needs to be off your face for a cover shot..
On March 28, 2013 at 10:11 am
Rainn says:
Do the retake………..
On March 28, 2013 at 10:19 am
dmcfarland says:
Nice highlights! Have fun with the photo shoot. Will it be the same chicken or maybe Crooked Little Hen, she already has a following.
On March 28, 2013 at 10:23 am
brookdale says:
I gotta say, I like the original pic of you very much, you look about 20, happy, lovely smile, BUT the chicken looks like it’s struggling to get away or getting ready to peck you.
This time maybe you can get a happier chicken!
On March 28, 2013 at 10:32 am
Heidi533 says:
I think the picture is a great one. The look on your face says so much. It shows a strong, confident woman. A survivor. I didn’t even notice your ear until you pointed it out. I had actually scrolled past the picture and had to go back and look. LOL
All that being said. This is YOUR book and YOUR cover. If you aren’t happy with it, then that could be a problem for sure.
On March 28, 2013 at 10:48 am
jodiezoeller says:
You look like a “chicken whisperer” or something in that photo. Plus I think it’s great and your ear isn’t the focus. You smile and the chicken are the focus points.
On March 28, 2013 at 10:51 am
holstein woman says:
To see the right smile, and colors, I think you should use that photo. Obviously I am not the only one who likes that photo. It is just unusual to see your whole face. I love it!
On March 28, 2013 at 11:02 am
rurification says:
I’m still laughing out loud about the ‘pretended to be dying…mature and professional’. I liked the pic, but hey, it’s your book. If you want 1000 retakes, then do it.
On March 28, 2013 at 12:19 pm
catslady says:
I like the picture but then I never like any of myself so if you don’t like it, you don’t like it!
On March 28, 2013 at 2:19 pm
Della says:
:wave:
OK I am good with the retake, BUT would you PLEASE keep your hair away from your face you are a lovely woman and I/we would like to see your face more often.
And you have great ears. Trust me I have seen not so good ears.
Have fun with the shoot!!!!
On March 28, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Ruth38 says:
I have been a lurker on this site for sometime and I have wanted to express my thoughts about your hair Susan.. Its pretty highlighted but I agree with others who have stated that in my humble opinion I wish you would pull it off your face.. you are a very pretty woman so don’t hide your beauty behind that hair. And I like the picture of you and the chickie!!! Hope I didn’t offend you as I think you are an amazing woman to have done all you have on your own.. says this old 74 year old who really looks forward to seeing your blog each day..
On March 28, 2013 at 3:50 pm
joykenn says:
Have fun on the photo shoot but that picture was great! You have a nice profile–strong chin, nice forehead, nicely shaped nose–and the hair curling down is great. Like everyone else who has posted I didn’t notice your ear at all. Your smile, the way you held the chicken up to look it in the eye and the hayloft behind you. Great composition.
Most women–even beautiful, world famous models–say there is something wrong or ugly about themselves. We’ve convinced that pictures don’t do us justice–ALL convinced. Take the photo over again but don’t pull your hair forward to hide your face. Your energy, spirit all show through in that picture. Your smile makes you beautiful as you enjoy your chicken. That is what strikes us most about the photo when we look at it. Don’t be so hard on the face that the photo captures. It is great because YOU are inside of it.
On March 28, 2013 at 5:10 pm
quietstorm says:
I always feel the same way about pictures of me….totally understand. I didn’t even notice your ear…the first thing I noticed was a beautiful smile and the look of love, happiness and contentment in your eyes. Its a lovely picture.
On March 28, 2013 at 6:36 pm
bonita says:
The woman and chicken photo unequivocally says:”independent farmer.”
I hope you find a photo you like which presents the same, strong image and information.
On March 29, 2013 at 1:48 am
Jane L says:
You are looking good! I too really like this photo. I hope you get one that you’re happier with though. You do look very young and fresh – the highlights are really nice.
On March 29, 2013 at 3:12 am
craftymom says:
I love the original picture with your hair behind your ear. I think it’s beautiful. I like your hair away from your face. You have a pretty face and the original picture is so fresh and natural. Just my opinion.
On March 29, 2013 at 10:17 pm
mfish says:
I really get it about the hair. Love it – highlighted, long, tangled, in your face, whatever. It is great hair. Folks pay thousands to try to get that look. Wear your hair however you wish, it is a veritable crowning splendor.
The chicken, however, could use a nap. Or a dust bath. Chickens have better things to do than pose, don’t you know.
On July 6, 2013 at 10:48 am