Hello devoted friends!

Wow! What a day I had yesterday! I thought I was dead because my story was everywhere! Sure, I knew I’d be in Stella Foster’s column, but I had to pinch myself when my girlfriend, Carolyn Curry, called and told me I was on WGN! My own station was reporting my departure. I checked to make sure the other channels weren’t reporting on me–becuse if I turned up on 2,5, 7, and Fox–then I was dead for sure!

Thank you WGN for the kind words about my departure. I have so much to say about Chicago’s Very Own superstation. I plan to describe it to you in detail in the days to come- so stay tuned to this site for my tales and anecdotes about the old Number 9!

Later yesterday afternoon, the Chicago Tribune picked up my story. I honestly didn’t think I was this big of a deal, but maybe it was a slow news day? I was so busy fielding phone calls and emails all day. I was overwhelmed. Remember, I’m a Detroiter who never expected to work in the city I call the Mecca of the Midwest! Chicago!!!

Let me stop right now and thank Stella, star of the Sun-Times, Foster! Stella stayed in constant contact with me during my seven months of sick leave. Being benched left me bored to tears (I missed hosting “People to People” most of all), but Stella would call to check on me and suggest I read her column to find something fabulous going on in town that I could go to and enjoy myself. The stellar Stella Foster helped me keep my sanity. (I will have more on Stella and why I chose to give her the scoop on my departure tomorrow).

I also want to thank my dear friend and former intern Paul Cesarz (my tv son) who came by my house nearly every week to check on me and keep me encouraged about possibly going back to work. Paul has become a web expert since his days as a WGN newsroom intern. In fact, Paul now works in the web department at CBS Chicago! So Paul put together this web page for me. The project was fun, gave me something constructive to do, and inspired other projects to tackle.

Being away from that giant concrete block which houses WGN made me realize how much I missed the place, who I missed at work, and exactly what I missed doing. I found myself working on ideas for Gloria Brown, executive producer of “People to People.” Not only did I host “People,” I also produced the show occasionally. That’s why I concluded I’d like to try my hand at producing documentaries. Gloria and I talked at length at least once a week, and she was as anxious as I was to get me back on the show.

Remember, I first went on 6 weeks of sick leave for a damaged vocal chord. During that time I admit I did a lot of online shopping for fresh suits to wear on the Midday and I invested in some gorgeous designer shoes to wear on the “People” set (you can see the host’s feet on that show). Ladies, I’m talking about the red soled Christian Loubitan’s that Oprah wore all the time. Maybe if you all write in WGN will let come back and host a few shows so I can at least rock my fabulous shoes just once? Where else am I going to wear these 5 inch heels? Thank you Gloria for keeping my spirits up and discouraging me from investing more money on shoes!

Next, a big heartfelt thank you to WGN segment producer, Pam Grimes for her weekly calls to check on me. Pam and I worked on many projects together (Pam is producing my last project for WGN which will air next month). Pam took me to lunch a few times-a show of kindness I will never forget. Pam and I started at WGN the same year, and we have a book to write about our battles, our victories, and some really funny stories that I promise will have you in tears! Pam, do you want me to start the book while I look for my next job? Viewers, let me know, should I write a book for you? Would you read it?

Thank you to my friend and make up artist, Joseph Hampton who came by for dinner just about every week. Joseph would try to enjoy his food while my cat, Bradley, crawled all over him. And Jospeh suffered through South Park nights with me. It’s now Bob’s Burgers on Fox. Hilarious little show. Joseph always brought me a little gift and treats for my Adopt a Pet dog, Bear. Joseph is an amazing make up artist everyone. I am going to post his info on my website for you. Ladies, I am very serious here- if you need make up for a special event, Joseph Hampton is your man. He will make you so beautiful. You won’t believe it! Joseph is like the brother I never had. He’s supportive, he’s loving, he’s funny. And he introduced me to my biggest fan, a fashion stylist who calls herself Tina Payne when she’s pretending to be my cousin. Her real name is Laton Chairs, and Joseph first told me about her a couple of years ago. But again, I waited until I found myself on sick leave before hiring Laton to work on my closets and put my on-air outfits together. I had no idea at the time I would never get to wear Laton’s work for my viewers on WGN. Again, it was an investment I thought would help me on the job. But that’s not what God had planned. I believe God brought Laton into my life to tell me how watching me on the news inspired her as a black woman. I have to say, for a long time, Laton’s Tina Payne character wore me out! But the blessing behind it was just the message I needed. During all those years on WGN, I made many, many people proud. I inspired them.

Tina Payne’s love allows me to forgive myself for my mistakes and hold my head high because in the end- I did a great job.

Thank you for reading. Come back to this site tomorrow for more.

Love to you all!
Allison