SEATTLE --Arriving for her interview, former First Lady Mona Lee Locke has no staff or entourage. She likes it that way. There is freedom of movement here in the U.S. Less so in China. She is stunning in a red sheath with offset collar.
We are surrounded by a gate with barbed wire on top, says Locke. You have the National Chinese Police posted outside 24/7.
There's no job description for the U.S. Ambassador's wife, but one of her most important duties, Locke says, is to host Chinese and American guests.
YoYo Ma, he's hilarious, Locke laughs. You would not think of a cellistas beinghilarious. He has a wonderful personality.(Author) Amy Tan was was just so funny and open.(Actress) Meryl Streep came through and hand delivered the firstcopy of Iron Lady . We did a world premier in Beijing and she stayed for a Q and A session.
Locke met her future husband, Ambassador Gary Locke, in Seattle when she was a reporter for KING TV in the 90s. She's putting that journalism background to good use, hosting an online talk-show for the State Department.
It's really aimed at the Chinese, to help explain what our culture's all about, says Locke. I think when we understand each other, we will build better and stronger relationships.
The photogenic Locke appeared in the February issue of Elle China, where editors breathlessly asked her how to catch the perfect husband. I said, Really? This is what you want to ask me? So of course, I gave them The Answer: Don't Look! I said follow your dreams and your passions. Everything falls into place and at the right time, you'll meet the right person for you.
Locke said she was pleased to share the photo shoot with her daughters, Emily, 15 and Madeleine, 7. It was fun to do this together. Next month, Marie Claire China rolls out an eight-page spread featuring glamour shotsof Locke taken by one of China's top photographers. One photo shows Locke in a strapless green evening gown. Looking back, Locke laughs, I found out it was a tough job being a model so I guess that's onething that's out!
