You are obviously glad you brought them on this trip...

" Having the children here has really helped. Just the joy of seeing them play, the joy of seeing them making art, constantly wanting to be creative, building forts or sandcastles or spending hours and hours snorkelling and looking at the most beautiful coral reefs and fish- that has been very special. They had to bring their homework with them because of the timing of the trip, and even that hasn't been a problem. They got the concept- you do your homework and you get to play in paradise.

"And I know the boys have really enjoyed being here with us. I asked them what was the most fun for them and they both answered in unison: 'scuba diving!' This has been a great holiday for us all."

How do you discipline the twins?

"People don't realize that although they are twins, they are completely different and must be treated as such. From the moment of conception they were compared. It is ' this one' and ' that one'- that one is smaller and this one is bigger; that one is more cautious and this one is a fearless daredevil- they are completely different.

"Sometimes they fight, and other times they love and protect one another and help each other in whatever the endeavour is. Kris will always ask John to help build something, because John is really great at building things, with very creative ideas. Kris, on the other hand, isn't afraid of things and is stronger. He really helps his brother most by egging him on to try things he might not normally."

You are at an interesting time in your life, especially with respect to your career. Although Dr. Quinn has ended, you seem busier than ever.

"I am just like the kids. I am happy when I am in a creative mode. That means I could be creating breakfast or lunch for somebody, planning a party, decorating a house, creating a painting, the concept for a story or movie, or I could be writing a book. The older I get, the more creative I feel. In this environment I am more creative then ever. I'm crazy about hibiscus and they have the most beautiful flowers here. So, I have my watecolours out. "I'm getting a ton of ideas for my homeware collection for Saks Fifth Avenue and for Coral Canyon, which is the California collection based upon the colours of the ocean, the sand and the water world. I'm very excited about it. I'm even going to scour the market in Papeete today for ideas.

"When I look at the mountains, I see patterns for fabrics; when I look at the tropical fish, i see beautiful images and color combinations. One in particular was a khaki colour with a wonderful coral- rust stripe, and I was just thinking how much I love that color combination and somehow I want to do something with it."

'When you are painting or creating something, what runs through your mind?

"Color, color, color! I see everything in the world in terms of color. After that I see form. Whether it's painting or designing, it always begins with color."