I just finished shooting A Prairie Home Companion. Oh my God. It was so exhilarating. I never ever really believed that I’d be able to work with those kinds of people. I mean, I aspired to, but I didn’t think . . .

Garrison Keillor was actually in the film with me. We had some scenes together, and he’s very intimidating when you meet him. But I was singing his songs, so I wanted to impress him. And then I had Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline watching me on the side. The whole cast was incredible, so to be able to be with all of them on a set is insane.

There was culture shock, but at the same time, I don’t think it could have been more perfect. Not only for me and the position that I’m in in my life, but I’m kind of obsessed with the idea of doing independent films now, just because it’s closer to my heart. And everyone got really close on the set, and we all hung out and went to dinners, and being in Minnesota and shooting, you’re really able to just focus on your craft. And you know, clear your head; it’s a perfect place to go to for that.

But it [the media craziness] still happens there. I said, “Meryl, walk out the front door ’cause then you can take the paparazzi off of my hands. Help me out here!”

We had a great relationship. Watching her and watching how she is in her characters . . . she’s just a genius. Meryl told me to basically just go with what you feel. I think people look for a lot of opinions on the set when they have a question about a line or that sort of thing. You start asking too many questions instead of just going with it.

I’m also a huge Sandra Bullock fan. I met her when I was at the MTV Movie Awards. I kind of ran up to her and berated her on the red carpet. I told her I was a huge fan and I really loved her work.

She’s heard about court [Lohan’s parents are in the middle of a much-publicized divorce] and everything, and she told me if I’m there and I don’t want to go out to lunch because of the press, to just bring a lot of protein bars. I don’t want to get too personal with it, but I think the fact that she’s taken the time . . . I’ve started to look up to her as a mentor and I go to her for questions. She’s told me to brush it off. That sort of thing. And Virginia Madsen’s been doing the same thing. She’s completely taken me under her wing, which is nice.