So today was my first day back at the office. I spent about two hours catching up on at least a gazillion emails. (If I could get paid a dollar for every spam email I receive I could quit tomorrow!)
Just as I was packing up to pick up the baby, I decided to hit the refresh button and see if anything “new” had come in. There was an email from an old friend. She is a Marine wife, also, and we became life-long friends while we were stationed in Europe together. I tend to think you become closer in foreign countries because you rely on each other for so much when family is so far away.
Anyway….long story short (or kinda short as I am not known for “short”) 🙂 – she sent me an email to see how I was doing, and also she had a pretty exciting question to ask. She wanted to know if I would be interested in having my book published? Book? My mind was racing. You see I have indeed written a novel. But I can name the few people who have read it, and couldn’t remember giving it to her. Had she read my book? I racked my tired brain – trying to remember.
Then she went on to explain. She was referring to a gift I had given my own daughter-in-law years ago and recently shared with her.
(duh, if I had kept reading I could have saved some much needed brain cells!)
You see – about four years ago as Amanda and Blake were to get married, I put together a
20-something page booklet with quick ‘n easy meals and recipes with 5 or less ingredients, a
two week menu and complete grocery list, cooking tips, laundry tips, decorating tips…and tips to remind Amanda that she was important even when her new husband sometimes “forgot” to tell her. It was a “Suzie Homemaker” guide for a young wife starting out anew. I printed it out, added some cute artwork here and there in Mary Englebriet fashion…and gave it to her as part of her wedding gift. (Amanda has since passed along copies to her own friends.)
Back to my friend’s email You see, I told her about this booklet when I found out her own son was getting married about a year ago. It came about because she said her future daughter-in-law couldn’t boil water and she was afraid her son would starve to death. I personalized the book with her son and daughter-in-law’s names and also with her own. Well…..(I know, I know – I need to get to the point!)…the daughter-in-law’s mother works for a publisher and she thought the booklet was so great – she wants to pitch it and thinks she can get it published. She mentioned to my friend’s daughter-in-law that it would need to be an expanded version.
But – she loved the title!
“A Mother-in-Law’s Guide to Taking Care of Her Son….”
(and reminder’s for her daughter-in-law of remembering who she is along the way!)
I emailed my friend and said I was indeed interested, but needed more info and need to know what is involved. It obviously can’t even begin to happen until after my son and daughter-in-law comes home and Cole goes back to live with them. But, I am intrigued with the thoughts. I have always felt I was blessed with domestic abilities. My mom had a way of gently teaching and guiding us as we were growing up…and some things come naturally to me, too. But I feel for these young girls who are just starting out. Can you imagine going through life not knowing what a “smidgen” or a “dash” is? 🙂
Anyway – I thought I would share. I might not even come to fruition, who knows?
I will keep you updated….until then do you think I should go ahead and contact Oprah to get on her Book List? heehee
Blessings, Barb
profenretraite says
Oh Barb! That sounds wonderful! Keep us posted…but…back up…You’ve written a novel??? Wow! I’m impressed! You really DO need to keep us posted so we can say we knew you when! Congrats…Debbie
View Commentmbkatc230 says
How exciting and I love the title! Keep us posted as this unfolds (I swear the literary reference was unintentional lol). What great news. Congratulations, Kathy
View CommentSuzanne says
What a happy surprise, Barb! 🙂 You’re such the multi-talented lady! (I can certainly believe you’ve written a novel, too!)
My name may be “Suzie”, but it sure isn’t “Suzie-Homemaker”! Maybe we can call me “suziewannabehomemaker”. (Hey, can I get a signed copy of that book? 😉 Tho, not a “new” wife, it’s never too late to learn, right?)
View CommentGollum says
Oh, that’s wonderful news! I love your title–and the idea sounds very timely (and something that bookstores will keep on the shelf).
I’m so glad you’re up and around!
Hugs,
View Commentgollum
mishebe says
I like the reminder title too. Actually this is a great idea. I think it would even be good for women in high school before they are married. So should i be watching Oprah? Seriously , I could see her promoting this. Good luck i think it is a fab. idea. mishelle. ps. I wish all mother inlaws were like you.
View Commentmarty39 says
Oh Barb, you are the most surprising person. You just keep unfolding with more wonderful talents. I love the book, and what a great thing to give to a new bride. Can’t wait to see it in print. Hugs, Marty
View CommentTracey McBride says
Wow! I know how exciting this is !!! I’m really impressed as fiction writing is very difficult! I am excited for your future updates on this. Best thoughts for a perfect outcome!! Warmly,Tracey
View CommentKathysue says
Oh Barb, this is amazing, what an opportunity. I told you that you have a way with words.God has given you these abilities for a reason and it pleases him when we use our talents.I think it is a wonderful idea and the opportunity came knocking at your door so it is mean to be!!!I love it!Wow, someday we can say we knew you when,hehe.You go Girl! kathysue
View CommentSusan S. says
Well HOW COOL IS THAT! 1) that you heard from a friend out of the blue; 2) you have TWO books you’ve written; 3) ONE of those books might be published soon. Pretty Cool Day! Don’t give up hope about the other book you wrote….if this can happen ….others miracle are sure to follow! Glad you’re back to work and plugging away at all those pesky emails. They SURE do back up don’t they!
View CommentJeanette (jfell) says
Barb, you are absolutely amazing. Is there anything you can’t do? You have more creativity in your little finger than most of us do in our whole bodies. You really have to do this book and do it now. The time is right. How exciting. And, a novel? Maybe a female John Grisham? I can’t wait for your story to unfold. Yes, you are amazing! Jeanette
View Comment