Princess Bubble Doesn’t Need Prince Charming to Live Happily Ever After
There’s a new fairy tale princess in town: Princess Bubble.
Before you roll your eyes, however, I should note that Princess Bubble is different from other princesses: she ain’t no damsel in distress, and she don’t need to be rescued.
Authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have co-written a fairytale whose heroine teaches little girls they don’t need Prince Charming to live happily ever after. Like her creators, Princess Bubble is single, has a college degree and owns her own home. She works as a flight attendant, meeting friends as she travels all over the globe.
I haven’t read this fairy tale yet, but I have to say, if I were the parent of a little girl, this would be a must-have bedtime read. With so much of literature marketed to little girls focusing on the traditional princess archetype (I’m looking at YOU, Disney’s Princess Collection), with all the wicked stepmothers and witches from whom she must be rescued, Princess Bubble is a stand-out example to impressionable girls that happily ever after comes from being self-fulfilled and independent, not from a fairy godmother or handsome prince.
"We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress," said Johnston in her interview with CNN. She references her own situation as a single woman as exemplary that, prince or no prince, as long as she is comfortable with herself and seeks to be a loving and kind person, a single princess can live happily ever after, after all.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Princess Bubble
What is your idea of "happily ever after?" That is the concept that I struggle with when reading fairy tales to my daughters. I try to convey to them that BEFORE I met their father and got married I was living "happily ever after." He was just icing on the (wedding) cake. I tell them, they can find fulfilling lives of travel, careers and good friends without or before marriage. What do these ramblings have to do with this blog?
Well, there is a book that I just discovered written by two Spirited Women - Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb - and it is titled Princess Bubble. Princess Bubble has a career with an airline, travels the world, owns her own home and has lots of great friends and family. One day she is called to meet with the Queen who puts pressure on her to marry (because all of her friends are!). So she signs up for Royal on-line dating (which is very clever) but after going on date after date she realizes that she is already happy. Her fairy godmother appears with an empowering message for Princess Bubble - "you do not have to be rescued!" True happiness is about helping others and making a difference in the world.
To learn more about the book, meet the authors and find out where to purchase it, log on to http://www.princessbubble.com and become enchanted!
- Kristin Flannery
What is your idea of "happily ever after?" That is the concept that I struggle with when reading fairy tales to my daughters. I try to convey to them that BEFORE I met their father and got married I was living "happily ever after." He was just icing on the (wedding) cake. I tell them, they can find fulfilling lives of travel, careers and good friends without or before marriage. What do these ramblings have to do with this blog?
Well, there is a book that I just discovered written by two Spirited Women - Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb - and it is titled Princess Bubble. Princess Bubble has a career with an airline, travels the world, owns her own home and has lots of great friends and family. One day she is called to meet with the Queen who puts pressure on her to marry (because all of her friends are!). So she signs up for Royal on-line dating (which is very clever) but after going on date after date she realizes that she is already happy. Her fairy godmother appears with an empowering message for Princess Bubble - "you do not have to be rescued!" True happiness is about helping others and making a difference in the world.
To learn more about the book, meet the authors and find out where to purchase it, log on to http://www.princessbubble.com and become enchanted!
- Kristin Flannery
Thursday, August 28, 2008
My Princess and Me
Heather Cabot
When I was about my daughter's age, family lore has it that I demanded to dress in long ruffled skirts and shiny patent leather shoes for nursery school. Every single day.
So I guess it shouldn't surprise me that my own precious 2 1/2-year-old now dons a shiny lavender purse (even at bedtime), pink sneakers (with flashing purple lights) and is suddenly obsessed with all things sparkly and shiny. Yes, it's happened. My princess wants to be a princess. Despite my own history, I had dreaded the moment my baby would show interest in tiaras and tulle.
For a while, I actually thought we had smoothly averted the craze that turns spunky little girls into wannabe beauty queens. I was proud that she tussled over trucks and soccer balls with her twin brother and jumped around in the mud...and that she showed zero interest in Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty costumes last Halloween. I guess it made me feel virtuous -- like somehow I was living up to my feminist obligations because the princess phase hadn't taken hold. Back then, just about a year ago, White House hopeful Hillary Clinton was still in the game and enjoying historic frontrunner status and I felt compelled to ensure my daughter was going to pursue any dream she wanted. And for me, that track was not going to include a detour to fairyland.
Only it has. And surprisingly, I'm okay with it. Perhaps, I'm experiencing what it is to be post-feminist. Is it possible that the allure of the princess does not have to be feared nor resented by anxious super moms? Maybe it's just a natural exploration of femininity and fantasy that could actually enhance a child's sense of self later in life?
I started thinking about this when we took the kids shopping for their first baseball mitts. Did you know you can buy hot pink gloves? I cringed at first. But then it occurred to me, as I watched my husband teach my daughter how to throw and catch a ball, does the hue really matter? If it gets her interested in being healthy and active, maybe not.
Not long after the outing to the sporting goods store, we made our first pilgrimage to Disneyland during a family vacation. I still felt so conflicted. As we braved the crowds on a scorching day, we couldn't help but notice throngs of little ones decked out in glittery gowns and faux glass slippers.
What message would this send to my children about our values or who we want them to be?
Would this outing lay the foundation for a lifetime of eating disorders and cosmetic surgery?
At 2-years-old, it's hard to say if my daughter and son absorbed the weight of all this. Okay - they had no idea. But it was running through my mind the whole time until we finally made it to the "princess show"...and I melted. I welled up when I saw the wonderment in my daughter's eyes as Snow White descended from the stage to dance with the adoring flock of preschoolers. It was, well, magical. I was taken back to my own girlhood love of castles and fairy godmothers and yes, handsome princes. Then I wondered what was I so afraid of? We are raising a confident, spunky, well-rounded kid and if right now, pink and princessy is her thing what's wrong with that?
Perhaps it's the context I'll need to provide as she starts to absorb the narratives around the classic fairy tales. There's actually a great new book I got my hands on last week that provides some thoughtful help. It's called "Princess Bubble" (Bubble Press 2008) and it was written by two former Delta flight attendants Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb. The storybook is a modern fairy tale in which "happily ever after" has nothing to with being beautiful or needing to be rescued.
"We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem--messages that focus on the outside rather than what's within. We want to change that message," explains Webb.
The story culminates with the heroine finding "happily ever after" within herself and her contributions to the world. Her self-worth is defined by her integrity, intelligence and compassion. Isn't that what all parents want for their kids?
All this played out in my mind last night, as I watched Michelle Obama gracefully command the stage in Denver. I was fascinated by the cutaway shots of her mother in the crowd - watching and listening so carefully to her daughter's inspiring words. I can only imagine the pride. Then I wondered what role princesses played in Michelle's household growing up? Or in the lives of her young daughters today? I would love to ask her what she thinks about all of the anti-princess hype in the media today? Is it valid?
What I have come away with is that I have to trust my own instincts as a modern mother and I'm starting to believe that no amount of princess marketing to girls can trump the self-confidence and self-reliance shaped by parents. We have the responsibility to fill our children with the sense of possibility - to help them see their innate worth and potential.
So if for now, that journey entails sequins and sparkles, I'm in.
Heather Cabot
When I was about my daughter's age, family lore has it that I demanded to dress in long ruffled skirts and shiny patent leather shoes for nursery school. Every single day.
So I guess it shouldn't surprise me that my own precious 2 1/2-year-old now dons a shiny lavender purse (even at bedtime), pink sneakers (with flashing purple lights) and is suddenly obsessed with all things sparkly and shiny. Yes, it's happened. My princess wants to be a princess. Despite my own history, I had dreaded the moment my baby would show interest in tiaras and tulle.
For a while, I actually thought we had smoothly averted the craze that turns spunky little girls into wannabe beauty queens. I was proud that she tussled over trucks and soccer balls with her twin brother and jumped around in the mud...and that she showed zero interest in Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty costumes last Halloween. I guess it made me feel virtuous -- like somehow I was living up to my feminist obligations because the princess phase hadn't taken hold. Back then, just about a year ago, White House hopeful Hillary Clinton was still in the game and enjoying historic frontrunner status and I felt compelled to ensure my daughter was going to pursue any dream she wanted. And for me, that track was not going to include a detour to fairyland.
Only it has. And surprisingly, I'm okay with it. Perhaps, I'm experiencing what it is to be post-feminist. Is it possible that the allure of the princess does not have to be feared nor resented by anxious super moms? Maybe it's just a natural exploration of femininity and fantasy that could actually enhance a child's sense of self later in life?
I started thinking about this when we took the kids shopping for their first baseball mitts. Did you know you can buy hot pink gloves? I cringed at first. But then it occurred to me, as I watched my husband teach my daughter how to throw and catch a ball, does the hue really matter? If it gets her interested in being healthy and active, maybe not.
Not long after the outing to the sporting goods store, we made our first pilgrimage to Disneyland during a family vacation. I still felt so conflicted. As we braved the crowds on a scorching day, we couldn't help but notice throngs of little ones decked out in glittery gowns and faux glass slippers.
What message would this send to my children about our values or who we want them to be?
Would this outing lay the foundation for a lifetime of eating disorders and cosmetic surgery?
At 2-years-old, it's hard to say if my daughter and son absorbed the weight of all this. Okay - they had no idea. But it was running through my mind the whole time until we finally made it to the "princess show"...and I melted. I welled up when I saw the wonderment in my daughter's eyes as Snow White descended from the stage to dance with the adoring flock of preschoolers. It was, well, magical. I was taken back to my own girlhood love of castles and fairy godmothers and yes, handsome princes. Then I wondered what was I so afraid of? We are raising a confident, spunky, well-rounded kid and if right now, pink and princessy is her thing what's wrong with that?
Perhaps it's the context I'll need to provide as she starts to absorb the narratives around the classic fairy tales. There's actually a great new book I got my hands on last week that provides some thoughtful help. It's called "Princess Bubble" (Bubble Press 2008) and it was written by two former Delta flight attendants Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb. The storybook is a modern fairy tale in which "happily ever after" has nothing to with being beautiful or needing to be rescued.
"We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem--messages that focus on the outside rather than what's within. We want to change that message," explains Webb.
The story culminates with the heroine finding "happily ever after" within herself and her contributions to the world. Her self-worth is defined by her integrity, intelligence and compassion. Isn't that what all parents want for their kids?
All this played out in my mind last night, as I watched Michelle Obama gracefully command the stage in Denver. I was fascinated by the cutaway shots of her mother in the crowd - watching and listening so carefully to her daughter's inspiring words. I can only imagine the pride. Then I wondered what role princesses played in Michelle's household growing up? Or in the lives of her young daughters today? I would love to ask her what she thinks about all of the anti-princess hype in the media today? Is it valid?
What I have come away with is that I have to trust my own instincts as a modern mother and I'm starting to believe that no amount of princess marketing to girls can trump the self-confidence and self-reliance shaped by parents. We have the responsibility to fill our children with the sense of possibility - to help them see their innate worth and potential.
So if for now, that journey entails sequins and sparkles, I'm in.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, I was walking to church (which I have to throw in because I live in Atlanta and don't get to walk anywhere-we are a city of cars) and I noticed gobs/piles of trash everywhere. I did not pick up the trash because I had nowhere to throw this trash. But, I got a trash bad at the church and picked up so much in my 1.3 mile walk home I could hardly carry the bag!
It hit me, this is not something someone dropped by accident. This was all intentionally thrown out the car window. The first thought that came to mind was the Crying Indian! I shared this story with Kim, my co-author, and my sister, Julie and before I could even mention the Crying Indian they BOTH said, "We need the Crying Indian!"
Kim and I watched the Crying Indian on YouTube and I was amazed that one commercial impact a generation so much! I am not sure today this commercial would have the same impact. In the 70's, we seemed to hear a lot more about taking the Native American's land and then seeing this Indian (which I hear was really Italian) shed a tear that we not only took his land but were trashing it! This impacted everyone I know!
I have never thrown any trash out because this mans face with the tear is embedded in my memory forever. I work on-site for a builder and the Hispanic construction workers dump their trash everywhere! I am always picking up after them. I thought before this walk, "The Crying Indian commercial did not air in Mexico!" But, now I see it is not cultural it is generational.
I thank the Keep America Beautiful people for that memory and think it is time for a new campaign!
www.PrincessBubble.com
It hit me, this is not something someone dropped by accident. This was all intentionally thrown out the car window. The first thought that came to mind was the Crying Indian! I shared this story with Kim, my co-author, and my sister, Julie and before I could even mention the Crying Indian they BOTH said, "We need the Crying Indian!"
Kim and I watched the Crying Indian on YouTube and I was amazed that one commercial impact a generation so much! I am not sure today this commercial would have the same impact. In the 70's, we seemed to hear a lot more about taking the Native American's land and then seeing this Indian (which I hear was really Italian) shed a tear that we not only took his land but were trashing it! This impacted everyone I know!
I have never thrown any trash out because this mans face with the tear is embedded in my memory forever. I work on-site for a builder and the Hispanic construction workers dump their trash everywhere! I am always picking up after them. I thought before this walk, "The Crying Indian commercial did not air in Mexico!" But, now I see it is not cultural it is generational.
I thank the Keep America Beautiful people for that memory and think it is time for a new campaign!
www.PrincessBubble.com
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Princess Bubble Doesn't Need Prince Charming to Live Happily Ever After
There's a new fairy tale princess in town: Princess Bubble.
Before you roll your eyes, however, I should note that Princess Bubble is different from other princesses: she ain't no damsel in distress, and she don't need to be rescued.
Authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have co-written a fairytale whose heroine teaches little girls they don't need Prince Charming to live happily ever after. Like her creators, Princess Bubble is single, has a college degree and owns her own home. She works as a flight attendant, meeting friends as she travels all over the globe.
I haven't read this fairy tale yet, but I have to say, if I were the parent of a little girl, this would be a must-have bedtime read. With so much of literature marketed to little girls focusing on the traditional princess archetype (I'm looking at YOU, Disney's Princess Collection), with all the wicked stepmothers and witches from whom she must be rescued, Princess Bubble is a stand-out example to impressionable girls that happily ever after comes from being self-fulfilled and independent, not from a fairy godmother or handsome prince.
"We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress," said Johnston in her interview with CNN. She references her own situation as a single woman as exemplary that, prince or no prince, as long as she is comfortable with herself and seeks to be a loving and kind person, a single princess can live happily ever after, after all.
There's a new fairy tale princess in town: Princess Bubble.
Before you roll your eyes, however, I should note that Princess Bubble is different from other princesses: she ain't no damsel in distress, and she don't need to be rescued.
Authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have co-written a fairytale whose heroine teaches little girls they don't need Prince Charming to live happily ever after. Like her creators, Princess Bubble is single, has a college degree and owns her own home. She works as a flight attendant, meeting friends as she travels all over the globe.
I haven't read this fairy tale yet, but I have to say, if I were the parent of a little girl, this would be a must-have bedtime read. With so much of literature marketed to little girls focusing on the traditional princess archetype (I'm looking at YOU, Disney's Princess Collection), with all the wicked stepmothers and witches from whom she must be rescued, Princess Bubble is a stand-out example to impressionable girls that happily ever after comes from being self-fulfilled and independent, not from a fairy godmother or handsome prince.
"We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress," said Johnston in her interview with CNN. She references her own situation as a single woman as exemplary that, prince or no prince, as long as she is comfortable with herself and seeks to be a loving and kind person, a single princess can live happily ever after, after all.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Princess Bubble
Working with first grade students, I got to see a little window into the interests of 6, 7 & sometimes 8 year olds. From my experience, there were certain commonalities throughout schools & students. I don't want to be accused of 'Betty Crockering', but many (not all) girls were quite obsessed with one thing... PRINCESSES!!! *Disney* princesses particularly. There is a new children's book out there that I think can be an important counter-part for children with this obsession. If you've ever read A Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, you may see a couple similarities...
The name of the book is Princess Bubble. "Princess Bubble is a 35-page, modern-day fairy tale starring a well-employed, globe-trotting, good-friend, good-date, helpful-neighbor princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that implies she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble is also a college graduate & homeowner. In the book, she works as a Flight Attendant.
Although I think it would be even better to show Princess Bubble as an Ambassador, Business CEO, Firefighter, or basically anything that is not considered pink collar... this book seems to be on the right track. The authors, Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, added, "We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress. True happiness comes from within and is to be shared. We can't make someone else responsible for our happiness." (CNN)
Princess Bubble
Working with first grade students, I got to see a little window into the interests of 6, 7 & sometimes 8 year olds. From my experience, there were certain commonalities throughout schools & students. I don't want to be accused of 'Betty Crockering', but many (not all) girls were quite obsessed with one thing... PRINCESSES!!! *Disney* princesses particularly. There is a new children's book out there that I think can be an important counter-part for children with this obsession. If you've ever read A Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, you may see a couple similarities...
The name of the book is Princess Bubble. "Princess Bubble is a 35-page, modern-day fairy tale starring a well-employed, globe-trotting, good-friend, good-date, helpful-neighbor princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that implies she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble is also a college graduate & homeowner. In the book, she works as a Flight Attendant.
Although I think it would be even better to show Princess Bubble as an Ambassador, Business CEO, Firefighter, or basically anything that is not considered pink collar... this book seems to be on the right track. The authors, Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, added, "We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress. True happiness comes from within and is to be shared. We can't make someone else responsible for our happiness." (CNN)
Friday, August 22, 2008
By Katherine Dorsett
CNN
(CNN) -- Once upon a time there was a princess who was living quite happily and not pining away for her prince or trying to avoid being killed by her evil stepmother.
The story of "Princess Bubble" is being told by two real women who are living their own happy lives.
"After my 17th wedding as a bridesmaid and many baby showers later, I became the godmother or surrogate aunt to many little girls. As we played Barbies and Cinderella together, they would tell me that the princess had to find the prince in order to live happily ever after," says Susan Johnston, co-author of "Princess Bubble."
"I pointed out that I have not found a prince, but I have a fantastic life. I wanted these girls to know they can have a fantastic life no matter what stage they are in," says Johnston.
The fairy godmother in the book tells Princess Bubble, "True happiness is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already! Happy princesses are people who enjoy others and like themselves."
The book is based loosely on the lives of authors Johnston and Kimberly Webb. Princess Bubble is a college graduate, a homeowner and works as a flight attendant to satisfy her desire to travel and meet people. Johnston and Webb once worked together at Delta Airlines and have college degrees.
"I've had countless women all over the nation tell me they wish there had been a book like this when they were little. Now they know that being single doesn't mean they are alone," says Johnston.
The book is aimed at empowering young and adult readers to take charge of their lives.
The star of the book, Princess Bubble, is unlike other traditional fairy princesses. For instance, she does not have a wicked stepmother and has never been surrounded by seven dwarves. She also does not have a prince and is perfectly happy on her own.
Are the authors anti-man? "We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress," said Johnston. "True happiness comes from within and is to be shared. We can't make someone else responsible for our happiness."
The authors paid to publish the book. "We thought the message of this book was important and it needed to be out there in the universe," says Webb.
"Some 51 percent of adult women in our country are single, so I thought the timing of the book was right," says Johnston.
Johnston and Webb say they would not mind getting married one day. However, like Princess Bubble, they understand they'll be happy with or without a prince. They are destined to live happily ever after.
"I've dated a lot, but I think it is better to be single and wish you were married then to be married and wish you were single," Johnston says.
Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/22/princess.bubble/index.html#cnnSTCVideo
CNN
(CNN) -- Once upon a time there was a princess who was living quite happily and not pining away for her prince or trying to avoid being killed by her evil stepmother.
The story of "Princess Bubble" is being told by two real women who are living their own happy lives.
"After my 17th wedding as a bridesmaid and many baby showers later, I became the godmother or surrogate aunt to many little girls. As we played Barbies and Cinderella together, they would tell me that the princess had to find the prince in order to live happily ever after," says Susan Johnston, co-author of "Princess Bubble."
"I pointed out that I have not found a prince, but I have a fantastic life. I wanted these girls to know they can have a fantastic life no matter what stage they are in," says Johnston.
The fairy godmother in the book tells Princess Bubble, "True happiness is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already! Happy princesses are people who enjoy others and like themselves."
The book is based loosely on the lives of authors Johnston and Kimberly Webb. Princess Bubble is a college graduate, a homeowner and works as a flight attendant to satisfy her desire to travel and meet people. Johnston and Webb once worked together at Delta Airlines and have college degrees.
"I've had countless women all over the nation tell me they wish there had been a book like this when they were little. Now they know that being single doesn't mean they are alone," says Johnston.
The book is aimed at empowering young and adult readers to take charge of their lives.
The star of the book, Princess Bubble, is unlike other traditional fairy princesses. For instance, she does not have a wicked stepmother and has never been surrounded by seven dwarves. She also does not have a prince and is perfectly happy on her own.
Are the authors anti-man? "We are not anti-prince. We are anti-damsel in distress," said Johnston. "True happiness comes from within and is to be shared. We can't make someone else responsible for our happiness."
The authors paid to publish the book. "We thought the message of this book was important and it needed to be out there in the universe," says Webb.
"Some 51 percent of adult women in our country are single, so I thought the timing of the book was right," says Johnston.
Johnston and Webb say they would not mind getting married one day. However, like Princess Bubble, they understand they'll be happy with or without a prince. They are destined to live happily ever after.
"I've dated a lot, but I think it is better to be single and wish you were married then to be married and wish you were single," Johnston says.
Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/22/princess.bubble/index.html#cnnSTCVideo
Single Girls This Holiday Season Live A Fairy Tale Life
Atlanta, GA, August 21, 2008 --This Christmas season thousands of single belles will hang their silk stockings and say their prayers before a quick night’s sleep-then it’s off to work they go. This ever growing group of Carols, Noels, and Merrys will shop, party and cook as they celebrate the holidays with families and friends. Two successful single gals will ring in the New Year with a resolution; offering parents an updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince.
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as single, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a modern-day book that celebrates singleness. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that some single women face.
“Knowing how low self-esteem and depression plague many single females, we wanted to spread the message that ‘happily ever after’ can occur even before Prince Charming arrives. . . or even if he never does,” said Webb.
“We’re definitely not anti-Prince,” said Johnston (whose college nickname was “Bubble”). “We’re not anti-family or anti-marriage, if anything we’re anti-‘Damsel in Distress.’ Our message—the single life can also be a fairy tale. The End.”
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already.”
“We’ve had countless women all over the nation tell us they wish there had been a book like this when they were young,” said Johnston. “This is a story women can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with their children.”
As seen on The Today Show and CNN.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Atlanta, GA, August 21, 2008 --This Christmas season thousands of single belles will hang their silk stockings and say their prayers before a quick night’s sleep-then it’s off to work they go. This ever growing group of Carols, Noels, and Merrys will shop, party and cook as they celebrate the holidays with families and friends. Two successful single gals will ring in the New Year with a resolution; offering parents an updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince.
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as single, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a modern-day book that celebrates singleness. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that some single women face.
“Knowing how low self-esteem and depression plague many single females, we wanted to spread the message that ‘happily ever after’ can occur even before Prince Charming arrives. . . or even if he never does,” said Webb.
“We’re definitely not anti-Prince,” said Johnston (whose college nickname was “Bubble”). “We’re not anti-family or anti-marriage, if anything we’re anti-‘Damsel in Distress.’ Our message—the single life can also be a fairy tale. The End.”
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already.”
“We’ve had countless women all over the nation tell us they wish there had been a book like this when they were young,” said Johnston. “This is a story women can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with their children.”
As seen on The Today Show and CNN.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Friday, August 15, 2008
Cinderella, others arrested in Disneyland labor protest
Just for the record-Princess Bubble has never been arrested or involved in any trouble with the law. www.PrincessBubble.com
ANAHEIM, California (AP) -- Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell and other fictional fixtures of modern-day childhood were handcuffed, frisked and loaded into police vans Thursday at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth.
"Tinkerbell" and other Disney characters were handcuffed Thursday in a protest outside the gates of Disneyland.
The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland's gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.
Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.
The protesters were arrested on a misdemeanor count of failure to obey a police officer and two traffic infractions, said Sgt. Rick Martinez of the Anaheim police. They were cited and released, Sgt. Chris Schneider said.
Bewildered tourists in Disney T-shirts and caps, some pushing strollers, filed past the commotion and gawked at the costumed picketers getting hauled away. The protest shut down a major thoroughfare outside Disneyland and California Adventure for nearly an hour.
"It's changing my opinion of Disneyland," said tourist Amanda Kosato, who was visiting from north of Melbourne, Australia. "Taking away entitlements stinks."
The dispute involves about 2,300 maids, bell hops, cooks and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel.
The workers' contract expired in February and their union says Disney's latest proposal makes health care unaffordable for hundreds of employees and creates an unfair two-tier wage system. The union also says Disney wants to create a new category of part-time employees who would receive greatly reduced benefits.
"The other hotels around the area all have health care that is provided by the boss and have been able to get wage increases," said Ada Briceno, president of Unite Here Local 681, which represents the workers.
"At the other hotels in the same classification, for the same work, the workers get paid $2 to $3 an hour more."
Disney spokeswoman Lisa Haines said Disney and the union are in negotiations and nothing has been finalized. She said workers have protested 14 times but sat down to negotiate only 11 times in the past six months.
"Clearly we're disappointed that Unite Here Local 681 has spent more time protesting," she said. "Publicity stunts are not productive and are extremely disruptive to the resort district."
Before the arrests, the picketers marched and chanted outside Paradise Pier, holding signs that read, "Disney is unfaithful," and "Mickey, shame on you." They were joined by community activists and religious leaders from local churches.
Luz Vasquez, who works in the bakery at Disneyland Hotel, said she can't afford to lose many of her benefits. She said it's already hard to care for her three grandchildren and aging mother while earning $14.32 an hour.
"Disneyland is being unfair with us because we're fighting for our health care and they're trying to take it away," said Vasquez, 45. "They're trying to cut our hours and take away our seniority."
Co-worker Diane Dominguez, 50, said she was worried about losing health care because of the heavy labor involved in lifting mattresses, moving furniture and making dozens of beds a day. She also said rising prices and the cost of gas were eating into her salary of $11.11 an hour.
"The most important is health care. We need that and they want to take it away," she said.
At the heart of the issue is a free health care plan that has been provided to Disney hotel workers through a trust fund that Disney and other unionized hotels in the area pay into.
Briceno said that in exchange for the free medical plan, union members agreed in previous contracts to a lower wage for hotel workers in the first three years of their employment.
But Disney now wants to eliminate the free health plan for new hires and wants to create a new class of workers who put in less than 30 hours a week, said Briceno. Those part-time workers would receive no sick or vacation pay and not be given holidays, she said.
The company also wants to increase the number of hours full-time employees must work before qualifying for the health plan, she said.
"At the end of the day what it means is that workers are going to be priced out of health care," she said.
Haines said the majority of other employees at Disneyland pay for a share of their health plan, even though the resort shoulders about 75 percent of the overall cost. She said it's important to negotiate a contract that's fair to those other unions, too.
"We do remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement that's both fair and equitable, providing that union leadership is reasonable and realistic in its approach," Haines said.
Just for the record-Princess Bubble has never been arrested or involved in any trouble with the law. www.PrincessBubble.com
ANAHEIM, California (AP) -- Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell and other fictional fixtures of modern-day childhood were handcuffed, frisked and loaded into police vans Thursday at the culmination of a labor protest that brought a touch of reality to the Happiest Place on Earth.
"Tinkerbell" and other Disney characters were handcuffed Thursday in a protest outside the gates of Disneyland.
The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland's gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.
Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.
The protesters were arrested on a misdemeanor count of failure to obey a police officer and two traffic infractions, said Sgt. Rick Martinez of the Anaheim police. They were cited and released, Sgt. Chris Schneider said.
Bewildered tourists in Disney T-shirts and caps, some pushing strollers, filed past the commotion and gawked at the costumed picketers getting hauled away. The protest shut down a major thoroughfare outside Disneyland and California Adventure for nearly an hour.
"It's changing my opinion of Disneyland," said tourist Amanda Kosato, who was visiting from north of Melbourne, Australia. "Taking away entitlements stinks."
The dispute involves about 2,300 maids, bell hops, cooks and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel.
The workers' contract expired in February and their union says Disney's latest proposal makes health care unaffordable for hundreds of employees and creates an unfair two-tier wage system. The union also says Disney wants to create a new category of part-time employees who would receive greatly reduced benefits.
"The other hotels around the area all have health care that is provided by the boss and have been able to get wage increases," said Ada Briceno, president of Unite Here Local 681, which represents the workers.
"At the other hotels in the same classification, for the same work, the workers get paid $2 to $3 an hour more."
Disney spokeswoman Lisa Haines said Disney and the union are in negotiations and nothing has been finalized. She said workers have protested 14 times but sat down to negotiate only 11 times in the past six months.
"Clearly we're disappointed that Unite Here Local 681 has spent more time protesting," she said. "Publicity stunts are not productive and are extremely disruptive to the resort district."
Before the arrests, the picketers marched and chanted outside Paradise Pier, holding signs that read, "Disney is unfaithful," and "Mickey, shame on you." They were joined by community activists and religious leaders from local churches.
Luz Vasquez, who works in the bakery at Disneyland Hotel, said she can't afford to lose many of her benefits. She said it's already hard to care for her three grandchildren and aging mother while earning $14.32 an hour.
"Disneyland is being unfair with us because we're fighting for our health care and they're trying to take it away," said Vasquez, 45. "They're trying to cut our hours and take away our seniority."
Co-worker Diane Dominguez, 50, said she was worried about losing health care because of the heavy labor involved in lifting mattresses, moving furniture and making dozens of beds a day. She also said rising prices and the cost of gas were eating into her salary of $11.11 an hour.
"The most important is health care. We need that and they want to take it away," she said.
At the heart of the issue is a free health care plan that has been provided to Disney hotel workers through a trust fund that Disney and other unionized hotels in the area pay into.
Briceno said that in exchange for the free medical plan, union members agreed in previous contracts to a lower wage for hotel workers in the first three years of their employment.
But Disney now wants to eliminate the free health plan for new hires and wants to create a new class of workers who put in less than 30 hours a week, said Briceno. Those part-time workers would receive no sick or vacation pay and not be given holidays, she said.
The company also wants to increase the number of hours full-time employees must work before qualifying for the health plan, she said.
"At the end of the day what it means is that workers are going to be priced out of health care," she said.
Haines said the majority of other employees at Disneyland pay for a share of their health plan, even though the resort shoulders about 75 percent of the overall cost. She said it's important to negotiate a contract that's fair to those other unions, too.
"We do remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement that's both fair and equitable, providing that union leadership is reasonable and realistic in its approach," Haines said.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Online Dating and Self Publishing....Future of Younger Generations
When the first online dating sites popped up, people were hesitant to say they met someone online. They wondered if this made them look desperate. Times have change.
The Facebook Generation, I have to admit I am addicted as well, is comfortable with virtual friends and connecting to people with like/similar interest. I must add, caution always imperative
when meeting strangers anywhere!
In our fairy tale, Princess Bubble, the main character joins www.FindYourPrince.com to date. The modern version of a fairy tale ball.
This same generation of constant computer users, blogs and publishes everything online from independent films to columns that have daily followings. I believe this blogging bunch will not see self publishing at
all as negative or second rate. Kim Webb and I self published Princess Bubble because we needed to reach girls a.s.a.p. with our message of true meaning of "Happily Ever After!" So many young girls are starving
and compromising themselves for the attention of a boy/man.Recently CNN reported staggering numbers of teen girls are in abusive relationships! Kim and I felt did not have time for some agent to agree with us and then to find a publisher. We needed to start reaching girls as soon as possible! Now, we have reached people and appeared on The Today Show, CNN and many other media outlets and would welcome the right publisher because this is a lot of work! And we both have full time jobs.
But the stigma continues, despite national attention, our hometown paper The Atlanta Journal and Constitution emailed me, "We typically don't write about self-published books..." I found this so interesting! Nancy Pelosi's book is currently rated #1,681,028 on Amazon, but she does have a publisher.
All of this will soon change. Just as the perception of online dating has changed, self publishing will one day not carry the same stigma it does today. I am proud of the work we have done and all we have learned. Exhausted! But proud. And encourage everyone to follow their dreams even if you have to go a non-traditional route.
When the first online dating sites popped up, people were hesitant to say they met someone online. They wondered if this made them look desperate. Times have change.
The Facebook Generation, I have to admit I am addicted as well, is comfortable with virtual friends and connecting to people with like/similar interest. I must add, caution always imperative
when meeting strangers anywhere!
In our fairy tale, Princess Bubble, the main character joins www.FindYourPrince.com to date. The modern version of a fairy tale ball.
This same generation of constant computer users, blogs and publishes everything online from independent films to columns that have daily followings. I believe this blogging bunch will not see self publishing at
all as negative or second rate. Kim Webb and I self published Princess Bubble because we needed to reach girls a.s.a.p. with our message of true meaning of "Happily Ever After!" So many young girls are starving
and compromising themselves for the attention of a boy/man.Recently CNN reported staggering numbers of teen girls are in abusive relationships! Kim and I felt did not have time for some agent to agree with us and then to find a publisher. We needed to start reaching girls as soon as possible! Now, we have reached people and appeared on The Today Show, CNN and many other media outlets and would welcome the right publisher because this is a lot of work! And we both have full time jobs.
But the stigma continues, despite national attention, our hometown paper The Atlanta Journal and Constitution emailed me, "We typically don't write about self-published books..." I found this so interesting! Nancy Pelosi's book is currently rated #1,681,028 on Amazon, but she does have a publisher.
All of this will soon change. Just as the perception of online dating has changed, self publishing will one day not carry the same stigma it does today. I am proud of the work we have done and all we have learned. Exhausted! But proud. And encourage everyone to follow their dreams even if you have to go a non-traditional route.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Authors with Alabama connections write children's book that adults can appreciate
Sunday, August 10, 2008
CHANDA TEMPLE GUSTER
News staff writer
There's a children's book out in Birmingham-area stores that some brides are giving to their single bridesmaids as gifts.
It's called "Princess Bubble" and paints an empowering story of how a happily single princess learns to embrace her life and not feel rushed to find her Prince Charming just because that's what's in the fairytales.
It was written by Susan Johnston, 42, a real estate agent, and Kimberly Webb, 40, a flight attendant. Both are living single in Atlanta and said the purpose of the book is to remind girls and women that if they are single, they can still have a good life.
"We just want to empower and inspire girls. It's not anti-men at all," Johnston said. Adult readers have told them they wished such a book was available when they were kids.
Johnston, who has been in 17 weddings, said she got the idea for the book when one of her friends' young daughters told her that Barbie absolutely had to find a prince and couldn't live happily ever after without one.
"I told her, `Well no, look, I have a good life and I haven't found a prince,' she said. The girl told Johnston, "Well, that's just not possible," and Johnston knew then she had to write a book.
"Fifty-one percent of the women are single today, and I don't want these little girls to grow up and feel like they can't have a good life if they don't find Mr. Right," she said. "Everybody needs to be reminded that they are a princess" single or married.
She collaborated on the concept with her best friend Webb, found an illustrator and finished the book in late 2006.
"If we meet Mr. Right ..., that would be fine with us," she said. "But we are going to be happy until then."
Both women have Alabama connections: Johnston's mother is from Anniston, her father is from Tuskegee and she graduated from Auburn University. She said she still has several relatives in Birmingham. Webb's father is from Birmingham and her mother is from Mobile.
The women have received praise and national attention for their book, appearing on the "Today" show in 2007. On Monday at 8:40 a.m., Johnston will appear on CNN.com to discuss the book.
They would like to work on other books to show the main character, Princess Bubble, going to other countries and seeing how different cultures make everyone special. (Johnston's nickname in college was Bubble, hence the book's name "Princess Bubble.")
Locally, the $12 book can be found at Milestone Books in Vestavia and Swoozies at The Summit. The book can also be found at www.princessbubble.com.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
CHANDA TEMPLE GUSTER
News staff writer
There's a children's book out in Birmingham-area stores that some brides are giving to their single bridesmaids as gifts.
It's called "Princess Bubble" and paints an empowering story of how a happily single princess learns to embrace her life and not feel rushed to find her Prince Charming just because that's what's in the fairytales.
It was written by Susan Johnston, 42, a real estate agent, and Kimberly Webb, 40, a flight attendant. Both are living single in Atlanta and said the purpose of the book is to remind girls and women that if they are single, they can still have a good life.
"We just want to empower and inspire girls. It's not anti-men at all," Johnston said. Adult readers have told them they wished such a book was available when they were kids.
Johnston, who has been in 17 weddings, said she got the idea for the book when one of her friends' young daughters told her that Barbie absolutely had to find a prince and couldn't live happily ever after without one.
"I told her, `Well no, look, I have a good life and I haven't found a prince,' she said. The girl told Johnston, "Well, that's just not possible," and Johnston knew then she had to write a book.
"Fifty-one percent of the women are single today, and I don't want these little girls to grow up and feel like they can't have a good life if they don't find Mr. Right," she said. "Everybody needs to be reminded that they are a princess" single or married.
She collaborated on the concept with her best friend Webb, found an illustrator and finished the book in late 2006.
"If we meet Mr. Right ..., that would be fine with us," she said. "But we are going to be happy until then."
Both women have Alabama connections: Johnston's mother is from Anniston, her father is from Tuskegee and she graduated from Auburn University. She said she still has several relatives in Birmingham. Webb's father is from Birmingham and her mother is from Mobile.
The women have received praise and national attention for their book, appearing on the "Today" show in 2007. On Monday at 8:40 a.m., Johnston will appear on CNN.com to discuss the book.
They would like to work on other books to show the main character, Princess Bubble, going to other countries and seeing how different cultures make everyone special. (Johnston's nickname in college was Bubble, hence the book's name "Princess Bubble.")
Locally, the $12 book can be found at Milestone Books in Vestavia and Swoozies at The Summit. The book can also be found at www.princessbubble.com.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Teen Girls Abused in Dating Relationships
We at www.PrincessBubble.com strive to empower girls/women and are sadden by the below article and know we still have much to do in this fight to protect our girls and remind them they are special and wonderful princesses!
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Teenagers and preteens endure significant levels of different types of abuse in dating relationships -- particularly among those who become sexually active at a young age -- and most parents are unaware of what is going on in those relationships, a survey released Tuesday said.
About 10 percent of the teenagers surveyed said they had had sex by age 14, a new survey says.
Sixty-nine percent of teens who had sex by age 14 reported some type of abuse in a relationship, with slightly more than one-third saying they had been physically abused, according to the survey, conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited.
About 10 percent of the teenagers surveyed said they had had sex by age 14, while 20 percent said they had sex between the ages of 15 and 16.
One in five 13- or 14-year-olds in relationships say they know friends and peers who have been "struck in anger" by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Sixty-two percent have friends who have been called stupid, worthless or ugly by their dates.
Liz Claiborne Inc. and loveisrespect.org commissioned the survey. Loveisrespect.org operates the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
"What makes this data so disturbing is the clear and unexpected finding that dating abuse and violence begins at such a young age," said Jane Randel, the vice president of corporate communications for Liz Claiborne Inc., at a news conference to coincide with the survey's release.
And the "parents don't know what's going on," she said.
Nearly half of those preteens or "tweens" who responded said they had been in a dating relationship. The survey considers tweens to be between 11 and 14 years of age.
Slightly more than two-thirds of parents surveyed believe they know "a lot" or "everything" about their tween's relationship, but only 51 percent of tweens agree, the survey said.
One-fifth of tweens say their parents know little or nothing about their dating relationships, while only 6 percent of parents concur.
But despite the number of teens and tweens who say they have experienced abuse or say they know someone who has, only about 51 percent say they are aware of the warning signs of hurtful dating relationship.
And slightly more than half -- 54 percent -- said they would know what to do if a friend came to them for help, the survey said.
Teenagers and tweens need educational programs about abuse in relationships, experts say.
Concern about the issue prompted the National Association of Attorneys General to pass a resolution last month encouraging states to work with local school districts to implement teen dating violence education policies.
The states need to send a strong message about this, Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, president of NAAG, said Tuesday at the news conference.
"The best way to do this is to mandate this, in my estimation," as Rhode Island has, he said. "We're fighting for generations here and generations yet to come to end this scourge."
Last year, the Rhode Island General Assembly adopted the "Lindsay Ann Burke Act," which requires each public school district to provide curriculum and policy on teen dating violence and abuse.
The act is named for a 23-year-old woman who was murdered in 2005 by her former boyfriend, the Rhode Island legislature said. Her boyfriend is now serving a life sentence without parole in the state prison for the murder, the Providence Journal reported.
"Teens have a right to know this ... and parents have a right to know as well," Ann Burke, Lindsay's mother, said at the news conference. "Lindsay had a right to know this information too. It's too late to help Lindsay."
The survey, conducted from January 2-18, 2008, questioned 1,043 tweens, 523 parents of tweens and 626 teens through a customized 15-minute online survey. The respondents were invited by e-mail to participate.
The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points for tweens; plus or minus 4.1 for parents of tweens, and plus or minus 3.9 for teens
We at www.PrincessBubble.com strive to empower girls/women and are sadden by the below article and know we still have much to do in this fight to protect our girls and remind them they are special and wonderful princesses!
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Teenagers and preteens endure significant levels of different types of abuse in dating relationships -- particularly among those who become sexually active at a young age -- and most parents are unaware of what is going on in those relationships, a survey released Tuesday said.
About 10 percent of the teenagers surveyed said they had had sex by age 14, a new survey says.
Sixty-nine percent of teens who had sex by age 14 reported some type of abuse in a relationship, with slightly more than one-third saying they had been physically abused, according to the survey, conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited.
About 10 percent of the teenagers surveyed said they had had sex by age 14, while 20 percent said they had sex between the ages of 15 and 16.
One in five 13- or 14-year-olds in relationships say they know friends and peers who have been "struck in anger" by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Sixty-two percent have friends who have been called stupid, worthless or ugly by their dates.
Liz Claiborne Inc. and loveisrespect.org commissioned the survey. Loveisrespect.org operates the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
"What makes this data so disturbing is the clear and unexpected finding that dating abuse and violence begins at such a young age," said Jane Randel, the vice president of corporate communications for Liz Claiborne Inc., at a news conference to coincide with the survey's release.
And the "parents don't know what's going on," she said.
Nearly half of those preteens or "tweens" who responded said they had been in a dating relationship. The survey considers tweens to be between 11 and 14 years of age.
Slightly more than two-thirds of parents surveyed believe they know "a lot" or "everything" about their tween's relationship, but only 51 percent of tweens agree, the survey said.
One-fifth of tweens say their parents know little or nothing about their dating relationships, while only 6 percent of parents concur.
But despite the number of teens and tweens who say they have experienced abuse or say they know someone who has, only about 51 percent say they are aware of the warning signs of hurtful dating relationship.
And slightly more than half -- 54 percent -- said they would know what to do if a friend came to them for help, the survey said.
Teenagers and tweens need educational programs about abuse in relationships, experts say.
Concern about the issue prompted the National Association of Attorneys General to pass a resolution last month encouraging states to work with local school districts to implement teen dating violence education policies.
The states need to send a strong message about this, Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, president of NAAG, said Tuesday at the news conference.
"The best way to do this is to mandate this, in my estimation," as Rhode Island has, he said. "We're fighting for generations here and generations yet to come to end this scourge."
Last year, the Rhode Island General Assembly adopted the "Lindsay Ann Burke Act," which requires each public school district to provide curriculum and policy on teen dating violence and abuse.
The act is named for a 23-year-old woman who was murdered in 2005 by her former boyfriend, the Rhode Island legislature said. Her boyfriend is now serving a life sentence without parole in the state prison for the murder, the Providence Journal reported.
"Teens have a right to know this ... and parents have a right to know as well," Ann Burke, Lindsay's mother, said at the news conference. "Lindsay had a right to know this information too. It's too late to help Lindsay."
The survey, conducted from January 2-18, 2008, questioned 1,043 tweens, 523 parents of tweens and 626 teens through a customized 15-minute online survey. The respondents were invited by e-mail to participate.
The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points for tweens; plus or minus 4.1 for parents of tweens, and plus or minus 3.9 for teens
Monday, August 04, 2008
Anti-princess movement finds "Happily Ever After" in Princess Bubble!
As Seen on The TODAY Show and will be featured on CNN.com on August 11th!
Many concerned mothers today worry about raising their princess. There is a royal struggle to have fun with fairy tales and at the same time teach girls the true meaning of “Happily Ever After!”
This is a story I can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with my children.”
—Noelle Williams, mother of three
“We’ve had countless women all over the nation tell us they wish there had been a book like this when they were little.”
—Susan Johnston, Princess Bubble author
Two Sassy Single Authors Redefine Fairy Tale Endings for Young Readers!
ATLANTA, April 18,2008—You know how the story goes—Prince Charming, “Happily Ever After,” The End, right? Is this the ONLY option today’s moms want to share with their young daughters? Two successful single gals are offering parents an updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a new generation of fairy tales that celebrates singleness and self worth. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
Three most common disorders in girls: low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders
In 2003, breast implants tripled from 3,872 to 11,326 in girls under age 18
Girls ages 12 to 19 spent over $8 million on cosmetics in 2005
(Source: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls,2007)
“I adore sharing the Princess Bubble message with my daughter because it teaches her that happiness comes from within,” said Kim Daniels, mother of two.
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up atFindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”
“We are definitely not anti-Prince,” said Webb. “We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.”
ABOUT PRINCESS BUBBLE and BUBBLE GUM PRESS: The Princess Bubble message, cleverly articulated by former Delta flight attendants Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, seeks to find an alternate ending to “happily ever after” and change the notion that life begins and ends with finding your Prince Charming. Looking to bolster the poor self-esteem of female youth and the stigma that many single adult women carry, Johnston and Webb believe“this is a book for women of all ages, a story they can believe in and share with their children.” In upcoming adventures, Princess Bubble will travel to distant lands where the knowledge of every new culture will enrich her flourishing life.
-30-
www.PrincessBubble.com
As Seen on The TODAY Show and will be featured on CNN.com on August 11th!
Many concerned mothers today worry about raising their princess. There is a royal struggle to have fun with fairy tales and at the same time teach girls the true meaning of “Happily Ever After!”
This is a story I can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with my children.”
—Noelle Williams, mother of three
“We’ve had countless women all over the nation tell us they wish there had been a book like this when they were little.”
—Susan Johnston, Princess Bubble author
Two Sassy Single Authors Redefine Fairy Tale Endings for Young Readers!
ATLANTA, April 18,2008—You know how the story goes—Prince Charming, “Happily Ever After,” The End, right? Is this the ONLY option today’s moms want to share with their young daughters? Two successful single gals are offering parents an updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a new generation of fairy tales that celebrates singleness and self worth. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
Three most common disorders in girls: low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders
In 2003, breast implants tripled from 3,872 to 11,326 in girls under age 18
Girls ages 12 to 19 spent over $8 million on cosmetics in 2005
(Source: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls,2007)
“I adore sharing the Princess Bubble message with my daughter because it teaches her that happiness comes from within,” said Kim Daniels, mother of two.
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up atFindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”
“We are definitely not anti-Prince,” said Webb. “We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.”
ABOUT PRINCESS BUBBLE and BUBBLE GUM PRESS: The Princess Bubble message, cleverly articulated by former Delta flight attendants Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, seeks to find an alternate ending to “happily ever after” and change the notion that life begins and ends with finding your Prince Charming. Looking to bolster the poor self-esteem of female youth and the stigma that many single adult women carry, Johnston and Webb believe“this is a book for women of all ages, a story they can believe in and share with their children.” In upcoming adventures, Princess Bubble will travel to distant lands where the knowledge of every new culture will enrich her flourishing life.
-30-
www.PrincessBubble.com
Meet Kelly!
TriangleMom2Mom's featured mom this week is Kelly Rives.
Kelly will always be Princess Sparkle to me-an important character in Princess Bubble, our modern day fairy tale! When Kelly is not one of Princess Bubble’s supporting characters she is acting as Queen to three princesses of her own and the founder of a successful consignment sale that now is in six cities. The
Raleigh sale is at the end of this month. www.divineconsignshow.com
I am posting the article so the world can know about wonderful Kelly and her fantastic business!
Mom2Mom: Tell us about yourself.
Kelly: As a native Mississippian, I have loved living in North Carolina . Our family has truly found our place here. Growing up in Corinth , a small northeastern Mississippi town, I had never dreamed of living in North Carolina . But after graduating from the University of Mississippi and moving to Atlanta to teach, I realized that I might not have everything figured out. My husband, Ben, and I didn’t plan to leave Atlanta , but after we had our first child we quickly realized that we needed a little bit of a slower pace. Fourteen months later, we had our second precious little girl, and began to look for another place to call home. My husband’s company, Brasfield & Gorrie, had an office in Raleigh , and we took advantage of the transfer. And we have only been blessed. Quickly we found our church, Church of the Apostles, and made many wonderful friends there and through Ben’s work. We hate that our extended family is now so far away, but we are at home here.
Right after moving here, the former teacher-turned-stay-at-home-mother in me decided that I needed to add a little business to our already hectic world. Since our first daughter was born, I had developed a passion for smocked children’s clothing. I guess that is part of my southern hertitage in me, but I couldn’t get enough of it -- precious stuff, but ridiculously expensive. I had shopped many consignment sales, but I never really had any luck finding the type clothing I was looking for, nor did I want to sell my children’s outgrown clothing at those sales because I knew I wouldn’t get much for them.
So I started one of the first high-end children’s clothing consignment sales, the Divine Consign Show. We focus on trunk show and boutique clothing. No toys, no maternity wear, no DVDs …. just clothes. I knew that my friends and I would like this, but I have been astonished at how successful it has been.
Many trunk shows and boutiques now sell their overstocks and samples with us, so our customers get their choice of new and used clothes at amazing prices! So after just three years in business, we have sales in six cities. And we keep growing! God is so good. Since moving to the Triangle I have become the mother of a third baby girl, an involved member of our church, a delighted busy mother, a proud wife and a business woman. Who would have ever guessed?
Mom2Mom: What's your favorite place for your family in the Triangle?
Kelly: My favorite place to spend time with my family is the swimming pool! Any swimming pool. My girls have always been super swimmers, and they would rather be in the pool than anywhere else. I am from the school of learning that says, “Let them jump in and learn to love it!” My 18-month-old loves to freak everyone out by running and jumping in hundreds of times a day. I love to let her sink down and come up giggling every time! It is a great time for all of us.
Mom2Mom: What's your favorite place in the Triangle for yourself?
Kelly: My favorite thing to do is go and get a pedicure with my friends. I love to sit in the massaging chairs (sometimes with a glass of wine), visit with my friends and just be pampered. My fingernails are embarrassing, but I keep the “piggies” well dressed. It is so nice to be somewhere where I am not expected to play a game, cook a meal, clean a dish, or tell a story. Mommies need to be re-energized to be the best mommies they can be! And it all starts with the feet…..
Mom2Mom: What's your favorite ritual with your family?
Kelly: When I was growing up my family ate dinner together at least five nights a week. Every night we each took our turn to say our “news” of the day. Each of us told of some very important part of our day. I have always felt that was a great way to keep our family focused on each other’s lives, and not so focused on ourselves. We have continued that tradition in our family with my husband and three girls. Our girls are still quite young, so we have slightly altered “news,” and we each share our favorite part of the day. This is so sweet. I love hearing what my girls found delight in throughout their days, as well as, hearing the highpoints of my husband’s days. We will always make it a point to have dinner together as a family, but the cooking the meal and cleaning it up are the hard part!
Mom2Mom: What did you eat last night for dinner? Can you share the recipe?
Kelly: Last night I had a good old Tomato Sandwich. White bread, tomato, mayo, salt and pepper! Since my husband was out of town, I took advantage of one of my favorites. But I love my Paula Dean recipe for a Tomato Pie. It sounds a lot better, and actually tastes better than my sandwich.
Mom2Mom: What's your guilty pleasure?
Kelly: I have two guilty pleasures.
Children’s clothing. I have a tremendously hard time dressing myself, but I love dressing my kids. Even selling children’s clothing has not dampened that love.
At the end of the day, when the kids are asleep and the kitchen is cleaned and my e-mails are all caught up, there is nothing better than a nice glass of wine. That is my little reward for keeping all of the spinning plates in the air all day long.
www.divineconsignshow.com
TriangleMom2Mom's featured mom this week is Kelly Rives.
Kelly will always be Princess Sparkle to me-an important character in Princess Bubble, our modern day fairy tale! When Kelly is not one of Princess Bubble’s supporting characters she is acting as Queen to three princesses of her own and the founder of a successful consignment sale that now is in six cities. The
Raleigh sale is at the end of this month. www.divineconsignshow.com
I am posting the article so the world can know about wonderful Kelly and her fantastic business!
Mom2Mom: Tell us about yourself.
Kelly: As a native Mississippian, I have loved living in North Carolina . Our family has truly found our place here. Growing up in Corinth , a small northeastern Mississippi town, I had never dreamed of living in North Carolina . But after graduating from the University of Mississippi and moving to Atlanta to teach, I realized that I might not have everything figured out. My husband, Ben, and I didn’t plan to leave Atlanta , but after we had our first child we quickly realized that we needed a little bit of a slower pace. Fourteen months later, we had our second precious little girl, and began to look for another place to call home. My husband’s company, Brasfield & Gorrie, had an office in Raleigh , and we took advantage of the transfer. And we have only been blessed. Quickly we found our church, Church of the Apostles, and made many wonderful friends there and through Ben’s work. We hate that our extended family is now so far away, but we are at home here.
Right after moving here, the former teacher-turned-stay-at-home-mother in me decided that I needed to add a little business to our already hectic world. Since our first daughter was born, I had developed a passion for smocked children’s clothing. I guess that is part of my southern hertitage in me, but I couldn’t get enough of it -- precious stuff, but ridiculously expensive. I had shopped many consignment sales, but I never really had any luck finding the type clothing I was looking for, nor did I want to sell my children’s outgrown clothing at those sales because I knew I wouldn’t get much for them.
So I started one of the first high-end children’s clothing consignment sales, the Divine Consign Show. We focus on trunk show and boutique clothing. No toys, no maternity wear, no DVDs …. just clothes. I knew that my friends and I would like this, but I have been astonished at how successful it has been.
Many trunk shows and boutiques now sell their overstocks and samples with us, so our customers get their choice of new and used clothes at amazing prices! So after just three years in business, we have sales in six cities. And we keep growing! God is so good. Since moving to the Triangle I have become the mother of a third baby girl, an involved member of our church, a delighted busy mother, a proud wife and a business woman. Who would have ever guessed?
Mom2Mom: What's your favorite place for your family in the Triangle?
Kelly: My favorite place to spend time with my family is the swimming pool! Any swimming pool. My girls have always been super swimmers, and they would rather be in the pool than anywhere else. I am from the school of learning that says, “Let them jump in and learn to love it!” My 18-month-old loves to freak everyone out by running and jumping in hundreds of times a day. I love to let her sink down and come up giggling every time! It is a great time for all of us.
Mom2Mom: What's your favorite place in the Triangle for yourself?
Kelly: My favorite thing to do is go and get a pedicure with my friends. I love to sit in the massaging chairs (sometimes with a glass of wine), visit with my friends and just be pampered. My fingernails are embarrassing, but I keep the “piggies” well dressed. It is so nice to be somewhere where I am not expected to play a game, cook a meal, clean a dish, or tell a story. Mommies need to be re-energized to be the best mommies they can be! And it all starts with the feet…..
Mom2Mom: What's your favorite ritual with your family?
Kelly: When I was growing up my family ate dinner together at least five nights a week. Every night we each took our turn to say our “news” of the day. Each of us told of some very important part of our day. I have always felt that was a great way to keep our family focused on each other’s lives, and not so focused on ourselves. We have continued that tradition in our family with my husband and three girls. Our girls are still quite young, so we have slightly altered “news,” and we each share our favorite part of the day. This is so sweet. I love hearing what my girls found delight in throughout their days, as well as, hearing the highpoints of my husband’s days. We will always make it a point to have dinner together as a family, but the cooking the meal and cleaning it up are the hard part!
Mom2Mom: What did you eat last night for dinner? Can you share the recipe?
Kelly: Last night I had a good old Tomato Sandwich. White bread, tomato, mayo, salt and pepper! Since my husband was out of town, I took advantage of one of my favorites. But I love my Paula Dean recipe for a Tomato Pie. It sounds a lot better, and actually tastes better than my sandwich.
Mom2Mom: What's your guilty pleasure?
Kelly: I have two guilty pleasures.
Children’s clothing. I have a tremendously hard time dressing myself, but I love dressing my kids. Even selling children’s clothing has not dampened that love.
At the end of the day, when the kids are asleep and the kitchen is cleaned and my e-mails are all caught up, there is nothing better than a nice glass of wine. That is my little reward for keeping all of the spinning plates in the air all day long.
www.divineconsignshow.com
Friday, August 01, 2008
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