A life beyond finding Mr. Right
by Christine Fosterwrite the author






Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb (click for larger version)
January 06, 2009 | 10:16 AM
Once upon a time there were two Delta flight attendants who were single and unapologetic. Together, the women wrote a book that turned the traditional princess narrative on its head. The end.

Actually, Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb's story of Princess Bubble is the opposite of "the end" theory, in which every princess gets her man and proceeds to ride off into the sunset. The classic fairytale, they say, is not always reality and can leave many young women wondering where it all went wrong if they don't immediately find a prince charming.

The determination to change that kind of thinking is exactly what led Johnston and Webb to write Princess Bubble. Inspired by play dates with the daughters of her friends, Johnston was struck by the limited view of fairytale fantasy.

"These girls told me, as we played, that their Barbie or princess doll could not live 'happily ever after' without a prince," she said. "I told them that I was single and had a great life. I had traveled the world and loved my family and friends. [But] they said, 'You can't live happily ever after, that's not how it works.'"

A light bulb went off for Johnston. She began hearing more and more reports on girls who took drastic measures to impress boys, often turning to self-destructive beauty routines because they lacked real self-esteem or singular self-worth.

"I thought, 'We are teaching these girls this message, it is time for a new type of fairy tale,'" she said.

Hearing Johnston's idea, her friend, Webb, immediately came on board and together they wrote the story of Bubble, a princess who finds out that living happily ever after is not about finding a prince, but about "being comfortable with who you are already."

"I grew up in the era of 'The Bionic Woman' and 'Charlie's Angels.' These women were not waiting to be rescued. They were strong and independent," said Johnston, who, along with Webb live in Atlanta. "I think it is fun for girls to have all the [dress up] costumes and be able to feel beautiful like a princess, but real princesses - like Princess Diana - do not just sit and wait to be rescued and served. They help others and make a difference. I want young girls to see the beauty that radiates from a person who cares about others. This is a lasting beauty that does not fade with time and gravity."

The message has hit home for many women. The book has received national attention, including features on CNN and The Today Show. Clearly there is a demographic for this new kind of fairytale.

"We have been most surprised that married women have gotten so much out of Princess Bubble for themselves. We hear 'I need to be reminded of this daily. My marriage is better when I remember the message of Princess Bubble, because I can not expect my husband to be everything to me, but to share my life with me,'" Johnston said.

She recently faced a lay off just like many other Americans and has seen the truth in what she preaches become even more important in her own life.

"It reminds me of how easy it is to believe or wish some knight in shining armor would ride up and say, 'Don't worry about money or insurance! You are a princess!' [But] I believe even if Prince Charming was at my door right now waiting to rescue me that I would not truly have 'happily ever after' if I depended on him to be everything in my life," she said.

However, the two authors try to make it clear that they are not anti-marriage. In fact, Johnston believes the message would only grow stronger if she was to get married.

"It appears to me [when you are married], you are having to remind yourself more that you are not perfect either and you are in a partnership and not in a Disney movie," said Johnston, the "ultimate bridesmaid" who has participated in a staggering 17 weddings. "A partnership requires work to flourish."

Johnston and Webb have big plans for Princess Bubble in the future.

"We would love for Princess Bubble to travel the world and learn about culture and how our differences make us special," Johnston said.

So the story doesn't end in the absence of a prince. In fact, it's just the beginning.

Locally, you can purchase the book at the following locations: Phine and Whimsey-Duluth; My Sister's Gifts-Alpharetta; Curls & Boys-Alpharetta; The Chandlery-Roswell; The Cannery-Alpharetta, or visit www.princessbubble.com.