Happily Ever aAfter and The Royal Wedding
Happily Ever After...What does that mean to different people? In my book Princess Bubble, she learns that true happiness comes from loving God, helping others and liking who you are already. But, what to people expect when they think about someone or themselves living, "Happily Ever After"
Do people believe William and Kate to live "Happily Ever After?"
What do we expect happened to Cinderella, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast....? Do we expect them to live blissful every day with no money troubles, in-law issues, fertility problems, loss of jobs, government shut downs, wars or the issues of every day life?
And could "Happily Ever After" just be the fact that they are no longer hidden in a dungeon or feed a poison apple?
The Brothers Grimm originally wrote the stories with more reality and less Disney. Here is an excerpt of the original Cinderella.
"The wife of a rich man fell sick, and as she felt that her end was drawing near, she called her only daughter to her bedside and said, "Dear child, be good and pious, and then the good God will always protect thee, and I will look down on thee from heaven and be near thee." Thereupon she closed her eyes and departed. Every day the maiden went out to her mother's grave, and wept, and she remained pious and good. When winter came the snow spread a white sheet over the grave, and when the spring sun had drawn it off again, the man had taken another wife.
The woman had brought two daughters into the house with her, who were beautiful and fair of face, but vile and black of heart. Now began a bad time for the poor step-child. "Is the stupid goose to sit in the parlour with us?" said they. "He who wants to eat bread must earn it; out with the kitchen-wench." They took her pretty clothes away from her, put an old grey bedgown on her, and gave her wooden shoes. "Just look at the proud princess, how decked out she is!" they cried, and laughed, and led her into the kitchen. There she had to do hard work from morning till night, get up before daybreak, carry water, light fires, cook and wash. Besides this, the sisters did her every imaginable injury -- they mocked her and emptied her peas and lentils into the ashes, so that she was forced to sit and pick them out again. In the evening when she had worked till she was weary she had no bed to go to, but had to sleep by the fireside in the ashes. And as on that account she always looked dusty and dirty, they called her Cinderella. It happened that the father was once going to the fair, and he asked his two step-daughters what he should bring back for them. "Beautiful dresses," said one, "Pearls and jewels," said the second. "And thou, Cinderella," said he, "what wilt thou have?" "Father, break off for me the first branch which knocks against your hat on your way home." So he bought beautiful dresses, pearls and jewels for his two step-daughters, and on his way home, as he was riding through a green thicket, a hazel twig brushed against him and knocked off his hat. Then he broke off the branch and took it with him. When he reached home he gave his step-daughters the things which they had wished for, and to Cinderella he gave the branch from the hazel-bush. Cinderella thanked him, went to her mother's grave and planted the branch on it, and wept so much that the tears fell down on it and watered it. And it grew, however, and became a handsome tree. Thrice a day Cinderella went and sat beneath it, and wept and prayed, and a little white bird always came on the tree, and if Cinderella expressed a wish, the bird threw down to her what she had wished for."
Cinderella was so unhappy life could only get better for her getting out of that household! And The Brothers Grimm did not even end the story with the focus on Cinderella's good fortune and life of happiness. No the story ended, "
"Afterwards as they (the stepsisters) came back, the elder was at the left, and the younger at the right, and then the pigeons pecked out the other eye of each. And thus, for their wickedness and falsehood, they were punished with blindness as long as they lived." This story ended with evil being punished.
As far as I can tell, all the story end with the heroine content and evil villain repaid for his actions.
I don't think we really expect Kate Middleton to live "Happily Ever After" in the fairy tale sense that she will never have another problem. We saw Diane struggle with feeling unloved and eating issues. I believe we are all rooting for Kate to have a wonderful marriage and getting to do and see things that we can only dream of doing because of her position. But, we know she will also pay the price of living under a microscope, being judged by strangers and human faults being magnetized when they are revealed. William is probably the luckiest in this situation. His life is not changing for the most part and yet he get a gorgeous bride that seems to genuinely adore him and has stood by his side for many years already. Maybe his reward for losing his mother at a young age and having a father that cheated.
If we don't expect William and Kate to live "Happily Ever After" how can we expect anyone to have that? I believe most of can and do live "Happily Ever After" it is just a matter of recognizing it and enjoying what you have, loving the life you are given. Sometimes we end up with ugly step sisters or locked away in a dungeon or expected to spin straw in to gold. But, most times these situations pass and you are more likely to recognize you are in the "Happily Ever After" part of the story having lived through the evil villain part and having made it out!
I believe every girl is a princess and in the end good will win and evil will be repaid. I am excited for Kate Middleton and the life she has ahead of her. I hope she has as much love in her life with her prince as I do with mine. If she has even half as much love in her life- she is sure to live (one last time) Happily Ever After!!
www.PrincessBubble.com
Showing posts with label princess bubble. Show all posts
Showing posts with label princess bubble. Show all posts
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Monday, June 14, 2010
Yesterday was my first wedding anniversary. We had a fun day at the beach with my family followed by drinks on top of Ocean Lodge with a view of the ocean. Then the guys grilled steaks and we ate more of the one year old wedding cake which I can not believe was still good. That alone is just crazy to me.
Our first year of marriage was surprisingly easy for a first marriage for a pair of 40 somethings. We had bumps in the road like the stress of buying and remodeling a house while surviving a miscarriage and 2 out patient surgeries and a 4 month legislative session. Recently, we went to a marriage seminar at the church we attend when in Atlanta and not only were we the oldest ones there! But, we realized we did not have many of the issues the leaders were discussing because we lived the message of Princess Bubble and we had had complete lives before we married and knew who we were going into the marriage. I would not suggest for other women to wait as long as I did to marry; but I found someone worth the wait and there are positives to being an older bride. If you have not read my book, Princess Bubble, the message is that true happiness is not found in a prince but in helping others, loving God, liking who you are already. The conference we attended spent a lot of time trying to heal or correct the issues couples had when they entered the marriage expecting their spouse to make their lives perfect or rescue them.
I spent so much time trying to empower girls and share with them the message of Princess Bubble and knew the message was important for women to also remember...But, then I got caught up in all that was happening in my own life and put the message aside for a while. Now I am reminded of the importance and how every woman and girl needs to be encouraged to remember how special they are and how we need to take responsibility of our own happiness and not expect someone else or something else to make them happy.
So girls-remind your girlfriends, teach your daughters, and tell yourself that happiness is attainable for all of us start your own happily ever after today! Today I start on year two of my marriage and love my prince but plan to live happily ever after with him instead of because of him.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Our first year of marriage was surprisingly easy for a first marriage for a pair of 40 somethings. We had bumps in the road like the stress of buying and remodeling a house while surviving a miscarriage and 2 out patient surgeries and a 4 month legislative session. Recently, we went to a marriage seminar at the church we attend when in Atlanta and not only were we the oldest ones there! But, we realized we did not have many of the issues the leaders were discussing because we lived the message of Princess Bubble and we had had complete lives before we married and knew who we were going into the marriage. I would not suggest for other women to wait as long as I did to marry; but I found someone worth the wait and there are positives to being an older bride. If you have not read my book, Princess Bubble, the message is that true happiness is not found in a prince but in helping others, loving God, liking who you are already. The conference we attended spent a lot of time trying to heal or correct the issues couples had when they entered the marriage expecting their spouse to make their lives perfect or rescue them.
I spent so much time trying to empower girls and share with them the message of Princess Bubble and knew the message was important for women to also remember...But, then I got caught up in all that was happening in my own life and put the message aside for a while. Now I am reminded of the importance and how every woman and girl needs to be encouraged to remember how special they are and how we need to take responsibility of our own happiness and not expect someone else or something else to make them happy.
So girls-remind your girlfriends, teach your daughters, and tell yourself that happiness is attainable for all of us start your own happily ever after today! Today I start on year two of my marriage and love my prince but plan to live happily ever after with him instead of because of him.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Let Your Princess See The Importance of Self Esteem
February 18, 2010 by Chris
About The Book
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 girlfriends 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!
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 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.” Johnston, recently married, said, “Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston Hamrick 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.
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.
My Take On The Book
I am the father of two daughters and everyday I worry about the external influences which will make them feel that they must act or dress a certain way. This message within this book was one that I plan to read over and over to my girls as they get older. The message that a girl can choose the life she wants and that she does not need a man and money to be happy is what young girls need to hear today. Princess Bubble allows girls to see that there are many other ways to achieve happiness.
The illustrations within this book were great and helped my girls understand the message that was being shared. I liked the idea that a “happily ever after” doesn’t have to be the kind that you see in the movies. Instead it is more important that they create their own “happily ever after” no matter what that may be.
I received a copy of this book as a review, but it did not effect my review of this book.
About the author:
A father of two who works to balance working full time in college administration along with trying to regain his kingdom on a daily basis. Exploring the joys and challenges of being a father, parent and husband, you can explore the divadom with him daily at http://dadofdivas.blogspot.com
Tags:
February 18, 2010 by Chris
About The Book
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 girlfriends 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!
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 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.” Johnston, recently married, said, “Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston Hamrick 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.
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.
My Take On The Book
I am the father of two daughters and everyday I worry about the external influences which will make them feel that they must act or dress a certain way. This message within this book was one that I plan to read over and over to my girls as they get older. The message that a girl can choose the life she wants and that she does not need a man and money to be happy is what young girls need to hear today. Princess Bubble allows girls to see that there are many other ways to achieve happiness.
The illustrations within this book were great and helped my girls understand the message that was being shared. I liked the idea that a “happily ever after” doesn’t have to be the kind that you see in the movies. Instead it is more important that they create their own “happily ever after” no matter what that may be.
I received a copy of this book as a review, but it did not effect my review of this book.
About the author:
A father of two who works to balance working full time in college administration along with trying to regain his kingdom on a daily basis. Exploring the joys and challenges of being a father, parent and husband, you can explore the divadom with him daily at http://dadofdivas.blogspot.com
Tags:
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
The Monday after I graduated from college I began a career as a flight attendant traveling the world and having a wonderful time. My college friends began to marry off and I made new friends who also married off. So, I made more friends who mostly married off as well. By this point, I had been in 17 weddings and maid of honor in six of those. I went to visit a friend and was playing Barbie with her daughter when I was informed by this 6 year old that Barbie could not be happy without a prince. I said, "Of course she could! I was happy! I loved my family and had seen the world." But, this little princess told be it could not be done and she had all the fairy tales to prove her case. All princesses only ended up happy when they found their prince!
On my flight home, I thought about this conversation and decided fairy tales must change! I was not anti-prince. Just anti-damsel in distress. I wanted girls to marry because they found the love of their life after they loved their life. Because I knew even a prince could not make a miserable person happy. True happiness comes from within and from helping others.
So, I wrote a book Princess Bubble and published it with a friend. We cashed in our savings and decided it was worth the expense to empower girls and remind them they are a princess with or without a prince. Word got out about our message and we appeared on The Today Show and CNN.
But right in the middle of spreading the meaning of "Happily Ever After" my world crashed and my father suddenly died. We were thick as thieves and I was holding back tears of pain while making TV appearances about how to be happy. I still believe my message but missed my sweet daddy.
Meanwhile, my mother told me she had someone to fix me up with. A State Senator,Bill Hamrick, who had been at Auburn the same time I was and who was also in his 40's and single. I did not think much about this but thought it was worth meeting him. Bill's mother was also working on Bill encouraging him to call me and he had even less interest in meeting someone his mother suggested. But, one night he had a dream and remembered a girl he had seen in college who smiled at him and he did not have the never to approach. The next day, Bill clicked on the link to my CNN appearance to see who this girl was his mother wanted him to meet and saw I was the girl from his dream the night before.
We met, fell in love and were married 6 months later. Our wedding day, I shed a few tears and looked up at the sky begging God for a sign from my daddy. Shortly after we said our vows a double rainbow appeared across the sky and I know it was God and my father smiling down on us!
First, I found happily ever after. Then I found a prince to share it with!
On my flight home, I thought about this conversation and decided fairy tales must change! I was not anti-prince. Just anti-damsel in distress. I wanted girls to marry because they found the love of their life after they loved their life. Because I knew even a prince could not make a miserable person happy. True happiness comes from within and from helping others.
So, I wrote a book Princess Bubble and published it with a friend. We cashed in our savings and decided it was worth the expense to empower girls and remind them they are a princess with or without a prince. Word got out about our message and we appeared on The Today Show and CNN.
But right in the middle of spreading the meaning of "Happily Ever After" my world crashed and my father suddenly died. We were thick as thieves and I was holding back tears of pain while making TV appearances about how to be happy. I still believe my message but missed my sweet daddy.
Meanwhile, my mother told me she had someone to fix me up with. A State Senator,Bill Hamrick, who had been at Auburn the same time I was and who was also in his 40's and single. I did not think much about this but thought it was worth meeting him. Bill's mother was also working on Bill encouraging him to call me and he had even less interest in meeting someone his mother suggested. But, one night he had a dream and remembered a girl he had seen in college who smiled at him and he did not have the never to approach. The next day, Bill clicked on the link to my CNN appearance to see who this girl was his mother wanted him to meet and saw I was the girl from his dream the night before.
We met, fell in love and were married 6 months later. Our wedding day, I shed a few tears and looked up at the sky begging God for a sign from my daddy. Shortly after we said our vows a double rainbow appeared across the sky and I know it was God and my father smiling down on us!
First, I found happily ever after. Then I found a prince to share it with!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Princess Bubble Book Review by Parenting Pink
December 2, 2009 by Elizabeth Donovan, M. A.
Great Books for Girls
http://parentingpink.com/2009/12/princess-bubble-by-susan-johnston-kimberly-webb/
Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimerbly Webb (illustrated by Maria Tonelli) is a delightful, refreshing read that sends a positive and important message to girls that Disney occasionally does not: “Be yourself; embrace who you are; and forget about waiting for a prince to rescue you from your troubles!” Princess Bubble is an independent, intelligent, thoughtful, and charitable princess who can’t understand why her parents and “princess friends” constantly pressure her to ‘find Mr. Right’ and ’settle down’ by getting married.
Princess Bubble is a well-traveled princess with an education (from Royal University), a job, lots of friends, and a ‘palace’ she purchased on her own. She enjoys movie night with the other princesses, attending royal celebrations, and spending time with her family. But Princess Bubble just can’t seem to figure out why her parents and others want her to find ‘Prince Charming’ so she can live her ‘happily ever after.’ She tries to please her parents by dating lots of Princes, but none of them make her happy. She desperately sorts through fairy tales trying to find a reasonable Prince to date to no avail. After much soul searching, Princess Bubble decides that if she’s already happy with herself, she can make her own ‘happily ever after’ without the assistance of a man. Bravo Princess Bubble! Finally a princess that encourages girls to rescue themselves and forgo waiting for ‘prince charming’ to show up and magically sweep them away on his perfectly white horse! Princess Bubble is a wonderful, fun, and inspirational modern day fairytale for girls of all ages!
To purchase a copy of Princess Bubble ($9.60) see Amazon.com.
December 2, 2009 by Elizabeth Donovan, M. A.
Great Books for Girls
http://parentingpink.com/2009/12/princess-bubble-by-susan-johnston-kimberly-webb/
Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimerbly Webb (illustrated by Maria Tonelli) is a delightful, refreshing read that sends a positive and important message to girls that Disney occasionally does not: “Be yourself; embrace who you are; and forget about waiting for a prince to rescue you from your troubles!” Princess Bubble is an independent, intelligent, thoughtful, and charitable princess who can’t understand why her parents and “princess friends” constantly pressure her to ‘find Mr. Right’ and ’settle down’ by getting married.
Princess Bubble is a well-traveled princess with an education (from Royal University), a job, lots of friends, and a ‘palace’ she purchased on her own. She enjoys movie night with the other princesses, attending royal celebrations, and spending time with her family. But Princess Bubble just can’t seem to figure out why her parents and others want her to find ‘Prince Charming’ so she can live her ‘happily ever after.’ She tries to please her parents by dating lots of Princes, but none of them make her happy. She desperately sorts through fairy tales trying to find a reasonable Prince to date to no avail. After much soul searching, Princess Bubble decides that if she’s already happy with herself, she can make her own ‘happily ever after’ without the assistance of a man. Bravo Princess Bubble! Finally a princess that encourages girls to rescue themselves and forgo waiting for ‘prince charming’ to show up and magically sweep them away on his perfectly white horse! Princess Bubble is a wonderful, fun, and inspirational modern day fairytale for girls of all ages!
To purchase a copy of Princess Bubble ($9.60) see Amazon.com.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Princess Bubble Book Review: A Princess Who Empowers Girls
http://www.theshoppingmama.com/2009/10/princess-bubble-book-review-princess.html
Princess Bubble is a fairy tale for today's modern girl. Written by friends Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, the women wanted to make that point that "although princes are fabulous, a princess must find her security in something much deeper. Johnston and Webb want women of all ages to embrace the truth that 'happily ever after' is attainable for everyone." I think you can understand why I was immediately intrigued and interested in learning more about 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.”
The story of Princess Bubble begins when she graduates from Royal University and heads into the world as a working woman. She lives in a castle all her own and socializes with other Princesses. I laughed out loud at when Princess Bubble and her friends were bridesmaid in royal weddings and wearing "Long, colorful bridesmaids' dresses and dyed satin shoes that they were told they would wear again." As her friends are marrying off, the Queen advises Princess Bubble to find a Prince. The Princess makes an effort to meet her husband, but upon reflection and a visit from her Fairy Godmother Princess Bubble realizes she's perfectly content. She has friends, family and a fulfilling life without a Prince.
The message isn't that she is anti-Prince or that she will forever live the single life. Rather, the idea is that Princess Bubble is already living her happily ever after. “We are definitely not anti-Prince,” author Kimberly Webb explained. “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.”
To Buy... Yes! At less than $10, this modern day fairy tale has a fun story, a great message and is the perfect gift for any girl in your life. Even an adult girlfriend will get a kick out of Princess Bubble's story and the modern life parallels to traditional fairy tale themes.
Or Not to Buy... Princess Bubble is targeted for girls aged 6 and older and younger girls might be a little bored by the storyline and many references will likely go right over a young girl's head.
Shop! Princess Bubble is available for purchase on Amazon for only $9.60.
Thank you to the authors for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review. The opinions are mine and uninfluenced and others may have different experience.
http://www.theshoppingmama.com/2009/10/princess-bubble-book-review-princess.html
Princess Bubble is a fairy tale for today's modern girl. Written by friends Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, the women wanted to make that point that "although princes are fabulous, a princess must find her security in something much deeper. Johnston and Webb want women of all ages to embrace the truth that 'happily ever after' is attainable for everyone." I think you can understand why I was immediately intrigued and interested in learning more about 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.”
The story of Princess Bubble begins when she graduates from Royal University and heads into the world as a working woman. She lives in a castle all her own and socializes with other Princesses. I laughed out loud at when Princess Bubble and her friends were bridesmaid in royal weddings and wearing "Long, colorful bridesmaids' dresses and dyed satin shoes that they were told they would wear again." As her friends are marrying off, the Queen advises Princess Bubble to find a Prince. The Princess makes an effort to meet her husband, but upon reflection and a visit from her Fairy Godmother Princess Bubble realizes she's perfectly content. She has friends, family and a fulfilling life without a Prince.
The message isn't that she is anti-Prince or that she will forever live the single life. Rather, the idea is that Princess Bubble is already living her happily ever after. “We are definitely not anti-Prince,” author Kimberly Webb explained. “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.”
To Buy... Yes! At less than $10, this modern day fairy tale has a fun story, a great message and is the perfect gift for any girl in your life. Even an adult girlfriend will get a kick out of Princess Bubble's story and the modern life parallels to traditional fairy tale themes.
Or Not to Buy... Princess Bubble is targeted for girls aged 6 and older and younger girls might be a little bored by the storyline and many references will likely go right over a young girl's head.
Shop! Princess Bubble is available for purchase on Amazon for only $9.60.
Thank you to the authors for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review. The opinions are mine and uninfluenced and others may have different experience.
Monday, October 05, 2009
A modern day fairy tale for girls of all ages
By Terry Hernon MacDonald October 5, 2009
http://www.singlewomenrule.com/2009/10/a-modern-day-fairy-tale-for-girls-of-all-ages/
A wonderful little book crossed my desk recently, and I wished it were around during the days I read bedtime stories to my two daughters (I nearly had an aneurysm once reading The Princess and the Pea to my older daughter; I did not repeat the mistake with the younger one).
But this book, Princess Bubble, wrtten by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb and illustrated by Maria Tonellis, tells the story of a “beautiful and blissful” princess who graduates from college eager to travel and meet people in other lands. Her career allows her to buy a palace of her own, where princesses from other kingdoms gather for all sorts of fun and frolic. But the party comes to a slow end when the others drop out to get married. And then everybody keeps asking why poor Princess Bubble hasn’t found a prince of her own.
The queen, getting desperate, starts a search for her daughter’s Royal Mr. Right, and Princess Bubble goes along with this. For a while.
A Fairy Godmother clues her in:
Living happily ever after is not about finding a prince. True happiness is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”
The kid wises up. She realizes that she’s living a wonderful life. She revels in her achievements. She loves her family, and her friends.
And she lives happily ever after.
If you’re in the market for a children’s book that teaches girls to live by their own lights, and that there’s more to life than getting married, take a look at Princess Bubble.
www.PrincessBubble.com
By Terry Hernon MacDonald October 5, 2009
http://www.singlewomenrule.com/2009/10/a-modern-day-fairy-tale-for-girls-of-all-ages/
A wonderful little book crossed my desk recently, and I wished it were around during the days I read bedtime stories to my two daughters (I nearly had an aneurysm once reading The Princess and the Pea to my older daughter; I did not repeat the mistake with the younger one).
But this book, Princess Bubble, wrtten by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb and illustrated by Maria Tonellis, tells the story of a “beautiful and blissful” princess who graduates from college eager to travel and meet people in other lands. Her career allows her to buy a palace of her own, where princesses from other kingdoms gather for all sorts of fun and frolic. But the party comes to a slow end when the others drop out to get married. And then everybody keeps asking why poor Princess Bubble hasn’t found a prince of her own.
The queen, getting desperate, starts a search for her daughter’s Royal Mr. Right, and Princess Bubble goes along with this. For a while.
A Fairy Godmother clues her in:
Living happily ever after is not about finding a prince. True happiness is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”
The kid wises up. She realizes that she’s living a wonderful life. She revels in her achievements. She loves her family, and her friends.
And she lives happily ever after.
If you’re in the market for a children’s book that teaches girls to live by their own lights, and that there’s more to life than getting married, take a look at Princess Bubble.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Monday, September 28, 2009
SEPTEMBER 2009
Breaking the Princess Stereotype: Princess Bubble
http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/04/17/breaking-the-p…rincess-bubblebreaking-the-princess-stereotype-princess-bubble/
The feminist, eco-mom's lament: What to do about princesses!
For the first two years of my daughter's life, I shielded her from fairy tales and Disney movies about happily ever after and surrounded her with books about animals and nature. Then, she met a little girl that would become her best friend, who also introduced her to the world of Disney Princesses. I was happy my daughter had formed a strong relationship with another child, but there was no returning to our blissful, royalty-free days.
Breaking princess stereotypes
I've read several stories that try to break the princess stereotype, such asCinder Edna and The Paper Bag Princess. Princess Bubble, written by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, is the story of a princess who is beautiful, a graduate of Royal University, employed by Royal Heir Line, and is happy with her life. As her other princess friends begin to marry their princes, Princess Bubble is pressured by the queen to find a prince.
But, Bubble did not believe just any prince would bring her "happily ever after." Yet the fairy tales said she must find HER prince! So she put on her thinking crown and re-read the fairy tales for clues on where to find her prince. She soon realized that unlike the other princesses, She was not trapped in a dungeon...She had no wicked stepsisters or stepmother...She did not know any dwarfs...Nor did she live under the sea. But the most confusing part was...She was already happy!
Finally, a story about a princess that does not need a prince. Although, I do wish Princess Bubble had a different career, as it appears in the illustrations that she is an airline stewardess. If the author really intended to break stereotypes, Bubble would have been a pilot. I also think the name Bubble is a little strange, as if her name implies she is living in a bubble by not following tradition and marrying a prince, or perhaps it is the princess stereotype bubble she is bursting.
How would your child define a princess?
I asked my six-year-old daughter to describe a princess to me. Here is her description:
nice
beautiful
pretty
kind
lives in a castle
wears pink and purple
marries a prince (UGH!)
After she gave me her list, I asked her if a princess has to marry a prince. She answered, "No, because Princess Bubble couldn't find one." Thank you Princess Bubble! Of course, I would add to the list that a princess is an environmentalist that uses her royal clout to pass strong environmental regulations to curb climate change, but then again, my daughter is only six!
Breaking the Princess Stereotype: Princess Bubble
http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/04/17/breaking-the-p…rincess-bubblebreaking-the-princess-stereotype-princess-bubble/
The feminist, eco-mom's lament: What to do about princesses!
For the first two years of my daughter's life, I shielded her from fairy tales and Disney movies about happily ever after and surrounded her with books about animals and nature. Then, she met a little girl that would become her best friend, who also introduced her to the world of Disney Princesses. I was happy my daughter had formed a strong relationship with another child, but there was no returning to our blissful, royalty-free days.
Breaking princess stereotypes
I've read several stories that try to break the princess stereotype, such asCinder Edna and The Paper Bag Princess. Princess Bubble, written by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, is the story of a princess who is beautiful, a graduate of Royal University, employed by Royal Heir Line, and is happy with her life. As her other princess friends begin to marry their princes, Princess Bubble is pressured by the queen to find a prince.
But, Bubble did not believe just any prince would bring her "happily ever after." Yet the fairy tales said she must find HER prince! So she put on her thinking crown and re-read the fairy tales for clues on where to find her prince. She soon realized that unlike the other princesses, She was not trapped in a dungeon...She had no wicked stepsisters or stepmother...She did not know any dwarfs...Nor did she live under the sea. But the most confusing part was...She was already happy!
Finally, a story about a princess that does not need a prince. Although, I do wish Princess Bubble had a different career, as it appears in the illustrations that she is an airline stewardess. If the author really intended to break stereotypes, Bubble would have been a pilot. I also think the name Bubble is a little strange, as if her name implies she is living in a bubble by not following tradition and marrying a prince, or perhaps it is the princess stereotype bubble she is bursting.
How would your child define a princess?
I asked my six-year-old daughter to describe a princess to me. Here is her description:
nice
beautiful
pretty
kind
lives in a castle
wears pink and purple
marries a prince (UGH!)
After she gave me her list, I asked her if a princess has to marry a prince. She answered, "No, because Princess Bubble couldn't find one." Thank you Princess Bubble! Of course, I would add to the list that a princess is an environmentalist that uses her royal clout to pass strong environmental regulations to curb climate change, but then again, my daughter is only six!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Single Girls This Holiday Live A Fairy Tale Life!
Atlanta, GA, September 9, 2009--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 independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston Hamrick 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.
“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 Webb. “This is a story women can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with their children.”
"Recently, my life took an unexpected turn I NEVER expected for myself and I met a prince. This relationship has made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because we both feel so strongly about being happy first and then as secure happy people you are able to encourage each other to fulfill their dreams and be a better person. Not expect the other person to be the dream."
—Susan Johnston Hamrick, Princess Bubble author
As seen on The Today Show and CNN.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Monday, July 27, 2009
This Princess Empowers Girls!
Modern Princesses Redefine Fairy Tale Endings for Young Readers!
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 girlfriends 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!
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.comFindYourPrince.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.” Johnston, recently married, said, "Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston Hamrick 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.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
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.”
"Recently, my life took an unexpected turn I NEVER expected for myself and I met a prince. This relationship has made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because we both feel so strongly about being happy first and then as secure happy people you are able to encourage each other to fulfill their dreams and be a better person. Not expect the other person to be the dream."
—Susan Johnston Hamrick, Princess Bubble author
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.
Modern Princesses Redefine Fairy Tale Endings for Young Readers!
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 girlfriends 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!
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.comFindYourPrince.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.” Johnston, recently married, said, "Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston Hamrick 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.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
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.”
"Recently, my life took an unexpected turn I NEVER expected for myself and I met a prince. This relationship has made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because we both feel so strongly about being happy first and then as secure happy people you are able to encourage each other to fulfill their dreams and be a better person. Not expect the other person to be the dream."
—Susan Johnston Hamrick, Princess Bubble author
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.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Princess Bubble co-author, Susan Johnston, married Georgia State Senator Bill Hamrick, Mr. Bubble, on June 13th.
Recently, my life took an unexpected turn I NEVER expected for myself and I met a prince. This relationship has made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because we both feel so strongly about being happy first and then as secure happy people you are able to encourage each other to fulfill their dreams and be a better person. Not expect the other person to be the dream” said Susan Hamrick.
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.comFindYourPrince.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.” Johnston Hamrick, recently married, said, “Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
Happily Ever After can be shared or lived out on your own. But, first each girl must realize she is a valuable princess that is worthy of respect from herself and others.
Happily Ever After! And welcome Mr. Bubble!!
Recently, my life took an unexpected turn I NEVER expected for myself and I met a prince. This relationship has made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because we both feel so strongly about being happy first and then as secure happy people you are able to encourage each other to fulfill their dreams and be a better person. Not expect the other person to be the dream” said Susan Hamrick.
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.comFindYourPrince.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.” Johnston Hamrick, recently married, said, “Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
Happily Ever After can be shared or lived out on your own. But, first each girl must realize she is a valuable princess that is worthy of respect from herself and others.
Happily Ever After! And welcome Mr. Bubble!!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Princess Bubble
As a mother of a six-year-old girl, I find myself in a constant battle (already!) with the “idealized” female. In fact, I think the indoctrination of young girls begins at birth, but it hits hardest between the ages of 3-7 when they are literally immersed in the “princess culture”. So, when I saw the book Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, it was as if the clouds parted and shaft of light broke through.
Princess Bubble, according to the author’s website is a character who is “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.’”
Can you say EUREKA?!
I had a chance to speak with Susan Johnston on the phone about her book and she told me her story. Recently engaged for the first time in her 40’s, Johnston has lived an exciting and fulfilling life as a single woman. She found herself becoming increasingly disappointed in the conversations she was having with young girls, who consistently told her that they wanted to be princesses–and that it was a requirement to find a prince to be happy.
Johnston talked to her friend Susan Webb (who has four young nieces) about the idea of creating a character that is both a princess and a multi-dimensional woman. The two developed the character of Princess Bubble who Johnston describes as “a better version of me.”
“She wants to help others and make a difference in the world. Being a princess is not just sitting on a throne and having a crown. Princess Diana is remembered more for helping than being waited on.”
Does this mean that Princess Bubble is a raging anti-man, anti-lipstick-wearing, cold-hearted bitch? Not at all. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be pretty and glamorous,” Johnston said. “And marriage is wonderful. But marriage can’t BE the dream. Marriage is a way to SHARE your dream with someone special.”
Young girls need to feel confident to explore new things; gain education and experience; travel and see the world. They need to be whole and complete themselves before they decide to commit to a lifelong relationship. Being a woman (and every woman is a princess) means asking questions like:
Do you feel like a victim? (Every other fairy tale princess is a victim of some sort.)
Are you waiting to be rescued?
Do you have to be rescued to have the fairy tale?
What makes you truly happy?
Retail therapy makes everyone happy for an instant. But what makes you happy long after
Princess Bubble also incorporates an element of faith, something overlooked in almost every princess story. While written from a Christian perspective, little girls from all religions can benefit from the example of this charming young woman who bases her choices on her beliefs, not on the desperate need to be loved and accepted.
Johnston and Webb financed the publishing of this book on their own because it contains a message that they really believe in. If you’d like to help a young girl discover more about womanhood than being rescued and looking pretty, buy her a copy of Princess Bubble and help support this wonderful creative endeavor.
Princess Bubble is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local retailers around the country.
http://bunnyglitter.com/?p=471
As a mother of a six-year-old girl, I find myself in a constant battle (already!) with the “idealized” female. In fact, I think the indoctrination of young girls begins at birth, but it hits hardest between the ages of 3-7 when they are literally immersed in the “princess culture”. So, when I saw the book Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, it was as if the clouds parted and shaft of light broke through.
Princess Bubble, according to the author’s website is a character who is “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.’”
Can you say EUREKA?!
I had a chance to speak with Susan Johnston on the phone about her book and she told me her story. Recently engaged for the first time in her 40’s, Johnston has lived an exciting and fulfilling life as a single woman. She found herself becoming increasingly disappointed in the conversations she was having with young girls, who consistently told her that they wanted to be princesses–and that it was a requirement to find a prince to be happy.
Johnston talked to her friend Susan Webb (who has four young nieces) about the idea of creating a character that is both a princess and a multi-dimensional woman. The two developed the character of Princess Bubble who Johnston describes as “a better version of me.”
“She wants to help others and make a difference in the world. Being a princess is not just sitting on a throne and having a crown. Princess Diana is remembered more for helping than being waited on.”
Does this mean that Princess Bubble is a raging anti-man, anti-lipstick-wearing, cold-hearted bitch? Not at all. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be pretty and glamorous,” Johnston said. “And marriage is wonderful. But marriage can’t BE the dream. Marriage is a way to SHARE your dream with someone special.”
Young girls need to feel confident to explore new things; gain education and experience; travel and see the world. They need to be whole and complete themselves before they decide to commit to a lifelong relationship. Being a woman (and every woman is a princess) means asking questions like:
Do you feel like a victim? (Every other fairy tale princess is a victim of some sort.)
Are you waiting to be rescued?
Do you have to be rescued to have the fairy tale?
What makes you truly happy?
Retail therapy makes everyone happy for an instant. But what makes you happy long after
Princess Bubble also incorporates an element of faith, something overlooked in almost every princess story. While written from a Christian perspective, little girls from all religions can benefit from the example of this charming young woman who bases her choices on her beliefs, not on the desperate need to be loved and accepted.
Johnston and Webb financed the publishing of this book on their own because it contains a message that they really believe in. If you’d like to help a young girl discover more about womanhood than being rescued and looking pretty, buy her a copy of Princess Bubble and help support this wonderful creative endeavor.
Princess Bubble is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local retailers around the country.
http://bunnyglitter.com/?p=471
A Different Kind of Princess
Princess Bubble is a beautiful fairy tale princess AND an educated, hard-working, well-traveled woman with plenty of moxie. Authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb created the character of Princess Bubble to help combat stereotypes and fight the victim mentality that young girls are indoctrinated with almost from birth. The book is written from a Christian perspective, encouraging young girls to be princess with morals, ethics, and faith in addition to a pretty dress and lip gloss.
Johnston and Webb financed the book themselves because they believed the young girls in their lives needed a story that inspired them to go after their dreams, not just wait around for someone else to fulfill them.
You can buy Princess Bubble at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Share this wonderful story with a little girl in your life and help her become a different kind of princess.
http://www.graygaia.com/2009/02/a-different-kind-of-princess.html
Princess Bubble is a beautiful fairy tale princess AND an educated, hard-working, well-traveled woman with plenty of moxie. Authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb created the character of Princess Bubble to help combat stereotypes and fight the victim mentality that young girls are indoctrinated with almost from birth. The book is written from a Christian perspective, encouraging young girls to be princess with morals, ethics, and faith in addition to a pretty dress and lip gloss.
Johnston and Webb financed the book themselves because they believed the young girls in their lives needed a story that inspired them to go after their dreams, not just wait around for someone else to fulfill them.
You can buy Princess Bubble at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Share this wonderful story with a little girl in your life and help her become a different kind of princess.
http://www.graygaia.com/2009/02/a-different-kind-of-princess.html
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Happy Valentine’s Day without a Prince?
Featured on The Today Show and CNN
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with America’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN
ATLANTA, February 11, 2009—This Valentine’s Day almost 90 million Americans will celebrate the romantic holiday single. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be "in the cards" for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages 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 attendant, first-time author Susan Johnston has 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 Johnston.
"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!"
Featured on The Today Show and CNN
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with America’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN U.S. HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN
ATLANTA, February 11, 2009—This Valentine’s Day almost 90 million Americans will celebrate the romantic holiday single. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be "in the cards" for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages 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 attendant, first-time author Susan Johnston has 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 Johnston.
"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!"
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Girls, Self-Esteem & a Princess; As Seen On CNN & The TODAY Show
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
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, October 8,2008—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 at FindYourPrince.comFindYourPrince.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-
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
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, October 8,2008—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 at FindYourPrince.comFindYourPrince.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-
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Single on New Years?
I think New Year’s Eve is overrated. I always have. And I do not believe it is because I am 42 and single. It is like when you hear a movie is the greatest movie ever made and your expectations are so high that when you see the movie you think, “Well, it was alright.” Same with New Year’s Eve. If you go into to New Years not expecting much you will probably have a great night.
My plans are to hang out with my almost 3 and 7 years old nephews. You are probably thinking that will end at 7 p.m. Nope. These kids are on some crazy rock and roll schedule with their night owl parents and the kids will probably put me to bed.
This will probably be a great New Year’s because I know I can expect lots of tickles, hugs, kisses, rounds of hide and seek and diaper changes. These type expectations probably won’t let me down.
Whatever happened so great on New Years anyway originally that set the standard so high? Is it like Fat Tuesday? Everyone knows they plan on dieting as soon as the New Year rolls around so this is the last chance to eat up?
The worst New Year’s Eve I ever spent was on the millennium! I was a flight attendant at the time and laid over in I thought, “Well, at least I can go have a glass of wine or dinner with the crew.” The crew turned out to be a PDA gay couple and me. No one wants to hang out with a PDA couple gay or straight! And the hotel was having a narcotics and AA convention that night and had closed the bar. Not to mention, if you want to know how to age very quickly– do a lot of drugs. These people looked BAD!
I hoped that this was not a sign of the year to come!
I can’t even remember 2000 so it must not have been too bad. Not like 2007. 2008 has been trying for me personally because I lost job and one of my college roommate’s melanoma returned and other friends have lost their dad or are currently fighting for their dad’s life.
But I did have great things happen too in 2008-appearing on CNN and other shows promoting Princess Bubble. Making new friends and hearing how Princess Bubble has impacted lives.
My advice to you this New Year’s Eve with or without sweetheart-expect nothing! Think of it as a regular Wednesday night before a Thursday you don’t have to work and you will have a great time. Even if you end up soaking in the tub with tabloids and a glass of wine. (My favorite thing to do-next to sitting on the beach.)
Happily Ever After and Happy New Years from us at www.PrincessBubble.com
New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with ’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN
, December 28, 2008—This New Years almost 90 million Americans will celebrate the romantic holiday single. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be “in the cards” for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages 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 (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!”
check out www.PrincessBubble.com
I think New Year’s Eve is overrated. I always have. And I do not believe it is because I am 42 and single. It is like when you hear a movie is the greatest movie ever made and your expectations are so high that when you see the movie you think, “Well, it was alright.” Same with New Year’s Eve. If you go into to New Years not expecting much you will probably have a great night.
My plans are to hang out with my almost 3 and 7 years old nephews. You are probably thinking that will end at 7 p.m. Nope. These kids are on some crazy rock and roll schedule with their night owl parents and the kids will probably put me to bed.
This will probably be a great New Year’s because I know I can expect lots of tickles, hugs, kisses, rounds of hide and seek and diaper changes. These type expectations probably won’t let me down.
Whatever happened so great on New Years anyway originally that set the standard so high? Is it like Fat Tuesday? Everyone knows they plan on dieting as soon as the New Year rolls around so this is the last chance to eat up?
The worst New Year’s Eve I ever spent was on the millennium! I was a flight attendant at the time and laid over in I thought, “Well, at least I can go have a glass of wine or dinner with the crew.” The crew turned out to be a PDA gay couple and me. No one wants to hang out with a PDA couple gay or straight! And the hotel was having a narcotics and AA convention that night and had closed the bar. Not to mention, if you want to know how to age very quickly– do a lot of drugs. These people looked BAD!
I hoped that this was not a sign of the year to come!
I can’t even remember 2000 so it must not have been too bad. Not like 2007. 2008 has been trying for me personally because I lost job and one of my college roommate’s melanoma returned and other friends have lost their dad or are currently fighting for their dad’s life.
But I did have great things happen too in 2008-appearing on CNN and other shows promoting Princess Bubble. Making new friends and hearing how Princess Bubble has impacted lives.
My advice to you this New Year’s Eve with or without sweetheart-expect nothing! Think of it as a regular Wednesday night before a Thursday you don’t have to work and you will have a great time. Even if you end up soaking in the tub with tabloids and a glass of wine. (My favorite thing to do-next to sitting on the beach.)
Happily Ever After and Happy New Years from us at www.PrincessBubble.com
New Release, Princess Bubble, Strikes Chord with ’s 51% SINGLE WOMEN WHO, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY, OUTNUMBER MARRIED WOMEN
, December 28, 2008—This New Years almost 90 million Americans will celebrate the romantic holiday single. Two successful prince-less princesses show the world that being a stuffy Old Maid does not have to be “in the cards” for single woman today! Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb offer girls of all ages 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 (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!”
check out www.PrincessBubble.com
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
On the Second Day of Christmas: Pop the Princess Bubble
http://jeannesager.blogspot.com/2008/12/on-second-day-of-christmas-pop-princess.html
My mother refuses to buy my daughter anything that celebrates the Disney princesses. Tinkerbell gets a bye, but she's convinced the princesses are bringing down the strength of girls in the states. I'm not quite as anti-princess, I've got to admit. But I'm not crazy about anything that would make my daughter think she needs a guy to get ahead. So balancing the normal princess crazed pre-schooler desires with my ideals is anything but easy.
I've tried to lessen the blow with frequent readings of Princess Bubble, the kids book from Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb (with illustrations by Maria Tonelli) that follows the traditional fairy tale path . . . until it doesn't.
Princess Bubble goes to college, graduates, buys her own palace, even takes a job (albeit as a airlines stewardess, but come on guys, do you remember any of your fairy tale faves ever lifting her fanny?). When all her friends (princesses sparkle and the like) start marrying off and telling her it's time (what is it with all those smug marrieds?), she decideds she's just too darn happy being her.
If that's not the fairy tale ending you want for your daughters - making their own choices - what is? Thanks to Susan Johnston, it's one you can bring home this Christmas for your little princess!
She's offered up a copy of Princess Bubble, autographed to your child, as part of Inside Out's 13 Days of Giveaways! To enter, leave a comment with the reason you think your daughter/niece/granddaughter/whoever needs a copy. Get extra entries by grabbing my badge and/or blogging about this contest and all 13 Days of Giveaways (remember to leave the link in comments as well).
http://jeannesager.blogspot.com/2008/12/on-second-day-of-christmas-pop-princess.html
My mother refuses to buy my daughter anything that celebrates the Disney princesses. Tinkerbell gets a bye, but she's convinced the princesses are bringing down the strength of girls in the states. I'm not quite as anti-princess, I've got to admit. But I'm not crazy about anything that would make my daughter think she needs a guy to get ahead. So balancing the normal princess crazed pre-schooler desires with my ideals is anything but easy.
I've tried to lessen the blow with frequent readings of Princess Bubble, the kids book from Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb (with illustrations by Maria Tonelli) that follows the traditional fairy tale path . . . until it doesn't.
Princess Bubble goes to college, graduates, buys her own palace, even takes a job (albeit as a airlines stewardess, but come on guys, do you remember any of your fairy tale faves ever lifting her fanny?). When all her friends (princesses sparkle and the like) start marrying off and telling her it's time (what is it with all those smug marrieds?), she decideds she's just too darn happy being her.
If that's not the fairy tale ending you want for your daughters - making their own choices - what is? Thanks to Susan Johnston, it's one you can bring home this Christmas for your little princess!
She's offered up a copy of Princess Bubble, autographed to your child, as part of Inside Out's 13 Days of Giveaways! To enter, leave a comment with the reason you think your daughter/niece/granddaughter/whoever needs a copy. Get extra entries by grabbing my badge and/or blogging about this contest and all 13 Days of Giveaways (remember to leave the link in comments as well).
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Princess Bubble Tips Her Tiara to All Who Serve Us During the Holidays
I, Susan Johnston, am no longer a flight attendant; but I flew for eighteen years. I know there are many, many professions that require workers to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day or other holidays. Nurses, doctors, firemen, police officers, wait staff, hotel employees, all airport personnel … work holidays.
As a flight attendant, when I was flying we received no holiday pay. That has changed at Delta; but the pay cuts the flight attendants have taken over the past few years have been extremely hard for many to handle. The cost of living has risen while their salaries have crashed. In addition to less money there is more stress! Since 9-11, the public has had to deal with much more in security that many times they (the passengers) tend to be ticking time bombs themselves which seem to be set to blow up once in flight.
As a passenger, you may think, “Well, I have had some less than perfect flight attendants.” You may very well have had this bad experience. But, please remember many times your first flight is the crew’s fourth or fifth flight, many times the crew has been rerouted unexpectedly and not made it to a child’s event or have slept a few quick hours in an airport chair somewhere and not eaten in hours.
Please remember as you travel or use the services of the people working this holiday to wish the workers a “Merry Christmas.” Thank these people for being at work to serve you so you can celebrate.
Christmas is the birthday of Christ. Christ humbled himself to be a lowly baby in the manger to serve the world. He showed us the greatest leader is a servant. The best gift we can give this Christmas is our time, kindness, and consideration to our family and all those around us.
Princess Bubble learns in her fairy tale that true happiness comes from, “Loving God, helping others and liking who you are already.” Turns out the path to your own “happily ever after” will make others around you happy too!
Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you every holiday worker! I am not working this holiday and I am so excited! But, this is our first Christmas without my father and I know that will be hard for my family. If you are missing someone in your family this season or missing being with your family because you are working, please know our heart and prayers go out to you!
Merry Christmas and thank you to all!!
Susan and Kim (Princess Bubble authors)
www.PrincessBubble.com
I, Susan Johnston, am no longer a flight attendant; but I flew for eighteen years. I know there are many, many professions that require workers to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day or other holidays. Nurses, doctors, firemen, police officers, wait staff, hotel employees, all airport personnel … work holidays.
As a flight attendant, when I was flying we received no holiday pay. That has changed at Delta; but the pay cuts the flight attendants have taken over the past few years have been extremely hard for many to handle. The cost of living has risen while their salaries have crashed. In addition to less money there is more stress! Since 9-11, the public has had to deal with much more in security that many times they (the passengers) tend to be ticking time bombs themselves which seem to be set to blow up once in flight.
As a passenger, you may think, “Well, I have had some less than perfect flight attendants.” You may very well have had this bad experience. But, please remember many times your first flight is the crew’s fourth or fifth flight, many times the crew has been rerouted unexpectedly and not made it to a child’s event or have slept a few quick hours in an airport chair somewhere and not eaten in hours.
Please remember as you travel or use the services of the people working this holiday to wish the workers a “Merry Christmas.” Thank these people for being at work to serve you so you can celebrate.
Christmas is the birthday of Christ. Christ humbled himself to be a lowly baby in the manger to serve the world. He showed us the greatest leader is a servant. The best gift we can give this Christmas is our time, kindness, and consideration to our family and all those around us.
Princess Bubble learns in her fairy tale that true happiness comes from, “Loving God, helping others and liking who you are already.” Turns out the path to your own “happily ever after” will make others around you happy too!
Have a wonderful Christmas and thank you every holiday worker! I am not working this holiday and I am so excited! But, this is our first Christmas without my father and I know that will be hard for my family. If you are missing someone in your family this season or missing being with your family because you are working, please know our heart and prayers go out to you!
Merry Christmas and thank you to all!!
Susan and Kim (Princess Bubble authors)
www.PrincessBubble.com
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Princess - Prince = A Happy Ending Too? November 9, 2008
This was written about Princess Bubble by Beauty vs Beast. Check out this blog at
http://beautyvsbeast.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/princess-prince-a-happy-ending-too/
Apparently, there IS a fairy tale where a princess ends up happy and prince-less! Princess Bubble is a picture book for young girls where the main character is a princess who questions the traditional fairy tale ending.
It was written by Susan Johnston, who happens to be a happy single woman herself, and it’s exciting to see the book garnering some attention. I was told about the book via a link to the CNN interview that Johnston did recently and apparently Princess Bubble is rather autobiographical. Princess Bubble works as a flight attendant, helps her friends out with their weddings, tries internet dating and wears a thinking crown. Maybe she can’t quite identify with that last one, but still. The parallels between Princess Bubble’s and Susan Johnston’s happy endings are both clear and cheering. Here’s someone who’s clearly taken a look at their life and said, “Hey, I may be single, but I’m still having a really good time here.” Which is kinda cool, don’t you think?
If you want to learn more about the book (and I totally think it should be going to some little girls for Christmas) I have two links for you. 1. The official site: www.princessbubble.com and 2. The CNN interview: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
This was written about Princess Bubble by Beauty vs Beast. Check out this blog at
http://beautyvsbeast.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/princess-prince-a-happy-ending-too/
Apparently, there IS a fairy tale where a princess ends up happy and prince-less! Princess Bubble is a picture book for young girls where the main character is a princess who questions the traditional fairy tale ending.
It was written by Susan Johnston, who happens to be a happy single woman herself, and it’s exciting to see the book garnering some attention. I was told about the book via a link to the CNN interview that Johnston did recently and apparently Princess Bubble is rather autobiographical. Princess Bubble works as a flight attendant, helps her friends out with their weddings, tries internet dating and wears a thinking crown. Maybe she can’t quite identify with that last one, but still. The parallels between Princess Bubble’s and Susan Johnston’s happy endings are both clear and cheering. Here’s someone who’s clearly taken a look at their life and said, “Hey, I may be single, but I’m still having a really good time here.” Which is kinda cool, don’t you think?
If you want to learn more about the book (and I totally think it should be going to some little girls for Christmas) I have two links for you. 1. The official site: www.princessbubble.com and 2. The CNN interview: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
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