What do you get the mom of quintuplets?

As you all know, I'm not a mom…but I think I have an idea of what it's like to give birth. When the baby arrives (after usually 9 months…or in my case, several years), it is only the beginning. The first glimpse of the sweet idea who has been so long expected is pretty amazing, but quickly gets overshadowed by every extraordinary, progressive, subsequent moment.

So today, as my Fifties Chix book officially soft launches, I am filled with wonder, delight and excitement…but also a knowing that this is just the beginning. I might be awakened in the night numerous more times; be forced to empty my pockets–financially, spiritually–when it's not convenient to do so; be required to live by the words that I utter to be a good example/forced to live up to a higher standard…and be blown away by the surprising blessings that will surely overflow.

The Fifties Chix concept started with drawings I did of five very individual girls in 1955 and the idea of them time traveling to present day. I wrote most of the story and got impatient to have it published and so posted it as a blog for readers to subscribe to.  When we found our publisher, we redesigned the website…and I finished the book. But then an editor got her hands on it and the entire thing needed to be rewritten. After a few days' worth of deep depression (and denial), I gathered my strength to revisit the manuscript. I discovered some major points I'd overlooked in the first versions (editor was right after all. Hmm…) and then, re-inspired, dug in to rewrites. Longer story short, now I'm so happy with the book and grateful for the journey (and now we have an amazing award-winning artist, Astrid Sheckels doing the cover and interior art, which makes me feel like I've "arrived").

Behind the Fifties Chix story is the real story…every struggle, victory, giggle and  tear of Mary, Maxine, Ann, Judy and Bev echo my own. And hopefully they'll resonate with you, too. Get your copy here and tell me what you think.

Now, I think I'll go enjoy some baby shower cake