No, this is not simply a forgetful phrase uttered to myself one too many times. It is also a name of a new book, edited by Andrea Buchanan of which I was honored to be a part. Speaking with Andrea, she told me a little bit about her project. It was a collection of personal essays by women, for women, discussing a defining moment in their life, the moment that so many of us grapple with, fight against, that makes us stronger, more well-rounded, empathetic individuals. I, of course, was thrilled to even be asked, and got to work. And now, almost one year later, the book is here.

The one thing that I have learned from my experiences, no matter how minute, in the publishing industry, is there is a lot of hurrying-up-then-waiting. There are deadlines, emails passed back and forth, more deadlines, proofs, and proofs, and don’t forget, more proofs. But when the book is in your hot little hands, it all seems somehow worth it. It is easy to forget about the toiling when you have a tangible final product. That is kind of how I feel about this book. Although my own book comes out in about one month’s time, and has absolutely been a labor of love, this book is the very first in which my work has been featured. I couldn’t be more pleased.

I share the bill with many well-known women such as, Sheryl Crow, Camryn Manheim, and Trudie Styler, but there are also unknown inspirational women, such as a seventy year old, HIV positive grandmother, or the thirteen year old girl struggling with, and overcoming her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. And then there is my story, a paen to my life in the kitchen, and negotiating just how to do what I love in a newly transformed body. I am in good company, don’t you think?

Check the book out if you get the chance, it is definitely a New Year’s resolution-worthy read!