With the clarity of hindsight, I’ve been able to sum up (into 6 stages) what almost appears to be a carefully planned journey from Cocktail Girl to Tipsy Squirrel! But, I’ll admit, this is not the case.  I am more of a follower of whims and instincts than a planner.  So, even though it’s doubtful that you’ve wondered where it all began, here’s the story anyway…

1. My Foundation

My initial attempt to combine studying with cocktail making went down like a Flaming Sambuca, leaving me with a degree in Journal Writing (instead of a Journalism) and a job as a bartender. But, always one to go with the flow, I quickly concocted a plan B! I got a degree in English and Communications followed by a teaching qualification which became my ticket to travel and work.  From Japan to China, (where I met my British hubby) and then on to England (to be with him), I went.  There, he and I sprouted a family: three little ladies, in fact. The first: a creative dreamer, the second: a future engineer and the little one… well let’s just say she has a flare for the precocious.

2. Relocation

After 10 fantastic years in the UK, I felt it was time to head back to my home: Ontario, Canada. I was able to convince my husband that Canada is, in fact, the Promised Land! As in, it promised to put forth all efforts to freeze off the asses of its residents.  But only for 5 months of the year!  I chose to focus more on the beauty of the other seasons and the low crime rate and friendly atmosphere in the town, where we now reside.

3. Story Creation

Once settled back in Canada, I soon found myself putting to use my degree in Journal Writing. I started my little blog: Martinis & Motherhood, in late 2013.  It was there that I wrote my first piece about parenthood and, for me, it seemed very natural (logical even) to pair my tale with a martini.  It crossed my mind that stories + martinis for moms would be a great book idea…

In 2014, I was lucky enough to become part of the BLUNTmoms writing team where I *met* some amazing, funny, and talented women.  One of whom was Tara Wilson, from Don’t Lick the Deck.

 4. Partner Identification

Tara made me laugh with her quick wit and effortless one liners. Realizing that she and I lived in the same town, meant we were soon meeting “in real life” and her humour and clever ways drew me instantly to her.

I sensed that Tara would make a good partner and that together we could bring to life an awesome book of stories and martinis! Her background in Business and Accounting was the perfect match for my lack of knowledge in all things business and number related.

After a few casual meetings, over coffee and cocktails, I dropped my opportunity bomb on Tara. She loved the concept for the book and the idea of working on it together.

5. A New Vocation

It seemed the creation of a book label was the next logical step. Tara’s casual references to “being distracted by squirrels” in her life, due to the effects of her ADHD, coupled with my pre-disposition for martini-making, made Tipsy Squirrel Press the perfect name for our book label.

My 10 year old designed our martini-sipping squirrel logo. Because who needs a graphic designer when you live with a creative dreamer, right?  And that was it, with a logo and plan, we were ready to begin…

6. Collaboration

Martinis & Motherhood: Tales of Wonder, Woe & WTF?! is our first venture as publishers. And it is my hope that the quality of the writing found within its pages, the deliciousness of the martinis, the quirkiness of its cover (because we all judge books by their covers, right?) and my partnership with Tara that will, hopefully, make this book a welcome addition within its genre. And as for our next book? We’ve got a few ideas on the burner! So stay tuned by following us over at: Tipsy Squirrel Press FB

 

 

 UPDATE

7. Celebration

The book is here and it is being received so well by readers. We are all proud and confident that the journey is just beginning. Have you ordered your copy yet? Click here for more information.