GLAMMA

For many years I co-authored the Born To Shop series of travel books published by Bantam Books. Thirteen titles and a whole lot of updates have taken me around the world. I've enjoyed being a GlamGal, living life to it's fullest.

And then there's my journalistic life. I was the Travel Editor of WQED Multimedia's Pittsburgh Magazine for six years and as such had the opportunity to interview fascinating celebs, travel to exotic locals and then write about it all. I also penned for the Trib Total Media group of newspapers and magazines.

So how did GlamGal morph to Glam-Ma?

Four years ago my daughter announced that she and her hubby were expecting .... Standing in her kitchen, with baby booties in hand, I shrieked with joy and then fear. I was too young to be a Grandmother.

My Grandmother baked apple pies, wore flowered housecoats and roll down hose. Her corset left crinkles in her otherwise baby soft skin and she waxed the whiskers from her chin with a concotion that smelled like a tar and vasoline martini. Grandma smoked unfiltered and drank in private. Her life was totally devoted to me, and I wouldn't be the woman I am today without her unfailing love and support.

I wear designer jeans, burn most everything I cook, am a health junkie, and have traveled the world in the course of my career. My children were raised with the assumption that they would come along for the ride. I am a Boomer.

Although I had always fantasized about being a Grandmother, this seemed too soon. I had trips planned, workouts to do, projects to finish. I didn't own a house dress or corset and would need to take cooking classes to learn the art of baking apple pies.

And then my daughter presented me with a 4D image of my granddaughter. Margaret Evans South, inutero, was a beauty. Her lips were full and luscious, her nose squished and adorable and she was smiling. Be still my heart.

Many of us in the boomer generation will be making this journey. As we have redefined women in the workplace and marriage equality, so we will redefine being grandparents. Goldie Hawn said it first and the Today Show confirmed it in their special report on April 23rd, the Boomer's have a new vision of Grandparenting. We are Glam-Mas.

But that's not the end of the story. Once I came to terms with becoming a Glam-Ma, I realized the Mommy game had changed. Eating oysters on the beach in Mexico and hang gliding (what I did pregnant) were no longer acceptable. C'est dommage. What is? I'm in the process of finding out and I'll let you know. Come along for the ride and give me your advice. I now have GlamBaby #2 Julia ...and the ride starts all over again.

My daughter and I are laughing and crying our way through the journey and recording every argument....I mean discussion....ahem negotiation in a journal soon to be book called She Said, She Said.




See my travels and GlamMa Journal at www.glamgal.typepad.com & glam-ma.blogspot.com

And email me to share your stories.
glamma.glamgal@​gmail.com
or jetwriter@​gmail.com


P.S. My portrait Photo is by Richard Kelly and the photos below are by Robin DeNoma. Photos of Lauren and me are by Lynne Goldstein.

I have a new line of GlamMa products perfect for celebrating with friends. Check them out at http:/​/​www.cafepress.com/​GlamMaGear or for the jewelry line email me for details. glamgal.judith@​gmail.com