All My Favorite Colors Are Red

Prologue You’re holding this book in your hand because my best friend, Grace, was smart enough to know that I needed help…on an ongoing basis! And so, eighteen months ago, she sent me a simple leather journal with the following note scrawled on the inside cover: Dearest Sarah, I know that sometimes the pressures and stresses of motherhood can be overwhelming. Your recent emails lead me to believe that the Christmas season has almost done you in. Although I know this journal is not a cure-all, I do think it would help you to write down your thoughts during the upcoming year. You are probably thinking this is easy for me to say as I’m a writer with six quite successful books under my belt. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!) But it doesn’t have to be anything amazing or profound…just write from your heart. I’ll be praying for you and checking in via email daily. Please continue to be honest with me. You know I care and that you’re the best friend anybody could wish for. Much love, Gracie That was it. Her simple suggestion and the beautiful journal led to a voyage of self-discovery that has been life-altering. Am I still the bumbling idiot who relies on the Cool Whip diet when all else fails? Of course! But I’m finally seeing that many of my struggles are shared by moms the world over. And this realization gave me the courage to publish my journal. Thankfully, I’ve found that it is possible to raise normal children, even if I’m not! Take a peek inside my life. Sarah Ferguson June 30, 2007 January 1, 2006 – A Fresh Start, Feeling Good 567! That’s how many New Year’s resolutions I’ve made and broken in my life. That’s why this year’s goals are realistic and simple: lose ten pounds, pray more, and write twice a week in my wonderful new journal. I’m taking Grace’s advice and this will be a catch-all of feelings from day to day. I have no expectations other than to be completely honest. I’m only writing for myself so that takes the pressure off. January 4 – Feeling Even Better Is it wrong to be euphoric because the kids return to school tomorrow after a fifteen-day Christmas break? Whoever made the silly rule that children should get two weeks off in the dead of winter, when the only available sport is “drive your parents crazy” should be shot. Well, maybe that’s too strong. Spending a day at my house would be torture enough. January 5 – Am Considering Suicide What are the odds? They were predicting two inches of snow overnight and we woke to seven, along with an ominous new forecast that includes the all-too-familiar drea