Book Journeys

There are two books I would like to write. One is the saga of my misspent late teens and twenties. Ungrounded and insecure, I navigated my way through the entertainment business as a model and actress. It was a profession with huge ups and downs, and one for which I was ill-suited.

This tale would depict experiences I had that epitomized a hedonistic era, living with international models at Eileen Ford’s Upper East Side brownstone and dancing at Studio 54 with Vitas Geralitus and Francesco Scavullo to the beat of Donna Summer’s song “MacArthur Park”, a giant disco ball illuminating the falling of fake snow.

It would also include many sordid experiences, like the discovery that my cool, Texas bred, Melrose Avenue antique dealer friend was one of the most prolific bank robbers in Los Angeles. He was dubbed the ‘Yankee Baseball Cap Robber’ and wore, along with a New York cap: Ray-Ban Aviators, a gun, and a wide, charming southern smile. Eddie stole to support a heroin habit that he was hiding from all his friends, and also to keep his in-the-dark British girlfriend equipped with expensive high-heel shoes.

The problem with writing this book is that it would comprise situations that might embarrass my family greatly, so it will have to wait until my family has all done enough embarrassing things that I can no longer embarrass them with what I’ve done. (And I truly hope they don’t ever do the things I did.)

I honestly don’t know how people write autobiographies when they have children who can read them and be mortified. And if memoirs were suitable for the author’s family consumption, then they would probably bore the public to death. But I do have a story that, if less riveting, is both less embarrassing and equally worth sharing.

This second idea, the book that I have now begun to write simultaneously while maintaining this blog, chronicles my evolution as a parent. My emergence into the world of parenting led to the discovery of my life’s work: parent education. This path, while not without its trials, has felt guided, grounded, and secure.

The posts in this section of my blog will describe my journey to successful parenting, and then detail my progress as I write a book that will help other parents to find success too. I hope that you will join me for the ride.

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5 Responses to “Book Journeys”

1. Jeanne says:

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   Both are completely sound and I would read them both. I can’t believe you danced with Vitas Geralitus. Your dances with Vitas make your work as a childcare educator more valuable and rich, not less. You are a delight. Please consider working with parents past the two-year mark.

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2. Beth says:

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   From reading the articles you’ve recently posted, I can already see an intelligent, informative, provocative book in the making. You obviously have found your life’s work and how wonderful that you’re able to share your guidance and experience with all of us. I know Magda’s philosophy felt like the natural choice for me (thanks to you for introducing it to me) when nothing else did. And even though my kids are no longer toddlers, I find myself going back to RIE methods constantly when parenting my older children. In fact so many of your posts can apply to older kids: the need for clear boundaries, allowing expressions of emotions instead of trying to “fix it”, don’t push or hurry unnecessarily. I look forward to your books (especially the first one!)and more of your blog. Cheers-

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3. JillFlyer says:

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   Janet Lansbury, you are a blessing! Thanks to the internet, you will touch many lives. Reading some of your posts just now has reminded me how much you’ve impacted my own. Magda Gerber’s teachings and RIE principles apply to us all no matter our age, as you know so well. Whether we’re the parents of newborns and young children, or making a general effort to interact with intention and awareness with all those we love, or even learning to re-parent, be patient with our own struggles and get out of our OWN way, there is something here for us all. Parents with grown children and even adults with no children will benefit from your journey and discoveries. Your writing reflects the innate kindness, gentle spirit, and intelligence that those of us lucky enough to call you friend have come to love and admire.

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4. Lynn Miner says:

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   Janet,
   As someone who has known you since you were a very innocent, bright, happy, little girl I had no doubt that you would become an intelligent, sensitive, caring, and insightful adult. For the short time we were together with the kids, it was clear that you are a wonderful, supportive, loving parent.

   My sister’s son, Milo graduated from the RIE program and Tracy has fond memories of Magda. It is a wonderful program, not only for the kids but for the parents!

   As far as the book…remember this. Your family and friends will love you no matter what!!!

   I can’t wait to read more!

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5. Leigh Hunziker says:

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   Hi-
   Found your blog on twittermoms.com. It’s great! I’m an aspiring children’s book and parenting resource author. My children’s stories are written, just not published…at least not yet . When I sit to write my parenting resource, I’d love to use you as a source if you’d be interested.
   Thanks!

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