Anyone who knows us cartoon character gals knows we are really much more than ink on paper. We jump off that paper, full of life, intellect, and emotion. And so does Stacey Tucker, a.k.a. the adorable blonde, curly-haired caricature StaceyLu. Behind the irresistibly cute cartoon, though, the 38-year-old is a real woman–a hard-working author with flair and hip mother of one who’s gorgeous enough to make practically anyone go gaga. Her latest book, “Eat, Drink and ReMarry: StaceyLu’s Guide to Planning the Second Time Around” is a candid, funny, advice-filled manual to help take the stress out of getting hitched again. Because let’s face it, whether you’re in your late 20s, 30s, 40s or older, getting married a second time can be just as time-consuming and stressful as the first. StaceyLu’s book is packed with information on how to deal with everything from the guilt of wearing a white wedding dress to the gilt in the ceremony. In her matter-of-fact, witty tone, StaceyLu provides answers to popular questions about re-marriage after a nasty divorce and other questions such as how to hire a planner, pick the location, who to invite, and how to deal with the hullabaloo all over again without feeling too overwhelmed.
We all know someone who’s been through a divorce. StaceyLu is here to make weddings and marriages a whole ‘lot easier the second time around.
Here’s the 411 on StaceyLu:
Real Name: Stacey Tucker
Occupation: Headmistress of upstate NY boarding school for girls…no, wait a minute, that’s not right, I am confusing myself with Edna Garrett.
Hobbies: Yoga, dancing, determined to become a better cook.
Special skills: I can wield a mean pastry bag
Education: Taught by monks in Poughkeepsie, NY. This one is true, my friends, aka the Marist Brothers at Marist College
Favorite Drink: Never met a cocktail I didn’t like
Why you’re an IT-Girl: Not to sound too Whitney Houston, better to sound too Chaka Khan, I am every woman. Being an It Girl means I can relate to you, and you, and you. I am the shy girl who didn’t have the dates in high school, so I sought out all the wrong male attention I could find. I am the girl who got married way too young and divorced a few years later only to be wrought with guilt and shame, judging myself for bad choices. I am the girl who found her dream man and has the dream life but knows there is something inside waiting to spill out and I can not rest until it does. I am the girl who takes care of everyone else first and says “it’s ok” when time runs out for the things I want to do. I am the wife, mother, daughter, friend, singer, dancer, writer, aerialist and goddess divine that every women standing and those currently on their knees praying is right now. We are all It Girls; we just need to know it.
What you love most about yourself: Recognizing that the story is always in the details of the scene.
What you love most about your career: It is mine to design, for good or bad. If it succeeds, it is because of me. If it fails, it is because of me.
Your favorite way to motivate people, particularly other women: To let them see my faults, my mistakes, my vulnerabilities. We are all so afraid to look foolish in front of others, especially other women. We think everyone else is perfect so we pretend we are, too. Once they see all my mistakes and see I can laugh about it all, they feel better about their lives as well, and can find the humor in the ugly stuff.
How you make a difference in your community: I am a member of the Weston Women’s League. We do a lot for the community in Weston, Connecticut. One of my favorites is Senior Lunch, which I have run for two years but recently passed the torch but still go and serve. We serve hot food to the seniors a few times a year. I get to wear an apron and get a steam facial from the crazy cafeteria dishwasher and smile at the seniors who don’t see enough smiles during their day. This year I am VP of membership, but that’s just a title.
Specific turning points in your life: Every time I snap out of my pseudo-depression because I feel I am not moving fast enough in my career. When I can acknowledge just how far I have come, that’s a turning point.
Something about you that most people don’t know: I love Kirtan music. Chanting, mantras…it really is transformative. Those that love me would say I have a big heart. Also, I published the essay “I Got A Boy” in Chicken Soup for the Soul New Moms edition in March of 2011.
Photo credit: Stacey Tucker
Ah, StaceyLu. Thank you for chatting with us at Holly Pinafore! We love the work you’re doing for women and can’t wait to see more.
Miss Stacey Tucker, a.k.a. StaceyLu, can be reached via Stacey@StaceyLu.com and via her website, www.staceylu.com.
All featured photos in this article © Stacey Tucker, 2011. All Rights Reserved.