This project has recently changed. I am now collecting essays from all Army spouses, in these three categories:

Brainstorm! What experiences would you like to share? What have you learned through your experience in these roles? You can submit as many essays as you would like, sharing one main idea for each essay.  You don’t need to conform to any specific writing standards, just write in your own voice. Write as if you were sharing what you’ve learned with your friends. I will edit the essays, but will work to keep your personal style of writing intact.

Please try to keep the focus of your essays as positive as possible. We can all think about negative people and experiences we’ve had as military spouses. You shouldn’t focus on how horrible things were, but rather how you worked through these times and what you had learned.

Use the list of suggested topics only as a starting point for essay ideas. I would like a wide variety of experiences--from your time in line units, supporting units, ROTC or recruiting command, attached to the National Guard, everything and anything in our wonderful Army lives.

It would also be nice to have as many of your photographs in the books as possible. If you write an essay, please submit a personal biography (up to 90 words), and a headshot of yourself. The headshot is optional, but would be nice to include with your essay and biography. I would also like photographs of baby gift ideas, coffee gift ideas, decorations for different functions, welcome home signs, whatever you would like to share.

I look forward to reading all that you have to share!  --Karin Markert, aka “Chaotic Mom”