Crescer Magazine Interview

Tuesday morning was beautiful. It was the first day of really, really good weather — which meant people were out on the streets of Manhattan in droves — and even smiling at each other. Better than that, I met Paula Perim, Editor in Chief of Crescer Magazine, at a lovely little restaurant in Grand Central Station.

Crescer is a Brazilian magazine — the equivalent of the American Parents or Child. Paula brought me a few of the latest issues and I was very, very impressed. The photography is great. The articles are important. And remember those really neat pull-out sections in Martha Stewart Kids? The ones on matte paper with a theme, good illustrations and directed toward kids? Crescer has those too — on the same lovely paper.

Paula was in New York doing research. She was meeting with Parents, with Cookie, and with Child to learn about their magazines and tell them about her's. She also met with me because she has recently started a Crescer Blog and wanted to discuss blogging-for-parents.

We were instant friends — especially after she forgave me for being 25 minutes(!) late to our meeting — and we could have talked for hours. In fact we did talk for two hours, over some of the best french toast I've ever had. We talked about the different social classes in Brazil and what she's trying to do with her magazine to bridge the wide social gaps. We talked about the nuances of breastfeeding in public in the United States. We talked about suburban vs. urban living for families. We talked about childcare. We discussed how we both feel mothers have a lot of information, but are looking for inspiration. We talked about blogging. We made plans to go ice-skating with our families when she returns to New York over Christmas.

Paula took notes because she was interviewing me for an article. And then, during the last 10 minutes of our meeting, I took notes. Because Paula asked me to write an article for Crescer to be published in May. Topic: the 21st Century Mother. 3000 characters. Due Tuesday. And I'm getting paid for it. What the. . .? (And this after I just explained to someone that I wasn't a writer, I was a designer.)

Can I say just how excited I am to do this?!! How unexpected and how much fun!

Of course. It will be in Portuguese, so no matter what I write, it will sound prettier than it is. Which reminds me, if there are any Portuguese speaking moms in the neighborhood, feel free to come by and borrow my 4 issues of Crescer. . .