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Move over superdudes...Make space on the field for Ninja Nannyby: Sandra Pianin
The world of superheroes has always been dominated by men, but things are changing. From Superman to Spiderman, the exploits of these characters has always been for the “boys” and women have been their sidekicks, partners or girlfriends. In a new tell-all book, Ninja Nanny, by Natalie Newport, changes and levels the playing field quite a bit. Natalie, a young thirty-something American woman, tells her story. It is a “double-edged, double-life” of being a nanny by day and a ninja by night. How these worlds meet and sometimes collide make for a very precarious view of a year in Natalie’s life—all the romance, adventure, and serious butt-kicking! Known to her friends, neighbors, and employers, as Natalie Newport, our new superheroine is a progressive woman living in a small town in the United States. She is trying to make sense of her work life and love life. Natalie was born in Japan to American parents who passed away when she was 16. Natalie spends many hours studying martial arts in a secret training studio. Her trainer is her mentor. 
SP: How did your super powers reveal themselves? NN:I started having visions/visits while at work as a nanny, when I needed advice. The visits made feel like I was losing my marbles, but I ended up leading a whole new era of my life. I have discovered my true identify and purpose on the planet. SP: What does being a ninja mean to you? NN: Being a ninja means learning to defend and protect my loved ones, and using my newly discovered superpowers to the best of my ability. It also means that I get to wear cool clothes when I train. I am a non-traditional, well-accessorized ninja. SP: Being a ninja and a nanny are highly protective and maternal roles. Do you want to keep your identity secret? NN: Everyone in my world has a codename. I do want to keep my identity a secret, as much as possible, from the small town I live in. I try hard to retain a normal cover while trying to protect the kids from the trouble they get into. If I may say so, I am pretty stealthy, but the small town paparazzi manage to find me anyway and it has changed my life, yet again. SP: How did you become aware of your superheroine powers? NN: I knew one day when I was doing marital. I’ve had a lot of babysitting jobs, so the inspiration [to help] was already there. The idea to tell my story was so strong and wouldn’t let me rest... SP: Can you imagine yourself in another incarnation? As a ghost? NN: I may seem like a ghost sometimes, a phantom ninja. But, that’s all I am going to say for now. SP: How does a gorgeous ninja nanny (see cover of book) stay that way? What are your beauty secrets? NN: It may have something to do with working out 2 hours a day—nothing like the detox of a good calorie burning session with a martial arts trainer (or firefighter, for that matter). That plus living my dream. This keeps the color in my cheeks. Oh, and I know a really good hairstylist. SP: Are you a shapeshifter? How tall are you? NN: Thus far, besides what I have learned in my training. I have only the one essential skill, which is a secret until you become an honorary ninja by reading the book. I am 5’7”. At one time, I wanted to be taller but having my center of gravity lower to the ground can be helpful in martial arts, so I am happy with my height now. For more information on the Ninja Nanny, see her page on myspace.com. |
