Welcome To Avada

Jackie Madden Haugh is a true native of California. Born in San Francisco, on December 31, 1952, to the son of Irish, Catholic immigrants, who fled the potato famine in the late 1800’s, and the daughter of silent movie actors, circa 1915 in Hollywood. Sandwiched between three boisterous brothers, life for Jackie in her youth was anything but calm and trying to have a voice amidst the rampant testosterone and alpha-male posturing was an impossible feat for her.With the gift of a small six-by-six diary on her tenth birthday, Jackie discovered the joy of journaling. Hiding in her room, pouring her heart and soul out on the blank pages not only gave her solace, but a friend who would listen to her thoughts, dreams and desires without any judgment.For the next forty-five years, she continued writing and in April, 2009, she self-published her first memoir, “My Life in a Tutu.” It started as a simple gift for her children, but instead morphed into something much larger. Word got out about this project in her small suburban town of Los Altos, California and to date she has sold several hundred copies there alone.

Jackie still resides in the loving home where she raised her four adult children. She continues to work in her career as a real estate agent, but devotes her spare time to her writing and her love of teaching dance to children. Currently, she is working on her next project in her series of memoirs, “Tipsy in a Tutu.” It is the hilarious story of friendship between three single woman in a  world of married people.

Reader comments

“Jackie is truly a gifted writer. Her ability to find humor, not only in the ridiculous, but also in the poignant moments of life, has the reader belly-laughing at times, and wiping away a tear at others. “My Life in a Tutu” is a journey that makes us, as readers, reflect light-heatedly on the ups and downs in our own lives and the outfits we have donned.”
Leslie Ballesteros
“”My Life in a Tutu” is unlike anything I have ever read. It was extremely descriptive, engaging, touching and real. You quickly feel very connected to the author and start empathizing with the events that have taken place in her life, no matter if you have been in a similar situation or not. Each chapter is something new and exciting. What I loved most is how each story allowed you to look at the bigger picture and apply the lesson that she learned to your own life. It makes you look at situations like you have never looked at them before.”
Lauren Haugh
“My Life in a Tutu is pure entertainment! I laughed and I cried… frequently at the same time. Jackie Haugh’s unique ability to present life lessons in a humorous, yet insightful and thought-provoking manner is such a refreshing and welcome approach.Jackie’s honest reflection and hearth-warming presentation of her personal (sometimes very personal) life gives the reader permission, no a challenge, to do the same with their own life.The collection of stories is an “easy-read” that stays with you long after that last page is turned.”
Sheri Hughes
“When I began reading My Life in a Tutu, I couldn’t put it down. I read the entire thing start to finish, and I’m not even a reader! I loved the honesty and integrity that shone throughout the story. I came to learn so much about my mom and what made her the amazing person she is today. She had a lot to overcome, but she always did so with grace. It’s a hopeful memoir that encourages people and helps them to see that there is always a light at the end of a dark tunnel. To get there, you just have to stay true to yourself. I was truly touched by this book and could not have been more proud to call the author my mother. “
Jenni Haugh