Writing & Fabric Designing
I love being a teacher.
I love that I get to hang out with kids who love picture books as much as I do, who don’t mind my silly voices when I tell stories, and who think my wacky dance moves are funny and cool.
I also love school holidays, when I get to rest, rejuvenate and create, create, create.
These holidays have been very productive. I’ve revamped my art studio, I entered a Digital Fabrics design competition, I’ve read some awesome books, including a gorgeous New York love story (in children’s picture book format) by amazing author/illustrator Gus Gordon…
And I’ve been writing…maybe not what I should be writing, but any writing is better than no writing, don’t you agree?
I was recently featured on fabulous author, Julie Hedlund’s blog, and was blown away by the love and encouragement sent to me through cyberspace via that post. Thought I’d share it here.
Enjoy…
This is a special Tuesday 12 x 12 post, and NOT because it’s being posted on Wednesday (result of jet lag).
No, today’s post from author Jennifer Reid is special because it reminded me of everything that is important in life while also underscoring why we need to give ourselves permission (TODAY) to create. We must OWN the fact that we are writers, illustrators, poets, artists, creators. Even better if we can support each other along the way. I won’t say anything more so as to allow this post to unfold for you in the way it did for me. Please welcome Jennifer.
A Wonderful Journey
“Don’t worry, it’s not cancer.”The famous last words of the doctor as I left her office for an ultrasound back in May 2009…a routine test that would soon turn my world upside down.
The sonographer’s face as she moved over my right breast said it all. She stared at the unusual black circle in my breast on her screen, then her eyes moved to another black shape under my right arm. Something was clearly wrong.
I pushed the panic back down, long enough to keep impossibly still as my breasts were painfully jammed between two cold metal plates. Who would have thought breasts could be squashed as thin as pancakes? It was my very first mammogram.
Then a needle was jabbed through my breast, directly into the centre of that black shape discovered earlier. Why had I never heard of a core needle biopsy? What the heck is inside that black thing? Am I going to die?
The voice in my head shouted, this can’t be happening to me. I don’t drink or smoke. I only eat junk food every now and then. I’m only 39 years old.
The voice in my head shouted, this can’t be happening to me. I don’t drink or smoke. I only eat junk food every now and then. I’m only 39 years old.
But I had breast cancer.
They cut out the lump and ripped out all my lymph nodes. My body was scanned, poked, prodded and interrogated, but the cancer may have spread its ugliness elsewhere. It could be quietly clever and sneakily invisible, lurking somewhere waiting to pounce.
So doctors weren’t taking any chances. Guilty cells, along with the innocent, had to be stopped. Chemotherapy was the answer – chemical warfare.
Before the first drop of poison was pumped into my body, I sat holding my husband’s hand tight, tears streaming down my face. The nurse asked for my name and date of birth to match the right poison with the right person. I nudged, “You tell her”. But she insisted, “No, you have to tell me.”
My heart thudded. No one else could do this for me. My body, my life, my fight.
On 28th July 2010, after I’d successfully done some of the necessary fighting against this enemy called cancer, I embarked on another epic journey. It was on this day I wrote my very first blog post, reigniting my long lost passion for writing. It became my therapy, giving me the courage to move on from the trauma of cancer and take back the life I was meant to live.
Writing got me out of my comfort zone, so much so, that I decided to do a marathon, and in Paris, no less! I’ve heard only 1% of the world’s population have ever run a marathon. I wonder what the statistics are relating to writers becoming published authors? I never thought I could do a marathon, but now have the medal to prove I did! And I never thought I was a writer either, up until that day I allowed myself to write again.
That first blog post opened the floodgate to my creative soul. I am a writer and illustrator, (and I’m not afraid to say it!)I have embraced my creative soul, and am committed to ‘creating’ and not apologising for it. I had always tried to hide my creative pursuits, but not anymore.
Becoming part of the amazingly talented 12×12 community has brought it all out in the open. I feel like I’ve finally ‘put it out there’ to the universe…I am a writer and illustrator (and I’m not afraid to say it!)
Thank God for the generous and most talented Julie Hedlund, who could have kept her success to herself, but didn’t. Being part of 12×12 is like training for my next marathon, but this time with a team of elite athletes.
I’m so grateful to be part of such a talented team of artists and am confident that no matter where this ‘writing race’ takes us, it’s going to be a wonderful journey!
In addition to being a writer and illustrator, Jennifer Reid is a doting wife, mum of two cherubs, primary school teacher, National Breast Cancer Foundation Ambassador and day-dreamer. Since she believes in living life to the full, her creative work focuses on positivity and ‘looking for the good’ in every situation. In her previous life, Jennifer worked in radio, banking and the health & beauty industry. Nowadays, when she’s not writing or drawing, she can usually be found dreaming of her next travel adventure. But family always comes first, so Jennifer is very good at squeezing her creative pursuits into every spare nook and cranny of her day. After a breast cancer diagnosis in 2009, Jennifer quickly decided that life was too short not to pursue her true creative passions. She is currently writing a historical fiction novel based on the life of a family who migrated to Australia after World War II. She has her first children’s picture book, based on her cancer experience, due to be published in 2014…so be sure to ‘watch this space’ .
Comments
What a wonderfully inspiring story, Jennifer! Sometimes it takes a traumatic event to propel us to pursue our dreams. Congratulations on your upcoming picture book! May you continue to have success and a clean bill of health!
jdewdropsofink
Wow. Very inspiring. Glad you beat it.
Wow. What a great post and inspiring story, and a precious reminder to do what’s important right now today! I hope your wonderful journey continues for a long, long, long time!
What an inspirational story. Glad you are here with us in 12×12, Jennifer. Happy and fruitful creating to you!
What a beautiful story Jennifer! Nice to meet you!
Congratulations on all your successful achievements! We’ve got several marathoners in the group – maybe that reflects the persistence of the 12x12ers. 
Wishing the rest of your writing journey is a long healthy one.
Wishing the rest of your writing journey is a long healthy one.
Jennifer, Thanks so much for sharing your inspiring story. Mega congrats on finishing the marathon and much success with your writing and books.
Great post. Thanks to both of you – Julie and Jennifer – for an up close look at courage and commitment. Awesome.
Jennifer,Thank you for sharing your “wonderful journey”. Your smile could part oceans, btw. Wishing you all manners of success with your important picture book. You are an inspiration to the power of ten!
Hello Jennifer! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible story…when I was 44, I, too, had a core needle biopsy…fortunately, the results were benign…but you never forget the weeks of sitting/standing/sleeping on edge…until you get the news.
And running a marathon…in Paris…what an inspiration you are!
So glad you embraced your writer’s soul…and lucky kids who get to read your stories.
And running a marathon…in Paris…what an inspiration you are!
So glad you embraced your writer’s soul…and lucky kids who get to read your stories.
My hat off to you. proud of ya x x
McM
Congratulations Jennifer! Both in being published and in your success against breast cancer.I have personally seen both spectrum of cancer. I helped my Mom beat breast cancer and recently lost my husband to kidney cancer. I too am grateful to have found 12×12 and to have the encouragement and support of Julie, Kelli, the other elves, and the amazing artists/writers as I struggle to answer “Now what are you going to do”? Thanks for an inspiring post. Best of Luck!
Sheri
Very inspirational. Thanks jennifer
Joanna
Wonderful post and I am so glad you came out as a creative!
Wow, what a journey so far! Some are carrying a heavier load than others, but what a wonderful thing when we can find a way to express ourselves and really love the life we are living! All the very best to you, Jennifer!
Meredith Pinkstone
Inspiring and awesome! Thanks for sharing!
So glad it all turned out well for you! I had to go through a core needle biopsy about a month ago and it was stressful! Best wishes for your continued health and success!
tinamcho
Thanks for sharing your journey, Jennifer! You’ve gone through so much.
Amazing post, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing your journey….very inspiring. I love your illustration style! The owls are so wonderful!
You are certainly an inspiration Jennifer. Thanks Julie.
WOW!!! Thank you for this post, Jennifer and Julie! Inspiring, moving, scary and celebrational all at once. All the best to you in your writing journey and in your life’s journey, Jennifer!
Wendi Silvano
Health and happiness… and writing success to you Jennifer- beautiful post!
Wow, what an amazing story. I love your writing style and sense of humor. I want to know when your book is released Jennifer. I specialize in reviewing books that heal for children on my website Children’s Books Heal. Only have found a few good PBs about cancer for kids. Great post!
Cecilia
wow Jennifer Reid, just wow. I am glad my doc didn’t say that and they got mine early. My heart goes out to you and you are a great inspiration. I hope other people wont leave following their dreams until some big wake up call. Well done WRITER and ILLUSTRATOR, you are a fantastic person and I hope you have abundant success. <3 12 x 12 are a fantastic place to be exploring your creativity in. Thank you Julie.
shiela fuller
Dear Jennifer: Thank you for sharing your journey with us. it is never to late to start to do the things you were meant to do. Thank you for the inspiration. Shiela
pathaap
Jennifer, you are truly an inspiration to me! Keep on writing . . . and running!
Sheri McCrimmon
Jennifer, thank you so much for your inspirational post. Thanks for the reminder that giving up is not an option and it involves time/work/action/attitude. My mom just had a brain tumor and a portion of her skull removed. She is 74 and recovery is still a possibility. The road is long and arduous, but always worth it. Hope you are doing great and your beautiful smiling face pic is recent :).
Thank you for sharing your difficult journey with us, Jennifer. So glad God could use it for good, in creating Inspiration for your writing. I am fascinated with the topic for your historic fiction book . . . keep up the good work!
Carrie Brown
Wow, Jennifer! I admire your drive and positive attitude to press on. Best wishes in health and writing!
Thanks for sharing your story. It’s inspiring to read about how you are following your dream!
Pamela Courtney
This story is such an inspiration. You are courage personified!! We should all get banners declaring “I’m a writer and I’m not ashamed to say it!” I’m so glad I stopped by to read this post. All the success and blessings to you Jennifer. Thank you Julie for another amazing post.
Wow! An amazing, inspiring story. Your right, life is too short, we must live it to the full. Share our knowledge, enjoy our passion, whatever that my be. Thank you, Jennifer and Julie.
Thank you, Jennifer for sharing your story. You are a true inspiration. Life is too precious to allow our passion to be just a glint in the creative sunshine.Another amazing post, Julie. Thank you.
kpbock
What an inspiring story! You are right – life is so short so we need to live it to the fullest.
Stacy S. Jensen
Thanks for sharing your story. Glad Julie reposted. I had good intentions of visiting and the week got away from me. Good luck with all your writing and illustrating projects.
Thank you Jennifer for taking us on your life journey. Now we can join you in your publishing journey too. Best wishes. Julie
Jennifer – I’m late reading your story, but so glad I did. You’ve fought cancer, run a marathon, and now you’re writing again. Brave! I loved the line in you post: “committed to ‘creating’ and not apologising for it.” I’m still working on the not apologizing part, but 12×12 has made me braver about saying that I’m a writer, too. Congratulations on your picture book coming soon!
Wow…I’m overwhelmed and honoured by all your heartwarming and encouraging comments. Thank you so much! You’ve inspired me to keep ‘creating’ I wish you all the same! xxLaurenKerstein
April 30, 2014 at 9:33 am
I wish you all the same! xxLaurenKersteinApril 30, 2014 at 9:33 am
Your post gave me the chills. Your story is inspirational and incredibly touching. I feel honored you chose to share it with all of us, and wish you much happiness in this part of your journey. Congratulations on finding your inner strength as you fought such a difficult fight. It sounds as though you’ve surely come out in a better place.
