Read

“In order to write, first you have to have lived…you need to readandreadandreadandread to learn as many different ways of using language as possible. You also need to read in order to build inside your head a massive bank of lusciously different words that you can choose from at any time.” Mem Fox

Thanks Mem!

I’m taking Mem’s advice…which means I’m not sure how much I’ll be blogging over the next couple of weeks, as I’ll definitely be readingandreadingandreadingandreading!

Maybe I’ll even chat about what I’m reading…the only catch is that I’m going to be reading children’s books.

Yay, it’s going to be as sweet as a cupcake, living in a child’s wonderland of books for a while!

Jennifer xo

Image courtesy of Mem Fox (Possum Magic)



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Write

“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” – Madeleine L’Engle

It’s no secret that writing has been my therapy throughout my whole cancer experience. I’ve shared many times about my love of writing and that my desire is to write and publish a book. But to be quite honest, I’ve agonised over this book idea for months and months.

The agony began with the actual writing of it, but then only increased as I had to read, re-read and edit my story. Not only did it bring back detailed memories that I’d rather forget, but the more I worked on the manuscript, the more I thought…”Who do I think I am? Why would anyone want to buy my autobiography?” No, true. I was just being kind to myself…not like those terrible parents who tell their kids they have magnificent voices, then they go on Australian Idol and embarrass themselves in front of the whole country!

No, I broke it to myself gently and I’ve come to the realisation that yes, I do have a book that wants to be written…and I’ve written it, I’m excited to report. But it’s not exactly what you think…

It’s not an autobiography, because most of you know my story; and the bits you don’t know, I’d rather you didn’t, quite frankly. So I’ve ditched the autobiography folks! But I’ve still been writing my little heart out…that’s why I’ve been missing in action for so long…I’ve been writing away, just not on my blog…forgive me??!!

So I’ve been writing…a children’s book (but for adults too). I’m finally announcing it to the world now because it’s almost ready for pitching! I’m excited and I’M READY…and I know the Universe hears me, and some amazing agent or publisher is going to come out of the woodwork any time now and discover how mesmerisingly brilliant my story is, and that it absolutely must be told….

In the meantime, I’ll continue writing…

Jennifer xo

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Another Milestone

Image Credit



Yep I know, it’s been a while.

I’ve just been so busy “living” life that I’ve had no time to photograph and write about it ?


Blogging was such wonderful therapy when I wasn’t as physically able as I am now. There were times I couldn’t physically grab hold of life and live it with the energy, wonder, excitement and passion that was inside of me. I dreamt about all these things instead, and planned how I would make my dreams come to life some time soon. 


So now I’m intent on living my dreams. 


It was my “Parisversary” on Sunday…a whole year since I was in Paris with my family, participating in the Paris Marathon. It truly was a life-changing experience, one that I will be able to inspire my grandchildren with! 


Then, I turn on the news this morning and I’m met with the shockingly tragic news about the Boston Marathon bombing. My heart goes out to all those effected by this devastating event, and I’m reminded once again just how precious life is.  (And yes I am well aware and truly saddened that there are many other tragic news and non-news events across the globe, but the Boston Marathon tragedy has resonated with me on the anniversary of my Paris Marathon).


I have another anniversary just around the corner. In a few weeks time, it will be FOUR YEARS since the breast cancer diagnosis. I don’t say “my” diagnosis anymore, just “the” because I’m not willing to own the dreaded C! It’s something that happened to me, but I won’t let it define me anymore! 


I was 39 back then…some of the best years of my life ripped away, but I tugged back with all my might and here I am today…physically restored, emotionally renewed and continually dreaming of a wonderful future and working towards all of my goals and aspirations. 


With this important anniversary just around the corner, it has got me thinking about why we CELEBRATE important milestones at all. After all, it actually means that we’re one year further away from our carefree youth!

Take birthdays for example…sure, it’s a celebration of the day we were born into this amazing world, but I reckon it’s your Mum that should get all the presents for that “hard labour” ?


Of course, birthdays are a celebration that we’ve made it to another year, but as we get older, many people would mourn the gradual loss of their youth!

But to me, every milestone, including a birthday, is worth a celebration. I see all anniversaries as a way of celebrating “the getting of wisdom”!


Just as we get better the more we practice doing something (theoretically), so too our character improves as time goes by (theoretically). As we get older and experience the highs and lows of life, our experience teaches us a few things and we hopefully grow in knowledge and wisdom. 


Sure, we may lose some of our youth with every birthday or anniversary celebrated, but we can gain so much more.

With every milestone celebrated, we can choose to pursue greater wisdom! We can also take the time to hang out with people who are wiser than us…we learn from our elders, or people who’ve experienced an abundance of highs and lows even if they’re still young.


There’s a short story I’d like to share with you:


“When I was a boy at my father’s knee, 
the pride and joy of my mother, 
He would sit me down and drill me: 
‘Take this to heart. Do what I tell you—live! 
Sell everything and buy Wisdom! 
Forage for Understanding! 
 Don’t forget one word! Don’t deviate an inch! 


Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; 
love her—she keeps her eye on you. 
Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! 
Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! 
Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won’t regret it; 
never let her go—she’ll make your life glorious. 


She’ll garland your life with grace, 
she’ll festoon your days with beauty.’” 


(Proverbs 4:7, The Message Bible) 


This wonderful story leads me to ponder my ambitions and dreams, and how “throwing my arms around them” has kept me hopeful through many a hard time.

Sure, I dream of all good things for my family and I admirably aim for financial success and prosperity. And I most certainly strive for optimal health. But maybe if I place “the getting of wisdom” first on my list of priorities, above all other things, everything else may just fall into place?!


Being the youngest of 10 children has taught me a thing or two about listening to my elders. I am blessed with an abundance of people in my life who are wellsprings of wisdom. But in recent years, I had to walk a path that nobody close to me had walked before. It was a lonely battle, albeit with loved ones spurring me on.

The way I see it though, is not to resent any life battle that you actually get through, as it can teach you a thing or two if you let it.


The battles of my past have taught me a lot. One of the most important being, in order to live life to it’s greatest potential and to live it successfully, it takes wisdom.

Living wisely ensures we won’t squander our time here on this amazing planet called Earth. It means that we will focus on making the most of what we have, rather than longing for what we don’t. It means that we will hug our loved ones daily and constantly tell them how much they mean to us. It means that when the lows of life threaten to consume us, hope can rise up and fight against it. And it means that no matter what, we are the only ones who can control the way we think about life and different circumstances we face. Everything else may be out of our control, but if we still have our mind, nobody can control our thoughts!


Recently, I was asked by someone close to me what my most comforting thought in times of distress is. This is what I answered: 


“There is always a rainbow after a storm, and there’s always someone out there who dearly loves me!”


So for every milestone I celebrate from now on, it is “the getting of wisdom” I will celebrate and truly appreciate! And for every loved one who needs encouragement right now, as there are many, I’ll sign off with some words of inspiration, that are the most helpful “clichés” I have ever been encouraged by. Words that have greatly helped in my “getting of wisdom” quest …


– dream big 
– never give up 
– do your best 
– be kind 
– love your family 
– set a good example 
– the sky is the limit 
– have a generous heart 
– keep the faith 
– laughter is the best medicine 
– it is better to give than to receive 
– give hugs away 
– always know that you are loved 

Sending you light & love,


 Jennifer xo

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A Pink Update

Have been fairly quiet on the blog front lately…my only excuse is that life is crazy busy at the moment, but definitely no complaints here. I’m absolutely loving my life, whatever it entails!

Besides the fact that I’m back full-time teaching (exciting, I know), I recently organised a great fundraising event to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which also kept me really busy. It was such a fun event, thanks to “Team Pink”… a team of about 60 family members and friends, who participated in the Color Run Sydney:

 

Together, we raised a fantastic $5048! Thank you to all who got involved in either the Color Run itself, or the pre-Run dinner event at Efendy Balmain. I can report that it was an awesome night at Efendy, with a delicious menu, followed a week later by the most colourful, fun-filled 5 kilometres I’ve ever walked!!

I’ve had heaps of people saying they are definitely going to be part of the Team Pink Color Run again next year, so stay tuned 🙂

Another exciting happening in February for me, was being invited to the most delicious canape dinner with the amazing Governor General and beautiful Sarah Murdoch at Government House. I was honoured to be invited by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in recognition of my work as an Ambassador for them.

There were a number of awards presented on the night, with many wonderful people recognised for their efforts in raising funds for breast cancer research.  It reminded me of how grateful I am that such people exist…those who will never give up until there is a cure for breast cancer once and for all!

Until next time…

Jennifer xo

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Best Year Ever!

Too often I hear people complain, “I hope next year is a better one”, or “I’m glad this year is over”, etc. I find it all a bit sad. It’s almost as though these people are wishing their lives away. Admittedly, I do look forward to each new year, but am also mindful of looking back on the year that has passed with fondness and appreciation. I reckon every year that I’m still on this earth, is the best year ever!!

Obviously, a whole year is going to be filled with a mixture of ups and downs, good and bad days. But more often than not, the good days make up for the bad, so these are the ones that I choose to keep in the forefront of my mind. It’s the great memories and times spent with loved ones that I remember the most over this year. And I’m so grateful as this, another new year is about to begin, that I’m still here. I’m still living, breathing, spending time with the people I love. I’m still discovering, growing, fighting the good fight. And of course, I’m still learning each and every day.

So here are some things I’ve learnt this year:

1. We always have the hope of a fresh start, no matter how bad things may seem. There’s always a rainbow after the rain, calm after a storm, morning after the night, a new beginning after an ending.
2. That all the sayings I’ve ever heard about love are true. All you need is love. Love conquers all. Love covers a multitude of sins. If you have love you don’t need to have anything else. If you don’t have it it doesn’t matter much what else you do have.
3. The sustaining power of faith. Through highs and lows, thick and thin, I can always count on my Creator.
4. A life without hope is dismal. So never, ever give up hope.

During the year, I was asked by a dear friend to put together a photo message for her young nephew in Ireland, who unfortunately is having treatment for cancer. His name is Aaron, and my hope was to encourage him through my message below. On the brink of this coming new year, substitute your name for Aaron’s, and be encouraged that while ever we have breath, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! And don’t ever forget how “Life’s like a Cupcake!”… not always perfect maybe, but sweet all the same!!

Jennifer xo
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Color Run Sydney

Image courtesy of Time Out Sydney



Well, it’s been a while, but here I go again 🙂 

In April 2011, I participated in the Paris Marathon as a breast cancer survivor, to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 

Just a week ago, a dear cousin of mine lost her long battle with breast cancer, so I’ve decided to put a team together for the Color Run Sydney, in her memory. 

Since walking a difficult 42km marathon was achievable, I jumped at the chance of rallying a team of loved ones in my own hometown and doing such a fun, colourful and joy-filled run, which is an easy 5kms! 

I would love it if you could also join my team in the Color Run Sydney on 10th February 2013. We are called “Team Pink” and I’m the Team Captain (“Jennifer Reid”), so be sure to register under the right team! (I was going to call our team the “Pink Cupcakes”, but I don’t think the boys would have appreciated it…Team Pink is pushing the boundaries enough!)

So far, I have a bunch of over 20 of my precious family and friends doing it with me to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). But “the more the merrier”, as the old saying goes! You can register at the Color Run Sydney website. But hurry, as there’s only a certain number of spaces available. 

Please let me know if you do register on our team, so I can add you to my email list for upcoming fundraising events, training get-togethers or just to motivate you before the big day 🙂 

If you can’t join in the Color Run, please keep an eye out for our upcoming fundraising events, or donate online here. “Zero breast cancer deaths by 2030” is what NBCF researchers are aiming for…and we’re committed to helping them in this vital cause. 

Please join us in any way you can! 

Jennifer xo

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What breaks your heart?

Not sure if I still have any readers out there…but if I do, I’m sorry I haven’t blogged for a while.

These days I’m trying to live life purposefully, rather than just write about it 🙂

So you may notice that it’s just when I have something really important to say (or at least what I see as important), that I have the urge to share it here. Hope you don’t mind!

Well, October is Pink Ribbon Month, so of course I’m encouraging you to support it…why wouldn’t I? I’m a breast cancer survivor who wants to continue surviving. I don’t want breast cancer to take me down. I don’t want it to take anyone down. It makes me so angry that there are still people dying from this evil disease! Please help me do something to stop it. “Zero breast cancer deaths by 2030” is what National Breast Cancer Foundation Researchers are aiming to achieve and is the aim I’m passionate about supporting!

There are so many things that pull on my heart strings. Any illness is a tragedy, but I talk about breast cancer a lot because I can relate to it. And knowing, hearing about, or watching people suffering with this dreaded disease tugs on my heart so violently that it feels like that portion of my heart could be permanently broken. I know the loneliness and fear breast cancer brings about. I know the pain and loss it causes.

Which is why I always use my experience and my story to spread the word about how important breast cancer research is. It is breast cancer research that not only gives me hope for the future, but offers all of us hope!

So why not do something really simple to support this vital cause this month….host or attend a Pink Ribbon event…enjoy a cupcake or two…have fun with friends…celebrate and appreciate your healthy life & acknowledge that it’s a luxury many others can’t enjoy!

Jennifer xo

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Published in a glossy

Look what just arrived in the mail…

It’s a copy of Enhance Magazine featuring “My Road to Paris” story, in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)!

You can get a copy by subscribing at www.enhancemagazine.com or by emailing them at info@enhancemagazine.com. It’s an awesome magazine, and not just because I’m in it 🙂

The other thing is, please don’t forget that October is Pink Ribbon Month. It would be amazing if you could have a Pink Ribbon get-together, whether it be a brekky, morning tea, afternoon tea, picnic lunch, whatever takes your fancy…as long as it involves, food, fun and friends! Oh, and don’t forget the cupcakes!!

It really would be wonderful if you would consider supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation in raising funds for breast cancer research. Every dollar helps NBCF researchers get one step closer to their goal of “zero breast cancer deaths by 2030”!

Jennifer xo

 

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Realise the value

 

To realise
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn’t have one.

To realise
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realise
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realise
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realise
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realise
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realise
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realise
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realise
The value of one second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

To realise the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

Remember….

Hold on tight to the ones you love!

 
(Author unknown)
My addition….
To realise the value ofhope

Talk to a cancersurvivor.

 

To realise the value ofsupporting breast cancer research
Please don’t wait untilyou’re effected by it.
 
 
You can donate online to the NBCF here
Well, as you can see from the above image, I’ve officially exceeded my fundraising target of $20,000. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and every person who supported My Road to Paris challenge! I could not have done it without you!
 
I wanted to share those amazing words by “Author unknown” to remind us all how precious life is. And while ever I have breath in my lungs, my aim is to continue supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation any way I can, as it’s research that gives me hope. 
 
I will never, ever give up…so please don’t give up on me. Expect future blog posts or emails asking for support. Delete them or ignore them if you wish or must, but as you do, please send positive thoughts my way, rather than negative. And if you’re able, maybe you could even go one step further and join with me in some way. Walk the City2surf with me next year. Dare me to do an international marathon with you 🙂 Have a cupcake bake-off pink ribbon fundraiser (& don’t forget to invite me…you know I love cupcakes). Or ask me to hang out at a Pink Ribbon Breakfast with you and all your friends?!
 
Together, we can help NBCF researchers reach their goal of “no more breast cancer deaths by 2030”.
 

Let’s not lose hope!

If you’re planning a fundraiser for Pink Ribbon month coming up in October and you’re interested in having me speak at your event, please email an enquiry re availability to jen@jenniferreid.com.au. Or you could email the NBCF Outreach Bureau directly at linda.guiance@nbcf.org.au to engage myself or another NBCF Ambassador to speak at your event.

Before I sign off, I must share something troubling I read in the Sydney Morning Herald this morning, in an article titled “The ten things you need to know about food now”:

Doughnuts are the new cupcakes: Forget macarons, New York has been seized by doughnut fever. Think pistachio-encrusted doughnuts with lemon curd, square peanut butter filled doughnuts with banana cream, strawberry jalapeño doughnuts and peaches-and-cream doughnuts. 

All I have to say to that is….

Shut up!!

Now I admit doughnuts are pretty good, but nothing has ever or will ever, even come close to replacing the beloved cupcake! Take this cupcake skilfully crafted by a dear friend’s teen daughter for example…

Image courtesy of Elenna Khouri Cupcakes

Pistachio Delight Cupcakes….huh, beat that DOUGHNUTS 🙂

And “Life’s like a Doughnut!”???? Well, that’s just stupid!!

Jennifer xo

P.S. For Elenna Khouri Cupcakes trade enquiries, please email aesthetic.tiling@bigpond.com.

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Run for a cause

 Happy to have made it to the finish line at beautiful Bondi Beach!

 

Yay, I made it to the finish line in the City2surf yesterday!
 
It was such a great day…I really enjoyed walking alongside my sister again – brought back memories of our hours of fun getting lost in the Paris Marathon in April!
 
With my sister Rita – another medal to add to our collection 🙂
 
 
I also loved getting to hug some other old “Paris Marathon” friends before we started, who will always have a very special place in my heart:
 
Beautiful Carol (on the far right) –
my other Team Pink member in the Paris Marathon 2012
Gorgeous Kyle from Inspired Adventures (organisers of my Paris Marathon adventure)
 
Our official start time was 9am, but we arrived at Hyde Park around 8am, which gave us just enough time to join in with all the excitement around the start of the event. My awesome hubby could have stayed in bed, but instead he woke the kids up, got them on the train and met us near the start line to wish us well.
 
How blessed am I?! I love my awesome family 🙂
 
 
We didn’t pass the official starting line until about 9.20am. We were in the yellow group, but as you can imagine, there were so many people in front of us that it took around 20 minutes to get to the actual starting point. 
 
Can you spot me in this official photo of the Yellow group?
I’m somewhere right at the back of the pack 🙂
 
 
We eventually reached the finish line at Bondi exactly 3 hours later – I know it was a bit longer than the winner’s (Liam Adams) 41 minutes & 31 seconds, but we were happy with our time. We’re even thinking of getting a team together and doing it again next year. 
 
As you might imagine, the lines for the buses back to the city were way too long, so we decided to catch a cab. Surprisingly, we got one fairly quickly, but while we were waiting, we got talking to another amazing City2Surf entrant who was also wanted a cab. He was an 87 year old Digger who walked with his son. They ended up riding in the cab with us.
 
We didn’t ask his name, but I assume he was the only 87 year old Digger who entered and successfully finished this year’s City2surf!! Like us, he finished it in 3 hours, but considering his age as well as the fact that he actually suffered a heart attack in March, I was inspired! He said nothing was going to stop him from going in his 42nd City2surf!! Amazing!! It was a fun cab ride with these two gentleman and listening to this wonderful Digger made me realise if he can do it, anyone can 🙂
 
Participating in the City2surf was another way for me to continue supporting my charity of choice, National Breast Cancer Foundation…thank you to those generous people who donated to my Everyday Hero Fundraising Page. (Please click over to this page if you didn’t get a chance to donate). Running for a cause (or in my case, walking) is truly empowering – I’ve done it twice now and it makes me feel so positive and that I’m “giving back” in some way. Being amongst such a huge crowd yesterday, I noticed just how many causes were represented, and I was so inspired.
 
Some people were in it for the fun of dressing up, making everyone smile, which is a good thing…
Spiderman!

 

 
But there were others who were walking for an even greater cause – representing charities like Miracle Babies Foundation, BCNA, Mission Australia, Jeans for Genes, Oxfam, Room to Read and so many others. Truly heartwarming stuff.
 
Staff from awesome charity Room to Read cheering on their runners
So anyway, I reckon if an 87 year old Digger can do the City2surf, more of us could consider doing it on behalf of one of the many wonderful Australian charities that rely on community support to continue their vital work. 
 
Maybe you could consider joining me in the City2surf next year? You’ve got a whole year to prepare for it 🙂

Jennifer xo

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