getting to know you
bare toes, salt water / my favourite skirt is made from the most delicate cotton; it’s started to tear but I’ll wear it till it’s threadbare
I’ve learnt a lot about my self in the past year or so, not because of any drastic change but more as a reflection of every day life. There’s moments where I catch myself in the midst of washing dishes or chopping vegetables and I think: “Why didn’t I realise that earlier…”
When I became a mum at 23 I was, in retrospect, a very young girl; unsure of so much yet willing to open my arms and my heart to the biggest and most life altering change. Six years on and I feel a little more grounded, a little more confident and yet, I question so much, wonder what will happen next, hold my breath when really, I should be exhaling.
There’s been moments in my career where I have considered giving up writing as a profession. I’ve received emails criticising my work that weren’t intended for my viewing, I’ve been heart-breakingly edited (with red pen), so much so that I questioned my ability and turned from the page, unsure whether I would return.
Tomorrow I’ll stand in front of a group of women and share what I know about words. How to thread them together, how to write with conviction and honesty. But I’ll also talk about fear and doubt and the rather scenic route to understanding your intention and placing it, confidently, on the page.
I’ll take photos too, and so will they. Because every story needs a picture.
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Beautiful Jodi – Your words, about your words are lovely and there will always be people who will never 'get' you, sometimes there are even people who will decide they don't like you, for no particular reason. We all must keep on being us and just do what we do. All the best with your talk tomorrow! x
I have a similar floral flowy skirt that I thrifted and its also just starting tearing – out comes the invisible thread:)
Don't ever let the critique get you down. You're one of the few truly poetic writers I've seen, you bring those simple moments to life vividly.
I wish I had some of your wisdom, and courage, when I was in my 20s. Good luck tomorrow. It will be brilliant. x
I'm with you Greer! At times when reading Che & Fidel I forget Jodi that you are 10 years younger than me. I truly cannot imagine myself becoming a mother at 23. And I can relate wholeheartedly to your words about being a professional writer. Writing has been a constant in my life and my profession for the past thirteen years, I am not convinced it will always be but on the other hand I feel there is no escaping it either. I wish I could be there tomorrow I would love to hear what you have to say. You will be wonderful. Breathe and enjoy xx
Oh and I forgot to add, let's not forget that you are in Saturn return and stepping into the next chapter of your life. I loved my Saturn return years quite full on emotionally at times but very exciting! Yes I love all that cosmic stuff.
Kind words, Greer and Nikki. Thank you.
Nikki – is it my Saturn return year because I'm 29 or because I'm 29 in 2013. Enlighten me, please! x
Your words are inspiring Jodi. The words you pen are also wise beyond your young years. Just think, if you can think now "why didn't I think of that …" just thing how much there is to learn in the next 10, 20, 30 years.
absolutely – every story needs a picture 🙂 I have no doubt tomorrow will be a huge success – enjoy! x
You write beautifully, never stop regardless of the criticism. You have a gift x
Beautiful word, excited for you.
Those ladies will learn so much from you tomorrow, I really wish I could have been attending too. Enjoy, they are all there because they think you and Tim are fabulous.
RHi x
It will be magnificent! I can hardly contain myself!! Thank-you for sharing your world lovely soul x
You will be nothing short of spectacular 🙂 Thank you for opening your soul up to share. I'm becoming a first time mum at 23 as well and I'm learning to trust myself…
You are a writer, for certain. You know the words and have a knack for their arrangement. I feel, though, that you transcend that title. You are moreso a storyteller. Writing is a paintbrush, a tool, for your end product–not the product itself. You never simply tell us something here. You take our hands and lead us through your thoughts, bringing us toward something. As a storyteller, you gift us a journey. A writer gives the facts and immediately you are at your destination.
How can you critique a storyteller? Their tales come from somewhere so abstract. A comma may have strayed on purpose. Imperfect form lends to finding the heart of the narrative. That's just how I've felt about it.
Jo Farmer
Oh god, that 'email not intended for my viewing' sent a chill through me! Every writers nightmare – the inner critic, writ large… I hope in the end it was useful. I would like to get that email, just for the unvarnished truth in it, but man, it would sting. Best of luck for tomorrow, I'm sure you will be wonderful. And for what it's worth- I think you're a superb writer. x
It was bad, Rach, but I got over it. I'm one of those emotional people that really, really FEELS criticism, so it took a few days for me to process and appreciate what they were saying. Friday was wonderful, it became so much more than what Tim or I had intended x
You will be spectacular I am sure. Like you, I feel only in the last 6 months like I can finally spread my wings, it only took me 33 years!
Your words are wonderful! They paint a picture but they also touch the chords of emotion. Enjoy your words and those who appreciate them.
You will be an inspiration to all those women tomorrow.
Enjoy every moment x
beautiful, jodi.
i love how gentle and accessible your writing is – i always feel at ease reading your words and appreciate the sincerity that shines through!
enjoy your teaching tomorrow, i'm sure it will go great! (looking forward to seeing the photos too!)
bel. x
I so wish I could be there tomorrow, it will be wonderful. xo
I love your writing style. Your post are such a pleasure to read!
I wish so much that I was attending the workshop tomorrow! I'm certainly no professional Jodi, but for what it's worth I think you're one of the best writers I've come across. Reading your blog feels like sitting in your kitchen with a hot cup of tea as you're telling me stories of your days. Good luck with the workshop, and I cannot wait to hear more about it. X
I really love how you write, even the simple things. I think your inspiration gets me inspired to question my own way of life.
Thanks for sharing.
Oh Jodi, your words and your story resonate so much in me. I'm a 23 year-old just finishing a journalism degree although i'm not so sure i want to be a journalist. But I do know for sure that I want to spread words together and write. Your blog is so very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
ps: sorry if i made any language mistakes, i'm french… 🙂
Dear jody , I 've always bene curious ti know what you write as a profession exactely? Articles for magazines? And if yes: about what? Or stories? Books? I love writing and I love your writing: elegant, essential but effettive and evocative. (By a girl Who bécame a mum at 23 too)
I write for various magazines which, at times, really can feel like work. I regard this space as my own little publication where I'm at the helm…it's my passion project, I suppose, and one that I'm incredibly grateful for x
Sorry, bad typing with mobile phone: always been curious to know …
Beautiful 🙂
Your writing touches heart. All the best for tomorrow.
Dear Jodi, good luck for tomorrow, I also, like many of your readers, wish I could be there. Self doubt and fears are all part of the process of becoming who we are, or at least who we want to be. And as life is ever evolving and ever changing, so is our confidence or our fear of the unknown. I now know it myself and I have learned not to let fear stop me. I enjoyed reading you for the very first moment. To me You are a gifted writer and a wonderful mother.
Your writing is a gift. Don't ever doubt your ability….I am inspired everytime I visit you here. When I first found your blog I read it all one night from the beginning…I didn't want to stop.
You'll do wonderful tomorrow!
absolutely beautiful words. thank you for sharing something close to your heart
kw Ladies in Navy
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Reading this, I started to draw a comparison between creativity and motherhood. When I became a mother, not to mention a young one as well 🙂 I became used to people editing me. I became used to (but not immune to) the lack of control, the fear of failure and feeling of losing my balance. The same is to be said about making art/writing/music/food etc. and putting it out into the world. People will always have things to say, whether or they are useful or constructive is another issue. I think the sting of criticism will always be felt, however there are golden moments of encouragement that will keep you going. Intention and honesty are always the most powerful tools for creating, it's the way you approach your practice that matters. I'm sorry if this doesn't make sense, I am so tired… hear that? It's the sound of my head hitting the pillow x
Every story needs a picture. Sometimes in ours mind.
Jodi, your words and pictures, along with your zest for living and raising a family are a constant inspiration for me (and countless others, I'm sure). I hope that any criticism you receive in your life only makes you that much stronger and determined. You are great! Keep up the GREAT work!
I'm ten years older than you, and still feel this way. Be thankful you became mum so early. I had my first child at 35, and while I am so grateful for my life, I wish I had been blessed with my daughter earlier, because she is by far the best thing to happen to me.
xo green gable
Beautiful Jodi.
The hardest part of the writing process is the criticism, the edits, the opinions. Putting ourselves and our words out there takes a lot of mental confidence. You and your words inspire me daily. Keep writing.
Enjoy tomorrow!! Wish I could be there!
Claire x
http://blog.scissorspaperrockdesigns.com.au/
I hope your workshop is all that you would wish it to be…have fun.
Remember any editing or critics opinion, is just that, someone elses opinion on a given day…..good bad or otherwise, even if you have great respect for that person,as you mature you will know what to take to heart and what to let drift away.
As for the learning curve that is your life…."you can't put an old head on young shoulders" quote from my old Nan 🙂
Your beautiful cotton voile skirt was delicate as soon as it was made, you could repurpose the strong parts into a cushion or 2,by layering 2 pieces together with some rows of hand stitching the same as the Indian cushions, bags and quilts made from old saris. A Japanese style door curtain for privacy when you want the doors open for fresh air, they look lovely when made from this type of fabric that wafts gently in the breeze.
I'm really looking forward to reading about your workshop – I am still disappointed that I couldn't make it. Perhaps next time though!
I love your blog, it is such a source of inspiration for me. Thank you!
Good luck today. I'm sure it will be great! Sam xx
It's hard not to read criticism of work you've poured yourself into as criticism of yourself – I speak from experience..and even though you know they're not being "mean" or the criticism is constructive, it's still hard not to feel a bit hurt. But I guess, ultimately if you still need to write, you keep writing, no matter how harsh or even unfounded the criticisms might be. I admire you for having those moment but keeping on going – to me that's inspiring. And age is just a number. Looking forward to hearing how today goes x
I would have so loved to have been there with you all! Can't wait to read all about it 🙂
All the best for tomorrow, it'll be fantastic! There's nothing more rewarding than stepping out on that limb, and you seem to do that with an incredible amount of grace.
Isn't it awful how one critical comment can silence out a hundred encouraging ones?
I really can't wait to hear about the workshop x
I love your writing. My life changed for the better after discovering this beautiful place you have created. I began to look at my life in a whole different light and for that, i thank you. Don't ever doubt your writing. You have a gift with words.
"…the rather scenic route to understanding your intention…" I sure do love that line.
I think your words and how you arrange them is just wonderful – it always resonates.
xo
cortnie
I too am grateful for the words you share in this little space. Watching you grow and change amidst your family's growth and change has been inspiring. I've been following you for a couple of years now and all I can say is, how did we get to the end of our 20s? It goes by so. fast.
oh way to go!!! a big part of the creative process is continuing through doubt! xxxx
I agree with freckles. You do have a gift with words. My life also changed for the better when I discovered your blog. So much positivity but also a gentle honesty about life with little people around. A beautiful acceptance of your life and what you have shines through too. I like the effect that reading your musings has on my own view of my life. (And not to mention that now I drink Clipper tea and burn Queen B candles- thanks!)