I've got a dream

Almost a decade of moons ago, I made a serendipitous discovery that forever altered the spin of my world. Falling pregnant after so many years of waiting and yearning was nothing short of miraculous (for me) and a life event definitely worth waxing lyrical about. But did I? Sadly, not as much I as wanted to.

There are those who find it hard to exist without sharing the contents of their dinner plates with the rest of  the world, then there are others who worry that a beautifully executed birthday cake photo shared on social media will somehow demean the starving populations of the world. I oscillate between the two but tend towards the latter, always fretting over how others will take good news in light of their own current situations and struggles, thus resorting to a severe downplaying of my own good fortune.

The pregnancy of my first child should have been a joyous occasion - it was a joyous pregnancy after all - but I was acutely conscious at the time of another family member's own dire repeated attempts to have children; so conscious in fact that it was some months before the big 'reveal'.  And then we were careful to show nothing more than modest enthusiasm whenever around them. It should have been my time to shine, but I didn't want my happiness to further sully their dreams.

She eventually became a mother, just like I did. Looking back, this martyrism was a waste of time. I should have embraced my moment and rejoiced because while she might have felt the weight of her own situation more keenly with my news, she was actually rejoicing with me too.

We all have dreams. Some take longer to realise than others. It's okay being sympathetic to the feelings of others in the wake of your own good fortune, but this does not mean you should not enjoy that absolute miraculous feeling of joy, relief, happiness and fulfilment that the realisation of YOUR dream brings you. Live YOUR moment. Let yourself shine because not all stars gleam brightly forever. I never did fall pregnant again.

The world of (children's) book writing can be a bit like trying for a child too. There's often lots of research, planning, effort, repeated attempts to get it right, missed opportunities, mounting expectations (pardon the pun) and then...crushing disappointment. Only, sometimes, occasionally dreams are realised and something beautiful is born.

Although it's early days, I have a new arrival to announce. My first picture book is about to be published. One of my longest and most yearned after writing dreams is about to come true.

Am I happy? YOU BETCHA. And this time I don't care who knows it.

Oh...and now I can finally say...I'm going to be living the dream with illustrator Nicky Johnston. Happiness beyond description. It took me two days to stop weeping (with sheer joy) after viewing her initial samples for my story. I can't wait for her to breathe visual soul into my words with her beautiful illustrations. Follow Nicky's illustrative and narrative successes via her blog. Who knows, you may even get a little glimpse of our shared dream taking shape.  

Here is Nicky's announcement for your reading pleasure in the meantime.






Comments

Susan Whelan said…
This is such fantastic news! Congratulations!!! I'm so pleased for you and can't wait to read your book. xxx
Angela Sunde. said…
So proud and pleased for you, Dimity! Warmest congratulations! Woo hoo!
Alison Reynolds said…
YAHOOOOO!!!!!This is wonderful news. Cannot wait to read it one day soon!
Melanie Hill said…
That is great news Dimity. Shine bright so we look up and aspire to be like you.:)
DimbutNice said…
Ah Melanie, what a beautiful thing to say. I shall try to be my best. Can't wait to share it with you.
DimbutNice said…
Yeah Ha Alison. Can't wait to have you read it one day. :-D Must celebrate before then - do we even need an excuse? ;-)
Sheryl Gwyther said…
Yuu'll always shine brightly, Dimity, whatever you do! Congratulations on your new baby! :) xx
DimbutNice said…
Dear Angela, thank you right back. So pleased for us all. It's just the beginning...
DimbutNice said…
Thank you thank you thank you Susan. Turns out staying up late at nights eventually pays off...;-) Be honoured to have you read it. xx
DimbutNice said…
LOL, must remember to wear more matte foundation then Sheryl. ;-P Thank you kindly. We'll have to have a celebratory cup of tea on Saturday. :-)
Sandy Fussell said…
Sounds like a party happening here. I'm so thrilled to hear your news, Dimity. That first picture book feeling is pretty heady stuff. Enjoy the floating!!!
Jody said…
So proud Dim xx
J & M
DimbutNice said…
Me too Jo. A little bit of us all in this one. xxx
Anonymous said…
How fabulous, Dimity. I am thrilled for you. Hugs and congratulations. xx
DimbutNice said…
Isn't it just Sandy. You must still be feeling it too. Can't wait (and there will of course be one) to share it with you. xx
DimbutNice said…
Thank you Kat. It feels good to receive them. xx
Katrina said…
Enjoy this moment! It's all yours. You are the poster girl for persistence and patience. Good on you! X
Anonymous said…
Also the very other part of the world is sooooooo proud on you, Dimmy! Go on and show what you can and save a first private signature for us and the moment we present your book to you to sign😀 We must come back to AUS soon! Cheers, hugs and smiles from YOUR Germans R&K
Dee White said…
Congratulations Dear Dimity :)

You know how much I love this book and how happy I am for you.

Dee xx
Melissa Wray said…
Dimity, that is such fabulous news - shout it from the rooftops! Thrilled to bits for you and all your hard work and perseverance. Woo hoo!
Unknown said…
Fantastic news, Dimity! Congratulations! :)
Ramona said…
How exciting - can't wait to hear more about it Dimity!
Peter Taylor said…
Wonderful news, Dimity! Celebrate well.
Congrats Dimity - it's soooo exciting isn't it? Enjoy!
Anonymous said…
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. Enjoy the ride!!!! Robert Vescio
Cherri Ryan said…
YEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAA! I am so happy for you Dimity. You are a beautiful soul and you have encouraged me and so many others so many times. I love reading your stories and I know this picture book will be as special as you are. Well done - it's been a long road - enjoy every second of this triumph x Cherri
DimbutNice said…
Thank you Katrina, I'm not sure about poster girl LOL, but I love all your other 'ps'. :-D
DimbutNice said…
Dearest Germans, Naturlich. :-D You can even have more than one copy. I will practise signing for you now. Come back soon. xx
DimbutNice said…
It is very much a shared love Dee. THANK YOU xxx
DimbutNice said…
Thank you so much Melissa. I will, till my voice is gone. :-D Never ever give up, eh? ;-)
DimbutNice said…
Thank you Jacqui. Can't wait to share it with you all. :-)
DimbutNice said…
Cheers Ramona and Peter. Feeling honoured and so happy. :-)
DimbutNice said…
YESSSSSS Heather it definitely is. :-D
DimbutNice said…
Cherri, Bless :-) your words made my heart soar. I am so very very proud and pleased to be walking amongst you all (my beautiful writing tribe). It is our mutually generated hope and positivity that truly motivates me to continue - little red engine style, LOL. xxx
DimbutNice said…
I certainly gonna try to Robert. Thanks to you for being so supportive all the way too. xxx
Unknown said…
Congratulations fantastic news thanks for sharing can feel your happiness across the miles and has certainly set me up for the day too x x x Marion x x x
DimbutNice said…
LOL anything to help make one's day smoother, eh Marion? Thanks so much for your congrats and visit. Can you and Phil hold out for bubbles till we see you in person again...one of these days? xx
Rhana said…
What wonderful news! Congratulations Dim, it is truly well deserved and an amazing achievement! We're very proud of you! Your words once again struck a chord with me - our achievements, whatever they may be, certainly deserve to be relished and celebrated. Well done, and make sure to enjoy every moment of it. We are looking forward to welcoming your new baby into the world xxxx
DimbutNice said…
Thank you so much Rhana, that means volumes to me. I simply can not wait to share it with you either. xxx
Teena said…
Wonderful, wonderful news. I'm so pleased for you. Congratulations.
DimbutNice said…
Thank you kindly Teena. :-)
Congrats, well-earned!
Rachel said…
That's fantastic news Dimity! Congratulations. Look forward to coming to another one of your book launches.
Jo-Ann S said…
Well done, Dimity. Great to see your hard work paying off. You're a star!
DimbutNice said…
Aw chucks, gee thanks Jo, but you know, it takes a whole universe full of stars to make a truly dazzling night sky. Thanks always for your brilliance. xx
DimbutNice said…
Cheers Charmaine - took my time though eh? :-P
DimbutNice said…
Awesome Rachel - can't wait to see you there. :-D Thanks heaps.
Unknown said…
Beautifully said. Congratulations, Dimity.
DimbutNice said…
Thank you kindly Michel. :-)
Beautifully written Dimity.
Beautifully written Dimity.
DimbutNice said…
Appreciate that Corine - thank you kindly.

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