“It’s All My Friends!”
People author and illustrate and publish books for many reasons I’m sure.
Dreams of fame and fortune…
Checking off a bucket list item…
Creating a legacy…
Fulfilling a life-long dream…
Sharing an important story…
For many – it’s a passion.
Writing is like breathing.
It is something they just have to do.
I love to read.
I admire writers.
I admire artists and illustrators.
I never, however, really aspired to be an author…
Well – maybe it fleetingly crossed my mind from time to time…
Maybe a cookbook…
or an autobiography of sorts.
I definitely never considered I’d be an illustrator.
Heck – until about two years ago, I would have never
even dreamed I would share a stick figure I drew.
But then I discovered the joy of blogging
through the encouragement one of my sweet McHendy “daughters.”
And then I discovered watercolor art
through this wonderful blogging community.
With the encouragement of so many,
I shared my watercolor paintings.
I created some fun little animal characters
with silly rhyming stories to go with them.
One very special friend here at TheCreativeLifeInBetween.com
began sharing my little animal characters and their stories with her grandson.
Three and a half year old Benjamin
became one of my greatest supporters and fans.
Benjamin would ask daily to hear stories from his grandma “Gem’s” computer,
along with those of his favorite books.
He even started asking for special characters,
which is how “Earl the Squirrel” came to be.
So with full permission from “Gem” and his Mom,
I am sharing this joyful photo of Benjamin with his copy of my first-ever
authored and illustrated book, “Klaus the Mouse – and other Silly Animal Tales.”
Per Gem, when Benjamin received his book,
he squealed with delight and laughter,
“My friends! It’s all my friends!”
Could there be any greater joy…
any greater reason or purpose…
to author and illustrate a book?
The joy in those words…
The twinkle in those eyes…
The delight in that smile…
Those beautiful little hands holding the book.
Thank you Benjamin!
Thank you Ellen (aka “Gem'”)
for fulfilling a dream
I didn’t even know I had.
Because of you…
I visited the dentist yesterday,
and the receptionist said,
“I just saw your book!”
Because of you…
a friend told me he purchased my book for his 4-year old niece’s birthday.
Because of you…
my book is being shipped all the way to Ireland.
Because of you…
so many sweet friends have bought “Klaus the Mouse”
for their children and grandchildren.
What a joy it is to share a little piece of me...
A little bit of my art…
A little bit of my writing.
Thank you Benjamin!
I can only imagine the impact you will have on the world in 20 or 30 years!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
If you would like to order a copy of “Klaus the Mouse and other Silly Animal Tales,”
you can do so by clicking here.
It’s a wonderful thing to bring joy and happiness to a child – I hope your book will do that for many children the world over Jodi….
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Thanks so much Evelyn! That would be a great thing.
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What an amazing, darling photograph of a sweet young friend! I have noticed the comments which started coming from Benjamin! I liked how Ellen (“Gem”) shared her grandson’s thoughts. This is indeed why you write and paint, to bring Joy!! How special, Jodi! 💕
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Wow, congratulations to both you and your inspirational little friend Benjamin! I can’t imagine the joy you brought him with your book, and many other little friends to come! Well done, Jodi!
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It is such a great joy! Thanks Anica!
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What an awesome picture of little Benjamin. He is looking overjoyed and such a darling. Hearty congratulations, Jodi and may you make such lovely and lovable books for children. They are so beautiful and it is a pleasure to read to them, they so love them. You are awesome too Jodi. Thanks for the share.
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Isn’t it a beautiful picture of Benjamin!? What a joy to see his sweet little face and sparkling eyes!
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Yes absolutely and such innocence too, Jodi. I loved him so cute.
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That is so awesome, Jodi!! Congratulations!! ❤️🙂
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Thanks so much Patty Anne!
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OH sweet Jodi, the picture is darling! You nailed it in your poem about the reasons to publish a book! Yes, because writing is like breathing! Yes, to fulfill a dream, to leave a legacy and most importantly to bring the sparkle of joy to others! To give a gift that just keeps giving. Every time that someone needs a smile, all they need to do is open your book. How cool is that! 🙂 Congratulations again my friend! ❤
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Isn’t Benjamin just so adorable??!!! He was such an inspiration to me. I can’t wait to see what he grows up to be! I also can’t wait to celebrate the success of your book (with my art!) Woohoo!
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Yes he is!!
Definitely looking forward to celebrating with you when “Odessa’s Chronicles” comes out!!! ❤ ❤
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Very beautiful story Jodi. It is so wonderful when you can discover inner talents you never knew you had and now enjoy what you are doing with those talents, especially when you see the impact that your lo lovely work has had upon others like Benjamin. Great job. Luv Gary
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It is so fun to discover the stuff at life in between! 🙂
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What a wonderful story! And you deserve all your success! (K)
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you are so kind, Kerfe! Thank you.
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What a wonderful story Jodi! Benjamin is a adorable and his expression shows how much he loves your book. Your illustrations are lovely and your writing is so inspirational.
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Thanks so much someone! 🙂 I appreciate!
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Just placed an order for your new book to give to my first great grandson. So excited for you…CoNgRaTs girlfriend!…B!
Sent from my iPad
>
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Oh Billie! What a sweet surprise for me! Thank you so much! Hope you both enjoy!
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What an amazing back story to your little book, fun reading about it, life has unexpected surprises doesn’t it?
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Thanks so much Margaret – it sure does! 🙂
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What a wonderful blog to honor little Benjamin! You are an inspiration everyday!!! 😘💞👏👏👏
Thank you my sweet friend!!😘😘😘
I am so blessed
Sent from my iPhone
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Awww! Thanks so much my sweet Janet! ❤
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Oh,Jodi! I can barely see the computer screen through my tears of joy, of pride, and of love. I am so honored and humbled by your sweet words. That my darling Benjamin and I had a small part in your book gives me so much pleasure. It is your talent and perseverance that made this unknown dream become a reality. A little encouragement is a gift that should be given freely. Thank-you for this post…a gift that I will treasure!
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Thank YOOOUU Ellen! And thanks to our little Benjamin!!! Sending hugs to you both!
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How adorable! Congratulations Jodi!! I am really happy for you!
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Isn’t Benjamin a little sweetie? 🙂
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Oh yes! He certainly is!!
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Dear Jodi – this one sweet boy holding your book makes writing your book all worthwhile. What joy you must be feeling. Your post made my day!
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Right??!! Isn’t he a doll??!! What joy he has given me.
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Wow. Really wonderful illustration, he looks so happy! Congratulations to you!
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Thanks so much!!
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What a perfect way to share the gifts of reading, writing and art with children everywhere! 🙂 Huge congratulations! So proud of you, Jodi! ♡
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It is a great joy! Thanks Dawn.
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What an adorable photo of Benjamin! ❤️ Such happiness in his eyes! 😊 It is a wonderful feeling to touch someone else’s life with joy. I’m so happy for you Jodi! 😘💕
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Isn’t he adorable!? His eyes do sure sparkle! Thank you Jill!
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He reminds me of a little boy I babysat many years ago – we did all sorts of art projects together. I will always remember how Adam touched my heart! ❤️
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I’m sure you were a wonderful influence on him 🙂
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congrats Jodi! This is awesome. I need for the boys!
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Aww. I hope you get a chance to order a copy. ☺️
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I want one for my boys xo
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Fabulous, Jodi! The happiness you spread is contagious! You have another beaming smile here! 😀
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Aww. This makes me smile ☺️
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Jodi, I received your book, and I love it! I’m certain the great-grand kiddies will love it too when they get a little older (2 months old now). It will be waiting in the bookshelf for them. 🎶 Christine
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Awww. Thanks Christine! ☺️💛
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Kudos, Jodi!!!!
Congratulations on making your book dream come true. And how wonderful for Benjamin to share in it!
Hugs,
Jane
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Thanks jane!!!
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Oh wow that’s amazing, what a great thing to do, and that smile in the photo just says it all, worth all the effort. Well done ❤️❤️❤️
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👍☺️💛
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Oh my gosh how exciting Jodi! Congratulations!!!!!
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☺️
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what a wonderful story!
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This makes me smile so big!!!
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I ordered 2 right away and they are sitting on my desk at my other house and it’s killing me! I asked my son to bring them when he comes this weekend so I can give one to my daughter for her birthday to read to her children! I can’t wait!! The other copy is for my son’s boys, and the oldest can actually read it to the youngest one, it’s going to be so sweet! They are all budding artists and will probably try copying your illustrations 🙂
Jenna
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Oh Jenna. You are so sweet! I hope you will share photos and tell me how they like it. ☺️🤗💛
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isn’t it wonderful what happens when you find the courage to share your creativity with the world? My copy of the book came yesterday, and it is wonderful! I am so proud of you for moving ahead with this project, and the art and words are so fantastic. I hope you know that you are inspiring others to follow their dreams….best of luck to you always, my friend! You are very special, and a gift to all of us who know you, even just through the “blog sphere!”
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Oh Ann! What a special gift of friendship YOU are! You inspire and encourage me more than you can ever know! Hugs!!!
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Hi Jodi! My name is Kristen, I’m Benjamin’s mom. This post has given me such delight to know that Benjamin inspired you to pursue a dream! Benjamin certainly does have quite the sparkle in his eye and his smile is contagious. He pushes me to be better every day and I’m just so beyond pleased that he could do the same for you!
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Kristen!!! How lovely to hear from you! The mom of the most adorable little Benjamin!! Oh what a wonderful job you are doing Kristen. What a special little boy you have! I feel so fortunate to know him a bit. Thank you for allowing me to share him. I cannot wait to see what he grows up to become. Whatever it is, he is going to have a great and loving impact on the world. I just know it. He is special. And so is his grandma – your mom – so you must be too! Are you the baker? If you and your family are ever in the PA area, I hope we can meet up in person. Hugs !!
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He is so adorable! What joy this must bring to your heart!
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It sure does ☺️
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Benjamin wants to say “Hi Jodi” and I wanted to share something from him too. When I read this post to Benjamin, I told him: “You are a star” but he said that he was “just Ben-ja-min” (which is how he always says his name). Yesterday after preschool, he told me that he was a “hero” and I said “yes, you are my hero”. He said “sorry Gem, I am Jodi’s hero and Jodi is my hero”. You are now notified per Benjamin’s request this morning… you are both heroes! What more could one desire?
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Oh Benjamin! You are my SUPER HERO! And I am so honored to be your hero! We are a great team! Sending hugs!!!
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this is really great!
I really want you to see my art, here’s a video..
do check it out!
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thanks – can’t get the link to work??
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http://www.youtube.com/c/nimitkaushik
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How wonderful! I’m so excited that your stories and illustrations will now be shared with the rest of the world! I’m heading to Amazon now to order a copy.
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awww! thanks so much Nancy! that is sweet of you!
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