Does Being a Parent Mean Selling Out: Page 2

Does Being a Parent Mean Selling Out: Page 2

Monday, September 1, 2008

Continued from Does Being a Parent Mean Selling Out...

I decided to write again. It would at least help me stay in touch with something I enjoyed. My daughters always like my extemporaneous bedtime stories, so I put one of their favorites on paper to see how it would read. Then I sketched out the pictures and designed the pages. It looked pretty good. And as I tweaked and adjusted, I realized that I was lost in the effort. I lost track of time. And for a few moments, I was alive again.

So, I guess my lesson is that I don't have to live a lie, but I must at least acknowledge all the dimensions of who I am and not deny them some life. Getting a "real job" isn't a death sentence. In fact, it enabled me to finance the publication of my book. Writing my first children's book has brought balance back into my life and made me realize that I didn't have to close off that side of myself completely. It may not be the main focus of my life, but it can still be a part of my life. Now, with this balance, I can be more present day-to-day and not feel as though I've stepped off a cliff. Like my friend Mick says, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find...you get you need."

Enter for your chance to win a copy of Ted Taskey's debut book Eddie & Edna or click here to buy!

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It’s good to hear that we don’t have to kill off our creative life just because we have spouses and children. Thanks for the inspiration!

- Paula

Posted 09/02/08 02:35 PM

Please… complaining about getting a ‘real job’. Wow, life is really rough for you.

- Jill

Posted 09/02/08 04:07 PM

I can totally relate to this blog. As life goes on and you get married and have kids we tend to loose sight of who we are as a person. If you don’t keep what your passionate about it can get buried and one day you wake up and wonder what happened. I think it’s typical to hear stay at home moms say I’ve lost who I am, but I’ve never really thought about it from the dad’s point of view. It must be a challenge for a father who is a soul provider for a family to think outside of his comfort zone. When you have bills to pay and mouths to feed I can imagine feeling the same sense of hopelessness that a stay at home mom can feel. I think as parents we’re all in this together and yes, we sacrifice for our families but aren’t we all trying to find balance in our lives. Congratulations on your first book. It looks really cute and I’m going to buy one for my daughters.

- Tiffany

Posted 09/02/08 11:13 PM

Never say never!! Congrats Tedd, let your passion continue to the publishing of many more books - -you’ve certainly got the talent. I love the book and have ordered some to give as Christmas gifts.

- Terri

Posted 09/03/08 05:59 AM

Tedd, Your children’s book is awesome!! Good for you to follow your dreams! Not everyone fits into the 9 to 5 box! It is good to follow your heart through life and not just work in a job that your heart is not in!!! I think people can have both, a job as well as dreams to follow to be who we really are! Thank Tedd for reminding me that I should follow my passion in life and not just be at a job!!!! Good luck with with your writing!! No one ideas or dreams are too small!!! Patty

- Patty

Posted 09/03/08 07:34 AM

Tedd—based on the information given,sounds like you are still young. Amazing wisdon you have at such a young age! Some never gain that kind of wisdom their whole lives. I applaud you for following you dreams while finding balance and supporting your young family. They are blessed to have you. As far as you book— consider another sold! AS they say—Rock on!

- Tedd

Posted 09/03/08 10:37 AM

I entered “Tedd” rather than my name “Tonya” for my recent comment…please correct that for me. My apologies.

- Tonya

Posted 09/03/08 10:42 AM

It is tough balancing what you need to do and HAVE to do. It’s so important to follow your dream and be true to yourself…but be the responsible parent. Sounds like you’re doing it…and I have ordered your book….My daugher LOVES it, she always asks me to read it twice.

- Tricia T

Posted 09/03/08 05:49 PM

We LOVE Mr. Taskey’s book! My daughter is CRAZY about elephants so Eddie and Edna go everywhere with us and we have to read it at least twice. I just ordered extra copies to give to friends who have kids. I think EVERYONE needs to have a passion in their life! Your blog above was a great reminder to all of us that have forgotten what drives us. In the day to day grind, it’s not easy to nurture that passion as it’s usually the first thing that goes when things are crazy/busy. Good ol’ Mick - SO true. Thanks for writing such a cute book! I hope there are others on the way and wish you MUCH success!

- CKuenhen

Posted 09/04/08 12:09 AM

Thanks for an inspiring story Tedd!! It is a great book and I hope to read many more of your creative outlets!

- Chrystie

Posted 09/04/08 12:39 AM

I can really relate to this blog as the wife of a creative professional who constantly is trying to be true to his creative needs and desires and his need to support our family. I am excited to get a copy of Tedd’s book. I know my boys will LOVE it.

- Jessica

Posted 09/04/08 10:45 AM