Friends of SHE IS STILL MAMA: March 2015 Update

Happy Spring! I am so pleased to update you on the progress of SHE IS STILL MAMA, my not-for-profit children's book about breast cancer. 

I recently returned from a hugely inspiring conference hosted by The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. It was a breakthrough weekend for me -- as illustrator particularly. I decided at the last moment to present my portfolio and I'm so glad I did. I had a chance to come out of my shell and introduce my artwork in front of 100 people. I've never been more nervous! Showing my art is such a vulnerable experience. I also had the opportunity to meet and work with Caldecott Honor Award winning illustrator, E. B. Lewis. I learned so much about illustrating picture books. Authors and illustrators alike are equal storytellers: one tells through the word; the other tells through the pictures.

My current approach to illustrating SHE IS STILL MAMA is working with my daughter's watercolor paintings from kindergarten. Using the watercolor as a starting point, I add layers of chalk pastel to create the scene. Here is a peek at the process!

What's next?

The story text is in excellent shape. I received insightful feedback from my critique group, which I am working on incorporating. I'm also moving forward with illustrations, taking what I learned at the SCBWI Conference and kicking everything up a notch! I now have the confidence to make big strides toward a winning picture book.

Will you donate to help me reach my goal?

Every single donation (large & small) directly serves to put SHE IS STILL MAMA into the hands of children and their families who need it.

You really are making a difference. Huge thanks to all of you who have donated!

https://www.crowdrise.com/sheisstillmamaahand-drawnchildrenspicturebook/fundraiser/karenroos1

Want to know more about SHE IS STILL MAMA?

I have decided to self-publish my picture book so that I can give directly to women and men who are living their lives with cancer. From free yoga and art classes, to "Look Good, Feel Better" seminars, workshops for family and consults with nurses, Katz Cancer Center helps real people facing cancer every day. All of their services are free of charge without question, for anyone with cancer, either undergoing treatment or fully recovered.
(http://www.dominicanhospital.org/Medical_Services/Cancer_Care/052801).

SHE IS STILL MAMA is written for the young child (2-6 years old), and provides a unique view into the topic of breast cancer. Very few books approach this subject with young children and yet, there are hundreds of thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Since 1999, incidence rates of certain types of breast cancer have increased in younger women (Breast Cancer Facts & Figures, 2009-2010, American Cancer Society). Mothers with breast cancer are in need of targeted support for their young children.

Tattoo Update

On April 6th, I will get my first tattoo. Over the years, I've been intrigued by tattoos, and even open to them. I just never felt connected to a particular image or symbol that I wanted on my body for the rest of my life. 

Now, I find myself in a position where a tattoo is not only a statement, but a reclaiming, a redefining and a healing of my body and my soul. 

A lot of women (but definitely not all) who have had a mastectomy undergo reconstruction. And one of the things that we have to face is the nipple situation. A reconstructed breast doesn't have a nipple. This is added later, either created by a plastic surgeon or a tattoo artist. There are 3-D nipple tattoos that look quite natural and are very popular. 

For me though, there are a few things going on. First, I have one natural breast and nipple and one reconstructed breast (no nipple). So, it would be challenging to create a symmetrical nipple that has the matching skin tone to my real nipple. But to be honest, I never even got that far. Because I don't feel like my reconstructed breast is a breast at all.

In my mind, I definitely do not need a nipple. It's been almost two years since my mastectomy and reconstruction, and I'm just barely getting reconnected to this part of my body. I'm not sure whether this will ever feel like a breast to me. (So, hint: no nipple tattoo for me.)

My tattoo artist is Kristy Quinones at Black and Blue Tattoo in San Francisco. She is working with my inspirations to create the perfect design for me. The artistic elements are particular to my breast cancer experience, and at the same time transcend that journey and speak to my life as a whole. I can hardly wait. 

* Photo Credits: all photos are from p.ink/personal ink Pinterest boards https://www.pinterest.com/personalink/