It was 1997 when I finished the artwork for, "Dare the Dream Ambrosia". I was so excited to introduce Ambrosia Nittie and her friends from around the world. I submitted the manuscript to 26 publishing companies. I waited with baited breath for my calls to pour in. One by one, they all responding with resounding NO's. I was devastated. I didn't quite understand. This is what I was destined to do. I had been writing and drawing since I was 6 years old. I published my first major article in the 4th grade. Did they know how much time I spent laboring over the dreams my character would explore? They had no idea the amount of research I put into making sure I understood the consistency
After a recent panel discussion, I was talking to a friend of mine about the ramifications of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). She said, "Ingrid, when I saw you (back then), I thought to myself - 'she looks fine', as it related to my journey after discovering the person I was married to was an undercover homosexual and accused of molesting children. I was anything but. Was it because I was considered, 'the strong person' that many left me to deal with the wounds - alone? Maybe I didn't look despondent enough. What does PTSD have to look like in order for people to come to the rescue? How does stress show up with you? How do you release stress?? Weigh in...
