I in-life graduated in August 2017 (technically May 7, 2017). These larger than life projects take time to finalize through final edits, reviews, graduation requirements, + polishing file tabs.
My on-record graduation date, May 7, 2017, means a lot because that was my due date for our son who is now a whopping two-and-a-half year old with muscles, a cheery smile, joyful positive attitude, and activity level that climbs, sorts, + explores all things anywhere.
After I graduated, we went on a brief respite vacation with our newly minted one-year-old. Then I built my new website, blog, + branding. I also worked with ProQuest to finalize my dissertation for publication in September 2017.
Since October 2017, I cued three creative writing + research projects about transition to motherhood. This past year I have written three creative writing projects on the topic of transition to motherhood, gardened with my boy, gone on various adventures to parks, gardens, lakes, trails, wetlands, rivers, + waterways, visited loved ones, celebrated holidays, 2nd birthdays, 13th wedding anniversary, + attended a funeral of a dear pastor to our family. We have also renovated a small park in our neighborhood with safety mulch, new perimeter boards, + concrete low-rising stairs, plus built furniture for our home. We enjoyed a vacation on the peninsula.
Recently, I have begun the slow + steady work of facilitating small groups of moms to support their transition to motherhood with the hopes that these seeds will grow to more group work + feedback as I write the topics for us to share our stories in a safe + life-giving space.
Next steps for writing likely involve the grueling editing and revision, + then choose a publisher. Self-publishing or a small house for traditional publishing will allow me the liberty that I want for creative expression, distribution, author rights for conversion to other formats, + so on digitized + updated from the paper towels, paper scraps, journals, voice dictation, email, Google docs, + other formats as I sometimes draft on-the-go behind an adorable head of toddler curls.
Through this next stage, I expect to converse with other writers, and build an email list. I have combined this already complex effort with a vision for a mompreneurship that supports what the books bring to light.
It has been a task in recent months, curiously since August 2018, to schedule writing time through sleep transitions, inclement weather (PNW #wildfire smokestorm), + adventures. I am beyond grateful for a infant-to-toddler who supported my efforts with steady naps for nearly all of this past year. Now, to the realities of sleep deprivation until we reset again, + sleep, please!
Stay tuned in 2019 for any updates here or on my social media about the writing projects + mompreneurship!
I appreciate your prayers, + contact me if you want to connect with a moms group, or to learn more about the development of these projects. Please also reach out if you're a health or community worker who supports new mothers.
Kindly,
Dr. Dena
["Doc Mama" according to my boy!]
Dena Michele Rosko, PhD, MA, CLCM encourages and inspires people to develop cultures of heritage in their ministries, partnerships, and organizations by writing, publishing, and training creative content about heritage theology, formation, and care across multiple genres, by facilitating groups, workshops, and retreats with dialogue and heritage circles, and by consulting and coaching leaders, advocates, carers, and families. The gospel promises a beautiful story of a shared heritage together in Christ that can bless and light the world!