An Abridged Story of Jenn

A semi-brief introduction of a new Illumination writer

Ack! That picture looks much better as a small avatar! But it’s the best recent picture I have, so that’s the one I’m sharing.

I am a 50-something young woman, finally taking time to do some things for myself instead of for everyone else. I’m a wife, a mom of 3, and a grandma. I can’t possibly be old enough to be a grandma, but that’s what those kids call me and they’re cute.

During the week, I am a Product Manager, Product Owner, and Business Analyst all in one. That earns me a living.

However, my degree in Creative Writing is where my dreams have always been. I was always too responsible. I couldn’t chase those goals because I was a single mom of two when I graduated from the University of Washington. So, instead, I also got a degree in technical communication and was recruited to IBM as a technical writer.

Now that I’m mostly an empty-nester (my youngest son is in college), I can focus on the creative. And the creative is what leads me here, to Illumination.

I have written on Medium in the past, but felt unsupported and overwhelmed. I hope that the community I’ve found here will help me past that feeling.

I enjoy writing about my life. I write some poetry, though its worthiness is in the eye of the beholder. And I try to be funny from time to time as well.

And this is my favorite article I’ve written on Medium and also my first:

I look forward to getting to know you.