number two

Thank you for all your kind thoughts and allergy advice for Ezra yesterday - he's doing just fine, and asking every few hours to go back to the ER where the chocolate milk and Lawrence Welk flow freely. Let's hope that's not the case.

So, book number 2 is in the works! I've been working on it for a few months now, but I've been a little shy to mention here. Considering the first one isn't even published yet, I hardly expect anyone to get as excited as I about it. But excited, I am! During the writing of The Creative Family, I had this other book project that kept coming to mind and just wouldn't go away. Dang those ideas that stick. As it worked out, Shambhala/Trumpeter was interested and we began working on the development of book 2 this spring. I'm so pleased to be working with them again, and so pleased (an understatement) to be writing another book (this one will be out in early 2009) - it feels wonderful to keep the writing momentum going. This one is a bit different from The Creative Family in that it's a tried-and-true, project-based craft book. But it's also full of some of my other loves - thrifting, family projects, and a little bit of history. I'm having lots of fun - alone and with the kids - writing and making for this one. But it also means there's a lot of crafting going on around here that I just can't show you yet. So far, there seems to be no shortage of words from me (good god, I can go on, can't I?), so I fully expect blogging to continue as it always does. Except for those crunch weeks (first deadline is in November)when we'll call upon my trusty and adorable sidekick for some SoulePapa blogging once again! I can't wait for that!

This second book will include much more photography than the first - a challenge I'm both excited and intimidated by. So, what to do when feeling slightly inadequate and nervous about the job? Well, buy better and bigger gear, of course (hee). Let me introduce you to my new appendage - the Nikon D80 (in this photo - with the snazzy 18 - 200mm VR lens that I'm gaga over - Vibration Reduction, how brilliant is that?). I've been thinking and researching and saving for a while now to replace my D50, and yesterday was finally the day. Yay! There's going to be a little bit of a learning curve while I figure this one out, but it's got all the comfort of the Nikons I'm familiar with. Which is a very good thing...because my favorite little subjects don't sit still and wait for very long. Gotta love 'em up (and snap) while you can.

Comments

[Bex]

CAN NOT WAIT!

[bellablue]

Can't wait to see more of book #2. Can I just tell you how much I adore Adelaide's face in that photo? She's looking hot and tired and secretly interested in getting her hands on that D80.

[erin scissorhands]

oooh! i can't wait for this!

congrats on your new camera :)

[tamara in melbourne, australia]

Wahoo! Bring it on, I say. What fun, new projects, new gadgetry...

...nice article yesterday too, I must say.

[heather]

adelaide's face is priceless, like you could fast forward twenty years, snap a pic, compare it to this shot, and it would be the same gal... don't we all have those pics of ourselves? where the expressions captured in the adult shots mirror the young?

and, how wonderful amanda to get to keep on writing and crafting, professionally... just dreamy!

[Wendy]

I don't understand, are you just copying ideas from old books you found while you were thrifting and calling them your own? Cause that is what it looks like. What is new about that?

[Eren]

It all sounds wonderful...I'll be ordering that one as well. Enjoy the process and enjoy that new camera! Im jealous.

[bigbucketgirl]

Adelaide looks SO grown up and so like you. It's made me think that if I had a camera big enough to hide my face I'd take more self portraits! I wonder if DH buy that as a plea for a new one!?
Good Luck with #2....

[Ilse]

Oh what wonderful news !! and what a challenge. great for you Amanda.

But we're getting a bit curious now, the first one is still in pre order and the second one is still in the writing progress. waaaaaaa I' can hold it much longer. hope I don't get all mad with curiosity. haha

have much fun writing this book.

[erin]

congrats on the book and the camera! hooray!

[SOULEMAMA]

Wendy -

The vintage book is open as a reference for how to describe pleats. Assuming and accusing plagiarism is a bit of a leap.

If you're not happy with what you find here (which is evident by this comment of yours and others), you are more than welcome to leave.

[Caroline]

Congratulations on the new camera!! I've got a canon rebel xti, but I played with the D80 over the weekend... a lot of fun!! Good luck with it AND your book!

[Meredith Devereaux]

Oh my! A crafting project book from Amanda! I cannot WAIT Until 2009!!

I have to say, Amanda, that for years I always dreamed of having any crafting talent and was convinced I never would. I am not an artisic person by nature, more analytical and perfectionistic, which is paralyzing! I would look longingly at my friends that knit or sewed and think, I wish I could do that. But I just didn't think I had it in me.

Then I found your blog.

Your projects are so lovely, so useful, so naturally incorporated into your home... whether to wear or to add a bit of color or personalization to the light-filled, sunny and happy rooms. The fact that you also embraced your children's interest and participation has inspired me as well. On the rare occasions where your plans have taken an unexpected turn or mistakes have been made, you take it in stride and either modify your plans or move on to something else (I loved the post of the abandoned sock knitting!!)

I have taken up knitting and sewing in the past year and a half, solely inspired by you. This week I have begun to embroider and also ordered my first Japanese crafting book, inspired once again by you. I am loving this new craft as I have loved learning a bit about the others. I set up my own little crafting area in my bedroom, and it is my quiet and sacred spot, all inspired by you. I am in awe not only of your talent but also your industry...now making a career and living out of doing something you love. I don't expect to be able to do that, but I do love the times of creation that once I believed I would never have. I have crafted through sheer stubbornness...it is not natural to me but I love it so much that I keep trying new things. And again, your projects and ideas have made me want to try more.

I cannot wait to see what comes next. Your blog is my favorite morning treat. Congratulations on your new book (I think one EVERY spring would be wonderful!)

(And I would be glad to see you erase any of the not so pleasant comments that have come your way. It's called RESEARCH people. Ever written a report?? Same idea. Amanda could never be accused of being anything less than absolutely originally herself. Curb your jealousy!!)

[Julia]

so very exciting! what fun for you to be able to work on these projects that are so meaningful to you- and to have someone else who's actually willing to publish it. congrats and can't wait (for #1 and then #2- oh how far away 2009 seems!)

[jean]

Amanda. How much do I love your work? So much, as you know. What I love is how each and every piece has a twist that is all Soulemama. Bring it on baby, I cannot wait to see more. And thanks, too, for being such a supportive and dear friend.

[sheree schattenmann]

Congrats on the new camera! I bought the same one a little bit ago--oh how I love it!!

And congrats on book #2. Nothing better than being busy doing what you love. Have fun--can't wait to see more.

Sheree

[Julia]

so very exciting! what fun for you to be able to work on these projects that are so meaningful to you- and to have someone else who's actually willing to publish it. congrats and can't wait (for #1 and then #2- oh how far away 2009 seems!)

[hannah]

oh thank goodness! i thought you were never going to get any alone time again! :) lala, the D80?? way to go mama!

[bgirl]

I was thinking that a post titled "number two" was going in a different direction! ha ha! Congrats - can't wait to see what you're up to!

[grumperina]

New book and a new camera - yay! What a wonderful summer! I look forward to the new book.

[Ashley]

How very exciting!! Gosh, 2 books...you rock, mama!! As for that D80, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I've been lusting after one myself...and dropping hints that I want one for my birthday this year.

[Anne]

This is all very exciting and unfair! Now I have to wait for two books. I'm sure it will be worth it.

[Sophia Sunshine]

The D80 and super duper lens... definitely a good choice for the new book. The same gear recently entered our stash and I couldn't be more pleased. It's been getting plenty of use and in no time our walls will be covered with the people and places we love most. It's amazing how much more fun photography is when you have better tools!

[Stefani]

Ooooh new camera candy! Congrats. I can't wait to see beauty that it captures. And if I could preorder that book now, I would. I'm always inspired by the way that you can take something as simple as (ahem) pleats and use them in new, unexpected, and inspiring ways. And I love the supportive, encouraging, honoring community that stems from Mamas blogging and sharing ideas. I hope that others can put down their negative attitudes long enough to receive the gift of another Mama's heart and ideas.

[Heather]

Amanda,
So excited for you! I am ordering your "Creative Family" book and can't wait to order this one! You have been very inspiring to me, especially in the family craft area. I have a 2 1/2 yr old son and we have so much fun together! Seeing you do creative things with your young family helps me to appreciate the quality time I have with my son. Thanks for all the book reviews as well.

Enjoy your new camera!

-Heather

[colleen]

oh, amanda, i'm so thrilled for you. i can't wait! i love adelaide's face in that photo -- her special look is emerging from the darling baby face. Wonderful!

[molly]

so much great stuff, amanda. looking forward to hearing more about it all in this space!

[amy]

oh great. I just pre-ordered "The Creative Family" and I don't EVEN HAVE KIDS YET! And now, you do this too me ;P?
Thank you for all the inspiration!

[Jenna]

Great job Amanda!

[Anna]

Can't wait for the new book! I enjoy your ideas and projects in the blog so much and I know a book from you will be even more of a thrill! Congrats and good luck! I'm so jealous of your camera as well! Looking forward to lots of fun pictures from it!

[Lori]

So glad Ezra is on the mend...too funny about him wanting to go back because of Cable and Chocolate Milk...sounds just like something my kids would say.

Congratulations on your new book in the making!...cant wait to see the first one even.

Sounds like a heavenly camera.....drooling.

[Grace]

Oh, it's the pillowcase-style dress she's wearing in the banner!!! Oh, I love it so much!! That fabric is so yummy!

I'm sincerely happy for you. I read that plagiarism comment and it made my stomach turn. I think it's quite evident in the photo that you were using the book as a reference, not copying it.

I admit that I'm a little bit envious of your book-writing, but it isn't my time right now ... daily writing hasn't been my priority of late. But I would never dream of being so jealous and ugly as accusing you of plagiarism! I'm sure that you know, and I don't need to reassure you, that there are lots of us out here who love what we find here!!!

[Sarah]

Baby A and my Pepper both wear the same necklace!

[analicia]

felicidades de nuevo!
i second meredith's comment about your blog being one of my favorite morning treats ... and if i'm lucky left over indian or thai food :)

[Nikki]

Dear Amanda,
I'm new to your blog and I find it so refreshing and uplifting. It is so awesome that you share your creative gifts with us. I am hoping to become more "inspired" myself, espcially in terms of being more creative with own my children. I just feel a little intimidated by "intricate" looking projects. Hopefully I'll become a bit more brave ( : Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us. I really appreciate it!

[michele]

I have the D80 it is a great camera! Have you tried Aperture for photo management? Love it!
I am looking forward to your books.
peace
michele

[kelly]

Congratulations on the 2nd book - how exciting!
I'm anxious to see how you like your new camera - it's the same one I'm hoping for . ..

[mindful mothering]

How exciting about the book project! You are going to have so much fun with it. :)

I can't wait to see the difference between the old camera and your new one. I need to get me one of those cameras that have the constant snapping - kids move too fast for anything else. The older Max gets, the tougher it is to get neat shots of him. Time to upgrade!

[luckybeans]

oh! Congratulaions! I am waiting with baited breath for your books. So very excited.

[Margot]

I think you are the "favorite morning treat" for many of us! Your craft book looks like it will be a lot of fun! I can't wait to see what's going into it as you go along!

[Melissa]

I cant wait for your book to come out and you will be happy to know that I came across it on Amazon and it caught my eye. I decide to buy it even before I figured out it was your book!

I am so jealous about your new camera. I have been wanting one for ages but a students budget doesnt allow for those things...Maybe if I didnt have to buy a MAC laptop for class this quarter...

[Chelsea D.]

How exciting-a new camera! I think that you are not the only one looking forward to book #2 coming out!

[Heather]

Congrats on book #2, and on your new D80. I have a D80 and love it. I haven't gotten the 18 - 200mm VR lens yet (still recovering financially from the D80 purchase!), but it's on my wishlist.

I'm hoping your new book features lots of step-by-step how-to photos for us visual learners.

I know you'll have fun snapping shots either way.

[Veronica TM]

i am so excited! and can't wait to see both books!
congratulations on your new camera! little a looks so cute in that photo! [fiona wears necklaces all the time too]

[denice]

Oooo, just picked up my D80 two days ago, and CAN NOT WAIT to learn more with it. Congratulations on the new book project! :)

[Idan Asinely]

congrats on your second book!
i'm new to your blog and find it very inspiring...
so thanks.. and enjoy your new camera :)

[Mefuza]

Good luck with the new book. I too like the many others out there enjoy coming to your blog every morning and seeing what you have 'created' - with your craft or family. You are an inspiration!

[Jessica]

Can't wait for the book... SWEET camera too!

[melanie]

can't wait for the new book. i hope ezra is feeling better!! adorable photo...gotta love the nikons ;)

[Molly]

Congratulations! That's wonderful news.