checking in

Hello, Hello! I wanted to pop in to say hi - I was missing you guys! I've got just a few more days to go - and I find myself going back and forth like a ping pong ball between the sheer delight that comes with knowing I'm so close to the end, and the absolute horror that comes with knowing I'm so close to the end. It's a feeling the Harlot can describe best of all. I can only say, 'it's nutty.' and hard. and fun all at the same time.

I'm being heavily fueled by the four lovebugs around me. And a few other things too...

the beautiful:
A constant  supply of fresh flowers in my studio. Imperative for any February, but really imperative for the last week in February in which my manuscript is due. Milk glass vase required.

the essential:
When a package of Green & Blacks arrived in the mail last week I do think I squealed.  It's essential fuel, and I had nearly run out. Not good. Chocolate is very important in this stage of the game. (And bacon + chocolate? surprisingly right for something that seems so very wrong.)

the delightful:
Love notes slipped under the door that just about melt my heart. And the love notes in my email inbox, and in my post office mailbox. thank you. They've not only brought a smile to my face, but at critical moments of doubt, they've reminded me of why I'm writing this book.

Alright! Back at it, then. I now turn you back into the very able hands of our guest blogger...I will see you again in March! Oh, March...

Have a lovely week!

Comments

[jen]

Sweet!

[Rachel]

Oh, I just got teary seeing your love note! You have the most caring family. :) Best of luck to you finishing up- hope it goes smoothly.

[QALBALLAH]

Chocolate from your Editor?? You MUST be good ;-)

[leah]

sending good vibes your way!

[jean]

so much beauty. in all kinds of forms.

[julie]

What a beautiful life you have... hope the weekend was good to you!

[Regina]

I am so glad I stopped by this morning. I am glad you are so close to the finish!! You are almost there-have a wonderful and productive week. By time March arrives, you should have it about wrapped up. :)

[maya]

i've been dying to try that bacon chocolate bar from vosges!! lucky girl, you!

have a good week.

[Ula]

It's great to hear from you! Best of luck with finishing up your manuscript. Love the flowers. :)

[cloth.paper.string]

love the love note. it's pure delight.

and i'm so very intrigued about the unexpected combination of my two favorites -- chocolate and bacon... yummm. i think.

[Sharon]

You sound really good... good for you!! and all that love around you to boost you forward! Thank you for taking the time to share it. (That sweetness sneaking under your door is too much!)

[shelley caskey]

amanda - we are missing you but also loving soulepapa's posts. :) you are so close, march will be here soon! chocolate and love notes, what more could you ask for. :)

[Beth]

Ok, the bees! Is that fabric? If so, you know we need the scoop.

I stopped in my tracks at the display of tulips in the grocery store yesterday - this time of year tulips in a milk glass vase is truly necessary - restorative. Should be covered under health plans ;)

Beth

[kat]

yay yay yay!
- for finishing up what i'm sure will be another brilliant book.
- for the bacon chocolate - isn't it strangely wonderful?
- and for love notes from adoring fans.
you got it all goin' on, sister. thanks for stopping in to say hi.

[caroline inckle]

Good luck to you!
When I first started reading (as I'm new at this blog) I thought AWE she's having a baby!
But I see now that it's a creative baby, and they are almost as precious.
Best wishes
Caroline
: )

[SOULEMAMA]

****************************

Good morning!! Thanks for all your sweet words of encouragement! And love for SoulePapa!

bacon + chocolate - yes, yes! sorry to the vegetarians. But it is a delight. If you're in to bacon, and chocolate, that is. ;) Surprisingly a happy marriage.

Beth - no! It's not fabric, but paper. Isn't it beautiful?? The chocolate was wrapped up in it. I'll have to ask where it came from - I love so, too!

Caroline - No, no baby! But you are correct, it IS indeed a creative baby! And I am most definitely at the 40 week mark!

-- amanda

****************************

[Mellissa - wondermommy]

That love note is the sweetest thing in the world. Thanks for sharing.

[Katherine]

I am seriously intrigued by the chocolate and bacon, but I've been a vegetarian for 20 years so I shan't be trying it anytime soon. It isn't something I've seen over here in the UK either.

When I read 'see you in March' I thought that was ages away but realised it's only days. Scary.

[Sarah]

Oh, such good things to keep you abreast! And I LOVE bacon and chocolate...though not together. I'm assuming you didn't mean together? :)

[Carrie]

Wow! A chocolate bacon bar,just when I thought everything had been done-I was so wrong!
Best of luck with your creative baby;)

[kristena]

Chocolate, flowers, and love notes... Looks like you're still celebrating Valentine's Day! That's some great encouragement.

Press on!

[emily]

i'm not a bacon eater, but the other vosges bar - the one with almonds and salt - nothing should be allowed to taste so good.

wishing you the best in these last days of february, amanda.

[kendra]

Good luck with the manuscript! An exciting and stressful time I'm sure. I just saw the bacon Vogues bar yesterday, crazy combo, but I'll have to try it.

[elizabeth]

Rock on, sister! Hope our hellos encourage you the way you encourage us! Miss you so!!!!

[Oliver Rain]

I am facing some major deadlines myself this week, so I'm glad I'm not alone. I have fortified myself with flowers, sushi, lots of wine & coffee, and the love of my family as well. The last one is my favorite part! Good luck with everything. I'm looking forward to seeing your book later this spring.

[Lasso the Moon]

I am just in a puddle over that beautiful drawing. Thanks for stopping in and letting us know you are okay.
And the chocolate? That's so weird that I'm going to have to try it.

[Elizabeth]

that love note is beyond adorable and seems deserving of embroidery or framing, or .... :>

[SierraMoon]

bacon and chocolate ? that rocks ! but where I live I've even seen a choclate beer !!! so... ;)
anyway, good luck !!!

[Shelli]

Hello - This is my first time on your site. Maya recommended your blog. I read your 'about you,' and I'm looking forward to reading more. I'm very curious about homeschooling/unschooling myself though my son is small, and we have a few more years to decide what to do.

Your book looks wonderful. I'll have to check it out when it hits the stands. I love writing too, and I am currently trying to write a novel, so I wish you much much luck on finishing your next manuscript!

[lydia]

hello amanda- have been following your site for a very long time but first time commenting. Good luck with your second book and thank you for sharing so much of yourself and family. My heart just melts when soule papa blogs ... reminds me of my sons and granddaughters. How fortunate each of you are to come together and be family!

[frantically simple]

My favorite book in the world is J M Barrie's "The Little White Bird." The protagonist compares his manuscript to a baby.
If that's a true comparison, and I think it is, I've been expecting my first for a couple of years. My back is killing me :).
Good wishes for a happy delivery Soule Mama!

[crouching tigerlilly]

Sending peaceful birth vibes your way!

[Ellie]

Good luck with the final little moments of finishing up. I'm so looking forward to your Book number 1, can only imagine that number 2 will be amazing.
Thanks for sharing your little bits of love and inspiration to keep going up the last heave ho - flowers, chocolate, family love notes :: don't need much more, do you!

[Jen]

I've never tried the bacon and chocolate, but it sounds like pure genius.

[rosesmama]

We are home with chickenpox this week and have been saved by Steven Caney's Ultimate Building Book. Check it out. The kids will love it.

[erin]

that chocolate bar? it's simply the best! keep up your good work.

[lauren jones-rabbitt]

hello there. I am finally delurking after a year of lurking on your amazing blog. I found it last March searching for a belly henna design for my preggo bump. I was reeling off of the winter blues and had a 2 year old who needed some fun mama projects to do and, voala- you appeared on our screen. We almost madePortland our home 4 years ago (it is still on our radar) and it just so happens (through me finding links on your blog to other maine crafters) that we know some of the same people (separated by a degree give or take). I wanted to let you know on this eve of getting your second book finished that you have been an inspiration and am sending the positive light of the finish line your way. I am finally creating my own blog after a year of knowing that I needed to do it- for so many reasons... But wanted to thank you for your role in getting me back on track with my dreams. Hope it is ok if I post a link to your blog in mine.

[cypress]

I heart Vosges Haut Chocolats!!! My favorite bar is the one with almonds and salt, but I haven't tried the bacon one yet...might have a new favorite soon! Many of my birthdays have featured a box of Vosges truffles (mmmm...wasabi, lavender, curry, paprika...so festive) in lieu of birthday cake :)
Keep up the good work on the book - can't wait!

[blossom]

I just love your love note........tooo sweet.........
chocolate and bacon...ummmm I don't think so...LOL

[Berlinswhimsy]

Writing wishes and great thoughts are being sent your way!

[Katie]

best of luck-- i know the hard work will pay off!

[commonplaceiris]

I just the other day finally came and caught up on the last several months of blog posts here. I made a promise to myself to not read my favourite blogs without ever commenting - I'm always opening posts to comment later and then it's past my bedtime (umm, like now) and too late.

Anyway, I can't tell you how pleased I am to be reading your blog again. It's a ray of sunshine in my day. And I'm so looking forward to your books, definitely itching to get my hands on the first one for ideas to work on with my girly.

Thank you for your inspiration (yours and that of your amazing family all).

[robin]

Oh, I miss you! Thank you for popping in, Amanda, to say "hi" to us!! Sure have been enjoying your Guest Blogger:) Happy writing- we're cheering you on!!! Yay!! <3

[Sarah]

I know your busy with the manuscript but head over to my blog to check out my creation inspired by you... www.keylimecutie.blogspot.com

Thanks!

[cc]

Green and Black is definitely yummy. I have a few bars of the espresso one on hand at all times.

[SeaBird]

I got some Green & Black's for V-day - it was realy good. Too bad it didn't last for more than one sitting!!