April 1st, 2008

This weekend, I happened by a Waldenbooks in Massachusetts. I had to pop in - just to see. And right there in the parenting section, alphabetized just as it should be, was The Creative Family. My friend Jean and I stood there for a minute staring, with a tiny bit of squealing (on my part) and cheering (on hers). It was trippy.

When I came home, I shared the news with my family, who met me with equal parts enthusiasm and nonchalance ("the first book or the second book, Mama?" Ezra asked over his noodles). It perfectly captured just how this book - and the second one - has fit into our family life. Second nature, perfectly normal and yet - still really exciting.

Last night, I nostalgically browsed through a big file of photographs for The Creative Family that I hadn't peeked at in nearly a year, and found these early (unedited) attempts at the cover photograph (along with hundreds more). The cover photograph was such a process that in retrospect was symbolic of the whole book writing process for me. Lots of ideas, much heart and soul, a TON of learning, collaboration with a wonderful team of people, and most overwhelming to me of all - an enormous amount of help, love and support from friends and family, and of course, my four co-writers.

Looking at these earlier photos (taken by Steve and our friends Brandie and Jessie), I'm reminded of all the people that surrounded us and were an integral part in making this happen. SO very many friends and family who shared their time, their talents, and their love with us in order to make it all come together.  And you, dear readers, are a big part of that, too. Not only for the entire opportunity which came about from this little space, but also for your patience as I talked about a book that you couldn't see for over a year. For your inspiring comments and emails that make me cry, laugh and teach me so much about family and life every single day. And for - as you have done by reading here and supporting the work that  I do - making me a writer. A dream come true.

That's the trippy flood of ballooning gratitude I feel whenever I see this book now. There is an enormous amount of work and heart and "me" that I poured into this book. Of course. But there was also an enormous amount of work and heart poured into this book by so many others. I hope the book carries some of that collective energy as it heads out into the world and into the hands of families. I wrote the parenting book I wanted to read - the book I couldn't find when I needed one. I'm already a happy author, but I'd be thrilled if this book inspires just a tiny moment more of love, connection and creativity to your family's life together.

Thank YOU! And Happy April 1st!!

Comments

[Caroline]

Congratulations Amanda! I'm so pleased for you and your family today - you've been on my mind! I'm hoping my pre-ordered copies will be waiting for me when I get home from work. Can't wait! Best wishes, caroline

[Kelly]

Thank you! Thank you! I am anxiously awaiting my book,anticipated delivery date... April 05. Congratulations! What a joyous accomplishment, now sit back and enjoy the fame! ;-) Peace ~

[Melissa]

All the photos are gorgeous. It's fun to see all the other possibilities.

[Marissa]

Many cheers! What a thoughtful & contemplative reflection of your journey to being a published author (wow!). So excited to read it (and carry it around with me everywhere), should be getting here soon! And many THANKS!

[MamaShift]

When I first started reading the post, I was like, "Wait! How is that Adelaide can wear short sleeves already?" :-))

I'll get the book when I'm in the States.

Happy Day to you!

[Christi]

Awesome, Amanda! Congratulations!

[Rachel]

Congrats! I think my copy is already in the mail. It's been pre-ordered for, like, EVER.

Thanks for inspiring me through your blog! I love visiting with you each day.

[Alicia A.]

Congratulations again and again. You are an amazing woman, Amanda and I can't wait to peek into the book!

[Elissa]

Just ordered my copy yesterday. I said you were inspiring when I emailed earlier this year and I'm still saying it. Congrats to you and your family! Can't wait for the next one :-)

[jennifer]

i am so thrilled for you, amanda. you and your family. but especially you. crafting and creativity aside - which in and of itself is most inspiring - i truly appreciate your mothering and thank you for allowing us to benefit from the beautifully sensitive way you parent.

i'm so looking forward to my mail today and enjoying all that awaits inside those covers. wishing you and yours a wonderful day of celebration, memories, adventure and a whole lot of delicious breathing it all in and out - enjoy. xoxo

[Laura]

I'm expecting my book to arrive today and I cannot wait. Thanks for sharing a piece of yourself with us all every day!

[Stefani]

OH!!!! Big big BIG congrats to you and your family, Amanda!
So so exciting!

[Laura]

Today's the day!!!! I can't wait. Congratulations!!!

Laura

[Kate]

It's not surprising, from knowing you in this space, that you would feel filled with gratitude for all the effort and collaboration that went into this labor of love. But I think I speak for most of us, your devoted readers when I say...Thank YOU, for inspiring and encouraging a way of parenting that we feel is so important, but that isn't always recognized or valued in today's society.
You are a gift and what you do every day in your home and what you put out into the greater world is a gift...and this book is such a tangible reflection of that, and I can't wait to "gift" it to so many mama's I know!!
Congratulations...and I'm hoping you sell a bagillion copies so that farm dream can be realized for the Soule family!!

[elizabeth]

oh, gosh, can i just tell you how excited i am????? congratulations and thanks for gifting us all. ps-re: traditions of Easter, i must confess...even i was anticipating THE PANTS!!!!truly, i couldn't wait to see what pants you made for your babyloves!!!! um. so can you make a spring book a tradition now, too:)?

[Kristin]

I can't wait to check at our lovely local bookshop here in NH to see if they have it in stock...I'm too impatient to have to wait for a special order!

[nina beana]

i better get mine in the mail today! i can't wait. and btw- mama had her baby last night (at 2am!) so i'll be coming to portland on friday! yeah!

[Sarah]

Congratulations...April 1st finally made it here!
I will be picking my copy up from our local bookstore today! enjoy your day:)

[QALBALLAH]

Ah what a long wait - it seems like forever. And now its here. Well done Amanda + team.

xx Debbie

[mary]

I've been reading your blog for over 2 years now and although I don't "know" you I feel as if I do. I feel the same sort of joy for you that I would feel if one of my friends had their book published. I think if I were you I would have to drive to every bookstore in the area and find my book, hold it up and shout "look, it's me" or I'd revert to the toddler chant of "I did it, I did it, I did it". Congratulations.

[Lisa Z]

So today's the day. Finally. Many, many congrats Amanda. Bask in the glory today!

[jean]

xo

[amanda]

i am so excited for You & so happy you are living dreams & so excited for mySelf, to open my mailbox & see your book inside!!

i am very happy to read something that feels like home already. especially when toddlers & babies & outside jobs leave my once overflowing creativeness a little .... bleh.

happy april! happy book-coming-out-day!!

[Katherine]

Congratulations Amanda, the day has finally arrived (yet it doesn't feel so long ago that you first told us about the book). I'm so pleased that you have been able to realise such a dream. I'll be looking out for the book in the shops, I may even have to buy a copy for crafty ideas to help entertain all the little ones I know.

[Julie]

It must be an incredible feeling to see your books out and about. Mine is supposed to arrive tomorrow and I cannot wait to get my hands on it! Congrats on your accomplishments!

[anilia]

congratulation's!! And thank you for sharing your voice with all of us!

[natasha s]

YAY!!!!!!

[The Simple Family]

YAY! YAY! YAY!

I'm off to the store today...I think there's a book I need to pick up!

[Geertrude]

Congratulations! I love those photographs. I can only imagine how much work is in your book. My novel will be published this autumn and the editing part hasn't started yet, but I think a book like yours with all those pictures and projects will be so much more work... But I guess it's more fun also - the combination of writing, crafting and photograping.
I'm still doubting if I will buy the book. My kids are already fifteen and seventeen, so it's about twelve years late for me. Oh wait, I know! I'll order it, read it just because it's there and than give it to someone with younger kids. Spreading the inspiration...

[Ruth]

Congratulations Amanda! I can't wait to get my hands on the book - although Amazon UK tell me I have to wait another 3 weeks for delivery - argh! Maybe they ran out of stock already:) I can't wait to share it with all the other mothers I know and to get stuck into some new project with my son. Congrats again!

[Kerry Champagne]

Hi Amanda, I am Kerry, mother of ethan aged two and wife of Sean. We are a little family in ontario Canada, I stumbled upon your blog about three months ago and have been reading ever since! I love starting my day with your blog. It is part of my daily meditation. I cannot tell you how much inspiration myself and my family get from your daily writings and photographs. I truly feel like I know you and your family. My husband stops me when I say, "you should see what Ezra or adelaide were wearing today", or i just love the beautiful pictures of spring that amanda posted today. he is always like "it's like we know this family inh a completely different country. We will be purchasing your book from Amazon today, and I just know that the book will enrich our lives just as your blog has. for that we would like to say thank you!
Kerry, Sean and Ethan

[Eren]

I woke up this morning thinking "Its Amanda's big day". Congrats friend.

[Lisa]

Congratulations Amanda!
What a wonderful day for you and your family. I can't wait to get my book in the mail. I'll be waiting anxiously.

Lisa

[kirsten]

congratulations, amanda! love that last photo esp - with everyone on the floor.

[Carrie]

Congratulations,Amanda!

[meg]

congratulatins, amanda!
see you friday :)

[linnea]

How exciting for you and your family! I can't wait to read the fruits of your labor! The cover photo that was chosen is perfect!

[Diana]

Hello Amanda,I drop by your blog most days, but now is the time to de-lurk! I'm so inspired by your blog, it catches me right there in my heart. How fantastic to see your first book on the bookshelves. A heartfelt well done to your and your wonderful supporting cast. Blessings, Diana x

[Nora]

I found your blog just a few days ago when someone linked to photos of your studio. I loved your aesthetic, and have been reading your blog since. I work at a bookstore, and I managed to snatch a copy of your book yesterday before it went on the shelf. It's absolutely beautiful, and, even though I don't have kids yet, it's really inspiring. Thanks for writing such a wonderful book.

[Myshell]

My copy is on it's way!!!Yippie!!!
Cheers to you and your beautiful, creative family...

[Sarah]

Congratulations, Amanda! My copy is supposed to arrive tomorrow, and I can't wait!

[mari]

i just got the email from amazon yesterday that my pre-order copy shipped and i was so excited! and i'm very excited for you!
congratulations!

mari

[Linds]

Congrats! I'm anxiousely awaiting my book as I know many other are.
Linds

[kat nicholas]

"I wrote the parenting book I wanted to read - the book I couldn't find when I needed one."

This sentence really struck me. In a weird way, your blog is "the parenting book" I've wished existed since I was pregnant with my first. I'm so grateful to my friend who introduced me to soulemama last summer - you've been an amazing source of inspiration, without resorting to any "shoulds" and "should nots" and without saying you're right or wrong or that any of the rest of us are. You are an incredible woman, and incredible mama. I can't keep up a blog of my own, but I read yours every day. thank you for that.

and can I say - I'm so thrilled to be getting your book! It should arrive today or tomorrow. I know its going to be a parenting book that we can all appreciate, no matter who we are. Congratulations to you and your co-writers!

[julia]

congratulations amanda.

[molly]

I've been meaning to email you again and tell you how many times little tidbits of your book have come to mind throughout my day. I use the word inspiration so often I worry it loses its meaning, but your book, your words truly are that for me.

happy, happy april 1st!!

[Diana]

The other day we had a pediatritian appointment and I saw she had a "Creative family" card displayed in her office! Then, the same afternoon I saw the Edith and Edna poster. I cross my fingers work is not too crazy on Friday and I can make it!

[Viv]

Can't wait to read it. Congratulations to all of you.

[Jami]

Congrats!! Can't wait for mine to appear in my mailbox!!!!

[Andrea]

Congratulations! oh, I envy you..and well, I don't have a family with children (yet ;-)but I am definetely going to get the book and save it for when I get kids and I want to have a 'creative family'.

Love your blog, I am sure your book is fantastic!!!