beaches & books

A photo from an after-dinner walk along the shore with friends last week. Good friends, good food & the ocean - I'm not sure it gets much better than that. Except when you add the sound of squealing children, and a toddler laughing and running with all her might for as long as she could (which is a very long time) just because she can, and because it feels so good.

Before I give you all the wrong impression of Maine weather, I should tell you that the water is COLD. You wouldn't find me in it yet - not for months. But the kids? Well, they love it. And yes, it really has been warm enough to go the beach in 'spring' clothes, but you know, it could very well snow this weekend (but please don't) and I wouldn't be surprised, either. April in Maine - you really never can tell what will happen (this time last year). We'll take the sunny warm beach days and be grateful for them while they're here.

A little note about the book: You can now find signed copies of The Creative Family in my Shop! My apologies to those who would have liked this option earlier - It took me a bit to figure this part out.

And one last thing for the locals: don't miss the Food + Farm: Examining Our Access to Sustainable Food event at SPACE gallery this weekend (and co-sponsored by MOFGA). There are some great things going on throughout the weekend, including a kids event on Saturday we're pretty psyched about (see the schedule for details). It's farm season!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Comments

[Carrie]

What a gorgeous snapshot! I wish I was half as good as you are at taking pictures!

[Viv]

I finally got my copy here in Hong Kong and have read it cover to cover. It's wonderful. Many thanks! X

[Qalballah]

Signed copies. I've always wondered, if I asked an author to write "To Debbie my dearest friend without whom this book would have been impossible" would they write it?? Would you? Huh? Huh?? ;-)

[Laura Reaux]

I would love to have the ocean so close (the best I've got is the Gulf of Mexico). ;) I would love to have a place like that to drive out to if I needed a moment to think and reflect.

How neat that you're making signed copies available. If I didn't already have a copy, I would do it. By the way, I am in LOVE with your book!! I read an average of one paragraph a day thanks to the kids - haha - but I enjoy every bit of it.

[shelley caskey]

okay, so i knew there was SOME reason i hadn't bought your book until now. i'm heading to the shop to get a signed copy!

[tara pollard pakosta]

you are so lucky to have the water so close! AND to be able to be there in the spring! it's funny how kids are never cold! tara

[Julie Alvarez]

Congratulations for the idea of selling signed copies of the book. I already ordered mine in amazon, and though they said they shipped it already, it hasn't arrive yet, hope it gets here soon.

[Jessie Earth Momma]

I JUST bought a signed copy! I'm so excited!

Thank you so much!

[Jessie Earth Momma]

Uh-oh! I had my book sent to the wrong address!!! The billing address is different from the shipping!
:-) Can you contact me?
jessieearthmomma@hotmail.com
eek!

[Rachel]

You're so lucky to live near the ocean! And I love the bubble dress from your last post - so cute!

[mandy]

yeah for the beach, these pics of the beach in maine are quite different from my most near by beach at the Jersey Shore, cheers for beaches everywhere!

[Angela]

I am an avid reader here. rec. your book to our local city bookstore to GET it on the shelves!

We have a small CSA and live sustainably here in Michigan (it could freeze here today too even though it is 70 currently)

check out our delightful farm at
www.eclecticculturefarm.blogspot.com
and www.eclecticculture.com

God bless you!

[elliebelle]

You are so lucky to be near the ocean. I have always loved water. So here in middle America, I enjoy the lakes - but there is still something about the expanse of an ocean beach that is wonderfully mesmerizing.
I'm glad you cleared up the temp of the water though - I couldn't believe that it was possibly warm enough to swim! Of course I'm pretty sure I swam in the lake about this time of year once...eeks, it was COLD!

[teresa]

My kids and I just returned from a visit to the grandparents in Maine (a week after all the book signings, bummer) and loved the crazy almost summer like weather in Maine. Even though I'm from the south the Maine beaches have completely won me over. My almost one year old son thought the beach tasted pretty good too. I was also able to pick up a signed copy of your book from Books, Etc. So great that you are offering it now in your shop so others like me living far away can have a personalized copy. Loving your blog as always!

[Katherine]

I always read here, but don't usually comment, but I bought a copy of your book last week and immediately read it from cover to cover. There are so many things we are already incorporating into our family life. We each got a nice drawing book and take a little quiet time each day to draw in them. We are thankful each day before dinner. And the talking hugs! Probably my favorite. I have a small pile of drawings to embroider and plans for t-shirts. And what a pleasure to be able to tell you. Thank you so much!

[Nichole]

Great events list for the weekend! I'm really into gardening this year just because I want to produce some of my own food, but I also can't wait for the farmers market to open in May.
Yay for farm season!!!!

[mudmama]

Lovely picture Amanda!

I want to thank you for your inspiring photographs. Its made me remember my camera more often. I have an OLD Coolpix and I'm not really comfortable with it (I hit a technology brick wall with digital cameras) I took some WONDERFUL pics of my crew at the beach last weekend. I had to postthem, because I swear it was a MIRACLE that it was sunny (and blustery and the water was FRIGID!) because no matter the weather here in town, in the 15 minutes it takes for us to drive to the Cape (Cape Split Nova Scotia) it always turns foul and the black beach is usually really beautiful in a forbiding sweep you out to sea way)

Anyhow, thank you for being such a "photographing the moments" rolemodel.

[Rachel Ward]

Just want to say that I accidently ordered 2 copies of your fabulous book through Amazon but was actually glad about the mistake because now I have a great little extra gift for my girlfriend whose having a baby.
Your book is that good!
Can't wait for the next one.....

[Jenna]

yay! i just ordered my copy now! i can't wait to get it! congratulations on all the awesome reviews out there! :)

[inga]

I just ordered your book from your shop, so excited about getting a signed copy!!)) thank you for sharing your lovely pics, they are a constant reminder to me to find something beautiful in our everyday life))

[inga]

I just ordered your book from your shop, so excited about getting a signed copy!!)) thank you for sharing your lovely pics, they are a constant reminder to me to find something beautiful in our everyday life))

[inga]

I just ordered your book from your shop, so excited about getting a signed copy!!)) thank you for sharing your lovely pics, they are a constant reminder to me to find something beautiful in our everyday life))

[Natalie]

The water looks cold. When do we lose that ability to play in cold water? My children do it, and I remember splashing all day in the Pacific, no matter the temp. No more. But the ocean is lovely to enjoy in one manner or another all year long.

[brandie]

the book is great! and so was that night. my fave part was, "I like that big kid." :)

[HandyCraftyWoman]

Mmmm..that book looks familiar somehow... ;)

I must get my local library to order a copy. I love the embroidered drawings idea already!!

[lynne]

Your book is wonderful. I love not only the concepts, but the way you express them. Very, very inspiring. I gave it to a friend of mine for her birthday and as it was passed around, everyone was saying that they needed to go and pick one up for themselves.

And I can't wait to try and dye some fabrics!

[Sally McEntire]

I was just feeling a bit jealous about your lovely spring weather but then remembered all the snow you have endured this winter and decided that you deserve it! Hopefully it wont snow this weekend and Spring will be here to stay.

Over here in Portland, Or, we have cold and rainy weather. Looks like that is the forecast for at least a few more weeks! Oh well, the sun will come.

[meg]

I was on the waiting list at my library for your book, but I was 17th so I caved this weekend and bought it. And it is more wonderful than I could have imagined. Thank you. I saw this and thought you and your kids would like it:
http://fidalix.blogspot.com/2008/04/rope.html

[Amy]

Glad you are taking in the beautiful ocean life when you can ! I am awaiting your book from Amazon, and cannot wait to put it to use !
On the west coast, we have been examining sustainable food, and have a local farm that has been teaching us all new things! What a gift. I also just recently saw "King Corn" on PBS, and it is a great documentary, even children can watch it and get a good grasp on what is going on, its a great History lesson as well. Have a great weekend!

[Anna]

Here in Minnesota we hit 80 a couple days ago and are expecting snow tonight. Spring in the north... it's hard to figure out.

[oliver rain]

Can I have your life for a while? I like my own, but I'd like to transplant myself into your neighbourhood.

[Melissa]

I found your blog through my friend Gabby over at Design Mom. I have been really inspired by your lovely creations that involve your children. I am not a domestic mom whatsoever, but really want to start trying to involve myself and my children with the very same kind of projects that are in your book. I bought your book a couple months ago (darn it, would have loved that signed copy...great idea.) and I have been so enjoying it. On one of your old posts there were some photos of your home and I am actually wondering where you found your wooden play/pretend kitchen and refrigerator?... I am drooling over them and my daughter Millie would love these for her birthday that is coming up. If you wouldn't mind sharing that information...I would so appreciate it. Adore your blog and feel priveldged to meander through it now and then.

[Melissa Goodsell]

Thanks so much Amanda, I also just ordered a copy from your shop. I don't think I've ever commented before, but I check in here every day and adore reading your beautiful approach to life. We spend many hours crafting together in my family, so I'm really looking forward to reading about the many new and fresh ideas that we can add to our day.
Thankyou,
Melissa
(Tasmania, Australia)

[Molly]

I haven't yet said it, but congrats on the release of your book! Also: Gorgeous image of the Maine shore. Wow.

[Rae]

It looks beautiful, even though I wouldn't put a toe in that water, knowing what the Atlantic is like this time of year.

I can't wait until I can get my hands on a copy of your book. :)

[kosenrufu mama]

that picture of the ocean is special, i was wondering of the wheather over there in portland...

[SOULEMAMA]

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

Melissa -

The kitchen and fridge sets are both made by Elves & Angels, a Maine family company. They're sold at Nova Naturals.
http://www.novanatural.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.4857/.f

They're some of our favorite 'kid' equipment, to be sure!

-amanda

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

[Leigh]

YIPEEEEE! Darlin' hubby just brought home your book. (Knew there was a reason to stay married for 20 yrs. to that man!) Finishing up my thesis this month, then I'm divin' in, can't wait - if I can wrestle it away from my 2 little girls. (let's do THIS mommy)
Congratulations Amanda, the book is "even more beautiful in person."

[Petchy]

Just wanted to say I ordered your book, it arrived yesterday, and I have already read it through! Great work - I really enjoyed it, and it will be a source of inspiration for a long time to come!

[Annie]

Your beach photo is beautiful. It's amazing how kids don't feel the cold when they're having fun...

[Sasha]

I hope there will still be signed copies available in your shop if/when I am pregnant, inshallah, soon!

[bs honey]

Hi,

I've just recently found your site. Tonight I had a chance to back read alittle, and I found your recipe for WHO BREAD. Can you guess whats in my bread machine? Yep, you guessed correctly.

So, tomorrow morning I'm looking forward to warm bread and hot coffee.

Thank you for the recipe and also, I'm going to do more reading from your site, next time I get a chance.

[Kristina]

Congratulations on your book. I think it is has a message that will help many parents. Our country is suffering a silent epidemic with so many children dropping out of school and the focus of educating children is getting lost. The information you share brings hope and fosters positive creative energy.

[lunemalo]

Just ordered my copy from your shop, I know I'll have to be patient for it has to fly over the ocean... I'll be all the more happy to finally receive it... Have a great family weekend (we're having the nicest weather ever here in France too ! Hope this lasts...)

[judy]

I'm a new visitor and was touched by your previous post about visiting an old friend.
Congratulations on your book. What an incredible feat---to have a book published.
I'll visit often. Judy

[Melissa!]

I just noticed I have the same teapot in your header except it's in a shade of pink! :)

[melissa]

Thank you very much for sending me the link for the wooden play kitchen set. I was a bit blue because they disconinued yours, but will be purchasing one almost the same in the collection. Again, many thanks.

[ConstanceV]

Today I have received my copy of your book, which I bought at amazon.com. And I must say it's amazing! It is great the way you introduce the children actively in your projects. It's really inspiring! Thanks for sharing all that with us!

[YeeLinV]

OMG Amanda why didn't you announce this earlier? I would've ordered online from you cuz I bought ur book a couple of days ago !!! I wan the signed copy !! :( Nevermind, any chance of coming out with a 2nd book? :D Teehee. Anyway I just wanna tell you that ur SUCH as INSPIRATION to me and to alot of ppl out there as well you have NO IDEA how much ur spreading ur love + Creativity across the globe ^_^ Words just can't describe how i feel stumbling into a blog and life that's so beautiful and full of love! I thank YOU :D Sometimes u just have no idea how unpredictable and spontaneous life can be, just like how I found ur blog and how it had changed me somehow. U've brought love + hope + creativity + colors + LIFE back into my dull and uneventful life LOL! I wish you and ur sweetie pies n hubby well >:D<