SouleMama

coming soon :: going now

coming::

Look, look - Handmade Home! My early copies have just arrived, which means your copies are right around the corner!  The official publication date remains August 11th , but I'm guessing (not promising!) they might be headed your way a bit sooner than that even. You can find Handmade Home available for pre-order everywhere...including these spots:

Shambhala Publications
Amazon
Your local bookstore
And now, signed copies are ... in my Shop!

I'm very excited...and I have so much more to tell you about Handmade Home! SOON!

{last year, at camp}

going::

But first...we're headed North and into the woods for a happy stretch of days. We're hoping for sunshine and dockside action, but if not, we'll happily take cozy puzzles and card games. It's camp - restful and restorative, no matter the weather.

May your own weekend adventures - however near or far from home you may be - be full of good things, too!

The Creative Family turns One!

...well, almost. In just a few weeks, it will have been one year since The Creative Family was published. And do you see what Adelaide is reading above? The Creative Family....in Korean! How fun is that? So very fun for us (especially for my boys, who now insist they can read and write Korean by putting the two books side by side. Ahem). I'm told by the sweet publisher that the direct translation of the Korean title is "The great days for your child". I really love that.
{Edited: I'm hearing that the translation is a bit more like: "A day my child will not forget". Just as sweet. Thanks for letting me know!}

I can't believe it's been a year! I continue to be completely inspired and in awe whenever visiting The Creative Family Flickr group and seeing things in action. Or when I hear from you about how it's fit into your days with your child. Thank you. For receiving it so warmly. And for welcoming the book into your lives with children.

After a bit of a baby-break from my Shop, I've just reopened it with (signed) copies of The Creative Family for those interested. {International shipping rates in included on the shop page!}

Thanks, friends!

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

Oh! How have I been remiss in wishing you a happy March? One of my favorite months to greet, I might add. In like a lion, out like a lamb. So far, we've got the 'lion' part down (oh, the pile of snow out there) and I'm hoping the 'lamb' holds true too. We shall see. In the meantime, a warm welcome to March's new sponsors! Check out their handmade, crafty, fun goodness when you have some time. Welcome to...

MixTape Zine

The Paper Princess

Little Alouette

Bayan Hippo

Happy March! and Cheers to creative families everywhere!

coming soon :: Handmade Home

I am very, very excited today to show you the cover of my next book, Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures. Handmade Home will be released on August 11th, but is available now for pre-order!

My ramblings on about this book are probably best left for later days - when we get a bit closer to the publication date. There is so much I want to say, and so much I want to show you about this book when the time is right. So I'll just say a little bit today.

Even though this is my second book, it doesn't negate the surrealness of this part of the process. Looking at that little book cover image above, I see a representation of a solid year and a half of my life. The research, the writing, the patterns, the projects, the photography - all of it stretched me in new and exciting ways on this book project. Sometimes that "stretching" was more graceful than at other times (and thank you, sweet Steve...for holding my hand through the other times). I learned so much as a seamstress, as a writer, and as a photographer while making this book. And I am so very excited - and nervous, naturally - to send this 'baby' of mine out into the world, with all of my dreams and hopes for it. Because it is my hope that this book will inspire. Inspire you to make something new from something old, to create something special either for or with the little ones in your life, and to 'make' your home a little bit handmade. All created with your precious time, your budget, and the earth's resources fresh in mind.

Like most book cover designs and photographs, I'm learning, this one had a long journey to becoming what it is now. I made many attempts at a different photograph - each with their own adventure and story (like the ones I tried to take with me in it while 9 months pregnant...trying to not look pregnant? That was interesting). In the end, the designers - who do what they do so very well - steered us all towards this photograph from within the pages of the book. It feels so very fitting, now that all is said and done, that this be the cover. On the day I took this photograph, I had just finished making the "dream" banner (out of a thrifted wool blanket and fabric scraps) over Adelaide's bed. As I hung it, she excitedly noticed the birds appliqued on each end and started naming all that she knew. I remember her snuggling that cat of hers tight (made by Hop Skip Jump), and drifting off to sleep - and to her own dreams - humming, 'chickadee-dee-dee-dee-dee'.

A fun, thrifty craft project. A sweet, simple moment with my little one. And my home made just a little bit cozier with the touch of something handmade. That's just exactly the kind of thing I hope will come from these copies of Handmade Home - wherever they may go.

You can read a bit more about Handmade Home on the Shambhala Publications website. The book is available for pre-order there and at Amazon. It will be available everywhere on August 11th.

s t i l l writing

{for s t i l l: body}

Have I given you an update on the second book lately? I don't think I have! The official publication date has been set for August of 2009. And the title...

HANDMADE HOME
Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures

I love the title. And I love how pretty the book is turning out to be. It's at an exciting point in the process for me - as the many creative and talented hands that have touched the book become visible and it all comes together as a whole. I can't wait to show you.

But for now...my slow, steady and careful last-look little touches are being made to its pages. From the quiet and the s t i l l of the coziest office around - my bed.

The Creative Family :: your photos

There is a treasure trove of wonderful ideas in the comments from yesterday. So many great childhood memories, new ideas for little ones today, and just really simple and lovely thoughts on nature and kids. Be sure to read a handful when you have a moment (as inspiring as it was, I don't advise staying up until the wee hours of the morn reading them all). I know I'll be visiting those comments when some fresh ideas are needed. And be sure to be on the lookout for I Love Dirt! at your bookstore or library - it's a wonderful resource.

Speaking of books (ahem), I thought it would be fun today to take a moment and browse through The Creative Family Flickr pool with you!

(Click on image for links and full photo credits)

So much child/parent/family creative goodness happening, so much color, and so much fun..and noise, too (can't you just see the noise?)!

I am LOVING the photos you're sharing there! (As are my little ones - who, especially, do a little dance everytime they see a new banging wall show up..and then promptly ask when we can visit that one). Actually seeing what's being done with the book out there is such a huge reward and joy...and hugely inspiring seeing all the twists and turns and tweaks that you've put on the projects and ideas, in your own creative families. I think you'll find the photos inspiring too, if you haven't seen them yet. You can check out many, many more wonderful images in The Creative Family Flickr pool, where there's also a discussion forum. And if you're so inclined, you can add your own!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend....maybe with a bit of creative play? I think ours will be in the form of gardening, and baseball games. Summer, indeed!

 

Hello, June!

Open windows, lilacs, newly thrifted milk glass, and summer knitting. Oh, June, it's so good to see you!

Except for a few tiny details, everything is out the door that needs to be right now. And really, minus that handful of mini-breakdowns (just mini, thankfully) that weren't very pretty, it all went well. I loved photographing these projects and I can't wait to see this book! (And thank you - for letting me ramble on once again about something that won't be ready for a year yet.)

But right now, I'm pretty excited about it being June. Besides the obvious of being a summer girl, there has been this deadline heavy on my mind. Writing two books back to back was an amazing opportunity, a lot of fun, and well, also totally and completely insane. There's some irony (or something) in writing about a kind of simple living that sometimes you're unable to actually live, because you're too busy writing about it. You know? Kinda weird. Anyway, it's June, and for that we are all grateful. I have some serious catching up to do - the email inbox is a scary thing these days, it looks something like my laundry pile - in which the clean and unclean are virtually indistinguishable. There's the garden, and friends to tend and visit. Oh yeah, and there's my dining room, which, did I mention, was moved into my living room for a photo shoot? I need to put that back together. Sometime.

Most importantly, I have some serious kisses, stories, hugs, ice cream, and love to shower on my three little ones who have been AMAZING. Amazing models and participants in the book process, but mostly amazingly patient children while mama has been here, but not really here. And then there's that guy who has been in serious overtime duty - oh my. I foresee a lot of yummy 'thank you' desserts being made this week. These peeps of mine rock. And I miss them, which sounds a little strange since they're right next to me. But you know what I mean.

Oh jeez. I had every intention of making this post short and sweet. Since conciseness is not my strength with regular amounts of sleep, I suppose I was doomed from the start. Let me just tell you, before I go, that this week promises a few fun thing around these parts. Tomorrow, I'm happy to finally show you the entire collection of small quilts I never had a chance to photograph before the everyday threads show (I took it down this weekend!). And I'll be popping a few pieces from that show in The Shop as well, about 10am EST. And let's see, later in the week we've got a giveaway, and a review, and oh, a few other treats too.

Hey, it's June! Happy June to you, my friends!

right now

(This photo? It has nothing to do with anything, really. But how could I not have a photo? And do you know how many macro shots I have taken in the past 24 hours? So there you have it.)

Thanks for indulging me in a little silliness this week. I promise I have no intention of busting in on the lovely Ani D and stealing her beautiful couch, nor do I plan to really hide in Canada with my rented lens. I am, however, feeling a bit punchy. This week - last week - the week to come - well, they're just a bit on the nutty side. A deadline approaches on which all my final edits and photography for book 2 will be due. And no matter how much work I've been doing on it for months, or how prepared I thought I was, deadline time is...well, Deadline Time. Or as Betz' children so eloquently named it, "Dead Lion". Love that.

For now, a few photo shoots linger which I'm very excited about. Then there's a backlog of photo editing that needs to be done. You've probably noticed I'm not big on photo editing - I have such respect for the wizards of PhotoShop, but I struggle to find the patience. So me editing a lot photos looks something like being locked in my studio (from the outside), chained to the computer, with plenty of chocolate and coffee as self-bribery. But then I get all jacked up on caffeine and try to escape. It's not pretty.

So for right now, I need to step away from the blog for a bit while I focus on all of the above. I am so happy to report, though, that after the long weekend, SoulePapa has happily volunteered to step in with entertainment in my absence. I'm wondering if me telling you that is like when I tell the kids that Papa is making lunch? Because around here that means nachos. And nachos for lunch is always a fun treat.

See you in a week, friends!

on a date

I've got a special date with my five year old birthday boy in the city for the weekend.  His essentials are packed and ready to go - namely, a hat for the drive down, and a hat to wear to the concert. It'll be just the two of us - a rare treat - and we're both very excited about the whole thing. (The negotiations for music in the car have already begun. Right now it's The Clash vs. Gillian Welch. Hmn...someone's going to have to budge.)

We'll be at Rock-n-Romp tomorrow (Saturday) - signing books and, well, rocking and romping, of course!
More details on the event here.
3pm
Great Scott - Allston, MA
(Harvard Book Store will have copies of the book for sale at the show)

I'm looking forward to meeting some of you in Boston!

catching our breath

Friday night was such a wonderful night. Thank you to all of you who came out in the rain, and especially to those who made the journey from far away! I was so touched by all of the kindness flowing around that room. Thank you. Unfortunately, I was so busy visiting and laughing and keeping my little ones from ingesting ALL of the 'pupcakes' that I have not a single photograph from the entire evening (did anyone else there get anything?). Above was right before the party started.

The show will stay up at Edith & Edna through April and May, and it consists of the small quilts, the embroidered hoops, and photography. As well as plenty of The Creative Family books, of course (did you know that Edith & Edna has the best stocked 'craft book' shelf in town? It's true). The photography I included was a selection of my favorites from the '30 days of the Everyday' set.  In addition to the prints, I also printed up some postcard sets (pictured above), and I've just added those to The Shop.

The quilts that are so near and dear to my heart sadly missed out on a good and proper photo shoot as well, though I did manage to snap this one only in my studio before they went to the gallery. May I introduce Lisa, 1971? The small quilts - all inspired by vintage sewing patterns, are made of entirely repurposed materials. I named each piece based on a young girl (in my head, entirely...that's okay, right?) of the era. They were such a joy for me to work on, and I grew quite attached to my six girls and their quilts. (When the show is over at Edith & Edna, I'll photograph them all better, and put any that are left in the online shop. Or on my walls. I'm not really sure yet!)

I had some small prints made of each of the quilts, and those, as well, are available in The Shop now. They're 5x5 prints - it was important to me to print something that's easy to find a standard size frame and mat for, so they could be as affordable as possible - framing can get so tricky (and expensive!), I've been learning.

Phew. I'm tired! Like that crazy feel-it-deep-in-your-bones kind of tired, you know? The next few days are the first real 'break' our little family has had in quite a stretch of time. At the end of the week, I'll have two more book events, and then I receive my second manuscript back for edits. Oh my. So we're going to soak up the next few days with lots of walks in the muddy woods, a celebration of my soon-to-be five year old's birthday, and as many naps as these three little ones will allow.

In the meantime, I must say thank you one more time for your continued words of support about the book - the emails, the contributions to the Flickr pool (I'm LOVING those!), the lovely reviews - all of it. I'm moved beyond words at your kindness and response to this little project that's now 'out there' in the world. It means so very much to me, and I'm so happy that it's finding a place in your family as well.

I'll return after just a little rest! Be well, friends!

 

tonight

Phew! The latest framing crisis was averted (Thomas at Artist & Craftsman is my new Superhero), the show is nearly all up (thanks to many helping hands - big and small), Edith & Edna has lots of books at the ready, and I think this introvert is as ready as she'll ever be.

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you tonight! And I do wish the distance weren't so far for the rest of you!

Edith & Edna
51 Exchange Street
Portland, Maine
5-8pm

a little more

Indulge me in just one more day of book talk, will you? Because today I want to mention a few really special people involved in the book. This is by no means an inclusive "acknowledgements" - as you will see, I did just fine rambling on (and on) in the book as such. Rather, I want to share a few people whose work I thought you might like to see more of, if you don't know them already.

:::::: First, the cover photography by Jessie Fields, who managed quite amazingly to get all four of us in one shot just the way that only she can envision. I respect her eye, her skill and her energy so very much that I am greatly honored her photograph was ultimately on the cover of my book. That she happens to be one of my dearest friends is just icing on the cake. (As an aside, lots of you have asked why Steve wasn't on the cover...we all joke that the fold out flap on the front should really have Steve - off to the side as he was - juggling sippy cups, clothes, props and dangling treats. Oh, and doing jigs to make us all laugh. So yes, he's there. You just can't see him.)

:::::: On the inside pages of the book, you'll find the beautiful illustrations of Portland artist Betsy Thompson. I was thrilled to have her work as a part of this project - both as chapter header illustrations and instructional illustrations for some of the patterns. I find her whimsical line drawings ever-so-charming and embracing of childhood wonder, and I'm honored they're woven into this book. Check out her amazing collage work if you haven't seen it before.

:::::: I also want to mention here, Jeffrey Yamaguchi, author 52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity; and Zoe Weil, author of Above All, Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in Challenging Times for taking the time to read the book in it's early form, and for so generously sharing their kind words about it in the form of the 'blurb' on the back of the book. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was that they both said yes (I'm still in shock, actually). Each of their books (they've each written additional books besides those I mentioned above) has inspired me - and inspired the writing of The Creative Family - greatly.

In other book news, I started a The Creative Family Flickr group. I'd love for it to be a place you can share your family creations and activities inspired by the book. It's also a great place to ask questions about any of the patterns.

Thank you for all your sweet emails and comments yesterday. How much do I love the image so many of you painted so nicely for me - curling up with tea and the book? Gosh, there are no words for the feeling that gives me. A little overwhelming. And definitely lovely. So, thank you. After all this talking, I'm going to quietly slip into sporadic photo updates for the next few days as I get ready for Friday night's opening and book launch (5-8pm at Edith & Edna - more book event details here). I can't wait to share the results of all of that!

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!!

coming right up

So, a little box of books arrived here a few weeks ago. Our book! These three advanced-copy readers have been pouring through their copies, counting pictures of themselves (thank goodness Mama made sure it was even), and sending all sorts of funny and sweet reviews my way. And they're pretty quick to jump at the chance to sign a book for family, though I think that has more to do with being able to use "Mama Pens". I get that.

So, in exactly three weeks, the book will make it's way out of our home (or rather, out of the distributors warehouse), and out into the world. Eek! A few questions I've been hearing...

Publication Date:
The official publication date is April 1st. If you've pre-ordered the book, you'll be getting it right around that date. If you're buying it locally, it will also be available on that date - though you should call your local bookstore to be sure they're ordering it.

International Orders:
The book should be availble anywhere that you regularly order books, so that's your best bet. You can also order directly from Shambhala, who will ship internationally. (And, no, I'm sorry that there are no plans for translation right now.)

Book Events:
In which I hope you can come say hello if you're local! (By the way - at the top of my nightmare list? That would be speaking in front of people I don't know. So, also coming in April? Conquering fears!)

Friday, April 4th
5-8 pm
Edith & Edna
Portland, ME
The official book launch! Along with the opening of my show everyday thread: a collection of photographs and embroidered works.

Thursday, April 10th
6:30 pm
Books, Etc
Falmouth, ME

Saturday, April 12th
3 pm
Rock-N-Romp
Great Scott
Allston, MA

Saturday, April 19th
1 pm
The Odyssey Bookshop
South Hadley, MA

(I'll add this list to my sidebar soon and keep it current with updates.)

Thank you for your patience as you've so kindly waited for this book; and for your preorders; and how sweetly you've been spreading the word. It's coming right up!

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!

letter of surrender

A vase of pink tulips will have to stand in for my white flag because it's time to admit defeat!

This month had already promised to be a challenging one before it even started. But on top of the expected came a whole bunch of unwelcome and unpleasant unexpected. And here I find myself not quite to the end of it yet, and feeling stretched in too-many different directions. I would try to give you the analogy I've been using to describe this feeling to friends - something involving silly putty, a brick wall, and five limbs snapping. But yeah, I think I scare people with that one...(and really, I'm okay. Just a little dramatic.) Suffice it to say, though, these last 11 days before turning in the manuscript are destined to be a little nutty no matter what. I hear (and remember) that it's just a rule of writing a book (is this comforting? not particularly). Piles of finished projects, piles of unfinished projects, piles of paper, piles of edits, piles of late minute ideas, and piles of doubts. Par for the proverbial course.

So rather than take you down the path of nutty right along with me (though the company would be lovely), I think it's best to take a little breather here. Ah. Feels better just saying so. Maybe I'll pop in with a picture or an update so you know I'm still kicking. Or - if we're really lucky - maybe a guest blog from my favorite peeps will appear here and there. If we ask nicely, I bet they'll do it. They're pretty swell like that - refilling my coffee cup, taking away the coffee cup and telling me to drink water, reminding me to breathe, and telling me ever so gently that it's time to take a shower.  How many days has it been, again? Right. I should do that. Shower and stuff.

Thanks for hanging in there - you're pretty swell yourselves - patiently tolerating my chatter about the second book before you've even seen the first. It's coming so soon, friends. Thank you, and I'll see you later next week!

peace,
amanda

p.s. I've got this (I think I can...she says in a quivering voice), and then this one in my head. (That would be Cheap Trick, a cheesy 80's cartoon, and a third person reference all in one sentence. That's the kind of nutty I'm talking about.)

 

many little things

So many things to tell you about, and so many places to send you in this little weekend post! Grab some tea, my friends, this might be one of my long ones.

First up, we've been very busy celebrating. As of this weekend, my two feet are now firmly planted in my thirties. Yup, 31 it is. It's been a weekend full of soaking up and savoring favorite things - my four favorite people, extended family, good food, good wine, a perfect day at the beach, casting on a new knitting project, ice cream, and a fresh pile of Netflix. And today brings a grand flea market expedition with my dearest girlfriends. Clearly, all the birthday essentials are covered. There's much to be grateful for in all of that, and much more celebrating ahead still as the littlest of the birthday girls pictured above turns two (two?!) in just a couple of days!

And now on to some fun news bits that just happen to be coinciding with birthday weekend. First up, new digs for me! www.amandablakesoule.com is a project I've been working on this summer - or rather, it's a project Kevin and Dave from Portland's iKnow have been working on with vague and often bizarre direction from me ("Make it look pretty!"). Right. But they did, and they rock. The website is up and live, and will serve as a place to hold more book details as well as news and events about what's coming up for me so that this little blog can chug along as it always has. There's a preview of the book there too  - with the Table of Contents and a chapter excerpt to give you a little taste of what you can expect inside!

Also this weekend, you can find an audio interview I did with Jennifer of CraftSanity - it's Episode #60. You can listen to it in your browser, or you can download it for an ITunes listen - super easy. If you haven't yet heard CraftSanity, be sure to give a browse around her archives for some truly inspiring stories - her podcast is one of my favorite studio sounds, and I'm honored to have been interviewed. And be warned - it's 1 hour and 19 minutes (and full of my nervous laughter and ramblings), but I hope - a fun conversation to listen in on when you have the time. Thanks so much, Jennifer!

Phew. I've got a few more days of gorging on the likes above and celebrating before I'll be back here again. Have some cake for us this weekend, will you? Or maybe just the ice cream...or some Green & Blacks (which I was happily showered with for my birthday - bring on the shrinking clothes!). Oh, heck, just indulge in our honor however you like best, will you? I'd really, really like that. 

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.

The Book! (almost)

Yay!!! I'm soooo excited to share this with you! Here it is: The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections. The cover is final and the book is on Amazon available for pre-order right now! (With a release date of March 11th, 2008). Amazon will probably have the description up in the next few days (do you think I could wait that long to tell you about this? Um, no), but until then, here's the deal, straight from the catalog of Trumpeter Books (an imprint of Shambhala):

Between work and school, music lessons, and sports practice, there is less and less time to connect as a family. Those few moments together are often spent making meals, doing homework, or watching TV. In this inspiring book, Amanda Soule, a young mother of three, presents simple ways to use arts and crafts and other forms of creativity to deepen family connections.
For parents of all backgrounds, The Creative Family offers unique creative activities for the whole family. The range of projects includes: imaginative play such as dress up, home theater and parlor games; arts and crafts such as family drawing time and knitting with children; nature explorations such as creating garden journals and making natural toys; and family celebrations that include making music and displaying children's art. These fun and engaging alternatives to television, video games, and the computer are meant to captivate children´s imaginations, celebrate their achievements, and express love and gratitude as a family.

So that's the book! I would add that whether or not you draw or sew or have never even identified yourself as someone 'creative', I do believe that we all have it in us - and finding that and nurturing it can be a wonderful experience for the whole family - child and parent.  My intent in writing the book was to fill it with activities, patterns, projects and ideas on how you can incorporate creativity into the lives of your family - in some small way - every single day. Throughout the book are my full-color photographs as well as beautiful illustrations by Portland, Maine friend and artist Betsy Thompson. The cover photograph is by the dear and talented Jessie Fields. 

Even after looking at this cover photo for a couple of months, it still gives me goosebumps. Could someone pinch me, please? Writing a book was always one of those silent dreams for me, and it rather blows my mind that it's really happening, and how it all happened to begin with. Looking at the cover fills me with immense gratitude for so very much - for the three amazing little people on it; for the bigger one just out of the shot; for the friends who contributed their art, love and support; for the people who made it happen to begin with (that would be you, dear readers...and a very lovely editor); and for those who will spend their precious time reading it. I'm very, very grateful.

And I'm sorry, but I think I'm also rambling...

{Have a lovely week, my friends. I'm going to slip quietly into vacation mode around here - some low-key local beaching and then to the woods we go. I might be on Flickr, but otherwise back here on Monday.}

from the other side of the camera

I learned a lot this weekend, in my grand attempt to shoot the cover photo for my book. I learned that you can make a HUGE mess in a very short period of time when staging a photo. I learned that our home is just that - a 'home,' and not a photo set, and that there isn't a square foot in the house that isn't 'marred' by imperfection (of course, we love it that way). I learned that blueberry muffins aren't the best idea if you don't want stained faces/fingers/clothes in the 'perfect' shot. I learned that lighting is a very, very, very, very tricky thing to figure out. I learned where my camera manual was (missing for a year). I learned a lot about my camera.

I learned that children - especially my adventuresome, curious, energetic, independent-thinking little ones - instantly lose any sense of 'creativity' once they're asked/told/begged/bribed exactly what to be doing by a desperate, directive Mama. And I learned that hours worth of planning for a shot can end up amounting to about one minute worth of photo-worthy attention span if you're under the age of 7. And that there's really nothing you can do to change that, except move on to something else.

Thankfully, I learned that it's important to know when you're in over you head, and when to ask for help. And I learned how lucky I am to have generous and talented friends who happen to be wonderful photographers, who will save me from myself. The kind of friend who'll answer, "yes we can and we will!" to my whining pleas of "i can't do this!"; who will quietly give up the first sunny weekend of the season with her own family to be with mine; who doesn't mind taking hundreds of pictures to get that one shot; and who does it all with a contagious smile on her face. A good friend, I tell you. A good friend, indeed.

And last, I think I learned a lot about what kind of photography I do best. Much like parenting, I think I work best not by being the planner and director, but by following the lead of the little ones around me. By engaging and encouraging, and quietly watching and waiting, and by letting things unfold in front of me, naturally and beautifully as they always do. Then, and only then do I get my shot. The planning thing? Doesn't work for me in this case. Really, it's just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.....and with the right people (Those four people above? My favorite subjects, naturally).

(What, you thought I'd show you the cover photo? Oh no...not even a tiny glimpse...I'm pretty sure it's like a wedding dress, you know. Bad luck, or something. I can hardly wait.)

Making me happy...

Really, it doesn't take much to make me happy. A front row seat at the in-house jousting performance. Ending the day with some Green and Blacks. Making it through an entire day without anyone breaking a glass or dish (which I really only mind because it means i need to vacuum. ugh.).  But there was even more yesterday that has me in good spirits:

This vintage dress. Thrifted yesterday for $2. A vintage 'Alice In Wonderland Frock', with the adorably illustrated tag still attached, and the crisp tissue paper and pins on the inside. It will fit Adelaide this spring and I can hardly wait. I think we might need some patent leather shoes. And ruffle-bum tights? Alright, alright. I'll stop at that.

You. Not only did the shop sell out, but more importantly, you showered me with kind words. It feels *so* amazing to put yourself out there, sometimes a bit vulnerably, and to be met in return with kindness, and generosity. Really now, that's just wonderful. Thank you.

Baby Steps. And giving cause for one more celebratory dinner, a title for the book was finalized yesterday. I'm slowly beginning to believe that at the end of all of this (January '08!), there's going to be a book - MY book - that I can actually see, and hold, and read (well, I'll probably be too freaked out to actually read it - I'm anticipating it to be like hearing your voice on an answering machine.oy). So, without further adieu -
The Creative Family:
Simple projects and activities for you and your children that encourage imagination and nurture family connections
A title! Hooray!

Who knew that such a random Tuesday in January could be full of such goodness.

breathe

The edited manuscript is due today (sort of my 'last chance'). And the perfectionist in me (ugh) is having a minor freak-out, stomping her feet and whining those dreaded, evil words, "it's not good enough yet!".  I do think my kind and very gentle editor is going to need to come and pry this thing out of my hands, against my pleas for More Time (which I've already had). Either that, or I'm going to get a quick lesson in letting go. Um, Today.

So! Rather than talk about the ugliness that was me and the manuscript at 2 am this morning (oy), let's look at something pretty, shall we? Yes, let's.
My sweet, in her vintage smock I found this weekend while flea marketing with the lovely Meg and Brandie. The digging and rummaging and chatting with these two ladies was just the welcome break and escape I needed. And this smock on miss sweet cheeks makes me very happy, as do those sweet cheeks themselves, of course.

Ah. That's better. Return to the breath. Return to the breath. (Yeah, yeah.)

so long, 2006!

I'm finishing up some of the artwork for the book this week, and just found this photo buried in the folders upon folders of photos on my hard drive. It's an outtake from a shot I was trying to get for the book. It was in October, on a very cold and windy day. We had just left a friends birthday party, and everyone was tired and sugared out, and I know my babes just wanted to go home. I had been working every day on the book, and everyone was void of the Mama time they really needed. Steve was working triple duty - job, babes, house, and 'editor' to me. While it was hard (but good) work for me, it was really hard work for everyone around me. And while we were all a little haggard at times, and some moments were prettier than others, the point is that they trudged through it with me. No, they didn't trudge - they soared. That day on the beach was one of those moments when they soared for me - forgetting about being cold and tired, and going along with my crazy plan. And even having fun along the way.

It turns out that I didn't get quite what I wanted for the book photo on this day. But I certainly got something else of more significant value to me. When I saw this photo today, a flood of gratitude came over me and filled me up. While it seems terribly inadequate, as I think back upon this year, I will say over and over again to them- Thank You, my loves.

And thank you to YOU, too. For continuing to check in here and read each and everyday, for your lovely words, gifts, and thoughts, for your inspiration, and for your support. And mostly, for joining me along for the ride.

It's been a really good year.

Thank you!!

Wow. I am touched and humbled. I was choked up more than a few times reading your comments yesterday. Thank you SO much. At each of the steps along the way in this process have been many amazing moments of realization and then rejoicing (Steve asks 'how many celebratory dinners exactly does one book require?' Um, a few more, honey.). Sharing the news here with you is one of those steps that I've been excited about. Thanks for meeting it with such energy! Yay! I will keep you posted as things move along.

Before I get too far ahead of myself, I must back up to give a big 'Three Cheers for Steve' for guest blogging for the past two weeks. After he agreed to be SoulePapa (he's such a good sport), I had a moment of panic, realizing that usually the first time someone blogs there's time to get a bit of a voice, or 'practice' before anyone generally even reads it (which is generally a good thing.I cringe when I read my first few posts). And there I was essentially throwing him out to the wolves on his first try. But you were all very nice wolves, so thank you. And he stepped up to the plate in a big way, so thank YOU, Steve! And oh, how much fun it was to see him become a blogger  - taking bizarre photos, writing posts in his head, reading comments and visiting your blogs, etc. And he promises that he'll come back for guest appearances from time to time. hooray!

He told you about our little house heartbreak, didn't he? I must admit that it still stings a bit (Calvin told me to stop driving by it the other day. Oops. Did I go that way again?).  Oh, I had big, big dreams about that house - and the 'studio' space? Oh my, oh my.  But now, we're finding some peace with it all, and settling into staying here a bit longer. And now that I've got a bit more time to play, I've been puttering around in my studio - getting organized, and just generally sinking back in. (It may appear to you that I've been sewing with regularity, but it's all been small projects snuck in frantically so I didn't get too withdrawal/twitchy!) I'm sooo eager to sink into something slow and big. I'll leave you with a few snapshots of around the room as I've been tidying. (A few notes on the Flickr pages.) Enjoy! {Phew! Shorter posts coming soon!}

The Whole Story (or most of it, anyway)

Hello, Hello!! Oh my, there is so much to say. But you've all waited so patiently for my promised 'reveal' and so I'll get right to that, and save the rest for tomorrow. Go ahead and grab yourself some tea/wine (you choose), as this is destined to be a long, rambly, spewy sort of post. My apologies.

This has been a frequent scene in my life in the past six months. I've been spending far less time in my studio, and more time in my local library and favorite coffee shops. I've been spending less time with my Bernina love, and more time with my Mac love. Have you figured it out yet? Yes, my friends, I've been writing a book.

The story begins like this (you did know you were getting the whole story, right?): Last February, Steve and I were having one of those 'where are we going?' kind of life discussions. You know the ones. Dreams. Plans. Goals. And we hatched this idea of a project geared towards families wanting to live a more creative, connected life with their children. Like us, and all of you, and so many more people out there doing the best we can and wanting to do more. We made a plan and set aside some time for me to figure out where to go with this idea - another blog? a zine? newsletter? a book? And then amazingly, as life seems to do, just two days later I received an inquiry from an editor about a book project on creative family living, asking if I had any interest. Um, yes. Yes, yes, yes.

So the spring was spent working on a book proposal, getting an agent, and a contract with Shambhala Publications (a perfect fit for me if there ever was one). Then, the summer was spent writing, creating and photographing projects for the book, and writing some more (all in between many a trip to the beach. But you already knew that part). My deadline for the manuscript was, well, yesterday. Yesterday! This whole experience has been a huge long-time dream come true, and at the same time, surely one of the hardest things I've ever done. I've still got a bit of photography and editing ahead of me, but I'm really really relieved to have this big part done. A lot of things in our lives have had to slide to the back burner to make this happen, and I'm very very happy to return my attention there. And speaking of things that have had to 'slide', I must say now (and I'll say it again and again), as completely dorky as this sounds, this would never have happened without the help of sooo very many people. Helpful Friends. Loving Family. Patient and Forgiving Children. And most of all an amazing husband, partner and friend all rolled into one (seriously. he's kick-ass).

But I'm getting ahead of myself. You want to know about the book! The book! Which has yet to have a confirmed title (you'll be among the first to know), is about creative and inspired family living. It's full of over 50 projects, activities and ideas for leading a more full and creative life with our children. Not just 'another kids craft book', I hope it goes deeper - to emphasize the meaningful connections that happen when we create together as a family; and the importance of nurturing the creative spirits of our children and ourselves. There's a focus on nature and celebrating the seasons, resourceful living, and mindfulness as a parent, as well as creating beyond our homes and into our communities. There will be my full-color photography throughout the book, as well as illustrations by a wonderful Portland (Maine) artist, Betsy Thompson. The book will be published in January '08 (yes, '08, it's really not that far away).

To wrap this up, I want to say Thank You to YOU. This book partly came about because of this little blog, and so I have yet another reason to be grateful for it, and for you, for reading each and every day. I'll be glad to share here some of the more exciting steps towards the publication of the book.  But I also hope you know that nothing will really change around here - this blog isn't going to suddenly be about selling my book. It's just another piece of my life at the moment that I'm honored to now be able to share with you!