SouleMama

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.