A Place Like This......

Fed Up With Frenzy Giveaway

Today I have a very special giveaway from blogging friend Suz Lipman.

 

A couple of years ago I discovered her blog Slow Family Online. It spoke to the core of my being. We've been able to share our love of creating memories in our families by savoring each moment.

Fed up with car-pooling, the school drop off line, sports practice, hours of homework, and a constant pressure to do more quickly , one day Suz Lipman decided to just stop this mad paced life and to slow down.

This decision or the thought of such a decision can leave one with more questions than answers.

Is it really this easy to just stop? Won't my children just watch TV or play video games? What about my child being well-rounded to get into a good university? All of these I can tell you are some of the same questions that ran through my brain as well. 

"Slowing down doesn't mean moving at a snails pace but creating a time schedule that feels right for you and your family."

Everything starts with the intention to do so. Here's the gem of it all, you, as in you and your family get to choose how you fill your time together. I can share from experience that it is that easy to stop the frenzy and exchange it for fun.

Fed up with Frenzy is a treasure trove of a guide filled to the brim with afforadable activities to help your family slow down and reconnect to one another. 

Included in this slow family adventure guide are cooking and crafting, getting outdoors, seasonal celebrations and wonderful suggestions for "slow" family vacation activities. Pages and pages of wonderful inspiring ideas to create memories for you and your family.

I couldn't help physically smiling while reading this gem of a book because of the memories it evoked from my own childhood. My lucky husband and children have been followed through the hallowed halls of our home to hear me reading from my favorite jump rope rhymes, hand-clapping games, choosing IT, and let's not forget those scouting games and crafting moments such as the ever popular sit upon. 

As I've read through this book several times now, exact and precise moments from my childhood came jumping off the page. I am ever inspired to write a childhood memory journal for my children as we take the suggestions off these pages and make memories together. 

I know for certain that if Suz and I lived on the same street growing up that we would have been the best of friends. The only question I had after reading Fed up with Frenzy is if Suz Lipman ever spoke Pig Latin. Certainly after sharing so many of the same creative moments in our lives, it is hoped that we share Pig Latin as well. :)

Here's a little more about Susan Sach Lipman:

She is the founder of slowfamilyonline.com, writes for Christin Science Monitor's Modern Parenthood blog, and is the San Francisco Slwo Family Life Examiner at Examinercom. She is also the Social Media Director for the Children & Nature Network, which encourages and supports people and organizations working around the world to reconnect children with nature.

A longtime Girl Scout leader, Suz also enjoys gardening, hiking, community volunteering, reading, soap crafting and food canning. She lives with her husband and daughter in Mill Valley, CA.

 

Today we are giving away one copy of Fed up with Frenzy. Please leave a comment below telling us what activities you love to share together as a family. This giveaway goes through Monday September 3rd with the winner announced September 4th. A huge thank-you to Sourcebooks for supplying the book for today's giveaway. 

Fed up with Frenzy can be found in the following places:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Indie Bound

Book Passage

Powell's

A Bout of Extreme Author Worship in NYC

Yes it's true. Last week found me in New York City.

For the most amazing book conference called Book Expo America. Everything started off on a good note with Seth Godin greeting us at breakfast. He is such a dynamic and captivating speaker. What I really like about Seth is that he's approachable, an intent listener, and always gives something of great content and value in return. Seth is the author of 12 different Indie Published Titles which have gone onto be mega sellers. He is now in partnership with Amazon producing The Domino Project.

Those of you who have read this blog for awhile now know that I have a great love of books. That is probably an understatement.  So imagine me in a ginormous room with all of my favorite authors. It was a moment, a week-long moment of complete and utter author worship. 

Getting to meet Lois Lowry was one of the highlights of my trip.

Also on the reverent author moment list was meeting Daniel Handler and Eoin Colfer . Daniel is better known as Lemony Snickett and Eoin is the brain behind Artemis Fowl. 

Aside from meeting wonderful authors, which you'll probably never hear the end of, I had a few stolen moments of enjoying the city.

A view from the top.......

A peaceful moment at Lincoln Center. I saw the Broadway Show The War Horse. It's brilliantly done with puppets and actors plus some fine folk music. Unlike the children's book, this is not a show for children as their are many war scenes including weaponry. I was hitting the deck a couple of times but it was well worth it for a mesmerizing performance.

Before I left, I had to have one meal in one of my personal favorite restaurants, Cafe Un, Deux, Trois.

It was a really inspiring and enjoyable week but after an 9 hour lay-over in Charlotte it sure feels good to be home.

More Celebrating than a Kettle of Fish and A Special Something For YOU!

It is an exciting day at Over Here ! Sound the party horns! Whip some confetti around the room or do a Happy Dance around the Old Oak Tree! Dish up the Birthday Cake! It's PARTY TIME :)

Why all the fuss? JIAB (Jump into a Book) and  Audrey Press have two reasons to celebrate on this day of May 7th. First, it's lucky number 7 for Jump Into a book! As of today May 7th, JIAB has been around SEVEN YEARS. I guess you could say it's our beloved blog's Golden Birthday. Can you believe it's been 7 years?? Can you say BLESSED?

OK...now our "Let's Party Hardy" reason #2 is..........(drum roll please)

Our sweet little fox  book The Fox Diaries:The Year The Foxes Came To Our Garden is ONE.YEAR.OLD today!!! It's actually kind of magical how these two special days landed on the same day. It certainly wasn't planned that way! Oh, and what an exciting year it has been for our Foxes:

• We've toured all over the country. Visiting blogs, libraries, schools, nature centers, and wildlife reserves
• Sponsored the Pella Wildlife Company.
• Have gone digital (you can find the Fox Diaries Digital Read-Aloud version HERE)

AND...the cherry on this birthday sundae would be there's a whole NEW batch of foxes in the Budayr backyard!

Yes, it's true. The second generation of foxes have arrived via original kit Hulda. Hulda herself is now all grown up and a mama.. A mama to TEN kits. Yes...I said 10. SO, needless to say, we have a lot to celebrate. And in honor of these monumental occasion we would love to offer our readers a very special Birthday Price for our The Fox Diaries Book. In honor of Hulda's 10 new babies, we are offering The Fox Diaries for TEN BUCKS this week only.

Are you IN? AWESOME. Click this LINK to purchase your copy of the Fox Diaries at the birthday deal price, or head over to Jump Into a Book or Audrey Press on Facebook and click the birthday cake icon to get your copy for $10. Oh, and would you do us a favor? Please "Like" is while you are there (please-and-thank-you).

FINAL THOUGHT: Though it was completely unintentional, having the same birthday for both JIAB and The Fox Diaries, it is a full circle moment. From jumping into hundreds of books to holding one of my own, this is a day to truly be celebrated. Thank you all of walking this journey with me and for being the wonderful reading companions you are.- Valarie

A Very Special Rhythm of the Home Announcement

Last Thursday saw the Spring edition of Rhythm of the Home launch and with it a very special announcement. Over the last 3 and half years I've had the most joyous pleasure of writing for this creative and nurturing online magazine and being a part of this incredible community of creative families. 

 

"Rhythm of the Home was created as a collaborative voice, a way to open the world to perspectives on educating and raising our children. It has always been our hope that through sharing the voices of many, we would all one day look back and be proud of the changes that we had made, the new paths we set for the next generation."

Bernadette Emerson and Heather Fontenot

It is with this same spirit of community that Audrey Press is pleased to announce The Rhythm of the Home Book. Soon our favorite online magazine will be coming off the shelf as a book, once again embracing the community it reflects. To see how you can become involved in The Rhythm of the Home book project have a look here.

In this edition I offered up a little dream time magic from one of my favorite book characters the BFG (Big Friendly Giant).  A place to put wishes, dreams and inpirations for young and old alike, you too can become a dream collector. This edition is full of wonderful projects, recipes, and reflections. As we move from winter to spring we see all the potential that new life holds. Here's wishing you many creative moments in the days and months ahead. 

The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

“Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are hidden in the most unlikely places.”
-Roald Dahl

Maybe over the last few months you've noticed that I haven't been here as frequently as I use to. Maybe you've noticed I haven't been able to stop by and visit like I use to and all of this has a wonderfully great reason. Over the past year I've been holed up in my studio creating an ultimate and incredible book adventure into the pages of our favorite childhood story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The Ultimate Guide To Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is just that: a Guide. A step by step roadmap to a magical world the whole family can enjoy:

• Over 20 Crafts and Activities that not only entertain, but educate. Ever wonder where chocolate comes from? Or how gum is made? Conduct experiential activities in the areas of crafting, cooking, and game-playing as well as exploring many facets of candy production.
• A story filled with beautiful graphic illustrations including tantalizing Treasure Maps and vibrant tutorials.
• A chance to “meet” original Willy Wonka author himself, Roald Dahl.
• The option to take Charlie's journey over the course of several days or take shorter journeys if you wish.
• The creation of a new ritual of reading time with your family and the opportunity to experience the reading of this imaginative tale as a group activity, not a solitary event.

A unique collaboration between myself, the very talented graphic artist Roscoe Welply and the ever talented editor Bernadette Emerson. We intentionally created Willy Wonka's world ,which leaps off the page and coaxes you and your family to immerse yourselves into this world of inventions, concoctions, and adventure.

Re-awaken the passion and idea of “jumping” inside the pages of this book with the knowledge that each chapter is a gateway into a magical world.

Today I am beyond excited to share this with you, and you must know that you're the first to have a sneak peak. We haven't even announced it yet to the rest of the world. That comes later this week.

It will release in the Spring of 2012. Currently we are looking for people to review the book. If you are interested in doing so, please drop me a line at [email protected]. 

To be on the advanced notice list sign-up here. 

 From Audrey Press:

Inspired by the love of a good story, some imagination, a sense of adventure and a good dose of curiosity, children and the adults who care for them can take flight into one of our most beloved books, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

The Ultimate Guide presents several experiential activities in the areas of crafting, cooking, and game-playing as well as exploring many facets of candy production, and meeting the author himself, Roald Dahl. Each step and activity leads us further into the story to bring more and more of it to life, leaving a lasting impression of an adventure and journey shared.

 If you have a minute please have a look at our book trailer. Enjoy and thank you always for being here.

Your Invited to the Club

Over the weekend my blogging friend Joy was recommending the book "The Weapons of Mass Instruction." By John Taylor Gatto. Another friend of ours, Eileen ,wanted to read it along with her and then I said, "Can I come too?" 

From this very simple Facebook conversation was born the Mindful Parenting Book Club. I'd be so happy to see you join us and please invite anyone else you think might enjoy it.

Here's some more information.

A New *Free* Virtual Book Club for Mindful Parents!

Join Us and Read Along!

Our First Book to share together will be ‘Weapons of Mass Instruction’ by John Taylor Gatto. Regardless of your schooling choices – this book will get you thinking about our current educational system and model!

Order the book from your library, Amazon or download it to your reader… read it and in between come on over with a cup of coffee to sit in on our Virtual Book Club Facebook Page! Pop on over any time to chat – you’re never behind!

In addition, our first ‘scheduled’ book discussion will be hosted by bloggers Eileen Straiton, Valarie Budayr and Joy Blaser on February 4^th where we will cover the Prologue through Chapter 1 of our book, asking questions and inspiring others as they read along.

 

 

One Year Old

There was a knock at the door. As I walked to the kitchen to see who it was, I could clearly see that it was my baby girl Mimi. Odd that she wouldn't use her house key but then I saw her holding something.

When I opened the door I saw CAKE !  Oh how I love cake and the message was clear.

One year ago I founded Audrey Press to publish a happy little book about the fox family that lives in our yard. Little did I know the journey that would unfold and the life changing path this would open. 

Though I hadn't even remembered the anniversary, my children had, and just as their mother had taught them, we need to celebrate the little moments.

And celebrate we did!

We celebrated:

• My mother and the children's Grandma for being the wonderful person that she was. Audrey Press is named after her. I feel her with me every day in my new found world of book creating. 
• Our foxes and how they've grown and expanded as a family.
• Our gratitude for meeting so many wonderful people: our online friends, our friends in bookstores and schools throughout the past year. 
• Building a life around our passions, books being high up on the list.
• The incredible people who work and create at Audrey Press. They truly make life a magical journey. 

Over the next couple of weeks I'm going to share all of the incredible things happening at Audrey Press, but for the moment we just need to party. To celebrate our one year anniversary, we're holding a birthday bash sale of $10 copies of The Fox Diaries. Just click on the widget below.

My Favorite Christmas Memory: I'm in the Book!

 

As an official co-author of The Gratitude Book Project: My Favorite Christmas Memory, I want to share my appreciation with you!  

 I was so excited to take part in this book. It happily extends my gratitude practice through my love of writing while remembering my familie's traditions. Yesterday we celebrated the Swedish/Scandinavian tradition of St. Lucia. When thinking about my contribution for the book, I really wanted to capture this family held celebration not only for my children but to help set the holiday spirit for all. Bringing light to the darkest time of year via a maiden dressed in white wearing a crown of candles on her head is the beginning of our holiday celebrations.

 

 The Gratitude Book Project: My Favorite Christmas Memory is stuffed full of surprises in this heart-warming collection of holiday memories that will put you in the spirit of the season.

The book gives you a peek inside the miracle a stranger brought to a single mom’s door and will delight with the joy one dollar and six plastic elves created for an entire family. Everything old will feel new again when you get caught up in a 5-year-old’s vision of Santa—from the window of a plane. 

 

It makes a great holiday gift for friends and family and is one that can be enjoyed throughout the year; with the added benefit of reminding us all to take the time to count our blessings each day.

 

Many of us have discovered that recognizing and expressing gratitude out loud and often can be a life changing practice. I hope you will join me in being a part of keeping gratitude in motion, not just during the traditional holiday season, but throughout the year.

 

The Gratitude Book Project^® series proudly donates its net proceeds from retail sales to the following worthwhile charities:

 

• Feeding America
• Women for Women International
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.)

 

I hope you will join me in supporting these organizations and creating an epidemic of gratitude by purchasing one or two copies for yourself, your friends, family, or colleagues. You can find your copy here,“The Gratitude Book Project: My Favorite Christmas Memory.” 

 

 

On This Second Day of December: Bookended

On this second day of December there is a thick frost on the ground which  makes me think of sitting by a nice fire reading. Though there are many special books I could recommend, today I'll share a couple of things I wouldn't want you to miss.

The most important is that one lucky family will be receiving 30 hardcover Jan Brett books next week. Today is the last day of the 30 book Jan Brett giveaway over at Jump into a Book.  It has been such an exciting time ! Please stop over and say hello.

Yesterday the new Rhythm of the Home Winter Edition came out. I'm so honored to have an article inside it's cozy and creative pages. For this edition we shared the time we got horribly lost only to discover Louisa May Alcott's house and her very famous neighbors. As with each new edition the Rhythm of the Home Blog is hosting a giveaway. There you will find many wonderful handmade crafts and other treasures. There is also a collection of Louisa May Alcott books being given away. It goes from today until December 5th. 

The last little bit of news I'll share today is a discovery I made earlier this week about an organization called Better World Books. I learned that my book The Fox Diaries is being sold as a new book through them. I was beyond thrilled. This is an incredible organization changing the world one book at a time.

Their Story:

In 2002, 3 university students began selling textbooks online. Though their buisness thrived, they wanted to further their business by enhancing literacy worldwide by gathering used books meant for the landfill and selling them.

Their business model is a conscious and compassionate one, allowing them to take what is already here i.e. books, and generate revenue to support literacy and make a profit. They have an active employee profit sharing program which makes everyone an integral part of the business.

Here are some ways they contribute to literacy:

• They take old books from libraries and sell them. Part of the proceeds are given back to the library to puchase new books.
• Better World Books supports book drives, collecting used books and text books. They gather them from a network of 1,800 college campuses and partnerships with 3000 libraries nationwide.

To date, Better World Books has converted more than 80 million pounds of books into $10,407,405.00 raised for literacy and libraries. 66,579,689 books have been reused or recycled.

For each book you buy, one book is given. They have the best prices anywhere plus free shipping.

If you are considering buying books this holiday season, please consider buying from Better World Books and make an impact on global literacy. 

 

 

Boys Alive and a Carnival

Hi Everyone,

It's been a busy week but I wanted to pop in to share with you that tomorrow I'll be speaking at the Boys Alive event at 4 pm Eastern and 1 pm Pacific. IT'S FREE!!!!!

It's been an incredible 3 week event. Which has really built a fabulous foundation for working with the "boys" in your life.

 For those of you who would like to hear all three weeks for Event, plus get the Summary and Action Plans, you'll be ENTERED TO WIN the COMPLETE  Rick Riordan catalog, completments of Jump into A Book.  What a fabulous gift any boy would love!

 

Here is a little bit more about this weeks speakers.

From the Boys Alive Site:

Boys are in trouble.  High school drop-out rates are increasing and the number of males attending college is decreasing.  This has SERIOUS implications for future income-earning potential and overall life satisfaction.

And it all begins in PRE-SCHOOL!

·         Boys tend to think school is for girls (and especially language arts!)

·         Popular media reinforces the notion that boys and men don’t read.  (When was the last time you saw a superhero or sports figure reading?)

·         If he shows enthusiasm for school, especially language arts, he may not be perceived by his peers as a real boy.

WHAT DO WE DO?

LISTEN IN as experts give you the map.  They will guide YOU, so that you can guide HIM to become a confident reader and writer. 

And be sure to let your son’s school teachers and administrators know about this amazing collaboration of experts:

Dr. Thomas Newkirk, author of Misreading Masculinity – boys, literacy, and popular culture, brings insights into boys and their relationship to sports, movies, video games and other popular culture.  He sees these media not as enemies of literacy, but as resources for literacy.

Kelley King, author of Strategies for Teaching Boys and Girls, will present practical strategies and activities that have been field tested in real classrooms to harness the unique strengths of girls and boys. 

Michael McQueen is a school librarian and a confessed reluctant reader!  He provides unique ways to engage boys via their interests.  He is the author of several websites that provide support for boys and reading.

Emily Rempe is a physical therapist and mom.  She hosts a website that provides practical, daily activity suggestions to parents of 0 to 5 year old children.  By supporting age-appropriate, early learning activities in the home, children are more prepared when they enter school.

Valarie Budayr, publisher and author of The Fox Diaries, shares ways to get boys actively involved in reading through projects, field trips, and other activities.  She knows boys need to move to learn and she helps parents and teachers with creative ways to do that!

We know you worry…and wonder…about your boy.  If you’re a teacher, we know you worry and wonder, too.

Change that worry into decisive action with the help of these experts!

REGISTER NOW and have immediate access to our Treasure Chest of gifts from our speakers.  These gems alone are priceless!

I highly recommend Janet and the experts she's interviewed - if you're serious about parenting your boy in a more successful way – you won’t want to miss this ground-breaking on-line Event! 

Carnival of Children's Literature.

photo by Stuck in Customs

Tomorrow as well, Jump Into a Book will be hosting the Carnival of Children's Literature.  Sponsored by the Kidlitosphere blog and website, the monthly Carnival of Children's Literature shares some great post from kidlit bloggers. Come over tomorrow and meet some of my book loving friends.