A Place Like This......

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

Summering

Happy first day of Summer.

Summer is:

My mother would have been 85 years old today. Though she is no longer with us, we celebrate anyway. She loved summer and lived it fully.

We are on the road this week taking in the summer sights, sounds, and tastes. If we don't find our way back to this space this week, know we are greatly amusing ourselves as always. I hope summer holds a special magic for all of you.

Before we go, we have to say a very special thank you to Kelly, who invited the foxes to come and visit.  Kelly is a librarian who works as an English as a Second Language teacher. Along with books she loves travelling and has been working on her goal of visiting every state. Like me, she has a great love of paper and can be found on her blog Uniquely Me, Imperfections and All. Kelly is mom to one busy teenager and wife to a patient woodturning man. Kelly has mentioned that she "helps" her husband from time to time as in, helps herself to his bowls and things. ;) Please visit Kelly and see what wonderful and special things she has going on and thank you Kelly for your kindness to the foxes.

Happy Summering Everyone! Back Soon!

Last Day of the Blog Tour at Swedish House

Happy Monday Everyone!  Today is the last day of our blog tour so does it surprise anyone that we would end it in Sweden? 

If you're just landing here let me give you a little back ground. I'm of Swedish heritage and I love all things Swedish, and from Sweden. You can find me at least once a year in Sweden visiting family and friends and if I'm not physically there, I'm there in spirit.

 

Today finds us at Julie's and her blog Swedish House. Julie and I met through mutal friends in several places on the blogosphere. It was only a matter of time before we met anyway because of our love of a little Red Swedish house known as a stuga.

'The sun shines on a little cottage and in that cottage I want to live with you!

Red stugor are found everywhere in Sweden except on Gotland where my family is from. I have a great love affair with the old wooden houses and the folk culture which inhabits them. 

The minute I saw Julie's Swedish House I just wanted to move in and then there is the great love of Loppis........yard sales. Julie orignally hales from London England. Her and her family moved to Sweden a few years ago and have spent their time learning the language and culture as well as redoing and decorating their sweet little house. 

 Our friendship has grown over a love of old Swedish things, crafting, the art of drinking coffee, baking, supporting each other through parent illnesses, and creating and appreciating each and every day.

Please stop by and say "hej" pronounced hay to Julie. She's giving away one last copy of The Fox Diaries, on this round of the blog tour.

Enjoy!

Today's photos: Some are Julie's  and some are mine.

Mousy Brown's House

Here's a vision for you:

It isn't with just everyone that I sit in front of a coal lit fire in my gnome pyjamas, knitting a hat, and singing a long while I watch GLEE. But that's just the sort of friend that EM is. 

This past January I popped over to Wales to wish my dear friend Emily a happy 40th birthday. In those short 5 days we bonded the friendship that had started off as blogging comments to solidify the fact that we had a sisterly sort of friendship. We love to take photos, knit. We celebrated her birthday by learning how to crochet. We have an affinity for old and vintage. Thanks for sending my royal mugs Em.  We love gardening but most of all I think we love mothering the most.

So as the blog tour makes it's way around the world I had to stop in and visit my buddy Emily to celebrate and share this momentous occasion. Emily is the happy blogger over at Mousy Brown's House.

Emily does more with a pillowcase than anyone I know. They just aren't for sleeping anymore. She's made tablecloths, curtains, market bags, aprons, I think coasters too. Anyway if you have a pillowcase that you want to sleep on , you better hide it or it will be magically re-purposed. 

Her home is warm and welcoming with a kettle boiling and books everywhere.

She has a way of making moments magical. The time I spent with EM and her family are just precious in my mind.

Photo by Emily

(She does paper cutting to and now I'm addicted to the practice)

Please have a stop on our blog tour and meet my dear friend Emily. She has a great Etsy shop with lots of treasures. Be sure to have a look at her tutorials and her blog roll as well. There are some mighty fine people I've come to know from the sidebar. 

Emily will be having a giveaway for one copy of The Fox Diaries.

By Hand At Home

The blog tour has made it's way to Portland Oregon and that means I'M HOME! Kendra of Hand At Home is a very special friend indeed. This is the friend that makes me my favorite jam in late summer..........Marionberry Jam and sends it clear across the United States so I can savor a few moments from home.

She celebrates the lovely little moments in life with a gentleness and kindness. Whenever I stop by Kendra's blog it always feels like I'm stopping in for the three C's of life......coffee,cake, and conversation. 

 She's  momma to two of the sweetest children.

Who happen to love foxes. 

Along with a shared love of cooking, reading, and knitting, there is a great passion for crafting. Kendra has the cutest Etsy store filled with her hand-made gifts. 

It is such an honor to be visiting this happy nurturing home in a city we both love, Portland. Kendra is offering a giveaway of the Fox Diaries. Please stop by and say hello and enjoy your time there.

Be well everyone and have a great day.

(Today's photos are by Kendra)

Blog Tour Continues at Ren Lady of the Arts

Happy Monday everyone! The blog tour continues and today takes us to the desert of the Western United States. Ren lady of the Arts is a blog for the person who loves living. There you will find my friend Ren, loving her two little monkeys....well in real life they are boys.  Watching her favorite art house films, appreciating the finesse of Wabi-Sabi, cooking great food and not only loving great art but sharing her great art finds.

Photo by Ren Lady of the Arts

Where Ren is concerned I always have this running list going. What's on it?

• The never ending movie list of films I know Ren will like.
• Her recipes I've tried which have become family favorites.....like the roasted garlic.
• Books 
• Last but not least things I think her boys might like.

I think of Ren all the time. She's just returned from a trip to Prague  and Austria where she shared so many marvelous corners, like my favorite vintage store in Vienna, art museums, and food. 

Photo by Ren Lady of the Arts

Today, I'm so honored to stop by Ren's blog and share The Fox Diaries over there. As is our tradition, there is a book giveaway. Please stop by and see the incredible world of Ren and her art filled world. 

A Visit to Gypsy Forest

We became fast friends over gnomes and vintage. She is and ever will be one of my vintage swap partners and someone I check in with daily via the blogs.  Stephinie is the  author of the blog Gypsy Forest.

Stephinie and I share a great many things such as our love of cooking and just throwing things together as well as our great love of books, both for the kids and for the adults. 

photo Stephinie Miner

Today the foxes are visiting our friends in Louisiana and have received a warm Southern welcome. 

 She has been very busy sewing for her first art fair in Squam NH next month. She is really excited to be attending SAW with her mom. Stephinie lives in Louisiana and her moms lives in Alaska. "We don't see each other nearly enough. I am so happy that she will be at my side after the workshops to help me with the fair."

Also, She will be adding  organic items to her line of quilts and other handmades in her etsy shop. These items will debut at the Squam Art Fair, but her etsy shop will be pretty quiet while she prepares for Squam. 

Photo by Stephinie Miner

 After her return from New Hampshire, there will be some new items including DIY kits, project bags, home items and more that will make their first appearance over the month of June. 

photo by Stephinie Miner

So many exciting things coming down the Pike for my friend Stephinie. I'm so proud of her and all her creative endeavors.

For a chance to win a copy of the Fox Diaries, head on over to Gypsy Forest and leave a comment. Until Monday, have a great weekend everyone and thanks to Stephinie for having us over to Gypsy Forest.

Child in Harmony

Today the blog tour takes a very special stop at Child in Harmony. Marcia is passionate about teaching children and families about nature. 

Photo by Marcia Simonds

  Marcia has a wonderful earth school for children as well as having a small farm. This Spring finds her busy with her myriad of animals, I especially love her Polish Hen, and she is having earth classes for teens.

Marcia says,”You know I am passionate about connecting all people with nature, especially children….and I am really touched how much the teens love earth school. I am also continuing my A Nest In Nature once a week for parents and their children, birth to six to connect with nature, their creativity and other parents and their children and to encourage natural learning. You can have a look at Marcia’s Earth School here.

  She will be sharing her  experience with The Fox Diaries as well as hosting a giveaway of the book and a special discount code for those of you who can’t wait.

photo by Marcia Simonds

Later on in the afternoon I’ll be over at the Waldorf Connection. I’m Donna Ashton’s May Spotlight Sponsor for  her monthly call. You’ll get to hear a wonderful interview with Kaitlyn Keyt of VibesUp.

 

I’ll also be interviewed about The Fox Diaries, the creation of Audrey Press, and the rhyme and reason behind Jump Into A Book. Don’t Miss It!….but if you do there will be a replay which I’ll post here for 48 hours.

Here’s a few more details about the call this afternoon and a little more about Kaitlyn Keyt.

 Kaitlyn is passionate about bringing new awareness in
the area of eduction. She teaches on right brain genius,
refers to ADD as NBG (new Brain gift) explains why it is
important to be living our gifts,  the brilliance in the unfocused,
the importance of children being grounded and much more
in the area of children and education.
 
Today, May 11 1pm Pacific/2pm Mountain
3pm Central/4pm Eastern-
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and
listen to this hot topic. (don’t worry if you can’t make it!
There will be a 48hr free replay)
To Listen by Phone:
Conference ID: 595926#
Primary Number: (801) 656-2240
Backup Number: (949) 333-4806
Local Numbers: http://InstantTeleseminar.com/Local/

To Listen over Internet: (Wed at 4pm EST)
http://InstantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=19649415

To Listen over Skype:
http://instantteleseminar.com/skype/
pin code# 595926

 

It's Elemental

Sterling silver, gold, bronze, oxidization, welding, metal wire and then just plain metal. These are the tools that jewelry artist Amy Ambroult uses to create her magic. Recently I had the pleasure of receiving one of her pieces. To celebrate the launch of Audrey Press Publishing, I commissioned Amy to make a silver charm bracelet. Each charm representing another experience in the author/publisher realm. It is such a thrill to wear one of Amy's pieces of art. 

Clearly it is time to celebrate!!!!

Today, live from Massachusetts, Amy, A, and the girls are hosting the first leg of The Fox Diaries Blog Tour. If a family of foxes had a fan club, Amy's girls would definitely be at the top of the list. It was because of "The Girls" that I started posting weekly on Thursdays. Every Thursday they would hurry home from school to find out what our little fox family was doing. We loved hearing their reactions and insights about our little garden visitors. 

Please head on over to Amy's blog Elemental for a glimpse into their look at the Fox Diaries as well as a chance to win a copy of your very own. Be sure to have a look at Amy's incredible jewelry while you're there. A special thank you to the Ambroult family for all of the care you've given over the last couple years and especially today. 

 

Joy On Purpose: The Fox Diaries

Don't Forget!

Today is the last day to enter the Little Acorn Learning Giveaway. It's open until 8 pm EST tonight. Please leave your comment here.

 

Now back to our regularly scheduled blog post.......

A little over a year ago I looked out my office window to see a mother fox with her 4 baby fox kits. It was one of the most magical moments of my life. I immediately got my camera and spent the next several weeks in my front yard and garden observing and interacting with these gorgeous creatures.

 

Each Thursday I shared a little bit of each week and what it had held here on the blog under the category of "The Fox Diaries". The foxes didn't return this year and I still look out my window everyday expecting to see them.

 

They're with me though in another way.

 I haven't been as active as usual on my blog and it's for a good reason. I've been writing and editing my new book "The Fox Diaries: The year the foxes came to our garden" published by Audrey Press.

 

It has been a life long dream to write a book and the one thing I realized while putting this whole project together is that dreams don't just arrive at your front door, you have to create them intentionally. It's been the creating process that has meant the most to me and has brought me the most joy. To see a word document coming back from the editor looking like "real book text". To wake up one morning and see the book cover in my in-box and realize, "Oh,....this is really happening". 

 

There have been moments when I've lost complete objectivity, like the first time I saw the actual book design, I held my breath through the whole book look. Or what about the day a large envelope came to my door. Not expecting a package I couldn't think what it was, and it was the proofs of the book. I stopped breathing then too.

 

 The next package to come were the actual book pages. Soon, my book will be ready and soon....I'll have so much more to show you.

 

This is where I thank each and everyone of you who stop by this blog to say "Hey". It was because of your love of our foxes which gave me the courage to give this a go and it's been worth every living second.

 

 Here's to Joy! What have you always wanted to do or create?