The book is here!

So the book, or rather, books are here, and we’re trying to keep on top of orders, payments, invoices, packaging and trips to the post office! I’m really pleased with the ‘heft’ of the book, as such, because it’s printed on glossy paper so that the colour illustrations have a real depth to them. Only problem with a heavier book is the increased postage costs! I’ve had a flick through the book, but haven’t had a chance to read it. Too busy keeping up with distribution…

Hope you enjoy it!

First review – yikes!

Lois Rowlands, La Leche League GB’s Publications Director had this to say after reading through the first draft of Musings on Mothering:

“A heart-felt and honest collection of art, poetry and prose from all around the world; its celebration of mothers and motherhood (and fathers!) is moving and deeply human.”

I was touched by her positive review. I really don’t think I can wish for better words.

I know that as a mum I sometimes set myself unrealistic goals, and try to be ‘superhuman’ and all things to all people, but I’m learning to accept that being superhuman is not necessary. Being human – with all the trappings and failings – really is enough. (And by the way, I have a wonderful poem about that in the book!)

Our first advert in the wonderful Breastfeeding Matters members’ magazine is due to be out soon, and I’m frantically working on tying up loose ends. It’s all very exciting, but very busy too! I’ll try to keep you posted!

Never judge a book by its cover…

So the saying goes. But in reality we can’t help but do this, consciously, or subconsciously. We all have preferences, or leanings, towards a certain colour, text font and style. So the moment a person looks at a book cover, some sort of judgement takes place. Some may find that after time a book cover that they thought plain, or boring at first takes on an entirely different meaning… perhaps after they’ve read the book. Or maybe not. The design of book covers is a huge field in itself (as I’m just now discovering!) and trends in certain styles of book covers come and go…

As I’m now in the process of designing the cover of Musings on Mothering I find myself studying many, many book covers. I know that the design I end up with won’t please everyone – that, of course, is an impossibility – but I can’t help at least striving for universal appeal.

After much reflection, though, I have concluded that the main aim is to make the cover appealing enough to make an interested person want to pick up the book (or read the accompanying electronic blurb) and take a leap of faith and actually buy it.

Once they delve inside I am pretty certain that there will be something to hold their interest…

Breastfeeding art and chocolate

At the October 2011 La Leche League Great Britain annual conference, I got the opportunity to meet lots of lovely mamas who were keen to help me out with the anthology project. The lovely Nik Harris even gave me a very special bar of chocolate, which alerted me to the wonderful work of a Polish artist called Stanislaw Wyspianski.

A Polish chocolate manufacturer had seen the obvious beauty in the painting titled ‘Motherhood’, and decided to put it onto the chocolate wrapper. They obviously have very good taste!

As for the chocolate, well, as much as I love to eat chocolate, I daren’t open the beautiful packet. It will sit on my desk and continue to tempt and inspire me in equal measures!

Sculpture anyone?

So far I’ve had a great response to my ‘Call for Submissions’ from mothers who want to contribute to the anthology project. But having thought that my own creativity knows no bounds (!) my eyes have been opened by the many suggestions for skilled craft and artwork I hadn’t considered.

So if there are any sculptors, lacemakers, weavers, spinners or potters out there who are interested in this project – I would love to hear from you!

First contributions

So far, my advertising of the anthology project has been low-key, but since the lovely La Leche League ladies have started to spread the word, I’ve started to receive my first submissions.

The first poetic entry brought tears to my eyes (in a good way, you know!) and the images I have received have been both fascinating, and moving.

I’ve also had various emails from mothers sending me their encouragement.

Thank you to all who have contacted me so far, and I hope to receive more creative submissions.

First steps

Just as my ten-month-old son has begun to take his first baby steps, I too, am taking my first steps into the book world with our ‘Musings’ anthology project. After months of thinking, deliberating, doing sums and many, many conversations with my husband, my first project is about to begin (probably to the great relief of my husband who is no longer being bombarded with requests for feedback on my many ideas!).

I never consciously chose ‘The Adventure Journal’ as the template for my website – it was more to do with its ease of use than anything else – but it is an apt title for what I am setting out to do. I have a rough idea of the destination I’m heading for, but how I get there… well, I’ll keep you posted.

I look forward to receiving some thoughtful, beautiful contributions…