the first wandering window display: Coventry Bookstore in Melbourne

Many many months ago, way back when I was writing My Heart Wanders, I thought about what it would be like to finish the book, and what I’d like to do to celebrate the book’s release into the big wide world.  I dreamed up a rather wild idea – I wanted to go and visit various boutiques and bookstores, creating a ‘wandering window display’ in their windows, inspired by the fun I had making the window displays in Paris and Amsterdam. I liked the idea of these window displays just popping up around the city, randomly, with quotes from within my book, with images and ideas that I explore in the book taking form in ‘3d’ within a shop window. I thought that I’d get a resounding ‘no’ from my publisher when I proposed my wild idea during a meeting earlier this year. Instead, I received a booming ‘yes!‘ from everyone in the conference room, I couldn’t quite believe it. Then I was lucky enough to be teamed up with book publicist Ashlea Wallington, who  – as I mentioned in my Melbourne post – loves getting crafty, and doesn’t mind the challenge of an untraditional author like myself.

To Ashlea and my delight, lots of boutiques and bookstores put up their hands for a wandering display, and so I’ve been busy every week throughout the month of May, creating my wandering displays. The first window I created was on May 1st in Melbourne, at Coventry Bookstore…

me having fun making the display, photos by ashlea wallington

Would you like to know a little of the process of making the displays? As you guys already know, I like to use what I have. So it’s probably no surprise that my inspiration for the window displays came when I was unpacking the boxes that arrived from Amsterdam a month ago. Everything in the boxes was wrapped in recycled packing paper. It was not too thick but not too thin. It was pliable and looked as good all scrunched up as it did all smooth and flat. Without thinking much about it, I’d begun collecting the paper – flattening out each sheet and putting it in a pile on the lounge room floor. Soon there was a huge stack of paper, and I was inspired by the layered edges. They reminded me, somehow, of flowers. And then I thought, perhaps I can make paper flowers? So that’s what I did – I began making paper flowers by tightly gathering small pieces of the paper, bundling them together and tying them with string. I loved the effect, so over many days and nights, I made hundreds of paper flowers for the window displays…

I made this origami boat out of brown paper gift wrap, a diary page from My Heart Wanders as the sail, paper flowers and some ribbon with my name on it

Then, because my journey in the book begins in autumn of 2006, I wanted to create autumnal scenes for the displays. So with this in mind I began forming my ideas, while looking around my surroundings for inspiration & things I could use. My friend Jenni came over one day and made a beautiful brown paper wreath using a big roll of brown paper I’d kept from my shop days. You can see the wreath in its full glory in that first photo in the window of Coventry Bookstore. Jenni also made the heart garlands and gorgeous little paper books which I combined with some of favourite spreads from within My Heart Wanders…

(Click here to read more…)

leaf gatherings for window displays, photo taken on my iphone using instagram

I’m sitting here in my new home, ugg boots on, three layers of clothing, blanket wrapped around my shoulders, typing with frozen fingers. I am so very cold. Oh the irony. Although it is not ‘that’ cold here in Sydney compared to Amsterdam (all I have to do is stand out in the sunshine here and I will thaw) , I’m now fully aware that houses in this country are not built for cold weather – that is, weather that dips below 15C. I find that quite peculiar, because at the same time every year, the temperature drops. Winter might not last for long in this country, but it still exists, and it’s cold. Why not make a home accommodate that change in temperature? I don’t get it.

Anyway, here in the (blog)house the weather is always fine, and we are always cozy. Right now I have two special guests pottering around, have you noticed? Dear Marjorie has come back to cook a fabulous spring menu, starting this week with recipes for gougères and an endive salad – miam. In January I had the pleasure of meeting Marjorie in her new hometown of Beaune in France, I will post some photos of this amazing French town soon (needless to say I fell in love with this special place and everyone who lives there). Click here to visit Marjorie in the (blog)kitchen.

Also in the (blog)house, hanging out in the guest quarters is sweet Christine who has just published a book called “markets of new england” with The Little Bookroom. Christine is taking us through New England each week this month, and already she’s shown us some amazing discoveries. I adore New England, I have been wanting to take Romain there on a road trip since we met, and Christine is certainly enticing us ever more to head out on our New England adventure. Click here to visit Christine in the guest quarters. Thank you both Marjorie and Christine for coming to visit, I hope you will enjoy your stay.

While we’re here, would you like to hear about my weekend in Melbourne? After the book launch in Sydney at Ariel on Friday (April 29th) I had to get up bright and early the next morning to catch a plane to head to Melbourne for a special event at Magnolia Square in Malvern Town Hall.  My Heart Wanders book publicist Ashlea had made all the arrangements for the weekend and came along to help me with the events and window displays – what a treat that was.  Ashlea loves getting crafty and totally ‘got’ my ideas and what I wanted to do, I feel very lucky to have her on board. Once we got to Melbourne, it was full steam ahead – we headed straight from the airport to the town hall to find it a-buzz with creative people. Within minutes Magnolia Square founder & director Nic MacIsaac announced my arrival and before I blinked I was surrounded by the loveliest Melbourne dwellers, all wanting to get their hands on a copy of the book and chat. We barely had time to get the books out of the boxes…

all photos above courtesy of little bird photography

Lynn from Scarlet Jones provided all the incredible props for my signing area. Although I have not been to Lynn’s shop, I’d been in contact with her over the years through our blogs – it was serendipitous that she was going to be at the market and was able & willing to bring a whole bunch of beautiful wares for my use. Lynn brought old suitcases, birdcages, a tailor’s mannequin, french doors and tables – when I arrived, the little corner space was so perfectly styled and arranged thanks to Nic and Lynn, I dared not touch it. Now I am dying to visit Lynn’s boutique – I have seen lots of photos of this special treasure trove and next time I visit Melbourne, Scarlet Jones will be one of the first places I go.  Thank you dear Lynn and a big thank you to her daughter Emma who stood by me the whole time and organised all the book transactions.

(Click here to read more…)

a delicious little cake with rose petals &  blueberries from black star pastry

If you missed the official book launch at Ariel in Sydney last Friday, there are a few more events coming up during the last couple of weeks of May, I hope you can come along. This Sunday May 15, there will be a french-inspired high tea author interview, organised by Books and Nooks. It will be at Velluto, in Potts Point. From what I know, it’s already sold out, but if you want to come along, it might be worth giving Books and Nooks a call anyway, they may be able to make room for one or two more.

On May 21st, I am going to get creative in Stef’s window display area at her gorgeous store, newspaper taxi. Stef and I have been busy thinking up some great ideas for the day, it’s going to be so much fun being surrounded by creative people in such a beautiful boutique, sipping sparkling wine, chatting about all the things we love, and nibbling on some of the most delicious treats from neighbouring cafe Black Star Pastry…

please feel free to print this invitation out, give to your friends, or post it on your blog. x

Tickets cost $5.00 which puts you in the draw to win a fab lucky door prize with handmade goodies from newspaper taxi. But if you pre-order My Heart Wanders through newspaper taxi (I will sign it for you on the day), then you can come along to the event for free! But please RSVP sooner rather than later as places will be limited…

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When:
Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 4pm
Where:
Newspaper Taxi, 247 Australia Street, Newtown
Tickets:
$5.00 per person or pre-order My Heart Wanders now online and get in for free
RSVP:
Stefanie on 0421 981 182 or info@newspapertaxi.com.au

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I have something rather magical in mind for the window which I will work on with Stef in the lead up to the day, and then it will be revealed at 4pm on Saturday, May 21st. Oh I do hope to see you there!

xx

PS For those who live on the Northern Beaches, Jayde from Little Paper Lane in Mona Vale is hosting a similar event on May 28th, which I will tell you more about in a few days time.
PPS word is that My Heart Wanders will be released in Europe on June 6th, yay!

photo by murdoch book publicist ashlea wallington, photo treatment using lo-mob, with text additions in adler font.
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A little less than a year ago – about half way through the making of My Heart Wanders – it did occur to me that once the book was published, I may have to do some public book events. For a very private person who has shied away from the spotlight my entire life, I can tell you, that realisation was much, much more daunting than writing, photographing, and designing this book. Over the weeks leading up to these events, I have had many discussions with french boy about how and why I don’t like being the centre of attention. My reasoning and explanations range from “I’m an artist, not a performer” to “I don’t have an oral monologue to tell” to “this is not who I am”.  He listens. And smiles. There is always something in his dimpled smile that gives me strength.

Last Friday night’s official book launch at Ariel was the first time I’d gotten up in front of a crowd with a microphone to my lips in, well, I don’t think I ever have. I didn’t say much, just a few thank you’s. But that in itself was a huge deal for me. I asked Romain if he would come up on stage with me and hold the microphone in case I had shaky hands. He did. He held it so close to my mouth though, and kept moving it every time I moved my head that it made me giggle, which helped relieve the tension I had building up inside me. It was wonderful to have him by my side. But I have to say, I think it was all made easier by the fact that everyone who came that night made me feel so special and supported. After a lovely introduction by Ariel’s event coordinator Steven, my publisher, Diana Hill, talked a little about the ‘making of’. It was wonderful hearing about it from her perspective, and funny to be reminded of some of the more stressful times we had last year, trying to work from opposite sides of the world. Then Victoria Carey, editor of Country Style, spoke next about how she first came across my blog, and how thrilled she was to learn that there was a country connection that stirred my wandering heart, and how that lead us to meeting and me writing the piece for the latest issue of Country Style. Victoria also read out parts of my book, and that for me was delightful. I don’t read my work out loud, so to hear it in her voice, with her interpretation, was very special.

Regardless of the awful weather outside, and the royal wedding, so many people came to wish me well and buy the book. I met lots of beautiful sydneysiders who I’d been in contact with online over the years but had never met, I had friends come along who I hadn’t seen in years, and family who drove through the downpour from the other side of sydney, to be there to support me. Ariel put together a great event, with french champagne and a fabulous spread of charcuterie and french cheeses (including my favourite cheese, comté)  by La Planchette.  It was an amazing night, one that went way too quickly, but one that I will treasure for always…

A big thank you to Jillian Leiboff for coming along with her camera and taking so many great shots of which you see above. Please visit her blog to see more photos from the night.

Thank you Ariel, Murdoch Books, Country Style and each and every one who came to celebrate with me – you made the making of this book worth all the effort.

xx

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PS here is the dress I wore that night…

It’s bright red, vintage, and I bought it at Grandma takes a trip the day before the launch. I wanted a big red flower for my hair but I couldn’t find one, so I took a red chiffon scarf that I had in my closet and fashioned it into a flower shape and pinned it on the side of my head.

beautiful floral sculpture by tracey deep

Since settling back in Australia – but especially over the last few days during the book launch events – the question I have been asked the most is “Why did you move back to Sydney?” Has this been on your mind too? I thought I’d answer that question here, in the (blog)house in case there are more of you wondering the same thing:

I came back to Sydney for my Mum.

I wanted to say this at the launch on Friday night at Ariel, but when I practiced saying it out loud in the days leading up to it, each time I’d choke up with tears before the answer came out, so on the night I thought it best not to.  Also, I know mum dislikes the spotlight as much as I do (can you imagine how anxious I was writing about her throughout My Heart Wanders? Thank goodness she loves it), so I thought it wiser not to shine it in her direction.

But I’ll shine it on her here now: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. It’s so nice to not be so far away.

I’m off to Brisbane today to celebrate the book’s release with many wonderful and creative Brisbane folk this Saturday, just in time for Mother’s Day. I know a number of people are bringing their mums along, and have bought copies of My Heart Wanders to give to their mums on Mother’s Day – thank you! I will try to keep you posted on my whereabouts via twitter, which has now become my mini visual diary as I post photos during my days through instagram.

Next week I’ll definitely catch you up on all the events over the past week. For now, you can see some great photos of Friday night’s Sydney launch on Jillian Leiboff’s blog (thank you Jillian!).

xx

PS yesterday I created some little foresty oases in the windows of two great bookstores in Sydney – Better Read than Dead, and Oscar & Friends in Surry Hills, I’d love it if you would swing by these bookstores to have a look, and tell your friends about them, thank you so very much.

PPS if you’ve missed out on some of the events already, there are still a few more coming up – please check the sidebar for the schedule. x