A moment ago, while I was zooming back from the fabulously quaint English Bookshop, I thought it might be nice to give a little blog shout out to the local bookstores who have all been helping to publicise the release of my new book this month.  Each of these stores have offered their windows to display my book as well as allow the use of their beautiful book-filled spaces to accommodate Amsterdam: Made by Hand enthusiasts for exclusive events. I am very grateful. As all new authors know, it’s a tough slog to get your book out there.

So, thank you to the American Book Center, The English Bookshop, and boekhandel van Rossum for your time, support and assistance in getting my book “out there on the streets”.

And thank you  to all the bookstores and boutiques around the world who continue to stock Paris: Made by Hand as well as place orders for Amsterdam: Made by Hand.

You’re. all. awesome.

xx

PS I’ll be sharing details of the next event with you momentarily…
PPS I have a strong urge for producing black & white images all of a sudden.

I am in the midst of preparing for the book launch which will be here, in Amsterdam at the American Book Center (Spui 12) on Saturday June 5th at 3pm. Will you be coming? Oh, I hope so. If you live in or near Amsterdam, or will be traveling to Amsterdam at that time, please come along. It is open for all, you can read more about it here, or click here to join the facebook event page…

I’m also making an Amsterdam: Made by Hand window display at the American Book Center. They have gigantic windows though – if I thought the WH Smith window display in Paris was a challenge last year, well, what can I say, this one is a bigger challenge! It’s over 4 meters long, and you know, it’s just a little book so I’m going to have to think of something to fill that space! Luckily I’ve got some ideas (which I’m busy writing about in the first photo above). Also my friend Leslie let me raid her wallpaper stash the other day for inspiration and material (evidence is also above in the first photo, on the chair).

I’m planning to put the display up on June 1st to mark the official arrival of the books in stores around the world. I have heard a few of you have already received your pre-ordered copies, is that right?

photo above taken by the lovely irene from bloesem.

I also want to say a big thank you to Irene from Bloesem and Holly from Decor8 for their awesome reviews posted today! Click here to read Holly’s review, and here to read Irene’s review. I really like their photos of the book. Thank you so much Holly and Irene!

At the beginning of the week I went to the plant market to get some potted herbs, strawberries and a chili plant. I’ve decided to make a little garden in the corner of my kitchen because it gets lots of sunlight, it’s kinda like a greenhouse…

Upon purchase of the chili plant the seller kept saying (in Dutch) “outside in the sun! outside in the sun!” I did my usual “ja ja” (yes yes) but inside I was saying to this man “you don’t fool me, there is NO sun outside in this country! If I plant this little guy outside, he will die within days!” And I’m so glad I didn’t listen to him because if I had planted it outside, it would have drowned since we’ve had 4 days of non-stop rain and very, very little sunshine.  Today, the chili plant is standing tall and strong on my window sill. I’m not sure how well it will grow but you know, this gardening thing is all about observing and learning, and even more so when in different climates with different soil.

Anyway, what are growing gangbusters are my orchids! Look at all those beautiful flowers, and there are still plenty more to come. It’s all with thanks to Zoë  & her fab instructions, remember this post?

So what do you think of my kitchen garden so far? I’m rather fond of it, myself.  If you’re interested, I’ll let you know how my garden grows over the coming months.

xx

While working quietly this morning, I had the distinct feeling that I was being watched. I turned around to find this young mum at my window. She has been at my window alot lately, even when it’s open she doesn’t hesitate to pop her head in. I’m not sure why she suddenly feels the need to come so close, have I been feeding her and her little ones too much from the kitchen window and now she expects more? There is a silent rule between me and the water creatures that I will only give when I can, not when they want. And of course when there are little ones around I will give a little extra – you know, instead of just the left over stale slices of bread I might throw in a fresh slice.

But this one doesn’t seem to understand the boundaries. She has been shooed off a number of times but still, she persists.  She looks at me in a way that makes me feel guilty for not having food for her when she needs it, and some times I cave in and give her the only piece of bread left, the very slice I was about to eat. Then I see other canal dwellers like myself throw great bundles of bread out for her and her family and I say to her, “you see? Not only do you live in an already incredibly bountiful environment, you are also given so much on a regular basis, much much more than is given to those around you. You have more than enough so be happy with what you have, don’t wish for more”.

But still, she stares at me through my window. It’s become clear that we don’t understand each other and that perhaps I have given too much. I’ve decided it’s time I stop.

xx

PS I am going to announce the giveaway winner tomorrow! I hope the suspense does not drive you mad before then…