The Rhythm of Family: Discovering a Sense of Wonder through the Seasons

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Overview

Many of us with busy families yearn for a slower and simpler life with our kids—one that is connected to the seasons and the natural rhythm of the year, one that has our children spending more time out of doors rather than in, one that balances out some of the busyness of our lives—the computers, the televisions, the cell phones—with a deeper connection to the Earth and an appreciation for and understanding of the natural world. The Rhythm of Family is a guide to living such a ...

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More About This Book

Overview

Many of us with busy families yearn for a slower and simpler life with our kids—one that is connected to the seasons and the natural rhythm of the year, one that has our children spending more time out of doors rather than in, one that balances out some of the busyness of our lives—the computers, the televisions, the cell phones—with a deeper connection to the Earth and an appreciation for and understanding of the natural world. The Rhythm of Family is a guide to living such a life for any family.

Following the course of a year through the passing of the seasons, this book explores the ways we can create deep family connections and meaningful memories through living in tune with the cycles of nature. From stomping around in mud boots in the spring to gathering around the woodstove in winter, our activities naturally change from season to season—from the rhythms of the seasons comes the rhythms in our homes, our hearts, our families, and our every day. Paying attention to these changes slows us down, inspires new types of creative play and exploration, instills a sense of family togetherness, and deepens an awareness of nature and self that can make our lives, days, family, and earth grow stronger.

The Rhythm of Family explores what we learn and can gain as parents and families by encouraging and experiencing creativity and nature exploration with our children, the seasons can provide us with a rhythm that brings us close to the earth, and closer to our children.

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Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble

If you're beginning to think that your household is a year-round videogame arcade, it might be time to nestle into the comforting natural rhythms of the Soules: mama Amanda and papa Stephen and their four children. (Make that five: Annabel Edrie Soule was born on May 20th.) The Rhythm of Family reminds us that our connections to the seasons and, yes, the outdoors, can bring together a family in ways that no new handheld digital device can. The number and specificity of the Soule's suggestions are among this book's strongest points: The couple's ideas for nature exploration and creative activities are diverse enough to please children of different ages and temperaments.

Children's Literature - Mary Quattlebaum
This beautifully photographed book of crafts and activities can help families to discover "a sense of wonder through the seasons." Each of the twelve months has a series of things to think about and do that are deeply rooted in the rhythms of the year, from making creamy potato soup in January to welcoming the birds in April to creating leaf-decked "nature paper" in November. Author Amanda Blake Soule and her husband Stephen emphasize the importance of slowing down and encouraging an attitude of thanksgiving for the gifts of the earth. Make room in our busy digital-driven lives, they suggest, for family times of reflection, sharing, and joy. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
Library Journal
Amanda Blake Soule (The Creative Family; Handmade Home), who authors the popular blog SouleMama, and her husband document their family life over a year, sharing personal reflections on the seasons, photographs, and suggestions for crafts, recipes, and various activities. Organized chronologically by month, chapters begin with essays from both authors, which are followed by "Make" and "Do" projects appropriate for the month or season; e.g., in May the family makes flower essence lotion, tempura dandelions, and a book of flowers. Some "Do" activities, such as January's project for making an ice mold sun catcher, provide clear directions; others are more ambiguous suggestions, such as September's "Have a Preserving Party," which encourages this social event without instructions for preserving or canning (though the authors do provide suggested reading for these endeavors). VERDICT The book has lovely visual appeal, with numerous photographs in the style of those featured on Soule's blog. Fans of the blog and Soule's previous books will enjoy this intimate look into her family's life.—Meagan Storey, Virginia Beach
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781590307779
  • Publisher: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
  • Publication date: 8/9/2011
  • Pages: 256
  • Sales rank: 167,356
  • Product dimensions: 7.76 (w) x 6.60 (h) x 0.70 (d)

Meet the Author

Amanda Blake Soule is the creator of the popular blog www.SouleMama.com. Amanda spends her days with her four young children—making things, thrifting, exploring and being inspired by their coastal Maine surroundings. Learn more about her and find her blog at www.amandasoule.com.

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  • Posted January 22, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Beautiful Chonicle of a Year in One Family's Life

    Amanda Blake Soule and Stephen Soule have opened their home and family to readers in their book, The Rhythm of Family. The book is filled with beautiful photographs, chronicling a year in their lives, as they share with us their slower, more mindful approach to daily life. While the recipes and projects included in the book are par to the course for many families living a simpler lifestyle or who are inspired by aspects of Waldorf education, the journey of the Soule family is nonetheless inspiring in a world of constant motion and busyness. It's a lovely book to pick up at your local library, calling to those craving a simpler, more mindful approach to life with children included.

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