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The Rhythm of Family: Discovering a Sense of Wonder through the Seasons
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.
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.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2011
28 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Blake Soule
10 books96 followersI'm Amanda, and I live in beautiful Portland, Maine with my husband, Steve, and our three young adventure-seekers — Calvin, Ezra, and Adelaide. Our days are spent making things, exploring our coastal Maine surroundings, and growing together as a family.
I've always had a love of textiles and crafting, but it wasn't until the birth of my first child that creating became an essential part of my daily life. Making things became a way for me to nurture myself in the busy and giving role of Mama, as well as a way to save money and conserve resources by repurposing readily available materials. Making things also allows me to connect with countless women before me and share my love — through the gift of handmade — with those dearest to me.
Creating with my children — inherently the most creative beings of all — is a source of tremendous inspiration, growth and connection for our entire family. Whether through sewing, paper craft, music, cooking, nature exploration, or imaginative play, I believe there are many ways for each of us — regardless of our skills — to express creativity in our daily lives. The benefits go far beyond a finished project when they both nurture and connect the soul of the family. It is my hope to inspire other families to incorporate creativity into their own lives.
I've always had a love of textiles and crafting, but it wasn't until the birth of my first child that creating became an essential part of my daily life. Making things became a way for me to nurture myself in the busy and giving role of Mama, as well as a way to save money and conserve resources by repurposing readily available materials. Making things also allows me to connect with countless women before me and share my love — through the gift of handmade — with those dearest to me.
Creating with my children — inherently the most creative beings of all — is a source of tremendous inspiration, growth and connection for our entire family. Whether through sewing, paper craft, music, cooking, nature exploration, or imaginative play, I believe there are many ways for each of us — regardless of our skills — to express creativity in our daily lives. The benefits go far beyond a finished project when they both nurture and connect the soul of the family. It is my hope to inspire other families to incorporate creativity into their own lives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 29, 2010
I read/skimmed the NetGalley preview of this book today, one of my kids' holidays from school. Today, for example, I made a bigger than usual breakfast for everyone, have dinner in the crock pot and just put muffins (from a mix) in the oven. And I've cleaned up from all of those endeavors. We've read some books, played with the (plastic) Legos and doll house received last weekend and colored with Crayolas at the kitchen table. I've begun taking down some of the larger holiday decor (tree) to gain back some space in our office/playroom. And I've tried to pick up the trail of clothes from my 2 year old who changes outfits 10 times a day and leaves clothes and toys everywhere. All in all a pretty full day, so far. And then I read this book and wonder when I'm going to fit in a hike through the melty snow, some lino-cut stamping and preserving of our (non existent) garden produce. Like her last book, Creative Family, this one is beautiful and inspirational. But for this suburban SAHM it's just not very realistic. There are a few things I may pull out to try (wish I'd seen the ice light catchers before today, when it was below freezing all last week) but I'm not going to hold myself up to this lifestyle. Heck, I'll be lucky if I finish sewing the dress I started for my daughter last summer. Good thing I cut it a size larger!
August 9, 2011
The publisher sent me a free copy of this book because they wanted me to review it on my blog. Ironically, I had retired from blogging earlier that same week.
I love Amanda Soule's blog, but I'm not a big fan of her books. Her writing is sweet but not very engaging, and i think she tries to choose craft projects that are simple enough for anyone, but they end up feeling so simple to the point of not being creative or original. Also, she has a constant cheeriness that I enjoy as a quick daily dose on her blog but that comes off as syrupy in her books. This book in particular irked me more than her others. By her own admission, she only writes about the good parts of her life, but it makes her life sound unrealistic - pretend even - and could easily make her readers feel inadequate. The worst thing she admits to doing in this book is feeding her kids popcorn for dinner. The whole book to me felt contrived and not honest or open or real. Fine for a blog, but not for a book.
I love Amanda Soule's blog, but I'm not a big fan of her books. Her writing is sweet but not very engaging, and i think she tries to choose craft projects that are simple enough for anyone, but they end up feeling so simple to the point of not being creative or original. Also, she has a constant cheeriness that I enjoy as a quick daily dose on her blog but that comes off as syrupy in her books. This book in particular irked me more than her others. By her own admission, she only writes about the good parts of her life, but it makes her life sound unrealistic - pretend even - and could easily make her readers feel inadequate. The worst thing she admits to doing in this book is feeding her kids popcorn for dinner. The whole book to me felt contrived and not honest or open or real. Fine for a blog, but not for a book.
September 14, 2011
I "read" this book in the sense that I flipped through it, skimmed a few of the essays, and made a mental note to try some of the craft and baking ideas. The problem is that I am in a serious funk right now, with kids that are being extra sassy and weather that has not dipped below 100 in months. The last thing I want to read about is the clever, creative, brilliantly home-schooled Soule family, traipsing around their farm in hand-knit scarves, gathering sap so they can host a maple syrup boil while a crackling campfire wards off winter's chill. I read the soulemama blog almost every day, and I really don't get the sense that she's white-washing things. I think she genuinely works hard to make a good life for her family, and enjoys as much as she can along the way. But I am going to pick this one up in a few months and give it another try. It was just bad timing for me.
January 25, 2012
This reads more like a diary and aren't diaries supposed to be private? A drawstring muffin bag? Really?? Do what the rest of us do and throw your berry muffins in a tupperware container.
April 23, 2012
This book energizes and exhausts me all at once. If I am to take away one simple, clear message, it would NOT be a renewed commitment to all the crafting, gardening, cooking and preserving; not the perfect shift from one season into the next; not the all-day family excursions to beach sides, creek beds and open pastures. It would be this:
"Slowing down through our household tasks and responsibilities gives us the opportunity to mindfully create a home for those we love. It allows us to reflect on our lives with thought and care. It creates a comfortable daily routine in our home, making the space, our families, and ourselves comfortable.
Moving slowly through the work of our days means that sometimes the work does not get done. There are some days that are just too full of play, or activity, or other needs that must be met. Letting go of others' expectations, and sometimes our own expectations of ourselves, is a wonderful blessing. That's what home is after all, a place that allows the room and freedom for us to do as we need and love.
Moving slowly through the work of our days means that we are present in the moments we are in. We are not rushing to get to the next task, but rather fully aware and involved in the act of right now - whatever that may be. Household tasks aren't necessarily events that need to be rushed through or just gotten through. In fact, they are what consume much of our time during our days as a family. To choose to spend them in gratitude and awareness is choosing to bring more peace and contentment into our lives and to share that with our children."
That, to me, seems like a reasonable life-change to make. Everything else in the book goes in the category of "in a perfect world . . . "
"Slowing down through our household tasks and responsibilities gives us the opportunity to mindfully create a home for those we love. It allows us to reflect on our lives with thought and care. It creates a comfortable daily routine in our home, making the space, our families, and ourselves comfortable.
Moving slowly through the work of our days means that sometimes the work does not get done. There are some days that are just too full of play, or activity, or other needs that must be met. Letting go of others' expectations, and sometimes our own expectations of ourselves, is a wonderful blessing. That's what home is after all, a place that allows the room and freedom for us to do as we need and love.
Moving slowly through the work of our days means that we are present in the moments we are in. We are not rushing to get to the next task, but rather fully aware and involved in the act of right now - whatever that may be. Household tasks aren't necessarily events that need to be rushed through or just gotten through. In fact, they are what consume much of our time during our days as a family. To choose to spend them in gratitude and awareness is choosing to bring more peace and contentment into our lives and to share that with our children."
That, to me, seems like a reasonable life-change to make. Everything else in the book goes in the category of "in a perfect world . . . "
August 23, 2011
Let me start off by saying I love Ms. Soule's blog and books. I own her first two books and I go back to them and flip through the pages quite frequently. They are lovely books with beautiful, peaceful images and loaded with ideas for families who want to live life slower- which is exactly what I strive for with my young family. Her blog is equally inspiring and I visit it almost every day. I could not wait to get my hands on this book. I read it in a few short hours. I do love the book- it has all the elements I expect from Ms. Soule, and I definitely came away with a few ideas. The book itself is beautiful and the photography lovely, as always. But. I feel the book is repetitive and has less substance than her first two books as a result. The essays are lovingly written but ultimately, they all say the same thing. Its still worth picking up, though. I hate most parenting books with a passion, but her books are ones that I would easily recommend.
June 15, 2017
Pros: kinda cute, I very much applaud and agree with her basic philosophy
Cons: completely worthless as a parenting book, craft book, or even seasonal guide to anyone who has spent more than about five minutes thinking about those topics, the journal entries were less "real world experience" and more "let me pretend to have very deep thoughts for a page (yet somehow still end up with mostly empty platitudes)", best part was the introduction
Cons: completely worthless as a parenting book, craft book, or even seasonal guide to anyone who has spent more than about five minutes thinking about those topics, the journal entries were less "real world experience" and more "let me pretend to have very deep thoughts for a page (yet somehow still end up with mostly empty platitudes)", best part was the introduction
October 3, 2011
As a writer, I consider myself blessed to be one who "notices." Yes, I get caught up in the busyness of life, yet I'm aware of this busyness, sometimes embracing it, other times recognizing that I need to slow down, that my family needs to slow down. "Wonderful things happen in our family when we choose to move slowly through our days. When we stop running and rushing about, we discover more time, energy and space for the things most important in our lives." And so begins The Rhythm of Family. Sharing their deep love of the natural world, Amanda and Stephen Soule have beautifully recorded a small sampling of life on a simpler path, showing how seasons influence our daily lives, and ways we can embrace the wonders of the world around us, creating memories and traditions that will draw you closer while you celebrate the changing months as a family. A chapter for every month includes personal narratives reminiscing special moments shared within their own families, interpsersed with activities, crafts, recipies, and gorgeous photography that will make you want to turn off all electronics, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the great outdoors, even if its just your own backyard. Like a warm cuddle by the fireside, a soft sweater on a crisp autumn day, the smell of salt water in an ocean breeze, or glimpsing the first flowers amidst the melting snow, this book evokes emotions from deep within your soul, of love, joy, and appreciation for every season of life.
February 6, 2012
I had high hopes for this book because it came highly recommended, looked and sounded great and I'm always interested in reading books spawned from blogs.
However, perhaps I came to the book *too* fresh - I never read their blog or had gotten to know the author and her family. I found two problems in reading the book from start to finish:
1. As the seasons are totally opposite here, reading about dark days of winter (January) just felt odd in the height of our summer (January). I tried skipping through to July but it didn't read as well starting there, so went back to the start.
2. I felt like I jumped into the middle of a family's story and it was assumed I already knew them. I felt like I needed a better introduction to the family. It felt too intimate reading about their family life so quickly.
Despite this, the book grew on me as I read more. I liked the call to slow down, appreciate and acknowledge nature/rhythm of the seasons and to make things.
I now want to discover a bit more about the author's family, will go and check out her blog!
However, perhaps I came to the book *too* fresh - I never read their blog or had gotten to know the author and her family. I found two problems in reading the book from start to finish:
1. As the seasons are totally opposite here, reading about dark days of winter (January) just felt odd in the height of our summer (January). I tried skipping through to July but it didn't read as well starting there, so went back to the start.
2. I felt like I jumped into the middle of a family's story and it was assumed I already knew them. I felt like I needed a better introduction to the family. It felt too intimate reading about their family life so quickly.
Despite this, the book grew on me as I read more. I liked the call to slow down, appreciate and acknowledge nature/rhythm of the seasons and to make things.
I now want to discover a bit more about the author's family, will go and check out her blog!
July 20, 2012
This book was lovely to read. It is not as full of project ideas as her others, but still brings a lot of creativity. I must admit that living in a city/urban suburb that much of this book is out of our daily reach. I try to accept that this is our life, but I can't help but feel bad at the same time. Oh well, such is our life. I do take the message to slow down and enjoy my children as much as I can...while still managing to sweep the floor!
January 13, 2019
What a sweet book. Amanda and Stephen Soule begin each chapter (titled for the months of the year) with a pair of short reflective essays, one by her and one by him. Then they provide things to either "do" or "make" according to the season. I borrowed this book from the library, but I'd love to have a copy of my own, to pull down for inspiration throughout the year. This family lives with slow intentionality; this book moves me to consider small ways I can do the same.
The Soules don't appear to plant their lifestyle in a strong ground of faith, so as a Christian mom myself, I'll integrate their ideas into my own faith fabric. Still, I found the monthly meditation essays thoughtful and true. Is the work of the home simply a chore to be gotten through so we can make it to the real living on the other side? "Household tasks," Amanda says "are what consume much of our time during our days as a family. To choose to spend them in gratitude and awareness is choosing to bring more peace and contentment into our lives and to share that with our children." She has a good perspective on work. And I can't wait to look up many of her recommended reading items (included in each chapter).
A few activities I look forward to trying:
Creamy Potato Soup
Nature Notebooks
Picnicking
"First Day" Walks
Everyday Oat Bread
The Soules don't appear to plant their lifestyle in a strong ground of faith, so as a Christian mom myself, I'll integrate their ideas into my own faith fabric. Still, I found the monthly meditation essays thoughtful and true. Is the work of the home simply a chore to be gotten through so we can make it to the real living on the other side? "Household tasks," Amanda says "are what consume much of our time during our days as a family. To choose to spend them in gratitude and awareness is choosing to bring more peace and contentment into our lives and to share that with our children." She has a good perspective on work. And I can't wait to look up many of her recommended reading items (included in each chapter).
A few activities I look forward to trying:
Creamy Potato Soup
Nature Notebooks
Picnicking
"First Day" Walks
Everyday Oat Bread
August 13, 2023
More than 4 stars. This is one of my very favorite kinds of books to read. It’s a record of a year, arranged seasonally, and filled with projects, recipes, and reflections. This was such a good reminder of how our days are filled, and that the small work is really quite large. This made me smile and dream. I wrote down so many quotes. I recommend this one if you are looking for a bit of home and family inspiration. :)
August 30, 2017
A very inspiring book. Amanda Soule and her husband Steven wrote this book together and you can truly feel both of their hearts. A portrait of simplicity and complicity.
April 23, 2018
Wonderful book with fabulous, concrete suggestions for being involved in nature as a family.
March 5, 2020
So many things bookmarked to make and do. Had considered saving each section for it's corresponding month but I was enjoying it too much to do that.
July 11, 2020
Poétique et nourrissant, un très bon livre pour ressourcer sa vie de famille.
March 17, 2025
We loved this book, especially when we started off homeschooling and needed the beautiful support of nature and creative time.
October 15, 2025
A role model while I was raising young kids.
March 14, 2012
Review originally posted on Words at Home blog March 14, 2012: http://www.wordsathome.ca/2012/03/the...
I have been a fan of Amanda Blake Soule since I stumbled across her blog SouleMama in 2008. I have always found her approach to life and ability to find the joy and beauty in each of its moments to be inspiring.
The Rhythm of the Family is a wonderful expression of Amanda and her husband Steven’s passion for their family, nature, and their desire to live a simple and full life. I was originally expecting more of a craft and project based book, like Amanda’s first two books, and was pleasantly surprised to find that this book read more like a journal of the seasons (organized by month) and at the end of each chapter there was a project to do for, or with, the family. True to Amanda’s style each project was both beautiful and functional. Among my favorites were the ice sun catchers (page pictured below), natural bug repellant, and the nature notebook. There was a greater variety of projects in this book from the others written by Soule and they included bath and body projects, recipes, sewing projects and unique craft projects for the family.
Another feature of this book that I enjoyed was the “Do” section found after each “Make” project. This section of each chapter offered ideas of things to do during the seasons such as growing herbs, or having a preserving party. It was another lovely way to see how the Soule family savors each of the seasons and why they have to offer.
This is one of those books that we keep handy on our family book shelf as an easy reference when we are looking for a little inspiration in our day. One of the things that stands out the most about this book is that it is full of gorgeous photographs of the Soule’s life in coastal Maine. The photos make The Rhythm of the Family not only a great reference book and inspiration to become a little closer to the earth, but a great coffee table book that my children love to look through. Several times they have pulled this book off the shelf and pored over the pages until they saw a photo that caught their attention and asked to play that game! While we may not have a shore near us, we do have a river and a great forest to hike through and so we improvise a little.
The Rhythm of the Family is a lovely reminder to slow down and savor the simple moments in life – to look for beauty where you might not have seen it before. Any family can relate this book to areas of their life, even just in bits and pieces. This really is a great book for any family that is looking to add a little wonder to their lives – and after all who couldn’t use a little wonder these days?
I have been a fan of Amanda Blake Soule since I stumbled across her blog SouleMama in 2008. I have always found her approach to life and ability to find the joy and beauty in each of its moments to be inspiring.
The Rhythm of the Family is a wonderful expression of Amanda and her husband Steven’s passion for their family, nature, and their desire to live a simple and full life. I was originally expecting more of a craft and project based book, like Amanda’s first two books, and was pleasantly surprised to find that this book read more like a journal of the seasons (organized by month) and at the end of each chapter there was a project to do for, or with, the family. True to Amanda’s style each project was both beautiful and functional. Among my favorites were the ice sun catchers (page pictured below), natural bug repellant, and the nature notebook. There was a greater variety of projects in this book from the others written by Soule and they included bath and body projects, recipes, sewing projects and unique craft projects for the family.
Another feature of this book that I enjoyed was the “Do” section found after each “Make” project. This section of each chapter offered ideas of things to do during the seasons such as growing herbs, or having a preserving party. It was another lovely way to see how the Soule family savors each of the seasons and why they have to offer.
This is one of those books that we keep handy on our family book shelf as an easy reference when we are looking for a little inspiration in our day. One of the things that stands out the most about this book is that it is full of gorgeous photographs of the Soule’s life in coastal Maine. The photos make The Rhythm of the Family not only a great reference book and inspiration to become a little closer to the earth, but a great coffee table book that my children love to look through. Several times they have pulled this book off the shelf and pored over the pages until they saw a photo that caught their attention and asked to play that game! While we may not have a shore near us, we do have a river and a great forest to hike through and so we improvise a little.
The Rhythm of the Family is a lovely reminder to slow down and savor the simple moments in life – to look for beauty where you might not have seen it before. Any family can relate this book to areas of their life, even just in bits and pieces. This really is a great book for any family that is looking to add a little wonder to their lives – and after all who couldn’t use a little wonder these days?
October 9, 2012
A granola-crunchy wholesome book about connecting you, and your family, with the earth. It is a nice mix of inspiring moments, seasonal activities, and crafts - all focusing on finding that natural rhythm of the ever revolving seasons. The book is split into four parts (spring, summer, fall, winter) and each part follows a similar format - a couple of personal journal type entries by Amanda and Stephen Soule that reflect on the way their family reacts/celebrates each season. Followed by an activity and craft (or a few) that are relevant to the season (making soup, collecting leaves or other naturey things, yoga in the park, etc).
Reading through this book, like with the other Soulemama books, I am reminded to slow down, smell the roses, and keep life simple. It made me want to continue teaching my kids about trees and plants...and build that mystical bond with earth, the wind, the sky...I know, it sounds a little far fetched, slightly embarrassing, nudist-colony-hippie-type thinking...but, it's true (not the nudist part).
Compared to the other books by Amanda (Soulemama), this one had a different feel and style. I think it was the vastly different writing style of Stephen (Soulepapa). He seemed to take a different perspective on things; almost like taking a step back to get that larger panoramic view. I found his writing style edging on poetic and rather wordy. Amanda's on the other hand felt more personal somehow, and easier to connect with. It was just simple, in an easy going kind of way. It was interesting, in a literary way, to see the different writing styles on the same topics. However, personally I enjoyed reading Amanda better than Stephen (sorry, Stephen).
I would say read the other Soulemama books first (if you haven't), then read through her blog, before getting around to reading this one. But, be sure to put it on your list of must read granola-crunchy wholesome books.
Her Blog : http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/
Reading through this book, like with the other Soulemama books, I am reminded to slow down, smell the roses, and keep life simple. It made me want to continue teaching my kids about trees and plants...and build that mystical bond with earth, the wind, the sky...I know, it sounds a little far fetched, slightly embarrassing, nudist-colony-hippie-type thinking...but, it's true (not the nudist part).
Compared to the other books by Amanda (Soulemama), this one had a different feel and style. I think it was the vastly different writing style of Stephen (Soulepapa). He seemed to take a different perspective on things; almost like taking a step back to get that larger panoramic view. I found his writing style edging on poetic and rather wordy. Amanda's on the other hand felt more personal somehow, and easier to connect with. It was just simple, in an easy going kind of way. It was interesting, in a literary way, to see the different writing styles on the same topics. However, personally I enjoyed reading Amanda better than Stephen (sorry, Stephen).
I would say read the other Soulemama books first (if you haven't), then read through her blog, before getting around to reading this one. But, be sure to put it on your list of must read granola-crunchy wholesome books.
Her Blog : http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/
April 17, 2011
Amanda Soule brings the best of her blog, SouleMama, to life with the projects and inspiration in this book; cooking, sewing, knitting, and kids' projects are included. As a Texan I cannot incorporate the wonders of life in coastal Maine into my life (there is a lot of snow in this book!), but Soule encourages us to make the best of where we are and find ways to connect with nature and the seasonal changes around us. Having read Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods, I appreciate Soule's tangible relationship with nature and her gentle approach in encouraging parents and kids to venture into the natural world. She makes it look like a grand adventure, and even a little glamorous. The wholesomeness and cloying child-worship of this book can overwhelm, Soule is like Martha Stewart but with (going on 5) kids and a teacher's heart, but as with Dame Martha we know we cannot achieve what she has but it sure is nice to dream isn't it? And if we can do even a little of what she does, just getting the kids away from the TV is an achievement.
Thanks to Shambhala Publishing for sharing this book through netgalley.
Thanks to Shambhala Publishing for sharing this book through netgalley.
March 8, 2015
Although I can appreciate the ideas here of how wonderful it is to essentially step outside what is the average modern American family life, I simply cannot envision living our life this way. I suppose reading it is dreaming about the possibility of living closer to the land (while giving the Soule's some financial solace), but this type of life is NOT realistic for many industries or careers. There simply isn't the option of living this way. And I'm not one to over schedule life.
So although I enjoyed some of the ruminations by both Amanda and her husband, as well as a few of the projects, it has not altered our family or our family dynamics. Do I wish sometimes that was my life…sure. But I also only have one child, own my own business, and have a husband who works in IT consulting. Oh, and we live at the edge of a city. Yes, we should garden more, but this is so not our life. But do take the time to spend time with children doing everyday life things. That is a message to not let the ordinary go unnoticed.
So although I enjoyed some of the ruminations by both Amanda and her husband, as well as a few of the projects, it has not altered our family or our family dynamics. Do I wish sometimes that was my life…sure. But I also only have one child, own my own business, and have a husband who works in IT consulting. Oh, and we live at the edge of a city. Yes, we should garden more, but this is so not our life. But do take the time to spend time with children doing everyday life things. That is a message to not let the ordinary go unnoticed.
February 23, 2013
This was sort of a 3 3/4 star book for me. A quick "read," though it's less of a book you read and more of a resource collection you flip through. The short excerpts from the "mama" were more useful to me than from the "papa." His were more like poetry, which for me was a bit too flowery to take tangible learning from. I related more to the mother. This was more like a family blog made into a book; a quick look into the best days of their family life with the intent set to inspire others. It was a little rose-colored glass at times, as I find that in raising three kids there is much more chaos and uncertainty than I gleaned from this couple raising four. But I'm sure, as I said, these are the best days of their family life, so that might be expected. I don't sew or knit so many of the projects were off limits to me, but we did make the winter frozen wreath and the berry muffins, and I took away some helpful ideas for new family outdoor rituals. All in all, a useful read.
January 21, 2014
I have to admit that I'm a huge fan of Amanda's blog, and of course would love her book. When you read through the reviews of books like this, there are often reviews that fall into the camp of, "Ha! Like this would work in the real world!" and I understand where those people are coming from. It often feels like one person's lifestyle is a condemnation of your lifestyle, or that you can never live up the "perfection" of someone else's life (Pinterest syndrome). But...like Pinterest, it's all about how you read it. And what you read INTO it.
This book is sweet, lovely and written in a beautiful way that engages you. Her husband's essays are a joy to read. This book inspires me to remember what my family's values are, and to incorporate as much of that into my life as possible. The crafts and recipes, like any book, are take some, leave some...but it's the essays and month to month reflection that will help you establish a flow of seasonality in your home and family.
This book is sweet, lovely and written in a beautiful way that engages you. Her husband's essays are a joy to read. This book inspires me to remember what my family's values are, and to incorporate as much of that into my life as possible. The crafts and recipes, like any book, are take some, leave some...but it's the essays and month to month reflection that will help you establish a flow of seasonality in your home and family.
April 21, 2011
Soule's book is beautifully written and the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. She chronicles month by month various projects and activities families can complete together. I am probably not the best reviewer for this- I'm not the least bit crafty and I don't have the time or patience required for most of these activities.I am, unfortunately, the kind of mom who will run to the store and buy Off bug spray, not take the time to make some at home with eucalyptys oil. I do think I can accomplish some of the ideas, particularly the "I Wonder Why" wall- I think I'll do that this weekend. I also like the list of resource books she provides at the end of each "month". This would be great for a nature-ific family with LOTS of time on their hands. Otherwise, it might be worth a glance for one or two ideas.
November 13, 2011
Of course I liked this book, I always like the general themes and crafty ideas of Amanda Blake Soule books.
I will say though, being a regular reader of her blog and after reading all her books that it would be greatly appreciated if her editor gently told her that she greatly overuses the word "oh" in what's probably an attempt to sound conversational. The "oh"s drive me batty, and totally interrupt the flow when reading. I mean, I can understand it on her blog -- but I guess I expect the writing in a published book to be at a more refined level. Also, whatever happened to people knowing when to use "I" versus "me"? "I" isn't always correct, and it sounds wretched when it's used incorrectly in what I'm assuming is an attempt to sound proper. It just sounds dopey when misused. Rant over.
I will say though, being a regular reader of her blog and after reading all her books that it would be greatly appreciated if her editor gently told her that she greatly overuses the word "oh" in what's probably an attempt to sound conversational. The "oh"s drive me batty, and totally interrupt the flow when reading. I mean, I can understand it on her blog -- but I guess I expect the writing in a published book to be at a more refined level. Also, whatever happened to people knowing when to use "I" versus "me"? "I" isn't always correct, and it sounds wretched when it's used incorrectly in what I'm assuming is an attempt to sound proper. It just sounds dopey when misused. Rant over.
September 8, 2011
Amanda Blake Soule (of the blog SouleMama) is a new discovery for me, and I am so happy I found her books! "The Rhythm of Family: Discovering a Sense of Wonder through the Seasons" takes us month by month through the year, with short essays, craft projects, and recipes tailored to develop a deeper connection to the seasons and the natural world around us. While not everyone can homeschool five children on a farm in rural Maine like Blake-Soule does, her ideas for getting your children outdoors and learning through being in nature could be implemented anywhere, in any season. A great read for parents who want to turn off the TV and get outdoors with their kids but need a little inspiration. Bonus - the monthly sections are short and perfect reading-size for busy mamas!
January 22, 2011
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.
June 30, 2012
Actually a 3.5, probably.
The second half of the book is much stronger than the first, with more realistic project ideas, more focused writing. While there are some ideas I look forward to using, others are far too complex for me. And, while some of the essays were excellent, others weren't. I'd like a bit more unity in this, and perhaps a more realistic look at January and February... I tried to divide the reading over the year as the book is divided, but the content requires me some time to think about. Better for me to read it all, the return to the parts I want to try when the time is right.
The second half of the book is much stronger than the first, with more realistic project ideas, more focused writing. While there are some ideas I look forward to using, others are far too complex for me. And, while some of the essays were excellent, others weren't. I'd like a bit more unity in this, and perhaps a more realistic look at January and February... I tried to divide the reading over the year as the book is divided, but the content requires me some time to think about. Better for me to read it all, the return to the parts I want to try when the time is right.
March 24, 2012
A cute little book. Wonderful photography and some neat little seasonal projects to work on.
Many projects were just not me: knitted and felted wool bowls, make-your-own-paper, beeswax bobbles - I would never in a million years be inspired to try my hand at these three projects...too frou-frou for me...
But there were some truly wonderful ideas. One in particular that I thought was charming was a reusable drawstring muffin bag that you can make and deliver a fresh batch of muffins in. SUPER cute but also extremely practical..
Not a book I'd be inclined to purchase (I borrowed this copy from the library) hence the 3 star rating.
Many projects were just not me: knitted and felted wool bowls, make-your-own-paper, beeswax bobbles - I would never in a million years be inspired to try my hand at these three projects...too frou-frou for me...
But there were some truly wonderful ideas. One in particular that I thought was charming was a reusable drawstring muffin bag that you can make and deliver a fresh batch of muffins in. SUPER cute but also extremely practical..
Not a book I'd be inclined to purchase (I borrowed this copy from the library) hence the 3 star rating.
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