Thursday 16 May 2013

thoughts?



 back in 2008, on the ides of January to be quite precise, I dipped my toes into the sometimes murky waters of the whirled of blogging for the very first time, posting a first experimental scrawl on the wall, just to see if [as I wrote then] the paint would stick and what sort of fish one might catch with it.

and I have to say that the fishing has been such fun. I’ve been frankly astonished that 1143 of you are swinging by regularly and delighted to meet quite a few of you out in the real whirled, at classes, exhibitions and the occasional conference.

 

The blog has given me a chance to share some roadpix, tell stories and sometimes rant a bit. [sigh. The latter isn’t really the most effective way to spend my remaining and precious days on the planet]

And when it comes to the crunch, reading a blog

involves scrolling down a screen. On a machine.

 

I’m a girl who likes turning pages, preferably with a delicious beverage in hand…whether that’s Bombay, Bourbon or simply a fragrant cup of Lady Grey tea [loose leaf, Twinings]…and while turning pages I also like to make marks on them. scribble in the margins. Underline. Maybe paste in something extra that I’ve found elsewhere. A smear of dark chocolate for fragrance [but only if the crumbs have fallen on the page, dark chocolate is meant to be eaten]

 

I like a book I can stuff into a small bag or a biggish pocket. Something I can build on in wanderings. Mutable, not fixed. Good paper stock. Something that makes me want to write and draw in it

 

So I am cooking a plan [y’all know how I LOVE to cook]. I’ll be launching it on the coming solstice [midsummer for those in the North, mid-winter if you’re in the South]

 

There will be actual pages. A good big handful of them.

They will arrive, beautifully bound, three times a year. There will be pictures

Stories from wanderings. Charms to murmur over the cauldron. [And in amongst the other treasures, those recipes you’ve been asking for…the ones for things to eat]

There may be

Precious pieces of ecoprint cloth and there will be patterns for things you will want to make and wear.

And of course other amusing [and useful] surprise presents because, frankly, presents are fun.

 

It means

You’ll be able to look over my shoulder while relaxing in your favourite armchair with a furry friend

or on a grassy hillside or while wriggling your toes in warm sand

or strapped into your seat while the captain is revving for take-off

But

Perhaps not while in the swimming pool.

 

The pages might get soggy.




So, what do you think? want to come along for the ride?

121 comments:

  1. oh yes, that sounds wonderful!!

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  2. This does sound like a great idea!

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  3. How intriguing. A friend of mine recently initiated an exchange - we each take turns contributing to a journal she made - and at the end I am lucky enough to keep the finished book. But this sounds like it will be all you—I think there is many of us out here who would want a "physical" blog post from India - maybe too many...

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    1. negotiating with a printer [who uses 'sustainable print methods'] and who will do the binding

      i will add the extra bits!

      and do the posting. thinking they might even be numbered and signed...

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    2. Love the idea of limited edition India musings. Can't wait to hear more...

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    1. shall provide the customary dotted line soon!

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  5. I'm intrigued....sounds like a ride I might like to join, can't wait to hear more!

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  6. yes ...i am in ... just tell me where to sign up !

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  7. did someone say 'book'? (mmmmmmmm booooooooooooook!)

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  8. Sounds GREAT ! Hope to join. Looking forward to hearing details.

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  9. on the edge of my seat, my dear. and whatever ride it is (and i do love riding) with you it will be superior.

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  10. Very interested! I too love pages to turn.

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  11. Very interested! I too love pages to turn.

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  12. in a heart beat. I love to hold something, so I can really know it well. I hope, though, that you will keep blogging - that's where the conversations happen.

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    1. it's where they all began, for sure...and of course i will keep it up
      but
      subscribers will be getting images and ideas and patterns and whatever else flies into the loft
      that will be unique to the wee book [s]

      :o)

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  13. yes please!!! looking so forward to meeting you on my lovely mountain in a few weeks. xx

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  14. Most definitely, fabulous idea.

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  15. Am sure it would be an instant bestseller and I for one would sign up immediately

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  16. LOVE IT ofcourse! But being Dutch I have to be honest (and thats usually not polite!!!) I worry a bit on the price if it have to be sended to the Netherlands. On the other hand Your books are precious to me (with my own notes and underlining) even my favorite books in this overloaded with books house (well, and with wool and textiles and yarns....)so I would probably try to own it too! And please don't forget to film a little of the proces making it ;-))

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  17. As a maker of books, I find the idea intriguing. Would love to be part of this!

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  18. Love this idea, roll on midsummer :)

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  19. Oh most definitely, India! Count me in!

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  20. This sounds wonderful....you know how i love your books!

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  21. YES, I hope it will get over the pond without damage!

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  22. Goodness me, I would like a large slice of this pie, thank you very much, sounds absolutely delicious. x te

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  23. I would also like to participate.

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  24. Sounds wonderful. I'm in.

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  25. Sounds like an amazing journey you'll lead us on. I'm in.

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  26. Do you even have to ask????????

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  27. Sounds very exciting for you and for us... can't wait..
    hugs

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  28. Sounds intriguing. If i I can afford it I'm in.

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  29. Oh my goodness India - did you ever expect there'd only be the chirruping of crickets when asking for our thoughts on such a delicious treat as this!! Just the thing with a warming cuppa.
    You know all that follow your wanderings are a haptic lot :D
    Sign me up, Lovely Lady

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    1. am truly bowled over by the warm response :o)

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  30. oh yes - that sounds too good to be true! I just keep admiring you, India, so much energy,so much life - simply wonderful! love, Gerdi

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  31. Just tell me where to subscribe!!!

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  32. It sounds intriguing - I wait with bated breath for the rest...

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  33. Yes, absolutely, yes! My fingers are itching with with anticipation.

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  34. I'm in and looking forward to it
    Ulrike

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  35. Sounds interesting!! Want to know more!

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  36. Sounds like it could be great fun : )

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  37. fabulous idea darling x isobel

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  38. I too am intrigued! It sounds so amazingly beautiful in the telling, and am sure it will be delightful for those that hold it in their hands. What a wonderful idea!

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  39. Oh yes! Fabulous concept & if anyone can pull it off...you can! Lots of positive vibes being sent your way as you add ingredients to that plan you're cookin'!

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  40. to everybody who has kindly showered me with rose-petals here

    THANK YOU

    i had no idea there would be such an abundant response

    it makes me very happy indeed!

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  41. Sounds like a wonderful idea--a small book or more like a magazine? I am wondering if your plans also include another eco book. I recall you mentioning something at the workshop in St. Louis that it would complete a trilogy. (Or is my memory faulty?) And are you also writing a novel? Or is that a dream I had? At any rate, I would love to have something to hold in my hand. Always my preferred method of reading. I look forward to your developments in the publishing world!

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    1. i'm thinking it's a kind of journal with some of the space already taken up by yours truly - something that is beautiful and useful with space for personal additions...
      and as to the other, the novel is in its fifth edit [good things take time]
      and
      i am meeting with my publisher on June 6 in regard to "book three"

      so your memory is pretty good!

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  42. Oh definitely yes please. Reading on the screen is nothing to a hand-object and gives me sore eyes and a vacant brain in the end. Sylvia Linsteadt, a lovely myth teller from the indigo vat blog is sending out paper story letters with exciting envelopes and tiny treasures between the pages so beautiful to receive. Analogue love.
    Best, rosie

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    1. gosh that sounds lovely....am put in mind of Griffin and Sabine...

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  43. Intriguingly irresistible ~ yes and yes ma'am!

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  44. Sounds wonderful, looking forward to having it in my hands!

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  45. Be still my heart! Please provide more info soooon so I can breathe!

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  46. It would be very special to be a part of this - If there is a small place for me in this very fast growing sisterhood?

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  47. oh my yes!
    but of course - just the sound of it delights me
    please count me in

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  48. hmmm good idea India but will you have a pdf version available too? the costs of printing and mailing from Australia out to the wide world can be a bit problematic and with the proliferation of electronic readers a PDF version may be more affordable for those of us who want to stay in the loop but may not be able to afford the paper version!

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    1. i am a little unsure about the pdf...it won't feel the same if printed and stapled together and if it isn't, will still be on-screen and not so delightful as a book-object???

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    2. look forward to seeing how you go with commercial printing... I haven't had much success so far but your earthy colours will certainly work better than the deep royal blues & acid yellows of my last attempt!

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  49. looking forward to hearing more of this amazing project!

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  50. Yes, I am ready to come along for the ride! Looking forward to it.

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  51. I love that idea! I know I don't comment much, but I would totally be into turning lovely pages that you have put together.

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  52. Hi India, This sounds like a wonderful project. Looking forward to hearing more.

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  53. I love tangibles...see it, touch it, smell it and even taste it
    (you had me at chocolate crumbs!)WOW! I'd love to ride on that bus! Please sell tickets!

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  54. yes..yes..what a lovely read and wonderful to ponder! I would love to subscribe!

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  55. I can't imagine the excitement of it all. Being rural I love the trip to the mailbox and the best days of all are when there is something lovely to savour, touch and explore ~ I think this is a brilliant idea!! Count me in.

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  56. I can't imagine the excitement of it all. Being rural I love the trip to the mailbox and the best days of all are when there is something lovely to savour, touch and explore ~ I think this is a brilliant idea!! Count me in.

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    1. splendid, thank you for the encouraging words!

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  57. Absolutely !!
    I am relatively new to your blog but have many friends, here in Canada, who think you are a fabulous person/teacher/artist ... so yes, I'd love to learn more !
    Sharron

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  58. My heart skipped a beat just thinking about it! So little of any real value comes in the real mail anymore. What a treat and treasure this would be.

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    1. i so like the idea of sending the sort of parcel i would like to receive...

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  59. Oh yes please!!! India what an absolutely fabulous and generous idea. Your previous 2 books in my possession are dog eared, dye stained and very much loved. One day I really wish to be able to attend one of your workshops but until that day an arrival of a parcel in the post would be a day to really look forward to! x Fi

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    1. that follows my line of thinking...i can't be everywhere and workshops aren't always conveniently timed or placed - so something in print that gives that same flavour is making increasing sense :o)

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  60. I have your first book and adore it. I suppose I'd get your second before I signed on for what sounds pamphlety (or are we talking magazine, here?). Whatever you do, don't quote comments from your blog, or maybe even your own words from your blog. I got pissed reading "The Happiness Project" (a really good book, full of great ideas) when page after page quoted comments from her blog!!

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    1. thank you for your thoughtful contribution. book No 2 has been out since July 2011 and I'd be delighted if you would buy it!

      the project i am musing about here will be of limited edition, neither 'pamphlety' nor a magazine in a traditional sense and i cannot see myself using quotes from comments [in any text] unless i were able to attribute them formally [which could have me chasing whiskers through the interpixies if i could be bothered] or they were relevant to what i was writing about.

      and as to printing text from the blog...there doesn't seem much point in printing stuff that i've previously published [whether in blog form or on paper].

      clearly this project won't appeal to everyone, nor is it intended to. it will be for those who want something more than appears here but can't necessarily swing by a class [and hey, they don't usually fit more than 15 tops] and who like to receive small bonus surprises in the mail.

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  61. Hi India this is wonderful. i'd love a copy
    Megan

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  62. Hi India this sounds wonderful. I would love to cuddle up in bed with a copy

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  63. yes! me too....there is such a queue ahead as usual, just popped by to see what I've missed in the last month or so and then some.....what a glorious idea. favoured family books were the Jolly Pocket Postman trilogy....full of surprises.....nothing can compare to cloth paper and pockets...can't wait. your creativity is inspiring xo

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  64. sounds intriguing and delightful!

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  65. I'm late to this particular thread but include me in! I fairly vibrate when I read your posts and see your works...it's kept me sane this past season of transition. Would love to have the opportunity to read and feel real pages as well. You are at the top of my bucket list :) I someday hope to join one of your workshops.

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  66. I am late to this particular conversation but would love to be in on the surprise packets. I have been through some major transitions these past few years and your posts and books have given a bit of beauty and inspiration in the midst of it all. You are at the top of my "bucket list" :) until I am able to arrange coming to join you in a class, a packet of India would be more than amazing!

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  67. Please add my name to your list... Just trolling back to see what I had missed and here is a very tempting book project that peaks my interest! What a delight! I've enjoyed having your spirit nearby!

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  68. please add my name too, this sounds wonderful ... but the solstice is rather well and truly over - am I missing a button for this?

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    1. no you're right, the solstice has come and gone - life [and death] got in the way. but it's still in the pipeline
      and
      as you know
      good things take time

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  69. please add my name too, this sounds wonderful ... but the solstice is rather well and truly over - am I missing a button for this?

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  70. just found this and it seems I am very late, but I haven't seen any links for it - has it taken shape - have I missed it? please put my name on the list if there is one, it is a delightful idea ...

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  71. I would adore receiving such a wonderful bundle from you. I have been on many waiting lists for your visits to the Northwest USA. Also hoping for a glimpse of you when you come to visit my rock - Whidbey Island - this spring. As usual, the class was full before I found out about it. I'm hoping you'll have an open studio or talk. You are such an inspiration...

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    1. thank you for the kind words Louie, you might want to keep an ear to the ground for September 2015 when rumour has it i will be back in the region [but a little to the north].

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  72. I would adore receiving such a wonderful bundle from you. I have been on many waiting lists for your visits to the Northwest USA. Also hoping for a glimpse of you when you come to visit my rock - Whidbey Island - this spring. As usual, the class was full before I found out about it. I'm hoping you'll have an open studio or talk. You are such an inspiration...

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  73. I would adore receiving such a wonderful bundle from you. I have been on many waiting lists for your visits to the Northwest USA. Also hoping for a glimpse of you when you come to visit my rock - Whidbey Island - this spring. As usual, the class was full before I found out about it. I'm hoping you'll have an open studio or talk. You are such an inspiration...

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  74. Where are you at with this idea now India?
    I would love such a thing.

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