What can I say except WOW! We have 70 participants in our Simplicity Parenting Book Club signed up through my original post plus several others through various Facebook comments. I can hardly wait to start this conversation with you.
Already we've been inspired to simplify, continuing the downsizing we began last year. Last night I was up late, organizing and downsizing art supplies and toys. Even too many wonderful toys is overwhelming, so we're down to almost none in the playroom with a few stashed in the basement and closets. It feels so much more free in there.
To organize our craft supplies I re-purposed my grandmother's china cabinet for art supplies and I re-purposed our "homeschool chest" for our dishes. The switch worked well as there is now only one drawer for the kids to put things in in our homeschooling space. (Drawers are deadly around here as they are immediately crammed with who knows what and rendered useless until I clean them out.)
I can't wait to see what happens after we've read the book!
My book club question for you is: what is the best way to make this work?
One simple strategy is that I could write a weekly post (one for each chapter) after you all have your books. Then we could converse through comments. Or we could create a yahoo group, or something else. I am open to any and all ideas! Bring on your brilliance. We have participants from at least three continents. Such fun!
In addition, those of you who blog can share on your blogs to cast an ever broader net on the transformation that this conversation will create. I am working on a button you can put on your site to let your readers know that they, too, can join in the discussion.
If you are waiting for a book from the library please leave a comment as to when you expect it. I would like to start in the next couple of weeks but don't want to leave too many of you behind.
Blessings all,
Rachel
I would like to join in, too, please. I’m going to read alongside two of my ‘real life’ friends, and I plan to blog about it as well. I got my copy yesterday and today shared it with our Steiner School (Waldorf) Parent and Toddler Group.
Thank you for switching me on to this book – your invitation to ‘read along’ has not only introduced me to the book, but potentially at least ten other families in my network!
Rachel,
Just downloaded the book on my e reader. Excited to follow along with you. Haven’t read this before. Oh and I’ve ditches the crutches and walking boot. Happy to have my two shoes back on as my sweet lexi’s birthday party is today. Not moving as fast as usual but happy to be walking on both feet.
I wanna join in, too! I’m already half-way through the book! haha I couldn’t put it down.
nicole
I realistically can’t do more than skim until I finish law school exams at the end of next month, so I’m hoping for some “cliff notes” from you all…help a crazy law student mama out!
I got the book from our library a couple days ago and am ready to start whenever everyone else. Excited to try this new type of book club.
no suggestions as such but I’ve started reading it already. I’ll have to return it to the library in 4 weeks (if I renew once) so I’m going read through it now.
Lori,
This is an interesting/super modern-mama idea. I didnt realize you could do this without a Kindle or something like it. Where did you download it from?
Peace,
Rachel
Oh, Carrie! This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing and for spreading the circle wider.
Peace,
Rachel
I’m waiting my book, maybe in two weeks.
I have a Nook from Barnes and noble (similar to a kindle – love that it allows for one handed reading while holding my napping Isaac) and the book is amazing by the way.
I think having the discussion here weekly is a good idea. Other than that, maybe we could have a group on FB. I have to hurry up and go get the book now!
A FB group is a great idea!
Rachel
I was hoping there’d be some inspiration over at the Simplicity Parenting website/blog: http://www.simplicityparenting.com/ But, nothing stuck out at me. I keep thinking that simpler is better, for all of us. Maybe a chaper summery every week (or longer, if that’s too much too quick) with a spot to add our own links with our updates/journeys and then we can convo in the comments section???
**meant “jumped out at me.” sorry.
I like the FB idea!!
I want in! I just read the book and returned it to the library, but it’s a definite game changer!!!!
http://www.wifemotherathlete.com/2011/03/minimalism-and-simplicity-parenting.html
TJ and I are in as well. . .I like the facebook group idea the most. . .combined with weekly thoughts from you. Regarding the art paring down going on at your house. . .what on earth do you do with all of the art that is created over there? We get flooded by stacks of papers over here constantly. Every time it gets too crazy, I do a massive pare-down at night and he’s never noticed. . .the times I’ve asked him if we can recycle something he has always said a flat “no” because he still plans on coloring more, or cutting it into a snowflake or. . .
Me Me Me!!! I would like to join. I am in desperate need of some parental support and a needing to re work myself a bit. It would be so much nicer to do it with others. I just downloaded it to my Kindle and am ready to get going!!
Thank you for this.
Jennifer
I think having the discussion on here would be my vote. I’m not on FB and have no desire to be (because I know it would be an incredible time waster for me – that’s just how I am). I realize that most people are on FB, though, so go with what seems right for the largest number of people.
My library doesn’t carry the book, so I’m searching for a copy at a few used bookstores. I’d say a week max for me to get it.
I like the FB group idea too 🙂 I’m on there way more than i should be, so it would be easy-peasy to integrate into my normal computer time.
I placed a hold on the book at our library, and it isn’t due back until 4/11, but it shouldn’t be hard to catch up.
I would love to join as well! I just placed a hold at the library. The FB group idea would work for me.
Alison
Hello Denise,
We have never made a big deal about artwork. We rarely hang a piece on display for more than a few days. A day or two and then we take it down. We put favorites in portfolios – the kids each have one we picked up at Paper Scissor Stone. When the portfolio is too full then older kids (Sage etc) can sift through and get rid of what they dont treasure. Of course you could manage all of it on your own too. I keep very little. So much is documented through photographs here that that is really what it is about for us. Although, we are framing a gnome etch board that Sage did a couple of years ago. Lupine love it and I want it forever, so framed it is.
What about a few frames painted on a wall (or bulletin board frames) where art can be hung? Then when it is time to display a new piece, Cedar chooses what to remove?
xo
Rachel
Hooray for passion! I feel the same way as you stated it. What I love I love 100% and it changes my world. Its how I roll and I wouldnt have it any other way.
Hugs,
Rachel
I’m expecting mine in a week! I like the idea of a weekly blog post on each chapter, and then chatting through the comments! That way, if one idea really strikes up a lot of convo, it could lend itself to another post. I blog too, and am thinking of posting back to this. Love the idea!
Forgot to say that FB would work for me, too. And I love the idea of a button for the blog – a nice, unobtrusive way to allow blog readers to check it out for themselves.
I’m very excited to hear this is getting off the ground! I’d love to read posts here about different chapters, if you are willing to do that. It would be great to interact with you and other readers through the comments.
I’ve decided to bow out. Too much else to read right now (smile)
I just read this and would love to join in! I think a weekly chapter summary with people joining in the comments might be simplest. I’ve followed a group discussion done that way by Carrie at The Parenting Passageway and I think it works.
Thanks for doing this!! It’s so great to discuss things with other like-minded mamas.
Simplicity Parenting was selected as the subject of year-long, all-school book study at Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School this year. We just had Kim John Payne come and work with us. He’s a fantasticly clear and humorous speaker. Since he’s left, we’ve been kicking around ideas for getting people working on all the different areas he suggests. I’d love to be part of your book study to gather inspiration from such a large group of people. I’m hoping that we’ll find ways to share the idea throughout the Viroqua community as well. Great idea!
My copy should arrive next week sometime. FB group would work for me. So looking forward to it!
I just heard from DakotaGal that you started this group. I am halfway through the book but I would love to join in the discussion and reading. It’s so much better with a like-minded community.
I love the idea of blog posts and commenting through the posts. Of course, if the majority of folks want FB, then that’s fine. I do like the idea of a button, if I could just figure out how to put one on my blog.
Thanks for hosting.
Hi Nan,
It sounds like the group has been a great success. I was dissapointed to be away when Payne came to speak (I also missed him in Madison). Let me know what else happens here in V. that might be of interest! Glad to have you joining us.
Peace,
Rachel
Me, too Jenna. But well wing it!
~ Rachel
Sign me up too! What a great idea! 🙂
I am ready! Anyway, for me FB sounds like not the best solution, as Susan said, it just takes too much time…
I should have my book from the library with in a week. I’m very excited about this! I don’t facebook so would love to be able to participate some other way – but I want to be part of this so much that I will join FB if that is the only way.
Hello!
My book arrived last week and I have not been able to put it down! Even took it camping this weekend and sat up late with my headtorch on low. Reminded me of when I was little and wanted to read after ‘lights out’.
I think either a yahoo group or fb group would be good.
Best wishes everyone – I’m really looking forward to discussing this book with you all.
Just got the book – super excited for the group! FB works for me! 🙂
I will probably have my copy from the library in about 2 weeks. Love to join in.
How do I join? Do you just post here? I am almost done with the book and it is a real schema shift! I agree an FB group would be super handy.
Yes, Margaret. Just sign up here. Then keep watching the blog for news and info on how to proceed. Thanks!
Rachel
My book is on hold at the library, but since I am in Turkey and it is being shipped from Germany, I may have to wait a few weeks. I’m hoping sooner though.
What perfect timing! I just started re-reading this 🙂
hooray!