My First Book, coming soon
Years ago, when my husband and I were considering home education for our first two daughters, we were excited, but also a bit uneasy. Knowing hardly any homeschoolers at the time, we wondered if our children would grow up lonesome, missing out on the seemingly irreplaceable social activities available through school. How many nights I agonized over these concerns, wishing for some reassurance!
Now, over a decade and many happy memories later, it seemed a good time to give some of that reassurance to other families. My prayer is that "Haystack Full of Needles: A Catholic Home Educator's Guide to Socialization" (coming soon from Hillside Education) will do just that, encouraging new homeschoolers while sharing ideas with the veterans.
Far from being a weakness of home education, socialization is its greatest strength--and joy! Among other things, the book will discuss a "Fatima Model" for gatherings, show how our St. Francis Nature Club was formed nine years ago, and tell the story of that full-length production of Shakespeare performed in the backyard. It will demonstrate how home education leads to life-long friends--not only for the children, but the parents as well--sharing numerous ideas for clubs and activities.
"Haystack" provides a hopeful and positive message, making it a good book to pass along to family and friends or anyone interested in knowing more about the social lives of Catholic homeschoolers. I am hoping it will go a long way toward answering the age old question, "But what about Socialization?"
Many thanks to my publisher, the incomparable Margot Davidson of Hillside. She has been a joy in every way and yet another friend met thanks to the blessing of home education.
If you have a moment, please say a prayer for this project as it nears completion. I would very much appreciate it!
But so much more important than that, please pray for a friend of mine who is having an important medical test done tomorrow.
Thank you very much!
Dearest darling Alice!! I am so happy for you!! And for the rest of us who can read this lovely book! Congratulations on this wonderful achievement. I am full of so many happy feelings, they can not be contained in mere words.
And prayers for your friend - remembering always the troubled in our times of joy.
Posted by: patience | February 12, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Just this morning I thought to myself, "I need a new refresher with this hs-ing thing! I hope someone writes a book!" (I'm not kidding) Alas, I see this news and feel hope once more. I will pray it all goes well. Cannot wait. . .
Posted by: Sarah | February 12, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Wonderful! I'll be praying for the successful completion of *your book* (how awesome! :o)) and your friend.
Posted by: Wendy in VA (now in MD) | February 12, 2008 at 10:48 PM
All the best to you Alice - as you finish up this great project of yours! Congratulations!
Posted by: Christine M | February 12, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Fantastic! Yeah! I can't wait to read it and then buy copies for family and friends! You should feel very proud, Alice. Congratulations!
Much love,
Erica
Posted by: Erica | February 13, 2008 at 12:03 AM
I am so happy for you, Alice! Congratulations.
I'll be praying for your friend, as well.
Posted by: Layla | February 13, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Congratulations, Alice! I can't wait to read it.
Posted by: Cici | February 13, 2008 at 12:59 AM
This sounds wonderful Alice - thank you! I look forward to its release.
God Bless, Anne
Posted by: aussieannie | February 13, 2008 at 01:05 AM
Such exciting news, dear Alice! I will be praying for you and this beautiful project! :)
Posted by: Dawn | February 13, 2008 at 06:58 AM
AWESOME!!! Congrats, and kisses, and hugs!!!! You are AMAZING! :)
Posted by: Lorraine | February 13, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Congratulations Alice! I can't wait to read this gem! :)))
Posted by: Cheryl M. | February 13, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Wonderful news! All my prayers for you, your friend, and this project!
Posted by: Paula in MN | February 13, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Alice, this is fabulous news! I am so very happy for you. I love the title. After reading many of your articles I know this book will be excellent. Once again congratulations my friend!
Posted by: Lee | February 13, 2008 at 08:38 AM
I can't wait! And what a beautiful cover they've given you. You have my prayers. :-)
Posted by: Angel | February 13, 2008 at 08:44 AM
!!! I can't wait. How exciting - we struggle so much with self doubt in this subject. Wonderful, wonderful news.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 13, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Congratulations, Alice! THat's wonderful news!
Posted by: Beck | February 13, 2008 at 09:31 AM
What a blessing this book looks to be. Congratulations and many prayers for a tremendous success!
Posted by: Jane | February 13, 2008 at 09:45 AM
This is the best news of the week, perhaps the month or year at that!!! Many prayers for you sweet lady, congratulations!!!
Posted by: Meredith | February 13, 2008 at 09:49 AM
How wonderfully exciting! Congratulations, Alice! Coming from you, I know this will be a classic in the homes of homeschoolers. And a bestseller for sure!! What happy, happy news. Deo Gratias!
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | February 13, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Oh Alice, congratulations!! This looks so wonderful. I can't wait to read it.
Posted by: Amy | February 13, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I love the cover! Can't wait!
Posted by: Ana Braga-Henebry | February 13, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Congratulations Alice, how wonderful. I know your book will touch so many. I love the cover too. Love Clarice
Posted by: clarice | February 13, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Congratulations, Alice!
Posted by: Suzanne Temple | February 13, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Dear Alice,
The book you have written is very timely for this homeschooler! Thank you!
Posted by: Genevieve | February 13, 2008 at 12:01 PM
How exciting, Alice -- congratulations! And I love the title :)
Goodness, I think the kids would be considerably less social and socialized if they weren't hs'ed :)
Posted by: Becky | February 13, 2008 at 01:39 PM