I’ve been sitting here staring at my computer screen for the past five minutes trying to figure out what to write about the fact that I just wrote a book. Maybe what I’ve heard is actually true: maybe we really do get just a certain amount of words in our lifetimes, and A Pair of Sparkly Sneakers just put me over my limit!
Or maybe I just need some caffeine 🙂
It’s an amazing jumble of feelings to have published a book…excitement, anticipation, fatigue (there were a lot of late nights!), and a slight feeling of it being surreal. But mostly, I feel grateful. In this month of mindful gratitude, I have so much for which to be thankful. Tonight, I’m thankful for the many beautiful people who helped bring this book to life…
I’m grateful to the many supportive friends and family members who lived this roller coaster of a story up close and personal right alongside us.
I’m thankful for my dear friend, Adele Miller, who opened her home and her heart to my family at the very beginning of our journey – as she has done for countless others.
Eileen Mahowald’s friendship came into my life at just the right moment, and her passion for the unschooling life is what first ignited my own.
The beautiful families who make up my Village support, encourage and inspire me every day, and truly embody the adage for which they are named.
Julie Genovese, my cheerleader from afar, generously lent me her expertise, kept me smiling through the ups and downs of the process, and inspired me with the brilliant light of her being, which rivals the sun itself.
The encouragement and support of my friend and mentor, Dayna Martin, transformed my family and made me the mom and unschooling advocate that I am today. It is truly inspiring to witness the way she has woven this life of freedom into a tapestry so powerful in its beauty that it transforms lives all around the world.
My parents, Richard and Donna Puleo, have given me the gift of wings through their unfailing support and belief in me.
My husband, Ted, believed long before I did that I had a story to tell, and literally en-couraged me to tell it. I am truly blessed to be living this amazing life with him at my side.
My children, who show me the beauty of living an extraordinary life, have brought me more joy than words can express. I’m especially thankful for Thomas, whose wisdom teaches me deeply valuable lessons, and whose sparkle lights my way.
I’m thankful for my Creator, who walked with me through each painful moment, celebrated with me each triumph, and whispered to me the beautiful meaning of this crazy, messy, wonderful thing called motherhood.
And I’m thankful to all of you, who have shown me such support over the past two years. I hope A Pair of Sparkly Sneakers will speak to you, encourage you, and nurture your spirit.
You can find a link to it here on the website, or on amazon.com
Nicole, Congrats on your new book! I am so honored to have been part of your journey! I wish you wild success and power to rock your life! You are an amazing woman and friend and I am so grateful to have your family part of ours.
Love, Dayna
Thank you so much, Dayna! You know how much you and your family mean to us!
OMG which rivals the sun!?!?!? You’re making me all teary Nicole! You are so kind! But ALL the props and the glory goes to you for illuminating such a stunning story ~ you listened to your truth, wrote with such courage & style (your teachers would be uber proud!) and you generously share & celebrate the deep love within you. Sending blessings and joy across the airwaves right now! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! love you!
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✲ ƌƝƊ ĻÎǤҢƮ ✲
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Thank you so much Julie! Words are failing me (ironic, huh?), so I’ll just send you my deepest gratitude and love! (And if I were any good at tech-y kinds of things, I’d send along a fancy word picture like the beautiful one you sent, but so far all I can do are 🙂 and <3. You get both, times a million!)
I’ve ordered your book yesterday, got it today and read it in one sitting. Thank you for sharing your story!
I think there is some (small) difference in the (public) schoolsystems of our countries (I’m from Germany 😉 ) but I’m totally fond of the unschooling-idea. Sadly, homeschooling is prohibited in Germany by law and all who try anyway (and stay in the country) don’t get away with it (at best you loose a LOT of money due to fines, at worst you loose custody of your children). So I think you are really blessed for having the opportunity to home- and unschool where you live!
Also, I wanted to share that I had a lot of tears in my eyes when I read about your and your son’s preschool experience. I really felt for you.
Thank you so much for your kind words about my book…I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you also for the reminder to be thankful for the blessing of being able to homeschool/unschool. It truly is a privilege!
The great thing about the principles of unschooling is that they can be followed even by parents who don’t have the freedom to keep their children home. Treating children with respect, parenting peacefully, and helping children pursue their passions are all wonderful ways to bring the philosophy home, and are very powerful means of staying closely connected with our children and strengthening the family bond.
Take good care!
-Nicole
I have been questioning meslyf so much lately. Unschooling and should I even homeschool period. I finally settled on the fact that I need to chill out! I’m sure I’m unschooling all kinds of wrong according to other unschoolers, but I don’t give a care anymore.And I hope my child was never in your class acting like she had lost her mind .if she was I assure you its because of her spirited personality and not unschooling!
I think we all struggle from time to time with comparing ourselves to other unschoolers, wondering if we measure up in their eyes. What a relief it is when we are finally able to be confident that we know what works best for our own family.