Books and Babies: An Afternoon with Sarah Ahearn Bellemare

The best thing about baby play dates?  They are more about mom than baby... at least at this age.  They give us moms a chance to connect with other moms, and get out of the house.  So when Sarah Ahearn Bellemare (yes- the incredible artist, author, and mom to Ada) decided to come to Providence for a play date, I knew it would be one for the books.  Literally.

During our time together, we covered some major topics: babies, books, the delicate balancing of motherhood and work.  It was so refreshing to spend time with a mom who is in the same boat as I am- figuring out this whole creative employment thing, sending our books out into the world...all the while still trying to find our mom groove.

Sarah's book, Painted Pages, recently hit stores, and let me tell you- it is BEYOND gorgeous.  The photography is stunning (which is to be expected, given the fact that Thea Coughlin was behind the camera) and the range of material covered makes it appealing for everyone, even those of us that don't dabble in the mixed media arts.  I am super proud to be included in her book- giving my two cents on using inspiration boards as a writer.

While we talked, we wandered...through Brown's campus (feeling kinda old as the students rushed around us), and up to Hope Street, where the cute shops called to us.

The babes were total troopers...hanging in there, fighting back sleepiness, granting their moms a few blissful minutes of shopping.  Sarah found the cutest little bunny for Ada, as well as a little barrette...oh to be able to dress a little girl!  Although Ada is no shrinking violet...in fact, her boisterous attitude frightened poor little Vijay.  It was pretty funny to witness- she would shriek, he would cower, she would yell out in joy, he would cry out in fear.  Sarah and I couldn't stop laughing.

But little Vijay will simple have to toughen up- because I, for one, am looking forward to our next play date, and let's be honest- it's really all about me!