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Book award

Sea Aster Press is pleased to announce that The Zen of Florida Gardening by Lucy Tobias, published by Sea Aster Press, October, 2020, won first place for books in the Florida Outdoor Writers Association Excellence in Craft awards on August 21, 2021.

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Book Author Available for Labyrinth Presentations

Lucy Tobias, author of Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida, published by Sea Aster Press, is available for group talks on labyrinths in Florida, a slide show along with thoughtful ways to walk and interactive activities with takeaways. Click this link to contact.

Recent references:

” I highly recommend Lucy Tobias to any and all organizations interested in learning about the labyrinth.  Lucy’s passion for labyrinths has led her to walk over 100 around Florida.  Her presentation comes from the heart, with a balance of information, images and warm humor.  The presentation can be tailored to meet the needs of the group in length.  Lucy brings a tremendous openness and genuine warmth that will bless you.  You will give thanks and be blessed by inviting Lucy Tobias to speak to your group.”  Rev. Dr. Wes Bixby, Senior Pastor, 1st Congregational UCC ~~ Sarasota

“Lucy Tobias visited to present in the class I teach at Ringling College of Art & Design.  She is an excellent, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic speaker. Her presentation was creatively-constructed and was well-received by my students.” Dr. Douglas Chismar
Liberal Arts Program Director, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL.

walking a labyrinth
Lucy Tobias walking a labyrinth in a private garden, Lake Helen, Florida during research for her book Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida



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Upcoming Book Events

Mark your calendars!

Gainesville, Florida: On Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 from 12noon -2 p.m. Florida author Lucy Tobias will talk about her books and have a book signing at Linda Blondheim’s country studio as part of her annual studio party.

Blondheim’s studio party is Saturday, February 9th from 11 AM – 4 PM at Linda’s Country Studio.  Directions are on her Website. This will be her annual Chili Party with homemade chili and all the toppings with brownies for dessert. All 8×10 inch framed paintings in the Country Studio will be $210.00 for the party. Come and walk Deer Woods Trail. It will be lovely in winter.

AND THEN

The same day, Saturday, February 9, 2019, from 3 to 5 p.m. you are invited to meet Lucy Tobias, author of Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida published by Sea Aster Press. Tobias will do a book signing and talk on the front lawn at the home of Richard and Mary Lynn Jamison,8820 Millhopper Road, Gainesville, FL  32653. Her book includes a chapter on labyrinths in Gainesville.

This event is free and open to the public. Come meet the author and also walk a rye grass labyrinth, planted every fall by the Jamisons. It is an 11-circuit circular classical design, easily accessible to all ages in their front lawn area. Mary Lynn can share how you too could have a seasonal labyrinth in your garden.

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Clive Johnson Reviews CIRCLE THE CENTER LABYRINTHS IN FLORIDA

cover for Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida
BOOK REVIEW: Circle the Centre, Labyrinths in Florida by Lucy Tobias, 2018, Sea Aster Press, 216pp, 978-0-9837703-7-4
‘Circle the Centre, Labyrinths in Florida’ offers a thorough survey of labyrinths the length and breadth of the Sunshine State.

Filled with colour photographs, comprehensive detailing of hundreds of labyrinths, and richly annotated maps, this has as much a flavour of a coffee table browser as well as being a valuable Baedeker-style guide for a labyrinth road tripper or valuable source of knowledge for Florida residents.

Following extensive research and many hundreds of hours spent traveling the highways and byways of the state, Lucy has compiled a guide that will delight any lover of labyrinths, whether or not they are Florida-bound or based. Indeed, earlier chapters of the book explore the labyrinth’s applications in a way that should have general appeal–taking in such diverse themes as using the labyrinth in grief counselling, through to wonderful stories about walking with pets on the labyrinth. Approaches for walking the labyrinth and options for building one are also given a generous treatment.
These generic chapters gave me much food for thought, and a fresh appreciation of how some of the many individuals and organisations quoted have brought a labyrinth into their communities or work, despite frequent challenges. The affect of children enjoying their labyrinth walks in one school in drawing their parents to discover the labyrinth for themselves is one example.
The core of the book, however, is a (I would imagine) highly comprehensive guide to labyrinths in the State, giving information for each such as their accessibility for wheelchairs, surface type, and detailed location information, as well as a description of what to expect, and often anecdotal notes relating to the labyrinth’s origin and setting. Practical information, such as whether outdoor labyrinths are exposed or shaded, important when the sun’s power can be intense, is also included.
Fancy walking a labyrinth laid out in an alleyway? How about a labyrinth fronting on to a mausoleum? Or even a canvas labyrinth that, with a phone call, one dedicated caretaker will lay out for you for a private walk? These are among many surprising curios mentioned in the book.
Many may head to Florida to tour the theme parks and golden beaches. Now, labyrinth enthusiasts have a perfect guide to plot their journey from Pensacola to Coconut Grove. Alternatively, perhaps like me, Lucy’s vibrant descriptions will satisfy some armchair travelling, and inspire a will to hit the road to go discovering where labyrinths may be found in your own home territory.
Simply glimpsing the cover of Lucy Tobias’ wonderful new book and its inviting call to “center the circle” was sufficient for me to want to explore what is contained within. It is an enlightening read, and makes an important contribution toward identifying and documenting labyrinths in one of the USA’s largest and most diverse states. It will be a delightful addition to any labyrinth lover’s library.
Clive Johnson
Note: Clive Johnson lives in England. One of his projects is Labyrinth Around America where he travels the outer perimeter of the United States with portable labyrinths.
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Read about walking labyrinths in St. Augustine and Ocala

labyrinth at FLagler college

Lucy Tobias is the author of Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida.

Here is a newspaper story written by Lucy Tobias for the St. Augustine Record. printed on August 19, 2018. Going to St. Augustine, Florida? Then include  labyrinth in your travel plans

http://www.staugustine.com/entertainmentlife/20180819/3-labyrinths-in-st-augustine-entice-locals-to-slow-down-for-moment

labyrinth at FLagler college

For another look at labyrinths in Florida, read the story by Lucy Tobias written for the Ocala Star Banner June, 2018:

http://www.ocala.com/news/20180610/discover-ocalas-labyrinths

labyinrth at SHolom Park, Ocala

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Upcoming Book signings for Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida

cover for Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida

Sea Aster Press is pleased to announce the following book signings during September, 2018  for Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida by Lucy Tobias. Meet the author, get a book signed and have fun finding out about moving meditation on a labyrinth walk in Florida.

You are invited to attend any and all events!

TALLAHASSEE

Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. a book signing for Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida at Midtown Reader,  1123 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303

SARASOTA

Sunday Sept. 9, 2018  from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1201 North Beneva Road, Sarasota, Florida. Lucy Tobias is the featured speaker for Singles on the Go. The public is invited. You do not have to be an SOTG member to attend. Lucy will talk about her book Circle the Center Labyrinths in Florida and show a Powerpoint presentation. She will be available after the talk for book signings.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH

Saturday, Sept. 22 – from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Omnisara, an autumn solstice walk on their labyrinth, plus a talk and book signing for Circle the Center Labyrinth in Florida, starts at 6:30 p.m. with meet the author, walk begins at 7 p.m. $5 donation requested. Address: 414 Third Avenue N., Jacksonville Beach, FL

ORMOND BEACH

Saturday, Sept. 29 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Labyrinth walk and book signing outside at Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum & Gardens,

78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, Florida