creating space for all of it

Earlier today, I experienced a moment that surprised me as it opened me up (how grief often arrives in the cloak of surprise). Even though I come to this space a bit dishevled and vulnerable, I felt really called to just show up as me and share about this moment in a video post.

Also, the "Nona" I mention in this video is Nona Jordan. A post about my experience working with her (including how she is inviting me to finally let go of some major shame around money) is coming soon.

*****

If you would like to continue this conversation about creating space for grief and all of our experiences, consider joining me for Create Space, the ecourse that begins Monday. This is going to be a really intimate class that will give you the space to open your heart to joy, beauty, truth, love, and what is real in your life. As I gather up all that we will be exploring, I am so excited to share tools and stories that can be companions for you on your journey. Find out more about Create Space here.   

authentic living

a peek at my new article

"In This Moment: Healing One Patch at a Time" is my new article in the Autumn issue of Somerset Life. It is the first of three articles I am writing for their Authentic Living column. So honored to be sharing stories about being "in this moment" in the midst of it all.

In this article, I share the story of how making a quilt earlier this year helped me to begin to come out of survival mode and lean back into living and getting out into the world. 

a backyard poetry reading for one (photo in the article)

Oh how I love this quilt.

You can find Somerset Life at Barnes and Noble and other bookstores, and you can order a copy here.

joy seeker (september)

A guest post from Jon:

We were wandering on that stretch of beach near the Point Wilson Lighthouse, and you found a stick in the sand. My first instinct was to keep it away from you for fear of injury, but I knew you needed to be allowed to investigate and explore things in nature. Also, you are currently figuring out how to be quite persistent, so I decided to see how this moment would unfold. You tromped and stomped around in the sand, briefly losing your footing, only to regain it an instant later. You would swing the stick wildly to spread out sand and then move on to another spot. Later, we played with a small stone and tapped it against larger rocks and logs to make music. I always want to remember the sense of discovery you had throughout our adventure on the beach.

*****

the series "joy seeker" is one way i am documenting the "joy" superhero power that ellie jane has. i hope to gather these glimpses here on the blog from her first to second birthday, and then, i will put them all together and have them printed in a small book.

quick shop news

you are loved . a ready to ship necklace in the shop

My Etsy shop is open again! You will find several ready to ship necklaces along with some layering pieces and several simple soul mantra locket necklaces.

Quick note about holiday shopping:

I will take custom orders again in early November in time for gift giving and will share a new collection at that time. Just let me know if you have questions! I will keep you posted in my shop announcements and with blog posts here.

I am so blessed to create these talismans to send out into the world and am looking forward to getting into the studio again. Thanks so much for your support! 

Blessings,

Liz

there are things i want you to remember {7}

you
are
the
only
one
who
can
live
your
dreams
into
reality

what is real (october 7)

mirror self-portrait (straight out of the camera) . frog creek lodge

one year later.

after everyone had gone to bed friday night, i stood in front of the mirror and couldn't help but smile wide at this girl i saw before me. she looked lighter and maybe even more real. and she looked beautiful.

these are the thoughts that went through my head: this is why i choose to seek the joy. this is why i let laughter in. this is why i know that all you need is love. this is why. this face of light and love is why.

hello you. hello me. it is so good to see you.

one year later.

yes.

*****

::what is real:: is a mirror self-portrait photo + a few words series that began in july of 2010. during the last year, i have noticed that the act of taking these photos feels like a meditation practice. before i take the photo, i stand in front of the mirror and think about what is real in this moment and let my face relax to wherever that truth lies. then i snap.

i document the series over on flickr but share them here from time to time.

today, i am...

heart path . penrose state park, wa

today, i am giving myself the space:

to eat hot biscuits right from the oven while standing at the kitchen sink
to not get to all the emails quite yet
to sit with the beauty that was hosting five retreats this year
to rest during ellie's naptime
to tuck this real, true poem right inside the pocket of my heart 
to listen to music with my eyes closed
to know that it doesn't have to be perfect 
to remember to choose love 

the re-entry part is a bit different each time. this time it has included a pretty thick layer of exhaustion combined with such profound, deep gratitude. i can still hear their laughter and stories and brave truth sharing and silliness. i am sitting with the memories and unpacking them a bit at a time as i also rest and honor all that has been and all that is to come.

more soon...

*****

Create Space is an online experience that invites you to give yourself the gift of being present in this moment. During this four-week course, you will slow down, take a deep breath with intention, and notice what you need. Through video and audio lessons, stories, writing and photography prompts, and weekly creative adventure assignments, we will explore self-care and being-present practices to use in your everyday life.

Come along this fall and connect with the space within you that houses your true nature. Find out more here.   

mingle and other good things

a glimpse into article about Be Present Retreats in the new, fantastic Mingle magazine

I am delighted to share that the article shown above is in the current issue of Mingle magazine. It is written by my dear friend Jenna McGuiggan, and she beautifully captures the feel of these retreats with her words as she shares about the 2011 Pen & Paper Retreat. (Thank you Jenna!) And the photos (oh those photos!) taken by Vivienne McMaster and Kate Inglis are gorgeous. A big thanks to all, including Christen Olivarez of Stampington. I hope you will head to your local bookstore and find a copy (or order one here). 

In this moment, I am in the midst of the Create Magic Retreat, and again, I find myself so steeped in gratitude to be doing this work. Truly looking forward to sharing more in a few days...

Coming in 2012

I am also working on the retreats for 2012. My partner in crime Kelly Barton is getting used to me saying to her first thing each the morning here at Frog Creek Lodge, "I had another brainstorm...." We are really coming up with some juicy ideas for the 2012 season. My current plan is to send out a newsletter late next week that will include dates and sneak peeks of several of next year's retreats. The best way to get a heads up about future retreats and workshops (along with Etsy shop news and other happy things) is to sign up for the newsletter.

Hope your day is full of light and wonder in your corner of the world...

Liz