a few tools of the trade

yesterday's P.O. adventure

Over the last week, I have been pretty busy with holiday orders from my Etsy shop. And I have to say, it has been kind of awesome. As in "I am not as frazzled as I expected to be" kind of awesome. When last Wednesday's sale was a bigger success than I anticipated (thank you!), I knew I would get the orders sent in time for Christmas, but I didn't think it would take me less than a week to get quite a few of them out the door. As I was packaging while Ellie napped yesterday, I started to think about the tools that have helped me with my Etsy business lately, from using online shipping to being aware of self-care, and thought it would be fun to share a few. 

1) Uline has awesome customer service and they ship same day. I buy padded envelopes, those delightful little manila tags, glassine bags, tissue paper, and other fun things from Uline. You get things in bulk though so it might not work for everyone, but it also is much cheaper to get a big box of 250 envelopes than buying 25 at your local office store (or buying 10 tags for $5 at your local scrapbook store). If you have another favorite supplier, please share in the comments! 

took this right as i was having a "move everything toward the center of the table so ellie can't reach it" moment

2) Over the weekend, I started using PayPal shipping for the first time. I know, I know, how have I had an Etsy shop for more than four years and I just started using online shipping? Well, the simple truth: I was overwhelmed. But it is super easy. You need a postal scale and labels (and you need to know that the only labels that seem to work with PayPal shipping are this size, which are two to one sheet) and printer. Because my studio is pretty small and my kitchen table has to become my shipping station when I have a lot of orders, my wireless printer makes it so much easier for me. (This is my favorite printer since the one I had in college years ago and the first that was truly "plug and play" for me.)

3) Having a way to "store" the jewelry as I was making it was key to things going smoothly. As I made each necklace, I would hang it on a display piece I use for the pajama soiree/trunk show nights at my retreats. I have taken an old small wooden shutter and simply hammered small nails across the top for the necklaces to hang from. It is hinged, so the shutter stands up. This way they don't get tangled and I can see what I have made. Here is a not so awesome photo but it will give you an idea of what I mean. I love it so much that I think I might use another one in our bedroom to store my own necklaces. Although I might hang it on the wall. I will take a better photo soon!

4) Noticing the self-care I need. Here are just a few ways I am practicing self-care right now:

"time to pick up the pieces off the floor mom"

• Tea. Mugs and mugs of tea. I thought a cold might be coming on over the weekend, so I drank a lot of hot, hot tea and it helped. Mint tea from Trader Joe's is my current favorite.
• Continuing to enjoy this time of year and documenting it (more on the documenting part soon). We have decorated just a bit and put up a tree, but we might not do more than that. And the truth is that part of the reason I won't decorate more is that I don't want to go through the boxes of decorations in the garage. And I am okay with that.
• Stopping everything to simply have fun. On Sunday, I was vacuuming while Ellie and Jon listened to music. When I realized they were dancing, I stopped cleaning and joined them.
• Resting and reading. After I went to the post office yesterday, I still had some time until Ellie's babysitter was scheduled to go home (right now, we have an awesome high school student who comes over for 8-10 hours a week). I did have quite a few things on my to do list, but I didn't have much motivation to do them. So I went to Starbucks and had a peppermint mocha and read. It felt like I was majorly breaking the rules, but then I realized that there really aren't any rules when it comes to getting through and taking care of me so I can take care of others. And it wasn't a waste of money (which was a gremlin that came up for me) because today I feel rested, clear-headed, and ready to tackle more things. 
• Paying attention to what Ellie Jane needs. This really does fall into the category of my self-care, and it helps me to think of it like that sometimes. I am trying to really be aware of when she is showing signs of needing a nap or that she wants to go outside and run around. I am not altering our schedule too much by packing it with things (not that we have a schedule...but...alas there is a rhythm to it all in there somewhere) because if she gets overtired and has a meltdown, I know I won't be far behind. I am also becoming more aware of how much she enjoys playing by herself, so I am working a bit while she does that but including her in the ways that I can (even if that means just putting her in her high chair with a puzzle and drink while I package things and chat with her). 
• Using my altar daily and burning candles throughout the day and while I work. It is a simple thing but it helps to ground me and I believe that is passed into the talismans I send out into the world.

5) And another major help to all aspects of my business has been working with Nona Jordan for the last few months. I keep saying I am going to write a post all about her (and I will!), but the truth is that it is hard to articulate all the shifts I have experienced. Recently though, it really helped me to begin to see the numbers of how my business has grown this year. I have had some guilt around a few things concerning money (okay, that should read, "I have a lot of guilt concerning money for lots of reasons"), and looking at the numbers has pushed me to own that I am really running a business over here and I should be proud of that. In turn, owning this truth invites me to feel lighter while I work because I see how it all connects to what I feel called to be doing in this world. (Letting go of the guilt is key to so much for me.)

As I wrote this today, I started to add several paragraphs about what it is like to run a business from home and be a work at home mom and how it saddens me to think about the assumptions people make when they come to a blog and only see part of the story. But these paragraphs were beginning to ramble and suffer from explanation-itis, so I have popped them into a Word document to look at later.

That said, I really do want to share more about my business and the projects I am working on and pull back the curtain a bit. I get questions about how I do it all and I am sometimes puzzled by how to answer and wonder what others thing "it" is. But then I look how my life has changed so much in the last two years and realize I do have a few things to say about this.

In this moment though, I feel moved to say: I try to find my way. I live with my heart open. And I fall down. And I realize I have to shift things. And I have to realize I cannot do it all. And I have to honor that letting go of others' expectations is a piece for me (even though that is a hard one). And I breathe. And I try to be still. And I try to remember to choose love and seek the joy each day. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. And somehow in the midst of it, I am beginning to see that it really is unfolding just as it should...

kind kindred

A quick little note to let you know I am over at Kind over Matter today with a guest post for the Kind Kindred series. Love this series and am so grateful to Amanda for inviting me to share.

The post is about acknowledging all this time of year holds for us and creating space for self-kindness as we walk through it. The post also includes a downloadable audio meditation that you can save and play when you most need to be reminded to sit in the quiet and let your mind rest within your breath.

May you give yourself the gift of being right here and noticing...

Blessings,

Liz

current favorite playlist

practicing self-care by taking a moment just for me while she naps

As the to-do list grows over here, I have been observing the ways that I do and do not take care of myself. My observations always tell me that I have to slow down and bring awareness to my day or I will lose my way. While Ellie naps or when her babysitter comes so I can get work done, I try to remember to also notice how I am feeling and what I need. Warm baked goods right from the oven are making that list. As is rest in the form of laying down for a few minutes and reading or closing my eyes. And then there is the music. In my world over here, there must always be music, and I especially like it when I can sing along and dance dance dance. 

Here is playlist that is currently on repeat this weekend:

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) :: The Proclaimers

Get Out The Map :: Indigo Girls

Son Of A Son Of A Sailor :: Jimmy Buffett

Get Back :: The Beatles

Kiss On My List :: The Bird and the Bee

Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man :: Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn

Bus Stop :: The Hollies

Midnight Train to Georgia :: Gladys Knight & The Pips

Stop Draggin' Around :: Lenny Kravitz

If I Had a Boat :: Lyle Lovett

Via con me :: Paolo Conte

The World's On Fire :: The Housemartins

Let It Be :: The Beatles

Born Feeling :: Sara Tavares

Better Life :: Keith Urban

I Want to Break Free :: Queen

Rock With You :: Michael Jackson

You Got to Me :: Neil Diamond

Loves Me Like a Rock :: Paul Simon

What Next? :: hello mtn

Antarctica :: The Weepies

Little Bird :: Jonatha Brooke

Fast Car :: Tracy Chapman

Brian Wilson :: Barenaked Ladies

The Gambler :: Kenny Rogers

I Hope :: Dixie Chicks

C'est Si Bon :: Eartha Kitt

The next few days are sure to include some Christmas music, but it was nice to sing along with these songs as I hammered and wire-wrapped and wrapped packages and took time to twirl with the beana.

And you? What are you listening to these days?

december 1

while she napped, i put up the little christmas tree that had been waiting in the garage since jon put it in there sometime in late january. it was waiting wrapped in a plastic bag with lights and ornaments still on. and i stared at that little tree that we put up last year around december 20 when i was deep in survival mode and unable to really find any holiday spirit. it is a great little tree. jon has had it for years.

but i stood there and said aloud, "i deserve more christmas than this."

and that is how we found ourselves walking through the trees as the sun began to dip low. ellie giggling as she touched each type of tree and then splashing in puddles as she wandered.

i always think i will be quick to choose one, but it always takes me so much longer.

i love all of them. they smell so good. and they are just waiting for someone to take them home.

with the chill in the air and the christmas music playing ("zat you santa clause?"), i felt so at ease and like me. just like i felt the night before thanksgiving while i was cooking (like from scratch cooking) for the first time in months while ellie and jon read and music played. feeling like i have maybe been waiting my whole life for this.

and i think perhaps the only way to stay close to that feeling of ease (of love) is to take care of myself in the midst of it all. like deciding to get a little tree and buying some lights instead of spending six hours in the garage trying to find the lights we used four years ago.

and deciding to get in the picture by just propping the camera right on the hood of the car and using the timer.

self-care gently pushes me to stay more open to love and light.  

*****

thank you for the orders during yesterday's shop sale. my heart is gently holding so many beautiful stories shared as customers placed orders and let me know why their chosen soul mantra was important to them or who they were giving the necklaces to as gifts. so many beautiful stories.

the truth is that life is so hard and so so beautiful. this fall has held some unexpected challenges over here. there has been beauty and there has been stress. this is living. and sometimes it feels like its harder than it should be. but we find our way all the same. and each day i have a choice. so i choose beauty and love and joy whenever i can.

a shop sale

Sometimes we need a traveling companion to remind us to be present to the beauty and truth that surround us. We need to be encouraged to shine a light on what is real, to heal, to dance inside joy. We need an invitation to stand tall and give ourselves permission to rest. We need to be gently pushed to find our way to laughter and fill the cracks that life creates. 

My hope is that the talismans found at Soul Mantras and Other Stories will be companions on your journey as you open your heart to all that is to come...

Today only, I am having a 25% off all items in the shop sale! Just use coupon code HOLIDAY11 when you check out through my Etsy shop.

I am also delighted to announce that you can now customize your Soul Mantra necklace with your own phrase and choose your locket and even choose from a few bead options. All the customizable options can be found in the new CUSTOMIZABLE section in the shop! 

Holiday schedule: All U.S. orders placed by December 12 will be sent in time to arrive by Christmas. If you need something by a specific date, check in with me by email or Etsy convo. International orders will be sent out as well, but I cannot guarentee they will arrive in time.

And just remember that the HOLIDAY11 coupon code for 25% off is only good today!

edited to add: In case you are new to Etsy or new to coupon codes on Etsy, here is how you apply the coupon to your order. When you are on the shopping cart page, look for "Apply shop coupon code." It appears just above the Order Total area in your shopping cart. Click on "Apply shop coupon code" and then enter HOLIDAY11 in the box that appears. Click "Apply" and you will see your discount. 

right here.

do you see a car? yes! do you see little critter?

Books are a big part of our days over here this month. Goodnight Moon and a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse look and find book have been the main favorites, but a couple of weeks ago, I introduced Beana to Little Critter.

I showed her my favorite Little Critter book (that has moved with me from house to house over the years), Just For You, and talked about how I used to read it over and over again to myself and then to my little brother.

There is something about this story about a little one who wants to make his mama happy but somehow keeps getting distracted by living. My favorite scene is when he is taking a bath and water is everywhere because"there was a storm." Love it. And in the end, all is well as he successfully hugs his mama and heads to bed.

The day after we first read this book, Ellie brought it to me and we looked through it again. Reading mostly consists of her pointing to different things wanting Jon and me to tell her what they are. Then we ask her to find things on the pages. When I asked, "Where is Little Critter?" and she pointed right to him...well...I cried. Just like that. Because sometimes the love of those who came before you (who love you even still) rises up around you until little tears form. 

I told a certain grandmother about Ellie's new love of Little Critter and a box of books arrived from Amazon days later. Just like that.

(I will always buy you books, she would say for as long as I can remember.)

Ellie is reading from Just Me and My Mom in the photo above. I am someone's mom. So so crazy. She doesn't really call me mama yet. When she gleefully calls for Da Da! when she hears the front door open, I try not to let it bother me. Because the truth is, if she had a name for me right now, it would probably be "here."

Where is mama? I ask. And she points to herself in the center of her chest and then touches my chest.

Right here.

I love that. 

reaching for the camera

on this day...

as you open your heart to all that is to come,

may you always remember that beauty is waiting inside this moment

may your mind rest in the space you create with each breath

may you trust compassion when facing uncertainty

may your spirit feel the lightness of truth and love 

yes

yes

yes

the nine interview (with kristen perman)

Today's Nine interview is with Kristen Perman. From her self-portraits to her NYC fire escapes to the Los Angeles street art she captures on her photo walks, oh how this woman can use a camera! The simple truth is that the way Kristen captures the world through her lens deeply moves me. She was one of my first friends here in blog world and then we became friends "in the real world," and I am so grateful for the way she shows up. I am also so honored that she is one of the contibutors in my book Inner Excavation.

Come along today and peek into Kristen's story as she answers the Nine questions.

*****

Question 1: Who are you?

Question 2: In this moment, where are you?

Question 3: What are the textures of your corner of the world?

Question 4: If you had an hour alone to just play, what would you do?

Question 5: How do you seek joy?

Question 6: What nourishes you?

Question 7: When you need to simply take a breath and ground yourself, what do you do?

Question 8: How do you nurture your creative dreams?

Question 9: Does your heart have a secret wish you want to share?

(all photos copyright kristen perman)

*****

Kristen Perman is a Los Angeles based photographer who is continually inspired by the urban suburban sprawl of her surroundings.

A tea-loving bookworm, a girl who chases light and shadows; always exploring, always a camera in hand.

You can visit Kristen on the web at Exquisite Corpse Collective and her Flickr stream, and find her Etsy shop here. 

*****

Nine is an interview series with creative folks that began in the Spring of 2009; the interviewees are asked to respond to the interview questions in photographs (or video). You can scroll through all the interviews here.