why retreat (with jojo blöndal)

As Kelly, Ali, and I gather goodies and ready the lodge for the Your Story Retreat participants, please enjoy another guest post in this series of posts from a few of the ladies who have attended my retreats over the last few years. My hope is that these posts will not only give you a glimpse into the Be Present Retreats, but also invite you to realize the importance of taking time away from your daily life to recharge, connect with your kindreds, and rekindle your creativity.

And today, I am delighted to welcome Jojo Blöndal who is a kindred spirit I have been connected with since the days of Poetry Thursday way back when. Thank you for sharing your light today Jojo!

*****

I am learning that sometimes I actually have to leave home to find home – a novel concept, but one that really is becoming true for me.
 
A few months back I did just that: I left my home to sink into more of me in the dew and mist of the Pacific Northwest. I traveled 1135 miles to create magic with kindreds. Strangers, really, but like-minded souls, artists and adventurers who did the exact same thing: traveled mile upon mile to escape their lives and find themselves in maple leaves, moss, and the enchantment of tall, green, majestic woods… and in an actual log cabin, no less.

I left home with a small(ish) bag filled with art supplies, fall weather gear, a slew of Moleskines, and a big desire to peel back layers of my being. This is an idea that seems strange to some: that you would get on a plane and travel, off to paint, write, eat, and commune with folks you have never met. And though two of the retreat goers were friends I had recently met, communing with strangers is a concept that fuels me. Yes, it speaks my language: adventure. An adventure with art, words, food, photography, trees, women, exploration, the sea, the forest, coffee, tea, and a labyrinth. I’m in!  I left home with a few small bags, but I’d come back with bigger things. Things tucked in my heart and under my belt. Lessons learned about myself. Lessons I’ve learned before and may learn again (and maybe again).  But each time, the path to this place inside me becomes more clear.

I left my husband and furry feline back in LA to go on this adventure. I said goodbye to all the things I push myself to be: überwife, recognized artist, good friend and neighbor; dependable daughter, sister, and aunt; and an irreplaceable service to my clients. And I said goodbye to the things I do, like keeping a tidy kitchen and bathroom, and making sure the linens are washed, dust bunnies corralled and plants (as well as my husband and myself) fed. I push myself hard! I do it out of love. But I stretch myself with so much grit that most days, grace seems to slip away. And eventually I must say hello to the yearning to refill my well, the whispers of an old friend that knows.
 
It is becoming clear to me that retreat, for me, is a necessity more than a luxury.

I arrived at my destination, welcomed with smiles and hugs and a handwritten name card. It warmed my heart to know that someone was awaiting my arrival. It reminded me that there was room for me here, that my adventure was in full swing and that I’d most certainly carved out some space to grow. I’d made it to the shade of the forest, and I sank in, with eagerness and ease. I sank in, even after surviving introductions–because as much as I love wandering to new places, the excitement (and uncertainty of it) always makes my stomach drop. I was immersed in every moment. I found new ways to look through my lens. I scouted new words with which to craft poems. I rooted about with a long brush and tubes of color to paint my story. And right next to me were beautiful strangers cracking open their tender souls to do the same. I think we were all eager. And we were all willing. And magic was made. It was inevitable.

I am learning what my heart already knows. I am learning that I must retreat to come back home. I am learning that I don’t have to be all that I think I am supposed to, to be accepted or survive or succeed. That I already have all I need. And I sit here with a smile because I will learn this again (and maybe again), but each time the path becomes more clear.

*

Jojo Blöndal is a graphic designer, artist, and creative personal blogger. She nurtures her soul and strawberry patch in the foothills of the Angeles Forest where she lives with her musician husband.
 
Jojo’s passion for creativity is rooted in celebrating the ever-changing perspectives and ever-present rhythms of her days. To preserve herself in a big city, she finds comfort in analog things - from growing succulents and herbs, to writing letters by hand and exploring daily habit with her film camera. When she’s not pushing around pixels, you might find her in a local cafe soaking up tea and sinking into a Moleskine journal.
 
Visit her artwork here, photography here, design work here and heart here.

All photos copyright to Jojo Blöndal.

1981

me and my dad . 1981

It was the year that changed everything. It was the year when my family went from three to four when my baby brother was born on a day in April. And a piece of my story is that I will never forget the way that both of my parents made sure that I always felt deeply loved.

In families there is always stuff.

(Always.)

I wish we would give ourselves more space to just know that this is true. We experienced stuff as children, and we create it now (even if we sometimes don't want to admit it). Every family has it, which is why I feel it is so important to share our stories so that we know we aren't the only ones.

And today, I was thinking about this stuff, and the truth that there is, for me, so often love in the midst of it all.

(Thank you for that.)

May you find your way to love today.

Blessings,

Liz

curled up (with a good book)

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I would be sharing more about the poets + poetry books that I love and turn to again and again. I am going to turn this into a new series where I share about the books we are all currently reading over here (the "summer of books" is on our in-progress summer manifesto), the books I turn to when I need to listen to the words of someone else, and of course poetry recommendations.

On my nightstand (or rather on my kindle app):

I am devouring The Presidents Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy like a John Grisham thriller. It is so so good. It is about exactly what the title suggests: The club that current and past presidents make up as they are the only ones who know what the others know and have experienced. The idea that they let go of party lines to get advice from another who has been in their shoes inspires me deeply. BUT then there is Nixon. Well and the feud between Eisenhower and Truman. And then...oh my goodness it's good. I might start devouring presidential memoirs next.

I'm also reading Anna Quindlen's new book Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake: A Memoir. It is beautifull written and funny and full of wisdom. I wish you could come over and we could talk about it over tea + cupcakes.

As I pack up books of poetry for the Your Story Retreat in my vintage suitcases, the three collections that are a must include: To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue, Poetry Speaks Who I Am edited by Elise Paschen and Dominique Raccah, and What Have You Lost? edited by Naomi Shihab Nye. 

Recent favorite from Jon:

11/23/63 by Stephen King: A little bit of history, a little bit of time travel, a lot of Stephen King. Jon loved it!

Ellie's current favorites:

Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal: This book is delightful! The story is deeply inspiring, the illustrations are adorable, and the language captivates Ellie's attention. Jon and Ellie read it before bed every night.

And the one she can't get enough of that we read on repeat while in the bathroom throughout the day: Potty by Leslie Patricelli. (It is really good and has gotten her very interested in her potty and how it "works.")

And our houseguest and favorite chickadee Kelly Barton's recommendations:

Current read = The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and so far she really recommends it.

A favorite she turns to again and again: Wacky Chicks: Life Lessons from Fearlessly Inappropriate and Fabulously Eccentric Women by Simon Doonan. Kelly says, "It's a book about women who've forged their path on their own terms." Nice.

What's on your nightstand right now?

You can see more of my favorites over in my Amazon shop that includes a "Poetry: Start Here" section.

give yourself the gift of this moment

A note from Liz: Today is the official launch day of The Gift of This Moment, a project I have been holding close to my heart for over a year now. I am so excited that it is ready to go out into the world to be a gentle and true companion for you on your journey. Read on for the details of this home retreat kit.

****

Some days it's the way the importance of what you're up to in the world sweeps you out, as if into a tide.

Other days it's the way the breeding inbox and never-ending details tap incessantly on your shoulder.

Or the way the future breathes down your back. And then you blink and turn the calendar and wonder where all those weeks and days and hours and minutes went. You wonder what you missed noticing and forgot to tuck in your heart and carry with you.

You wonder who you could have been if you let those moments change you instead of chase you.

Sometimes it's helpful to get tired of things like hype and speed and hamster wheels that promise you so much but in the end leave you spit out and spent with calendars heavy on scribbles and light on memories.

What if you didn't need a sabbatical in Tibet or a hike through the Himalayas to turn the ship around? What if reflective living was as simple as a moment in front of a mirror, a snapshot and a line penned on a napkin, or a book of holy heart words tucked in your bag the exact minute you need them?

What if it was a gift you could give yourself, that arrives gently at your door?

The Gift of This Moment Home Retreat Kit by Liz Lamoreux

Finally it's here: a collection of invitations, reminders and practices to keep you grounded, awake and clear so you don't miss your deep wisdom or your hidden treasures - those moments of seeing and hearing and embracing that first change us and then travel with us forever.

Give yourself this gift and receive:

• The Gift of This Moment: Practices for Reflective Living, a professionally recorded and beautifully designed audio CD featuring Liz Lamoreux's heart-felt stories and an introduction to her 3 Practices for Reflective Living.
• Seen: A Mirror Meditation Journal, a 30-Day companion for reconnecting with the person who knows you best - You. Paperback, 40 pages, including 18 invitations, notes and check-ins. Featuring line art by Liz Kalloch.
• In This Moment: Field Journal and Photo Album, your reminder to see and to notice, to root yourself deeply in the present. Carry with you, cherish, remember. Hard cover, double-wire bound, 86 pages, including 27 writing and photo prompts.
• Five Days in April: A Poetry Collection, for the times when your own words fail you. Paperback, 40 pages, including 20 soulful poems by Liz Lamoreux.
• Breathing from the Heart: Guided Meditations, five downloadable mp3s of professionally recorded meditations by Liz, whose training as a yoga instructor infuses and informs this journey.
• A Breathing from the Heart reminder sticker to place where you need it most.
• A custom-designed, travel-size mirror in a sheer organza bag to help you reconnect to yourself wherever you are.
• "Here" and "I am Beauty" temporary tattoos from Chickadee Road so you can adorn yourself with the reminders you most need to keep you present to your practice.
• Rejuvenate. Reconnect. Retreat. Black mini tote bag to hold together all the parts and pieces, plus your keys, your phone and other on-the-go essentials.

The Gift of This Moment Home Retreat Kit: All you need to rejuvenate, reconnect and retreat, any time, any place. No plane ticket required.

$135 USD, ships free worldwide

(From Jen Lee Productions)

this week

this week has been full of birthdays (ellie's and mine; jon's was last week) and a visit from my mom and more organizing (to continue to create a house that looks like i feel on the inside) and planning (in august the garage is becoming my studio!) and a few adventures and a first trip to the dentist and a few other things.

i am working on the first post for the Inner Excavate-along that starts Monday (i hope you will join us!) and i might have spent part of this evening decorating my journal cover with a lot of gorgeous washi tape (because...well...why not?). and now, i'm finally editing some of the photos taken this week.

i took a lot of photos during ellie's birthday last sunday. we spread out opening presents throughout the day (and a few spread out throughout the week) to avoid too much overwhelm. it was a good plan for her. right before we had cake, she opened her tea set.

on a whim, i decided to get this one that i had been eyeing for a long time. and she loves it and has played with it everyday since. it has also helped her to sit at the table more, which is awesome for all of us (especially since the table is actually staying "cleanish" right now so meals are being eaten by all of us there).

this photo of her getting ready to reach for the sugar bowl as she's just realized it has a lid simply delights me.

you might also notice that she really loves bows. and she wants to wear a lot of them at once. when she gets up in the morning, the first thing she usually wants is her sparkle shoes followed by her bow(s). though now she is loving to switch between the sparkles and her new lizard converse, which look especially fantastic with her party dress, which must go on her body right away whenever she spots it even if that means over pajamas. 

gosh i adore this kid and the way she moves through and sees the world.

and i guess i just feel really moved to say this in case these are words you need to hear today (i needed to remind myself of them a few minutes ago): it's okay to ask for what you need this weekend. maybe you need to sleep in. or rest. or have a long talk with a friend. or eat a cupcake. or get your hair cut. or take a photo walk. you can even ask you to give you what you need.

blessings and light,

liz

why i trusted jen lee with "the gift of this moment"

author copies arrived yesterday!

When I began to tell Jen Lee about a few practices I wanted to share with the world that I couldn't find containers for, within minutes, she deeply understood why these practices needed to be shared and why I kept bumping up against the certainty that they didn't fit in a traditional ecourse or traditional book.

So we began brainstorming in phone calls and emails and texts. 

Then, sitting on her bed when I visited last August, the idea was born to have each piece of this project be presented to you like a series of gifts you would open when you most need them. A home retreat kit that isn't just about one day of retreating from the everyday but is instead about integrating practices into your daily life so that you feel deeply seen and heard by the one person who knows you best: You.

At some point during the few days I visited, she turned to me and said, "I'm pretty sure this project is called The Gift of This Moment."

Yes. 

And after we recorded the stories and I shared a few poems with her, it became clear that The Gift of This Moment was indeed the title of this project. And really the name of almost all the work and writing I have been sharing at this blog I titled "be present, be here" almost seven years ago.

Yesterday, Jen wrote a deeply honest and beautiful piece called "What Happens When Artists Rule?" about why she is producing work and how much she believes in putting this work into the world. Here is an excerpt (it also gives you a peek into the secret code name I use for most of the work I am putting into the world):

There's a school of thought that says when making and then selling something, people don't care about how or why you make it the way you do--they just want you to answer the question,What's in it for me? It's likely true for some people, probably a personality thing, but I am a values-oriented person and I can't imagine I'm alone in this. The how and the why matter immensely to me--it's why I buy organic and free range and free roaming food and support farms with humane practices. I pay more money for these items, and not just for their superior flavor and nutritional content. There is a kind of work in the world I believe in supporting, other values-oriented people I believe in sustaining.

Maybe this is why each time a new release draws near, I'm always compelled to pull the curtain back and let you see a glimpse of how we do things and why we do them that way. The curious among us can read on.

Almost everything we make has official and unofficial titles. For instance, something that might be called, say, The Gift of This Moment may have an unofficial or working title like, How to Feel Less Fucked Up and Alone. Maybe we'd sell more if we just stuck with those unofficial titles, I don't know, but I do know that they help us keep our eye of the ball during the making. To remember what we're up to and why. 

Yes, yes, YES! I am so grateful for the ways Jen has gently held these pieces (and me) through this project and how she has always deeply believed and pushed me to own that this work needs to be in the world and in your hands. We officially launch next week, and I am so glad you are on the journey with me as it unfolds.

Continue reading the rest of Jen's post. 

Find out more about The Gift of This Moment. 

giveaway winners

Thank you so much for all the beautiful words you shared in the weekend giveaway. 

Here are the giveaway winners:

Jessica and Dionne the Tea Priestess* won copies of Inner Excavation

PrarieJill and Kolleen won sets of Poem Note postcards

Fiona* and Elizabeth won sets of Studio Wisdom postcards

Nolwenn won the I am Enough necklace

and Skaja won the set of tattoos

I have contacted the winners by email IF they included their email addresses in the email box with their comment. If your name is above and you haven't received an email from me (or...ahem...you have an asterisk by your name above) it's because I do not have one for you. :) Please get in touch by the end of the week or I will need to move on to another person. 

Thanks so much for your enthusiasm! There will be a few more giveaways during the Inner Excavate-along for those who are joining in on the fun!

Blessings,

Liz 

a weekend giveaway!

poem note postcard on my studio altar this morning

Happy June!

During the last week of May and first week of June, we have three birthdays around here. Geminis...all of us...can you even imagine?

So today, as a way to invite you over for cupcakes and pink lemonade, I want to do a weekend giveaway! And I want to tie it all in to celebrating the upcoming Inner Excavate-along that begins June 11.

Two people will win a copy of my book Inner Excavation (and I'll mail them out Monday so that you hopefully get them in time to play along or give to a friend who wants to join in).

Two people will win a set of my Poem Note postcards from Chickadee Road

Two people will win a set of Kelly's Studio Wisdom postcards from Chickadee Road.

One person will win an I am Enough locket from my Etsy shop.

One person will win a Trust tattoo and a Tell Your Story tattoo from Chickadee Road.

To play along, please leave a comment sharing one of your favorite words (later, I'll add these words to a word list I'll share during the Inner Excavate-along).

To enter more than once (up to three times total), please share a link to the Inner Excavate-along info page on your Twitter, Facebook, or blog (just come back here and let me know that you've shared it by leaving another comment).

The giveaway will close Sunday at 9PM PST.

PS If you don't see your comment appear right away, never fear, it is just awaiting moderation. Sometimes certain comments seem to get caught up in the moderation filter. I will get to it as soon as possible (so no need to write the same one multiple times). Thanks!

UPDATE: Comments are closed as the giveaway has ended. I'll announce the winners on Monday!