could i really paint?

Over here I'm sifting through ideas for my own creative practice to play with during the Chickadee Road :: Studio Sessions. As I mentioned in our Chickadee Road Chat last week, it seems like I'm not really in a place to do the same practice at the same time every day. It is summer and Ellie and Jon are home every single day, so I'm squeezing in bits of creative play here and there, and often in my moments alone I'm either working or trying to rest a bit. 

This is why I'm so excited about the Studio Sessions. I want to be surrounded with kindred spirits who are finding their way to make room for creative play even when the day is full, even when it seems hard. I want to practice what I know and gently push myself to make time for what I know I need.

And I keep coming back to a strong desire to paint more. 

The truth is I always want to paint but there are so many reasons I don't...I'm not very good. I don't know how. I really can only paint when Kelly is here. It makes too much of a mess. I have too much work to do and not enough time to get the supplies out. And how the list goes on.

I'm pretty good at excuses. (Can you relate?)

But still, I keep coming back to this question: Could I really paint?

We're heading to my mom's for a few days soon and I'm thinking about taking my watercolors + Moleskine and just playing. Just putting color to the page and seeing what happens. Watercolors are so easy to travel with, and Kelly's taught me some pretty fun techniques at the retreats this year. Why not?

And then just maybe I will be in a bit of a groove and can continue to play in August. Or maybe I'll decide that I want to try something else.

This is the fun thing about creative practices: You get to create your own adventure.

If you've been longing to play, just PLAY, in your corner of the world - from art journaling to cooking to taking a photo walk each day - consider coming along with Kelly and me for the August Studio Sessions. We are going to have so much fun!

An incredible group of women is already gathering and we'd love to have you come along. 

because poetry should be read aloud

I've recorded a poem for you today.

Because sometimes there are just words you need to hear...words you think someone else might need too.

Because sometimes you need to hear these words aloud so you can write them on your heart...so you can feel less alone.

The poem is called "Flotsam."

It's written by me and you can find it in the poetry collection Five Days in April in my shop.

Just click "Flotsam" below to listen to this short poem.

Blessings,

Liz

flotsam

love this: ellie's current favorites

Ellie was looking over my shoulder and saw this post and said, "Mama, why is your purse in that photo?" I explained I was sharing some of my favorite things I like to wear, and she (no kidding) said, "Can I share my favorite things too?"

So here we go, a few of Ellie current favorite things (and note she has explained that all of these will be going in the suitcase when we go to visit Grandma Fina).

1. Hanna Andersson's Ruffle and Twirl Skirt. Ellie says, "I like all the skirts in the world. And I like this one because I like to wear it with my Mickey shirt." (The aforementioned Mickey shirt would be on this list if I could find it online. We have three and she's been wearing them for almost two years. You've probably seen them on Instagram. She is a bit obsessed with the mouse.)

2. White eyelet tank top from Target that Ellie explains is something "I like to wear to bed like a night shirt."

3. I found this adorable elephant purse at the T-Spot in Manzanita (love that store); you can also find it online here. Ellie says, "I like to take it on BIG trips with me like when I get to the date with the green circle when I wake up really early, I'm going to take my elephant purse with me on the plane." Phew! (The date with the green circle means the day we're going to Grandma Fina's that is circled in green on the calendar in her room.) 

4. Tiny Tom's are an everyday favorite. She actually has a pair with butterflies that I couldn't find online, so we went to the site and she picked these out as a possible "second favorite." We learned at Nordstrom that most kids need half a size down because the canvas stretches. This has been true for EJ.

5. Threadless tees make us all happy in this house. And what's not to love about a self-portrait? As Ellie says, "I like wearing it so much!"

6. Zutano tights are our favorite favorites! Because Ellie loves wearing skirts almost everyday, these are a must on cooler days to keep her legs warm. And all these stripes and polka dots are just happy. Ellie says, "I like to wear them to school. They're cool!"

This kid cracks me up. I'm thinking Ellie's favorites might be a new feature around here. Thinking we'll share her favorite books next! 

one of those dreams do come true moments

photo of Darren Rowse from the official WDS photos by Joshua Seaman

When I went to WDS earlier this month, I didn't expect to have a "dreams come true" moment. Actually, I thought I would have a good time because I loved listening to the speakers last year and I thought they would be inspiring again, but I had already decided I probably wouldn't want to go back again because, wow, 3000 people was going to feel like a lot, probably too much.

It is so good to be wrong sometimes.

Instead, this group of almost 3000 people felt like one of the most open-hearted, real, delightful, truly amazing group of people I've ever been around.

And I'm not kidding.

Now on to the dream part.

Darren Rowse was the second speaker on Saturday. Wisdom + vulnerability + real stories of when things weren't going so great and how that brought him to this place of living his dreams were just the right blend of, well, awesome that I needed to hear.

The topic of living your dreams can run the risk of being "cheesy" (even though I believe cheesy is often an access point to vulnerability). Too much about "living your dreams" can just not apply to your audience because sometimes stories of dreams coming true are filled with "luck" and "the people you know" instead of actual examples of working hard and staying open even when it seems impossible and so on.

Darren's talk had me laughing and tearing up and feeling my heart crack open even more when it comes to a few big dreams I've been holding close and talking around for a long time. And when he asked us to turn to the person next to us and share a dream we have, I turned to Lori and these words tumbled out, "I want to give speeches in front of audiences of 3000 people." And quietly, to myself, I added, "I want to remind them that they aren't alone as they find their way."

I remember Lori said something like, "I really believe you are on your way to living that dream Liz." 

Then Claire Bowditch came on stage and sang, "Amazing Life," and I couldn't stop the tears (guessing I wasn't alone.)

About 30 minutes later, we were back in our seats after a break when Chris shared we would be seeing the trailers for the two movies that would play during breakout sessions at WDS.

My body stilled completely for a second as I processed this. The Indie Kindred trailer would be playing. On the huge screen. In front of 3000 people. Right now.

As in I was about to tell 3000 people that they will feel less alone when they open themselves up and tell their stories.

Somehow I had missed this on the schedule.

so that's my little family on the big screen at WDS. yep.

And there I was alongside the other amazing women in the film...walking with my family to our favorite bakery...sharing my secret dream of having t-shirts with "poet" on them so we can recognize one another...and talking about the magic that happens when you share your story through your art, your music, your words...how that will help you feel less alone.

Yes.

So that was something. 

Dream come true. Check.

But here's the best part of the story. As I was tearing up and having this moment, my husband was sending me two texts.

The edited version reads like this:

Transitions are ******* hard today.

But she's using the big potty again.

Because this is what life is: beautiful and real. There is the beauty and the shit. There are big dreams coming true alongside real lives being lived. We are all human doing our human thing. We are all finding our way. 

Yes.

So big dreams are coming true over here. Ellie is learning and using the big potty. I am continuing to find different ways to tell my story and create space for others to do the same. And really, we are all finding our way together.

Gosh I love this life.

***

Director of Indie Kindred and my dear friend Jen is currently on the road in an awesome blend of beauty and real as she takes her two girls with her on a trip to show the film in cities around the US. Check here to see if there is a showing near you. 

And WDS really was that great. As in I'm already signed up to go again next year. There are lots of other stories from attendees that can you read here. Next wave of signups will be this fall. You should come.

five (really) good things

 

1. She did it! Ellie went down the big slide at the zoo yesterday. She's been wanting to do it all summer and tries each time we go. It has been incredible to watch her. She started earlier this summer by climbing the steps first with one of us, then alone, and then she would stand at the top and watch the other kids push past her. She came close twice but decided she wasn't ready. We've had a lot of conversations about what it means to be brave, how you can do things even when you are a little afraid, and how it is okay to wait until you are ready too. She seems to really be excited about the idea that you can be brave and still be a little afraid at the same time. (YES!)

Yesterday, she decided she was ready so we took a special trip to the zoo. When we got to the slide, she climbed right up the steps, sat right down, and away she went. It was awesome!

2. The recording of our Chickadee Chat is available for viewing right here! LOVED circling in this new way and am so thankful to those of you who gathered with Kelly and me last evening. More chats to come! 

3. Speaking of chats, I keep meaning to tell you that I had the incredible experience of being part of one of Alana Sheeren's Transformation Talks a few weeks ago. Alana creates a beautiful space for people to share about the ways life has cracked them open and how they've filled the cracks. We talked about how my creative practices helped me during times of grief. Honestly, this feels like one of the most important conversations I've had about the work I put in the world and how this work is really how I live my life. (Thank you Alana.) You can watch the video or download the audio here.  

4. And last month I spent the day with Pace and Kyeli in their new home in Portland! Oh these two are so delightful. I was an in-person guest on their Wild Crazy Meaningful Life podcast and we talked all about "Living an Instagrammed Life." I blogged about this idea here (and have a few more posts in the works about this topic) and it was great to continue this conversation with Pace and Kyeli.

5. Shop news: My Etsy shop Soul Mantras and Other Stories now has a Facebook page! I'll be sharing a few fun things over there including FB only discount codes and other good things.

I've just added this new turquoise feather love necklace to the So I Fly Collection. My hope is that it will remind you that you can look up at the sky above you and make the choice to fly even on the days when you aren't sure of the next step. Yes. (Turquoise always reminds me of my grandmother. After she died we realized she was wearing shades of turquoise in almost every photo taken of her during the last 20 years of her life. Gosh I miss her.)

And how about over in your corner. What are five really good things in your world? I'd love to know.

Blessings,
Liz 

capturing this moment: around here

One of my favorite prompts is to gather photos that simply represent what we've been up to "around here" in the everyday moments. Taking the time to sift through Instagram photos and the photos I've taken with my "big camera" helps me to slow down and really see what is happening in the in-between spaces. 

Here's what I found when I looked through photos of the everyday moments from the last few weeks...

creative play (and ever-present patience)

storytelling (complete with hand motions these days)

sorting (and a mama's ability to somehow keep finding things to do)

cuddling under quilts (movie nights and naps)

throwing rocks (and lots of reminders about throwing away from living things)

listening to stories (and talking through the intense moments when needed)

pausing in the quiet (and choosing to really listen)

meals together (simple go-to favorites)

Here's what I know: It isn't about the "quality" of the photo. It isn't about capturing every moment. It isn't about getting photos "as good" as someone you admire on Instagram. It's about living.

It's about noticing the simple moments that make up your world. It's about having the camera nearby to capture what you're drawn to. It's about getting in the photo. It's about having a way to remember the moments she finally put down the paintbrush and let herself begin to paint with just her fingers. It's about reminding yourself that you did really have dinner at the table sometimes. 

It's about noticing the everyday moments of what life looks like around here.

Take some time to capture this moment through your lens today. See if you can find your senses, laughter, what it means to gather, stillness, or even just your favorite shade of blue.

***

You can find more about this prompt and other juicy being present and self-portrait prompts in my book Inner Excavation: Explore Your Self Through Photography, Poetry, and Mixed Media. I'm delighted to share that I'm selling copies again, this time at a special discounted price of $18. Read more about the book and order it from me right here. (I'll even sign it for you and include one of my poem note postcards.)

pinned it. did it. {with meg}

Meg is back with another awesome DIY inspired by Pinterest! 

*****

I have an ever-growing board on Pinterest for DIY projects. It is full of craft ideas, up-cycled furniture, homemade headboards, and various brilliant ideas that I’ve seen and tutorials I want to try. It’s one of my favorite boards to go to when I have an itch to do a project. And one pin in particular catches my eye over and over again: diy string art. 

I started with a small one for our mantle above the fireplace. I decided to use a shadow box rather than just an empty frame (honestly because it was on a great sale and I liked the idea of a shadow box on the mantle). I purchased a shadow box, some teeny tiny nails, and some embroidery thread. This project cost me about $9.00 total. 

I loved her original image in her post (which by the way is in German but is easily translated thanks to Google Translate) so I decided to do one as similar to it as possible. I like that it is one take on the ampersand/and symbol. I loved the curvy look so I kept it very similar. I did a freehand drawing of it on a piece of printer paper and then cut it to size. I nailed the paper to the board that came with the frame where it literally hangs from. It is like a heavy duty cardboard or a very light-weight tag board. I did struggle to keep a few of the nails in far enough, so I ended up driving them through the back and they poke through a touch. Since it doesn’t hang on the wall, it doesn’t seem to matter. I found it easiest to do my nailing on our concrete patio so I could really go for it.

Once my nails were in, I picked a random nail to start with. I tied on the string and started weaving my way in and out of the nails being careful to pull it snuggly and to create a border with the thread along the edges. When I got to the end of the thread, I tied it around a nail and cut the end closely to the nail so it doesn’t show. Put the back on the frame, and it was a completed project.

It did take a bit more time to do than I had anticipated but overall it was a very simple diy. I have a few other string art projects I am interested in doing but I think my next one will be something like this one for our bedroom. 

String Art DIY Ideas
Baby/Children’s room rain cloud
Wedding/Event table numbers
United States art
Astronomy art
String Art Trophy Animals

I’m adding this project to my “I pinned it and then I did it” board with a quiet satisfaction that I can now enjoy it on my mantle and can dream up the next string project for my house. Anything you’ve done or tried that you found via Pinterest? Tell us about it in the comments below. I love hearing about the projects you are working on.

Meg Brothers is an artist, photographer, mama, and dreamer. She loves cooking, tattoos, and sporadic dance parties in the kitchen. She prefers dark chocolate, black coffee, and flip flops when weather permits. She is a lover of Pinterest and truly believes in integrating ideas and inspiration - big or small - into normal life. Meg lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, Dustin and son, Julian. Meg writes about photography, family, and creative inspiration at megbrothers.com. Find her on Pinterest here and on Twitter here. 

***

Note from Liz: Over here in my corner, I'm trying to "use Pinterest for good." I really see it as a community of people trying to see the beauty and possibility in their lives. I'm adding a few new features here on my blog inspired by or directly about Pinterest as a way to invite others to look for this beauty within a social media community. I look forward to seeing how it all unfolds. Connect with me on Pinterest here. Read other "Pinned it. Did it." columns here.

***

Don't forget! Join Kelly and me TOMORROW, Tuesday, July 16 at 6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST for a live video chat all about creative practices (what are they and our current practices), self-care, and other good things. We will also share a bit more and answer questions about the Summer Chickadee Road :: Studio Sessions and the Fall Story Excavation Retreat. Join us at 6:30 PM PST by clicking right here.

love this: everyday favorites

This summer, I'm slowly but surely cleaning our bedroom. Wanting to create a space that feels full of ease and full of...well...space. And part of this plan is to get my clothes down to my favorite favorites. I want to just have the clothes I LOVE to wear. Right now my closet is mostly clothes I really like and might wear some day soon, but the space I have for these clothes is so limited that I have trouble finding my favorites.

And feeling good in my clothes is one way that I'm creating space for really living over here. Simple truth. Yes.

Here are a few of the everyday favorites I'm wearing right now (starting at the top right going clockwise):

Hannah Andersson flipflops: Comfortable and cute! and on sale!

Flipside hats and headbands: You've probably seen some of these in my Instagram self-portraits. My collection is growing as I just added this one. They are made of super soft knit and fit my not small head comfortably but actually fit Ellie too (a little big, but she can pull it off).

Keens Sienna MJ Canvas shoes: Super comfortable can wear them right out of the box shoes. I have blue + red from last year's colors. LOVE this orange.

Fossil Explorer Tote: This is the bag I've been waiting to carry as soon as we no longer need to bring diapers everywhere. I LOVE IT! It has multiple great pockets, which are a very good thing since I'm one of those people who loses her keys every single day. And the aqua really is this gorgeous in person, but in trying to find a link it looks like it is almost out of stock everywhere except Nordstrom (where it's on sale). Other colors (some on sale too) at Zappos.

Ruffled Lyra Top: LOVE the green and the blue! Wearing them a few times a week around here as they work with everything. 

Necklaces from my 1993 Collection: It's true, I'm wearing my own necklaces daily. Layering these around my neck and on my wrist and loving how they transport me to my teenage years.

Converse tank: I've been wearing several versions of this tank for a few years now. Perfect layered and on a hot summer night. Super soft too.

How about you? What are your everyday favorites right now?