retreating

Writing in The Lodge :: Gearhart, OR (photo by Vivienne McMaster)

When I get home from retreats, I always have plans to share photos and stories in this space. But each time it doesn't really happen. I get swept up in being back in the midst of family life and work stuff waiting for me. And I just can't seem to find the words for the few weeks after a retreat. By the time I do, I'm ready to talk about what's happening in this moment.

Photographers at play :: Gearhart, Oregon

Recently, I asked the ladies from the Your Story Retreat if they would share some words about their experience. When Hannah wrote the following in our private Facebook group, it was like a collective sigh of "Yes, just like this" was heard.

This is possibly the biggest and best gift you could give yourself, and actually your family and loved ones as well. You will change on a deep and meaningful level, and begin the transformation into the person you were meant to be.

Forget any little voices telling you that you can't take time for yourself, or it's not your cup of tea, or you don't know anyone and what if they're all weirdos....(all thoughts I had before I went!)

The truths are these: you do deserve it and taking this time to care for yourself will equip you to be present and truly see and love the people in your life when you return.

You already know the other women going, you just haven't met them yet. Within a few hours you will feel so comfortable talking and listening to them that you'll feel as though you've known them for ever. You'll make some deep connections with beautiful souls who will continue to touch and bless your life after you leave. 

You will laugh and cry and talk and write and dance and draw and breathe and heal and grow and be nourished and loved. 

But the most important truth is this: encircled by this group of women you will catch a glimpse of yourself as the woman they see (instead of the woman your inner critic tells you you are) and you will like her, you will want to see more of her. And when you get home and the laughter has faded, and the sand is shaken out of your shoes, you will make time for her. Maybe not every day, but she will stay with you forever.

-Hannah, Your Story Retreat 2013

So if you've been wondering about what it would be like to come to the Pacific Northwest for a Be Present Retreat, well, it's a lot like that.

Come to the Oregon Coast

 

We still have a few spots open at the Story Excavation Retreat with Jen Lee, Kelly Barton, and me. The dates are September 11-15 and we'd love you to come along to the Oregon Coast and connect with the kindreds you've been waiting for.

Learn more right here.

pinned it. did it. {with meg}

Meg is back with another Pinned it. Did it. post! This one has me making a special trip to the grocery store today to get a couple of ingredients so that I can make this bread (I have two huge zucchinis just staring at me on my counter right now). 

In the comments below, let us know how Pinterest is inspiring you these days! (And if instead you feel overwhelmed by Pinterest let us know that too - I'd love to write a few posts about this very thing so ask any questions or share your thoughts. Thanks!)

Read on for Meg's post.

*****

It’s that time of year when the fridge and the countertops are loaded with fresh produce either from the grocery store, the farmers market, or the garden. I remember planting a garden in high school and one thing we were certain would yield a lot of produce: zucchini. So if you have zucchini sitting around or have more to do with it than ways to cook with it, here’s the perfect way to use it or share it.

I first made this Lemon Zucchini Loaf with Lemon Glaze for some friends and it was devoured within minutes of cutting it. I knew at that moment that I would have to save this for special occasions or only pull it out when I really wanted to make an impression. And believe me, it does! However, today looking at all the zucchini we had in the fridge, I decided that it was also a perfect “just because” loaf. And I was right. 

It’s really easy to stir together. I followed the directions exactly as written for this loaf, but I think in the future I will play around with the recipe to see if I can make substitutions like gluten-free flour or applesauce instead of oil, or cut back on the sugar. I make note of changes to each pin when I re-pin something to my “I pinned it and then I did it” board and I think one other slight adjustment I will make note of for the future is to use less lemon juice for the glaze and maybe split the liquid portion of the glaze: half lemon juice, half buttermilk. The glaze is a bit sharp in flavor and is very sweet. I could use a bit less and still enjoy it. And I am a frosting lover. But don’t skip it altogether, it’s wonderful. 

This bread has the perfect amount of lemon flavor. It’s not overpowering, just fresh and light. I also think the buttermilk takes it from being good to great with the hint of sour to help balance the sweet. And with a full cup of grated zucchini, it is moist and light as can be. 

Lemon is one of my favorite summer flavors. I like to pair lemon with iced tea for the perfect summer duo. What other flavors resonate with summer for you? 

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.

and so i fly

Delighted to be including these new postcards with all orders from the So I Fly Collection.

It's been beautiful to read the stories about why people are drawn to the feathers and the birds and the words. The pieces from this collection are often gifted to friends going through difficult times or embarking on new adventures. I gather these stories and tuck them in the pockets inside me so that I can pull them when I need to be reminded of why I do what I do over here in my little studio in the Pacific Northwest.

And I'm so happy that my little shop just keeps growing. Working on some exciting new designs for fall that I'll be sharing some sneak peeks of soon.

Thank you for supporting my shop and my work and my family. I really am blessed.

Sending so much light and love to your corner of the world today...

Soul Mantra Stones

 

Since I first joined Pinterest a few years ago, I’ve loved all the painted rocks pins, but I hadn’t found a DIY for them that seemed easy enough to get me to actually use some of my favorite rocks from Puget Sound and Lake Superior and put pen or paint to them.

So when Infinity Markers sent me some of their markers to try, I decided I would just tackle these rocks and see what happened. 

First, I called in reinforcements via my studio assistant Bonnie. We gathered the rocks from spots around the house, gave them a good washing to remove any sand and seaweed, and let them dry in the sun. While they dried, we got out some paper and started sketching and making lists of our favorite Soul Mantra phrases. Then the fun began (while listening to Mumford and Sons of course).

The first few were pretty much not cute because we were getting a feel for the rocks as a new surface to doodle on. But then we found our groove and just played. I can’t wait to bring these markers to the Story Excavation Retreat next month. Kelly and I are already brainstorming ways we can use them for some fun crafty activities.

Creating Your Rocks

This is more of a “just have fun and play” sort of DIY but here are a few tips to get you started in the hopes that you will see this post and literally think, “I’m going to do this on Saturday.”

Things to think about: 

1. The texture of the rock: Just because a rock is flat doesn’t mean it will be easy to write on. We found that a smooth surface was more important than thin and flat. Some rocks were really porous and very difficult to write on and they soaked up the ink. That said, the flatter the easier to write on of course. 

 

2. The shape of the rock: The longer skinny rocks were perfect for the feathers. Rounder rocks created more space for words with decorations. The tiny rocks were perfect for one short word or hearts. It might seem obvious, but when you are staring at the rocks you love and thinking about what to put on them, the shape is a good place to start.

3. What to draw: Look at Pinterest for inspiration! What did you enjoy drawing as a kid or what do you doodle now? I used to love filling up a notebook page with circles, so I had fun adding circles. And Bonnie learned that I’ve never met a polka dot I didn’t like as I kept trying to add polka dots to every single rock we played with.

I really wanted some feathers on the rocks, so Bonnie looked at a few stamps in my studio for reference and then started playing. She used a pencil first to get a feel for the shape and then went over the pencil with both the very fine tip and fine point markers.

4. Consider other objects to write on: I had some drift wood and created a little altar for the heart rocks with my favorite quote from Mumford and Sons. I plan to put it on the windowsill in our bathroom as a daily reminder of the way I want to live. Love it! Bonnie also used one small piece of driftwood for the smallest feather. Some of the driftwood was really porous, so keep that in mind. 

5. If you don’t like what you draw, flip the rock over! You can also use the metallic markers to cover up any of the colors and then write a word on top of the metallic color. 

Why we liked using Infinity Markers: 

1. I’m just going to start with this one because we kept commenting on it over and over while we were playing: These are permanent markers that don’t stink. For real. In fact, at one point Bonnie said, “I think these smell kind of good.” If we’d been using any other permanent marker for as long as we played with these rocks, the odor would have been too intense.

2. The black marker and the metallics especially look like paint on the rocks. So you have the look of paint, but you have the control of a pen or marker. For someone like me who doesn’t feel comfortable painting freehand with a brush, they are pretty much a dream come true.

3. They dried very fast, which was really nice when we were adding multiple layers. The colors didn't smudge at all.

 

4. The metallics really showed up on the darker rocks. For this project though, when I tried using them to write the words, the result seemed too “paint-pen like” for me. It wasn’t the marker so much as the look of my writing (and made me think of craft projects from my middle school days), so we ended up using them for accents because they showed up so great. There is even a purple metallic that Bonnie used on her purple feather. Love that.

5. The black fine point was by far my favorite for this project. It would be fun to use all the other happy colors on some lighter rocks though. I could imagine making an entire bowl full of heart rocks in all different colors. 

Other Ideas

As we chatted while playing with these markers + rocks, Bonnie and I kept coming up with other ideas.

Letter rocks: It would be fun to make a whole letter set for Ellie to play with. Using one of those letter stencils with these markers would make this super easy.

Talismans: Most of the rocks we made fall into this category. They are words/phrases and images that ground me and remind me to be really present in the everyday chaos. It would be lovely to take a handful small rocks and write several intentions on them and then put them all in a bowl. You could choose one each day to carry in your pocket and then you could hold it in your hand when you need support.

Story rocks: You could draw objects like trees, a house, animals, etc. on the rocks and then you and your child could use them to tell stories.

This weekend, I hope you get outside and gather some rocks and just play. (You can get Infinity Markers at most Target stores! Print a coupon out here.) And let me know if you make them. I’d love to see pictures (and your pins!).

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Infinity Markers but the opinions are my own. Some links are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase from the links.

*****

A little note: 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. And stay in touch via my weekly adventures in self-care notes.

you are not alone

You are not alone.

Trusting this truth is really the core of the work I'm trying to do in this world.

Because here is what I believe:

Although our experiences are different, we've all felt lonely, misunderstood, confused, deeply hurt, abandoned, lost, and maybe even broken.

But you are not broken. You might have places that feel broken and moments that feel lonely and experiences that have left you feeling deeply hurt. 

You might even feel really lost right now.

But you are not alone.

The person beside you on the subway, in line next to you at the grocery store, dropping your mail off at your home, the person you deeply admire, your boss, your best friend, your mom, the girl who teased you in middle school, the person coming through the front door at the end of the day, that person has felt all these things too.

But so often we don't talk about it.

It's okay to talk about it. It's okay to hold hands with fear and courage and reach out. It's okay to tell the true stories.

And it's okay to trust that you aren't alone. 

If it's hard, just try it right now for one, maybe two deep breaths. (Try on that trust today.) And then for a few more deep breaths tomorrow. 

You might even want to reach out and let someone else know they aren't alone. So often we realize we aren't alone when we tell someone else that we see them...that we are here for them.

I'll be here beside you trusting too.

Sending you so much light across the miles dear one. Yes.

*****

For more love notes like this one, sign up to receive my (almost) weekly newsletter here.

the (real) practice

The following was one of the stories I shared during Week 1 of the Chickadee Road :: Studio Sessions last fall. Throughout the Studio Sessions, Kelly and I give some real glimpses into our own practices because as you know, I believe that it is okay to tell the true stories.

*****

September, 2012

As soon as Kelly and I brainstormed the Studio Sessions and came up with a start date, I began to envision how my first morning of my practice would unfold.

I would get up, get my two-year-old Ellie ready for school, Jon would take her, and then I would change into my yoga clothes and head out to my studio ready to spend about 30 minutes doing yoga. Then I would tuck into the couch and the words would just drip out of me as I would write a morning poem. And it would unfold like this each day because we were creating space for me to reconnect to the yogi within and the poet who longs to write more words each day. Reconnecting to the person I missed when every morning was filled with taking care of a little one with not much time for me.

But then Ellie woke up in such a bad mood. She wouldn't eat. She didn't want to get dressed. She was literally weeping in her bowl of oatmeal. I ended up letting her wear her pajama top to school. She cried. A lot. And then Jon bookended the experience by being in a really bad mood too and losing his patience several times. I kept breathing and focusing on what needed to happen to get them out the door so that Jon wouldn't be late to work.

When they left, I stood in the middle of our suddenly very quiet kitchen thinking that there was no way this exhausted in need of a shower to wake up and some food in her belly mama was going to head straight to her studio for poetry and yoga.

So I made breakfast and then showered and tweaked the day a bit. I let go of my vision and instead just committed to breathing and writing a few words.

When I made it to my studio, I lit a candle and then went to grab my yoga mat. It was no where to be found. Deep breath. I let it go and just got onto the floor into child's pose because my body was longing for it. 

Until I got into child's pose and found myself totally uncomfortable. 

The mind chatter was getting louder, but I pushed myself to treat myself as though I was my own student. Gently reminding my body how to stretch and how to move to get comfortable and reconnect with my breath.

Yes.

I eventually eased into child's pose and stayed there until I began to melt into the carpet.

Yes. This.

Then I chanted and sat in the quiet for a few minutes.

I ended the practice by letting my poet self write a few notes as I drank tea and ate a piece of dark chocolate.

It wasn't ideal. It didn't look like the world of the yoginis and writers I see online (or make up in my own head). But it was my practice. It was what I needed. And it was a beginning. A first day. 

*****

The Studio Sessions begin Monday! Join Kelly Barton and me for the Chickadee Road :: Studio Sessions, a four-week adventure into creative practices with a community of kindred spirits.

The premise of the sessions is that you choose a creative practice, from cooking to art journaling to yoga to writing (the possibilites are endless really). Then each day we send you little "lessons" and stories via email while you also you gather with like-minded souls for support, encouragement, and community.

Throughout the four weeks Kelly and I share glimpses into our studios and practices, a few tools we use each day, and other really good things. There will also be two live video chats (available by recording for those who can't be there) where we'll share stories and answer questions.

We'd love to have you join the incredible group of kindreds already coming along. This is really going to be good!  

Find out more and register here. And feel free to send over any questions. 

pinned it. did it. {with meg}

Today, Meg is sharing another "recipe" inspired by Pinterest. I love these posts! And this way of creating iced coffee sounds fun and pretty easy and delicious. I'm going to try it with my favorite vanilla soy creamer and see what happens.

Meg and I hope you enjoying these posts! And let us know how you've been inspired by Pinterest lately. Share in the comments today.

*****

I am a coffee lover. Almost ten years ago as a college student, I got a job as a barista at Starbucks. I was one of those baristas that started out drinking the very sweet drinks that resemble dessert more than a drink. To this day, they still hold a small soft spot in my life. However, as a barista, I learned to love black coffee. Really high quality black coffee (read: I’m a coffee snob). Still to this day I prefer my hot coffee black and unsweetened. Although I don’t drink it quite as strong as I used to.

 

However, in the summer, a hot cup of black coffee doesn’t always sound good to me. I want a cold, refreshing beverage on hot summer days. I have always liked iced coffee - sweetened a little bit - but after pinning various iced coffee recipes on Pinterest, I have decided to fall in love with iced coffee this summer. 

Iced Coffee Pins That Inspired This Post

Maple Iced Coffee
Totally Decadent Iced Coffee
How To Make Cold Brewed Coffee
Perfect Iced Coffee
Mexican Iced Coffee 

There are various methods for cold brewing coffee. Some involve fancy equipment, and others require very little. Some get left out on the counter over night, while some steep in the fridge. Some just let hot coffee cool down to room temperature. Some even go as far as making coffee ice cubes to keep it from tasting watered down. The possibilities go on and on. And I believe after doing some serious coffee brewing and testing, I am falling in love with iced coffee.

I basically took everything I learned from the pins linked to above and squished them all together into one ultimate recipe for iced coffee. I liked the idea of coffee ice cubes. I also loved the idea of sweetening it with condensed milk (yum!).  And the thought of finishing it with maple syrup put a smile on my face. There are so many possibilities for future cold brew coffees. 

I chose to brew the coffee in a glass pitcher on the counter for the day and then put it in the refrigerator over night. I didn’t care for the route that allows hot brewed coffee to come to room temperature as that made it bitter. I put about a cup of coarsely ground coffee and water went into the jar. I am terrible about following precise measurements in the kitchen, so I just eyeballed it. I stirred it a time or two during the day and then placed it in the fridge for the next day. Then in the morning, I strained it through coffee filters (paper and fine mesh from my coffee pot) and filled an ice cube tray. (Side note: The straining process was a bit tedious so I can see the appeal of brewing a cup of coffee and allowing it to cool to room temperature. If you’re pressed for time, it’s the route to go). 

Then came the finale. Ice cubes, cold brewed coffee, and sweetened condensed milk. And as an added fancy treat, just a touch of maple syrup. What I ended up with was smooth, divine, bold iced coffee. I had to resist the urge to top it off with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of coffee grounds for garnish. The barista in me really wants to go the whole nine yards. But this time it was really just about the brew itself. So I kept my focus. Cold, refreshing, and smooth perfection. And the melting coffee ice cubes pushed this over the top from good to amazing. No watered down coffee? I think I need to put in a call to Starbucks and find the market to get that on their menus. Seriously. 

Do you make your own iced coffee? Which method do you prefer? I would love to hear about it and add it to my cold brewed coffee repertoire. 

Not A Coffee Drinker? Try These Iced Drinks Instead

Chai Tea Iced Cubes in Almond/Soy Milk
Maple Iced Tea
Lemonade Ice Cube in Tea “Arnold Palmer”

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.

here

She started the day refusing to put her bare feet in the sand with her hands over her ears because the waves were too loud.

We just let her do her thing.

She ended the day singing "mr. water. MISSSSTTTEERRRR WAAAAAAATERRRRR. come here mr. water." amidst laughter that shook her entire body: 

 

It was an awesome BIG day.

(And I'm letting go of the need to finish blog posts and instead making more room for these moments while we're traveling. It is a really good thing to make more room for this stuff. Yes.) 

(Oh and let me know if that gallery isn't really working above. My hope is that it almost feels like stop-motion animation, but it's my first time using this feature in a blog post. Thanks!)