inspired

found heart along puget sound

a few people who have been inspiring me lately:

Jenna continues to share her stories about how roller derby makes her brave. This last one is so darn beautiful and true.

Andrea's words about how "we think we move through the world unseen" had me in tears of understanding. So thankful for this post.

Love how Effy came to realize that a small self-care move is enough. Yes, yes, yes! (And she shares a poem inspired by Poem It Out.)

Leonie's self-portraits are simply, profoundly taking my breath away each time I peek in to see what she has shared next.

Jen Louden's post about having lunch with your enemy is one I'm tucking away to read again and again throughout the next few months.

I'm seriously loving Gluten-Free Girl's first book right now. I love how this girl tells a story. And I have been reading her blog more often and am deeply inspired by her family. Here's a hint that you might want to know: It isn't just about being gluten-free. I'm not eating gluten-free right now, but the way she writes is infused with the senses in a way that pulls me in and invites me to want to get into the kitchen and then get out into the world and live.

As we get ready to "go back to school" around here in two weeks and find our way with a new schedule, I've been turning back to Amanda's ebook Zen & the Art of Being a Work-at-Home Mama. This book continues to remind me that I am not alone as I find my way with my family and my business. So thankful for the wisdom here.

What has you inspired over in your corner?

ruffle-izing

so this ruffle obsession, well, i am not kidding. i have been dreaming a bit about possible outfits (and then there is that ever-growing-in-the-middle-of-the-night pinterest board), so today, i "shopped" from my own closet and found some ruffles.

since i posted about my new journal last week, i have been thinking about how your comments and emails reminded me of how much we really just love to know how other people "do it." we sit in our homes around the world from one another, looking at these little boxes and connecting "through" them, and sometimes, it is simply fun to see a glimpse into the ways others live their day-to-day lives. like i would love to know more about your favorite shoes, the books on your bedside table, the way you organize your paper crafting supplies, what your go-to lunch is, where you get your sparkly eye make-up, and how you eat a double-stuff oreo. and if we met up for tea or you came over for lunch, we would share these things.

about a year ago, i mentioned that i wanted to blog more about a few different things, including clothes. but last year i didn't have a smash journal full of blog ideas and i wasn't reminding myself of all the things i wanted to do here in this space, so i didn't post about clothes or lots of other things i meant to. but today, i snapped this photo of this outfit that made me smile and just wanted to share it with you. 

as i was downloading the photo, i started thinking about how i wish i had a group of girlfriends here in my town who i went shopping with. a few girls who would share their go-to places for everything from dresses to yarn to spices. 

but here is the awesome thing: we have each other. (i mean you and me.)

so in case this ruffle-ized outfit that made me feel so happy today is your style, here is some info (and if you just want to let me know how you eat double-stuff oreas or tell me about your current favorite book and skip this part and just head to the comments, that is totally okay):

bloomers: these wide ruffle bloomers from sarah clemens in light brown stripe (looks like she might not have this color anymore, but she has a similar color in a grey stripe). i have quite a few items from sarah and her clothes are well made and adorable.

white layer: sundress from old navy. it actually even has spaghetti straps that tie but i never wear it alone. instead, i always wear it as a layer under something and kind of think of it like a petticoat or slip. (i bought it in three colors and i bet they will have a similar style in stock soon as they already have summer clothes in. this one would work as either this layer or the next.)

navy layer: dress from target several years ago (but it has so many holes in it and a bleach stain on the back that i have started wearing it as my painting "smock" at retreats. but decided to wear it today. i would really like to replace it with one like this from gaia conceptions on etsy. her clothes are wonderful and really well made.)

black layer: this crop top from treehouse 28. (here is the part where i tell you it has taken me several years to figure out how to wear this one with my shape [aka the size of my chest]. finally figured out that the top pairs really nicely with the empire waist items i have.)

scarf: scarf shop giant size in olive moss. martha's scarves are wonderful. so beautifully hand-dyed and so soft.

you can't see: the boots i've mentioned before and these fun (a bit over the knee) knee socks in plum from sock dreams (if you don't know sock dreams, stop everything and head over there. right now.). you also can't really see my favorite "nest builder" necklace by nina or my globe earrings by jen. and the camera strap that i have been using for year is by vmjess.

thank you for indulging me with this list. it is fun to share as though we are sitting at a coffee shop catching up.

tomorrow i am going to check in here about how things our going as we attempt to sit at the table for meals and i try to cook more. i am even going to share a recipe or two. one of them involved purple potatoes!

notes for the journey (october)

slowing down to notice . april in port townsend, wa

after teaching the creative self-care workshop yesterday (such a truly beautiful day spent with amazing women), i have been thinking about a few things that are inspiring my own creative self-care:

slowing down again and again and again to see the world around me. for a minute, for ten, for an afternoon if possible

ali's list of little things

jenna's alchemy daily: it starts tuesday, and it's a 30-day frolic of prompts, inspiration, and writing magic with juicy goodness arriving in your inbox each day. if you are thinking about blogging every day in november, this would be a good place to get some inspiration.

kristin noelle's words about "trust tending and the internet." such goodness here that i am soaking into me. (you, yes you, need this one.)

jen lee's self-care Rx list

kristen's truth about first "showing up" for herself.

rearranging the artwork in my home. (peeks can be seen here, here, here, and here)

creating soundtracks to my life: i am a bit late to the mumford and son's party (i know, i know), but their music is part of my current self-care soundtrack. a few projects on my list right now have me writing from the guts of me, in the best most healing way, but in the way that takes it out of you a bit. sigh no more is on repeat right now. and "the cave" has me knowing i am not alone while i want to almost scream these words as i jump up and down (but i am in a starbucks right now so i am just doing this in my mind as i tap my foot loudly.)

notes for the journey: beauty and truth

unexpected reflections . manzanita

kristin talks about using her camera to work through the personal, the real. (thank you for this post.)

jennifer's words at her new blog, lovely and imperfect, fill my heart with wonder and joy. she is a poet this one.

lately, the posts at roots of she have been taking my breath away. truths about grief and breaking the silence and letting ourselves shine. i am so glad that there is a home for these truths.

looking through the photos at the "i am beautiful" project has deeply inspired me.

and i can't wait to put up tiffany's "you are beautiful" print in my newly painted studio. yes. i had the joy of meeting miss crafty fanny at JOY, and she is a light in this world. you should connect with her if you haven't already. so glad i will be seeing her again in july when viv and i travel to the teahouse studio!

i hope your day is full of light and joy and that you are taking the time to breathe deeply and know you are loved.

blessings,

liz

notes for the journey: one lovely find

 

a few years ago, i started a series of posts called "notes for the journey." the posts usually include things like links to blog posts, photos, and other good things that are inspiring me. my plan is to post these types of posts more often and broaden the topics to include etsy finds, tools i use in my world and other resources, books i am reading, inspiration from the world of living with ellie jane, and even some posts about clothing. (yes. clothing. i have been getting a few emails lately about clothes for curvier women and i would love to share some of my favorite handmade clothing designers [who make custom sizes!], shops, and other finds with you.)

today, i am starting with my new favorite boots. 

you might remember this post from november. in that post, i talked about how i had found a pair of knee-high boots that actually fit me. and invited me to feel just a bit sexy (most days, that sexy feeling feels beyond out of reach so i can use all the help i can get). several people wrote me wondering about those boots. and i love my riekers.

when shopping the after-Christmas sales with my stepmom, we found a pair that is a bit more versatile and even more comfortable and in an even better color for the skirts i like to wear (and i was lucky enough to receive them as an after-Christmas gift).

these ecco boots are a similar style to the other pair i have, but something about them just makes me feel like my most kick-ass, superhero self. and the color just goes with everything (the pacific northwest clouds didn't help me capture the color. they are a dark kind of milk chocolate brown suede). they are a bit pricey, but i think the cost is worth it because i see myself wearing them almost all-year round (as boots can be worn in july some days in the seattle area).

here is one key thing i have found with boots that work for me: they have buckles on the sides and extra stretch (called goring) beneath these buckles. (and a little secret they told me at nordstrom: if you find a pair you are in love with that don't quite fit, they will send them to a cobbler who will stretch them for you. you might even have one in your town who will do this.)

something tells me that adventures are to come when i wear these boots...

*****

thank you for sharing pieces of yourselves and your stories in the comments of my previous post. today, as i read your comments, i scooped up your words and blew them to the candle all my altar, asking the universe to gently hold these truths. thank you for getting it and for holding my stories. i am going to share more about each of the items on yesterday's list (starting off lightly with this post about boots) over the next few weeks. sending love and light to you in your corner of the world...