Thoughts On Courage
Something magic happens when you put a thought out into the world you truly believe in. It's like Life says, "Ok, I see you. You want that? You need that? You are that? Show me." At least, this was my life talking to me this week. Is it just my life who has a mind of her own, an airy feeling when I let her breathe & I surrender the urge to control everything? God, I hope not. It's beautiful in a free-falling kind of way. The best way.
I was challenged this week to:
Be vulnerable with an idea I believed in whole-heartedly
Attempt grace in the midst of chaos (a very uncomfortable feeling for me)
Listen fully when I really wanted to gab
Not accept what is socially acceptable (& shouldn't be)
Ask for help despite my pride not wanting me to ask for help
All of this happened because of your comments on my post earlier this week. I wasn't only using the courage from my reservoir, I had taken some from yours too. I hope you don't mind because what you wonderful women who commented on the last post taught me is when you share a piece of yourself with others it comes back to you with the power of everyone who has used it before you.
So without further ado, the Brave Girl Clutch was meant to be for Emily C.! I picked the good ole fashioned way (thanks Joel!) & am thrilled it's ready for Emily to rock in her own way. Haley is also including free shipping for any readers who purchase a Brave Girl Clutch from her Sweet Sugar Beet shop. Use the code FREESHIP at checkout & you're good to go!
Thank you to everyone who supported the maker's union between Sweet Sugar Beet & Brave Girl this week with your kind comments online & off. They lit the fire for me creatively & spiritually, I hope it caused some bright flames for you too.
Happy weekend friends. xo, Emily
Sweet Sugar Beet x Brave Girl Spirit Collab
Remember the Bloom Workshop I went to back in June? Not only did I learn a ton of ways to improve this little space of mine, but I also met some amazingly talented women. One of them being Haley Baur, the owner of Sweet Sugar Beet, who I connected with immediately over a lack of sleep & sugar beets. Long story short, Haley grew up on a sugar beet farm & I grew up next to the factory that turns them into sugar. We ate lunch together & chatted about the direction we'd like to take our businesses in with renewed energy.
Then I discovered quickly how absolutely talented—& modest!—Haley is. The craftsmanship & style of her handmade bags & accessories is impeccable. I haven't stopped using my ColorBlock Clutch since the workshop.
Together, we've designed & crafted an original Brave Girl Clutch in the name of chasing your dreams while remembering your roots. There's nothing wrong with a gentle reminder every once in a while, right?
Haley really thinks through what women will be using her bags for so she includes options to use one bag multiple ways with just about every piece. We did the same with our clutch so I've styled it in two ways to give you an idea of its flexibility.
The dog days of summer are upon us (at least, they're trying to be here in Michigan!) making the color block side of the clutch great for bright & sandy beach days. The neutral tones of the canvas & gold fabric compliment intricate textures like a summer straw hat while the coral pattern aptly named "Optical in Watermelon" pops warmly against soft fabric from a bathing suit cover-up or towel. Plus, we all need a place to keep our phone sand-free in anticipation of those ideal Instagram beach pictures.
For when the conditions aren't ideal, say, on a Monday morning when you're back to the grind again (womp, womp) let the "Folk Birds in Summer" pattern remind you to step to your own tune. And seriously, you should step because sitting for as long as most of us do in our studios & cubicles these days is bad for our health. Guilty. So guilty.
I use my ColorBlock Clutch this way for coffee chats & farmer's market runs when I do get to steppin'. It's good on the go! It's for these reasons Haley & I want to share this clutch with you. We all need a little pick-me-up once in a while & we've noticed it's easier to do so when you're carrying it right with you. We're snail-mailing a Brave Girl ColorBlock Clutch to one of you fearless readers who answer this question in the comments section: My courage comes from…sitting on the shore & looking out at the water in silence.
I get called to courage when I listen for the gentle nudge to "keep going". Where does your courage come from? We want to hear from you! Speak your truth in the comment section & I'll announce one lucky reader as the new owner of the Brave Girl Clutch this Friday, August 1 at 6pm.
Eeek, I can't wait to see your courage unfold! xo brave ones, Em.
Color Theory: Coral + Frost
The heat of coral sedum blossoms & the cool of round sedum leaves inspired my recent color crush: Coral + Frost. I walk by them every day at the greenhouse in awe of their color play. It's a classic game of fire and ice. These two hues aren't something I'd usually expect would play nice with each other but I've been proven wrong by nature—again, and always again—with this dynamic duo. I've been daydreaming of landscapes, outfits & classic accessories with this color palette ever since.
But there's something else I have to share because it came to me as unexpectedly as these brilliant & commanding hues. I was walking with Tiger the other night in the middle of full design mode (closely related to zombie mode once the sun sets) when I looked at the willow trees standing tall across the lake. I let my mind go & words began to trickle in that hadn't been there in a while. One's I had to dust off in order to make sense of them.
Still I rise.
They came slow, unassuming. The lake breeze urged them along until I began to catch on. These were the words from a poem that has moved me, truly unearthed me, since I first discovered the wise & beautiful spirit, Maya Angelou.
In that moment of clarity on the shore, I breathed in these soothing words. Over & over & over again. They've continued to bring comfort to me this week as my days fill up with hustle & grind. I've made a few varieties for your desktop, tablet, or phone screens if you need an extra boost as I did.
You will rise, you will rise, you will rise. If there's a size you'd like but don't see here, email me. I'd be happy to make one just for you!
Summer Warrior
The Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee Chief told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee Chief simply replied, "The one you feed."
It's a story my dad sent to me years ago. I've always loved it for its simplicity. For its truth. Because for me, it's never other people I go to battle with as much as it is with those ferocious gremlins inside my head. You know the ones. They tell you you're not worthy of wanting what you want or of having what you have. They get a thrill from telling you you're not good enough. They like to make you feel small with their "but what will they think?" kind of comments. My inner gremlins led me to my Summer feeling:
Warrior: I want to feel strong in my decisions & actions. A lot of growing up happens when you realize it is up to you to lead your journey. No one is going to do it for you & you should not expect them to. This realization is difficult for me to swallow sometimes but I'm getting used to the taste. The last few months have been a challenge for me to dig deep for compassion & kindness; to myself & to others. I used to think positivity was so ingrained in my nature I would never have to work at it. Crazy, right?! It is a gift, like everything else. I hope my summer feeling brings me to being firm in what I know is best for me with grace for others who I cannot expect to read my mind. Which wolf will you feed?
Current things making me feel strong:
The Loon Feather by Iola Fuller
My summer studio, I cannot describe how great of a feeling this is!
Lavender oil, soothes my soul & calms my spirit after these long summer days.
Having the Brave Girl manifesto inspire others on their journey.
Friends who share their dreams & kombucha recipes.
Here's to lazy days & bonfire nights. I hope you have a weekend filled with both, E.
Brand Sentence
It's been about 1 month since I became a full-time freelance designer & let me tell you, I've been learning faster than the lake can bring a storm to shore. Which is to say, terrifyingly fast. I mean, this summer in Michigan, you guys! Crazy fast.
I've practiced design for 7 years now & with every project have discovered the most effective pieces to my process while keeping an open mind to tweaks that will make it better. It's why I'm bringing the Design Diaries series to Brave Girl in hopes sharing my process will start a conversation we can all benefit from. Feel free to share nuggets of your creative process below or email me with any questions. I could talk your ear off about design all day & love hearing new perspectives on age-old ideas.
With brand design, in particular, I've found establishing the designer-to-client relationship at the beginning of the creative journey is crucial to both parties reaching an ultimate state of brand euphoria. I may have just made that term up but it's the feeling you get when you see a space/website/apparel/etc. that feels right & effortless. Of course, the journey is not effortless if you do it right & there are a lot of twists & turns along the way we can't predict but exuding the brand spirit is the end goal of every brand design for my clients.
A meaningful sentence is crafted to refer to throughout the journey because it's inevitable I'll get knee-deep & carried away with the nitty-gritty details of making brand elements. I enjoy having a good milestone like this as a reference during these making moments.
I'm working with a client right now who's bringing his passion for mouthwatering eats, travel experiences, & blues music to the table at his new restaurant. Expressing these interests is key to his brand-in-the-making. Not only is crafting a meaningful message important, so are the vibes the brand gives off. We curated a rdio playlist to listen to for this very reason. It's been on repeat quite a bit lately as we prepare for the big opening.
Rdio is an amazing interface to interact with for anyone who appreciates a wonderful—and free—music experience. Come jam with us! There's just something about this song on a stormy summer day in the studio, I tell ya.
Hope you're making the most of your storms, my friends. xo, Em
The Bloom Workshop
As I drove up to the Hydrangea Blu Barn for the Bloom Workshop at the end of the week, I was miraculously reenergized from all the blooms, treats, and the group of women who have started their own blogs & businesses. Michaela & Ashley thought of everything. From the moment I signed up for the workshop to the details of workshop day until today when they're still giving us lovin' online.
I took a lot of notes & a lot of pictures! Our day was broken up into 4 sessions. Ashley & Michaela began the day with coffee & a blogging chat, which led to how using social media for your business can improve the overall brand experience. I'm very interested in this topic because I've noticed a lot of small businesses want social media but they don't know why they want it. For some, using popular social media channels is more of a formality than it is an avenue to connect with their tribe & brand advocates. Our talk at Bloom centered around how to promote what you're doing or your product in the most authentic way. I loved this session because I believe that's the only way to use social media effectively (& it takes some work to pull off!).
The day was so thought out. I have to reiterate the Bloomers' attention to detail because it makes a complete difference. Branding experiences is something I nerd out over so I noticed the type on the vintage door outside matched the type on a chalkboard inside the barn. I smiled when I saw the straws complimenting the coffee mugs & felt fancy with all the touches of gold glittered throughout our day.
Not only did I feel elegant but I gained a wealth of knowledge from Michaela's interior design tips & Ashley's photography session. Now I can't get rid of this itch to do a living room revamp & feel the heavens have opened with my ability to understand The Exposure Triangle thanks to Ashley. Seriously, hallelujah! The concept of ISO, shutter speed & aperture working together is so hard for me to grasp. Ask Ashley about her blinds metaphor. It'll click with you too!
After the sessions, the expert Q & A panel answered a handful of questions. It was nice to hear advice from women who are always finding ways to innovate their process, who continue to push the boundaries of content, & who were very open about hard lessons that made them stronger as business owners.
One thing that stood out for me was Michaela's journey to starting Michaela Noelle Designs. A lot of people told her she was crazy to start her own business right out of college but she pushed on with what felt right for her. Among many things, she asked professionals in her field to job shadow & help with styling photoshoots because, why not? They could say, "no". But they could also say, "yes". I took some of her courage home with me.
I also took home a ton of swag. The prints will be a great spruce-up to my studio & I have a little outfit post planned with my new Sweet Sugar Beet clutch. I sat next to Haley Baur, the owner of SSB, at the workshop. She grew up on a sugar beet farm & I grew up next to the sugar beet factory where their crops went once they were harvested so of course, we got along with this sweet vegetable in common!
Since the Bloom Workshop, my head has been spinning with wonderful ideas for Brave Girl. I can't help but wonder what this little space of mine will evolve into being. The Bloom Workshop made me confident to continue on this journey, wherever it may lead me. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gifts with this young bloomer, Michaela & Ashley!
May you soak up the rain this week in the name of blooming. xoxo, Em.
Brother's Picker
When a folksy band from Grand Rapids came to town with a dog named Leonard, looking for a place to stay we immediately said, "Come on over."
We met Brother's Picker after dinner last weekend when they were playing a gig at Vandermill, a local cider mill & eatery known for their rich spirits, food & atmosphere. After a week full of coffee chats & deadlines, a relaxing dinner with tunes like this was just what I needed. They stopped by while my closest friends from home were sitting with Joel & me around the fire, catching up on each other's lives & planning more summer visits. The guys brought their music, new perspectives & a jug of Nunica Pine hard cider (soo good!) to our little nook in the woods. The night was full of good conversation as we huddled together on a Michigan summer night.
In the midst of it all, I had a moment. I saw my timeless friends—the ones I've been with through all the awkward & silly seasons as a teenager—& my fresh friends, the ones I met a few hours before & instantly connected with over blues riffs, best gardening practices & a solid Nunica Pine.
Then, I smiled with twinkling tears because moments like this don't happen every day but on this particular night, they did. It reminded me what all this hustle is for. I caught it in a glimpse of light from the flames. It was like a laugh from the deepest part of your belly, the one you haven't felt in a while because you forgot life has a sense of humor with all its shortcomings & shine.
You take a deep breath after that rejuvenating giggle, the one that soothed a part of your soul you didn't know was lacking & you realize what life is all about; to be with company that frees you as you fall asleep to twinkling lights & soft voices singing folksy tunes.
xo, Em.
The Greenhouse
It's my third day working at the greenhouse. I quit my 9–5 because I lost connection with people & how I can be of service in a positive way. So I started working with plants to remember. It's a big change. One I did not make lightly, at first.
Will I still be relevant as a designer if I work at a greenhouse? Maybe that sounds like a silly question because for most of you who know me, you know I'm a designer at heart. But when we tie our identities to our careers, a large part of us can get lost along the way. Or maybe you have figured out the delicate balance & you can turn off your work when you get home, look around, & see what it's all for. I couldn't do that. I got so tangled.
Now I'm caught up in the chaos of being a beginner again. I've found peace in it. Have you ever been in a greenhouse? Oh my goodness. I've been in one for three days & already I've felt a calm wash over me that only water, dirt & seed can do. Back to basics. I'm a designer, + now an amateur gardener. I want to hear your ideas, your passion, that thing you've wanted to make happen for years.
Happy Monday, stay brave! xo, Em.
*Oh, I've also got a new friend. He hangs out in the plants with me.
Color Theory: Flora + Fauna
I have fallen in love with this luscious color palette! Seeing rich green hues of ivy & budding trees on the trail while reminiscing on this King Salmon catch exudes ultimate freshness & flavor to me.
I found this wonderful image of ivy on a wall while moodboarding for a client last week. We've narrowed down a more clear direction for his brand spirit but this particular color combo has stuck with me.
I've been imagining a mini garden party surrounded by lively flora ever since. Bees buzzing, sharing their hard-earned honey for our iced tea, extravagant hats & laughing like old English women at things that aren't really funny. Because sometimes I think a fake accent & laughing just to laugh is the best.
Ahh, dahhling, I think I'll have a spring party for this very reason. Ta-ta for now, E.
Spring Faith
There is a phrase the yoga instructor says when you're in a particularly difficult bind or twist.
"Breathe into the space that's feeling the most heat."
This heat is where the stretch hurts most. The place you're most likely not flexible in yet. My reaction was to stop breathing when the discomfort came. To act like it didn't exist. I was making it harder on myself & wasn't feeling better in the moves. I began to trust "breathing into the heat" this week out of desperation because what I thought was best for me wasn't getting me anywhere. I was in a twist that made me feel muscles I didn't know existed. I would have fallen over or torn something if I didn't breathe into the muscle so I imagined my air flowing to the space that needed it most.
Then, something miraculous happened. I opened up space in me I didn't know was closed. I no longer felt pain in the mystery muscle & was surprisingly able to take the stretch further. Then, I started to see faith differently. What I thought faith was as a kid is very different from how I see it now. Faith is a big word with lots of meanings & opinions attached which is why it's my Spring feeling based on the resolution I made earlier this year.
Faith: I want to feel more in the moment & less fearful of what I inevitably cannot control. Like the snake shedding his skin so he can be refreshed & the butterfly who transforms so she gains new perspectives. I am feeling a rebirth coming on with the change of the season. A renewed faith in my actions, my relationships, & my beliefs will be lovely to explore. Kind of like a spring cleaning for the soul.
I'm going to continue with my replenish discoveries as well because I'm hooked on learning new ways to live more naturally but will focus on my new word from day-to-day. I'm not sure what this change means yet but felt compelled to say it aloud & begin despite not having a plan.
Here's where my head's at this week:
Thinking on: The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna
Jammin' to: Tedeschi Trucks Band because I can't help myself!
Attending: Harvest Bible Chapel tomorrow. Amazing music + message.
Quoting: Bob Harowitz because I care about the possibility of failing too much.
Reading: Leaving the Church of Self-Improvement by Danielle LaPorte
Happy Saturday, brave ones. I'm off to hang with Joel in the garage as he brews another batch of his delicious beer!
A Shower Story
I have a confession. I'm a little...particular. Once I discovered an alternative to my face wash, I started looking around the bathroom for other skincare products I used with unpronounceable ingredients. It turned into a mission, really. Were there alternatives? Yes, there were! I found 5 more natural products I feel really good about putting on my skin during my daily routine. Surprisingly, choosing more natural products wasn't as expensive as I expected. From left to right:
Conditioner — Gifted from MeMe
Luminous Body Oil by Herbivore Botanicals — $32
My skin has thanked me for this plant-based body oil! The harsh winter left me feeling more than ready to feel nourished & moisturized again. This was just the oil to do it. I chose the Cardamon + Vetiver for its earthy, warm scent. It's also going to last me a while. I don't need to use a lot at once because of the rich ingredients.Rosemary Mint Soap by Honeyrun Farm — $4
I've started a bad habit of picking up handmade soap whenever I see them at markets or small shops. We've got a pile to keep us clean for the entire summer. I have a feeling the pile will grow once the Spring Lake market starts up again. I love all the different fresh scents people make. I got this one while visiting my cousin in Columbus.Rosemary Tea Tree Shampoo by Field Day — $5
Originally, I went to our local health food store to see if they had any essential oils. They had a few so I perused the rest of the store for other gems & found this Natural Products Association-certified shampoo. I spent way too long deciding between this scent & lavender but was ultimately won over with the rosemary tea tree because of the additional pure essential oils like orange, lemon, & patchouli.Eucalyptus branch from the local flower shop — $2
This is the easiest thing you can do to freshen up your bathroom. Eucalyptus has brought life into our tiny bathroom & fills it with an intoxicating aroma. I hang it over the showerhead & imagine I'm under a waterfall in some calm lagoon in the jungle. Talk about intoxicating.Jasmine Soy candle — made my 1st batch from this recipe
Not for my skin but definitely for my soul. I love soy candles & recently learned I could make my own. It's better for the environment & it feels good knowing I made something we use around the house daily. I don't think I put enough jasmine essential oil in the wax because there isn't much of a scent. I'll have to put a lot more in next time around! Making my routine a little more thoughtful has taught me not to trust the package just because companies advertise "organic" & "natural". It's a little more work to dig for the real deal & educate myself but worth it to know what I'm putting on my skin is better for me. Unfortunately, I think there are some product marketing decisions doing damage to the authenticity of ingredients so I love to support people doing the extra work to get it right.
Ok, off my soapbox (ha!) & on to another one. My parents are coming to town this weekend & I'm so excited! They haven't been here since last summer. Mom & I have plans to nerd out in my studio while Joel & Dad will be doing anything but being near the studio (Mom & I tend to get a bit intense when we're brainstorming ideas for projects & making things). I'm looking forward to seeing what we come up with!
What are your plans for the first weekend in April?
Blossoms & Blogging
So, this is kind of going against my attempt to live more in the moment, but I couldn't wait to share!
In June, I'll be spending a day in a beautiful barn with some wonderfully talented women at The Bloom Workshop! It's a day full of learning about blogging, photography, interior design & styling. As some of you may know, I'm a newbie to the blogging world & have become obsessively curious about the topics this workshop is geared around. I haven't run into an event that gathers a bunch of women running their own blog or business in the area so it's an understatement to say I'm geeked to be a part of it. It sold out in less than 24 hours which means there is a community of passionate people interested in this world that I have not met. I'm excited to hear their stories.
Tieka, the blogger behind Selective Potential, is going to be on the panel of experts during a Q & A session. I've been following her blog for a few years now. She has such great style! I plan on asking her how she juggles being a blogger with a 9-5 job since I'm also juggling these 2 passions. I'm looking forward to her insights on blogging.
Thank you for following along with my experiment. Often times things don't make sense until hindsight rolls around but it feels incredible knowing you enjoy reading this journey, whatever it tends to be. Here's to using the dirt of life to bloom into the blossom you are. Cheers, Em.
The Sacral Chakra
The original idea with A Replenished Chakra series was to share one chakra a week but when I sat down to write about my experience with the Svadhisthana Chakra, I couldn't do it. A funny thing happens when you listen to your gut. It isn't logic but a tiny whisper inside telling you what you need to do—or what you need not to do. I wasn't ready. So I had to wait until my gut gave me the ok. Which it did, two nights ago when Tiger & I were walking (we're always walking!) in a soft spring drizzle, the smell of wood burning from a nearby chimney. And it's the time right now with the sun shining as I paint. I've found that defining the chakras by a single hue is popular in Western culture but isn't very accurate with how these energies move throughout your body. They are interlaced, layered & the ancient texts describe them with a slew of symbols, spirits & deities. But for the sake of basics & being a beginner, I think this way is easiest to understand.
The sacral chakra is represented by the color orange.
Located in the lower abdomen, 2 inches below your belly button.
Governs our emotions, creativity, intuition & sexuality.
Element is water.
It's through the movement of this energy center that provides a balance of the polarities in our life (light/dark, feminine/masculine, self/others), which is why none of us should be sitting for 8 hours or more at a desk. Do you ever feel imbalanced from lack of movement? I do!
The symbol is a 6-petaled lotus flower that opens to full & crescent moons, representing a connection to the lunar qualities of the moon. Each petal represents a syllable of Sanskrit, a primal sound uttered in meditation chants to release emotion & get closer to your center.
Ailments include anxiety, depression, creative block & low libido.
Drinking water, swimming, being open about emotions, human touch & trusting our intuition (a.k.a. that tiny whisper inside you) keep this chakra in balance.
This meditation was tough for me. It didn't flow as easily as the root chakra did. A lot of thoughts & decisions have been weighing on my mind in relation to this chakra so the discomfort didn't surprise me. There wasn't anywhere for me to go, though. I couldn't run away from it by hopping on Facebook, turning up the music, or going out for drinks. I had to sit there with my thoughts & accept who I was & where I am presently. I loved that. Now I know where to begin. Plus, I really do miss my soul sisters! They're running around all over the nation, dream chasin', & I just get sensitive about that (always, always so proud of them).
You can use these essential oils if you're feeling anxious or depressed, to ease muscle spasms or if you're experiencing a creative block.
Place a few dabs on the lower abdomen or soles of feet.
Bloom + Energize: these oils have a floral scent & are very uplifting. They spark movement. I've been putting jasmine on every morning for this reason (not a morning person!).
Nurture + Sooth: Clary sage & nuroli can be used for menstrual cramps because they stop muscle spasms & ease cramping.
Jasmine also curbs sweet cravings.
We often hold our fears & emotional heaviness in the sacral chakra. These rejuvenating oils help to regain focus on what's really bugging us, accept it & then graciously let it go so we can get on with following our desires & pursuing our passions. Go do that crazy & fulfilling thing your gut has been telling you to do this weekend. Your sacral chakra will thank you profusely. I'm on your side, brave one. xo, Em
Apple & Sugar Exfoliator
The alternative skin cleanser experiment continues with the gentle face exfoliator, Apple Soft, Baby. I found this recipe on Sincerely, Kinsey, an amazing blog with great ideas for living more naturally (I'm making her soy candles next!).
This sugar scrub is perfect for removing the dirt & grime that builds up in your pores. I've been using it in addition to my lemon + honey face moisturizer for a few weeks and immediately noticed a change in how my skin felt. Smooth as a baby's bottom!
I like to use this exfoliator in the morning because not only does it clear up blemishes & prevent further breakouts but the brown sugar locks moisture in, keeping my skin hydrated & conditioned throughout the day. The apples are a great source of copper which helps produce melanin, a natural sun protectant. Having a little extra protection on my face now that the sun is coming out more often is a definite plus. The cinnamon dries up oily skin & brings oxygen to the skin's surface. Be sure the "pinch of cinnamon" is a small one since it also brings blood to the skin's surface, causing minor swelling/redness.
This exfoliator has been a great addition to my daily face wash regimen. Here's to looking younger than you are (which means people are still asking me what high school I go to).
Cheers to feeling renewed! Em.
Color Theory: Dreamin' Hues
This wasn't the color palette I originally wanted to post this week. I planned to share my recent infatuation with sea green & sienna. There's a house in town I drive by every day that is a crisp sea green with a bold sienna red door & I love the optimism of it. However, my own home got the best of me this morning when I woke up slowly & looked above my head. I was in a sleepy haze when this color combination came to me, all dreamy & meaningful.
I keep a eucalyptus branch & medicine bag full of stones on my headboard. I recently got this amethyst stone at a rock shop in Traverse City to add to the collection my MeMe started for me last fall. It's a stone said to bring pleasant dreams & help with insomnia. I'm quite the wound-up person so mixing the amethyst with the fresh scent of eucalyptus & a little bit of Yogi tea before bed does the trick to calm me down most nights.
Anyway, that isn't why I wanted to share these hues with you as much as I wanted to share the beautiful combination I discovered in my little headboard vignette! Maybe it's Spring Fever, maybe it's the meaning each of these colors has for me or maybe it's just luck but I love the fresh subtleties these three colors create.
I like naming colors based on how they make me feel or how they smell but mostly by what feels rights coming out of my mouth (I know, a very scientific process!). I've always wondered how people get the job to name Pantone colors, nail polish & paint swatches. I think it would be fun to play with words that way.
Amethyst Lavender. Euca Leaves. Tanned Pouch.
My dreams tend to be set in soft & muted colors like these most often. No technicolor, bold shades, or dark tones (unless they're bad dreams). Lately, they've been a lot of natural tones with bright skies & wide open spaces. I suppose that's what I've been daydreaming about too! What colors are your dreams made of?
If you're an Instagrammer you can find my day-to-day inspirations & happenings here. I've gotten pretty obsessed with documenting things over there, especially with this photo-editing app, another obsession!
Fly Free
We have bald eagles living by our house. They moved to town at the beginning of February but nobody knows why. I see them perched in trees overlooking the bayou & soaring above the town as I go about my daily routine. Have you ever seen an eagle? His ease as he glides through the air makes for the most powerful aviator. He is the wisest in flight, naturally rising above the chaos until it serves him.
Last week, two eagles started circling Tiger & me as we were out walking. They were stealthy, using the canopy from pine trees & branches to remain hidden as they flew lower & lower to the ground. I looked up & wondered if we were their meal—fish were deep under the frozen water & all the critters were hibernating, after all—but I got so caught up in their majestic soar & their intimidating wingspan that I paused for my predator.
Ok, maybe they weren't hunting.
Maybe they were watching over me. I am a strong believer that humans aren't the only beings who communicate with humans. If that were the case, what good would faith, love, or trust be in this life? We are all connected here. I needed clarification on why I felt so comforted by seeing Eagles that were quite possibly seeing me as their dinner.
“Eagles are always very special and good signs. They represent protection, wealth, wisdom, foresight, strength, and spirituality...Sometimes the Great Creator sends in an Eagle just to check up on us, so when we see this, we always give special thanks to the Creator and the Eagle. The Eagle carries our prayers directly to the Great Creator.”
It then made sense to me because this winter I felt pretty burnt out chasing dreams like a hamster at the wheel (you know, monotonous movement not really leading to anywhere). Mix that with some large doses of reality & you've got a soul-heavy dreamer who can't seem to break her funk. But watching the eagles made me realize why they're here. He really takes care of us, doesn't He? Sending His wonderful beings to remind His wonderful beings that we're all in this together. Reminding us that running away from a challenge will land us right where we started until the lesson is complete.
So I hope the Eagle has been taking my prayers directly to our Great Creator. For me, yes, but more importantly for my brother. Especially this week. He's a young Marine who's had his share of challenges lately & is in the middle of a particularly hellish one as I write this. His wit, his stoic gaze when he's focused on a goal, and his ability to rise above the chaos are just like the Eagle.
I pray my brother is using these strengths to get him through. Good vibes, Em.
The Root Chakra
I have had an amazing experience with the Chakra Meditation Series at On The Path Yoga that I must share with you! At the beginning of the year, I wanted to focus on replenishing my mind, body & spirit so I jumped headfirst into this opportunity.
Each week, the yoga instructor guided us through a meditation where we focused on a specific chakra throughout our body. She was so calm & patient, I immediately felt at ease in the meditation circle. My hopes were to quiet mind chatter & get closer to my center but it quickly became more than that. A whole new world opened up for me! I found myself counting down the hours until the next meditation every week.
We started at the root—the Muladhara Chakra—and worked our way up through the 7 most common chakras.
The root chakra is represented by the color red.
Located at the base of the spine.
Influences our primal instinct & sense of smell.
The symbol is a 4-petaled lotus flower that encircles a square. The square represents its element, Earth & each of her directions; North, West, South, and East. The downward triangle represents the spirit forming into matter, that sense of groundedness that makes us feel open & secure when we are balanced here.
Ailments like lower back pain, a poor immune system & anxiety happen when the root chakra isn't in balance.
Eating foods directly from the earth, exercising & establishing some daily routines help keep this chakra in balance.
Needless to say, I had quite the meditation. I couldn't stop smiling the rest of the day because I had finally accepted the whirlwind of change that has happened in the last year. Accept first, then transform. The Replenished Chakra Series is my first delve into each of the 7 energy centers. It has been a very personal experience I love to share because of how good it's made me feel. It led me to wonder how I could help any of you who may feel similar energy imbalances like I have found in myself.
You can use these essential oils if you're feeling stuck, have an imbalanced digestive system, anxiety, or lower back pain.
Place a few dabs across lower back (sacrum, near the root chakra) or soles of feet.
Strength + Groundedness: Cedarwood & sandalwood come from trees, rooted deep into the earth.
Relax + Unwind: put any of these oils on before bed.
Aphrodisiac: Sex is one of the best ways to balance your root chakra so these oils can help stimulate that desire. Always a plus!
Patchouli has a very intense smell. That could mean a lot of things. It isn't for everybody but I love it because it's what my mom wears often.
There are many ways to use essential oils for a more clean & natural living. Teas, food, candles, an alternative to house cleaners, etc. I'm going to begin with cedarwood for my root chakra & borrow some of my mom's patchouli.
Anyone else feeling a bit stiff & rigid from hibernating all winter?! This girl is. So I'm going to soak up some cedarwood, let my hair down & dance those blues away this weekend. My root chakra told me so! xo, Em.
The Art of Communication
There are a lot of forms of art that can be felt wholeheartedly even when they cannot be seen.
Kind of like when you go to the art museum & there's this beautiful canvas that is speaking to you with its intentional strokes. You see a story unfolding, the piece is pulling on your heartstrings & you melt into its motion.
Then a person walks up to it & says to you, "This is art? It's a big yellow box. I could've done that."
The art of communication. The art of perspective.
It's a tricky art, to say the least. I think it's why people hold on so tightly to the ones they meet where something just clicks into place. Because to find a few gems who truly get what you're saying, or will listen despite it sounding a bit coo-coo, is pure magic.
& I'm not sure taking pure magic for granted is allowed.
— xo, Em.
Maturity With a Side of Rebellion
This weekend was funny. It started with getting home late from work because one of our clients has a large project with a short deadline. I felt uneasy as I walked into their executive offices in my hoodie & Converse high-tops (whoops, forgot about the meeting!).
Rookie move. I felt young.
Then I felt old waiting in line to go into a loud bar where I only had a few drinks, acted like I could hear what people were saying over the music & sweating profusely from dancing & trying not to get stepped on or spill my drink. My drink spilled down my shirt & I did get stepped on. Many times.
We were home before last call.
By Saturday, I felt young again when the men at Joel's work party were asking about "that drink that mixes an energy drink with liqueur".
"Oh, Jagerbombs?" I asked.
“Is that what they're called? I can't drink those now. It would send my heart into palpitations!"
I refrained from sharing how delicious that shot was last night at the bar. Marriage, houses, kids, babysitters, grandchildren, retirement...it made me too young to relate when the night before I was too old to understand. It's what the life of a twenty-something feels like. At least this twenty-something.
One day you're real mature with all these responsibilities you actually asked for & worked really hard to get. The next day you're rebelling all of it to stay young & reckless to remind yourself you're still fun & uninhibited. It often feels like a battle. Like you're fighting to prove yourself at the same time as fighting to be accepted exactly as you are.
Any other twenty-somethings feel me? I'd love to know I'm not the only one.– Em
Color Theory: Blush Me Pink
If my 13-year old self could see me a decade later, she would be completely confused with how in love I am with soft pink hues. I used to defy pink. Too girly. Too bright. Not serious enough. Oh silly me. I am so happy when I get over my color hang-ups so I can see new beauty.
Feminine. Delicate. Pure.
I've been defying pink for so long—thinking I would be taken more seriously if I didn't wear it—that I've been missing out on my true feminine strength. Now I've been putting on my pink skinnies, lace tops, some bright rouge & feel more en fleur than ever. And why was I wanting to be taken so seriously, anyway? A wise friend once told me, "life isn't that serious."
No, no it is not. So as I sit here bundled in bed with more winter weather raging outside the window, I'll be daydreaming of when I'm laying on the beach, soaking up the sun & feeling worthy of her warmth for simply being. In bloom.
A few pink-hued goods I'm saving for:
What colors make you feel sexy & strong?