Emily Elle Designs

Despite not practicing the religion, I graduated from a Quaker University 4 years ago. During my time there, I had the please of becoming acquainted with many aspects of the Friends Church, and their belief in the ability of each human to access “the God in every one.” They preach peace always, and sometimes have completely unprogrammed worship where members worship internally in silence until someone feels compelled to share their heart.⠀

I had the honor of crafting this intimate vow keepsake piece for a Quaker friend who I was fortunate enough to meet during my time at the university. She wanted something simple, so as to complement the minimalist nature of the Quaker lifestyle, yet elegant. We decided on this design of the vows encompasses by two simple olive branches, which symbolize the philosophy of peace which permeates their faith. Then I custom mixed some dark green ink to complement the wood frame to pull it all together. ⠀

Working on project like this makes my heart so happy!

This is a mantra I’ve had to repeat to myself daily; sometimes hourly now that my once packed schedule has freed up quite a bit. I have such a bad habit of equating my worth with how productive I am on any given day, and I internally chastise myself whenever I do something I’ve artificially and arbitrarily deemed “unproductive.” ⠀

It’s hard not to feel like I should be checking off 20 tasks a day now that the world has come to a screeching halt. After all, my excuse was always “when I have time.” I’m pretty certain my schedule hasn’t been this open since before I started school... like, pre-school. ⠀

But I’ve also never experienced a global pandemic before, and it’s new territory for all of us. There’s not really a rule book for any of us, and the severe disruption of a routine can take a heavy toll on your mental health and stability. ⠀

So if you’re not feeling it, binge watch those TV shows (for me right now it’s Brooklyn 99). Take those naps. Play your video games and do puzzles and lounge. When you’re feeling good, clean your house and get some work done and read and exercise. ⠀

But no matter what you are doing, you are still worthy of self-love and respect. 💕

Felt appropriate to officially “cancel” April on my year-at-a-glance page. 🙃 I think the weirdest thing for me right now is the sense of normalcy that’s starting to settle in. I don’t bat an eye at people wearing masks or gloves in person, and I no longer feel self-conscious about donning my own before I enter the grocery store. I don’t even go near the toilet paper aisle. ⠀

I’m a pro at Zoom, Skype, and group FaceTime, and I have a list of games I can play with friends remotely. ⠀

I’m surprised when I hear anything on the radio or news that doesn’t have to deal with the pandemic or current state of affairs in the world. ⠀

It simultaneously feels like this has been happening for months and also that it just started 2 days ago. And the anxiety of not know when this will “end” is slowly (very slowly) fading into the background. ⠀

Have you been feeling this too? What things are you now accustomed to that 3 months ago would have felt very strange?

Hey guys. Been a minute, eh? Lots been changing everywhere for everyone. The last few months my business IG hasn’t been a priority for me, but I’m thankful for this community more than ever.

I’m fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been more aware and thankful for the things that I have in life that 9 days ago I was taking for granted: books. A steady income. My health. A supportive family. Green apple licorice. Sunshine. The ability to create.

I’ve also never been more aware of how this isn’t the case for everyone. I’ve been racking my brain trying to think of ways to help my less fortunate neighbors from afar, and honestly, other than monetary donations to people/organizations that are made for this.

I’m still coming up short. But in the meantime, I decided I could at least try to brighten my neighbors’ day a little, as I know we’ve all been a bit more on edge than us usual.

So my friends, what are you thankful for today, this very second? And what words or phrases of encouragement have helped you center yourself lately? With the extra free time I plan on visiting different spots around Wichita and trying to spread a little light. We’re all in this together, even if “together” means something a little different now. Much love to you all 💕