Oh, friends, what wild and weird times we're living in lately. As uncertain and challenging as this all feels to me and maybe to you, too, the truth is - if you're reading this - you're among the most fortunate, as it means you have internet access, a working technological device of some sort at your fingertips, and time to read for pleasure, and I keep thinking that, for so many, these are luxuries. I'd never advocate guilt (that emotion certainly never helped anyone) but I am a fan of gratitude, and remembering to notice what I do have and what I am able to appreciate helps to alleviate any frustration or difficulty I experience now or may in these weeks ahead. 

On that note, how 'bout a list of things to bring a smile, offer perspective, or to be of service to you during this time? If nothing else, I'm seeing how connected we all really are and the beauty of humanity when we keep our focus on kindness, patience, and respect for every one of us, and if I can contribute to that energy, I'm in!

For bookworms and music-lovers:

1. Local libraries may be closed, but their online resources are going strong, including access to eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming movies online. (Louisville peeps: lfpl.org for info and access.)

2. Some bookstores are remaining open while they can, but I have heard many of them are offering alternative shopping options online AND providing local delivery. (Our beloved Carmichael's in Louisville will deliver to customers in the Louisville area if you call or order online.)

3. Audiobooks are a great option for listening to some amazing literature - I'm a fan of dish duty or even necklace-designing while listening to Audible. (And they offer a free 30-day trial for new listeners.) 

4. Some of my favorite authors (of kids books, specifically) are reading their beloved books on video - sort of a virtual story time, which is so fun. Oliver Jeffers, who has written so many of the greatest books, kicks off the fun today! 

5. Want some suggestions on what to read? I share some of my favorites (audio or actual) books on the Elva Fields blog. Check out the full collection of our Reading Lists here.

6. No concerts for a while, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a great dance party at home - check out our Elva Fields playlists on Spotify or tune in to your local radio stations who continue to support their communities with information and entertainment. (Love to Louisville Public Media!)

 For art appreciation and/or making (all ages!):

1. While there's nothing quite like a museum visit - truly, maybe one of my most favorite things to do ever - so many wonderful places are opening up their collections with virtual tours and behind-the-scenes fun, including:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City - a series of virtual tour videos AND tours just for kiddos by kiddos!

Musée d'Orsay, Paris - virtual tour

The Uffizi Gallery, Florence - virtual tour

British Museum, London - virtual tour

National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian), Washington, D.C. - virtual tours

And many smaller museums are offering ways to interact on social media, including local favorite Historic Locust Grove, where staff and volunteers will answer your questions and give you the dish on everything from the 18th-century house to the people who once lived in it!

2. My daughters and I, on a whim a few nights ago, found Bob Ross on Netflix and I have to admit it was incredibly (and very unexpectedly) soothing to watch paint brushed on canvas, creating "happy little trees" and even a tree named Clyde. It felt like art therapy in a way, really.

3. Prefer to make art or create something yourself? I'm working on an Elva Fields option for this, so stay tuned...but, in the meantime, a handful of artists, makers, or just all-around interesting humans I enjoy are offering print-outs to color, projects to do, and fun activities to share with kids at home. 

- Raising Wonder (free daily print-outs and easy activities via email)

 - Donald Drawbertson (quirky and fun print-out)

- beautifully talented artist Dorothy Shain is teaching art history lessons each week, along with fun projects and print-outs for at-home activities

- another wonderful artist, Sally King Benedict, has created some whimsical coloring sheets to print out and color on your own as well

- Painted Flower Challenge (for you at-home artists or bored-out-of-your-mind peeps looking to create with community)

- A sweet friend shares her homeschooling activities and ideas - complete with free print-outs and free trials to certain learning sites.

 For health/wellness:

1. Even though my sanity-saving, uplifting, high-fiving Barre 3 studio has closed for the time being, I still plan to enjoy classes from my very own spot at home via online access. There are HUNDREDS of classes of all lengths, skill levels, and styles, and a quick 30-minute mindful workout this weekend turned my whole day around. (A free 15-day trial is available now, too!)

 2. Therapy (or health care) from your own couch: I've heard really good things about Maven, Talkspace, and BetterHelp, and we even received an email from one of the editors at e-counseling.com,  the leading resource online for digital therapy, and its site is full of helpful information.  Full disclosure - I've never tried these. I can, however, vouch for the necessity and benefit of sharing my thoughts and feelings with a trusted listener, and these times have led me to do so more than ever. We are not alone, nor do we have to be, and I don't know where I'd be without the support of others who listen without judgment. 

3. So many 12-step recovery programs meet in churches and other spaces that are temporarily closed, and I keep thinking about how necessary these meetings are for those seeking various forms of wellness in their lives. While an online app is always available (specifically this one for Al-Anon, with speakers, slogans, and reminders, and most 12-step official websites offer online options) I've also seen several phone and online groups for sobriety support and recovery. 

4. Grocery stores are still open and serving their customers (thank you!) and most local restaurants are still able to offer carry-out options and/or delivery for their patrons, which is amazing. Here in Louisville, I know that Rainbow Blossom has had shelves stocked, Blue Dog and Red Hog are offering delicious carry-out options, Wiltshire Pantry (in addition to take-away orders) will take phone orders and walk them out to your car if you'd rather not come inside, and Mayan Cafe is preparing delicious boxed meals for pick-up to keep staff supported and diners happy!

5. Want to help those who can't afford these options for health or monetary reasons? Consider donating to local food banks (Dare to Care here in Louisville for those in critical need, including students who depend on school cafeterias for most meals) local Ronald McDonald Houses (who depend on volunteers to provide meals for their guests and are now having to close doors to outside help in order to keep everyone healthy) or Meals on Wheels to offer food to home-bound elderly populations. Our financial contribution makes a significant difference when we aren't able to offer our in-person efforts.

For fun and cheer:

1. Upworthy is my go-to for feel-good stories that prove how great this world can really be.

2. This guy is my new favorite Italian. Cannot stop laughing at the fun he makes at his own stove.

3. Two gals (Jennifer and Kristen) who are awesomely bringing joy to the world with each of their respective followings one post at a time.

4. This will never not be funny to me.

 

* Note: This list reflects my initial thoughts and personal opinions - I'd be happy for you to share some feedback, whether additional suggestions for ways to help and connect or perhaps corrections I may need to make to my current information. As always (and as with most of life) take what you like and leave the rest!

XO Emily

 

Join us for our next

Elva Awesome Instagram Sale

Sunday, January 26th / 9 pm EST

@elvaawesome

(fun vintage finds and fresh handmade designs, all at awesome prices!)

 

Happy New Year, all!

After a wild holiday season and our "Everything Must Go" Sale, I've cleared the website (with your help - thank you so much to all who shopped last week!) and our web shop will be closed for a bit. After 16-ish years of operating this jewelry business, I decided it was high time for a refresh...both for me AND for the website and its jewelry styles. (And it feels so great already!)

Though you won't be able to shop our website, I'll still be sharing (and selling!) vintage finds and fun designs in our flash sales on Instagram, so be sure you're following along on the @elvaawesome for those...including our next one on January 26th at 9 pm EST!

I'll also be taking some time to work on a few new projects that are bringing me delight these days. I realized that Elva Fields, while known for its handmade jewelry, is really more about my deep love of creating beautiful things from all sorts of materials and bringing joy, fun, and hope to your lives through them.

With that in mind as I move into this new decade, I look forward to returning here soon rested, renewed, and ready for so much beauty and brightness ahead!

XO - emily

 

Please be sure you're signed up for our emails (the subscription box is below if you scroll down to the bottom of the page-  in pale blue to the right!) so that you'll be among the first to know when we re-open...I'd love to see you then!

 

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert - Alluring, fun, and a celebration of independent, interesting, and charismatic women of all kinds, I loved feeling as though I was tagging along and learning about life (its ups and downs) on New York City adventures with wonderfully-written characters full of heart, laughter, gumption, and, ultimately, strength.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi - This goes against my most-of-the-time policy of allowing only books/movies/shows that are "light and bright" into my "realm," but despite its heart-breaking unfolding, there is also so much beauty and deeply compelling insight in this memoir that I'll not soon forget.

The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer - I consider myself a feminist, but today that moniker means so many different things to so many different people. This coming-of-age story explores this idea, sharing the lives of its characters in unexpected ways and with varying consequences. Thoughtful, interesting, and maybe even a little hopeful.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr - This one has been sitting on my list for some time, as friends continued to recommend it, and I'd hear the buzz (especially after the Pulitzer Prize win) but somehow it never made it to the top for check-out...until I longed for a good, long audiobook to enjoy during my crazy holiday season in the studio. A World War II story (yet so much more) told from perspectives I didn't anticipate: a young, blind French girl escaping Paris with her father during the Occupation and a young German boy who finds himself in France at the same time - and how their paths ultimately cross. (And a jewel is involved, so extra points, right?)

Hope for Today by Al-Anon Family Groups - Maybe not for everybody, but something I read on the daily before or after I meditate, this collection (with one reading for each day of the year) offers me perspective, options, a moment of calm, and helpful observations that allow me to enjoy my day more fully, with more serenity, and even a bit more kindness than I might otherwise.

The Paper Garden: An Artist Begins Her Life's Work at 72 by Molly Peacock - I flagged this one on Instagram or Pinterest at some point and felt called to find it in my local library just a few weeks ago. Though I'm only halfway through, I'm astounded by the beauty this woman created with a pair of scissors and some paper - in the 1700s, no less - but also by the wonderful fullness of her life and the fact that she was in her 70s when she began this wonderfully creative pursuit. I've been working with cut paper for a few months now, and finding some fun parallels in my life, as did the author as she researched and wrote this book. Perhaps you will, too?