Creating Safe Places

Our choice is between feeling the sharp pains of self-discovery or enduring the dull ache of unconsciousness that will last for the rest of our lives. Suppressing our pain isn't ending our pain, it's simply displacing it. - Marianne Williamson

A little brutal honesty today. Since before the election the idea of safe places has been on my mind and heart. Our world, our nation, our community is facing some incredible challenges. We have become divided and siloed. We surround ourselves so often with people who think and look like ourselves, that many of us have lost the ability to have a thoughtful conversation with someone who views the world differently than us.

Many have come to believe that if a person doesn't have the same value system as us, then we can't have relationship with them. But isn't that exactly what we all get so upset about when we look at the injustices which have happened throughout history? How could they have such a lack of acceptance, how could they not see how they were hurting people? Yet we persist in punishing those who think differently than us. It has become acceptable to berate and demonize them, treating them as though they aren't human.

Every tree, therefore is valuable in the community and worth keeping around for as long as possible. And that is why even sick individuals are supported and nourished until they recover. Next time, perhaps it will be the other way around, and the supporting tree might be the one in need of assistance. - Peter Wohlleben, The Hidden Life of Trees

Some of my fondest memories have been intense conversations with people who had drastically different viewpoints than myself. They forced me to learn to articulate my thoughts and feelings. Just the other day I felt that my brain was tired (our brains are muscles, it happens!) after spending a whole afternoon trying to communicate with someone whose mind just worked and saw things differently than mine. When I walked out of the meeting I found myself rather frustrated, but a couple of hours later I realized that situation was teaching me something. That person was showing me how to communicate better.

Quite frequently the people who have provided a safe place for me to process my thoughts and feelings were those who came from utterly different and sometimes even polar opposite backgrounds and mindsets. We grappled together with viewpoints and struggled to have patience with each other. I can't begin to say how thankful I am for the people who didn't hold my words against me - because if we do not allow each other room to learn and grow, to change our minds, then we bind people to their past in a way that we would never want to be bound ourselves.

A safe place does not require us to speak everything perfectly. Quite often it is the place where we are allowed to work through our thoughts and there is grace when we stumble and find ourselves falling short of the words needed to articulate our heart. Conversations have this amazing ability to hold up a mirror to us, are we looking to see what is revealed?  What happens if we look through the lens of love. Try to understand that there is an untold story which has shaped every person's life. Try to not view them from a place of condescension. Rather come to the conversation curious, with a child-like wonder, hoping for good. Be the one who helps others to speak their best.

Unfortunately, sometimes we have to go through the hard stuff in order to have greater understanding for others. The pain of our past can either fuel our opposition to another, or cause us to be a conduit of tenderness. It is when we have looked deeply within and felt pain ourselves that we can be of most service to love. We have the power, each of us, to provide safe places and peaceful havens, for those who need to share, to be known and to be loved regardless of their past, present or future. You never know if perhaps today will be the day that we support someone whose life intersects with ours, and then tomorrow they end up speaking just the words of encouragement needed to heal our weary hearts.

Each and every person is a priceless living wonder. Perhaps not every moment we spend with them will be rosy and beautiful. But the fact that we try to understand and be there for each other even through our differences, our individual highs and lows, that can be the change this world longs for. Yet if we come to a place where all effort has been exhausted and conversation is no longer possible, let us say:

May he be blessed. May he be happy. May he be loved.

Ps: I know this was a LONG one, and can you believe only one photo? These kinds of posts are rare, but I am thankful you stuck through to the end :)

Together Everything Is Possible

Ultimately, the people who choose to champion originality are the ones who propel us forward. After spending years studying them and interacting with them, I am struck that their inner experiences are not any different from our own. They feel the same fear, the same doubt, as the rest of us. What sets them apart is that they take action anyway. They know in their hearts that failing would yield less regret than failing to try. - Adam Grant, Originals

Almost every week I have the chance to meet beautiful and talented people who are trying to share their craft with the world. Whether they are engineers or photographers, I love hearing their stories. I am inspired by those who hold onto their dreams even when it takes a little longer to break through, to become known for that thing which they are so very passionate about.

But even more than being inspired by the tenacity and persistence of so many individuals, I am incredibly motivated by how people more and more are joining together to help each other reach their dreams. Because the reality is that while there is much we can do alone, there is much more that we can do together. My favorite artists are those who have been a part of a movement, who surrounded themselves with people who would challenge them even at times compete with them so that their skills were sharpened.  Let's not gloss things over -- Hemingway and Fitzgerald were brutal with each other. It's not fun to have your flaws under a magnifying glass, but as Ira Glass says,

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

Honestly, we've gotten a little too comfortable with not speaking the truth to each other. The reality is though we may have great aspirations, some of our work is shitty. Only when we look that truth in the face can we get better. We do each other no service by not encouraging one another to raise the bar of excellence. While the role of the critic is greatly dismissed, the critic does call out that sort of underdog spirit in an artist that determines to overcome, to make their voice known. A great strength is embedded in our core when we have to fight for what we believe in.

Never forget your real identity. You are a luminous cosmic stardust being forged into the crucible of cosmic fire. - Deepak Chopra

It's about being real, true, transparent, and authentically You. Cracks, bumps, flaws, and all. When the light shines through our imperfections, that's when we are truly able to touch other people's hearts and souls. - Rebecca Campbell

Last summer, I had the chance to collaborate with an incredible group of individuals who are each cultivating beauty in their own sphere. They are people who are pushing themselves and raising the bar in the creative community. We shot at the magical venue, The RUINS, located in lower Queen Anne. Everyone reached out to their contacts and favorite people to work with, and out of this came the ultimate dream team.

As we were shooting I could walk into each room and see these creatives like fairy godmothers absolutely transforming the models and surroundings. But more than transformation, it was each of their ability to call out, to usher out the best light of the individuals they were working with. This shoot while it produced amazing images beyond what I could have dreamed of, it revealed to me that together we truly can do anything.

So let's keep doing it. We made mistakes, we had challenges, but we learned so much. Nobody does it perfect the first time, but goodness we sure are off to a damn good start (I mean can you believe these photos?! Yunkin you sir there just aren't even words). And you know what? Even more than that -- I like you guys, and feel so very lucky to be creating in the same city as each of you. Let's do BIG things, bigger than we can IMAGINE in 2017.

To everyone else it looked like a single leap. But in reality it was hundreds of little baby steps.

Together this team made magic possible, let's keep taking each and every one of those baby steps towards our dreams. You all continue to amaze me, and I can't wait to work with them again:

• Collaboration Producer: @uncommoncartography
• Photos: @danieljshapiro @yunkinkeophomma
• Behind The Scenes Photos: @greenteleaf
• Venue: @the_ruins
• Gowns: @belltown_bride @pmndesigner   , Justin Zachary Couture
• Event Design/Floral: @kalebnormanjames
• Makeup: @j0rdanr0ss @melissakornmakeupartist
• Hair: @makahmatt 
• Wardrobe Stylist: @julietandlou
• Jewelry: @shannonkoszyk / @namikoabloom 
• Food/Dessert: @the_ruins
• Champagne/Wine: @preceptwine 
• Stationery Suite: @greyandcake
• Models: @annavina10 @noellejohnsun @diana_jean_o @imsuzijane @rodasfeker @_myfriendhanna                                             

Ps: Next week a blog post will feature Daniel Shapiro's photography from this shoot :)

The Fairest Ones

“Little by little, one travels far”  ― J.R.R. Tolkien

How utterly perfect that this blog is to be posted on Tolkien's birthday. His writings have been such a source of inspiration to me. I have always been jealous of his participation in The Inklings, an informal group of literary enthusiasts, which is included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien who shared and each other's writings. You see there has always been a sort of magical power which happens when creatives combine their talents to craft and shape the world around them.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

As I sit here writing and listening to Sleeping at Last, I am filled with a quiet sense of excitement and wonder that the artists in Seattle have begun to leave their siloed corners to join together on a journey to give something beautiful to the city and the world. They have individually been working under the radar, quite often thanklessly honing their talents, and cheering each other on, all the while waiting for the day when they will be revealed. Each of us has the ability to recognize that unique essence of a creative, even before they are admired by the press or the masses. We don't have to wait for these artists to gain mainstream recognition, we can support now those who magnify the beauty for the common good. We can support them with our words, and with our financial investment in them + their businesses, showing that we care and we value what they are doing.

“In this hour, I do not believe that any darkness will endure.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

Artists are needed at this time, more than ever before. When people are divided, weary, and lonely this is when the power of art prevails. It allows us to see our life in the perspective of the past and the future. To see we are all interconnected, we do not live unto ourselves. We are empowered with the ability to lift up our fellow man. We can choose to be a hero in the story of our life. How often it is that the hero is not so dear to us because of the love he received, rather because of that which he selflessly gave.

“Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

To those who continue to pursue their dreams in spite of the seeming odds, you are not alone. You are important. This is a love letter to who you are now and to who you are becoming. You see something, don't stop, don't give up until you release it into the world.

The BIGGEST of BIG thank you's to the incredibly beautiful and talented people who made this dream a reality. This blog contains the behind the scenes images, another blog post will be coming soon with the select final images from the Yunkin and Daniel:

• Photos: @danieljshapiro @yunkinkeophomma
• Behind The Scenes Photos: @greenteleaf
• Venue: @the_ruins
• Gowns: @belltown_bride @pmndesigner   , Justin Zachary Couture
• Event Design/Floral: @kalebnormanjames
• Makeup: @j0rdanr0ss @melissakornmakeupartist
• Hair: @makahmatt 
• Wardrobe Stylist: @julietandlou
• Jewelry: @shannonkoszyk / @namikoabloom 
• Food/Dessert: @the_ruins
• Champagne/Wine: @preceptwine 
• Stationery Suite: @greyandcake
• Models: @annavina10 @noellejohnsun @diana_jean_o @imsuzijane @rodasfeker @_myfriendhanna

Take A Grand Tour Of Your Hometown

Do not sink into the everydayness of your life. Fight despair. Find treasure. - Billy Sothern

I recently stumbled upon the brilliant art of Cooper and Gorfer, and then upon research found out that I had just missed their exhibit at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard. I can't begin to tell you how frequently this happens to me. The thing is so often we don't see something unless we are actually looking for it.

I have come to realize that my favorite writers are those who work is textured and layered with richness. You know the ones who reference other unheard of yet brilliant people, little-known places, and things in such an effortless way that you feel you need to do research? Because if these people, places and things are woven so seamlessly into your hero's life then maybe you should know a little more about them as well?

An individual's ability to see the world around them from a unique perspective gives them something to articulate beauty in a way that allows others around them to have their eyes opened to previously unseen or unexplored treasure.  Below are five ideas of how you can shake up the mundane of your every day and perhaps just maybe rediscover your childlike wonder.

Taking a new route has the ability to shake a lot up. It makes me think of those sci-fi movies where someone changes just one thing in the future and it has countless ripple effects. I feel like exploring a new route has the potential to do just the same thing. Once when I was following my path down a favorite alley which is a bit grimy, and a lady once yelled at a guy who was peeing as we were walking by... anyways, on this particulate walk two well-dressed joggers came running out of nowhere, I was slightly confused but when I turned the corner I saw there was a photographer. That guy had found my secret alley and now it became his perfect spot for a photo shoot. You never know where inspiration will strike.

I learned how to speak to strangers from a young age. While most kids are told to not talk to strangers well my father seemed to teach us girls that the opposite was true. Every new person led to an interesting story. As a young girl, I was rather embarrassed by how it never failed that if we were with my Dad some random person was going to begin speaking to him. My Dad was always gracious even if the person was a bit grimy looking on the outside. Because of these relationships my family built with "strangers" I learned how to blow bubble gum from a felon, I did arts and crafts with mental patients, and even once to my Mom's ever lasting embarrassment went dumpster diving for "the best cookies" in town.

Now there is definitely a time and a place for comfort food, trust me perhaps its just the southern side but I believe it's very important to know what a person's comfort food is. But if you are needing to stir your creative juices then, well a new food can be an explosion of feelings. I have had pho my fair share of times, I mean I live on the edge of the international district in Seattle... but I had never had pho like the way my friend  Yenvy fixed mine up the first time I visited Phnom Penh Noodle House. You see on each table is this house made special sauce. Just go there and try it. Or if you are not in Seattle, ask the waiter what his or her favorite dish on the menu is. Ordering outside of your comfort zone does not mean it has to be snails, though I have tasted those and they were garlicky deliciousness in my mouth!

Last but not least, magnify a detail. This is something that comedians seem to do amazingly well. I mean have you listened to Anjelah Johnson's Nail Salon or Ellen Degeneres Toilet Paper? Just like we have the ability to worry and stress about things, we can also see the magic in the minute detail of a dark gray feather on the sidewalk, that new piece of graffiti on a wall or look up, have you ever noticed those lights before?

So the next time you feel that perhaps your town does not have so much to offer, that you are dying to take a flight out to some glamorous city ... well just take one more look time spent so often causes there to be a familiarity that closes our eyes to the magic that lies just before us.

💥Announcing The Launch Of Uncommon Cartography's Partner Program 💥

Hi!

Can you believe that 2017 is only a couple days away? 

In 2016, I had the privilege of partnering with tastemakers and influencers across a variety of industries (interior design, fashion, food, tech) including @danny.owens, @samuelanthony, @acooknamedmatt, @lanadmitruks, and more! Not to mention delicious brands such as Dueminuti, Shannon Koszyk, The Four Seasons, Tame The Beast, and so many others. Let me just say I collaborate with some of the most talented individual creatives and brands, and I have been racking my mind of how to help you all take your businesses to the next level and make more sales 🌟 

The launch of Uncommon Cartography’s Partner Program addresses the need of creatives and brands to be able to keep their prices competitive and retain more profit by selling to their target customers. This program will connect you with influencers and ambassadors for your brand, who we will then empower to sell your products. Ambassadors receive a 10-20% commission (you set the commission) on items that they sell through their networks (social media, blogs, websites). It can be costly and time-consuming to research, launch, and manage a program like this on your own, so we do it for you. Also, because we are spreading the cost amongst several brands we are able to keep the program relatively inexpensive. 

I am looking to curate 5 -10 awesome brands kick-start this program on January 23💥 Initially, the program will focus on outreach and recruiting affiliates, but as it grows I envision hosting curated pop up’s, affiliate happy hours and more! As you all have been working hard on your social media, websites, content creation, and marketing this feels like a strong next step. What do you think😊

Would you be interested in being one of the curated brands that we launch with? If so, please email info@uncommoncartography.com for more details.

Best,

Esther

Ps: If you know anyone else who might be interested in joining this program, please forward the information along.