somebody muse & somebody else mama

erika ellis | artist. writer. community engagement. marketing & communication strategy. | connect. [email protected]

[thegardenofbae]

[browngyalwriting-deactivated202]

— Hairstyle inspiration for the main character in a historical fantasy story.

Ph. credit: If She So Pleases

[akuawaist]

By JHEY TOO COOL

[poeticblkgiirl]

Halle Berry in Their Eyes Were Watching God, 2005

[iamerikaellis]

I have so much to say but I’m gonna save the musings for long form. Probably because nothing says “I love you” and “you matter” quite like print. And that’s how I want to feel about whatever I make from now on. So, I’ll do that... put it in print. That said, who would want snail mail? lastly, please vote. encourage at least one other person to vote and go drink some water. https://www.instagram.com/p/CGLxverhkTR/?igshid=6ouv6mak7ls

[iamerikaellis]

My notes have notes. Sometimes it’s a string of words left in my mind from a dream, other times overheard conversations. A response to song lyrics or a plea to humanity. Hypothetical dialogues and cosmic rants. The deepest hopes and most earnest love letters. I don’t get to decide how the words come. I just make space for them. . . . #amwriting #writerslife #blackwriters (at Sunbeam Studio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEkgSFVhOh8/?igshid=mnx8ukwu23lf

[blackfashion]

ig @camilamz

sc: itscaaa

[blackfashion]

Step out on love. 

Fashion Journalist Tony Logan

[harpersbazaar]

The 12 Biggest Fashion Trends to Shop For in 2020

Mined straight from the spring runways and shot on location in dreamy Grand Cayman.

[harpersbazaar]

The 12 Biggest Fashion Trends to Shop For in 2020

Mined straight from the spring runways and shot on location in dreamy Grand Cayman.

[harpersbazaar]

The 12 Biggest Fashion Trends to Shop For in 2020

Mined straight from the spring runways and shot on location in dreamy Grand Cayman.

[urbanxdivinity]

[rogers-fringe]

David Bowie explaining his characters, Cracked Actor (x)

[iamerikaellis]

Haven’t been into posting lately because life has me occupied with living. Though I am writing more which sparks major joy. My deepest writing grooves includes a very analog process and it’s taken me some time to honor and respect that about myself. I’m growing and in ways that are both new and familiar— it’s painful, beautiful, messy, but still really fucking fun. I‘m not sure how things will turn out but I’m super focused on the process and I know it’ll be dope. I’m learning to let go... like for real. I have carried too much for so long I quite literally can’t even. But thankfully, I am writing it all down so when I’m ready, I’ll have my best words. - - - - - - #sparkjoy #raiseyourvibration #littlestoriesofmylife #glowup #goldenhour #hoxfriends #everythingpdx #writersofinstagram #creatorsgonnacreate #mindyourmind (at Visit Old Town) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuMdsI8AnyA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vaiddyzulc1t

[iamerikaellis]

I forget names five minutes after meeting someone but I can remember lyrics (complete with melodic runs) to songs I haven’t heard in 10 years. My memory museum is likely at capacity. So, my subconscious is like “you’ll remember ‘such-n-such’ person if you remove one song.” To which I’m like, “hell no, ‘Rump Shakers’ might play at a wedding this summer and I wanna be ready to stunt on everybody.”⠀ ⠀ For some reason, I live to know more than you on trivial subjects. Don’t know much about the process of roasting coffee? Don’t worry, I do! Curious about the history of Motown? I got you! Don’t understand all this beauty industry malarkey? Say no more! ⠀ ⠀ I can’t be the only person like this. What are your know-it-all subjects? What ‘useless’ information is your mind storing?⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ #portlandblogger #pdxstyle #portlandmom #blackgirls #workingmom #freelancelife #lifestyleblogger #pdx #shoestagram #motherhoodunplugged #calledtobecreative #littlestoriesofmylife #everythingpdx #everythinglivepdx #livecolorfully #blackqueen #livingmylife #bloggerlife #shareyourgifts #contentcreator #lululemon #athleisure (at Deadstock Coffee) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsioiokD0d4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hzck8itfoy62

[iamerikaellis]

Who will nurture the person who nurtures everyone else? I’m asking for a friend who is also me. I’ve been a caretaker since I was a kid and sometimes I’d rather not. But the thing is, I’m just so good at it that everything just falls apart if I’m not the one holding it all together. What would happen if I stopped trouble-shooting and problem-solving? It truly comes so naturally, thinking up things you don’t. If I stopped, I suppose the world around me would implode into complete chaos. Herein lies the dilemma: lots of people count on me but what I crave is peace, sunshine, butt rubs, and pizza. Where is the me... but like, for me?⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ -⠀ #portlandblogger #pdxstyle #portlandmom #blackgirls #workingmom #freelancelife #lifestyleblogger #pdx #motherhoodunplugged #calledtobecreative #littlestoriesofmylife #everythingpdx #everythinglivepdx #livecolorfully #blackqueen #livingmylife #bloggerlife #shareyourgifts #contentcreator #fentybeauty #naturalmakeup #naturalhair https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgBr3cD9kQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xzru70toecfa

[iamerikaellis]

A mom was shaming parents for not spending enough time with their kids (surprise, surprise). She wasn’t talking to me but, I felt defensive, sort of. Maybe because I work a lot. That, and teens are notoriously wanting to spend less time with their parents. But I had to check my mom guilt and think of everyday experiences like helping her decide what to wear to homecoming or singing The Cranberries 'Linger' on repeat while we clean the kitchen. And I suppose our commutes to school are valuable, if I'm not nagging her. I, like most parents, have no way of knowing if I'm doing it right or doing enough. So, the criticism of other parents can really warp the view of our unique set of circumstances. Also, it’s just outright hurtful because we all just want to raise good humans. Everyday parenthood is already challenging enough. I admit that I admire the confidence of parents who claim to have it all figured out. But I am among the mothers simply winging it.⠀ (at Besaw's) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bslkf6JBmF7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tkmin50slef2