Hey firebird,
So… funny thing about last week.
There wasn’t an Ember. Because life Embered me first.
Between internet outages, burnout waves, and unexpected curveballs, last week’s plan went up in smoke—and instead of forcing myself to “push through,” I let it burn.
And you know what?
That’s what The Rise stage is all about.
Not perfection. Not performance. Just… getting back up.
If your planner is a mess, your goals feel stale, or you’re behind on everything—you’re in good company. This week, I’m not asking you to “catch up.” I’m asking:
👉 Can you rise without rushing?
👉 Can you move forward even if last week fell apart?
Here’s what I’m doing this week to realign:
Creating a “gentle pivot” plan instead of a reset—because I didn’t fail, I just flexed.
Making space for softness. That means leaving buffer time and rest on purpose.
Choosing one priority per day instead of five. Because progress deserves to be bite-sized.
Setting a new priority for this week (not dragging the old ones forward out of guilt)
Making space for tech hiccups and off-days
Leaning into rhythm instead of routine
So come with me, and let’s forget the bad weeks. We got this!
This week’s edition is covering two weeks and is a little longer than normal, so I have included a Table of Contents for you.
Table of Contents
In Case You Missed It
It’s officially been two weeks since I last waved at you from your inbox and I filled those two weeks with some decent events:
The Ember failed its landing in your inboxes last week due to internet trouble, but we are back! Thank you again for your patience!
A new Washi set was released for August 6th’s Washi Wednesday filled with vivid colors. It’s called Rainbow Delight and while the Washi Wednesday discount for it has ended, you can still purchase it here. I also added a bonus set called Autumn Harmony because like I said, AUTUMN FEELS. You can grab that one here. Unfortunately thanks to the same internet monster that the Ember fell victim to, last week’s Washi Wednesday had to be delayed, so instead of ending the promotion at the end of August, I will continue it into the first week of September!
Did you catch the Positive Reminders set that went up in the shop on August 10th? They’re part of our new $1 Only Deals section of the shop and they are perfect for little reminders on your spreads, your scrapbook layouts, or even printed and stuck to your mirror for a daily uplift. Check them out as well as a brand new coordinating set of wallpapers for September in the section titled “Phoenix $1 Only Deals” in our Etsy shop.
Product release spotlight: On August 15th, the new “Today’s Path to Victory” emerged in the shop, a thoughtfully designed daily to-do list perfect for ADHD minds. If you don’t like the idea of a full planner, it can stand on its own, or of course, be added to your favorite spreads to keep you focused and on track. Remember, everything in the shop is 20% off until August 31st, so now is a perfect time to grab it! Get your copy here.
I started a new personal challenge to work on my self-esteem and am officially inviting you to do the same! The rules are pretty simple but if you need any encouragement, send me a shout! Feel free to post and tag us on your favorite platform!
I promise I am almost done! We had a lot happening! The Lunarium is officially in the building and working quickly toward completion and I can’t wait to see what yall think! Plus, artsy got a new remodel itself? Have you seen it yet? What do you think?! Drop a reply and let me know!
AND FINALLY I released a sneak peek of a gorgeous set of coffee stickers coming your way, and this one’s for those of us that can only survive with coffee coursing through our veins. Peek the coffee cups (requested by a fan) in the shop, and stay tuned for future sticker details!
Here’s what’s coming your way:
New Merch from Byers Design: A heavily requested set of stickers are brewing, and of course, I will be offering access here as well as in my freelance network. Coffee and pretty colors? Yessss please!
Fun, encouraging challenges: It’s time for another Creative Spark, phoenixes, and I hope you’ll join me!
Fall Figutal Detox kit: We might still be suffering from triple digits in Texas but my mind is on autumn, and we are rocking it!
Phoenix Prompt of the Week:
What would it look like to rise without rushing?
Final Spark:
You don’t need to catch up.
You don’t need to prove you’re still “on track.”
You don’t even need to know what day it is, honestly.
You just need to believe that coming back, even imperfectly, is still powerful.
That rest is part of the process.
That your story doesn’t lose meaning just because you paused.
Let your return be gentle. Let your planner hold space for the real you, not the edited version.
You are still worthy of clarity, of momentum, of joy… even if last week didn’t go as planned.
You’re still in this. Still rising. Still the fire, even on your softest days.
I see you. I’m proud of you. And I’m walking this comeback path right alongside you.
With love, soot-smeared pages, and hope that glows in the dark,
💌 P.S.
Our freebie library, The Lunarium, is almost here; your magical vault of soulful planning tools and ritual-based downloads. Stay tuned for your exclusive early access!