CRANBERRY JOURNAL N.1

with ELIZABETH SCHILD KOTT

When I first began playing with the idea of starting a Cranberry Isles journal, Elizabeth was one of the first people who came to mind.

Around that same time, she had invited me to join her 12 week The Artist’s Way course, where she creates a thoughtful container and sense of accountability around completing the book, something notoriously difficult for many people who attempt it alone.


I had also been an avid listener of her podcast, Too Niche, for years, and over time we’d shared many long hikes around Los Angeles talking about creativity, ritual, work, skincare, girl stuff, and all the small things that make up a meaningful life.


Now, having just finished the 12 week course, I can confidently say it was life changing in the most gentle ways imaginable. Watching others move through their own creative blocks had a way of opening everyone’s hearts and creating space for deeper reflection, all in a way that felt surprisingly joyful and moving. 


I knew I wanted to speak with her about what first drew her to this process and what continues to keep her so connected to the work. She graciously welcomed us into her home to share her daily rituals, thoughts on creativity, and the routines that help ground her day to day life.


- Alyssa


Photography by Sara Byrne

  • MORNING RITUALS


    What is your typical morning ritual?


    “I wake up and lay in bed for a second and take in the day. Then I grab my iPad and read Reddit to see what’s happening in the world. I’ve really grappled with whether that’s the right move for me, but honestly, it’s just what I like.


    Then I get up, feed my dog Midas, make a little caffeinated beverage, and start my morning pages.


    Today was extra luxe. I did my morning pages outside and built a little fire in the chiminea beforehand. Usually I’ll have a playlist on in the background, but today I was just staring into the embers. It was gorgeous. So meditative.”

  • ON THE ARTIST'S WAY


    What first drew you to the book, and why do you think it continues to resonate with people so deeply?


    “I first became interested in it while hosting my old podcast, That’s So Retrograde. So many guests would reference The Artist’s Way in one way or another. It kept coming up, which honestly feels very aligned with the book itself. It sort of enters your life slowly. People mention it, you start seeing it everywhere, and eventually you feel called toward it.


    I tried doing it on my own a few times and could never get past week four, which is actually a very common part of the process. Then in 2020, the book was practically screaming at me from my shelf. I had no excuses left because I suddenly had nothing but time.


    An acquaintance invited me into a group doing the program together, and I just knew in my gut that I needed to say yes. I ended up completing it twice in a row because I became so enamored with the process.


    After that, I felt called to start my own group and create my own way of leading people through the work. That’s really how the love story began.”



    CREATIVITY, COMMUNITY, AND THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE 


    Has guiding others through the process changed the way you relate to the work?


    “It brings me so much joy. I love watching the same words and concepts move through completely different people and perspectives. It really highlights both individuality and the shared human experience.


    There are so many ideas in the book that I had always felt internally but never had language for. Reading it made me feel deeply seen, and it’s incredibly special watching other people experience that too.


    What’s most rewarding is creating the container for that transformation to happen. We have people of all ages and backgrounds. Some are artists, some are lawyers, social workers, grandmothers, college students. Completely different lives, yet everyone connects to the material in such a similar emotional way because ultimately it’s about being human.”

  • HOME AND COMFORT


    Do you have a favorite room in your home?


    “I love my bedroom. I have the coziest bed. I can work in there, relax in there, completely spiral into a feng shui attack in there if I want to. It holds a lot for me.


    There’s also a door that opens into my backyard and garden, and a window facing this flower wall. It’s tiny but mighty.”


    CURRENT OBSESSION


    What are you consuming lately that’s bringing you comfort?


    “I’ve been making this little protein date milk situation with Cranberry Isles matcha.


    I’ll make the matcha properly in my little bowl, then blend nut milk, vanilla protein powder, and a date. The key is blending it way longer than you think you should so the date fully emulsifies.


    Then I pour it over ice, or warm the milk up and make it into a hot latte. It’s so nourishing and satisfying. It’s 2 p.m. on a Thursday and that’s my little pick-me-up right now.”

RECIPE

Blend 1/2 cup of nutmilk, 2 tablespoons of protein powder (I like Tejari's Organic Vanilla) and 1 date. 

Pour over ice and top with 1 serving of Cranberry Isles Premium matcha.

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