Outdoor Adventure

I find one of the best ways to recharge is to get outside. This is one of my favorite times of the year to enjoy the outdoors. Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature and get away from it all. My idea of camping involves a backpack, and a few miles of trail. 

I am always amazed at how beautiful the gifts of nature are. 

I hope you take some time to go outdoors and enjoy the natural world around you.

Falling For Autumn

It has finally happened - Autumn has arrived! It seems to have taken a bit longer to really feel like fall here in the mid atlantic region of the United States. The cooler weather has started to turn the trees from green to orange and yellow. Mums and pumpkins are making colorful appearances in almost every store. All this has reminded me how much I enjoy the transition from summer into winter. Autumn will not last long, go out on a walk and enjoy the change while it is happening around you.

Monday Motivation

Monday is here with a new week in tow.  The quote featured above by the ever inspiring Helen Keller serves as a reminder and a theme for this week. Try something new, you might be surprised at the results.

The Power Of Texture

Truth be known, I am a huge fan of color. It is a great tool to add interest and direct attention. However there is another great tool used to help convey a message that is sometimes overlooked, that tool is texture. 

Texture gives visual interest and can help to convey feeling into a design. The textures above are detail shots I have taken of a variety of different subjects both natural, and man-made. I have taken out the color of these objects to reinforce the texture. Notice how some textures look soft, while other are rough, some seem to have a flow, others are static, 

they all offer a distinct feeling. 

I hope this inspires you to notice the unique textures around you, and helps to add a little variety to your day.

First Things First

Today is a day of firsts. It is the first day of October. It is the first day of the week. It is also my nephews first birthday! 

All this has me thinking about the excitement and anticipation that comes with first time experiences. 

This thought has given me inspiration for the week.  I hope it helps to inspire you too.

Color Shift

With the shifting season comes a new pallet of colors. I am continually reviewing Pantone color reports. 

The fall color pallet for this year is one that inspires a lot of fun color combinations.

Tango Tangerine the official color of 2012 has so much energy on it's own, but when paired with Pink Flambé it is almost electric. The energy of Tango Tangerine is slightly subdued when paired with the gorgeous Ultramarine Green. 

Pink Flambé sings with joy when paired with Honey Gold. These energetic fall pallets give a bright fun punch.

For a calming feel I love Ultramarine Green paired with Olympian Blue.

 If a bit more energy is needed Honey Gold ascents the tranquility of Olympian Blue.

 I also like the pairing of Ultramarine Green with the warmth of Honey Gold.

Titanium Gray adds a timeless chic grounding to any pallet. The powdery Rose Smoke is amazing in combination with Titanium. The undertones found in Rhapsody Purple are magnified when paired with Titanium Gray. 
While coolness collides when Olympian Blue meets steely Titanium.

My personal choice combinations for fall 2012 are Titanium Gray with Ultramarine Green,
Rich French Roast Brown paired with deep Rhubarb, and I also love Olympian Blue teamed with inky black. 

I hope these color pallets help you to start thinking about shifting into fall color.

First Of Fall

Welcome to the Last week of September, and first week of fall. I really love the transition of fall. The longer nights, the cooler air, and the magic of leaves turning color, are just a few reasons why. As the seasons make a gradual transition I am reminded of the quote above by Samuel Johnson. It serves as a reminder that dreams are goals worth chasing.