Once In A Blue Moon

When you hear the saying "Once In A Blue Moon" it usually means an event that only takes place at incredibly rare occasions. It is in reference to an additional forth full moon occurring within a season, as opposed to the normal three full moons in a season. 

While the color of the moon may not actually turn blue, having an extra full moon in a season is somewhat rare. 

If you are in an area where you can see the moon tonight, enjoy it! Go out and do something you would normally only do Once In A Blue Moon.

Pattern Play

I love the idea of organized chaos. The underlaying order that creates structure for seemingly spontaneous elements to merge together. That might be why I have such an appreciation for patterns. 

I remember designing patterns for textiles, I looked at the task as I would a jigsaw puzzle. Designing elements that could be both represented alone, and fit together within a group to form a whole. 

Balance & Unity became my mantra.

Looking in my closet I found the patterns featured above. I was almost amazed at how such different patterns seem to play together so nicely. Similar color pallet, and shape become the unifying factors. 

It is interesting to see the commonalities that emerge in grouping seemingly separate items together. 
I Hope this idea inspires pattern play in your day.

Wanderlust

Wanderlust - a craving for travel. 

 There are so many things learned from traveling. 

The world is a big place with so much to explore. 

Why stop now?

Mind Over Matter

A note of optimistic hope to start off the new week. 
A reminder that physical location is only half the battle. 
It is our thoughts in the end that shape the outlook. 

Take A Walk On The Wild Side

Sometimes you just have to get away from the urban jungle, and take a walk on the wild side.

There is something about getting outside, and discovering natural wonders that refreshes the mind like nothing else.

Unique landmarks are fun to explore.

The element of danger is always lurking. Here is a eastern diamondback rattlesnake that introduced himself. 

Watch your step, it is a long way down.

Lovely bright surprises are around every turn. Here is a brilliant cardinal flower in bloom.

I hope these photos inspire you to take a walk on the wild side, and discover something amazing this weekend.

Thoughts of Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is a great source of motivation. Finding something that fills you with joyful energy can help to accomplish even the most ambitious of goals. However, staying enthusiastic in a world of rough roads can be a challenge. Here are my top five ways to keep a bubble of joyful enthusiasm from bursting.

1. Be optimistic in your thoughts. You are what you think so, make the most of the best, and the least of the worst. 

2. Express gratitude. Actively being grateful for what you have will give you joy. Write a Thank You Note express your gratitude for others, this will help you to have even more to be grateful for.

3. Find patience. Realize not everything in life is instantaneous, as they say "good things come to those who wait". This can be tough, just remember if you are willing to wait out the storm, the sun will return. 


4. Have fun! Okay, not everything in life is fun. Sometimes you have to get creative to find fun aspects in the mundane. However, it is always worth the effort.

5. LOVE. Above all else you must find love in what you do. Passion is a force that will supply endless amounts of enthusiasm, and motivation.

I hope these thoughts help you to find enthusiasm for the week ahead.

Summer Nights

As the sunset lights the sky with its final glow, the warm soft air starts to cool. 

Fireflies begin to glow and take flight, set to the sounds of crickets and cicadas. 

I love summer nights. However, the best part of summer nights is outdoor concerts. 

 Rockabilly powerhouse Marti Brom and the band set the evening off on a high note. 

I would describe the sound as Patsy Cline meets Dick Dale in Memphis. 

One of my favorite songs goes by the name "Voodoo-Voodoo".

During a short intermission I explored some of the grounds. 
Numerous sculptures decorated the garden and lawn. 
The piece to the left is entitled "The Couple" by Eileen Flink. 
On the right is “Gymnast” by Amalia Slater. 

A beautiful thing about the east coast, there are a lot of old mansions.
 I especially like to see them at night. This is the Srathmore mansion built in 1899.

Marti Brom and the band sent us off into the summer night on a sweet melody.

I hope you make an opportunity to get out and enjoy a summer night this weekend.

Color Code

Color is a tool that is utilized for its ability to visually communicate. 

Warm colors can give a signal of warning, excitement, and energy.

When a warm color is crossed with a cool color the effect is more calming. Giving a feeling of harmony, and stability.

The effect of hot and cold color together create an attention grabbing dynamic. 
Chic and luxurious the secondary color of purple has long been held as the color of 
nobility and creativity. 

Color has an undeniable psychological impact on the viewer. 

Looking closer at what feelings are inspired by colors seen can be a powerful way to 
further visual communication beyond words. 

What color will you paint your day?

Monday Motivation

Closing in on a second year here on the east coast. However, this hardly feels like an anniversary that calls for celebration.

 While the opportunities here are on a whole different scale than on the other side of the country. The actual physical environment is not one that I find comforting or inviting. I find myself longing for open space, fresh air, mountain views, and clean water. 

So, as the dog days of summer continue on, and a new week begins I find myself looking back while trying to remember the fact that better days are still to come.

With each passing day, the distant goal becomes just a little bit closer.

Weekend Adventure

It is a simple joy of the summer season, the beach getaway. After a long week a day spent in the sand and surf is a great way to recharge.

Let's go on a visual stroll down the boardwalk to explore the area known as Assateague island.

Established as a National Park in 1965, Assateague Island is a barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, and the Sinepuxent Bay on the west.

The barrier island habitat is harsh, and weather can change quickly.

The western side of the island surrounding Sinepuxent Bay is primarily salt marshes and pine forests. This area seemed a bit more sheltered from the stormy winds. Kiteborders took advantage of the gusts that whipped across the open water ways.

More than 300 wild ponies wander Assateague island.

It is believed that the wild ponies of Assateague arrived when a Spanish galleon cargo ship with a cargo of horses sank off the coast, and the horses swam to shore. The ponies have become surprisingly well adapted to the seashore ecosystem.

 In this area, a day at the beach is not complete without indulging in a blue crab feast with tons of old bay spice.

I hope these photos help inspire you to make a getaway of your own this weekend.

Looking Into The Eye Of The Beholder

It has long been understood that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and love is a virtue. How about art? What common classification and understanding do we have about art?

Art by definition is an expression or application of human creative skill and imagination.

Over the last year living in this dense east coast urban setting, I have found many different types of human expressions. 
I must say, I appreciate some far more than others. 
However, I have taken to seeing the less appealing in a new light. 

The image above was created from what had been seen as visual garbage. Layers of spray paint applied with little to no care to an uneven rock surface. I created this layout as an exercise in looking closer at what makes something appear visually unexciting. Deconstructing an unattractive mass in order to better understand its parts, helps to underline what makes something visually alluring. 

Visual Garbage or Art? 

Who is to say what art is, or is not.  

Virtue or Vice?

In the end it seems art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Much like love, I see artistic expression as is a virtue characteristic valued as promoting collective and individual greatness. 

Next time you see a visual expression, take a moment to look closer at the pieces that create the whole. you may gain some unexpected insight.