Sunday, March 30, 2014

Colour Addict

Winter, with it's ultra-violet snow, pale gold sedge grasses and dramatic lighting gives way to another colour palette in Spring. I'm not the first to admit that I'm addicted to colour. Wrap up a nice slab of turquoise, or canary yellow and I'll sink my teeth into it like it's a piece of chocolate. I get such a kick out of it. But I think the colours of Spring are so...arresting...because they are set against the Winter backdrop, thus popping. I'm not saying that I don't love Summer (I do), but it's a very different thing you have to agree.
Today is one of those days you just know is going to be smashing before you even pull the blinds. The birds are in full swing, and that Spring Smell is in the air. So I took my mismatched menagerie down to the river for a little stroll.


Boo and his shadow self - such a rarity to get strong enough sun for strong shadows!


Some alien looking algae growing in a puddle, such a vibrant shade of green!


Boo, checking out an invisible robin in the hawthorn tree.


Himself, posing, against a sea of blue


The wonderfully loyal and humble daffodil. These had been starting to come up since early January, and popped open while I was away in the States. They are so joyful and bright and a sure sign that Spring has sprung!

In conclusion, colours are wonderful. Even the most grey 'miserable' day affords us with a litany of colours and tones to enjoy, it's just a matter of finding them and seeing their worth. We wouldn't appreciate or see the beauty of Spring and Summer's colours without the gentle palettes of Autumn and Winter.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Return!


So I have returned from my rambles abroad. While I was there it felt like such a long time. Now that I'm home only a week, it feels like a very long time ago. Time is strange that way.
I found the trip extremely inspiring and energizing. I'm full of ideas for my own work, and looking forward to finishing a big project too...now that I can see a context for it. America is oh. so. big. Everything seems very possible there.

Check out these amazing bird houses (above) ...bird hotels...bird villas. I don't think there is an appropriate term for them, they are so magical. And with a lick of paint, some I think would look very like this...


Unfortunately, purple martins, the type of birds these little palaces are made for, will only nest in white houses. I guess they have standards too and prefer the timeless appeal of delicate white wash.
I experienced all the seasons while there...torrential rain, gale force winds, heavy snowfalls, and a little Indian Summer. It was suitably March-like in it's schizophrenia. But now that I'm home, the daffodils are up and the green fields are showing off against the dramatic light of Spring. Whenever I return home, I'm strongly reminded that I am right where I need to be. It's quite wonderful.