Inspiration 365: Day 5

Before we proceed too far into the year, I thought it might be a swell idea to define what it is I am yapping about for the next 360 days. According to thefreedictionary.com, the definition is this:

in·spi·ra·tion  (nsp-rshn)

noun.

1.

     a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

     b. The condition of being so stimulated.

2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.

4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.

5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.

6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

I particularly like items 1a and 5. Something which inspires me, speaks to me—either by causing my heart to skip a beat, prompting sudden outbursts of laughter, sending chills up my spine, or producing a tear.

Today was a wonderful day, though not a particularly inspiring one. I enjoyed a light lunch at AlphaSoul Café with my dear amigo Wayne which, while delightful, was more an exchange of information than it was inspiring as we spoke primarily of business and my bathroom debacle (see Day 4).

This evening I spoke with various folks for various reasons—on the telephone! No text messaging, no email, no Facebook chats… Real. Live. Phone. Conversations. It was lovely! One, a gentle lady for whom I am designing a new website. Another, a couple for whom I am consulting regarding their home colour palette this coming Sunday, and most importantly I spoke with my sons and my Mother, whose voices I long to hear every day.

Alas, this is not meant to be a record of daily events, so I leave you with my question of the day—and every day…

…What inspired YOU today?

{ Psst… I love to receive feedback on my posts. Please leave your comments whenever you feel inspired to do so! }

For 2012…

I have been contemplating these past few days on what my 2012 Daily Post will be. My Grateful Statements have been wonderful—though challenging at times—to write. What I set out to achieve was certainly accomplished within the first 30 posts. I had hoped my friends, family and followers on Facebook and this blog, would catch the wave and consider their own gratitude for things big and small. I had hoped they would share their gratitude with others as well, and so on… My heart danced when I would read somebody’s Facebook status update starting with the words, “I am so grateful that…”

In 2012 I am going to widen the scope to include all inspirations—what this blog was originally designed to capture and share. So for 365 days, I will not let my camera or notepad leave my side. I will be scouring both the soft-copy and hard-copy versions of this extraordinary world, and the people who populate it, for excerpts of creativity, spontaneity, design, wisdom, humour, beauty, flavour, joy—all things inspired and inspiring.

As always, you are encouraged to leave feedback and comments {please!}, and share with us what inspires you.

The purpose of all this? To open our eyes to beauty—inside + out. And to share.

Enjoy… and Happy New Year!

Palette: Autumn Fire

Snowflakes fell in my neighbourhood this morning. So pretty and soft. The ground is too warm to keep the white stuff cool enough to stay, but the snowfall was glorious all the same. Reminds me that it is the time of year to snuggle up by a warm fire. Sipping red wine, or mulled cider. Reading a great magazine, watching a chick flick, or chatting with a dear friend. 

What are some of your favourite Autumn activities?

“Autumn Fire”: Pantone 142C, 153C, 168C, Process Black

Pantone is a colour system used primarily by graphics professionals and offset printers. As always, if you’d like to know paint equivalents for these colours, simply post a comment with your request, and I will be oh-so-happy to oblige!

[Please comment with your thoughts on this palette, and if you would like to see more colours in the future. Thanks!]

Palette: Chicken and Broccoli

Yep. I’m on a health kick. And that means very few simple carbohydrates, plenty of protein and oodles of green vegetables. The challenge with my meal plan (diet), is finding new ways to prepare the same old ingredients. I wasn’t feeling particularly hungry tonight, never mind creative. The refrigerator offered little more than a leftover chicken breast, a head of broccoli, some sliced mushrooms and a few soon-to-be-wilted green onions. Better use ‘em up…

I steamed the broccoli, sautéed the chicken and mushrooms with a splash of oyster sauce, and topped it all with the green onions. It was amazing, and I am stuffed.

“Chicken and Broccoli”: Pantone 476C, 465C, 575C, 7492C

Pantone is a colour system used primarily by graphics professionals and offset printers. As always, if you’d like to know paint equivalents for these colours, simply post a comment with your request, and I will be oh-so-happy to oblige!

[Please comment with your thoughts on this palette, and if you would like to see more colours in the future. Thanks!]

Palette: Shadow Beige

One of my favourite go-to wall colours of all time is the clean and urban, yet contemporary and classic, Shadow Beige (2257), by Pratt & Lambert.

Welcome to my dining room, accented—for the moment—by fresh turquoise and a bold punch of Autumn orange.

The beauty of Shadow Beige, for a colour-lover like me, is the way it provides a warm, yet subtle backdrop to any and every colour I choose to place before it. I can update my accessories for the season, occasion, or as the mood strikes. 

“Shadow Beige”: Pantone Warm Grey 2C, 402C, 549C, 173C

Pantone is a colour system used primarily by graphics professionals and offset printers. As always, if you’d like to know paint equivalents for these colours, simply post a comment with your request, and I will be oh-so-happy to oblige!

[Please leave a comment with your thoughts on this post, and if you would like to see more of the same in the future. Thanks!]

Palette: Beau’s Lug Tread

Today is Andrew’s 39th birthday, and we have both taken the day off to go on… a date. His request: A field trip to Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company in Vankleek Hill, Ontario.

Andrew has been enjoying Beau’s beer for maybe 18 months now. Most local Ottawa beer stores and pub-style restaurants carry their Lug Tread beer. Since the first time I saw one of their ceramic bottles, I was smitten. Their designer has nailed the packaging and corporate image for this brewery. Vintage, yet crisp. Corporate, yet inviting. I took this picture of a Beau’s Lug Tread hang tag last year. Now seems like an appropriate time to share it.



“Beau’s Lug Tread”: Pantone 7403UC, 3995UC, 1545C, 180C

Pantone is a colour system used primarily by graphics professionals and offset printers. As always, if you’d like to know paint equivalents for these colours, simply post a comment with your request, and I will be oh-so-happy to oblige!

Palette: Day Lilies

As I gazed out my office window just moments ago, I spotted some freshly bloomed Day Lilies, just waiting to be enjoyed and appreciated. As I created the palette, I was struck by the wonderful tension the pollen’s ochre colour provides against the pinks and aubergines. How fabulous this would be in, not only a school-aged girl’s space, but also a teen’s or even an adult escape.

Imagine dark wood floors, white furnishings, and lots of texture in fabrics and layers.

“Day Lilies”: Pantone 182C, 7423C, 7421C, 131C

Pantone is a colour system used primarily by graphics professionals and offset printers. As always, if you’d like to know paint equivalents for these colours, simply post a comment with your request, and I will be oh-so-happy to oblige!

Palette: Grapevine

One of my favourite colour combinations for beadwork lately: plum and peridot green. These beads were part of the assortment I used to create a stunning silver leaf and bead necklace for my birth-Mother, Leesa. Didn’t think to take a photo of it… sorry.

If I had a daughter, chances are good her room would be a sweet interpretation of this palette.

“Grapevine”: Pantone 5195, 4995, 370, 366

Pantone is a colour system used primarily by graphics professionals and offset printers. As always, if you’d like to know paint equivalents for these colours, simply post a comment with your request, and I will be oh-so-happy to oblige!

• Oct 18th Update: Leesa graciously photographed her necklace and sent it along to be included here. When worn, the beads and sterling silver leaves fall gently along Leesa’s collarbone, making it look a lot less rigid than it does here.

Palette: Peter Rabbit

For Quinn’s first Christmas, we wanted to buy him a keepsake. Something he might treasure for years to come, and hopefully share with his own children someday. We searched and searched for the perfect gift. Nothing silver or engraved. No special dishes or trinkets. A book would be perfect.

And then I found it. The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter. It’s a huge, linen bound, hardcover, with gold page edges. A hearty, yet elegant find which, even at the age of seven, Quinn finds difficult to handle on his own. Not often pulled from the bookshelf—due likely to its intimidating size—though once immersed, we all simply devour the stories of Peter, Squirrel Nutkin, and all the mice, moles, foxes, toads and other sweet creatures who are so lovingly portrayed, and brought to life, by the astounding Beatrix Potter.

Both Andrew and I grew up listening to, and reading, Beatrix Potter books. Do you remember them? They were tiny—just perfect for little hands. And her illustrations would coax you into the perfect, lush worlds—and lives—of the animals who lived there.

These colours remind me of FiestaWare dishes and Helen Dardik’s funky illustrations. Would be a lot of fun in a child’s room, or in a tropical decor.

“Peter Rabbit”: Pantone 5493, 377, 611, 7413

Pantone is a colour system used primarily by graphics professionals and offset printers. As always, if you’d like to know paint equivalents for these colours, simply post a comment with your request, and I will be oh-so-happy to oblige!

Palette: Cuban Coffee

In March of 2007, the four of us drove from Ottawa to Tampa for Spring break. We were staying with my parents, which conveniently afforded Andrew and me a night out. We ventured through Tampa to one of its most unique neighbourhoods—Ybor City, and dined at the famous Columbia Restaurant.

I have to remind myself every time I look at these two floral, ceramic balls—which were purchased at the Columbia Restaurant Gift Shop—that we weren’t actually in Cuba. The meal, music, decor, and service reminded Andrew and me, very vividly, of our time spent in beloved Havana.

Colour trends this Fall dictate a muddier palette—incorporating grey hues to modernize and bring a more urban quality to our homes and offices. When choosing paint colours, lean toward the muted versions of your favourites, like the ones I've shown here, for the most current selections.

“Cuban Coffee”: Pantone 497, 402, 5493, 5523

Pantone is a colour matching system used primarily by graphics professional and printers. If you would like to know paint equivalents to these colours, simply post a comment and I will happily provide.

In this particular case, have a look at Pratt & Lambert’s Obsidian, Shadow Beige, Blue Fog and November.

Palette: Seashells

How many times have you walked along a glorious beach and returned home with a pocketful of shells? Have you ever looked closely at their colours? I mean really closely? Close enough to see the subtle changes from dark to light? From blush pink to sandy gold? From pearl white to midnight blue?

Seashells are Mother Nature’s contribution to the most serene and tranquil palettes, while also offering unexpected contrasts, inspiring unique and inviting combinations of colour for use in our homes, crafts and wardrobes.

“Seashells”: Pantone 490, 4995, 4665, 482

If you would like to know paint equivalents to these colours, simply post a comment and I will happily provide.

Palette: Old World Nautical

As you may have picked up from the post Blue Room Uncovered, I really like pale blue mixed with intense red. It’s an unexpected combination of colours, as we tend to expect pale with pale, and intense with intense. I’m quirky that way.

This clock and harbour print are fixtures in Quinn’s bedroom. A room that has been likened to a page out of a Pottery Barn catalogue, much to my inner decorator’s great pleasure.

His walls are painted Pratt & Lambert’s November (1299)—a muted, grey blue with a hint of yellow undertone. His bed sheets are typically denim blue, crimson red or sometimes moss green. The quilt I sewed for him while pregnant is vintage in pattern and colour, and the room’s accessories (at least the deliberate ones) are made to appear battered and worn, like an old—but well-loved—fishin’ boat.

When the time comes to tackle Quinn’s room with a garbage bag in one hand and storage containers in the other, I’ll be sure to highlight the before and after states here at JoeGirl. You can count on that. In the meantime, enjoy the colours and see how you might incorporate them into your home.

What are your favourite colour combinations?

“Old World Nautical”: Pantone 4685, 201, 652, 438

If you would like to know paint equivalents to these colours, simply post a comment and I will happily provide.

Palette: Black Eyed Susans

In keeping with the recent eye theme {!?}, I invite you to enjoy this bouquet of freshly-picked Rudbeckia, or Black Eyed Susans. Although I am not usually a fan of yellow, Rudbeckia is one of my all-time favourite flowers. Their masses of perky petals bloom just as the colours of my Spring perennials are fading, giving my garden a blazing shot of sunshine brilliance, even on the gloomiest of days.

“Black Eyed Susans”: Pantone Black 6U, 138, 7406, 7490

If you would like to know paint equivalents to these colours, simply post a comment and I will happily provide.

Palette: Orange on Ice

The last thing I want to think about is ice and snow, but I came across this Winter 2007 picture of me and the boys tobogganing and was struck my the powerful colours. Perfect to cool us down on these hot days of Summer.

This would be a fabulous palette for a boy’s bedroom or bathroom, or perhaps consider it when wrapping a birthday gift or designing a sports-themed scrapbook page.

“Orange on Ice”: Pantone 539, 2728, 278, 1585

If you would like to know paint equivalents to these colours, simply post a comment and I will happily provide.

Palette: Recipe Box

Though my decorating style certainly is not country or primitive, The Lang Company does make a few subtle appearances in my home, in the form of a kitchen wall calendar, a tissue box, several other storage boxes, and—my favourite—a striking heart recipe box by my favourite Lang artist, Karen Hillard Good (formerly Karen Hillard Crouch).

This box holds recipes Andrew and I have collected from friends and loved ones throughout our almost-ten year marriage. It is only fitting that they be carefully stored in such a lovely and exquisite place.

Karen HG’s charming artwork tends to be already lovingly aged. Her illustrative style is casual yet intentional, happy and heart-warming. Many of her designs contain delicately handwritten words which, when on a wall calendar, remind us every day of the year to cherish each moment.

I thought these colours would suit a dramatic and romantic kitchen or dining room. Heavy, warm crimson on the walls, accented with intense ocher, mellow cream and the perfect punctuation in any room—black.

“Recipe Box”: Pantone 1805, 142, 7507, Black 4U

If you would like to know paint equivalents to these colours, simply post a comment and I will happily provide.

Palette: Lime Chocolate Sky

Every year for five years—since moving into my current neighbourhood—I have hosted a cookie exchange in early December. It was my way of introducing myself to the girls in the 'hood, but was such a success we all stuck with it.

We typically have about 15 participants, all baking 15 dozen, or 15 loaves, or 15 bundles of whatever tickles our fancies. We congregate at my place and chow down on pot-luck brunch and baking samples. Our freezers and pantries are well-stocked for the holiday season, and we’ve all had a few good laughs during our get-together.

These are the scrumptious Cranberry Praline Quickbreads I baked for the 2006 exchange. I divided the standard loaf recipe into four mini loaf tins, then repeated it all 3 more times to yield 16 loaves. My entire house smelled mouth-watering marvelous for days!

To dress, I wrapped each loaf in parchment, then a sheet of pretty 12 x 12" scrapbooking paper, and bound it all together with matchy-matchy ribbon and contrasting tag. I go to great lengths to colour coordinate the entire event—from the invitations to packaging and party décor—a new palette every year.

“Lime Chocolate Sky”: Pantone 4705, 7506, 536, 617

Palette: Blush Petals

In May of 2007, the boys and I took off on a mini-getaway to Montreal. We visited the BioDome, Insectarium and Botanical Gardens.

The gardens were my favourite, although I am not known for my green thumb, and if I were to list my hobbies or interests, gardening would not be one of them. The fascination came from the colours nature so generously offers us. Pure, sincere, glorious colours.

And yah, I know... there’s that pink and green thing, yet again.

“Blush Petals”: Pantone 5175, 197, 5783, 5763

Palette: Cuban Tiles

Andrew and I traveled to Cuba this past April as part of his long recovery from a broken ankle and arm. This was our third trip to Cuba since, and including, our honeymoon in 1998. On every trip we schedule a day in Havana — one of our favourite cities in the world, though his traveling experience is much more vast than mine…

Art is a key, and vibrant, component of life in Havana. These tiles are merely a few in a massive wall mural. Here is a small portion of the mural — enough to demonstrate the colours, details and intricacy of its beauty.

“Cuban Tiles”: Pantone 7492, 5483, 7510, 437

Palette: Green Apples

Believe it or not, these huge and juicy, ripe and ready Granny Smith apples are 100%, guaranteed, “you’d have to see it to believe it”… fake. Yup. I bought them at Michael’s about four years ago, and they’ve been fooling guests—and my kids—ever since.

Our dining room is quite neutral—mushroom gray (Pratt & Lambert’s Shadow Beige 2257), as shown in the background, with mostly black furniture. The bright green punches scattered around the room, and the warmth of the baskets create a modern, fresh palette we enjoy all year round.

No fruit flies on these apples.

“Green Apples”: Pantone 7502, 465, 447, 367

Gusty!

It took me a while to find, but here’s proof I wasn’t making that babysitting story up. Funny… of the dozen or so My Little Pony dolls Elisha had, this is the only one I remember. Was it wrong of me to insist that we play with her ponies every single time I babysat??? I thought those temper tantrums were because she missed her Mommy.



If anybody is so inclined, “Gusty” can be purchased at synesthetick’s Etsy shop for a cool $9 US.