This counter/cabinet area is the first thing we see when we step up into the kitchen from our landing area that leads outside and to the basement. It's a new area that we created during our 2021 renovation. The other night we were bringing our 4-year-old grandson, Camden, home with us after his swimming lesson and as soon as he walked into the kitchen, he said "Hello Great Grandma!" His words took us by surprise until we realized he saw Bernice, my mother-in-law, in the digital frame at that moment. It was so darn cute and words we never expected to hear from him because Bernice graduated to Heaven in December. To hear his sweet little voice speak to her was incredibly comforting. Larry and I find ourselves frequently pausing here too, just like Camden, and staring at the pictures. I change them frequently so there is often something new to see. It makes us happy; a perfect feeling to come home to.
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"Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning. Red sky at night, sailors delight." I've become accustomed to looking for such things, thanks to Larry. :-) I took this picture of the breathtaking pink sky when I woke up this morning; thankfully from the comfort of our home.
It's 61 degrees out, no breeze (which makes it a warm 61, in my opinion), and a slight drizzle as I write. I'm craving comfort food and have the perfect leftovers in the freezer that I am reheating for dinner. Next I'll be changing into soft, flowy clothes and ending the night curled up on the sofa, in front of the fireplace, and wrapped in a blanket. Heavenly! I'm not cold (at the moment), I'm simply craving soft, cozy, comfort.
I'll never forget the first time I went to Glen Lake. It was 2008. Larry invited me to spend a week at Glen Lodge with his daughter and friends. He had been vacationing in this area for more than 20 years and his kids grew up feeling as if Glen Lodge was their second home. Over the years, different relatives and friends would join Larry and his family. Some have continued this summer tradition and some have popped in and out of the picture. Now it was my turn to experience this magical place.
Recently I suggested to my friend that he create a gallery wall in his kitchen nook area. Since he intends to spend a lot of time in this area, I explained how the pictures/art should be meaningful and inspiring to him.
I don't remember exactly when I started collaging but it has been a number of years. When I was trying to figure out how I would operate my interior design business, I was listening to countless podcasts and audiobooks for inspiration and direction. When I heard something that resonated and I wanted to remember it, I would type it out and then overlay images with it. I would create a visual that expressed how I was feeling or captured a vision of something I longed for. Words, images, and colors have a dramatic effect on me and I have a habit of surrounding myself with them. I'll find images on Instagram or Pinterest, copy them, and paste them into a collage. It feels to me as if I'm creating a breadcrumb trail to my soul. When I go back and read these meaningful words or phrases, it sparks something in me and when I focus on the images I paired with it, I'm deeply comforted as I remember. It redirects me to joy and wisdom.
In 2019, I was working full-time while operating my interior design business in the evenings and on weekends. I desperately wanted to leave my day job but the time wasn't right. This is when I precisely followed the Bagua Map to display specific decorative items in my office cubicle that symbolized what was important to me. I created an environment where I was physically sitting in the center of my dreams every day (symbolically represented by the objects and images around me). To say it was inspiring and motivating is an understatement. Not only did it make me appreciate sitting at my desk every day, but others loved it too. Countless times, people would come in to conduct business and they'd ask if they could stay with me because it was so serene. They didn't detect the discontent I was personally feeling because the hidden messages I had in my décor, kept me feeling uplifted and excited.
Recently I've been talking to women who are feeling unsettled in their home. One woman has a blank canvas to decorate. She followed all the advice on social media to create a neutral palette of freshly painted walls, refinished floors, and new floor moldings. Without decorative items in place, she's unable to fully appreciate all of the updates they made. The other woman is moving into her partner's home. He is completely open to updating the home to her preferences and style but she feels overwhelmed and isn't sure where to start.
A vase of fresh cut flowers can brighten any space. It symbolizes beauty. I also see it as a symbol of nurturing because I'm physically tending to and nurturing those flowers when they require water. The specific color of the flowers can be symbolic all on its own, creating even more meaning and depth to a simple bouquet. Adding a small mirror beneath the vase, next to it, or behind it adds reflective light. The mirror visually expands what is reflected. Take it a step further and add a candle; symbolic of ritual or ceremony. Do you have a small framed picture of someone or something you love? Add it to this collection. Now you have a vignette! Not only is it beautiful but it's meaningful. Together, these items represent beauty, nurturing, reflection, and ceremony. When you tend to the flowers, do it slowly. Light the candle and pause. Take a moment to really see the framed picture. Breathe. Immerse yourself in the essence. You've just created a new habit and a story you can repeat as often as you want.
Gallery walls are my favorite, most impactful way to energize my home. In our bedroom, there is a collection of large framed pictures from some of our favorite travel destinations. There are several intentions behind creating this display. It's visually appealing wall art. It tugs at our heart when we take the time to remember the details of each trip and savor our happy memories. It also serves as a vision board, triggering that familiar longing sensation for more travel experiences. Since it is displayed on the wall that is across from our bed, it is the last thing we see each night and the first thing we see every morning. It regularly prompts us to talk about our future plans and welcome in new opportunities for adventure.
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