House colors

by Brooke

It’s good to have something that can make you smile when life gets overwhelming. I’ve been trying to get my bearings in a new place lately (just moved from one coast to the other), which is hard and a bit lonely. On top of that, hearing of the struggles of friends I left behind has been heartbreaking. And this week, places I live or have lived and love carry a pall of death and violence. It might go without saying that recent events and circumstances that have me thinking sadder, darker thoughts. So I thought I’d post about one cheering something in my personal stash. Colors, in general. The colors painted around my neighborhood, in particular.

One thing about my neighborhood I imagine could never cease to cheer my insides are the gorgeous, old homes in vibrant colors. Sometimes the structure is bold as a whole. Other times it’s simply the door or some trim/detailing painted a bright color. I couldn’t help myself and took some pictures of a few. So, here is a sampling of my photo documentation. Sometimes the lighting was in my favor, sometimes not. But they are bright and beautiful, no? I’m also imagining that when this winter starts to drag on and on, I’ll be glad of these friendly visages then, too. You can see all the photos on my flickr set.

{Note: I don’t know most of the people who live in these homes yet. I have no idea what they would think if they knew photos of their homes have been posted on the internet. I guess what I would say to them is, “Your homes are beautiful and make me happy. Please don’t sue me.”}

What simple thing never fails to make you smile?

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