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?
i love your colors, brooke! it’s something that i always connected with you on. now whenever i see vivid, beautiful color you come to mind. especially when i see my lovely pillow. 🙂
so yes. color does it for me, too. seeing it on other people, on houses, in any unexpected place. and wearing it. i’m always a little sad when i meet people who never seem to wear color. it just makes me so happy.
and flowers make me happy. all kinds. but mostly when they’re growing.
and the sky makes me happy. it’s something i didn’t fully appreciate until i moved back east and discovered that not everyone has the big beautiful skies of the west.
That’s one thing I notice most about visiting Utah and Idaho. The skies are so amazing. And something I have always appreciated about you, among many, many other things, is how you wear color.
I just got back from the pool–swimming until I was exhausted (80 laps). The blue of the pool water and the sun shining through it made me feel better.
Now I’m going to turn my attention to some “work.” Making progress on my dissertation fills me with a sense of purpose.
On a more personal note: I am still rocked by the fact that the murder took place in front of our old apartment–remember the feng shui/bagua rocks I had lined up along that walkway and how my kids’ handprints & initials are in the cement right there? My heart is so achy.
I know, Jana. I cannot even think about how it happened so close.
And yes, sunshine in water is so very, really very nice. 🙂
“What simple thing never fails to make you smile?”
Depends on where I am.
I loved the big skies and wide open spaces of the West.
I drink in the lush greenery and rolling hills of my mother’s European homeland.
The canopy of trees in my husband’s home state and it’s cold climate refreshes us both when we visit.
I am happy now in the East where I can cycle down empty country roads with my girls in tow and hear old women refer to me as “darlin'” or “honey-child”. The Autumn’s here take my breath away.
Rays of sunshine raining over the earth from big, fluffy clouds never fail to bring a tear to my eye.
So many simple things. Thanks for the reminder. Timely.
Wow, those are beautiful!
It makes me want to paint my house. I have another month or six weeks before it’s cool enough here to open windows and paint.
Thanks for these photos.
The thing that never fails to make me smile is watching my kids sleep. I don’t know if it’s because they’re so sweet or because I’m just so darn glad they’re asleep and not climbing up the walls. 🙂
My new neighborhood cheers me up too. It is not as colorful as your neighborhood but I love the old houses and the diverse people. Also, cute baby antics never cease to make me smile. Thanks for helping me think of happy things today, I needed it.
Ok, I’ve got another one (sure to make you smile, Brooke)…This Friday we’ll be in Cape Cod surrounded by our sisters!!!
It makes me smile to see people being kind to others. I also get a big grin on my face when I imagine some crazy new way to decorate my new, blank canvas home!
I love watching my baby daughter be totally entertained by the ceiling fan. Also, I love being indoors, warm and cozy, during a great thunderstorm.
I love the pictures, Brooke!
A simple thing that makes me smile is funny comments on the Bloggernacle. Lots of it feels like the same conversations over and over, but sometimes, usually out of nowhere, someone will make a funny comment that makes me laugh and brightens my day.
Also chocolate. I love it.
The thing that never fails to make me smile is watching my kids sleep. I don’t know if it’s because they’re so sweet or because I’m just so darn glad they’re asleep and not climbing up the walls. 🙂
I’m totally with you on that one, Jessawhy. I’m probably overly fond of taking pictures of my kids while they’re asleep too, for precisely this reason. Also because then they’re not all blurry. 🙂
Having just made a move from the Southwest to Michigan, I can relate! There are days where I fantasize about good Mexican food and friendlier people. What makes me smile is the TREES here. Being outside always helps me. Thanks for your photos, and thanks to the exponent in general for providing a safe place for Mormons of all sorts.
Awesome pictures! My own house is a deep golden yellow, much like the yellow-and-orange one (sans orange) with a barn-red door. I’m so glad I don’t have CCRs!
Color does it for me, every time, and it doesn’t matter where: gardens, quilts, art–the bolder the better.
Another thing that makes me happy, God help me, is the soundtrack of Grease. It’s worked since my angst-ridden teen years and I’ve gone from vinyl to cassette to CD to mp3 with it. My own little prescription.
Awesome pictures! My own house is a deep golden yellow, much like the yellow-and-orange one (sans orange) with a barn-red door. I'm so glad I don't have CCRs!
Color does it for me, every time, and it doesn't matter where: gardens, quilts, art–the bolder the better.
Anoth3r thing that makes me happy, God help me, is the soundtrack of Grease. It's wirkex since my angst-ridden teen years and I've gone from vinyl to cassette to CD to mp3 with it. My own little prescription.;
As an artist, I appreciate so much this beautiful collage of color. Walking through my neighborhood each night, even if for a few minutes, allows me to connect with people like I can’t in other ways. I live in the city, and we don’t talk very much, but a wave, a smile…it makes a difference. Since I started making it a daily event, I’ve grown to love my new land!
This really made me smile last week and again today. Thanks for reminding me of the simple pleasures of life.