STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN . . . .

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Observations seem to be stronger when we take the time to observe. . .

I know for one, that I am noticing things that  have always been there, but my eye and my heart are taking the time to zero in on the obvious.  I thought I was a very observant person,  but I am finding out more and more  as I learn the art of photography, I have missed a lot because I haven't taken the time. . . . . . and because I am never STILL.

This fabulous container is in town and I walk by it frequently, this time

I studied it for the color and texture.

 

The fabulous patina on the 100 year old marble from my patisserie table.

Speaking of patina . . . . the new "bible" for that Patina Style that

we are all loving so much.  It has recently been released. So filled with the

wonder and knowledge of how to create the look.  It can be

purchased from Brooke at http://brookegiannetti.typepad.com/

Not only is the book wonderfully well done, but her blog

always full of inspiration and joy!

The combination and detail that I created with the use of

the tumbled marble and the old victorian farmhouse trim.

The black lampshade that I stenciled . . .

I stenciled this shade in three places . . . . just a great little detail that

made a big difference.

The egg and dart detail that adds such great interest to an

outdoor urn.

These leather books have been sitting on my secreatary for quite awhile.  Old books

today are like art and can really change the look of a shelf. . . and whoops

The Twelfth Night needs to be turned!

Do you remember when you were to never mix metals?

What a glow was created when I placed this copper pot on

top of a silver tray . . . loved it!

Ok, it wasn't long ago that I was moving stuff around (really?) and tho'

I have had this painting for quite some time, I noticed a grasshopper

in the painting . . .I have chosen not to tell you how long I have had this painting

hanging in my kitchen!!!

AND there he is!

A handmade-in-America, Victorian brass frame.  They just don't

make them like this anymore.  I took time to study the handmade

detail, the flowers and the twists. . . .

An antique frame that I pass daily. . . . . never noticed the egg and dart motif

on this before.

We all get so busy in this world and sometimes forget to listen to the quiet or take

the time to enjoy what is sometimes set right before us.  Our lives are so full

that sometimes the enjoyment of what is real goes unnoticed and we lose touch

with the peace that could be ours.  Our schedules are full, our calendars with-

out space and we never seem to catch up or complete anything without

interuptions.  GO! GO! GO!  Do this, do that, check this off and that!

Lists and more lists, meetings, chairman of this and chairman of that.

We go to bed exhausted with more lists jumping through our heads. . . .

It is almost Sunday morning and I leave you with one of my very favorite

quotes: "Do not lose your inner peace for anything what-so-ever, not even

if your whole world seems upset and full.  If you find that you have

wondered away from the shelter of God, lead your heart back to Him simply

and quietly."

~St. Francis

May your Sunday be full of peace, relaxation and joy.