Salt water…

Standing at the salty edge of the ocean… looking out… I always see so much color.

Yet when I look down at my feet the liquid is as clear as gin.

Sometimes I wonder if two of us standing at the same placeand the same time truly even see the same colors the water holds.

Art in the moment…each movement and ripple depicts another color. None the same.I imagine

Water can present a special challenge for artists. Having no consistent shape or color.

It doesn’t reflect light or cast shadows the way solid objects do.

I so admire when artists capture the soul of the ocean.

Surf Baby wave of the future 36x24 acrylic

Florida Artist Marie DeCosta beautifully depicts

different examples of the oceans temperament

…and it’s color…In her work.

Blue Crush 30x40 acrylic on canvas

Sister to landlocked but equally talented designer and shop owner and blogger Maryanne of

Beadboard Upcountry

**and...btw...check out her FAB knitwear trunkshow. I drool!**

Marie finds inspiration in much of nature

A1A Blues 20x16 inches acrylic on canvas

But her Florida tribute

moves my soul.

find more of her work and style here.

Celebrate Wet 18x36 acrylic on canvas

Embrace the heat…

Like they tend to in Harbor Island Bahamas

Fans whiring lazily…inside and out

Screen doors even open to catch the ocean breeze…

I can hear the creak…and the slam...you?

Palm fronds and fruit off the tree as the only ornamentation…

Maybe a few found shells…a few inspiration pics tacked on a wall. effortlessley

Life is easy breezy here, people.

Yep…Embrace the heat.

See ya on the other side of the warm front.

stay cool.

Images: David Flint Wood for India Hicks

I need some…

cute little John Derian tray, eh?

So… I get a bee in my bonnet, and try to paint a wall

in our library the color of the ocean

just before the sun rises…

a moody color.

well…as the paint dried it didn’t look like that. blech.

Ignore disheveled books and art and pillows…focus on the color, folks…the color.

It became a happy color…sweet color…

no likey.

Ideas for the color I want?? That gray/green/blue combo I cannot put my finger on.

also…while you are handing out your always fabulous ideas…

what can I do with these leather hides

that look like snakeskin purchased at a garage sale for 6 clams?

Any and ALL input much appreciated….

much.

So…

Maybe in the scheme of things

our roof

isnt

so bad…

just wonderin’ out loud.

carry on.

Image from pinterest

These muggy days of summer…

Strolling outside with coffee cup in hand

I am reminded of soooo

much work to do.

thegrassneedsseedingthebananasneedcleaningre-mulchcleanbeds,clearweedstraintreespickfruitOY….

So. I do what any smart soul would do. Turn on my heel and take my coffee back inside.

running.

But along the way back

Maybe I look up

and over

and through

and I slow down

just a tad

Sometimes it seems the ever-increasing list of things to do

can leave one feeling totally undone.

To accepting an undone Sunday

and enjoying the coffee.

Cheers

Ocean dream…

I recognize, and appreciate how close we live to the Atlantic ocean

But how amazing would it be to

brush your teeth

here……

…and hang out here...

Don’t think I could leave.

more of the home here

To a wonderful weekend…

Doin’ what you love…

Trying something new…

Little watermelon cubes with balsamic glaze on a basil leave. Easy peasy. now those are just plain fun!

Enjoying YOUR scenery…

and YOUR family and friends…

ok...you have to admit my kidlets are cuuute. and patriotic.

Happy Birthday America!!

Make a wish before you blow out your candles.