Color Palette Blog Walk 3: What Brings You Joy?

"Enjoy life. It is not a dress rehearsal."

My father says 'life is not a dress rehearsal' all the time. I just found this quote and it is particularly perfect since today is the Color Palette Blog Walk 3 hosted by the fabulous Miss Brandi of Brandigirl Blog. She challenged us to see the beauty around us while focusing on that which brings us joy. That is quite open to interpretation!


The only other requirement is that you have taken the photos yourself. So I set out to find those things that bring me great joy.

Twenty-six years ago a shy boy named Paul asked out a geeky girl name Erin. They dated for a month before he took her to the Homecoming dance on October 12, 1985. This picture was taken at her grandmother's house when he came to pick her up. Little did she know that not only would their first kiss be later that night (one that knocked her shoes off ~ literally ~ the same as today.). That night would change the course of their  lives. Forever. I love this picture because we seem blissfully unaware of the life that lay before us, that this pivotal moment was about to come. And seven years later, on October 24th, 1992 this pair would say their vows by the flicker of candlelight in a rare nighttime wedding ceremony. Being Paul's wife for 19 years and together for 26 (but knowing each other for 33!) has been the single greatest extended moment of joy in my life.

 

I am so proud to be your mother, Rocket. The moment that I decided that my life was not complete without you was one that I will never forget. I love to watch you explore your God given talents and to excel at the things you love. Chief among them is your athletic prowess on the baseball field. I simply cannot.get.enough of you and your friends as you play America's greatest game. I hope to watch you play this game you love for many years to come.

I remember the day that you were born, Tiny Dancer. It was filled with such joy and an outpouring of love from your father and me. Each day you are blossoming into the most beautiful soul and it humbles me to be the witness to your transformation. Your personality is shining and those around you can't help but be charmed by you. You have a wonderful way of expressing yourself, through words, music and dance. You are my greatest treasure and being your momma brings me much joy.

I took this picture during the final game of the traveling baseball season. A storm was rolling in but up in the sky just beyond third base, it looked as if God were smiling down on the team. There was no enhancing of this photo. It reminds me that there is a higher power to believe in. Being a part of the awesome work that is to be done here on earth is a great responsibility but also a wonderful opportunity. For heaven isn't just some far away place, up in the clouds. It is right here in you and me.

I took this picture during the Inspired by Nature retreat on the shores of Lake Michigan. The sky seemed to be melting that night. I did not enhance this picture at all, and each was more incredible than the last. The joy that I felt when surrounding myself with the creative community has been the fuel for my passion. I can truly feel that I am meant to teach and inspire and encourage creativity, which is what this retreat weekend taught me. That and I value the friendships that I have made.

Looking back as I drove home from Galena, IL, I spied the most incredible sunset. Yes, I was driving down the highway taking pictures of my rear view mirror. No, I would not recommend this. But to be fair, I merely pointed and shot and I am amazed at what I got for not looking through the lens! This picture reminds me of where I came from and where I am going. And to value the journey as much, if not more than, the destination.

Working with other creatives to make art is so inspiring to me, and inspiration is the biggest source of my joy. Right now I am working on a collaboration with an artist to turn these beads of hers into something wonderful for her to share the joy of creating with women on the other side of the world. I am incredibly honored that she chose me to bring these beads to life. Aren't these beads the most awesome thing you have ever seen? Sorry to be a tease, I can't tell you any more, but soon I will reveal more about the collaboration that is causing me all sorts of joy... I promise!


Thank you for sharing in the joy that I find around me. Please visit the other blogs on the Color Palette Blog Walk 3:

Francesca at Francesca Watson Designs
Lori at Pretty Things
Marsha at Marsha Neal Studio Blog
Cindy at Sweet Bead Studio
Kerry at Kab’s Concepts
Cynthia at Ornamental Style
Linda at Linda’s Bead Blog & Meanderings
Emily at Good Things*
Erin at Treasures Found (You are here!)
Jenni at Jenni’s Beads
Shari at Exploring the Wonders of Life
Brandi at Brandi Girl Blog (the hostess!)

Your turn...What color is joy in your life?