Snow! {Friday Inspiration}

Thursday morning we woke up to a few inches of snow, and I was so excited to finally have the white stuff around. Before breakfasst in our pjs, I bundled up Naomi and we headed outside, she was captivated by by the snow, and she kept trying to grab it, brush it off things, and overall just understand what it was. We headed inside just has her fingers were getting cold and she began to express her distress.

After breakfast, we bundled up again and headed outside. This time we set out with her stroller, so if she got tired and cold I could bury her in blankets. At first, she did not want to go out in the stroller, instead she was all set to walk and make the most of the experience. It was fun watching Naomi explore, going off on her own path, leaving a path of small boot prints in the snow. Eventually, she got tired and her hands got cold, so into the stroller she went with my warmed gloves on her hands.

On the return home, I liked how graphic the road looked with ruts from cars and our stroller.

Here are a few items I also noticed on the walk. I was captivated by the small details and patterns, that are always present, however the snow made them seem more special.

Five Things to Admire on Gray and Rainy Winter Days {Friday Inspiration}

1. Puddles

Whether it is the pattern rings from raindrops, the mirror-like reflectivity, or the varied reflections from debris, puddles can be beautiful.

2.  Drops of Water on Branches

Water droplets are like little jewels dangling from branches. 

3.  Surface Textures

On damp days, textures seem to stand out more.

4.  Pattern of Tree Branches

5.  How Green Green Appears

I love how bright and brilliant green seems on gray days, this is something I had never noticed before.  

The weather has been particularly gray and somber this week, and I began to wonder what was worth noticing and appreciating.  And after a few days of going out in the cold drizzle I found many details to admire. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Liz

{Friday Inspiration} Winter Wonderlands

Do you have snow where you are?  Here in DC, the weather is unseasonably warm, and I am dreaming of snow, the heady stuff that turns a mundane bit of ground into a wonderland.

When I was younger {when I was in jr. high} after a heavy snowfall, I would often go out on a long solitary walk in the woods behind our house.  I loved how all sounds seemed muffled, how the falling clumps of snow would harrumph to the ground when a breeze would touch the upper stories of the tree branches, and how black the tree trunks and vines would look in contrast to all the white.

I enjoyed how all the ordinary sights were altered, elevating my senses and encouraging me to admire what was all around.

If you are lucky to have snow, venture out in the stuff.  Listen, look, and admire.

Wishing you a happy weekend,

Liz

{This is what I am dreaming of... a heavy snow that blankets everything}

Tone on Tone {Friday Inspiraton}

{a beautiful wall in the store}

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit Loi Thai's Swedish antiques store, Tone on Tone, in Bethesda, MD. A beautiful store full of predominantly Swedish furniture, antique creamware, and antique botanical illustrations. While there I fell in love with all the creamware, especially a grouping of pitchers.

{love these pitchers... I want them all for my paintings}

Loi is also the author of the beautiful blog, Tone on Tone. Where he posts about interiors, his design philosophy, and his travels. If you want a short escape to savor beautiful images and come away refreshed and rejuvenated, then I highly encourage you to become a weekly visitor to Loi's blog.

Here are some of my favorite posts from the last few months.

. spending a day at home

. collecting creamware

. in his garden at the end of summer

and his christmas tree is so beautiful!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Liz

Making Christmas {Friday Inspiration}

What is it that gets you in the mood for the holidays most?

For me, its wrapping gifts. Every year, I try to come up with a unifying component that brings all the wrapped gifts together, and this year I was inspired to incorporate a little greenery into all of the packages.

With the help of some florist tape, wire, herbs from the garden, and ribbon these mini-wreaths can be made in minutes.

I gathered thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Liz

Everyday Matters

It is my personal belief that all aspects of the day have the power to enchant and inspire appreciation in some way or form.  Life is full of beautiful moments, times to pause and savor.

I believe in finding the remarkable in the ordinary.  This makes life more interesting, and it also expands my sense of appreciation in what I have.

By making everyday matter, I feel as if these little moments that encourage me to slow down and observe with greater intention also encourage me to value life more.

I hope this sentiment resonates with you also...

Have a happy weekend!
Liz

instagram: efloydstudio

Friday Inspiration: Early Evening Light

I love this time of year because the quality of light in the early evening is so golden and rich. If you have a chance, take a moment to admire how the low sun is shining golden light on everything.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Liz

Friday Inspiration: Land, Sky, and Water

I hope you are able to make the most of this holiday weekend.

Maybe take some time to go out and explore the land with a long walk in some meadows

or a hike along a stream

or maybe relaxing by the water's edge is your idea of paradise

Whatever it may be, enjoy.

and I will see you next week.

Liz

{all watercolors by Sears Gallagher, images from here}

Friday Inspiration: A Summer Walk

{Hamilton Hamilton (American artist, 1847–1928) A Summer Day Picking Flowers}

Do you love the end of summer? When the flowers sing out their last hurrah by generously blooming and the birds and squirrels caper about.

This weekend if you get a chance, walk out into the sunshine. Breathe in the fresh air spiced with the fragrance of flowers and verdure. Maybe gather a posy of wildflowers, or snap a photo, and absorb the wonder of nature.

Have a happy weekend,
Liz


{painting and artist discovered on the wonderful blog, It's About Time}

Friday Inspiration: In the Garden...

From my garden...

...wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Liz