Inspiration Photo Friday: Lots of Love

17 Friday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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animals, anniversary, cottage, friendship, heart, life, love, marriage, massachusetts, nature, time, vacation, wedding

So much has been happening around here in my home, sometimes I forget to think. It’s surely been crazy with the kitchen renovation taking over our lives and both of use trying to juggle work in between. Orders have been coming in and I am preparing for the Forgotten Friends of Long Island Spring Fair tomorrow, so I have been a little crazy. But its soon time to move forward and be able to actually relax.

Monday is my first wedding anniversary and I can’t believe a year has gone by already. I can close my eyes and imagine myself back at the farm marrying my best friend, like its yesterday. Even though that day was sort of a blur itself. So much has happened since then, like my life always tends to be. It’s never dull, thats for sure! But Monday will not only begin a new year with my husband, it will launch our much needed vacation. I am so excited.

We aren’t doing anything extravagant, just renting a little cottage in Massachusetts surrounded by nature. It will truly be a relaxing and peaceful time away from life here on Long Island. Our dogs will be with us as well, as they always are, so it will be nice to share some quality time, just us four. I am especially looking forward to time with Dan to reflect on our marriage and all that life has brought us since our wedding day. Quality time with him is a must.

So for this Inspiration Photo Friday, I ask you all to look at the loves in your life and let them know you appreciate them. Whether its a partner or friend, show them they have a place in your heart. Sometimes life can pull you away and become a distraction, so create that quality time and be in the moment. Time seems to continue to fly by, whether we want it to or not, so live life to the fullest and let your soul truly shine.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Lots of Love - Photo by Lauren Elle
Photograph by Lauren Elle Photography

Color in Films: Labyrinth

15 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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david bowie, fantastical journey, fantasy, films, jennifer connely, jim henson, Labyrinth, natural hues, nature, puppets, realms of fantasy, riddles, weird creatures, worm

Labyrinth is one of my all time favorite films, ever. How can you not love this story? A young girls wish comes true and takes her through a fantastical journey to fix what she created, having her baby brother get taken away by the goblin king, not that she meant for any of this to happen. She realizes her addiction to the fantasy world she escapes to more than often, is actually a real place.

To find her brother, she is led through a labyrinth filled with weird creatures and riddles she must figure out to get to the end. Along the way she makes some friends that she will remember forever and of course memories that will last just the same. A unique film such as this could only come from the one and only Jim Henson and it proves that fairy tales can be loved by all.

The color palette of the film is an abundance of natural hues and earthly tones. From the real world scenes to the labyrinth, nature rules all. Most of the film is shot outside which I love as well. Pops of color are brought in with accessories on the characters and small items so you notice them well against the neutral background. My favorite is the little worm she meets in the beginning. What an adorable little fella!

The soundtrack is fun and lively and the art direction is superb. You will fall in love with all the characters, just like I have, and by then end of the film wish you could take on the adventure as well. A film for all ages, Labyrinth will allow you to explore otherworldly realms of fantasy and take you back to the days where films honored the artistic aspects of moviemaking.

Color in Films: Labyrinth

Sound in Color: Brand New – Deja Entendu

14 Tuesday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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astronaut, band, birds, blue, Brand New, color, color palette, Deja Entendu, music, orange, red, sky, songs, water, yellow

The cover of Brand New’s album, Deja Entendu, is surely a colorful one. It consists of rich, saturated hues that are intensely darkened around the edges, allowing the center image to really pop. I really like the contrast and use of shadows as well.

This album has always been a favorite of mine and brings me back to my senior year of college when it got a lot of plays on my iPod. There are some songs I must of listened to a hundred times. The cover definitely got my attention but the music backed it up for sure. The color palette would be a good inspiration for a kids room or party, colorful and lively.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Mother’s Day

10 Friday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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confident woman, family, grandma, grandmother, gratitude, love, mom, mothers day, peas in a pod, women

Mother’s Day, to me, is a day to say thanks to the women in your lives who have made a difference and truly inspire. Yes, your mother is on top of that list, but its also your grandmother, aunts, and any women you know who is a fantastic mom. My mom, Nancy, is a unique individual. She has been through a lot and continues to stay strong as best she can. Being a single mother was hard enough but she raised me well and taught me a lot of great things, especially how to be an independent and confident woman. I thank her for that the most.

When I was a teenager, our lives were like a roller coaster. It was rough. And even though we were separated for a while as the years went by, and our relationship had its ups and downs, we still respect and love each other. As much as my mom has seen me grow, I have seen her grow into the mom and woman she is today. Of course, there are always lessons to be learned and at times life will make it truly hard to move forward, but she does move forward despite what’s in her way.

Today, she lives with an injury that has basically left her disabled, as she can’t work anymore. Her nerve problems don’t allow her to live a normal life and she needs help more than often to do everyday things. Living on medication for her pain and having to walk with a cane, are just two of the things she has had to get used to, and believe me, she hates it. She can’t even drive anymore, unless its a very short trip and she is feeling up for it. The whole situation sucks. This was the main reason for her moving here to NY to be close to me and family.

Despite our differences and issues we’ve had years ago, I love my mom very much. I am proud of her for tackling the obstacles that have been in her way and for staying true to who she is. I like to think of when I was a kid and all the fun times we had. We were two peas in a pod. When I look back at pictures we both look so happy. That is why I chose this photo for Inspiration Photo Friday. It’s one of my favorites because it captures just that, happiness. That is all I ever wanted for my mom and I hope that one day she can be truly happy again.

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