Sound in Color: Silversun Pickups – Neck of the Woods

18 Tuesday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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album, blue, brown, color, earth, earthy hues, gray, green, house, music, night, palette, photography, silversun pickups, sky, yellow

The latest album from Silversun Pickups is surely one of my favorites. Even though I like everything they put out, this one has such amazing songs. It’s one you can listen to over and over again and just love it more. The photograph on the front is really interesting, as it gives a feeling of silence and calm. Kind of like you are living in a quiet spot in the woods. How fitting.

The color palette is filled with earthy hues, both dark and light. Shadows play a huge part as well since nighttime has taken over. It’s nothing over the top but I really like it. A perfect shot for a perfect album.

Sound in Color: Silversun Pickups - Neck of the Woods

Inspiration Photo Friday: Changes

31 Friday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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change, earth, evolution, family, friends, grounded, journey, life, mother earth, nature, trees, world

The world we live in will always change. That goes for each of our lives as well. Expecting people to stay the same is very naive, we all grow and evolve. Hopefully, its for the better. My life has certainly gone through a lot of change, from childhood to now. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I look around at the people in my life, both friends and family, everyone has changes they are going through. From babies and marriage to ending relationships, moving, and coping with death, its all important to their growth as individuals. And it all happens for a reason, even if its not that great at the time. I can vouch for this for sure.

The photo below was taken recently while my husband Dan and I were on our vacation in Massachusetts. There is always something about a quiet road or path that inspires me to keep going in a positive direction. This photo also reminds me of one thing that will never change, nature. Mother Earth is always there to surround you with love and protection, sharing its beauty every chance it gets.

So when there are times that change gets a little too much, visit a park or take a peaceful walk in the woods. You can always count on nature to keep you grounded and calm. It’s the one thing that can never be taken away. So cherish it with all your heart and appreciate all it does for us. Because it doesn’t just give, it teaches all of us about the one thing we can’t escape, change. Evolving every minute, Earth does a fantastic job at showing us how to evolve with grace.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Animal Love

19 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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animals, chickens, cows, dogs, earth, farm, farm animals, health, love, nature, pigs, vegan, vegetarian

I have always been animal lover. Having various pets as a child, growing up around them was normal for me. I loved going to the zoo and watching movies about them and when I actually got to pet them and interact, it made my day. It really is no surprise I would be a vegetarian one day, it was just a matter of learning the facts and opening my eyes to what is really happening in this world.

It’s now going on four years and I am so happy I live this way. It has truly helped me to be more open and loving, even more than I was before, and pushed me to try new foods and healthier choices. The main thing this lifestyle has given me is the ability to love animals and the Earth much greater than I ever have. And I believe it will just get stronger as the years go by.

I just wanted to share this awesome feeling and hope to inspire all of you to appreciate the natural world around you as well as all the beautiful creatures living on it. My two dogs, Olive and Jenny, remind me everyday how amazing animals really are. They are my sunshine in the morning and my moon at night. They are loyal, loving, and very sweet. Not to mention, unique in their own ways. I just don’t know what I do without them.

My plan for the future is to have a small farm so I can give a few awesome animals a good home. I would love to have chickens, pigs, and maybe even a cow or two. Goats are pretty cool as well, I’m sure they would bring a little adventure to the group. A tiny pony would be a bonus! And of course I would love to have more dogs. If it wasn’t for my husband, I would have more now. I just love animals so much, I can’t resist wanting to take care of them and making sure they are safe and happy.

So, happy inspiration photo friday! I ask you all to open your eyes and hearts to the world of animals and really see them for what they are, amazing individuals who are just as important as we are. Imagine the world without them for just one minute. To me, that’s hell. And since we are surrounded by such incredible creatures, this surely must be heaven.

{Olive, 5 and Jenny, 3.5}
Inspiration Photo Friday: Animal Love

Inspiration Photo Friday: Home Sweet Spring

22 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday, The Great Outdoors, The Home

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bloom, earth, flowers, gardens, grass, green, growth, home, ivy, leaves, may, nature, spring, trees

I know that it doesn’t feel like spring but it is in fact, officially here. All I can think about is the warmer weather and springtime blooms. I am dying for spring to show her face once and for all.

Dan and I have many plans these next few months so the season will be more to us than just nicer weather. Not only do we celebrate Dan’s birthday this month but our wedding anniversary is May 20th. I can’t believe one year will have gone by. Time flies like there is no tomorrow. Our anniversary trip is booked for the end of the May and we will be relaxing in Charlemont, Massachusetts with our dogs for a whole week. We found the cutest cottage for our stay and I simply can’t wait to get away from it all and be one with nature.

We also have plans here on the home front. Our home will get a number of makeovers which I am very excited about. The kitchen remodel is long overdue and we are about 80% done with collecting all the materials we need to complete it. Once April hits and our windows can be opened, its on! We are also going to work on the backyard a bit and start our vegetable gardens. This is a very much anticipated task. To be able to grow pretty much everything we eat is simple amazing and I can’t wait!

This photo was taken last May, two days after our wedding. When its in full spring mode, our backyard is a true inspiration to me. The lushness of the trees and ivy, the smell of the fresh cut grass, and the little beauties that come alive in our gardens are all the wonderful things that surround our home. All I want to do is lay outside under our cherry trees and listen to the birds sing. I am very lucky to have such an amazing inspiration right in my backyard.

I wish you all happy spring inspirations and hope that the earth can uplift your soul and whisk you away somewhere beautiful. It’s such a gift to have a natural space you can exist in and feel so alive. You don’t know how happy I am to be able to visit mine everyday by just walking out the back door.