Color in Films: The Village

26 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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children, color palette, colors, earth, forest, green, hues, lesson, life, love, M. Night Shyamalan, monsters, moss green, nature, new england, Pennsylvania, red, tale, the village, trees, village, wicked, woods, yellow

I am a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan, always was and always will be. I think he is such a great storyteller. He brings a true sentimental touch to the screen that leaves you thinking much more than when you started. The Village is one of those films. One of my favorites from his collection, its a tale of protection, fear, and love. With beautiful cinematography, flawless set and art direction, and an amazing group of actors, The Village explores the boundaries of good and evil and true love.

The film takes place in a small Pennsylvania village cut off from the rest of the world. The elders have built it to protect their children from the “wicked”. There are known monsters that live beyond the village and because of this watch towers and barriers of oil lanterns have been constructed for their protection. The time is 1987 but the villagers live an Amish lifestyle, no electricity and a simple way of living.

The main couple, Lucias and Ivy, express their love for each other and plan to soon marry. When a young boy dies and Lucias asks to go into “the towns” for medicine, he is denied. However, he ventures out anyway. The color red is used throughout the film as the bad color, and is seen on doors & shown through flowers when the monsters are near. Red cloaks also cloth their bodies. While he is away, the village has a visit from these beings and it startles everyone into a frenzy. A few days after Lucias gets back, he sadly gets stabbed by another man, Noah, in the village, who loves the girl as well. Unfortunately, he has developmental issues and doesn’t truly realize what he has done.

In order to help Lucias, Ivy gets ready for her trip to the towns for medicine. Although she is blind, she is strong willed and eventually makes it back with the items she needs. The journey through the woods is one of terror and truimph, as she comes across one of the monsters and defeats it. But there is a major secret in the village that unfolds through the film and in the end another life is lost because of it.

Told through the colors of nature and New England beauty, The Village is a remarkable tale filled with lessons on life and love. From the mossy greens and earthy browns to the pops of yellow and red, the backdrop of the woods truly allows for a peaceful, yet haunting feel. There are scenes that will surely win you over and ones that will startle your inner being. Another great story with a message that will continue to be relevant as the years go by.

Color in Films: The Village

Inspiration Photo Friday: Contentment

07 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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appreciation, beauty, contentment, evolve, family, friends, growth, happiness, life, love, nature, relationships

Today is a windy and cold morning here on the island. There is a storm coming our way so the air is fresh and everything has a dewy look. I love how this weather makes all the trees, grass, and plants a more prominent green. When the beauty of nature is accented, it makes you see the world a little bit different.

I stepped outside my back door today to let my dogs out and just took in how pretty my yard looked. Every time I am back there, I appreciate it more and more. The fact that I am content with where I am in my life and where I have chosen to build a family, surely makes me happy. My past has brought a lot of things, but feeling content was not really on that list. Sure, at times, but as a whole I always wanted more or something new. I guess that is part of growing up.

I know perfection doesn’t really exist. People, relationships, careers, children, you name it, nothing is perfect. We all have our issues and deal with them in our own ways. I can definitely say my life isn’t perfect, but I am content with how it is and look forward to the future. Rather than always wanting to move and evolve at a fast pace, I can take day by day and see what what comes my way.

I think that if you sit back and think of all the good things you have, the beauty that surrounds you, and the people who love you {as well as the ones you love}, you will realize that things aren’t so bad. Contentment doesn’t mean you want to stay where you are forever. It just means you appreciate all you have and are happy with how far you’ve come. It’s a mighty good feeling.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Contentment - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

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

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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