An Autumn Color Palette Blog Walk! Inspired by Joy...

Guess what time it is, People? It's time for another Color Palette Blog Walk! It's hosted by the inspirational Brandi at Brandigirl Blog. Woot woot! This time the inspiration is "What Brings You Joy?"


The first two color palettes were ones that I created from photos I took on my recent trip to California. (So obvious, I shouldn't have to tell you.) These are definitely coastal Northern California colors. Subdued, warm, earthy. The place where my joy is close to the surface.

This last one is a reminder to get ready for winter! (If you're a squirrel.) Autumn has become my favorite season the east coast. It definitely gives me joy to walk outside and feel the crisp air and see the amazing autumnal colors burst forth from the trees. Collecting acorns has become a new pastime inspired by my love of nature walks and this lovely season. I like how the texture for the color swatches turned out! They remind me of the striping on the acorns.

Check out what the other bloggers have created, too... they are a whole lot of creative talent all on one blog tour! I hope you liked my color palettes, and I hope you take a look at what's happening on the rest of the walk... take a hop, skip and a jump over to...

• Francesca at Francesca Watson Designs -- http://www.francescawatson.com
• Lori at Pretty Things -- http://www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
• Marsha at Marsha Neal Studio Blog -- http://www.marshanealstudio.blogspot.com
• Cindy at Sweet Bead Studio -- http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com
• Kerry at Kab's Concepts -- http://www.kabsconcepts.blogspot.com
• Cynthia at Ornamental Style -- http://www.ornamentalstyle.com/blog
• Linda at Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings -- http://lindalandig.wordpress.com
• Emily at Good Things* -- http://jorpins.blogspot.com
• Erin at Treasures Found -- http://treasures-found.blogspot.com
• Brandi at Brandi Girl Blog -- http://www.brandigirlblog.com
• Jenni at Jenni's Beads -- http://jennibead.blogspot.com 

A Party in Castro Valley's Coolest Home

My dear friend, Lenore, threw a little party for me so that I could get together with some friends on my whirlwind trip to California. Understanding the lack of time I could spend with individuals on this short trip, she opened her home to me. She fed and watered all my peeps and we had a wonderful time hanging out and catching up! It was a nice, low pressure way to see everyone.


What I wanted to actually blog about is her amazing home! I love it so much, and wanted to share a few photos of it with you.

Okay, beautiful, right? I mean, I've known her for about 15 years, and her home is ever-changing, but always full of grace and beauty. It's very well thought-out, if you know what I mean? It helps that she has access to amazing antiques and art, being a part-time antiques dealer, as is her hubby, Charles. He also is a creative genius. Check out his newest creations... Steampunk lamps! They are so cool...

This one is my favorite! Sorry the pic isn't great.

He sells them in their antiques shop in Petaluma, CA. If you're interested in purchasing one, I can get you the info to contact them. They don't have a website, but if you're ever in that area, let me know. Also, in the "West Wing," Lenore has collected artist's painting palettes from Paris. They're so rich and full of creative life... you can see them a bit in the photo of the dummy head.

Expandable breasts!

Charles keeps lots of Steampunk inspiration around him... that dress-maker's dummy is the best! The waist, bosom, and other areas expand and contract to size! Like something Tim Burton might have used on a creature of his... it's still in working order, too, after Charles fixed her up.

Above are two pictures I took of Lenore's Curiosity Cabinet... a Victorian invention to exhibit interesting things as they explored the New World of Nature with a scientific eye. Her cabinet is full of lovely bits of nature that even I have never seen before! True curiosities! My own cabinet of curiosities also stores my art supplies, etc, so it's not as lovely as hers. Though one day... one day!


I also wanted to share Lenore's granddaughter, Bella's, bedroom. It's lovely. I wish my photos did it justice. We were happy to meet her last weekend.... she's a sweet and creative girl. Just beautiful! Although only eight years old, she has the aura of an old soul. She is a precious girl.

And last, but not least, I got to see my best friend, E, and her son (my Godson) Max. He's now 13 years old, and as tall as me... documented by this photograph. It was a special treat to spend time with them! (I've missed my time with my BFF!!)

E and K taking pics of Max and I

Max used to fit in the crook of my arm like an over-sized (though not by much!) burrito. It makes me sad and also amazed at how fast children grow. His voice has changed, too.... deeper now, more manly. So strange! 


I had such an amazing time at Lenore's. She's one of my dearest friends... true sisters of the soul. She and I have so much in common and can spend hours chatting about all kinds of things. She is a constant inspiration to me, too. I've missed her! I hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse into her home. She's an inspiration! 

SF Botanical Gardens, Redux

Okay, without much narration, I'm just going to share some photos with you... I had wanted to get my nicer photos from my camera uploaded while in San Jose, but it didn't work out that way. No biggie! Here they are... starting with some strange, unusual or pokey plants.

Next are spirals and petals that radiate harmoniously...

Next are trumpets, fuchsias and other favorites...

Lastly are the stragglers... including a friend that we made at the park. He/she was a cutie!

K loved this rosemary... bonsai-like!

prehistorically pokey

Oh yeah, and here's a cool pic of me that K took... it's in the area that felt like jungle, but I can't recall what it was called.