Savoring September....

This month was filled with so many beautiful moments.  As summer came to a close we escaped to the coast for a relaxing break and I brought my camera to capture the magic.  There is something about the ocean that always fosters such peace and serenity...

As we wandered I found these wild succulents growing near the water.   They possess such a unique form with leaves exploding like fireworks.  

The beach was majestic and we had it all to ourselves, which was extraordinary, as sunset approached.



The reflections of light on the ocean were dreamy and gorgeous...



As the sun set behind the waves, disappearing into a shadow of orange on the water, I was reminded how vast and expansive the ocean is and that its cycles are infinite. 



The invigorating winds and soft scent of ocean air left me totally refreshed and ready for a very busy October!

Leave a Comment Tagged: Inspiring Journeys, Reflections

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Flowering Plum Trees

It is that beautiful time of year again when the trees are starting to bloom and fill the air with the sweet scent of spring.  I like to walk in the mornings and take in the beauty of the season.  

Last week I brought my camera along and found this flowering plum tree to photograph.  The blossoms are a very subtle pink and catch the light beautifully.  Later this tree will grow dark purple leaves that are lovely until the fall.  

After coveting these branches (which would look gorgeous massed in a big vase in our living room) I'm seriously considering planting a flowering plum tree like this one in the backyard.  They are so pretty throughout the year...

But until then I'll be enjoying the landscape on my morning walks.  Also...

These adorable little ducks are often my companions during these a.m. strolls.  They are visitors to our neighborhood this time of year and are usually found in pairs sleeping on lawns or waddling down the street on rainy days.  Although they don't like to pose, I managed to snap a picture of them just for you.

Leave a Comment Tagged: Garden and Flower Photography, Reflections, Spring

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Color Story: Ocean Inspired

On these hot summer days, airy ocean colors have a distinct appeal.  I find myself bringing soft whites, pale teals and blushing beiges into our decor to lighten the look for the season.  This chosen collection of seashells, amassed over many journeys to the beach, inevitably comes out of storage and gets strewn around the house.  It is a summer ritual that reminds me of beautiful days spent on the California coast.   

These photos, taken of a tabletop vignette I styled, capture the serenity of the sea through color.  Faded mauve, warm beige and dusty taupe are all hues that conjure up memories of sand and shore.

Soft teal encompasses the essence of water reflecting the colors of sky and trees on the northern coastline.  

White stock blossoms floating in a mercury glass bowl mirror the tones and texture of a nearby shell.

A sand dollar, washed up on the shore and broken by the waves, is subtly accented by flowing lace and a soft pink anemone shell...   

Leave a Comment Tagged: Reflections, Still Life and Styling, Summer

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Holiday Wishes...

During these last moments before the holiday celebrations begin, I'd like to express my gratitude to all of you for making The Gilded Bloom such a pleasure to create.  Without your friendship, all of your thoughtful comments, conversations, sweet emails, likes and follows, it just wouldn't be what it has become.  Thank you for sharing my world this year and for being there.

May the spirit of the holiday season bring you hearts filled with joy and many blessings in the new year.  See you in 2016!

Lisa

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Autumn in the Garden

It is that time of year when the garden is fading and the cold rainy weather begins to cleanse the earth for next spring's beauty.  I am now trimming, cleaning and preparing the yard for winter.  The pots of annuals are ready to be emptied and stacked. Soon I will be choosing which bulbs to plant in November for spring display.  It is a quiet time in the garden but a peaceful one.

We have a few roses left and this yellow-orange variety is sweetly scented and one of my favorites to cut and bring indoors.

In the cold autumn morning I was surprised to find this brightly colored yellow rose.  Always unexpected beauty in the garden!

Leave a Comment Tagged: Autumn, Garden and Flower Photography, Garden Inspiration, Reflections

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Blossoms in the Fog...

It has been an interesting mix of winter and spring lately with cold foggy mornings that later turn into beautiful sun-filled afternoons.  Trees are starting to blossom and early spring flowers are beginning to appear where once there was only earth.

The ritual of a morning walk is one of my favorite ways to start the day, even in the colder weather.  I bundle up with my hat and a scarf and go out for fresh air, exercise and a few moments with nature.  This quiet time always refreshes me and prepares me for the day ahead...

One of the qualities I most appreciate in a misty morning is the way the atmosphere envelopes the surrounding trees.  On clear days I barely notice the air I breathe but in the fog it becomes a real and tangible part of my experience.  It wraps itself around me and then fades out to white...

Even though these pictures are of the early spring trees blossoming, the experience of the morning mist is what stands out in my memory.  I think this set will always bring me peace... I hope it is the same for you.

Have a wonderful week!

8 comments Tagged: Garden and Flower Photography, Reflections, Winter

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Signs of Spring

Come join me this morning in my garden.... the colorful flowers of spring have started blooming and their sweet scent fills the air.  These blooms speak to me of warmer days ahead with their rich orange and yellow hues and robust purples.  This year remnants of winter plants have survived even as the tulips spring out of the ground and barren trees start to grow leaves again.  

As nature begins the dance of spring, I watch in wonder with my shears in hand bringing snips and clips of the garden indoors.  A green pottery vase is the carrier of my clippings, filled with tulips, daisies, and purple pincushion flowers.  New tree leaves and red photinia shoots find their way into the arrangement along with winter's white dusty miller leaves.  

The sound of birds chirping is like music in the garden now.  Their hidden undercover nests adorn the trees.  I am decorating our patio with reminders of them, since they shy away from my camera...

Red birds and bluebirds perch on the edge of planters and hide near the bottom of pots, enchanting visitors and welcoming spring to our home.  

A birdhouse nestled in the ferns summons early morning traffic from small sparrows hopping along the ground as they search for seeds.  Spring awakens in the garden...

Leave a Comment Tagged: Fresh Floral Styling, Reflections, Spring

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