Color Combinations

I have been chained to my desk and computer all afternoon; making orders and updating spreadsheets. I decided to take an afternoon break in the form of a short walk through the neighborhood: a theme based walk with my camera. Spring blooms bring a bevy of odd color combinations to us-- here are a few..

Spring Colors in Unexpected Places

Sometimes I forget about the huge inspiration board above my desk. Pictures of (and by) my children, swatches of fabric, drawings, feathers and shells. Old photos and personal items like a lonely red woolen mitten from a tiny hand. Tucked way up high in the corner is what seems to be a plate from a science book. A cross-section of two rocks, with brilliant color and depth in the rock and in the background. I picked it up at a rock shop...on the back it says Tourmalin-Querschnitt, Madagaskar. 

I think I'd like to find a few more of these- they would make great framed art.

Warm and sunny with a chance of nothing to do...

It is a beautiful spring morning, we were up early savoring last night's dinner with friends. Yes, adults can enjoy dyeing eggs. Teenagers, too. We drew on them with crayons then dipped them in a hot water and dye mixture  that included a splash of vinegar. The old school way--which I find to be the easiest and most versatile method.

Charming results. A friend brought some beautiful, naturally colored eggs as a hostess gift.

We'll have BeBe Benedicts with fresh eggs for breakfast and spend the rest of the day here:

  Enjoying the mild weather, reading the Times and speculating on how much the agave bloom will grow today in this gorgeous warmth.

  Relax and enjoy the day.

Spring in Tucson!

After a successful trip to the flea market, we had a 

nice hike out at Pima Canyon today. Wildflowers are abundant, the weather is breezy and cool. Small surprises and large vistas were the order of the day. 

The agave in our yard continues to push skyward, only several inches today.

Spring in Tucson!

Once a Century

An incredibly beautiful spring Saturday morning brought an exciting surprise. Our century agave, which  has steadily taken over our largest planting bed, has decided to bloom. It hasn't been any where near 100 years since we planted it, but it certainly has been with us since the beginning of our life in this funky old house. To give you an idea of how fast these guys produce this giant, sometimes 20 foot high, bloom  I will confirm that there was nothing there just yesterday. Take a look:

Doesn't that Big Nonia vine make a great background?

I'll post a shot every day until it is  done. Of course all this dramatic beauty ends with the death of the plant --at least I'll have the pleasure of dreaming what we will plant in its place.

Did I mention I love lighting?

I am always so excited when a client is willing to try something a little bit outside the box, a little unconventional, a little funky. I became fascinated with this light fixture at the Territorial house on my first visit. So seventies, so odd, but so good. It also happens to provide a great deal of light.

I took it home, hung it on our porch and cleaned it well.

Repainted the shade with Krylon Spray in the most delicious color: Tuscan Sunset.

It was hung in the Homeowner's office yesterday- right above her desk

This one was in an odd location in the entry--we moved it to the office as well.

Snow in Tucson?

Yes--we had snow today. And hail- three times. Somehow our white freesias and Big Nonias survived; a bit tattered but a reminder of spring and warmer weather soon to come.