Happy Friday! How was your week? I’ll be honest, mine started out pretty rough. I’ve been doing some serious evaluating and going through some tough times as a result. I’m trying to sort through all of my creative energy and figure out my next steps in this little journey of mine! This has felt like the majority of 2012 for me and I’m grateful that I’m starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been making a conscious effort to let go of the pressure I put on myself and just follow my heart and what excites me at the moment, as simple as that. I’ve got some exciting projects in the works and I’m excited to share and announce some new directions soon. My mother-in-law told me something so encouraging and I thought I’d share in case any of you ever feel the same way. She said, “You don’t have to aspire to be something huge. Just think of what brings you joy and how you can serve others.” Isn’t that beautiful? I think as creatives we often make things overly complicated. If you’re anything like me you have BIG dreams and constantly think about every possible scenario and want to do it all…but it’s ultimately the most important to focus on the few things that bring us joy, and even more, serve others so that we can positively impact the world. I’m feeling encouraged and inspired again as I take small steps in the right directions for me. It’s scary but I’m ready.
Anyway, how adorable is that sweet little house above? The photo is by Johny Cook and I’m so inspired by homes with character and a story. Lately, I find myself drawn to the most neutral color palettes of black, white, and wood. I thought I’d share a few spaces that make my heart go pitter-patter…
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Thanks so much for reading; it’s weeks like this that I want to just reach out and give you all a big hug!
xoxo
P.S. Come back on Monday for a holiday giveaway you won’t to want to miss!!
(Photos from top: Johny Cook, Anna Kern for Skonahem, Si Mazouz on Design*Sponge)
Friday, November 9th, 2012, 9:41 am | 
Architecture, Interior Design | 
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November 9, 2012 at 10:37 am
Growing up my mom loved white walls. I never understood it. Why not bright colors!? I have come to see and understand her love for them :) Beautiful! Love the bar bulbs.
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November 9, 2012 at 10:42 am
*bare bulbs. I hear you on the evaluating. It’s a constant process for me for me too. I’m not sure if I should embrace it, being that so many of my artist friends seem to be the same way. I think that is one thing that I love so much about my artist friends is that they are so intuitive and sensitive. It’s beautiful and sucks all at the same time. I totally relate!
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Colleen Reply:
November 10th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Thanks for sharing Bethany! Yeah I feel like I love white/neutrals more and more as I get older, too. :)
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November 9, 2012 at 11:49 am
I can completely relate to your situation. I am a completely different person than I was at the beginning of this year. I lost my job (which I hated) in March, but I renewed my passion for photography and am also determined to finish school and get my Medical Coding diploma. I think the changes I’ve gone through have made me a happier, more adventerous person, and I don’t look back on this year with any regret.
Thanks for sharing the design photos. I would love to have that kitchen in my house!
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Colleen Reply:
November 10th, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Glad you can relate, Jamie. Here’s to fresh starts in 2013! xo
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November 9, 2012 at 11:53 am
Yes, follow your heart + do what you love!
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Colleen Reply:
November 10th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Thanks Susan! xo
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November 9, 2012 at 12:45 pm
That’s one gorgeous house, and a very wise mother-in-law. I’ll admit, I think my particular excitement about the holidays is that this year will be over; I’m ready!
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November 9, 2012 at 3:55 pm
I think you make an excellent point, Colleen. I always want to do so much and be involved in so many different things, but sometimes it’s best to just step back and focus on ourselves and what we really enjoy.
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Colleen Reply:
November 10th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Well said, Kory!
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November 9, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Great post! Especially love the quote from your mother-in-law. It’s hard sometimes to be excited about all our ideas instead of overwhelmed. thanks for sharing!
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November 9, 2012 at 4:36 pm
I’m glad you’re finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe California inspired you? I lovelovelove that quote from your mother-in-law. I need to have that mindset more often.
I love houses with white walls. So simple and beautiful.
M.
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Colleen Reply:
November 10th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Thanks Monica, me too. :) Happy weekend!
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November 9, 2012 at 5:32 pm
Your mother-in-law is a wise woman! Don’t stress – it will all come together…maybe just slower than you would like, but it will come together!
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Colleen Reply:
November 10th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Thank you! Yes, I think patience might be key in our creative journeys. :)
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November 12, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Yes, I can definitely relate to your feelings in this post. I absolutely loved the advice your mother-in-law gave you. I recently read something similar that really spoke to me, “There’s never anything to fear as long as my aim is to be helpful.”
Wishing you all the best as you follow your heart.
PS~Those interiors are beautiful. I’m also feeling Black, white, and wood.
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Colleen Reply:
November 15th, 2012 at 6:00 pm
I LOVE that quote, Theresa! Thanks so much. :)
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November 13, 2012 at 11:59 am
ugh. totally overwhelmed the past couple of days. funny how timing on things like this never really leave us along in our ventures; although that is ultimately how we feel. i feel overloaded on creative energy right now. a very good and a very bad thing… mon oeil! c’est la vie!
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Colleen Reply:
November 15th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
You’re right, it is both good and bad to be filled with so much creative energy! Hoping you’re encouraged soon, Cozbi! :) xo
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