From the Front Porch
Last Friday, we spent the morning at our local modern art gallery.
It’s not something I would normally do on a workday.
Especially, since I’ve been in and out of town nearly every week for the entire summer.
But I didn’t want to miss the Bo Bartlett exhibit and I knew I was running out of time to see it.
When we arrived at our designated floor a young docent greeted us warmly and gave us a basic layout of the exhibit.
Before she let us explore on our own, she asked if we had any questions. “Which painting is your favorite?” I inquired.
She gave me a sheepish grin and said, “I’m going to take the artist’s lead on this one because that’s probably my favorite thing about this exhibit. He doesn’t tell you what to think. He allows you to discover each painting and invites you to make up your own mind.”
Then she gave me a wink and sent us on our way.
I can honestly say I don’t know a lot about the mechanics of art.
I can’t even draw a straight line.
But I do have a little experience with creativity, passion, and bringing ideas to life.
And without fail, every time I intentionally immerse myself in art whether it be by stopping to admire a mural on the side of a building, a sculpture, the ballet, a gorgeous library, a beautiful garden, a piece of finely stitched fabric, listen to music, watch an amazing movie, share a fabulous meal with loved ones, or read something that stirs me in ways I didn’t expect I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity.
We talked about the exhibit throughout lunch and as we walked across the street to the French bakery for a box of macarons.
We talked about it the next day over tex-mex after watching Oppenheimer and as the sun went down and the dragonflies danced around the yard.
What I realized during those discussions is that we’re not seeking paintings we can explain or even understand.
Rather, we’re in awe of people who intentionally seek to capture beauty and light.
So, as we prepare to say goodbye to one month and welcome another, my challenge to you is to seek beauty and light even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
You don’t have to be an award-winning painter or live in a big city with lots of art galleries to do so.
You can seek and create beauty by adding fresh flowers to your nightstand, going on a nature walk, writing in your journal, taking photographs of your hometown, making memories with loved ones, having a sunset picnic, searching the night sky for constellations and by supporting local artists in your community.
A beautiful life is what you make of it and it’s time to shine a light on what you love most.
As always, I’ll be cheering you on.
A Few of Our Favorite Things From Around the Web This Week…
There is so much to love in this home, Avondale by Weeth Home. It’s gorgeous!
Speaking of gorgeous, can we talk about this Vestavia Hills home by Sean Anderson? It blew me away.
Love all the layers of texture and cozy nooks in this Carolina home tour by Amber Interior Design.
The home in this post, Celebrating Summer, from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles is amazing.
Don’t miss the beautiful spaces in Scott Shrader’s exterior design portfolio, they’re fantastic.
42 Cozy Home Bedroom Ideas That Will Make You Want to Stay in Bed All Day
The ladies of the Supper Club are at it again. Jen’s guide to Throwing the Ultimate Potluck Party was such a fun one. Late summer sunflowers get me every time!
I pinned so many things from Rachel’s post, 25 Creative Fall Table Decoration Ideas.
My friend Tammy from White Lilac Farmhouse recently shared this fabulous pumpkin idea.
Speaking of fabulous, have you seen the cozy cottage fabric wreath Tanya from Twelve O Eight made? Consider me influenced!
This post, Holding Encouragement in Your Hands by my friend LeAnne of Glimsen had me searching for all sorts of fun cards and ideas.
Finally, congratulations to Kristin of White Arrows Home for being named Retailer of the Year!
Words to Live By…
On My Nightstand…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
I was already running a bit behind on reading Worthy: Boost Your Self-Worth to Grow Your Net Worth by Nancy Levin because I’ve been in and out of town so much. Then I fell hard for Harvey Specter and now I’m even further behind 🤣
I have a lot of catching up to do so I’ll probably be reading this one into September. That said, the chapters I’ve read so far have been insightful, and helpful and I’ve enjoyed it.
As always, you can find a complete list of the self-discovery books we’ve read here, 64 of the best books to read this summer here, and a list of our favorite podcasts here.
Menu Ideas…
Pink and Neutral Inspired Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Track Suit * Pillow Set * Brass Bell (just added this to a care package)
* Pink Loveseat (I wish I had room for this!)
Sandals * Tee (available in lots of colors) * Toothbrush (have and love) * Earrings
Nail Polish (neutral and sparkles? I’m all in!) * Pink and Gray Sneakers * Pullover * Ribbon (love this color combo)
Lamps (lots of positive reviews) * Washable Rug * Ballet Flats (available in lots of fun colors) * PJ Set (the black version would be fun for spooky season)
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Decorating with Apples for Fall
Fall Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop
Quick and Easy Caramel Apple Slices
Last week’s From the Front Porch post, in case you missed it…
August Bucket List…
- Celebrate August Birthdays
- Pick up Fresh Office Supplies
- Find Easy Breakfast Recipes
- Celebrate Living at Journeys End 14 years
- Finish Loblolly
- Design 2024 Planner and Blog Notebook
- Organize the Wrapping Station and Bathroom Drawers
- Check Hurricane Kits
- Try New IG Strategy
- Read the Book of the Month
- Keep Sundays Sacred
August Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…
Focus of the Month: Car, Garden, & Garage
- 08/06 – Medicine Cabinet & First Aid Supplies/Emergency Contact List
- 08/13 – Garage, Attic, or Basement
- 08/20 – Garden Supplies/Potting Shed
- 08/27 – Seasonal Decorative Items-Fall
TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…
- 08/25 – National Burger Day
- 08/25 – National Banana Split Day
- 08/26 – Women’s Equality Day
- 08/26 – National Dog Day
- 08/27 – Just Because Day
- 08/28 – Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
- 08/30 – National Beach Day
- 08/31 – Eat Outside Day
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
Coco I always look forward to your weekly message and inspiration. I hope you have a wonderful weekend my friend!
Thank you so much, Nicolle! When my baby sister asked me to start this series I had no idea it would become as popular as it’s become and I have sweet friends like you to thank for supporting it. Hope you have the best weekend and the boys are getting settled in! Hugs, CoCo
Thanks for the reminder to see the positives and spread the light! This seems to be your gift! 😊
That’s so sweet of you to say, Susan, thank you so much. I hope you have the best weekend! Hugs, CoCo
Hi Coco! I can’t believe summer is coming to a close, but I am so ready for the weather to shift here in FL! Sounds like you enjoyed your outing to the art gallery! I haven’t been to an art show in a long time! I hope you have a great week! Now I’m going to take a few minutes to check out your links! Blessings, Donna
Oh my word, Donna, me too! I am totally over hot and sticky season. We had a great time at the art gallery and it was so much fun to take a day and search for inspiration. We definitely need to make time to do that more often! Hope you’ve had a great week as well, CoCo
Beautiful words today, CoCo and what a meaningful message. That quote at the end by Mr. Obama is amazing. I love it! Wishing you a relaxing weekend ahead, friend! Thank you for sharing your gift with us each week!
So glad you enjoyed this post, Rachel. It’s definitely one of my favorites to put together. Wishing you a hope filled and happy weekend as well sweet friend. Big hugs, CoCo
I really love this series so very much CoCo! Your heart comes thru every encouraging challenge, one of my favorite things to read 🙂 Thank you for the shout out for my fabric wreath, you are too kind! xoxo Tanya
Seeking beauty and light on a daily basis can be – well – life saving. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our “to do” lists, chores, expectations, and general drudgery that we forget to look for the light and magic in every day. (The smell of freshly cut grass, a sunset, a hummingbird in the garden or as you noted “dragon flies dancing in the yard”) Artists seem to have the ability not only to notice these sublime moments but also the ability to capture them. As always thank you for the inspiration and all the links. Also, that nail polish color is fabulous . . ..
CoCo,
Another great week. Thank you for sharing me table ideas.
I think it is a great idea to stop and look for beauty in our everyday routines. This last year has taught me a lot, and I do look for the positive even in those situations where we sometimes do not think there is any. I am glad you were able to enjoy your outing out Coco.
The artwork is lovely CoCo! Thanks for sharing all of your inspiration. Hope you have a great weekend!
CoCo, thank you so much for sharing a link to my potluck party. I so appreciate it. I adore your beautiful apple cider piece. Is it off of a slice recipe? Looks amazing! I hope you enjoyed your weekend.
Girl, you had me at Tex Mex and art! I love going to exhibits. We like Fort Worth (probably biased since that’s where we grew up) better than Dallas but because what they both offer is so different, you can’t go wrong in either city. And wowza to the Avondale home. Geez! Will I ever be that clutter free and beautiful? I highly doubt it but I can dream. And a big hugs to Kristin! I missed that. Gotta hop over and say congrats. Hope you have a marvelous relaxing week!