Wild and Reckless Inspiration

 I had the best day yesterday. My Hubby surprised me with a new beach cruiser and we decided to take it to the beach for a bike ride. We went to a very familiar place - where we grew up. It was so fun to ride along the path that I had ridden hundreds of times before with my girlfriends. So many memories flooded my mind. It reminded me to cherish each day. To slooooooowww down sometimes and just relish in the moments that don't seem so huge. Do you ever feel like that too? We finished our ride just as it started to rain. So I got to stand in the rain and watch my hubby surf. I loved it! But, then headed to the car. :)

Waiting for the rain to stop.

So today when I started (yeah, I meant to already have this finished...dang!) the weekly color challenge for Summer of Color 2 today, I was feeling full of inspiration! I loooooved the color combination this week. Look at these colors! OH....and the name - makes me laugh! My personality is so far from Wild and Reckless. But, I think I have a little "wild" in there somewhere. :) Don't we all??

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After collecting all my goods...

I started an abstract in my 9x12 visual journal. I already use a lot of blue. Shades of aqua and turquoise are my "comfort" colors. Adding purple and bright green makes the colors really pop off the page. I already had the perfect colors of Liquitex Acrylic Basics - Bright Aqua Green (opaque), Brilliant Yellow Green (translucent), and Prism Violet (translucent). I added the words "Cherish the day" using words printed off from my computer. (Little tip: When I want to use printed text, I always brainstorm a bunch of things and type up a whole page. Then I have a file folder near my desk with loads of words, phrases, and quotes ready to go.)

 After finishing my page, I was still feeling the color combo mojo and decided to make a small wooden painting. Wood is my favorite substrate to paint on (although chipboard and cardboard are fighting to take the lead) so I love to use these little plaques from the craft store. All you have to do is attach a small sawtooth hanger on the back and it is ready to hang. :)

Finally, (Geesh! I told you I loved these colors.) I painted a quick portrait in my smaller visual journal. The title is Capture the Joy. Just a tiny reminder to myself to not let others steal my joy. Things will happen day to day...but, ultimately we determine how we let these things penetrate our hearts and attitude. Find the bits of joy each day (some days are harder than others!) and grab them. Hold on tight and cherish them! :)

Which bits of joy are you grasping for today???

I am linking up to Paint Party Friday, Studio JRU, and of course SOC 2!

Come visit the wild, reckless creativity!
Oh, and if you haven't read my interview at Tell All Tuesday - Please come read here! :)