Outside of my shop window, the pink and white blossoms are blowing off of the trees, reminding me of the dynamic nature of early summer. For me, during these days of warmth and growth, it is time to walk, observe, gather and create. Every day is an opportunity for finding objects of inspiration for my jewelry, keepsakes and cards. With my camera by side, I am ready for anything. Whether I am walking in the neighborhood, hiking in the park, or parking the car as I spot something on the roadside, I am ready for the asymmetrical shape, interesting leaves, trodden weeds or fragrant little buds.  

A few weeks ago, as I was walking through a local nursery, I brought home only the brightest red, yellow and orange flowers for my front porch. As I was arranging them into the pots, with these vibrant colors complimenting each other, I saw the makings of a color wheel forming right in front of me. So, I took a quick walk around my yard to find more botanicals. I also selected some items from my shell and feather collection. Sitting in a sunbeam on my front porch, I spread everything around me, and the wheel coalesced so easily. A flower here, a shell there, a feather tucked into a shell...what a delight!  

As I worked, I recalled memories of June. A sunset...warm orange against the cool blue horizon. The field by the highway...yellow and lavender wildflowers washing over the landscape in waves. A private moment...the bright red rose atop the deep green petals. Across the wheel, natural compliments manifested themselves. 

And around the wheel, harmonies flowed. Red turning to violet, sliding into blue, edging toward green and yellow green, dawning into yellow and warming to orange. And back around. No beginning, no end...pulses in the light and color spectrum. 

Perhaps our love of color wheels, rainbows, and the light from prisms and sunsets is because they share the same characteristics, appear in the same range and order of colors, and we understand it so naturally, instinctually. A pleasant arrangement of color is a visual comfort. It is a symbol of wholeness and balance. And this arrangement, this wreath of color, brings together these vibrations of the natural world all pulsing with harmony and symmetry.  

Natural forms, so clearly different, yet all of the same life force.