living as if :: graygoosie

Hello, my dears!

Ever have one of those days when you just need a goodly dose of happy? 

Well, you're in the right spot, because one of the very, very best places to turn when you're blue is the life, loves and home of sweet flickr-ite graygoosie.  She's one of my favorites of all time, partly because she seems to be just the kind of woman I aspire to be, and partly because she seems to live in a world just that much more colorful than mine:

Her home is a complete delight--color, fun, and vintage perfection, all rolled into one.  Here, for a tiny example, is a Mexican candelabra that she filled with bubble-lights!  I am in awe.

Each item seems chosen based on love and heart, its propensity to delight the eye, and plain old fun.  Even the chores down graygoosie-way look like soul-food...Dishes: 

Laundry:

  Home decor:
 
And as you may have guessed, she's incredibly creative, too:  vintage aprons, dresses and wonderful beaded jewelry:

 
Made here, in her wonderful home studio:

 

All while being married to the love of her life for 32 years and living the California dream--sunshine and good times...

Now, I know nobody's life is all good times, believe me.  Not even close.  But there's something to be said, I'm quite sure of it, for living your life as if it is.  And while I don't know graygoosie personally (that would be lovely!) I suspect that she knows this, too.  Life is often terribly hard and scary and unpredictable, yes, but it is also filled with love and color and joy, if we find them.  And I don't think anyone I know is better at that than her.

 
Incidentally, graygoosie recently commented ever-so-sweetly on my little  self-portrait, chiding me for my reluctance to do so.  And she's right!  Taking my cue from her, and her lovely world, I may just take up the 365 challenge, "tossing my hang-ups in the dumpster," as she said.  And no one other than her could get me to do that.  Her self-portraits are a treasure, even to those of us not fortunate enough to know her in person.  I would like to leave such a trail of love for my girls, even if it kills me to do it (and it may).

Take a look, my friends, and be inspired...and then go take some photos of yourself in your beautiful, colorful, joyful world.  

Cheers!

xoxox.

Comments

[Gina from Bucks County Pa]

Hi - does she have a shop?

Gina

[Amy Hanson]

Gina, I don't think so. I will try to find out more, but it looks as if there's no link to an etsy shop anymore on her profile...graygoosie--Help! Do you have a shop???

[Kerryvitali]

graygoosie was one of my first contacts on flickr. I enjoy her positive energy and being a witness to her super-colorful life.

[tanis alexis]

graygoosie never ceases to inspire me! :) hooray for posting about a brilliantly colourful and delightful human being. :)

[Somanyideas]

I have known graygoosie for 30 years and I assure you She is just as vibrant in Real Life as she is on the computer screen!

[Lorimarsha]

She's a bright spot in my life, too! I met her on flickr three years ago an became friends in "real life" shortly thereafter. What a nice feature!

[The Hausfrau]

I'm now a big fan of hers, too--thank you for the introduction! Loving all the bright colors...