My A-ha Moment

Sometimes you have an a-ha moment that strikes you so clear and  sharp.  Mine came while reading a book by Nichole Robertson called Paris in Color. I suddenly knew what I was missing during the long grey months of an Idaho winter--COLOR.  Her book is a picture book of Paris with brilliant photos of all the colors of Paris streets.  She chose the common rather than the unusual for her subjects,  perhaps to make us stop and look with new awareness. Paris is a city built around color and shape with a background of white--white buildings enhanced with black iron trim framing windows and balconies.  Street cafes with bright chairs and white table clothes call your name and stripped awnings above windows add a sophisticated air to what might otherwise be something ordinary.  Flower boxes overflow with brilliant blooms in stark colors.  I love color.  It makes me feel awake and eager to be a participant rather than a watcher. Winter brings earth tones and flat light that removes color. It is tiring and wearing.  I wish winter was red with yellow hues and soft gentle breezes.  Instead it roars and bangs its head incessantly.  I sometimes think winter laughs at us when we carry flowers from the super market to our cars. Paris in Color illustrates how much color adds to the quality of life.  It makes it richer, fuller and more intense.  The soul likes to bathe in hues and shades of varying colors.  Paris has its dark period of winter when its color is not as intense, but the awnings, red doors,  signage and the yellow tarts will still be there winking at winter as he roars through the streets.


                                                             

all photos by Nichole Robertson from her book  Paris in Color