Intentional Space

card of the week a clear placeWhen life comes rushing at you like a mountain stream, it’s much easier to cope when you are anchored in a clear space. And one of the surest ways to achieve and maintain a wonderfully clear place is to set the intention for its use. For each room of your home, decide what the purpose is for that space and then, only put there what serves that purpose. This goes for drawers and closets, too.  If, like me, your room is multipurpose (office/dining/living/storage), divide and conquer the chaos by using color, fabric, screens and lighting to define specific areas. Ensure that the items you place in each section enhance that specific purpose. This week’s Wisdom Card is a reminder that it’s not what or how much you have – it’s how you use it that matters.

About this photo: Taken on the banks of Icicle Creek just outside Leavenworth, WA. Standing here was an awe inspiring experience. The majestic snow-capped Wenatchee Mountains in the distance, pine trees scenting the air, the roar of the glacial stream … perfectly designed natural beauty.

Find inspiration to design your perfect space. ACP Wisdom Cards … a natural choice for all your gift-giving. Only $20 + shipping. Click to order.

The Power of Gratitude

card of the weekBeing thankful for what you have is the surest way to love where you are. If you are not happy with your place or your space, you have the power to change it. It’s called gratitude. You can shift your world by blessing it. Start right now by looking around your room and saying thank you. When you walk into your home say thank you. Practice mindful placement of your belongings. And always give and receive with gratitude.

Giving thanks begins in the heart. It’s where all healing starts. Connect with your heart-self by bringing nature close to you. Its energy will lift you and your space. Simple. A single flower is a good way to start.

About this photo: Flowers vibrate at a high frequency, especially roses. This spray rose beauty greeted me in my backyard one afternoon. The fragrance called to me even before I saw the blossoms. Pink and green are the colors of the heart chakra so this photo was perfect for the GRATITUDE card.

Holiday Tip: Place this card on your table at Thanksgiving. Pass it around to each guest and let them share what they are grateful for this season.  Dining alone? Start a gratitude list on paper. Add something new each day of the season. Don’t have your WISDOM CARDS yet? Click here to order your deck today!

AUTUMN – The Season of Letting Go

AutumnThis week’s pick from A Clear Place Wisdom Cards is AUTUMN. Fall is all about releasing and letting go. Like the trees shedding their leaves to allow for new growth, it’s a great time to let go of all that stuff and clear your clutter. The energy of spider reigns now and teaches us to live simply. To be strong and focused but also willing to let go of what was in order to build anew. Git rid of what no longer serves you. Autumn honors the cycle of adulthood and being responsible caretakers of the land and our loved ones. In your home, use images of sunset, flowing water or fall scenes like this one. Diffuse essential oils of cinnamon, orange, clove and nutmeg. All of these blend well or use them individually.

The Season of Autumn corresponds to the element of Water, the direction of the West and the time of sunset.

About this photo: I encountered this brilliant maple tree on a walk in NW Portland. The street below was blanketed in gold but there were plenty more leaves to follow in the weeks ahead.

View more Wisdom Cards and order your deck today!

 

FIRE – Wisdom Card of the Week

card of the week FIREThe element of Fire speaks to fueling your passion. What are you bursting to do? Take if off the back burner – light a fire under your dreams to make them manifest. In your home, add FIRE energy to spark up your love life by bringing in sensual silks and satins to your bedroom. Use rich tones of orange and red for accent colors. Think round and full and lush. Pomegranates, plums and melons. Diffuse essential oils of ylang, ylang or jasmine in your bedroom and bath area. Incorporate images of fireworks, tropical flowers, the sun or jungle cats. FIRE energy can be added wherever you need a boost to get things done. Wear that red sweater when you are low on energy. A word of caution: as with any art; a little bit of red goes a long way. Try an accent pillow, rug or lamp vs. painting a whole room.

The Element of FIRE corresponds to the season of Summer and the direction of the South.

About this photo: I found this brilliant red hibiscus bursting out over a sidewalk in Maitlin, FL. It couldn’t be contained in the yard and was spreading its glorious self beyond borders. The perfect image for FIRE!

Learn more about the Elements and how to add their energy to your space. Purchase your WISDOM CARDS.

INSPIRATION – Card of the Week

compressed butterflyNature’s beauty is the original design tool. Nothing beats Mother Nature when it comes to amazing composition and breathtaking beauty. Simple, intricate, elegant and timeless. She is a continual source of inspiration for colors, textures, patterns and combinations. When in doubt, look to nature for ideas on color palettes and decor. Walk in the woods, spend time in a garden, look out your window. There is so much on display. Browse through photo books of fields, flowers, birds and insects. What appeals to you? Trust your choices.

About this photo: This image was the inspiration for my Wisdom Cards. Getting up close and personal with this majestic Monarch reminded me of watching my Mom select fabrics for sewing or upholstery. Always with an eye to detail and patterns. Whoever thought to first put polka dots on paper or create stained glass windows must have seen a butterfly or two just like this one. I took this photo at the Lukas Butterfly Encounter in Oviedo, FL. If you’ve ever had a butterfly land on your finger and stay awhile, you know how special it is to connect with these winged wonders. Butterfly energy is strong and majestic yet playful and delicate. It is the combination of all we need to know in order to survive … beautifully.

Bring the magic of nature into your space. Get your deck of Wisdom Cards today.

Card of the Week – SUMMER

card of the week SummerSUMMER energy celebrates the sweetness of life. Lush fruits, fields of flowers – days are buzzing and hot. This is the time of manifesting and expressing. Being out there in a bold way. Passionate pursuits and fueling the flames of enterprise. Summer is all about sizzle and sparks and connecting to your wild side. Bring Summer energy into your home with yellows and bright, cheery tones of color. Use sheer or linen fabrics. Images of dragonflies and daisies. Put out bowls of fresh citrus. Use essential oils of lemon, lavender and grapefruit. Clean your patios, porches and barbeques.

Corresponds to the Element of FIRE, the direction of South, the afternoon and the age cycle of young adults.

About this photo: This plump bee allowed me to capture him as he was enjoying a delicious dahlia in a sunny field in Canby, OR. Place this card in any area of your space that needs a mood lift or  momentum for projects!

Learn more about balancing with the Seasons and A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS. (Now available on Etsy.)

Happy Summer everyone!

Wisdom Card of the Week – GRACE

Card of the Week GraceThere is a spirituality to nature that is undeniable. A cathedral of trees, a chapel of flowers – exquisite works of depth and beauty. Elegant ambassadors of light and grace. These messengers remind us to walk softly and be gentle with each other. We are, after all, in this home together.

Add a touch of grace to your home by bringing some nature indoors. A simple blossom or image of one, like this GRACE card, is all it takes. Flowers vibrate at a very fine frequency and help balance heavy or dark areas of your space. Place a flower near the photo of a loved one to honor your connection. Be sure to keep the water clean and blossoms fresh.

About this photo: This is one of the twenty Focus Cards included in the deck that enhance the Elements, Seasons, Sun and Moon cards. Giant irises remind me of grand ladies. Stunning grace and elegant. This one was photographed during a trip to Seattle. She greeted me in my friend’s backyard – unannounced and beautiful.

Find out more about adding beauty to your home and your life with A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS – now available on Etsy!

Wisdom Card of the Week – SPRING

Spring cardSPRING is the Season of new beginnings and budding ideas. It’s a perfect time to bring balance to your home and create harmony. Use pinks and greens in your decor to represent the colors of the heart. Diffuse essential oils of pink grapefruit or rosemary for freshness. Place images in your room of baby animals, heart shapes, flower buds … all things green.

Corresponds with the Element of AIR, the direction of the EAST and the infant/child cycle of life.

The Photo: I captured this budding Pink Rhododendron at the Elk Rock Garden at the Bishop’s Close in Lake Oswego, OR.

Special note: I chose this card as the cover for A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS deck because they are from the heart and bring creative ideas for bringing harmony and balance to your home. Learn more about SPRING and this unique card deck.