count the inspiration in a single doorway

I wish I could tell you what building on what street, when it was built, who was the architect, and who was the artist behind this beautiful doorway. And don't you wonder about the letter "W?" But alas, I was running late to dinner and only paused to briefly snap a photo with my phone thinking "I have to have this!"

There is so much pattern and design layered in this single piece of art! I love the way more organic elements like feathers and plants have been stylized to become more geometric. I love the dominant use of red and teal (one of my favorite color combinations of all time; see my table runner, kitchen curtains, and let me tell you about my teal walls and red couch ). I think the symmetry is pleasing and appropriate. And you cannot help but notice and love the equally beautiful and complimentary ironwork over the window.

Plus – the color palette! I wanted to pull it out in detail for you and I realized there is even a light pink and a lavender in there too! Along with the warm tans of the stone you have enough options to do an entire houseful of rooms I think.

I do believe I am going to have to tape this beauty into my sketchbook and spend some more time with it!

pretty patterns present themselves

Porch stairs, viewed from behind. I like seeing the pattern repeat smaller below.

Part of the gift of being an artist is that you notice things that others do not. This can make every day life a visual delight if you allow yourself the pleasure of noticing.

Porch again. I appreciate the simplicity of the single teardrop shape rotated.

I am almost embarrassed to admit it but when I was touring around Georgetown the first day of my trip to Washington, D.C. I was hesitant to take out my camera for fear of looking like a tourist or just looking strange (I imagine them asking Why is that woman taking photos of door knockers?). Then I remembered what they thought actually did not matter. Instead, what did matter was enjoying my vacation to the fullest. And for me, that means noticing things and taking photographs of them. Once I gave myself permission to do exactly what would give me the most joy I felt a little giddy. Thank heavens for my patient husband who was always willing to stop and wait for me to create a photo I was pleased with.

So I present to you a collection of lovely patterns and architectural details that gave me delight. There are more (of course) but I think this blog post is long enough for the moment.

A very unique gravestone design; detail view on the right. Love the repeated curves.

I see a hint of the four-petaled flower shape within the more geometric square.

Details like this really add a human touch to what otherwise might be cold architecture.

darling door-knockers of Georgetown

Per my request, hubby and I explored the Georgetown neighborhood on the first full day of our weekend in Washington, D.C. I was absolutely delighted by the variety of door knockers. It is just not a thing in the neighborhood where I live so it was something I noticed right away.

This door itself on this example is so beautiful that I'm giving it more space

I reassure you I was not a creeper to take these photos. The doors are pretty close to the sidewalks and therefore easy to photograph!

Example of homes (apartments?) in Georgetown neighborhood

A peek inside + I'm back on the blog!

Hello to my dear readers!

I haven't written in over a year. I hope some of you missed me just a little bit. ;-) I must confess I was still thinking and photographing like a blogger that whole time. I may just have to go back in time on occasion to share some of the things y'all missed.

For those of you who know me in real life and not just here online, you already know that part of my personal story is that God called me to quit my job as a graphic designer 3 years ago. I was working for Grand Rapids Public Library doing all their print materials, event promotions, web graphics, and branding. Everything from banners hanging on the building to summer reading t-shirts. I love books and I love reading and I love the library. Working there was dream and I loved it dearly, which made it all the more difficult to decide to step away.

However, friends, there is nothing quite like being obedient to our good and gracious God! A lot of my identity had been wrapped up in my accomplishments (my career included in that) and God was challenging me to see myself the way he did: beloved no matter what I did or did not get done. The years since then I have spent having our third child and slowly unraveling from my own burdensome expectations and ideals. As part of that process – of finding my identity solely in Jesus – I unconsciously chose to step away from other things as well. I stopped writing in this space. I stopped running for a long while. I even stopped writing to-do lists (which is really crazy for someone like me!). Looking back, I think the challenge from the Lord was to ask "Who am I if I am not a graphic designer? Not a blogger? Not a runner?" Where is your true purpose and true identity? And of course, as a Christ-follower the answer has to be that your life and your identity are really about Jesus, what He did for us, and how He wants us to live and love.

So, going forward, I am going to try to be more real and open about my faith here in this space. Previously I chose to pretty much keep it under wraps here on the blog but now I feel convicted that doing so is just not acceptable for me. My hope is that you, dear readers, will enjoy a fuller understanding of me and my faith and my desire to use my creative gifts in ways that are life-giving and God-honoring to myself and to the world.

P.S. Stay tuned as I have lots of posts just waiting to be written. I went on a great trip to Washington D.C. in May and went to FOUR art museums (heaven!) so I at least want to share some of that fun with you! Hee.

P.P.S. I am finally on Instagram! My user name is just my name: amandabridle. There will be a nifty little link to my account over on the right but it isn't working quite yet. Mostly because I think I am too fresh on Instagram. I have had hours of "technical times" setting up Instagram and updating my blog template and so on so just hang with me as I figure stuff out!

wasp nest wonder

All this fall this wasp nest was highlight to be observed on our neighborhood walks. What a delight it was to find this natural treasure on the ground come spring. We took it home for closer observation of its amazing architecture. I am still doing some research to try and figure out what is going on with those white circular puffs. Are they eggs? Any wasp experts out there?