Cheryl Day Photography blog page

finding joy in the moments

7/10/2017

Photograph of colorful sedums glow in the early morning sun.

Colorful sedums glow in the early morning sun.

You know that feeling you get at the end of along day when you walk into your home and close the door? For just a moment, perhaps mo longer than the span of a deep breath, there is joy.

   Joy doesn't necessarily come in a big package. It doesn't come in the form of possessions. Joy is found in the moments. Those small spaces tucked between every thing else that is going on around us is where joy is waiting to be found.

   My joy this morning came wrapped in the sound of a bird on the pond. A trill in the silence to let me know he was there. Joy was found in a bird's song that I had never heard before.

   I find many moments of joy within my home. Home is more than a place. It is a feeling; feeling safe, feeling sad and feeling joy. Listen and watch for the joy to be found in the moments within your home.

3 Positive effects of nature

5/22/2017

Photograph of a palm tree curves out over the water in what appears to be the Jungle.

A palm trees curves out over the water in what appears to be the Jungle.

We are all products of nature. Even though we have tried to remove ourselves from nature with cities and civilization; we still need nature in our lives.

Science is starting to offer evidence of what many already know; nature is good for us. Here's a short list, just three, of the ways we can benefit from nature.

Time in nature reduces stress. Take a walk among the trees and plants within minutes you can start to feel the stress melting away.
Our mood improves. It stands to reason that if you reduce stress your mood will improve.
Faster healing for those that are ill. Looking at pictures of trees or flowers helped patients heal faster than when they just looked out a window at a brick wall.

If you don't have easy access to a place to walk among the trees or plants, research is showing that viewing pictures of nature helps us. Which is one of the reasons I am such an advocate of decorating your home in a way that includes some photographs of trees, flowers or nature in general.

Today I am sharing this photo of a tree that always makes me feel good. Can you picture it in your home? Would meditating on this for a few minutes improve your mood?

This is just one example of your choice of frame available in my store.

Benefits to decorating with green

3/27/2017

Photograph of ferns growing through a crack in the rocks.

Ferns grow through a crack in the rocks.

   With St. Patrick's Day over and spring just a week away we are seeing an abundance of green.

   Every spring we see new leaves budding out and out world becomes green again. It's a good feeling, one we all look forward to experiencing every year. Did you know that our eyes see more shades of green than any other color? That makes it a natural choice to use in your home decor because we are used to seeing green as a backdrop everywhere we look.

   Green is a very soothing color. Surrounding ourselves with some green helps us to relax and generates feelings of hope. It is also used in color therapy to help alleviate depression and nervousness.

   Try adding a few touches of green to your home. Do you find yourself feeling more relaxed when you are surrounded with green?

5 inexpensive tips for a bathroom makeover

3/6/2017

Photograph of a single white water lily waiting for the rain storm

This photograph of the water lily would look great in a bathroom.

My small bathroom project has been completed. You can see a photo below of what you see as you walk in.

If you are looking to update your bathroom without breaking your budget here's a list of five ideas that work well.

Don't be afraid to paint a darker color. Dark colors can create a rich, cozy feeling to small rooms.
Spend the extra money for a fabric shower curtain and liner. You can wash them so they will last longer. Plus they don't off-gas those nasty fumes like the plastic ones.
Invest in new towels.
Add a plant. Air plants are fun and maintenance free.
Add some artwork to the walls.

I added the photograph to the walls and invested in new towels. I haven't done so yet, but I am thinking a plant is something I want to add.

The cost of deeper appreciation

2/20/2017

Photograph of an old forgotten tree broken with age.

An old forgotten tree broken with age.

   Life has a way of happening when you least expect it. And that is exactly what the start of 2017 did to my family and me. Shortly after the beginning of the year we lost my father unexpectedly. As a result I haven't been as focused here as I normally would be.

   Slowly life gets back on track and things return to a new normal. I say new because I am moving forward with a deeper and I hope better appreciation of what is truly important. Many of you have been in this place so you understand the adjustment of living in a world where my father no longer resides. There is a tear in the fabric of my life that just can not be repaired.

   I hope as we move forward into this year this better appreciation of what is important and how we bring that into our homes will show in my blog and in my photographs.

This photograph of the Broken Tree is a favorite of mine. Even though it eventually broke from time and age it is still a beautiful reminder of what life is all about.

Creating focus in a small area

11/28/2016

   We all have that small area in our homes or office that needs something, but it is too small for anything too large. For me it was the breakfast nook in my home.

   I created a focal point by framing themed photographs. I used a small sized photo and framed them all the same. The look was just right for a small area and it created an interesting focal point.

   The photographs shown above are the ones I used. The frames are basic since I didn't want the story to be about the frames.

   What area in your home could use a small, but effective focal point?

Photograph of a Hen of the Woods fungi.

3 tips for creating a calm and relaxing home

11/10/2016

Photograph of a palm tree over water.

A palm tree curves out over the water in what appears to be the Jungle.

We all agree that our homes need to be our safe haven. A place we can retreat to at the end of the day to relax and be calm. It's important if we are going to go out and function at our jobs that we have that calming refuge. Here are 3 quick tips to help you create that space.

Every room in your home is important. If you have rooms that you haven't finished decorating, make those rooms a priority. Get them done to a point where you no longer see an unfinished project.
We know that colors can impact us physically and mentally. Become aware of how you feel in rooms and what the major color is in that room. Choose those colors for your walls.
Bring in decor items that make you recall good times. Surround yourself with those items.

Make the changes to your home that will make you feel that your home is your calm place. You will thank yourself when you are done.

Where in the world is cheryl day?

10/20/2016

Photograph of fall colors on the Kettle River.

Fall colors reflected in the Kettle River.

I have been traveling for the past week so I have not been online very often. Sometimes you just have to unplug and enjoy life! However, you can still purchase images as usual. I might not respond to your emails and comments as quickly as I normally do, but I will respond when I can.

Until I return the location remains a mystery. I can tell you that I will be near water!

finding perfection in the imperfect

10/13/2016

Photograph of imperfect leaves starting to change color for Autumn.

Photograph of imperfect leaves starting to change color for Autumn.

   Getting outside and into my natural surroundings helps me to appreciate that perfection isn't always perfect. And to me, that is wonderful. These are moments that I treasure and don't want to forget.

   But as the seasons change and winter arrives it is more difficult to get out into the wild. But I have photographs to remind me. I enjoy hanging these reflective images on my walls where I can see the daily.

   These kind of photographs make for an inviting space to relax in. When I sit down at the end of the day I can't think of a more perfect way to relax than enjoying natures imperfect perfection.

See the beauty in everyday life

10/10/2016

Photograph of an imperfect fall leaf.

Once again the forest floor reveals her hidden beauty. This delicate leaf is ending its season as fall approaches.

   Beauty in our everyday life is something that we often overlook. But those ordinary things or moments can really give us the balance we need in this busy and chaotic world.

   I really enjoy the featured photograph today. That little leaf with the holes in it make me stop in my tracks when I saw it. I found it while hiking in early Autumn. Seeing the beginning of the yellow color reminds me of that day.

   I often wonder what caused those little holes. But even with that imperfection it continued to grow and serve its life purpose. Seems like there is a life lesson there. I think that is why I enjoy sitting and looking at this picture. Simple, imperfect, and peaceful makes it perfect for a home or office wall.