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A Touch of the Unexpected…

Gray and White… my prediction for transitioning from Summer to Fall. Practical, solid colors that have stood the test of time- yet still find a way to feel fresh and new. In these continuing uncertain times, I think we’re all looking for the promise of stability, calm and dependability. Gray and White do just that.

I was thinking about this while I was scrubbing clothes in that galvanized washtub. Okay, that’s a lie. I just wanted to make sure you were paying attention. My favorite Grays are Oyster Shells, Galvanized anything, Old Linen, Silver with the Patina of age, even Old Wooden Spoons washed to a pleasing gray- these things have stood the test of time.

Gray and White Inspiration

Yes, I love those colors, and while they’ve been around a long time- somehow Gray and White is fresh, cool, calm and collected- perfect for summer into fall. Whether cool and crisp or warm and cuddly as balls of yarn- my forecast is that Gray will give us what we need as the seasons change. As Pantone says of it’s Color of the Year- ‘Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.’ White give us clarity and light while the ever practical Gray is timeless, strong, hardworking and wise. I don’t know about you, yet I think that’s just what I need.

So, what’s the touch of the unexpected? Well, it’s that Video and Music- that’s certainly unexpected from me! And, it’s a touch of Humor. You know where I tell you I was thinking about Gray while I was scrubbing clothes in that washtub? Right. And then, there’s building a story around an ordinary color like Gray… And yet, it’s truly the Fashion Industry’s standard of which colors will be ‘new’ in 2021. Ultimate Gray. You can build a story around even the simplest of things… add a touch of the unexpected and your story just might be unforgettable! Love y’all, Brenda

Find the Colors for Fall and Winter 2021 at http://www.pantone.com

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A Writing Lesson using Doors…

A fun way to Write is to assign Human Characteristics to Inanimate Objects such as Doors.. It’s no secret that I love architectural elements. I take photographs of fences, railings, windows, shutters, windowboxes and more…especially Doors. Though this Writing Lesson may focus on doors, the technique applies to any inanimate object of your choice.

Take this first block of doors… that White Tool Shed, she’s a hard worker, down to earth with an unexpected flair for the dramatic with that blue door. The Hidden Door on a side street strikes me as a shy, private one- though hoping to be found, she secretly longs to stand out. That impressive Pediment in Constitution Hall, speaks of confident authority- yet one who probably wears sensible shoes. In contrast, there’s the humble thrifty landowner who probably caught paint on sale and didn’t give a whit about that showy color! Don’t you know that’s true!

In this block, there’s the introverted nature lover who obviously enjoys quiet and solitude. Bermed in, yet that blue Door is ready to welcome a friend or two. Now, the pretty Door with a Vine is a cheerful soul, a generous gardener who offers rustic dinner parties after holding a cooking class. Don’t you love her already? Oh my, that amazing Ornate Exterior has amassed a fortune, is also home to a fashionista. She’s a not-so-subtle standout with impeccable taste. The humble rustic door is concerned with protecting house and home- how do I know this? Well, it belonged to pioneer Kit Carson!

I had to include at least one window, a warm, open, happy personality, who allows us to see just the right amount of her humble home. as she breezes easily through her life.

Of course, the opening image is a Sanctuary Door- welcome, wise and strong. It’s as if She knows, at some point in our lives, we’re all going to need a discreet Listener. You know? I love them all- beautiful, unique as a fingerprint- serving their own purpose- big or small. Still. If I had to choose, it would be that white tool shed with the blue door. Why? I’ve decided that she’s actually a ‘Work in Progress’. Yes, I definitely relate to that! Which one would you choose? And, if you’d like to give it a try, assign human characteristics to an inanimate object like a Door.

Love y’all, Brenda

P.S. If you’d like to be on our mailing list for the free planning guides- drop me an email at brenda@brenda-wyatt.com

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Resilience…

Resilience

Resilience. The struggle to survive. I’ve learned more about the struggles of life in a garden than almost anywhere else. Observing plants teaches me about the will to live in the most unlikely places. Plants teach us about adaptation, self confidence and seizing opportunities where we can find them. What might have worked before, doesn’t always show up. The support you always had, isn’t there, the truth may be, they’re struggling too. That’s a chance to follow survival instincts. Plants know this.

Some seek Light to grow and bloom. Others flourish in dappled and damp shade and manage to be Pretty in the process. Some simply find a way. Often in the worst of conditions, a plant will sprout leaf and bloom- up through an iron railing, a cracked sidewalk or graveled garden path; a fallen log, a scorching sandy beach- even the mighty oak learns to soar above the forest floor.

Exuberance, enthusiasm, even enjoyment of living is right underfoot. Being forced in a jar or peeking through a picket fence. Or drawing life out of itself like those sweet muscari bulbs, why? Because sometimes- you just have to draw strength from within yourself- right? It’s that inexplicable urge to survive, maybe a zest for living- a joy just to be alive… spoken without words. Look close and you’ll hear these things and more.

No matter how small, it seems to me, there’s not just a the will to live despite circumstances or even survival techniques… there’s some inner workings I don’t quite understand. I only know these little survivors speak to me of purposeful filled living. Add in the will to live.

A fern sprout, a cluster of mushrooms, tiny bulbs in a jar- a dandelion or two. Wood violets, beach flowers, a crazy Iris craning her neck through a picket fence turning her face to the sun.

Even a leafy weed and most springing up from a rocky place- oh yes… they teach me so many lessons and more…

Resilience is what keeps us going. Finding light or enlightenment. Absorbing moisture, putting down deeper roots or pulling from your inner strength. A willingness to grow. Nature is where we find beauty, strength, nourishment and salve. After the year we’ve had, I hope your Resilience has shown up. Here’s to a zest for living, getting going and growing again!

Love y’all, Brenda

  • The June Planning Guide will be ready soon and no, it’s not too early! If you’d like to be on the list- just send me an email at brenda@brenda-wyatt.com
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To Write Good Content.. add Whimsy!

Feeling a bit Frazzled?

One of my favorite quotes is:

‘You have to risk a little crazy in order to escape the gravitational pull of the Ordinary.’ by Tom Samet

I’ve found, to write good Content- you have to risk a little crazy… Visual Images like you see her, start telling the story before you write one word. And, it doesn’t really matter what you do or what your business is- Add a little Crazy… For instance if you’re a Coach who helps with time management- maybe that Frazzled Chick will help you get a smile, and your reader will be drawn in to find out more.

It’s Stretch!

Or maybe you teach yoga or stretching exercises- a crazy Frog will help you tell the reasons you know works! Or part of what you do helps folks relax, an image of a sleeping kitty- yes, they’ll get the concept just from the image!

Do you help folks find their purpose or get direction in their lives? I think I’d read about it, if I saw a charming image of this Big Teddy Bear. It’s wonderful to see a path or a road- though don’t you know, this Bear with a pointing bunny on his shoulder would often get the point across in a whimsical way?

And, really isn’t that what good Visual Marketing does? It uses whimsy. It uses Visual Imagery to market their products or services. A sketch of a castle or even a Sandcastle you built yourself- gets the point across! I will say this- to Write Better Read

I read a story weeks ago, I kept hearing in my head- something about ‘walking through raindrops’  I couldn’t find the quote so I adjusted it, and it prompted me to write this quote:

I felt like most of life, no matter what was going on, I was Dancing thru Raindrops without getting wet.’

And why did I write it that way? Well, I found this adorable image of a Frog and a lilypad- under it’s own natural umbrella! Don’t forget- it’s serious times we live in, often with serious solutions- Still. If you find a great whimsical image- yours or not- Let the image tell the story before you write a word! Everything doesn’t have to be serious even when the subject is. Add Whimsy… Love y’all, Brenda

Now, I know y’all have heard about my *Free Monthly Planning Guides and May’s Planning Guide is ready and it’s jam packed with fun things to write about!

Thank you to all who have requested it! This month, there’s a *Bonus*- it’s a *Mother’s Day Gift Guide* for product and serviced based businesses- you’ll learn how to price your products, how to really make the Mothers on your customers’ list feel like Queen for a Day!  So, if that’s You, all you have to do to get to get the Bonus Gift Guide is- *send me an email at brenda@brenda-wyatt I’d love for you to have it!

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The Power of Visual Marketing…

Visual Marketing. I’ve been working on a project about the impact Images and Colors have on readers and more important on Marketing your goods or services. I don’t usually go straight to statistics, yet this time- the Stats are powerful. Did you know folks only recall 18-20% of what they Read? Followed by a whopping 600% recall of what they See! That’s the impact of Visual Marketing. If you have something to sell? Over 300% will make a purchase when Visual Images are combined with compelling Information when compared to Text only.

Okay, sit down a minute, take a sip of coffee., and listen up! We think we know these things yet, considering today’s world of Advertising and Online Sales. I personally believe those statistics are why Instagram is such a powerful platform for product or service based businesses. On that platform over 75% are more likely to read Content that’s combined with Images that evoke emotions. You know, I get it- We’re so busy following our dreams, we forget the boring things that make those dreams come true. Why? Because it takes time coming up with fresh content and compelling images.

Images that symbolize the Doorway to the Opportunity to present and sell your products or services. Or show someone their Potential. Tell someone what and why you’ve created your art, your online shop, your coaching services.

Whew that’s a lot of Math. And not just math, astonishing Information! So, I’ll make this short, so you can get maximum information with minimal effort. I’m almost finished with a 6 page list of My Favorite Styling Materials, Props and Images- I’ll let you know when it’s ready. Still.

Listen to this: There are certain images that Stop the Scroll, make you want to read what the content says. My top 4, (though certainly not all!) are contained in this post. If you’re a photographer, shoot these anytime you find them. If you’re not? Find compelling images like these. Free Stock Image sites abound. Start building a stable of Images you can build Content around. Images that evoke nostalgia, curiosity, calm and compelling. You have to decide what emotion you want to create. The images don’t even have to be related to your brand or product directly. Advertising Agencies have used this principle for years. You can do what the big brands do, with color, images and great content.

Love y’all, Brenda

P.S. If you haven’t guessed by now- A bicycle creates nostalgia and movement. A cup or a whole stack of cups is a proven image to project warmth and comfort. Eggs always represent Potential, even comfort for food bloggers. A Door or two! Even a bit scuffed, is always perceived as Opportunity. That’s why they’ll always make my top 4 images. And, just an FYI- you can blend stock Images with your own images, like I’ve done here. 3 are Stock Images and one is mine- I’ll let you guess which one!