It's a fickle thing, inspiration. It comes and goes in waves, some big and towering, some small but still powerful, some just ripples on the breeze. Inspiration cannot be sought -- it just comes. And when it does come, you'd better grab it and hang on for the ride.

Getting started is the hardest. There's this place of too little and too much -- and, especially in writing, when I'm determined to keep it short and sweet, I find myself with triple the amount I'd originally been shooting for. But on the other hand, that's not always a bad thing. What starts with one sentence seems to weave itself, growing and expanding on its own and leaving me with a piece of art in the end.

One of the questions I'm asked more frequently is how to create and maintain inspiration. I'm hesitant to rattle off a list of tips because that would make me sound like I know what I'm doing, when more often than not, I really don't. It's hard to make yourself inspired, but there are a few things I've found help me on my way.

>>browse the prettiest blogs/websites you know
>>take a break from all electronics, lay on the grass and watch the clouds. 
>>take pictures
>>look at all the things around you and write sentences in your head, describing them as accurately and prettily as you know
>>think. daydream. get lost in your own thoughts.
>>bake something
>>change your environment and go on an adventure
>>read a book
>>listen to music
>>and finally, have an open mind.

I think you'll find that inspiration comes when you're least expecting it.

What are some of your tips when you want to feel inspired?

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I'm pleased to announce that Red Currant (read the story behind the store and how I'm affiliated) has a new item -- Coral, a colorful poncho perfect for fall.

view it

Also, I'm now accepting November sponsors -- email me for more information!

Happy Wednesday!

xo

I slipped from the warm cocoon of my blankets and soft pillow. My feet touched the icy floor and a shiver ran through my body; I reached for my favorite sweatshirt. I headed downstairs and looked outside.

 Fog blanketed the grass, a heavy grey coat. I opened the door and stood there, drinking it all in. And then I stepped into the misty wonderland, feeling wonderfully small and lost, shrouded in clouds.

The world was quiet, save for the twittering of the birds far in the trees; the sky was a slight peachy color in the east; a sort of battle between sun and fog. Dew sparkled in the soft light, on the mums and crimson leaves and clothespins on the laundry line. And I photographed. I sighed inwardly and the soft clickclick of my shutter replied.

A sense of fernweh, wanderlust, came over me, wishing and longing and dreaming for the unknown. What exactly it was that I yearned for, I'm not sure. I think it's more the experiences of the journey that I crave instead of going to one specific place or experiencing one specific thing. I suppose I'm just I'm a traveling soul at heart.

The fog does these kind of things to you. And I love it. Anyone want to send some of their extra fog over to Oklahoma? Because we don't get it nearly often enough.



What do you favor -- clear, sunny days, or misty wonderlands?

I have a lot of favorites. Lots and lots of favorites. And sometimes, it seems as favorite is a bit overused, just like the term love. So, to avoid using the words favorite or love -- because those are passing and can change easily, here are some things that I really like at the moment.

fall. Oh hey, you know, just the thing that pretty much every blogger is talking (or shall I say writing?) about these days. But that's okay, I love it anyway. Especially since it gives me a justified reason to have my space heater on at all times. It's a little silly to have it on in summer, I know, but I can't help always feeling cold.

new shoes. Courteousy of a sweet older lady at church. They're perfect.

haircuts. This afternoon I headed for the salon. My favorite part? Having my hair washed. Pure bliss. (is that creepy?) I was long overdue for this cut -- it's a bit shorter than I would've liked it, but after playing with it and styling it different ways, it's growing on me. Thoughts?

And yes, I changed my shirt in between photos. It's how I roll.

sunrise drives. When the sun comes creeping up from behind the horizon, spilling the first rays of light over the landscape, that's where I want to be.

mini-sized outfit shoots. I seriously don't think there's anything more adorable than tiny sized fashion shoots. Most adorable thing ever. And as for Lilly...well, she likes it too ;)

iced coffee. Because I'm all for drinking cold drinks when it's frosty outside and warm drinks when it's sweltering outside. It's all about the opposites, baby. But in all seriousness, I've found myself making iced coffee nearly every afternoon. It's just that delicious -- and easy. Want to make one of your own?

You'll need approximately one cup cold brewed coffee, 1/4 - 1/2 cup milk, ice cubes, sugar to taste, and ice cream. I like to put in my ice cubes in first, pour in the coffee, add the milk and sugar, then the ice cream. Mmm.

What are some things you've been really liking lately?

xoxo

I woke up this morning and looked around my room. I knew something there was different about it, but I couldn't put my finger on it. And then I realized, oh wait, the piles of clothes are gone, cleaned up the day before. Yes, that's how bad it was. I should really get a grip on my messy nature.

No long rambling thoughts today, no insightful analogies on life or my roller-coaster emotions; just some shots from my room (because if it's clean, it should be documented). My decorating style is a bit of an eclectic mishmash -- part modern, part vintage, part southwestern, part kitschy. Most of the pieces in my room I've either found in our basement, thrifted, or repurposed. I'm satisfied with it at the moment, though; it screams Carlotta, and I feel at home each time I walk in. It's my haven, my own little corner of the world.

Also, I would like to say that it's getting down to thirty one degrees (fahrenheit) tonight and the warmth of the heater greeted me when I walked into the house tonight. Fall has officially arrived in Oklahoma.

xoxo