Botanical Inspiration: Blooming Branches

California's mild climate landscape is overflowing with blooming trees and shrubbery.  As you may have predicted, I've been filling our home with different branches in full bloom.  It may seem overboard to some,  but I just can't resist these beauties.  Cherry, Quince and Acacia are perfect targets for my nature scavenging tendencies which clearly can't be tamed.  Take a look and learn how and where I found this botanical bounty.

I came across the cherry branches while walking Loki in our neighborhood.   A tree was being pruned and I couldn't resist asking for a few of them.  Now they sit beautifully on our hearth.

This quince acquisition wasn't so happenstance;  I cut them from [what could have been] somebody's driveway.  Shhh, please don't tell.

Mimosa happens to be my mother-in-law's favorite blossoming tree.   While driving back from Berkeley through Tilden Park with her,  we spotted a huge tree in full bloom.  I immediately stopped the car and broke off a few branches.  No harm done, I call it accidental pruning.

In colder climates, this is the time that most flowering branches can be forced to bloom indoors.   Bring a touch of Spring into your home, it will lift your spirits.  I guarantee it.

Making A Comeback: Fiber Art

Macrame is making a modern comeback and I like it.  Whether they're vintage finds from the 70's or newly knotted pieces, these fibrous hangings can add depth and interest to a wall.  I've got my eye on a few.  Now, to find the right spot to hang one.

If you have a bare wall that needs adornment,  think outside the box.  Instead of photographs or paintings, remember that textiles, such as small rugs, quilts and  macrame panels can be artful alternatives.

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6.

The Weekend In Review

Part of me losing momentum had to do with not spending enough time at home.  Since our arrival, we've been a bit over anxious to see and experience California and have been exploring it incessantly.  This weekend, after my epiphany in Lake Tahoe, we decided not to venture out and stayed home instead.   I did leave the house briefly to scout rugs for a project, but the rest of the time relaxed with my family and worked in our garden.  The comfort and familiarity of our home helped hone my creative juices and stir my momentum.  Sometimes, staying put is just what the body and mind crave and need.  Take a look at some of this weekend's images:

Are you a homebody at times, always or never?  How do YOU recharge?

Losing Momentum~~~Gaining Time And Clarity

Ever since last year I've been going, going, going.  Deciding whether to move or not, preparing for it and gradually settling into it, while blogging about it and other lifestyle themes every step of the way.   I'm very pleased with our move's successful outcome and how well Cocoon Home Blog has been received through it all.  Keeping up with both the move and the blog kept me in constant action mode, but after a recent long weekend away and the loss of my phone (on the first day), my momentum has slowed down.

Without a phone I found myself able to think clearly for the first time in a long time.   During our latest trip to Tahoe, I felt very sentient, not consumed by instagram, the blog or emails.  Just living the present in heavy boots, surrounded by chilly noses and beautiful views.   I finally had time to think about the creative things I would like to focus on, such as gardening and remodeling our kitchen, as well as enjoying unencumbered time with our children and growing Cocoon Home Design's services.

Although I bought a new phone on the way home from Tahoe, I have made an effort to gently immerse back into the virtual world, this time with caution.  I realized that I love blogging and will continue to do it,  but with less urgency and more dicipline.  I look forward to more quality time with my family and the pursuit of other creative endeavors.

You may hear a little less from me in the future.

Have YOU had any recent revelations?

'Til Monday: 5 Friday Favorites

Images: 1./2./3./4./5.