Gloomy days are the best days . . . for color, that is.

So often we get discouraged on a cloudy, overcast day. But when it come to capturing the softness of a flower blossom, gloomy days are the best. Some of our best work with blossoms has been on days when most people would stay in the studio and wait for the rain to stop and the skies to clear. In fact, on sunny days, we often use a light diffuser to eliminate the shadows and give us the same effect. This day we opted for God's diffuser - clouds.

The potter's house

Go down to the potter's house and I will give you a message. Jer. 18:2

So last week, like Jeremiah, we went to the potter's house, to see what he had made. We wanted to see how he transformed clay from the ground into something beautiful and functional. His pots were like people - different shapes, colors and sizes. Some had handles, some had spouts and some had nothing, but he created each one. Each had its own story and its own personality, and he knew them all.

To catch a glimpse of the potter's personality, it seemed only natural to surround him with the work of his hands. You can tell by the expression on his face, that they brought him joy.

Summer's end?

So here we are at mid-September in New England. It's 60 degrees today, but it could warm up over the weekend. Do we leave the life jackets on the dock ready to grab, or do we hang them up in the boathouse for the year? Maybe, just maybe, there will be a few more days during the month to take out the boats. But, maybe it's time to face reality, pull in the docks, and store all those water toys.

For some, it's time to pack everything up and head south, unless of course you already live in the south where it's warm all year. But then what do you do when you want to ski? You guessed it, head north for the winter.

Simplicity, the essence of elegance

Simplicity is the essence of elegance when it comes to really fine dining. Even a conventional salt and pepper shaker set looks elegant in the right setting, especially when you add a black and white tuxedo to it in the form of a Sardi's menu.

Remember, while perception is everything, it's always good to have a five-star chef on hand for that added touch.

Remember 9/11

Ask anyone over 50, and they can tell you where they were on two specific days in history - the day President Kennedy was assassinated and September 11, 2001. Any adult under 50, of course remembers 9/11. Both were days that changed the course of history for America, but 9/11 changed the course of history for the world. While thousands of many nationalities died that day, many more thousands were saved thanks to the efforts of previously unknown heroes who gave their lives to prevent further tragedy.

While our military and first responders went to work that day knowing they could be in harm's way, others just went to work. Yes, this is a day that we all remember how fortunate we are to live in a free nation and what it cost so many to keep us that way.

Innovation

Product innovation doesn't always mean new products. Sometimes we just need to give an old product to a two year old to figure out a new way to use it. For example, what better way to keep oversized sunglasses from sliding down your nose than to turn them upside down. Sometimes we spend too much time inventing when we could spend more time innovating. Just ask a child.

Sunbeams

September marks the beginning of fall. Leaves that change color first stand out among those that wait to the end. Late afternoon beams of warm-toned sunlight add brilliance to the early changing gold leaves in stark contrast to the green holdouts.

Bright beams of sunlight always seem so dramatic. They represent a supernatural level of energy, motion, a bold new beginning, a burst of power. The source of light is so intense, we can't look directly at it, yet in contrast to darkness, light brings out the color of everything around us. In fact, the smallest amount of light will always penetrate the greatest amount of darkness, but darkness cannot overpower light.

Gates

There's something about a gate that ensures a certain amount of privacy and security. Some gates are made of steel and have barbed wire across the top to discourage intruders. Others are more aesthetically appealling and would barely keep a three year old out. But no matter what the purpose, gates stir our curiosity, define our boundaries, and send a message that sometimes we just want to be alone. You can look, but please don't come into my space until I open the gate.

Big brother

It’s the first day of school and my big brother is off to kindergarten. For three years he has played with me and protected me. He’s been with me through diaper changes, food fights, spankings, sleepless nights and tantrums. He helped me learn to walk and talk. He’s been my translator when no one else could understand what I was saying. He’s my sports hero, my favorite T-ball player, basketball star, football fanatic and NASCAR fan. Now, he’s going to school. Someday, I guess I will, too, but no matter what happens, he will still be my big brother, my hero.