Just Bloom

Happy Monday! 

"Bloom wherever you are planted." Go for it! 

(Image: source)

The Art of Optical Illusion

At the Grand Palais in Paris, you will find something completely unexpected, like a geometric perspective localized painting on the exterior of the building. The piece entitled "Dynamo," is so dramatic, your eyes need time to adjust. The artist Felice Varini, created this piece using a projector and stencils. But your eyes won't be fooled for long, the piece can only be viewed at a specific viewpoint. If you're visiting Paris this summer, be sure to check out the exhibition at the Grand Palais.

To see more of Felice Varini's work here.

(Images: Pierre Metivier)

Happy Mother's Day!

... To all of the Mom's who inspired you to follow your own path. "Guided by my heritage of a love of beauty and a respect for strength -- in search of my mother's garden, I found my own."- Alice Walker, "In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens"

Paris in the Spring

At some point in life, it is just nice to dream like you're in Paris. No matter what season, it's lovely, but Paris in the Springtime is magical. The city has a soundtrack all its own. When the wind blows, the falling petals of cherry blossoms provide beauty, and street musicians singing songs from the past add cadence. The buildings basking in the sunshine resonate harmony. As the song goes, "... more and more do I realize: I love Paris in the springtime."

(All Images: Liz Rusby)

"Sitting there, alone in a foreign country, far from my job and everyone I know, a feeling came over me. It was like remembering something I'd never known before or had always been waiting for, but I didn't know what. Maybe it was something I'd forgotten or something I've been missing all my life. All I can say is that I felt, at the same time, joy and sadness. But not too much sadness, because I felt alive. Yes, alive. That was the moment I fell in love with Paris. And I felt Paris fall in love with me." - Paris, je t'aime

*These beautiful images are by Liz Rusby.

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Forgotten Spaces

Photographer Sven Fennema, captured the dark, moody quality that is present in these images, it's full of untold stories, which is so fitting for these lost and forgotten places. Check out more of Sven's work here. 

The Perfect Spring Salad

This strawberry craprese is delish, I promise you won't fall asleep at lunch from boredom, it's a tasty alternative to a regular salad. Give it a try.

Strawberry Caprese

Ingredients:

1 Bunch chopped basil
1/2 cup chopped walnuts 
1 cup bocconcini aka mozzarella balls
2 cups sliced strawberries

So simple. Mix all ingredients. Add the final touches of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic, and sea salt to to taste. Enjoy! 

*Photos by Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast.