inspired

"Make the most of yourself, 

for that is all there is of you." 

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

We're a week into the new the new year, and I've decided to change up my Saturday posts to focus on being inspired. What inspires you? For me, I find great inspiration from my surroundings, especially when I find beauty in them, in other words by being present and noticing what is around me I am so often inspired. Here are a few images of people, places, and things that have inspired me...

 in a Paris park -
I adore her attention to details
and how cute are her shoes!?

noticing a robin that blends right in

perhaps nothing inspires me more than a
walk through a beautiful garden

on vacation,
a quiet sitting area inspires me
to create this type of oasis
 right at home

patterns perfected, part 3

Continuing with the theme of how the Ottomans and the Turks seem to have perfected the use of patterns, I've put together a handful of photos from my recent trip to Turkey. 

gilded beauty at the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

serenity encapsulated - the Blue Mosque, Istanbul

sun light on a Turkish rug, Alacati

gorgeous use of colors in tile work -
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

stunning floral motif -
 silk with pearls, gold, and gems
at the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

more tile - floral motif
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

even the ground below is decorated

amazing, isn't it?
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

mosaics, carvings, and amazing details
Aya Sofia, Istanbul

Minimalistic, they are not, but I think the photos show just how amazingly intricate and beautiful Turkish patterns and decor are. 

alacati, turkey - part 3

Without a doubt, staying at the Tas Otel (Turkish for Stone House) made our visit to Alacati so very special. This beautifully quaint and small-scale locale is my idea of the perfect boutique hotel. You won't find a t.v. or a telephone in the rooms, intentional omissions that I happened to love. I also happen to love that you will find olive trees, palm trees, bougainvillea, lavender, and geraniums in the hotel's courtyard - it's a feast for the eyes!

the cream and blue facade 

in the courtyard 

tea time!

looking out to the courtyard

looking out to tiled roofs,
bougainvillea & a pomegranate tree 

breakfast - superb! 

the view at breakfast - lovely!

The Tas Otel might just be absolute perfection. I didn't want to leave! I only wish Alacati wasn't so far away! 

Check out their website.

alacati, turkey - part 2

I always try to capture some candid photos of locals when I travel, though I never want to intrude by taking photos, so I try to be discreet. The Alacati locals were friendly and traditional - probably a reflection of small town life. 

greeting an elder

usually full of locals enjoying some nice
baked goods and a cup of tea

local boys

local men

alacati, turkey - part 1

From the moment I read about Alacati (the "c" is pronounced with a "ch" sound) I knew I would adore this little town full of history. The goals of our vacation to Turkey were to see new places and to relax. We knew Istanbul would meet the 1st requirement but not necessarily the 2nd. Alacati seemed to fit that bill perfectly, and we could not have been more pleased with its quiet and scenic streets and proximity to the Aegean Sea. It was the perfect spot for a few days of total relaxation, allowing us to enjoy a slower pace for a little bit. 

even the town map is cute 

an old style windmill

an address marker  

blue and white decor throughout town

a local lady looking out
a balcony window

so scenic!
the sign - "nars" - Turkish
for pomegranate 

what a view!

evening in Alacati - so peaceful!