Colour week - turquoise brings the beauty of the ocean home to me

Blue, or what I think of as my blue because I have almost no true blue in my personal space, is turquoise - all shades from palest aqua through richest teal. It's one of my three favourite colours and one that never fails to make me calm and happy - the colour of the ocean in all its moods. I have a distinct memory of one of the first times I was encouraged to choose my own clothes whilst out shopping with my mother, who bravely allowed me to have anything I fancied on this occasion. My choices included two pairs of corduroy dungarees - one in deep purple and the other in a lively teal - stylish! Fortunately I outgrew my dungaree love but the colours are still those that I choose today. And the ocean blues overflow into my living space too. In my flat I found many turquoise bits that capture the comfort or sparkle factor I'm seeking out during this colour week. I've chosen just a few...

~ my new quilt as a backdrop for my baby macbook - I love my bed and can spend hours here given half a chance, reading, or blogging, or browsing the net, and of course, sleeping - it is and always has been my most comfortable spot. The computer is essential to my comfort too - a link to the family of my heart, all across the world. I never thought it possible to be so attached to a piece of technology but I do love this little machine and at the end of this week it's having to go in for some repairs 'cause the casing's cracked (hence the tape) from just too much travel and use, which is making me a bit blue.

~ I love how the blinds bend the sunshine and create patterns of light and shadow on this little windowsill collection. The vases are two of my favourites, pretty even when they're empty, and although I'm not really a figurine person, my sister bought me this tiny girl with the blue birds (appropriately called happiness) and I do feel she beautifully captures a moment of joy. I think it's almost impossible to stand in that way, with arms outstretched, palms up and head slightly tilted back and not feel something positive. Try it and see. Or is it just me?

~ glass, plastic, polished wood, silver, mother-of-pearl, agate, crystal - just a tiny selection of the many sparkly bits I have hanging in my bedroom where even when I'm not wearing them, they bring me pleasure. 

~ the glow of candles is essential to my comfort at home and this one in my hallway smells subtly of a summer's day at the beach - gorgeous. The teal framed print in the background is one of my favourite Degas pastels, the original of which I was lucky enough to see in an exhibition some years ago. I'm not sure she's going to live there permanently but that's where she landed on unpacking and she seems happy enough at the moment.

~ A tiny beaded angel dressed in blue, bought in Cape Town at a city centre gallery I went to with my very dear friend, M, when I was last in South Africa. She (the angel that is, not M) hangs on the pinboard in my kitchen and recalls that lovely day, along with souvenirs of other cities I've called home and friends far away. In this shot a ubiquitous Roman fountain and a postcard of Paris - reminders of beautiful places and the beautiful people I met there and who are still in my life, adding comfort and sparkle through their friendship even at a distance.

Can't wait to see what the other lovely colour seekers are offering today in the way of beautiful blues. Have a look at Lisa's sidebar if you'd like a peek too. 

And have yourself a very lovely Tuesday!