If you have read the introduction to my book you may recall how I discussed turning to colour as a form of solace in difficult or troubling times. That’s exactly what I did this past weekend by taking a last-minute trip to Portugal to go colour hunting with my dear husband. I shared some of my thoughts on business, love, friendships and home earlier in the year, and wrote about how I knew more difficult decisions and painful events would come alongside all the amazing opportunities I’m blessed to receive via running my own business. Despite holding that knowledge, some of the things I’ve come up both professionally and personally in the past month or so have really tested my strength of character. You know those moments where you feel sick to your stomach after discovering a bleak reality in someone you had so deeply placed your trust in? Just horrible. This has happened to me in both my professional and personal life in the past month or so and it hit me really hard, leaving me feeling incredibly drained. I was determined to keep my word and learn from the situations in life that result in pain, heartache and a searing sense of loss. Yet I felt as though I was reaching a point where I felt numb and as though I wasn’t learning: I needed to regain my focus and cleanse what had become a lingering cloud of negativity.
Changing my surroundings and taking time to clear my mind with two days packed full of my two dear loves in life – my husband and colour – really emphasised to me how much colour does impact upon my life. I genuinely can’t express strongly enough how much happiness and joy I get from seeing such gorgeous colours while sharing quiet moments with my man as we wonder hand in hand around sleepy, new-to-us towns. During a quiet and intensely-hued golden hour, I reflected on both the positive and negative events of the last month. I felt a renewed sense of clarity and calm, and I once again began to see what I could learn from those people and situations that left me feeling blue. It was as though these two days immersed in colour gave my mind the space to centre itself and allowed me to realise how fortunate I am to live the life I lead. I’m not perfect; other people aren’t perfect. I will (and do!) make mistakes; other people will also make mistakes. With each passing experience I’m striving to be a better person in all corners of my life, from being a husband to a businessman, and from my friendships to my creativity. So while these twenty six pictures might appear as simply pretty and colourful photographs, they are so much more than that. To me this weekend of colour hunting was the pure essence of make-you-smile style, and I’m thanking all my lucky stars that I was able to share, cry, laugh, grow and learn alongside my heartmate.
// Photography by Will Taylor on iPhone 5S
25 Comments
Hi Will, love these photos of Portugal – we went for a weekend last year and it was just wonderful. I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had a rough ride the last month, it sounds like you’re over it though and Ramsey to take September in your stride! Sending lots of love and best wishes xx xx
@Louisa – Thank you so much. I’m feeling so much better and back to my usual self; it was much needed. Loving following your Seattle adventures! Big hugs xx
I`m so sorry to here that you’ve had such bad and hurting experience! People who let you down are the worst. Big hugs xx
@Emelie – Thank you. It sure is but I’m definitely feeling much more positive now. Have a fantastic week! Hope to see you soon! xx
Dear Will, so sorry to hear you’ve gone through some tough times. As you say we all make mistakes, that in itself is very freeing. I try to think that others never intend to hurt or offend me but as non of us are perfect we sometimes do, and most often unintentionally. Wonderful colours, just the antidote to wash away the Monday Blues. Have a great week!
@Rochelle – I couldn’t have said it better myself. Have a wonderful week! x
Beautiful photos Will. I hope the time away helped. I would like to thank you as since having my son I have stopped working and we can’t afford to go anywhere beautiful like Portugal. Your lovely photos help to keep my wanderlust at bay and the beautiful colours truly do make me smile. Keep at it as your blog and book bring smiles to so many. Amy x
@Amy – Thank you for your kind words and I’m pleased you enjoyed the pictures! x
I’m sorry people have let you down and made you feel sad. Without life’s downs we wouldn’t feel the ups but that’s tricky to remember at times! The colours in your shots are absolutely wonderful, so vibrant, I don’t think anyone could fail to be cheered by them xx
@Gabrielle – I agree! Thanks for the lovely comment and kind words about the pictures, I loved seeking out all of this colour! x
Well you certainly hunted the color down! Amazing. My (French) brother’s wife is from Portugal, and we’re dying to visit her family’s farm!
@Susan – You must visit if you can! So much inspiration!
My grandmother always used to say: ” you are lucky if you find ONE person in this world who is really your friend”. I take solace in the fact that despite my general lack of faith in others, I know that people like you still exist, albeit few and far between. xoxo from San Francisco!
@Kiana – Our grandmothers are so wise, I love that saying from yours. Thank you for the warm and kind words. xx
I’m so glad you are feeling better after what sounds like a bit of a rubbish few weeks. I always find it so refreshing how honest you are on your blog about your feelings, you really do put your heart and soul into it. Hope things continue to get better and better for you.
@Emma – Thank you for reading and supporting, it means a lot. 🙂
@Emma – Thank you for reading and for your kind support, it really does mean a lot! 🙂
Its the tough times which makes us more stronger…and gives us the strength to face, which we never knew we had. I really hope you have a great month ahead, a beautiful year and most importantly – a colorful life! These colors can cheer up any dull day :). Thank you for sharing.
@Kunjan – That is very true. Thank you for the kind well wishes! Same to you!
I remember your introduction so well, I was completely touched by what you wrote and imagining you as that little boy. I’m sorry that people have disappointed you Will and wish you strength, love and beautiful colour! Hugs from Auckland. Mel x
@Mel – I’m so grateful for all your warm comments and support from a far. I hope we can meet in real life one day soon! x
Hope you bright up! I sure do just looking at the pictures of my country seen throughout your eyes!
xx Sonia
@Sonia – It was wonderful, thank you! x
Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos. I was having a miserable day, but the amazing colours in your photos lifted my heart and put a big smile on my face! Hooray for colour hunting! Thanks again for sharing and I wish you all the best for facing your next challenges with renewed energy 🙂
@Caitlin – Thank you for leaving such a lovely comment. 🙂