The Colors of Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome provides today’s color palette inspiration.The ceiling of the Papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy

From the warm hues of dusty, golden light that stream through high windows to the flickering flames of  prayer candles, a slumbering haze infuses this Papal basilica.Intricate mosaic floors of the Papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, ItalyFresco detail of the Papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy

All color is caught in this suffused, amber glow.Inlaid marble floors of the Papal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy

Desert Blooms

As I was reversing out of the garage, a brilliant flash of color crossed my rear view mirror. The color was so startling, I simply had to investigate.

Upon closer inspection I found this.close up of cactus in lusciously provocative bloom in palm springs, callifornia

Our neighbor’s cactus was in lusciously provocative full bloom.  There is no other way to describe it.cactus in lusciously provocative bloomcactus in lusciously provocative bloom used for color schemes

Angelyne would blush if she found herself dressed in such a hue.  But there it was strutting its technicolor exuberance on a quiet street in Palm Springs.budding cactus blooms in palm springs, californiaclose up of cactus in lusciously provocative bloom used for color schemesclose up of cactus in lusciously provocative bloom in palm springs, callifornia

Who thought the desert was just all dust and beige.  Look a little more closely, but be sure to have your sunglasses handy.close up pic of cactus in lusciously provocative bloom used for color schemes