While pinning away on one of my favorite social media sites (Pinterest , of course), , my eyes were immediately drawn to this mosaic image. “Star Flower” was its title, and I had instant visions of the psychedelic 60s, “flower power” and all that jazz. And even though I didn’t live through the 60s (or 70s or 80s for that matter), the colors in this work of tile art really inspire me. At just a glance, it seems to symbolize the exact season that is quickly approaching us – the end of summer with its warmth and bright colors and a sparkling fresh new start for students everywhere.

I am about to enter my senior year in college. This bittersweet occasion will be my final “back to school” season, and (for dramatic effect) it almost feels as if it’s the end of an era. I absolutely love preparing for a new school year, and as far back as I can remember I always have. Shopping for school supplies is a favorite pastime and I will forever be a fan of the first day of classes (and not just because my birthday happens to fall on that day this year). I can’t help but view that coincidence as some sort of sign. It will be the start of a new age and yet another chapter of fresh opportunities to be molded and shaped.

I was excited that my color inspiration would be used on The Core. Not only because I think these colors are fab, but because my hope is that they will also move Core readers toward their own fresh start. No matter what you have to look forward to in the future, there’s always beauty in a new beginning. And, if my color inspiration is any indication, the future’s BRIGHT!

Posted by: Danielle Estes