Blue Cabin Fever and Pantone 2020 Remedy

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April 18, 2020

So when 2020 came in, first thing in the morning January 1st I sat with my journal and wrote down my intentions for the year to come. While I was contemplating what I would like to create, a strong feeling came that the number one thing I want for this year is more memories with my family. . . As I held this thought in my mind for a few minutes it then dawned on me that I wanted to do that one thing:

Take a trip to Greece!

For those who don’t know me, I was born, raised and lived the first 30 years of my life in Athens, Greece. The last time I visited was about 10 years ago only to attend a funeral–so not a fun trip! The thought now was that my kids are grownups, and it would be a whole other experience to take a real vacation there and finally introduce them to my roots and show them around.

So off I went, and called them making the announcement: WE ARE GOING TO GREECE THIS MAY

–and everybody flipped out!

Here we are: My husband, Mark, my son, Georgie, my daughter, Natalia, and son-in-law, Josh

By January 9th I had bought plane tickets, made all the reservations with Airbnbs, planned all the family visits and sites to see, booked car rentals, special attractions and boat rides. Everything was planned to the “T” for two weeks of an extraordinary family vacation.

Herodion theatre
I so much wanted to show them the Herodion Theatre that resides under the Acropolis, where my husband and I had our first date. . .

The plan was to visit Athens for a day or two, then go to my family’s second home by the water outside of Athens for a few days where I have the most fond memories as a kid. I was especially eager to take them to the Heraion Gulf where my dad and I would go and anchor our small boat when we went fishing. It is a very remote area with the ruins of an ancient temple of the Greek goddess Hera,  right  by the  sea!

Heraion Temple
Do you see the white arrow? That’s where my sister and I would dive from when we were kids! And the red arrow is where the Heraion temple is. Pretty cool, huh?

 

Blue Waters
Here is the diving spot. ( I honestly didn’t think it was a big deal at the time, but now I DO.).

 

Heraion
And here is another shot of the temple. This place sits deep into my heart and is where I go with my mind when sad (and not only) to get a sense of joy. It definitely sits on the top of my list of ‘MY FAVORITE THINGS’.

Then we would go off to the islands which I am ashamed to say I HAVE NEVER BEEN! We were going to be staying in one of these . . .

PAUSE

But now? 😩😩😩 You guessed it right: COVID-19 burst into our lives and all this dream went POOF!

Disappeared!

I know there are worse things in life and I am sorry to be a little self-centered but this whole dream got pushed into the back burner and it is UNKNOWN for how long.

So now I am sitting with the dream in blue cabin fever. PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2020 Classic Blue has become handy. Because if you haven’t guessed it yet, that blue runs in my veins, and when it got announced I was in a belly dance mode!

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2020
It is the antidote for my disappointment and ‘a promise in the sky’.

 

BLUE DOOR
Classic Blue dominates in Greece. It fills your eyes

 

blue door
and your soul!

 

small blue sofa
Living in Florida, Classic Blue is my ‘go to’ color for a number of my projects.

 

costal living room
It can be Coastal without looking coastal.

 

Barcley Butera chair Lexington Furniture
Story telling and dramatic

 

blue and white living room
or serene and peaceful.

 

Blue Accents guest bedroom
People love Blue and nobody twists my arm for it! It works beautifully with Whites (the other Greek staple) and it has so many personalities.

 

jewel tones and blues
It’s an awesome color that works with jewel tones.

 

Thibaut wallpaper
It can make bold statements

 

Barcley Butera chair
Or can revive a cozy a corner. Here I used this beautiful blue roses fabric by Thubaut and a timeless blue and white chair by Barcley Butera, one of my favorite designers!

 

blue parrots
Classic Blue can be playful.

 

Blue accent wall
It makes beautiful accent walls.

 

Barcely Butera bedding
And restful retreat-like bedrooms.

Our blog contains affiliate links. Any purchases, at no additional charge to you, are most appreciated and make this blog possible.

1. Florence Blue Pillow $79

2. Blue and White Glazed Vase $199.99

3. Blue and White Design Rug $275

4. Blue Hand Cut Bowl $149

5. Blue Fluidity Contemporary Art $519

6. Pair of Blue Velvet accent Chairs $359

7. Blown Blue Glass Lamp $457.70

8. Blue and White Painted Vase $92

9. Lapis Side Table $1,140

10. Blue Throw Blanket $59

 

I don’t think I can ever be tired of Classic Blue, and as far as I am concerned I don’t think it will ever go out of style. I can talk hours about it as it captures my dream vacation and let’s me dive into the blue waters with my imagination. And as I am writing this, the radio is playing ” I have a Dream” by ABBA  one of my favorite European bands, that later became the overture song of Mamma Mia (another thing that hits my Greek nostalgic nerves) so I have to include it to keep you in the feeling.

 

Greek blue and white church with blue dome
The only thing I would  change in the lyrics is where it says “I cross the stream”, to ” I cross the SEA”!

And if you like to come back later, grab your PINS HERE:

Stay Healthy!

Maria

11 Comments

  1. Janet Lorusso - April 18, 2020

    I’m so sorry your trip got cancelled, Maria! It looks like it was going to be fabulous! And I totally agree that blue is a most versatile and classic color…as the color of sea and sky, it works well with nearly every other color!

    Reply
    • Maria Degange - April 18, 2020

      I am patient and grateful for what I have for the moment Janet. Thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth - April 18, 2020

    Blue is my favorite color- this post is so inspirational!

    Reply
    • Maria Degange - April 18, 2020

      Thank you for stopping by Elizabeth!

      Reply
  3. Jillian - April 18, 2020

    I love this shade of blue so much. I’ve never been to Greece, but it’s on my bucket list. Hopefully we’ll all be able to travel again in the not too distant future.

    Reply
    • Maria Degange - April 18, 2020

      Greece is beautiful not because I am from there Jillian, bit definitely worth visiting. Thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. Christina Rodriguez - April 18, 2020

    I want to go to Greece. That is all.

    Reply
    • Maria Degange - April 18, 2020

      Ha, ha, mee too Christina! Thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  5. Mary Ann Benoit - April 18, 2020

    I love Greek style and all your picks. Pantone’c Classic Blue really is perfect! Wishing you safe future travels to that magical place!

    Reply
  6. Suzi Rugg - April 20, 2020

    Ahhhh, blue and Greece! My two favorite things! Thank you for the suggestions!

    Reply
  7. Amy Wax - April 22, 2020

    So sorry your trip was cancelled! (hopefully it was just postponed). Great post, I love your use of blue and blue patterns, well done!

    Reply

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