Grey Days
I’ve been thinking a lot about grey, mainly because I feel surrounded by it: grey weather, grey mood, grey clothes (to suit said mood). But aren’t you supposed to be a Rae of Sunlight? Herein lies the problem with spreading good vibes: how can you share a little light when you’re feeling mostly grey?
The answer, I think, lies in the acknowledgment that we all feel a little grey sometimes. Weather happens, tiredness happens, life happens. I’ve been feeling my most jaded self, but the weird thing is, I quite like her. She’s got a sharp and cynical wit, she gives herself time to sink into a good binge-watch (guilt-free because she doesn’t give a crap about her to-do lists), and she takes no nonsense (watch out kids). She’s got a pretty good track record when it comes to getting things done, because despite her all-consuming tiredness, she’s got no energy to try and make things any different, so she takes what comes, rolls up her sleeves and gets on with it. She’s pulling me out of the grey, bit by matter-of-fact bit.
She’s got a little help too. It’s half-term for the kids, so I’m spending time with the family this week, this always lifts my spirits. I’m re-watching the awesome Derry Girls with my daughter (if you haven’t seen it, I can recommend). An impromptu round of indoor catch with my son yesterday reminded me how much fun you can have playing simple games (also reminded me how dangerous a soft ball can be in an enclosed space). Music: driving to music, cooking to music, singing (badly) to music, and some of that energy I’ve been missing begins to flow back. Before you know it, I’ve found some flow. I’ve found a smile that fits my face, and everything begins to fall back into place. A chink in the grey, a ray of sunlight pours through.
I like these cold, grey winter days. Days like these let you savour a bad mood.
Bill Watterson
What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?
John Steinbeck
Grey Aesthetic
Pallette: Core of a grey aesthetic is, of course, the colour grey, in various shades from light and airy to dark and moody.
Neutrality and Balance: Grey is a neutral colour, meaning it's neither warm nor cool, making it versatile and easy to pair with other colours or styles.
Calm and Soothing: Light greys can bring a sense of serenity and calmness to a space, while darker greys can add a touch of sophistication and depth
Minimalism and Simplicity: The grey aesthetic often embraces minimalist design principles, with a focus on clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and functional pieces
Perhaps the grey isn’t so gloomy after all.
This is beautiful, Rae. You are a "Rae of Sunlight" because you can see the beauty and necessity of gray days and colors. It's all about balance. I love that quote about savoring a bad mood!
I know that Sherwin-Williams would argue with you about the idea that grey is neither a cool or warm color! Have you seen their paints? I like wearing grey or silver because it seems calm, not harsh like black. But as for feeling grey, a different thing— one that's impossible to escape in February.