"Very Red Cardinal" © 2012  ~ painted birdhouse by Carol E Fairbanks                    

                             "When in doubt..wear red!"                                       

                                                               ~ Bill Blass

                              At the Top of the Rainbow

"A Red Path" © 2013 by Carol E Fairbanks

Even on the "other side of the rainbow",  you could not find a prettier red than the flowers I encountered at Owen Rose Garden last summer. Red, one of the most vibrant colors of the spectrum,  is said to catch people's attention more than any other color. Since several studies have indicated that the color red carries the strongest reaction of all the colors, scientists have repeatedly recommended the color red for warning signals, labels and signs.

Not only is red used in communicating a warning and possible danger , but also red is said to be the color of passion, love, and courage. What would Valentine's day be without those red hearts?!  Even nature makes use of red to alert us when fruit  ripens, announcing its readiness to be harvested.

If you are experiencing a lack of energy or need a boost of confidence, take a walk past some scenes of red.  When you are feeling tired, you might want to "stir your blood" and wear some red. Know that by wearing red you may also be giving others the message that you're dynamic and confident. So be ready to assume leadership!

"Rainbow Mandala close up"  © 1998 by Carol E Fairbanks

Okay, how does red affect us so dramatically? Red has the longest wavelength in that visible spectrum we call a rainbow, and that puts red at the top of the spectrum of light that is visible to the human eye.  That's right next to the longer wavelengths of infrared light, that is not visible for us to see.  Watch out...at the top of the rainbow, things are hot...and exciting ... and very vibrant!

With all of this going for the color red, you might think that nothing could improve its vibrational effect. But on my winter walks this December, the intense nature of red, highlighted with a touch of green and framed beautifully by sparkling white, upped the vibrancy of that color for me. It's red that takes your breath away....it's a color that says "Stop, you can't miss me!"

"Bayberries Sing a Song of Red" © 2013  ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks

"Red Dancing in the Sun"© 2013  ~  photo by Carol E Fairbanks

And if you feel that you need any other colors, just feast your eyes on the snowy white...it contains all the colors of the spectrum!

In order to fare well in this world of ours balance is needed.  Too much red and passionate feelings may begin to render us too emotional; too little red and that motivation and energy may not be there when you need it. Nature, being all about the wisdom of balance, frames that energetic red with its cooling complement, green. Our human eyes do a balancing of energies, when viewing both of these colors together and your brain stays relaxed, while your body is being energized!

"Love that Red" © 2012  ~ acrylic by Carol E Fairbanks

Anish Kapoor has written, "Red is the colour of the interior of our bodies.  In a way, it's inside-out red." Maybe that's the real reason that we feel so alive around the color red.  It reflects back to us the very life force that pulses through us.  It reminds us that we are fully alive, and that is especially beneficial when we need some encouragement.  Red is our cheerleader, our coach, and mother all stirred up in one color.  Bill Blass has said. "Red is the ultimate cure for sadness",  and I do agree.
       

"Rose Garden Red" © 2013 by Carol E Fairbanks

If  you find your self love needs a jump start... try nuzzling up to a fragrant red rose and see how that feels.  More poetry of love has included the imagery of red roses than any other flower, and there must be a reason for that! Could it be that heart-thumping color that wraps its "arms" around you saying "I love you" ? After all, it was Robert Browning who wrote, "My love is like a red, red rose."

So how about it?  Did you get your hug from "red" today?