Laid Bare With Flair Contest – Day Nine!!
Jul
11
2009

Today we’ve got the fabulous Beth Williamson here talking about her awesome historical western romance – The Redemption of Micah. She’s graciously offering up a copy of Micah and a gorgeous handcrafted necklace her very talented husband made. I’ve seen his work up close and it’s so very lovely.

What’s Life Without Bright Colors?

When Lauren announced her Laid Bare contest for her blog, I knew right away what I would give away and why. You see, the recent release of my book The Redemption of Micah has a wonderful heroine named Eppie.

The Redemption of Micah is a story about self-forgiveness, but also about embracing who you are. Eppie has a sketchy past, and a fractured present, a woman caught between what she can’t remember and what she’s afraid to face in front of her. Eppie had always been full of life, and never started a day without wearing bright colors. After all, what’s life without bright colors? I think she chose the colors because it reminded her of the beauty and hope that life had to offer.

Eppie awakens in the book from a three year long coma to discover she cannot remember who she is or who the man at her beside is, nor the little girl who claims to be her daughter. Eppie’s journey to self-discovery begins in the bedroom she awakens in. What she doesn’t realize is she automatically begins selected those bright colors again to wear.

However, Micah, the man who loves her desperately, recognizes it and knows that Eppie is beneath the confusion somewhere. They have to get to know each other all over again, fall in love again, and overcome a great number of obstacles beginning with the fact Eppie is a mulatto and Micah is white.

Life couldn’t be more complicated for Eppie and Micah and somehow, they find a way to make it through the mess. Eppie might not ever remember who she is, but she accepts who she’s become and the love Micah has for her.

People may think I’m too much of an optimist in general, but I love bright colors too. I think particularly for folks who have had really dark times, the brighter the color the better. If we can’t heal ourselves, who can? Perhaps the bright pink of Eppie’s necklace will bring you brightness of spirit and good luck.

Here’s Today’s Question:What do y’all think? Do you think colors can have an effect on our moods, our outlook on life, even our behavior?


***
Blurb:

ONCE UPON A TIME, THEY LOVED EACH OTHER

Nothing about the room that Eppie awakens in feels like home—not the furnishings, the ill-fitting clothes, or the Colorado sunlight streaming in through the windows. And certainly not the stranger with long dark hair and silver eyes who claims to have been waiting for her for three long years.

Micah Spalding has spent each day hoping that Eppie would open her eyes and return to him. Yet the Eppie he loved was spirited and outspoken—utterly different to this reserved, aloof woman. Since her injury, Eppie has no memory of Micah or their daughter, or of a passion that was powerful enough to defy every convention. And though his scent and touch trigger something deep within her, Eppie can’t bring herself to believe in him.

Once, when war between his countrymen had almost broken him, Eppie brought Micah back to life. Now he must find a way to reach through the distance between them and remind her of everything they once shared, and prove that he has belief enough for both of them…

http://www.bethwilliamson.com/books/the-redemption-of-micah/

Today’s question is above, toward the top of the post. A winner will be chosen from the comments tomorrow at noon pacific! Good luck and remember, all winners must claim their prize within THREE days or I will dre-draw!

62 comments to “Laid Bare With Flair Contest – Day Nine!!”

  1. Zarifina
    July 11th, 2009 at 3:26 am · Link

    Do you think colors can have an effect on our moods, our outlook on life, even our behavior?

    Yes. For me I know the color of walls in a house effect my mood. My father loves bright colors so every time I sleep at his house I never get any sleep. However, in my house the cool soft colors always make me feel relaxed.



  2. LadyVampire2u
    July 11th, 2009 at 4:42 am · Link

    Colors can affect people greatly. It can be calming or make you antsy to do something. Colors can even distort your sense of temperature and well being as well. So I imagine they can help direct your outlook on life too.
    BTW, that pendant is beautiful! Love the seed bead work.



  3. limecello
    July 11th, 2009 at 5:23 am · Link

    Ooo I already have my own copy, so no need to enter me into the draw, but I think colors can definitely affect moods. I find blues soothing. Actually, red? Maybe makes me happy?
    I know yellow and orange are the “traditional” happy colors, but I’m not terribly fond of either :X And actually/ironically, I’m not so big on green, unless it’s nature.



  4. Christine
    July 11th, 2009 at 5:32 am · Link

    I love bright colors and they definitely affect my mood. But their are very few colors that I don’t like.



  5. Karin
    July 11th, 2009 at 5:40 am · Link

    I agree that certain colors soothe me and others irritate. I don’t like orange or anything with an orange tint on me. I see something I think looks nice, but when I try it on-ugh!



  6. Greta
    July 11th, 2009 at 5:58 am · Link

    I agree about colors. For some strange reason when I wear black, I feel I can handle anything that comes my way. If that makes sense at all.



  7. Amy Mowers
    July 11th, 2009 at 6:12 am · Link

    I do think that colors effect moods. I even think that they reflect your personality to a degree. I am a pretty shy, reserved person, so I don’t wear any colors that draw attention to myself. If I were to wear something really bright, I am usually uncomfortable, nervous,maybe not as happy. The colors in my house are a little calmer too, so I feel at ease.



  8. Melissa Conatser
    July 11th, 2009 at 6:12 am · Link

    I do think that colors affect how we feel and our moods. I also think that they affect everyone differently, more so than others.



  9. Jessie
    July 11th, 2009 at 7:07 am · Link

    I think that colors absolutely affect moods the brighter the color the happier I am, With soft pastels I’m calm and I tend to be unhappy with black



  10. Jeanette Juan
    July 11th, 2009 at 7:19 am · Link

    Yup I definitely thinkcolors can effect people’s moods because it’s natural thta bright colors make people feel more upbeat an dhappy while neutral and darker colors bring about a more somber tone.



  11. Blanche
    July 11th, 2009 at 7:25 am · Link

    I also believe colors effect people’s moods. I always feel better when I’m wearing bright colors like red which happens to be my favorite color!! :mrgreen:



  12. Kris
    July 11th, 2009 at 7:26 am · Link

    I think colors definitely affect our moods. Darker colors make me broody and tired, neutral colors are relaxing for me and lighter colors make me more awake and productive and loud bright colors give me a headache.



  13. Nancy
    July 11th, 2009 at 7:43 am · Link

    Love my cowboys!!!

    I know my sister mentioned to me that you shouldn’t paint a baby’s room yellow cause apparently that’s a stressful color for them or something like that. Not sure if I believe it, but I do know I would never want to live in a room that’s all black or ‘porn movie red’ 😆



  14. MichelleK
    July 11th, 2009 at 8:09 am · Link

    Yes I do believe colours effect our moods. I watched a TV show once where in the US some counties painted their jail cells pink because it is less aggressive.



  15. Karen in TN
    July 11th, 2009 at 8:16 am · Link

    Color definitely influences mood – it even changes behaviors such as eating (certain colors will lead you to eat more than “normal”, while others cause you to eat less).



  16. Jody F.
    July 11th, 2009 at 8:27 am · Link

    Colors definitely affect my mood. Black and grey make me kinda sad, while red and yellow make me feel energetic.



  17. Lisa F.
    July 11th, 2009 at 9:23 am · Link

    Colors will affect my mood. Bright colors make me happy where dark and gray colrs will make me down and sad.



  18. Suzana
    July 11th, 2009 at 9:25 am · Link

    Colors are definitely important for the mood. I’ve painted my kitchen green, bathroom is light blue, living room is peach-orange… it’s relaxing.



  19. Lea
    July 11th, 2009 at 9:27 am · Link

    Do you think colors can have an effect on our moods, our outlook on life, even our behavior?

    Yes, I do! When I am feeling drab and out of sorts I tend to dress in muted colors which makes me feel more drab and out of sorts! lol However, when really down, I do try and dress with more color and put on some make-up, it can make me feel a little more chipper. 🙂

    That necklace is simply beautiful. Beth, your husband is extremely talented.

    Thank you so much for the opportunity to win your wonderful book and such a gorgeous piece of jewelery.

    L 🙂



  20. Alex D.
    July 11th, 2009 at 9:30 am · Link

    I do think that color’s effect our moods. Last year, for my senior year in high school, my Language arts teacher decorated her entire room in yellow. After a few days, the entire class would have these major head aches and feel nauseous. When she tore down the yellow and exchanged it for lilac, we all became calm and serene. It’s interesting.



  21. Tracy
    July 11th, 2009 at 9:33 am · Link

    I find that I’m more cheery when I’m wearing bright colors, and more serious when I’m wearing black or other dark colors. I love bright colors, especially purple and red. Blue and green are more soothing, but I don’t like yellow and orange. I love turquoise, so the necklace is perfect!

    The book sounds great, and thanks for the giveaway.



  22. Arianna
    July 11th, 2009 at 9:39 am · Link

    Yes! colors definitely effect me. When it’s grey and rainy outside I wear yellows, oranges, and pinks. And when I see see someone wearing something bright it usually cheers me up. I think colors can have the same effect as a facial expression. I love vibrant things! 😀



  23. Lexee
    July 11th, 2009 at 9:43 am · Link

    I do think that colors affect our life. When we’re happy we usually want to wear brighter colors.



  24. Roberta Harwell
    July 11th, 2009 at 9:59 am · Link

    The colors in the necklace are amazing. Who doesn’t love bright colors. They put a smile on your face. Have a great day.



  25. Melissa
    July 11th, 2009 at 10:25 am · Link

    Hi, Beth!!
    I DO think that colors can effect your mood, your attitude, and just your life in general.
    There are certain colors I associate w/ happiness, those that are calming and soothing, those that are deep and depressing…..I love to settle w/ a good book in a dark colored room, it relaxes and soothes me, I love for my kitchen to be a bright, happy color…mine is a light lemon yellow.



  26. Beth Williamson
    July 11th, 2009 at 10:37 am · Link

    Interesting how y’all agree with me about colors – even to the point of what’s on the walls or what we dress in. I agree with all of that too!
    My favorite color is purple and I tend to think it’s very calming for me in lighter shades and energizing in darker shades.
    Thanks to everyone who’s stopped by today!! 🙂



  27. Patty S.
    July 11th, 2009 at 10:39 am · Link

    Colors definitely affect my moods. Most of the rooms in our house are paints a light, sunny yellow. Dark colored walls, especially browns, earth tones, depresses me. I love red, it makes me feel more energized. Blue soothes me.



  28. Valerie
    July 11th, 2009 at 10:39 am · Link

    I agree that colours are very important and can affect your moods. For some reason, I don’t take to orange, must be something profound about that…hehe!!!

    I’m a black, red and purple girl myself, although I do like all shades of green. I had to really work on my dad so I could have my room painted green when I was a teen. He found a lovely pastel green that we were both happy with.

    Valerie



  29. Gloria T.
    July 11th, 2009 at 10:56 am · Link

    Colors definitely affect moods In my home or clothes. Cool light Pastels are calming, were as bright colors are more energetic.



  30. Quilt Lady
    July 11th, 2009 at 11:02 am · Link

    Yes colors do affect peoples moods. I have noticed that bright colors put you in a more cheerful mood.



  31. Jane
    July 11th, 2009 at 11:17 am · Link

    I do think colors can affect a person’s mood. There have been times where I put on something red and better right away.



  32. Diane Sadler
    July 11th, 2009 at 11:31 am · Link

    I agree, colors do affect your mood. I wear black and beige to work not y choice but because it is dress code. I have always loved these colors in moderation but now that I have to wear them every day it is depressing. And specifically in the summer when you see customers in all kinds of beautiful colors the six people working in the heat in black is indeed very daunting to the point where some people have asked why we are dressed as such



  33. Marjana Kaly
    July 11th, 2009 at 11:34 am · Link

    Definitely! For example, each time it rain(and it rains A LOT in Jacksonville, FL) I get all depressed and sleep because outside is so dark and gloomy but when is sunny and bright, I just want go out do something fun.



  34. Amy Kathryn
    July 11th, 2009 at 11:35 am · Link

    My friends and family can always tell my mood by what colors/outfits I am wearing…I didn’t realize how predictable I was until several of them said something about it one day. Oh, you must be feeling sick because you’re wearing….



  35. Cindi
    July 11th, 2009 at 11:38 am · Link

    I am famous around here for wearing turquoise (my fav!), fuschia, lime and purples to affect my mood. I also believe it influences my body temp; as it is over 100 again today here in Texas, I need all the help I can get. And I’ve noted that every time I wear my brights, other folks mention how cheery I look and that it makes them feel more cheery as well. It works, I tell ya!



  36. Lisa J
    July 11th, 2009 at 11:59 am · Link

    When I’m in a good mood I tend to wear bright colors which make me feel good. Colors definitely have an impact on me. I love bright orange, lime green, and vibrant pinks and reds. They just make me feel happy. Greens and blues tend to be my soothing colors.



  37. Amelia
    July 11th, 2009 at 12:09 pm · Link

    I think colors do affect mood. I usually wear darker colors, but they sometimes have a bit of glitz to them. If I’m feeling cheerful I’ll wear bright colors. I try to wear peaches and greens often as those colors suit me best.



  38. Laney4
    July 11th, 2009 at 12:11 pm · Link

    Yes, colours affect our moods. A good case in point would be wall colours making you feel “closed in”. As for clothes, I guess they do affect us — some more than others. I am not “into clothes” (no joke intended); as long as I’m comfortable and not “hanging out” (no joke intended again), I’m a happy camper in most colours. Most people above feel good in bright colours; however, I prefer darker colours. I think it would be more the STYLE of the clothing, for example, that would affect our behaviour or outlook on life than the colour.



  39. Ley
    July 11th, 2009 at 12:48 pm · Link

    Colors can definitely affect or reflect your moods. There was a day recently when I quite determinedly wore black to work because I wasn’t very happy and didn’t really want to be noticed! Didn’t say it was logical! This sounds like a really good book, BTW.



  40. Estella
    July 11th, 2009 at 12:52 pm · Link

    Colors can definitely affect mood. I use cool colors(blue, green) on the walls in my home, but wear bright colors for a happy mood.



  41. Susan K
    July 11th, 2009 at 1:12 pm · Link

    I think colors affect our moods but believe that different colors affect people differently. I’m not sure if it ‘s because people perceive colors differently or because people assoiate certain colors with past experiences, bad or good.



  42. Susan
    July 11th, 2009 at 1:30 pm · Link

    Color absolutely makes a difference! I spent a year in a hospital and rehab center recovering from a car accident. Bright colors always made even a lousy day better.



  43. Crystal B.
    July 11th, 2009 at 2:14 pm · Link

    I do think colors can affect mood. They can be calming, cheerful, or depressing. Beth’s book sounds great. Love her writing. 😀



  44. Raonaid Luckwell
    July 11th, 2009 at 2:32 pm · Link

    Oh yes, I believe it has a great affect on our moods and such. Sometimes the colors we wear is so much better than having empathy, because we tend to reflect on the colors that we wear.

    Or perhaps that is my outake on it since I love using colors in art and such.



  45. alba
    July 11th, 2009 at 3:11 pm · Link

    Do you think colors can have an effect on our moods, our outlook on life, even our behavior? Darn tooting From the inside to the outside of my house to the clothes that I wear I wear a lot of pastel colors my favorite is the purple ,navy, to pink’s lately I have even gone to Orange and green which I thought I would never do your style change’s along with your body so colors have a huge impact on my feeling . I can’t wait to read about Eppie and Micah … Plus Nathan k. Is on the front cover so it HAS TO BE A SUPER READ. Even If I dont win Lauren you must tell Beth how beautiful the necklace is absolutely stunning



  46. Michele
    July 11th, 2009 at 4:06 pm · Link

    Colors definitely effect our moods and the moods of the people around us 😆

    Excited about today’s prize, loved The Education of Madeline so I know I’m going to love The Redemption of Micah 😎

    Oh please let your husband know the necklace is GORGEOUS!!!



  47. Michelle B.
    July 11th, 2009 at 4:07 pm · Link

    🙂 Definitely, I think colors have an effect on people and their moods and also say a lot about a person (the colors they pick to wear, decorate with…what they surround themselves with in their daily lives). I love bright jewel tones & metallics as well as wonderful earth tones like chocolate, burgundy, forest green etc. I love sparkle and flash and definitely pick colors that make me feel good. I have a wonderful carribean tangerine pants & vest set with a couple of great coordinating tops that makes me feel happy & summery when I wear it…always get positive comments on it as well and it seems to make others smile & be happy too…



  48. Mary Preston
    July 11th, 2009 at 4:16 pm · Link

    Colors definitely affect our moods & lives. When I wear any shade of purple I am ready to face the world – calm, confident, yet energized. The walls in my home are very fresh & bright & make me feel happy. When I get new pair of running shoes I glamor them up with nail polish. I run faster & farther.



  49. Judy Cox
    July 11th, 2009 at 4:27 pm · Link

    Colors definitely can affect your mood!! I love the new trend of all these bright, colorful necklaces. The book looks great! The necklace is gorgeous. Anyone who would wear, would have to have an upbeat feeling.



  50. Fedora
    July 11th, 2009 at 4:37 pm · Link

    I do think so–I know wearing certain colors can help me feel more upbeat or serious, depending. I’m sure color affects us whether we realize it or not!