woman floating in the ocean
Terri Webster Schrandt

Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge: Ethereal #Aquamarine

Welcome back to the first monthly color challenge of 2024. I’ve chosen AQUAMARINE as the feature color. See below for the color example from Pexels and description.

glasses filled with aquamarine liquid
Photo by Jill Burrow on Pexels.com

According to Wikipedia, Aquamarine is a color that is a light tint of Teal, in between cyan and green on the color wheel. It is named after the mineral aquamarine, a gemstone mainly found in granite rocks.

Turquoise, teal and other greenish-blue hues also work for the challenge.

My collection of turquoise jewelry shows a bit more green than aqua, but aquamarine has a wide variant color range.

Turquoise Ring
Rings in Aquamarine and Turquoise

Aquamarine Waters

Light blue aquamarine is a gentle reminder of calm waters and clear skies.

woman floating in the ocean
Me floating in Baja’s aquamarine world

“Cool and calming, ethereal Aquamarine is a shade with a wet and watery feel. Open and expansive, this restful blue also acts as a stress reducer.” — Leatrice Eiseman

While many of us are enduring a long, cold winter, seeing these colors will boost your mood as we all wait for spring. I’m sure my friends in the southern hemisphere are enjoying their colorful summer days.

Years ago, we flew south after Christmas to Baja Sur, Mexico to vacation and enjoy various board sports. During those years, we were immersed in an aquamarine world. When we weren’t sailing or paddling, we swam with whale sharks! By the way, yes, they are the size of a bus!

Windsurfing in Baja
Me navigating aquamarine ocean waves
Whale shark also plays peek-a-boo
Swimming with Whale Sharks in Baja
Terri peeks at a whale shark
Truly amazing to swim with whale sharks
SUP Lake Tahoe
Surrounded again in the cool aquamarines in Lake Tahoe
Surfers await blue waves
Surfers Await in Hilo Bay
Boats in San Diego Harbor
San Diego Harbor
Aero on the Beach
Aero loved the beach, but not the water

“The bright blue sky remained cloudless, and the aquamarine ocean still crashed gently onto the white sand beach…”. — Lynne Matson

Arizona Rocks the Aquamarine

The colors aquamarine and turquoise are popular decor choices in Arizona’s southwest. After all, these colors appear opposite the orange and vermillion hues on the color wheel.

This 125-foot tower was part of a design that architect Frank Lloyd Wright proposed in 1957 as Arizona’s new State Capitol in Papago Park. “The Oasis” was redesigned and installed in Scottsdale’s Promenade in 2004.

Frank Lloyd Write Spire Scottsdale, AZ
Frank Lloyd Write Spire Scottsdale, AZ

“The colors of the spire were chosen to represent the colors of turquoise and copper ores that are very prevalent throughout the Arizona landscape.” Source

Sometimes even the rocks cry out

If you follow me on Facebook, it’s likely you read that I finally got to experience my long-time dream of visiting Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona.

“Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their carvings.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

woman gazing in antelope cyn
Awestruck

Ok, my shirt is a dark aquamarine–happy accident!

No there is nothing aquamarine about these, but I cheated using the sky’s blue-greens and aquamarines, so I could share these amazing images with you.

Twisted Antelope Canyon View
orange twisted canyon walls
Peek of aquamarine sky in Antelope Canyon

“The walls of Antelope Canyon are like a storybook, with each new turn revealing a new chapter.” ~ Unknown

And I have a lot more images of the amazing views inside the Lower Antelope Canyon. If you ever visit Arizona, Page is located near the Utah border, but only about a 5 hour’s drive from the Phoenix area.

Access to Antelope Canyon is today under the control of Navajo Nation. All tours are operated by Navajo staff and guides.

“Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon — a geological curiosity of tiny canyons formed when water seeps its way into fissures of the bedrock. Slot canyons are most common in desert areas. They are the result of many millennia of weather extremes.”

LiveScience.com

Stay tuned for more excuses to share these images with you.

Sharing for Lens-Artists Quotes, Marsha’s Wednesday Quotes: People Who Inspire and Johnbo’s CellPic Sunday.

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders

The Sunday Stills weekly-themed photo challenge is easy to join. You have all week to share and link your post. If you choose to participate with a link to Sunday Stills, please take a moment to also leave me a comment on my post.

  • Remember to title your blog post a little differently than mine.
  • Please create a new post for the theme or link a recent one.
  • Entries for this theme can be posted all week.
  • Tag your post “Sunday Stills.”
  • Don’t forget to create a pingback to this post so that other participants can read your post.
  • I also recommend adding your post’s URL to the comments.

While we are traveling, I often read your posts via the mobile Jetpack app. I apologize in advance if I don’t get to your link to read right away, as often I encounter log-in difficulties through Jetpack on some blog sites. I also won’t include the round-up the rest of the month due to travel and inconsistent internet. Please visit your fellow bloggers’ links in the comments section.

Don’t forget to join me for Sunday Stills next week as we explore the theme “Something to Do,” a nod to January’s National Hobby Month.

graphic stand up paddleboarder

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140 comments

  2. […] For instance, in her recent post, Letter from January, Anna Iltnere, the remarkable creator of the Sea Library in Jūrmala, Latvia, wrote about her delight at taking part in a Zoom call with a community of ‘blue editors’ from various parts of the world – the name apparently deriving from their mutual adoration of the sea and water. Over at Fictionophile Lynne wrote a post about blue book covers (Blue Monday? Books are the cure for that) and author Terri Webster ran a piece with the title Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge: Ethereal #Aquamarine. […]

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  4. I’m glad you were swimming with those sharks rather than me swimming with them, Terri. Since I saw the movie ‘Jaws’, sharks are one creature (along with snakes) that terrify me. However, I know that some can be friendly and are not looking to eat us. It must have been a fantastic experience, though.

    And your photos of Antelope Canyon are amazing. What a fantastic place to visit. It’s like looking at another world.

    Aquamarine always reminds me of summer, although I’d only go up to my knees in the sea (if at all). I’m much happier sitting and looking at the sparkly sea (with a cocktail in my hand).

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    • Thanks, Hugh! The whale sharks were pretty much like cows in a herd, obliviously grazing on plankton. Yes, Antelope Canyon was everything I’d imagined and more.
      I agree that aquamarine is a color I also associate with summer (or at least a warm climate) and the ocean. I didn’t post a pic, but after those windsurf sessions in Baja, it wasn’t long until I had a cocktail in my hand 😁

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  20. What a vibrant start to the monthly color challenge! The aquamarine theme beautifully captures the essence of calm waters and clear skies. Your turquoise jewelry and memories of Baja’s aquamarine world, complete with encounters with whale sharks, evoke a sense of serenity and adventure. The Arizona landscapes, from Frank Lloyd Wright’s spire to the captivating Antelope Canyon, showcase how aquamarine and turquoise hues blend seamlessly with nature’s wonders. Looking forward to more colorful explorations in the upcoming challenges!

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  25. Fun color for this one Terri! (although I must admit I’m not a fan of a blue Antelope Canyon!!) I loved those images especially and would love to one day visit. Also loved all of your watery images as I’m sure those in colder climes did! Hope you’re enjoying being in AZ as the country shivers through this crazy winter!

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    • Thank you, Tina! Only blue skies at Antelope Canyon, which is why I kept my tour date. Today is our last day in San Diego where it rained all day today. It rained Sat/Sun but just little, thank goodness. We leave tomorrow morning back to Arizona, then heading for home next week. Sure went by quickly, have a great week!

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  28. I enjoyed hearing more about your Antelope canyon visit as it brought back so many memories of one of my 1st bigger road trips which included finding this somewhat unknown destination (many moons ago). Loved the Spire at Papago park and although I’ve visited the trails around Papago a few times, I don’t recall seeing that beauty. Thanks for sharing!

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  34. Awestruck is right, WOOHOO! The Baja’s aquamarine world and the Canyon photos are breathtaking. It’s amazing how humans feel so small while our hearts are full when seeing nature’s creations in person and photos capturing the moments. You’ve captured the essence of the quotes you shared too. Well done!
    I look forward to seeing what other photos you have to share!

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    • LOL, thank you, Shelley! Walking amidst those swirling red rocks was humbling and amazing! Most people know I’m water fowl, so me swimming in any body of water is a normal day for me. I never felt scared of being so close to the whale sharks, but I admit to screaming into my snorkel several times from glee and surprise!

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      • You’re welcome! I’ll live through you and your thoughts about swimming in the water with fish. I tried snorkeling once and couldn’t tolerate listening to myself breath, it made me panic 😆 If I saw a fish that large at the same time I’d do more than scream. I am smiling at how you describe your experience though – that is fun indeed!

        Liked by 1 person

    • Many thanks, Debbie! I’ve been blessed with many adventures over the years. Antelope Cyn was a dream come true and that alone will chase the winter blues away. We start the last leg of our trip tomorrow but I’ve stored up enough memories and sunshine to last a while!

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  41. I like your turquoise jewelry Terri. One thing I miss about working on site is getting dressed up with accessories. I don’t go anywhere to dress up now and I also like turquoise jewelry. It never goes out of style. The picture of you floating looks so relaxing. Your shirt is perfect for this Challenge in the SUP picture. Are you always tethered to the paddleboard? I guess I didn’t notice it in your other photos. Hilo Bay is pretty. My boss just returned from three weeks’ vacation in Hawaii and he was surfing … he will be 77 in March and started surfing later in life. I’d be awestruck in Antelope Canyon too. It looks like there is lots to see – your head would be constantly swiveling around! That’s a fun image of you on the paddleboard at the very end of the post.

    Here is my post for this week. When I saw the Challenge color, I knew there was signage in this park that was in this aquamarine/turquoise color. A prior post from the same excursion worked for your brown Challenge.

    Marshmallow pies and berry-blue skies.

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    • Thank you, Linda! I bought another turquoise pinky ring after my canyon tour from a Navajo vendor a few miles away.
      I really enjoy the water. Since being with Hans, we’ve had some crazy adventures. Despite years of me windsurfing, having learned at age 50, I prefer to SUP. Less punishing 😉

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      • I like Southwest-inspired clothing too and I like the look of the silver jewelry. I should have learned to swim at some point; maybe I’d be more adventurous. I follow a Facebook group which is photographers, mostly amateur, who take nature and landscape photos at our 13 Metroparks. It has been brutally cold here and someone was paragliding the other day – a photographer snapped their picture as they went over Kent Lake.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Yes and someone posted a photo of an owl (on my coveted bird list) that they saw during the daytime at Lake Erie Metropark where I go on the time, so I need to keep my eyes peeled for it.

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  42. Wow, you’ve given me a ton of reasons to love aquamarine anew! I love the floaty picture of you. But what about floating with with sharks? Huh!? Seriously? I thought you were my logical friend! Your Antelope Canyon pictures are super stunning. I like what you did with the colors. I hope you are having a wonderful week. We miss you. Vince has been having a great week.

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  53. Terri, aquamarine is one of my favorite colors as it is in the blue/green family and reminds me of my favorite place – the ocean. I love all your choices for representing the color, but most especially the one of you floating weightless in Baja. That one is perfect!

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  56. My favorite color! Aquamarine, or Mediterranean green. You are right there is something to boost the mood. Maybe it is the conncection to the sea for me, but oh how I love it. What a fantastic trip to Baja. You are better then me. Not sure I would like the sharks swim. Nice quotes with your photos. I love what you did with your Antelope Canyon shots and editing. It is a pretty humbling and impressive place to visit.

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  59. Terri,
    You have an impressive Turquoise collection. Thanks for sharing. Sorry about the rain in San Diego–I guess you will have to watch football 🏈 😜! Loved Antelope Canyon, and hope to return sometime. Have a great week! Joe

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    • Thank you, Joe! I’m glad you got to experience the canyon, worth all the efforts for me to finally visit. My daughter’s birthday is today and we’ll be bopping around Balboa Park and visiting a couple of museums. There is a “window” of no rain so we’ll see.

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  65. Beautiful post and color, Terri. One of the best things about tropical oceans and glacial likes is the gorgeous teal water. So stunning. And I love your photos of Antelope Canyon. I was there last year and it was breathtaking. I’m so glad you got there. ❤

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    • Oh you got to experience Antelope Cyn too! Wasn’t it amazing? It was worth the 10-hour solo round trip drive (and I made a big dent in an audiobook). Marsha was originally supposed to go but some things happened. One of these days, I hope to capture a glacial lake–maybe this summer in Banff if we can go! Thank you, Diana!

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    • Thanks so much, Graham! I’ve shared the whale shark pics a few times. That in itself was a heart-thumping experience, swimming next to those giant cows of the sea. Of course they have no teeth, but I was worried their tails would swish me away! I was so amazed to be inside Antelope Canyon finally. I was awestruck!

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