I asked my daughter to please not tell purple – my signature color of royalty-insanity since high school – but I’m kinda into blue right now.

“Me too!” she exclaimed, and I told her of a fashion magazine where a columnist made a blue proclamation herself.

I’m thinking the soft, casual sentiment of blue jeans, crisp cobalt, a peaceful sky and a calming sea. Blue is catching my eye this season.  I don’t think purple should be too jealous. The color wheel is a welcoming space.

Even so, Pantone has announced marsala as the color of the year for 2015. They call it a  deep earthy red with hints of brown, purple and plum, and it brings to mind the fortified wine color. I’d imagine it more for fall, but examples show it paired with bright orange and marsala is set to appear everything from furniture to nail polish. Just last year Pantone’s color was Radiant Orchid. In 2013 we celebrated emerald and before that was Tangerine Tango.

Purple on the Ball

I can’t leave purple for long. I saw purple lids and rings for Ball jars and had to snap them up. Paired with a green jar,  a display of yellow peas puts one in a Mardi Gras color frame of mind.

Gazing into my pantry filled with beautiful jars, instead of a mess of bags and half-used boxes, brings me peace and lets me eyeball what I have on the shelves.

Purple hull peas?

I met Gail Odom, executive director of the Newton Chamber of Commerce and she mentioned the Purple Hull Pea Festival. Everyone stopped talking and wanted to hear more. She had me at purple, and food.

This second annual event is June 27 in the Shankleford Community. Learn more about area events at www.Newton-Texas.com There’s a Whispering Creek Trade Days in Newton the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month. They’re looking for canners, crafters and antique dealers. Call 409-379-8400 to get in on this deal.

Odom would love to talk Newton with you. If you ever want to visit, call her at 409-379-5527.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com