There’s an iconic line from the classic Bette Davis movie, All About Eve: “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night.” Spoken by the diva played by Davis, it alludes to the rollercoaster of events that lies ahead. The perfect line for today’s world – seatbelts required, indeed. But in these uncertain times, I’ve found something that actually stands out to soothe the mayhem (even if just for a few minutes – or seconds). The color yellow.

Yellow as in sunshine. As in a big bowl of bright lemons. As in a bunch of spring daffodils. (And speaking of blooms, yellow irises. Or a bouquet of sunflowers.) A fluffy serving of scrambled eggs (add a golden biscuit for extra comfort). A yellow ceramic pitcher set on a bright blue placemat (if filled with lemonade, even better). Cute yellow flip flops. A brilliant canary. A fabulous, buttercup-colored car (smile quotient – and adorableness – goes up if it’s a Beetle, a Fiat, or a Mini). A crisp, brand-new legal pad (it just makes me feel optimistic that I might actually complete the to-do list I’m writing on it). Sunny yellow rain slickers (especially on tiny little kids with rain boots). Busy, buzzy bumblebees (yellow and black is so chic). Fuzzy yellow bunny slippers. Or a little rubber duckie – come on, you know you’re smiling already.

The power of color is real, and beams of yellow shining through a glum day are like brief spots of happiness, sometimes even sparking creativity.

Which is exactly what happened to me yesterday. Crossing a parking lot toward my car after leaving the supermarket, I saw a woman, her arms filled with yellow gerbera daisies. “Those are beautiful,” I told her. (I do that, complimenting people wherever I go. It makes them feel good. And makes me feel better.) “Aren’t they pretty?” she responded. “They make me hopeful and are just what I need to brighten my day.” Me too (as witnessed by my writing this blog soon after).

My best example of yellow as a candle in the dark came last week, when B. and I were taking a walk along a beach up in the Bay Area. The day was grey and foggy, with no sunshine in the forecast. We crossed paths with a woman walking her dog and wearing a pastel yellow jacket. “I love your jacket,” I told her as we petted her dog. “The color is perfect.” She thanked me and then welled up for a moment. “This jacket belonged to my best friend,” she said softly. “She passed away recently and it’s the only thing of hers that I asked for.” She gave us a small smile. “I wear it to honor her and, whenever I have it on, I feel like she’s giving me a big hug. You’ve made my day by noticing it.” And her story made mine, warming my heart despite the lack of sunshine.

Yellow, I love you. Mellow yellow. Orange’s brighter little sister. However you see it, really see it.

Buckle up – and slow down for yellow lights.

©2025 Claudia Grossman