The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree….

On June 15, 2014June 12, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

You’ve heard the expression “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” meaning that you are a lot like your parents, whether you like it or not… ha ha… It’s so true, I’m like my mom in so many ways, but I’m also like my dad…

We love to collect art supplies, but are more hesitant to use them… sigh…

Technology… He was the first to get a digital camera, iPad and iPhone! It’s not easy keeping up with him!

Ahhh, technology… LOVE IT! HATE IT! Love it when it’s working… hate it when it’s not! It would be good if one of us were proficient, but we end up figuring things out.

So far.

Love to cook… although he likes more complicated recipes than I do… I tend to go for the quicker ones.

Maine… we all have a love for Maine. What’s not to love?

I am so fortunate/blessed/lucky/happy to have such a cool dad! Hey dad, just want you to know you are the best!!

Fred has his own apple doesn’t fall far from the tree story going on… he is so much like both of his parents…

His dad can fix anything, and now, so can Fred, he had a good teacher!

He shares a love of the outdoors, camping growing up, horses, time on a farm with his grandparents. Oh yeah, lots of similarities.

It’s funny how when you’re young you want to be DIFFERENT than your parents, then as you get old (and “old” is much, much older than what you first perceived it to be) you see how similar you are, and you know that it’s a good thing!

Think about your own “Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” story…

H A P P Y F A T H E R ‘ S D A Y ! ! Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Lunch Spot @ Botany Bay

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Peter Poskas

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Chicken Pita with Tzatziki!

All blooming at the same time!

On June 14, 2014June 12, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Well, an unusually cold winter made way for a gorgeous spring, wow! Normally they bloom one at a time, this year… all at the same time! Gorgeous… and the gardenias… ahhhh the scent is fabulous!

The far left are the gardenias, then you see the yellow day lilies, the blue hydrangeas and peeking out in front of the hydrangeas… the Easter lilies! Love it!

Have a great weekend! Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Gary Bodner

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Wonderful Art… and an update!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Guy Corriero

Featured Artist: Robert Abele!

On June 13, 2014June 13, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Highland Light Truro Dusk 16x20 Oil Image: Addison Art Gallery — Highland Light Truro Dusk
16×20 Oil on Panel
Image: Addison Art Gallery

I have always been a big fan of Robert Abele’s work. The striking colors and his style… I love it! His work reminds me so much of the late Charles Sovek, who we adored. Robert has his own style, but I think it’s very reminiscent of Sovek. The striking color of this lighthouse building at sunset against that gorgeous blue sky is just breathtaking!

Check out Robert’s website, as well as his work at Addison Art Gallery!

Hey, if you’re in the Cape Cod area tomorrow (Saturday, June 14, 2014) boy are you ever in luck! I would be there in a skinny minute if I were closer! Read this from Addison Art Gallery:

Plein Air Artists Gathering and Exhibition

Saturday morning, June 14 on beautiful Cape Cod

A fun day of painting will be followed by a reception full of collectors eager to see the wet paintings.

For more information or to join us in painting, please call the Addison Art Gallery at 508.255.6200 or email helen@addisonart.com

If you are one of the lucky ones to attend, please tell me all about it! Have fun! Buy art!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: House Plan: Block Island Cottage

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Louis Escobedo!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Garnet Hill summer…

House Plan: The Rosebud Cottage (SL 1862)

On June 12, 2014June 12, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

The Rosebud Cottage (SL1862) Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com — The Rosebud Cottage (SL1862)
Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com

Isn’t this a sweet house plan? This 4 bedroom/4 bathroom home was designed by architect Bill Ingram for Southern Living. There is a lot of living packed in this compact 1,760 square feet. Every inch is utilized wisely.

Main Floor - Rosebud Cottage (SL1862) Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com — Main Floor – Rosebud Cottage (SL1862)
Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com

I like the washer/dryer near the master bedroom, it certainly comes in handy! It has a nice open kitchen and living/dining area that works nicely. A great porch for sure. Depending upon the climate I might screen it in order to be able to leave the french doors open, bug-free! I would add an island for the kitchen to give more workspace. Otherwise… perfection!

Upstairs - Rosebud Cottage SL1862 Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com — Upstairs – Rosebud Cottage SL1862
Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com

Nice secluded private guest rooms, very nice if you were visiting! What would you change, if anything? It’s always interesting to hear!

All images via HousePlans.SouthernLiving.com

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Roasted Asparagus… the how to!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: House renovation – Charleston, SC

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Funny Church Sign…

ATTENTION SHOPPERS! Studio Sale with Eric Bowman June 14, 2014!!

On June 11, 2014June 11, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

No flashing blue light… nope, not at this sale… but, ATTENTION SHOPPERS is in order (may have stolen that phrase, sorry eb) – this Studio Sale is a place you will want to be, something you do not want to miss. This sale is one day only... and then it’s over! Just so you don’t miss a deal of the century: it’s THIS COMING SATURDAY from 9AM – 5 PM.

If you make it please take photos, I want to see what I’m missing!!

Eric’s STUDIO SALE will have hundreds of oil paintings, sketches, plein air landscapes and figure studies. If you are anywhere near Tigard, Oregon find a way to make it! There will be 350-400 paintings/sketches… These are paintings that either never left the studio, were returned from a gallery, or painted at plein air competitions. All are deemed framable in the artists eyes (and I think he’s picky, so they will be good ones!). I haven’t personally met Eric, although I feel like I have. This guy is a blast. Go visit him. Bring your money…

YOU WILL SEE SOMETHING YOU LOVE! Oooooh, I want to be in OR on Saturday so bad.

Are you familiar with Eric’s work? His work is some of the best of the absolute best. He’s got such a unique style… and those tree’s… they are just so Eric… so cool…

Free posters & refreshments!

Where? Eric’s studio, located at 7311 SW Pine Street, Tigard, OR 97223

Time? From 9AM – 5PM Saturday, June 14, 2014

Details? Nice guy, great art (and lots of it), prices that you will never see again! All packed into one day of fun, festivities, refreshments and free posters (get outta here!!)

Do you need a little incentive? (I can’t believe anyone would answer YES to that!), well here goes… a few of the available paintings… remember there are HUNDREDS more!

Check out Eric’s blog…

Are you wondering what Eric’s studio looks like (it’s quite amazing!)

Check out Eric’s website, his paintings are stunning! Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images courtesy of Eric Bowman – all used with permission…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Plein Air Richmond 2013

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Paul Kratter

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Are your eggs all in one basket?

The Easiest Coleslaw You Will Ever Make! Healthy Too!

On June 10, 2014February 21, 2021 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

Healthy cole slaw? Usually it’s loaded with mayonnaise and sugar… which is what makes it so good right? Wrong! I bought some shredded cole slaw mix at our local healthy grocery store, Earth Fare (love that place), and I wanted to try something different. I know we both like the mayo based cole slaw recipes, but would we like a vinegar based recipe? Hmmmm, it was time to give it a whirl. I found this recipe on the Food Network (Rachel Ray!) and it couldn’t be easier!

I had originally posted this with a rather sad image… because I kept forgetting to take a photo, ha ha… FINALLY have a photo that looks like the coleslaw before its three days old, sigh…

I was skeptical, but this recipe is delicious!

The only thing I changed below is that I reduced the sugar (original recipe calls for 2 T sugar), I used olive oil (instead of peanut or vegetable oil), I used only 1/2 tsp celery salt. More or less to taste… you can’t go wrong with this recipe!

Click HERE to print the original recipe from FoodNetwork.com!

OIL AND VINEGAR SLAW RECIPE – inspired by Rachel Ray – My version…

Ingredients

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1-2 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 sack, 16 ounces, shredded cabbage mix for slaw salads

1/2 teaspoon salt (or celery salt) (or 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon celery seed)

Pepper

Directions

Mix vinegar and sugar. Add oil. Add cabbage to dressing and season with salt and pepper. Toss with fingers to combine. Adjust seasoning. Let stand 20 minutes. Re-toss and serve.

Lasts a few days… Day 3 pictured above, looks tired, but tasted great!

Find the original recipe at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/oil-and-vinegar-slaw-recipe.html#comments?oc=linkback

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Margaret Lawrence!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Charlie’s Other Momma…

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Carol Marine!

Featured Artist: Chelsea James!

On June 9, 2014June 9, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Roselle's Blue Bathroom 24x24" Oil on Panel — *Roselle’s Blue Bathroom* by Chelsea James
24 x 24″ Oil on Panel

I love work that is fresh and different. I think that describes Chelsea James work perfectly! Interesting paintings of everyday things. I love these! These are scenes that are familiar to many of us. I think the color variations are fabulous. It’s not just a blue wall, look at all those colors. Chelsea paints with just the right amount of detail.

Utility Sink by Chelsea James 36 x 36" Oil on Panel — *Utility Sink* by Chelsea James
36 x 36″ Oil on Panel

Love this palette! Why do old sinks suddenly interest me so much? The detail is there in more abstract shapes and its wonderful! Chelsea has been in some pretty spectacular shows… what an honor… wow! See details on her blog!

Chelsea’s bio, from her website:

“Painting is a study of our existence, spirit, and environment, derived from experiences in life. I choose objects that evoke childhood memories, create situations of atmospheric mystery, and bring visual interest through interaction. I’m intrigued by subtle shifts in value and color; yet seek a personal interpretation of the objects rather than a replication. Personality is revealed through the process of painting. Abstract remnants from my process remain visible in the final product. The hand must obey the spirit. “

All images via ChelseaJames.com with permission from the artist!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Happy Birthday Cool Kiddo!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Peonies!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Pomegranate Juice – Good stuff!

Some Sunday’s you just need to hang out…

On June 8, 2014June 2, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This photo must have been taken back when we had cooler temps. Note the polar fleece cover for Charlie’s sofa? There is nothing this dog likes more than hanging out in his window… and some days you just need to hang out, don’t you?

I wish you a happy day of rest and relaxation! I think I will follow Charlie’s lead ;) – Move over Charlie!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Charleston Photo!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Leah Bell

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: English Pea Salad Recipe – Paula Deen

Lunch under the brilliant blue sky…

On June 7, 2014May 31, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This is just a quick weekend post to wish you a gorgeous day with sunny skies! Here’s hoping you can fit in a nice lunch under the brilliant blue sky…

This photo was taken at Taco Boy… a fabulous restaurant in Charleston!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Artist: Chris Groves!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Marine City Fish Company Restaurant… Michigan!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Kenn Backhaus!

Featured Artist: Connie Hayes!

On June 6, 2014May 31, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist4 Comments

Six Boats, Vinalhaven by Connie Hayes Oil on Panel 9x12" — *Six Boats, Vinalhaven* by Connie Hayes
Oil on Panel 9×12″

Connie Hayes. One of my all time favorites. I’ll never forget the first time I saw her work at Dowling Walsh. I was floored. Speechless (which doesn’t happen often). Large, gorgeous paintings, one after another. It was magnificent!

Six Boats, Vinalhaven is a wonderful painting full of all the wonderful colors on Connie’s palette. She catches that perfect light which just POPS out at you against a dark background, so, so nice!

Connie is part of a show at Dowling Walsh Gallery in Rockland, Maine, along with artists Robert Pollien and David Vickery!

The show begins today June 6, 2014 with an opening reception this evening from 5-8PM. This show runs through June 28, 2014.

Room at Apple Farm #2 by Connie Hayes Oil on Muslin on Panel — *Room at Apple Farm #2* by Connie Hayes
12 x 12″ Oil on Muslin on Panel

I am a sucker for interiors, and Connie’s are stunning. Room at Apple Farm #2 is no exception, that wonderful light spilling in the window creating those dancing shadows. LOVELY! I still go back and look at older pieces that I love (but are far beyond my price point), its fun to dream, and I do have Connie’s book, Painting Maine: The Borrowed Views of Connie Hayes (STUNNING) – if you ever see that when you’re out and about, buy it!! It’s out of print now…

There is a surprise element to this show… some of the main paintings I have not featured… just so that you will be surprised! Go look…

Fabulous, right? Love them!

To preview Connie’s show, click HERE.

Read the artist’s statement from the Dowling Walsh website, click HERE to read more about Connie as well as to see a critique of her show!

My paintings currently involve flowers, brooms, rakes, and workspaces related to gardening. Colors range from high key to very muted. I continue to be interested in glowing light, believable space, and color surprises. Greenhouses, barns, sheds and the ways tools and supplies are organized or untamed offer interiors quite unlike domesticated interiors. Tools for digging, harvesting, raking, transplanting, and organizing nature’s elements bring outside chaos into shed and barn interiors, appearing to win the game of weeding and edging of garden rooms. Portraits of flower heads present the garden’s individuals. Subject matter gives this new group of work a narrative quality, but I still like to teeter along the same edge of abstraction. The visceral quality of paint itself invites departure from explicit depiction.

All images via DowlingWalsh.com with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: The Sugarberry Cottage by Southern Living

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: James Richards

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Brickmaker’s Coffee Table

Houseplan: The Woodbine- 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms – Allison Ramsey Architects!

On June 5, 2014May 31, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

Precious, isn’t it? I would like to introduce the “Woodbine” house plan by Allison Ramsey Architects. Sure, Allison Ramsey creates drop dead gorgeous large house plans, but did you realize they do the same for small plans? Sometimes small is all you need, and whoa, this is one great plan! This house is approximately 735 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms!

Woodbine C0051 - Allison Ramsey Architects M A I N F L O O R — Woodbine C0051 – Allison Ramsey Architects
M A I N F L O O R

This is a great plan if you’re just starting out and also if you’re downsizing or retiring and don’t want all that extra wasted space. It’s nice that the Living, Kitchen and Dining are all nice and open. This plan gives you options. You can have your master up or down, which ever you prefer. Knowing me, I would move it back and forth, hey, why not!? We already move our rooms around… A dining room one day, a living room the next. While doing that we move around art and whoa, it’s like walking into new living spaces each time. So much fun (for me)… Since Fred is the one patching and nailing, maybe not as much for him until that part is over. Ha ha… We love our art, perhaps you’ve heard me mention that? hmmm….

Woodbine (C0051) by Allison Ramsey Architects U P S T A I R S — Woodbine (C0051) by Allison Ramsey Architects
U P S T A I R S

A bedroom and bathroom upstairs… I would even see if it’s feasible to not have it open to downstairs and make that either one big room for storage. OR a room that has the treadmill, and maybe some storage closets. That would be nice wouldn’t it? Keep it clean lined, as they say, with built in cupboards and maybe a floating sleeper sofa just in case you need an extra bed for someone!

Let me know what you think!

All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.com – images used with permission. Use this same link to check out other house plans on their website!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Beach at Botany Bay!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Summer Salad – I would like this now please!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Yet another funny church sign!

Featured Artist: David Vickery!

On June 4, 2014June 17, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Conjunction by David Vickery 48 x 42" Oil on Panel — *Conjunction* by David Vickery
48 x 42″ Oil on Panel

Those trees! That spectacular moon! The gorgeous blue sky with the twinkling stars, what is not to love about this painting? It is perfect in every way! It’s kind of like when you were a kid and you had the time and freedom to lie in the grass looking up at the stars. Ahhh, what a life, huh?

David is part of a show (along with fellow artists, Robert Pollien and Connie Hayes) at Dowling Walsh that runs this Friday (June 6) through June 28, 2014! There is an opening reception from 5-8PM. So… if you’re anywhere near Rockland, Maine I would hightail it to this show! Check out the Dowling Walsh Gallery online if you can’t make it!

From the Dowling Walsh website:

David Vickery is an artist based in Cushing, Maine. He has been working from his studio there since 1991. He is known for his precise realism.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is about the merger of nature and culture—an attempt to make sense of our place in the world. I look at interior spaces and our imprint on the landscape with an eye for the imperfect, quirky, and sometimes elegant adaptations we’ve made in order to live here.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via DowlingWalsh.com used with permission…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Port Clyde, Maine

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Marc Hanson!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Funny church sign!

Read this… it could save a life!

On June 3, 2014May 31, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HEALTHLeave a comment

Image via www.poison.org — Image via http://www.poison.org

It’s always better to be safe… rather than sorry. You never know if or when you or someone else may need help. Everyone should put this number in their phones, or in a place they will remember when they need it. You just never know! The hot line is a quick way to get an answer if you suspect poisoning. The examples below show that you can call if you have a question- spread the word so that everyone can get the help they need quickly and efficiently.They can tell you what to do, or if you need to be seen by a medical professional. MEDICAL ERRORS, DRUG INTERACTIONS, PET POISONING… the list goes on…

Read on… when I saw this I just knew I HAD to share it!

Thank you to all the Poison Control folks who save lives on a daily basis. Spread the word and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Rooftops of Charleston!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Owls Head Lighthouse: Maine

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Kevin MacPherson!

Featured Artist: Robert Pollien

On June 2, 2014May 31, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Spruces on Great Head, Mount Desert Island by Robert Pollien — *Spruces on Great Head, Mount Desert Island* by Robert Pollien – Oil on Panel 24 x 36″

Robert Pollien has some wonderful work at the Dowling Walsh Gallery, and guess what? If you’re in the Rockland, Maine area you are in luck! There is a show including Robert Pollien, David Vickery and Connie Hayes that begins this Friday!

Spruces on Great Head, Mount Desert Island is a wonderful piece by Robert. His trees have such character, they take on a life of their own. This is a wonderful scene that really makes you wish you were there, snow and all!

UPCOMING SHOW at Dowling Walsh Gallery in Rockland, Maine: June 6 – 28, 2014. Opening receiption June 6 from 5-8PM!

Read a blip about Robert from the Dowling Walsh website:

Robert Pollien received his M.A. in painting from Trinity College and his M.F.A. from the University of Pennsylvania under noted Maine painter Neil Welliver. Following Penn, he attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture.

In 1992, Robert Pollien became the first Artist in Residence at Acadia National Park. Pollien was awarded a Maine Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship in Painting in 2001. And in 2004, he was awarded Carina House Residency on Monhegan Island.

Robert Pollien’s work was included in Art of the Maine Islands by Arnold Skolnick and Carl Little.

Robert lives in Bar Harbor, Maine on Mount Desert Island. He paints landscapes of the Maine Coastline, working from direct observation.

Artist Statement

“My paintings are generally small, compact and simple. My goal is not to portray the land in an overly picturesque manner, but to paint the landscape in a way that rings true.”

All images via DowlingWalsh.com used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Red’s Eat’s – Wiscassett, Maine

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Charleston Gardenias

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Benefits of Green Tea!

Outdoor Fire Pit Parties – On Hiatus…

On June 1, 2014May 27, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Outdoor fire a few weeks ago... — Outdoor fire a few weeks ago…

I would say the nights that involve an outdoor fire are pretty much over until November or December. Ooooh, how we’ve enjoyed our fire pit.

So much fun sitting outside underneath the stars when its nice and brisk outside, but you are warm and toasty! I guess if you could do it all the time it wouldn’t be as special, right?

We bought this fire pit from Smith & Hawkins back when they had actual stores (and they were FABULOUS), but now you can buy them all over the place! Hey, always a good Christmas gift for someone?

Have a good day – Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Charleston Photo…

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Plein Air Painters of the Southeast!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: The Majby Chair by Ikea