Christopher Columbus… 1492!

On October 8, 2012October 2, 2012 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Image: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3b51259/

Today is the celebration of Christopher Columbus arriving in America on October 12, 1492… 520 years ago today!

Here’s a blip from History.com

Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century but did not become a federal holiday until the 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. Throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have appeared in recent years.

History.com has some fascinating articles… here’s one of them, check out their site for more, video’s too!

Christopher Columbus

The explorer Christopher Columbus made four trips across the Atlantic in search of a water route from Europe to Asia. He never found it, but he did accidentally “discover” the Americas along the way.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

How Did I Get So Lucky?

On October 7, 2012December 13, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

That’s my mom on the left, the one that looks like a movie star… then that would be me and my dad (just call me FLASH I guess!) and my grandma… we had great times in her pool! (Watch me! Watch me!). Today is my mom’s birthday and she hasn’t aged a bit… of course this photo here was taken in the 60’s, I am a bit taller, and I tend to not run around topless…

I’m not sure how I lucked out and got such great parents, but I did. Believe me, I don’t take it for granted. I thank God everyday for giving me the life I’ve got. My mom and dad are cool and happening, they always have been. They were so awesome growing up. My mom was so nurturing, but tough when she needed to be (“Go read a book” she would tell me… I DON’T WANT TO I would say… then she sat me down and gave me her first Nancy Drew book… I haven’t stopped reading since! Now, maybe she just wanted some time alone, ha ha… smart lady!)

As I got older and moved away (going on 23 years ago, boo hoo), she remained a mom with advice when I needed it, as well as a friend to share recipes with, to talk about good books to read, places to go, where to go out to eat and all that wonderful conversation that I absolutely adore. Even though we aren’t big talkers on the telephone (neither of us has ever been), when we do talk, once a week or so, it’s quality time… not always important info, but stuff that keeps us close. Oh how I wish we lived closer. I know how fortunate I am to still have my mom. Some kids never have a mom, or have a horrible childhood. Others moms are taken too soon. So thank you God for keeping my mom around!

How did I get so lucky? I have the world’s best husband, the best parents (and inlaws too!) and the funniest sister ever! I am truly blessed beyond words!

Mom, we wish you the happiest birthday ever! I hope dad makes you a wonderful cake! E N J O Y Y O U R B I R T H D A Y ! LOVE YOU!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photo Weekend: Charleston… a walk downtown…

On October 6, 2012January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME6 Comments

For those of you who aren’t from Charleston… these shots are taken near Hominy Grill. Now if you’ve been to Charleston, SC you’ve most likely been to Hominy Grill. Nice restaurant, great breakfast, haven’t been there for dinner, but I’m sure it’s all good! If you take a walk around that area you can see the most amazing things. For instance, this house. You wouldn’t believe how narrow it is, but how incredibly charming is it? It’s quite like a treehouse! And lucky for them, they can walk to Hominy Grill!

This also happens to be very near the Ashley Hall Private Girl’s Day School. A prestigious school in Charleston that dates back over 100 years! Their grounds are beautiful from what I could see!

Look at this unique building on the Ashley Hall campus! I believe it’s called the Shell House? Very interesting! Take time to walk around and see what YOU discover!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Jeffrey Watts!

On October 5, 2012December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Work by Jeffrey Watts via Jeffrey Watts Facebook (image from 2009)

Isn’t this fabulous? This amazing face depicting every hard earned wrinkle. It looks as if this person could walk right out of the painting. To top it off and make it even more spectacular is the way the white of the canvas shows through in the background. In my opinion that just adds to what makes it so utterly amazing! This was painted by artist Jeffrey Watts an artist that hails from California…

One more fabulous painting… entitled “Babushka”. Image from Jeff’s website:

Here’s a blip about Jeff from his website (which is also amazing… check it out!)… click HERE to read in it’s entirety!

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jeffrey R. Watts is a southern California native. Growing up in rural San Diego county with an artist father, Watts demonstrated an early aptitude for the visual arts. But it was competitive sports that held his interest as a teenager. After an injury cut short his budding career in professional cycling, Jeff turned his focus back to art, enrolling at the California Art Institute in Calabasas. Watts was soon asked to teach at the institute and began to work as an illustrator in the movie industry. However, Jeff’s goal to become an easel painter would draw him back to San Diego where he started a small life drawing and painting studio known as Watts Atelier of the Arts. ( www.wattsatelier.com ) Jeff’s aesthetic sensibilities have long drawn him to the figurative art of nineteenth century Europe and Russia. His Atelier allows him to work regularly from the live model, grounding his work in traditional principles. Recently, Jeff’s work has been compared to that of Nicolai Fechin, an influence he is quick to acknowledge. “I never tire of looking at the work of Nicolai Fechin” Watts says, “his work is the perfect combination of control and chaos.” In 2008 The Taos Art Museum and Fechin House honored Watts with a Solo Exhibition in the original Taos home and studio of Mr. Nicolai Fechin.

Jeff’s oil paintings have won numerous awards including First Place Portrait category and Second Place Landscape category from the Artist’s Magazine, two consecutive Second Place Awards at the Salon International Exhibition, an Honor Award and an Award of Exceptional Merit from the Portrait Society of America, 3 Awards of Excellence from Oil Painters of America and 3 Top 100 Awards from Arts for the Parks among others. Watts is a regualr participant in the prestigious Prix de West Invitational held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Watts’s work has been featured in Southwest Art , American Artist, Art of the West, Western Art Collector, American Art Collector, Drawing and Workshop magazines. Jeffrey R. Watts is a Master Signature member of Oil Painters of America, a Signature Member of both the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association and the California Art Club, and holds membership in the Portrait Society of America.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

39 Rue de Jean, a fabulous Charleston restaurant!

On October 4, 2012October 2, 2012 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD3 Comments

My birthday was back in August… it fell on a Sunday this year, so Fred and I went to Rue de Jean for brunch. Let me tell you. WE. WERE. IMPRESSED. The service, the atmosphere, the food, the experience, it was all fabulous. We had the BEST coffee, wonderful food, and they brought me a dessert with a candle for my birthday! Oh, not any ole dessert, this was so special I can’t get it off of my mind, ha ha… POTS DE CRÈME AU CHOCOLAT – when you go, order it! Trust me, you will have a big smile on your face! I mean LOOK at this! Pure delight in every way!

Even the simple things had that classy French twist…

A glimpse into the restaurant… they also have an upstairs. Check out their website, and their MENUS! I know where you’ll be soon!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Robert Norieka!

On October 3, 2012December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Lobster Buoys” by Robert Norieka – Image: Sylvan Gallery

I love Robert Norieka’s style… loose and dramatic. His colors… intense… in a very good way. I LOVE the color of that little shed and how the buoys really stand out and make a statement. What really makes this painting stand out is how a good part of it is in the shade and the rest in the sun. The part in the sun is so colorful. This is such a fantastic painting done by an artist who can paint watercolor, acrylic and oil (i’m sure there’s more he does, but that’s what we saw the other day at the Sylvan Gallery in Wiscasset, Maine).

If you’re in the Wiscasset area, I urge you to pop in Sylvan Gallery and take a peek! Then run down to TREATS for some… TREATS! Hee hee…

Here’s a blip about Robert from the Sylvan Gallery (Wiscasset, Maine) website:

Robert is a graduate of Paier School of Art and has been a professional artist for thirty-five years. His passion for art is matched by a natural talent to paint a wide variety of subjects, highlighted by expressive coastal scenes, intimate woodland pictorials and seasonal treks through the countryside. He has been inspired by the many pleasurable memories of his boyhood; which was spent joyfully fishing, and catching turtles and frogs.

A prominent national award winning artist and illustrator, Robert’s paintings hang in both corporate and private collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. His painting Catfish and Turtles is in the permanent collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art. He is represented in numerous galleries and teaches and lectures throughout New England. He has illustrated magazine editorials and seven books. He is an elected member of the National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic, the Salmagundi Club, the Lyme Art Association, the Connecticut Watercolor Society, the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society, the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts and he is a signature member of the New England Watercolor Society.

So far in 2012 Robert Noreika has already won two significant awards including the Robert Sanstrom Prize – $5,000 and GOLD MEDAL, at the National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic, and the Second Prize Award at the National Open Show of the New England Watercolor Society. Awards in 2011 include a first award in the New England Watercolor Society’s regional show at the Attleboro Museum as well as awards at the Salmagundi Show in NYC and from the New Haven Paint and Clay Club.

Noreika is a featured artist in 100 Artists of New England published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. in 2010.

And through October 29, 2012…

A New Exhibition at Sylvan Gallery

“Bold Impressions”

The Paintings of Robert Noreika

September 28th – October 29th

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Laura B – Monhegan bound…

On October 2, 2012January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

The Laura B is a magnificent boat that takes you and your belongings to Monhegan Island, Maine. It departs from Port Clyde, Maine. It’s about a one hour ride, the shortest ride of the three boats that are Monhegan bound. This year while we were on Monhegan there was a storm. It rained that night and the winds howled. It was exciting. I love weather, can you tell? The next morning all boats canceled their first trip to the island. Word had it that the other boats might cancel the rest of the day, but Monhegan Boat Line would go at some point. Their route is through more protected water (or they have that option anyway…). So good to know that we’re on the boat line that will trudge through most weather to get you where you’re going! Ha ha…

Here’s an image from Monhegan Boat Line… can you imagine the winter?! Oh, I would love to be on that boat at least once in the winter!

Read a blip about the Laura B from the Monhegan Boat Line website:

The world-famous Laura B makes the early-morning trip to Monhegan every day during the summer season, and delivers all the freight to the island year ’round. She has both indoor and outdoor seating. She is also available for private charters and for hauling freight to any of the islands.

Built in 1943, the 65-foot Laura B is rigged as a heavy-duty work boat. Originally designated a U.S. Army T-57, she spent World War II in the Pacific, where she served as a patrol boat and carried troops and supplies. She came under fire during those days, and carried two 50-caliber machine guns on deck. This rugged vessel was brought to Maine in 1946, and spent the next few years transporting lobsters from Vinalhaven to Boston and New York City.

For the past half century, the beloved Laura B has been ferrying passengers, freight, and mail between Port Clyde and Monhegan Island. A prominent marine surveyor has described her as the best-maintained wooden vessel on the Eastern Seaboard.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sonoma Plein Air Event… Starts TODAY! October 1-6, 2012

On October 1, 2012December 12, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

The Sonoma Plein Air Event begins today! So many fabulous artists in one location! As you can see the gala is SOLD OUT! Here is a list of events from the Sonoma Plein Air website:

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2012:

Artists check in on Monday, October 1st
Artists paint in various locations throughout Sonoma Valley during the week of the event.

Tuesday, October 2nd
“The Quick DRAW”
Please join the artists on Tuesday in the Sonoma Plaza at 5:30 p.m.
Take a look at the 2011 Quick Draw here.
Easels will be set up all around the colorful Sonoma Farmers Market for paintings to be created and sold on the spot!

Artists will have an hour and a half to take in all the vivid colours, sights and smells of the Farmers Market while creating a painting for you to take home with you that night!
4:30 Quick Draw begins
5:30 Farmer’s Market begins
6:00 Artists finish
6:30-8:30 Art available for purchase
Check out at the Charles Creek tasting room on the Plaza….

Friday, October 5th
The Gala Dinner and Auction with the Artists
This year’s Gala Dinner will be held at the Lasseter Train Barn
Be sure to join the Live Auction at the Gala….

THE GALA DINNER IS NOW SOLD OUT!
Contact us to join the waiting list….

Sonoma Plein Air Foundation
19201 Sonoma Highway
Number 321
Sonoma, CA 95476

Saturday, October 6th
ART EXHIBITION & SALE
Historic Sonoma Plaza
Napa Street East and First Street East
Public invited

10 a.m. EVENT OPENS
Meet the Sonoma Plein Air artists
Fine art they created during the week on location
in Sonoma Valley will be on display and for sale

LIVE MUSIC
To be announced

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hands-on-Art classes for children
Thank you Sonoma Community Center staff and volunteers.

ART DEMONSTRATIONS:

11 a.m.		Oil painting demonstration

12:30 p.m	.	Water color demonstration

2 p.m.		Pastel Demonstration

4 p.m. EVENT CLOSES

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photo: Monhegan Boat Line – Laura B

On September 30, 2012January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL2 Comments

Laura B – Monhegan Boat Line

Isn’t she a beauty?! We usually catch this boat when we leave Monhegan. It gets to the wharf and unloads cargo, you name it, mail, wood, furniture, lots of lobster traps. They have such an efficient system down on the wharf. Then we all pile on and head to the mainland, in this case, Port Cldye, Maine. It’s a wonderful ride when the seas aren’t rough. Once in a while you get the route that takes you by Allen Island, where Betsy Wyeth lives (Artist Andrew Wyeth’s wife). It’s a beautiful place… photos coming soon!

Wouldn’t this make a cool painting??

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Weekend Photo: Sometimes it’s the little things…

On September 29, 2012January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL3 Comments

When I saw this pallet sitting on the wharf in Port Clyde, Maine, I had to snap a photo… the way the sun hit it so nicely. Sometimes its the little things that can make you smile! We’re all so busy and it’s easy to take for granted the little things in life… make an effort to notice at least one thing every day, something small and insignificant, but something that makes you smile! Have a great weekend!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Brad Betts!

On September 28, 2012December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

“Teaching” by Brad Betts – Image: DownEastGalleryFacebook

Brad Betts is usually known for painting waterfront scenes… boats, ships, water… The above painting “Teaching” is a deviation that I think is wonderful! The light on the chicken… fabulous! I’m not sure why I’m so drawn to that window with the shelf and blue bottle. Drawn in a good way. You can feel the bright light penetrating through the window, can’t you? Nice painting indeed… the dark background with the nice sunlit chicken makes for some pretty snazzy contrast! Great job!

“Cozy Harbor” by Brad Betts – Image: ArtCollectorMaine.com

“Cozy Harbor” is one of the paintings along the lines that Brad normally paints, very nice! I just love all these seaside villages throughout Maine!

Read a blip about Brad from the Art Collector Maine website:

Brad Betts has been an artist for over 20 years and is a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). His paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, including the Mystic Seaport Gallery’s acclaimed “International Marine Art Exhibition” for the past 7 years. In 2006, he received the “Maritime Gallery Yachting Award” at this exhibition and in 2008, was recognized as one of “Four Distinguished Artists” at the Mystic Seaport Gallery.

In 2011, Brad’s maritime painting “Cup Challenge” was selected by internationally renowned author Ferenc Maté for the cover of “Sea of Lost Dreams”, the second book in the Dugger / Nello series. Brad is currently working on a book cover for Maté’s first book in the series, “Ghost Sea”.

His inspiration to paint all things nautical is an outgrowth of his youth, which he spent around the Gulf coast waters, deep sea fishing and sailing. Today, his paintings reflect his life-long appreciation of the sea. His work is filled with movement: schooners under full sail battle through wind-driven seas; and Friendship sloops glide through the calm waters of Maine’s inlets. The classic Betts oil is a summer day in Maine—blue skies, billowing sails, and shimmering seas.

In 2007, Brad and his wife Danielle made the decision to move to East Boothbay Maine, the beautiful seaside village famous for boat building. Living in an area with a rich maritime history and active working harbor offers Brad the opportunity to connect daily with classic scenes that most inspire him.

Brad has achieved his mastery of maritime painting through a blend of both technical discipline in the studio and a focused effort to retain his natural, inspired style. He seeks this through outdoor painting, “When you paint outside, the light and conditions change constantly. This forces you to simplify your decisions and rely completely on practiced techniques and natural instincts. In these moments, you connect most with yourself as an artist and the energy that comes from within.”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Dr. Oz: 5 Step Plan to Prevent Alzheimer’s!

On September 27, 2012January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HEALTHLeave a comment

Everyone hates to hear those dreaded words… Alzheimer’s Disease. UGH. You would make a few changes in your life to help prevent it, wouldn’t you? Well, the infamous Doctor Oz has a five step plan that certainly can’t hurt!

Read the full article from DoctorOz.com :

I will give you a quick summary, but you WILL want to read the entire article, it’s not too long, and explanations help you understand HOW important these five steps truly are!

STEP 1: DHA 600MG: Studies show that 600mg of DHA (an Omega-3) for 6 months boosts your brain so much that it functions as though it were 3 years younger! So, if you are taking fish oil, read the back of your supplement, see the DHA amount listed? You want to get 600mg a day!

STEP 2: Brain Boosting Switch ups: The older we get the more we do things the same. We eat, write, dial, hold a coffee cup, all with the same hand. If right handed start using your left hand for periods of time (and if you’re left handed use your right hand), you will be amazed how your brain actually needs to process what you’re doing… it’s not as quick and easy as with your dominant hand! Write words backwards, that’s another challenge!

STEP 3: BREATH! The 7-7-7-Stress Busting Breath: Stress is deadly for your brain… it’s like poison for the part of your brain responsible for memory. Stress can lead to high cortisol levels which can cause brain cell dysfunction, kill brain cells and make the brain actually shrink. Don’t roll your eyes dad… everyone should do this, whether you feel stress or not, spend some time each day doing the 7-7-7 breathing… Stress is like poison for your hippocampus – the part of brain responsible for memory – as it leads to chronically high levels of the hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels can cause brain cell dysfunction, kill brain cells, and cause atrophy of the brain.

STEP 4: Tease your memory: Did you realize you have the ability to memorize 20-30 items on a list? Start making a list and try to memorize…

STEP 5: Brain push ups: 7 push ups a day will help stimulate blood flow to your brain and generate new brain cells. 7 PUSHUPS A DAY. I say you hop up and give me 7! Hee…

Read the entire article it’s short and to the point, THANK YOU DOCTOR OZ!

I would like to thank Bobbie Stroud for forwarding me this Dr. Oz email… you are now a contributing editor, hee hee… Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Roger Dale Brown!

On September 26, 2012December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Harbor at Dusk” by Roger Dale Brown

Roger Dale Brown… this is another man who can paint anything! The twinkle of the lights in this painting is pure genius! It drew me right in and made me love it right off the bat! Very, very nice!

“Creekside” by Roger Dale Brown

“Creekside” is a plein air piece that Roger did and I think it has such character. As simple as it is, I LOVE THOSE WINDOWS! The fabulous shade on the sunny building, and in the sunlit grass, so very nice! I think character adds so much to a painting, and lines that aren’t always straight really gives it that character, doesn’t it? I see that Roger does a lot of the plein air events all over the country, check out his website to see when he’ll be near you!

A blip about Roger from his website:

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee Roger is avid about traveling studying, teaching, and competing in national painting competitions. These experiences expand his knowledge of history, nature, and architecture, which inspire his oil paintings.

Roger believes, as the historical master artists, such as John Carlson and Edgar Payne, that “plein air” painting is an essential element in being a great artist. He spends countless hours studying and painting on location, to continue to perfect seeing important nuances of a scene, a day, or an object, which are necessary in creating a great painting. Roger works hard to balance the emotion of a scene, with the knowledge of painting, in every painting he paints.

Roger’s oil paintings have been displayed in galleries throughout the United States and have won many awards which include: First Place in the Barnes and Farms National Juried Art Show, Museum Purchase Award and third place at the Easton Plein Air Competition, Best of Show at the Central South National Juried Show, as well as the Gold Medal Award from the Hudson Valley Art Association. His work has also been accepted in the Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition, and Salon International. Roger has been published by: International Artist Magazine, American Artist Magazine, American Art Collector Magazine, and the Artist Magazine. His works are owned by private collectors across the country and include many well-known celebrities and major corporations.

Roger shares his knowledge teaching workshops throughout the country. He believes in capturing the essence of his subjects and instills this in his students whether teaching plein air, figurative, studio or still life.

Fabulous work! His work has that step-back-in-time feel to it, how wonderful! Catch you back here tomorrow!

French Enamel House Numbers… Sharp!

On September 25, 2012September 6, 2012 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Years ago my husband found those cool French enamel house numbers at Williams-Sonoma, they no longer carry them, but plenty of places on the Internet do! Our house numbers are separate numbers, but I like the look of this very much! It’s a nice little touch to dress up your house… think of it as house jewelry

Here’s a blip from the Ramsign.com website:

The story about the blue enamel signs is fascinating. The blue enamel signs are the most popular and widely used enamel signs in Europe, and thus a deeply rooted part of our sign tradition. It is also the first enamel signs to gain massive popularity during the industrialization era. Already from the middle of the 1800s the blue colour was widely used across Europe for house numbers and street signs. The signs were just as beautiful as they were functional. One would really think, that the colour choice had to do with aesthetics. But the reason was, that only this colour was available for mass production, in addition to black and white. To read in the rest, click HERE…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image: Ramsign.com

Featured Artist… Frank Emrick!

On September 24, 2012December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Polka Dot Princess” by Frank Emrick

What a sweet face. Polka Dot Princess, perfect name for this painting! I love how the face is so detailed yet there is no background… For some reason I just love the shadow underneath her collar. Great painting Frank!

I enjoyed this artist’s website so much I just had to share it with you. He has such a refreshing sense of humor, it truly is a delight to read! And his paintings… VERY nice!

Here is a little blip from Frank’s website... I’m telling you, you’ve GOT to check it out!

This web site was created to encourage the sale of my art (I’m frame poor) which will inspire me to paint more pictures which will keep me out of my spouse’s comfort zone and thus contribute to my peaceful retirement. Hers too.You can contribute to this effort by forwarding my web address to everyone you know.
http://www.emrickart.com
Do it!

I love his sense of humor!

If you click on the EMRICK WHO? link on Frank’s website, this is the first line… I encourage you to read the remainder…