Category: Photograph

Blooming Magnolia | Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, garden, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Magnolia tree, open magnolia cream color bloom, perfection

Magnolia trees in Charleston, SC for the most part are large trees with flowers to match. Big, beautiful and stately. They exude a sweet, mellow, wonderful scent into the air. You might see magnolia scent added to candles and diffusers for good reason. Everyone seems to adore this sweet, sometimes spicy, scent. Their leaves on the other hand can be a force to be reckoned with. They don’t break down and they rustle loudly underfoot. One thing is for sure, the beauty is worth the work!

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Flowers Bring Smiles!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
White table with vase of flowers, pink peony, two yellow roses, small pink daisy, pretty vase, paintings in the background

Flowers bring smiles, they just do. I’m pretty sure they always have. This peony is absolutely the star of the show. Absolute perfection in every way. So perfect, in fact, that it barely looks real! The small flowers that were sticking up a bit, the flower on the right is a beautiful daisy looking (pink) bloom. Stunning!

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Fathers Day… Love you dad!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Christmas Eve 2008 – Michigan

Years ago, Fred’s parents traveled to Michigan to spend Christmas with my family. It was wonderful. They arrived to a big snow storm. If you’re from SC a snow is as exciting as it gets. I’ll never forget this year. This photo of our dads was taken at my sister’s house. It’s a little blurry (taken with a real camera – no phones at that time). My dad on the left, Fred’s dad pictured on the right.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Happy Memories to those of you who have lost your father, Happy Future to those of you still waiting to become a father, and Happy Person to those of you who have chosen not to, but may help with a family or friend’s children. It takes a village to raise a good kid.

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Something to lift your heart…

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

I’m seeing so many people posting challenging times, deaths of loved ones and friends. Many people are dealing with the toughest of times. I ran across this quote long ago and saved it. I thought I would share in case you also know people who are going through the same. Maybe you can share this little smile that will lift there hearts if even a wee bit.

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McLeod Plantation Historic Site – A great place to visit…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, preservation, SC, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

I have driven by McLeod Plantation many, many times, but have yet to visit. I’ve heard wonderful things about it. So really want to make the effort one day soon. Charleston County Parks has a great website that gives all the details, prices of admission, times and even video. So be sure to add this to your list of things to do one day in Charleston, SC!

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Hold Your Loved Ones Tight

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS4 Comments
arched window, morning rain, fogged window

None of us can predict the future. We know that none of us will be on this earth forever. When we’re young we assume we’ll be here until we’re old right? But day after day on the news you can see there is no guarantee based on age. This is one of life’s challenges that we had hoped would never happen. The loss of a parent (my husband’s dad). A few thoughts…

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Summer Favorite: Roasted Shrimp & Tomato Orzo with Feta & Olives

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, FOOD, Photograph, Recipe, Salad, THOUGHTS2 Comments
bowl with orzo salad with shrimp, tomatoes, olives and feta, pickled okra

I posted a version of this recipe over ten years ago. It’s a hit. I love to whip this up in the morning and sit down to dinner with no cooking. What a dream! Best yet, the next day you have another meal (or the following day!) – no cooking! The tastes, textures, and freshness take it over the top. I love to photograph my husband’s plate because his usually looks prettier. I’m always in a hurry to catch up, snap photos, etc. I love how he added the pickled okra, so pretty! I gave a sneak peak on my Instagram/Facebook movie. Recipe below…

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Discover Charleston’s Stunning Architecture: Simmons-Edwards House!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, preservation, SC, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Charleston, South Carolina

Ah, the beauty of Charleston’s exquisite architecture. It simply can’t be beat. You can walk for hours (and hours!) and see so many beautiful sights, one after another. Between the grand homes, stately gardens, handcrafted wrought iron fences and gates – it’s enough to boggle your mind. Look for the little details, the pillar finials, the stone/brick/marble work that has lived on for centuries. What attention to detail!

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The Historic Charm of Charleston’s Older Neighborhoods…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, HOME, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
antique pine table set against windows, outside are live oak trees and blooming azaleas, lamp and plant on table

We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful area of Charleston, SC. This neighborhood will soon be 100 years old. Amazing the architecture and the quality of building. I love how, back in the day, they had the foresight to plant a live oak tree in front of each house. These magical trees make this area absolutely breathtaking.

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Morning Light & Shadows – Home Sweet Home

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Interior with dining table and chairs fireplace, artwork, small vase of pink flowers and mint, sunlight

Morning light is the best, well, that and the golden light at sunset. In the morning sunlight streams into the dining room. I love the light in this room and the brief but stunning bits of light and reflection (details below). Little hints of the past in the form of paintings/sketches adorn the walls. This is a happy place.

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Sunset & Spanish Moss | Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Favorite Things, HOME, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
live oak trees, spanish moss, sunset, beauty

On a few streets in the historic neighborhoods in Charleston, SC (not on the peninsula) there are the most gorgeous live oak trees. Many of them have been here since 1927. The Spanish moss grows thick. It’s how we can quickly see which way or how strong the wind is blowing. It’s graceful and beautiful with the sunlight shining through it.

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Saluda, NC Arts Festival TODAY – Celebrating 20 years!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Art Event, North Carolina, Photograph2 Comments
Blue sign on brick wall, reads Saluda Arts Festival 20 yrs, May 17th 10-4, colorful

The Saluda Arts Festival is today, May 17, 2025 from 10AM – 4PM. If you’re in the Saluda, North Carolina area, what a great event to pop in to! I love their colorful signs. I took this photo last time we were in the mountains and saved it to post today. We love Saluda, such a wonderful town! Cute shops, wonderful places to eat and such nice people.

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Architectural Splendor: 54 Tradd Street – Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Historic home, with flags, hurricane bolts, worn patina, beautiful windows boxes with flower.

Isn’t this a stunning example of historic Charleston, SC architecture? The level of detail is astounding. The fact that this home remains so gorgeous nearly 285 years later is mind blowing. I love the aged patina, the black shutters, windows and doors and the beautiful window boxes that make this house pop!

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Dahlias at Abide-A-While Nursery in Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn flowers, garden, Garden Center, gardening, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Spectacular, right? I think Dahlias demand attention – and they easily receive it. They’re beautiful in a vase or left outside, they are stunning in every way. A starburst of color and perfection. I’ve seen them in Maine (gorgeous) and North Carolina (breathtaking), and have always envied them. I don’t recall seeing them growing in the Charleston, SC area. Charleston can get quite warm and humid, maybe that’s why…

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