December Sky – Michigan Sunrise

I’m all about a dramatic sky. And… this is dramatic. What a gorgeous sunrise this was! This is a throwback photo – from the archives. One New Year’s resolution for me might be to clean up the way-too-many-photos that I cannot seem to delete.

I hope you will be enjoying a stunning sunrise (or sunset) soon!

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Photos this week – Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Christmas Cactus – always a good gift!

 

I have a Christmas Cactus that I’ve had for so many years now. It faithfully blooms every Thanksgiving – I love this plant. If you know someone who doesn’t have one, that’s always a nice little gift. They don’t take much work. I water mine once a week. Transplant it when it’s bulging out of the pot. I wipe the leaves down on occasion – they can get dusty. Maybe a few times a year.

This photo was from when it first started to bloom, which is always exciting to see! This plant will reward you with numerous beautiful blooms every single year!

Merry Christmas Eve, eve…

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Photos this week – Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

 

Charleston Sky and the Round Holiday Inn

This shot was taken in Charleston, SC heading towards the Ashley River Bridge to downtown Charleston (about a mile away). On the left is the round Holiday Inn – a landmark for many. I thought the sky was so interesting and the light at this time of morning was pretty cool too.

Whatever ventures you have in store today (Christmas shopping? Groceries for a big get together, Christmas parties, office parties, etc.) – Be safe out there!

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Catch you back here tomorrow!

No mountains in Charleston…

A quick snap of my phone the other day. The sun, some dark clouds, and blue sky. Quite the mix. It was as if nature didn’t know if it should be summer/winter – dry or rain! I love that dark cloud line that looks like low mountains on the horizon – no mountains here, just a swath of dark clouds!

I love weather and appreciate whatever it is outside (well, I may whine if it’s hot and humid – hee).

Enjoy your Saturday!

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Catch you back here tomorrow!

Watching Intently

Charlie watching intently out of the back window while perched in a chair. Not a muscle moves. Not even one of the many hairs on his body. He’s watching for any movement, squirrels and birds mostly.

Dogs love to be at the same level we are. He will hop up in a chair and sit back like you or I would. It’s crazy to see and makes me laugh every single time. I think it started when he was a puppy. The only way he would stay calm is to get in my desk chair (with me in it), he would sit up, back against the chair- paws in front and digging into my back. Once he got situated he would fall asleep, which also meant if I wanted a moment of piece I wouldn’t move a muscle. It’s how this blog was born. On 1/1/11 I decided I may as well do something productive, so why not figure out how to create a blog, the writing part was easy, the figuring out took a bit.

It’s been a great adventure. I can’t believe next month begins year EIGHT of a daily blog, which, I have to be honest, at times I have considered stopping just because of the enormous amount of time I spend on it. Even though my posts are rather fluffy and most don’t have a lot of research to be done (house plans and artists are different, those do take time), they still take a lot of time.

I hope you are enjoying this blog. I have received so many wonderful emails throughout the years – it’s what keeps me going. As a friend mentioned… it’s time to monetize – But how? Sounds like I have some research to do! Better get busy!

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog!

Oh! The light!

We have many old, large, live oak trees where we live – each one is so breathtaking. Their canopy is very large and this time of year when the light hits it’s just stunning!

Some trees have more Spanish moss than others. That’s a pretty sight, especially with the sun filtering through, very dramatic. These trees are like sculptures – stately. This time of year the light seems warmer and lights up the trees differently. Remember, it’s the little things in life!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Where is this??

Where is this? Do you know? It’s a familiar landmark to many, an indication that you have arrived, but where? 😉

According to Wikipedia.org this was created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair and was used as a Ferris wheel! I’ll add the link after I get a correct answer, hee hee…

Happy First Day of December, can you believe it?

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Catch you back here tomorrow!

Beautiful Charleston Architecture – Horton Hayes Gallery

Charleston architecture is beautiful, specifically the older buildings that have such rich patina, texture and such wonderful history!

This is the Horton Hayes Gallery on State Street in Charleston, SC. I have always loved the dark paint on the windows. This is one classy gallery, check it out if you’re in town, if not, check them out online!

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Catch you back here tomorrow!

A peaceful photo to start your day…

Thanksgiving. Over. Whew, time flies! Christmas… SOON! Can you believe it? This is a time of year that causes many of us stress. Trying to buy just the right gift for so many people, shopping, eating – remember the reason for the season – we may all have different beliefs, but I’m pretty sure most of us can agree that Christmas isn’t all about shopping.

Take time to be with family and friends, try to not get too stressed between now and Christmas – a tall order indeed!

Remember…

It’s not what you have in life, it’s how you make people feel.

Make someone feel happy, loved and appreciated. Take an extra moment with those who no longer have family. They could certainly use a smile and a quick hello!

Go out. Do good. Patience is a virtue and I’m pretty sure you’re going to need patience today!

May the force be with you 😉

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Catch you back here tomorrow!

A few favorite things…

A few favorite things on a table near Fred’s chair – an old table that was a cool find – well used with a rich patina. A gold cross by artist Barbara Biel (purchased locally at Elizabeth Stuart Designs) – and a home fragrance reed diffuser that is perfect for this time of year by Thymes (Frasier Fur) – smells just like Christmas (and refills are available, woohoo)!

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Photos this week – Have a great day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Magic everywhere you look…

At risk of repeating myself… it’s the little things in life that can be so magical. The way water droplets cling to a leaf. The light reflecting – it seems as if the water would spread out and not stay in a droplet form. #noticethelittlethings #fortheyarethebigthings #magiceverywhereyoulook

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Catch you back here tomorrow!

Best $5 ever…

Early Spring our local Harris Teeter had potted geraniums on sale for $5. FIVE dollars – including the pot! I snapped one up. We had it on our front porch but soon it was too warm and the geranium started to suffer – we then moved it to our backyard where it has been thriving ever since. When I say thriving, I mean this plant has bloomed constantly – it’s remarkable – and I would say very happy where it’s at! It’s added a pretty pop of color since Spring.

Best $5 ever 😉 – happy Saturday, I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!!

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View from the Lupine Gallery Window…

The Lupine Gallery – Monhegan, Maine. THE perfect reason to plan a trip to the island, whether it’s just for a day or for longer – it’s so worth it to make it out to this gallery. This is the view from the upstairs, pretty stunning isn’t it? My husband and I spend a lot of time walking around and enjoying the many fabulous artists that have work there. They also have wonderful cards, books, etc.

If you’re wanting to take a peek at what they have right now, lucky you! You can go online! Go check it out! Click the link below…

LupineGalleryMonhegan.com

Here’s a little blip about the gallery, from their website:

ABOUT LUPINE GALLERY

Established in 1985 by husband and wife team Bill Boynton and Jackie Boegel, Lupine Gallery is at the heart of the vibrant and historic art community of Monhegan Island.  We take pride in showing and selling works by many of the finest artists working on Monhegan today, and also feature paintings from great artists of the past.

The gallery is located on the Island, on the main village road and just up the hill from the town wharf.  We are open from 11 am- 4:30 pm, seven days a week, from May into October, and are available during the off-season by chance or appointment.  We live year round on Monhegan, and welcome your call or email anytime.

Contact us by phone at 207-594-8131 or via email.

We offer safe, insured shipping to any destination, or can package your new acquisition to safely and securely travel home with you.

In addition to original artwork, we carry an inventory of fine art prints and cards of Monhegan, including signed limited edition giclee prints by Jamie Wyeth, Paul Niemiec, Kevin Beers and Mary Alice Treworgy.  Our book selections range from the history of art on the island to many books of interest to artists and collectors today.   We also stock a selection of paints and art supplies, and are always happy to fill special orders.

We also offer custom mat cutting and framing services, with an emphasis on conservation framing.

Whether you’re staying at one of Monhegan’s inns or cottages, attending an artists’ workshop, or just visiting for a day, stop in and say hello, and enjoy our ever-evolving group show and exciting special exhibits.

We’re looking forward to seeing you on the Rock!

Bill Boynton and Jackie Boegel

Click here for some links to helpful websites and island businesses, to help you plan your visit.

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Catch you back here tomorrow!

More Monhegan Flowers!

Monhegan Flowers

Aren’t these flowers so cool? Not a lot of color which kind of makes them unique. Who knows what these are called? I don’t know if this is how they always look or if this is toward the end of their lives? I just know that I find these flowers fascinating. The subtle purple hue is too cool! Monhegan flowers – they’re stunning!

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Catch you back here tomorrow!