Category: THOUGHTS

Hurricane Helene Relief for NC, SC, TN, GA, FL…

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

I specifically mentioned Western North Carolina in a past post because we know several people who live in Waynesville, NC. There are so many areas that need disaster relief and basic necessities like food, water and gas after Hurricane Helene. If you can, pick one great place (or many!) and make a donation. I’m trying to find places where the money goes to the people and not to a corporation. Donate however you can, whether it be time, money, supplies, etc. the choice is yours.

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Western North Carolina – Thoughts on Helene…

On By Barbara StroudIn North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS, weather3 Comments

Almost all of us have witnessed the endless images of destruction from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene. Helene came onshore as a Category 4 hurricane near Cape Fear, FL on September 26, 2024 – a few short days ago. From there the devastation continued through Georgia, South Carolina and Western North Carolina… In Charleston, Helene passed as a tropical storm from quite a distance away, but the wind effects felt stronger and lasted longer than some hurricanes in recent memory.

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Fall Is Upon Us…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, HOME, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Fall hit and the temps in Charleston rose. Hmmm. I think they’re supposed to drop a few degrees over the coming days, here’s hoping! Whether it’s a tad warm or not, you can still feel the fall vibe in the air. The sun has shifted dramatically. Sun that used to pour into the kitchen windows while making dinner now doesn’t come close. I love the subtle changes and I notice each one.

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A Book To Read – The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, THOUGHTS1 Comment

The Nightingale is a book that is so difficult to put down. It’s hard to concentrate on little else while you’re reading it. I recommend you give in and fully immerse yourself in Kristin Hannah’s story. The story of brave women and men, happenings during World War II and the situations you wonder how a human can endure for such a long period. There is love and light, darkness and pain but there is also intense hope and strength of women doing their part to save (and comfort) others. Please, do yourself a favor and read this book.

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Happy 1st Day of Fall, Y’all!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS3 Comments

First. Day. Of. Fall! How exciting is this? To me, it’s the best of the best. Fall is my favorite season by far, I love knowing the weather will turn crisper, less humid, I love knowing the leaves change (at least in some places, like where I took this photo). We don’t have a lot of color change here in Charleston. A few trees do change, and that is always exciting to see.

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September in Maine – Photo from the Archives.

On By Barbara StroudIn Maine, Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL2 Comments
Monhegan, Maine

I took this photo our first year in Maine. September, 2006. We knew it would be beautiful, but whoa! We had no idea of how drop dead gorgeous it was. We visited Port Clyde, Maine – then took a boat to Monhegan Island for 5 nights – then back to mainland and headed home. There was so much to see it was mind blowing. This was 18 years ago… I’m sure this scene looks just like this today.

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Memories: St John’s Marsh – Broken Leg On A Snowmobile

On By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Stunning, isn’t it? This photo was taken a while ago when we were in Michigan. When I drive this relatively long stretch as a passenger, I’m usually taking photos, a lot of photos. A few will turn out. I love the trees in this shot. There are only a few. This is a lakeplain prairie. If you have never heard of such a thing, take a quick peek and discover what that is. Beautiful yes, but this area holds memories, ha ha – (This is a photo from a year or two ago, we aren’t in MI now)…

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Guess the Artist #35 | Detroit Institute of Arts

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Can you guess the artist? It’s Monday and I thought I would give you an easy one to jump start your week, ha ha. Note: signature edited. This artist has their own distinct style don’t they? This was fabulous to see at the Detroit Institute of Arts a while back. This painting is no longer on view, it was a private collection piece passing through.

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Flower On the Windowsill…

On By Barbara StroudIn flowers, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

I love having a flower, usually popped into a small jar, on my kitchen window. Often it’s a flower that broke off while changing water and giving a fresh cut, but sometimes it’s there just because. The light streams in and the setting against the large live oak trees is magical. The bright yellow makes you smile each time you walk past.

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A Book To Read – THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Every once in a while a book comes out that is so special I just have to share with you. I haven’t read a book by Kristin Hannah in the past so this was a treat. Her writing flows so well, from the first page you are drawn in and there is no hope of escape. This book is on my “To Re-read” shelf (one day). There are only a handful that makes it to that coveted spot.

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Oh! The drama of this colorful plant!

On By Barbara StroudIn garden, Photograph, THOUGHTS6 Comments

OH! The drama, right? Doesn’t this remind you of a Chinese Lantern, but with a bit more color? It’s so vibrant against the green, isn’t it? I took this photo while out and about in Mount Pleasant, SC – at a cool design shop filled with beautiful things… including plants, flowers, urns, and more!

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