Category: THOUGHTS

Sometimes Life Throws in A Few Mountains…

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS4 Comments
Hemp Hill Bald, sunrise hike
Hemp Hill Bald, North Carolina Photo Credit: STEVEN REINHOLD

We all have something that comes up in life that stops us in our tracks. Without naming names, let me just say someone who I love with all my heart is preparing to battle. I will be right by their side every step of the way because I know they would do the same for me without hesitation. That’s what love is. We have experienced so much kindness that I get teary eyed just thinking about it. Life (and people) can surprise you that way and it’s a warm and wonderful feeling.

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Book Suggestion: Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, booksLeave a comment
Book by Elin Hilderbrand, "Swan Song". Partial picture of sailboat with woman diving into water with red bathing suit on.

Swan Song (Nantucket #4) by Elin Hilderbrand. This is the perfect “Calgon, take me away” (for those of you who remember that commercial) escape through reading. Most of you are probably familiar with Elin Hilderbrand. She’s without a doubt, one of the queens of beach reads, right? She’s got it down pat, story after story, always different, always intriguing, almost always Nantucket.

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It’s Officially Fall – Super Excited!

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL4 Comments
dirt road with scattered autumn leaves in yellows and reds

Fall officially began Monday (9/22) and I couldn’t be more hopeful for cooler weather to come our way soon. As I write this the weather forecasters are showing possible storms headed this way soon. We continue to monitor and have a plan for food, water, etc. so we can stay in.

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Photo: Time Travel – Michigan Edition

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment
Nighttime photo, river, street light, mailbox, dark night, moon

I’m “traveling” through my photos and found an image I love so much. Where I grew up. Life on the river was amazing. We lived for summer and were in the river a majority of the time. The water is chilly, especially when you move to SC and then go back to visit and jump in icy water, whoa! I didn’t remember it being quite that cold, ha ha.

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Hurricane Hugo, Sept. 21/22, 1989 – 36 Years Ago!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, SC, THOUGHTS, weatherLeave a comment
Hurricane Hugo 1989 images, map, bridge askew, sailboats piled up
Hurricane Hugo, September 21/22, 1989 | Images from Rob Fowler Storm Team 2 Facebook

Hurricane Hugo – 36 years ago… I remember watching Leslie Lyles (newscaster in Charleston, SC at the time) saying “GET OUT, GET OUT NOW!” In reality, it was too late. Shortly after she said that the power went out. It was a harrowing night to say the least. My sister and I moved to the hallway, no windows or glass to break. Bedroom doors closed, (and we moved a large piece of furniture in front of a window) yet the sound was like we didn’t even have windows. It was so loud. My hair blew like I was outside from the wind coming from underneath the door. We didn’t drink, but that night we split a small Michelob and both fell asleep, woke at 9AM to the sound of saws. We pulled back the plastic, and looked outside. OHMYGOSH. What we thought were branches snapping one after another were actually large pine trees. The split a few homes, the weight of a soaking wet and extremely large pine tree is enormous. We were so fortunate. So, so thankful.

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These Trees!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Favorite Things, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Live oak tree, marsh, water

I took this photo several years ago. Just look at this mesmerizing live oak tree. Its limbs reaching as if to borrow a cup of sugar from a neighboring tree. So much history. It’s astounding if you think about it. What has this tree seen and heard in its lifetime? I love the far-reaching branches, the view, and the sunlight dappling the scene nicely…

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Reopened Park: Pitt Street Bridge – Mount Pleasant, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Green marsh grass, long dock in the distance, stormy sky

Isn’t this a lovely view? The color of the grass and sky, the long dock, the horizon in the distance. All so serene. Sometimes you need to get away to a place that is quiet and peaceful and gives off good vibes. This is actually a really cool place to park and walk. Bring your dog if you like. Let me tell you where…

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Early Morning Skyline – Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
sunrise, high-rise view, charleston, sc rooftops

A quick photo of the Charleston, SC skyline taken from quite a spectacular place. Some of you will recognize this view. I kept checking on this view throughout the day. It was ever-changing from early AM through sunset. Absolutely spectacular! Just look at that sky! It’s what dreams are made of!

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A Cool Shop To Visit: Digs Charleston!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Digs Charleston interior with chairs hanging on the wall, cool light fixtures, wonderful furniture, lighting and everything in between.

A few weeks ago we stopped for lunch at a favorite place and afterwards took a little walk around town. What a delight when we spotted a cool home store. They had the most delightful items, treasures! Furniture, lighting, candles, virtually anything that can make a house a home. Beautifully displayed, it was a treat to meander through the store. We look forward to getting back there soon. I love their vibe!

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Book Suggestion: HELLO STRANGER by Katherine Center!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, THOUGHTS2 Comments
HELLO STRANGER, book, by Katherine Center on an antique rug.

Another great book by Katherine Center. Her writing is like a breath of fresh air. Hectic day? No worries. Lots going on so hard to concentrate – you can still read this book. It’s light but deep enough that you stay immersed. The ending was brilliant! #didntseeitcoming This is a good one to add to your TBR list!

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For those of us who could use a peaceful scene right now…

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment
Photo of bright green marsh grass, blue water and a hint of the coast in the distance

Some days we need peace, good thoughts, and to surround our thoughts with nature. Nature is one of the ultimate healers and the ultimate peace giver (🙏 being the other!) . Did you know that being outside is so good for you? It can calm your mind (whose doesn’t get riled up these days?) and heal your soul.

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Guess the Artist | Detroit Institute of Arts!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Guess the Artist, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Historical painting, children getting ready for school, parents, dog
Image taken at Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) July 15, 2025

Well, “SNAP” as they say. Usually when I feature a Guess the Artist post, I like to give a little background on the painting or the artist (ideally, both!) – however, this painting must have been moved from the DIA (or is just not showing up at the moment on their website). This painting reminded me of kids getting ready for the first day of school, a little timely I suppose. Kids have already gone back to school in most SC schools, but this could still be relevant to some of you!

Do you have an idea who the artist is? Look no further… see below!

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Heads Up, SC – No Hand-Held Devices Starting Sept. 1, 2025!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
highway sign, no hand-held devices starting sept 1, new law

Head’s up in case you haven’t seen the signs regarding a new law going into effect in South Carolina. Beginning September 1, No Hand-Held Devices… What does this mean exactly? What do you think about it? See the details below. It’s called the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Law and it begins a week from today, Monday, September 1, 2025.

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