Category: THOUGHTS

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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Snapshot of our favs…

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Design Inspiration, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
marble table with books, an orchid, a cross, heart and vases

When the sunlight hits a special spot I run for my phone (camera) – sometimes I make it, sometimes I don’t – the light is fleeting, as in here one second, gone the next. I took photos of sunlight on the orchid on our coffee table, stunning, but the overhead shot (which I always love) won out.

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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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A Place to Stop and Take A Breath!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, SC, THOUGHTS4 Comments
long dock, cloudy blue sky, marsh, water

Now this is a beautiful place to stop and take a breath. Look around, take a walk, grab some seafood to take home and cook or stop at one of the restaurants. You definitely have options. The ability to walk to the end of this fabulous dock, talk to people fishing, etc and hang out at the end watching boat, kayakers, etc. It’s so lovely. A must see for sure.

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Happy Anniversary To The Love Of My Life!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Tap/Click Image to see in full…

Time flies. You may have read these words of mine before but the older I get the more I mean it. I am so thankful to have met my husband all those years ago (over 3 decades). We’ve hit milestones together and been there for each other every step of the way. Frederick, here’s to the next 3+++ decades of life with you!!

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James Island – Marsh View, Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Another photo taken on James Island a few weeks ago. It’s so hard to drive by beautiful scenes without shouting STOP, ha ha… I love the reflections in the water, the dead branch which makes everything else seem so alive. Just beautiful! This isn’t far from where we live. Thankful to have the luxury of walking to beautiful spots – a lot of photos to be had!

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Stormy Skies and Cooler Temps (Last Week) = Heavenly!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment
dark stormy sky, intracoastal waterway no boats, side of bridge with sunshine

Charleston, SC had a spell of very hot and humid weather (well, most of the country did, didn’t they?) so when we had a front blow in and block the sun, give us wonderful rain for the plants, flowers, trees, etc. and lower the temps to what we haven’t felt since April/Early May – it was the weather that dreams are made of. #iloveclouds

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Book Review: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Book cover, Every Summer After by author Carley Fortune.

I like that I was drawn into this book from page one. There weren’t too many characters. Some were likable, and some (by design) were less likable.. I started this book and ordered her next two. I’m interested to see how the stories unfold. Great summer reading. So grab a book, and an iced tea and immerse yourself in fiction! Reading is so good – like meditation of sorts.

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I Will Never Tire of This View – The St. Clair River!

On By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
View from St Clair River, Michigan, freighter, shipping channel, Canada

Well we made it to Michigan a while back, had a quick visit with my family. It’s always so good to see them. Too short no matter how long it is. I’ve been in Charleston over 36 years, wow, time flies! I love Michigan and all it has to offer. So many places to visit and check out. You can literally sit on the porch all day and never tire of the view. It’s constantly changing…

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Taking Myself Back To A Cooler Time…

On By Barbara StroudIn North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS3 Comments
trees with mountains and fog in the distance

Okay. Extreme heat is insane. But extreme heat mixed with high humidity (and a crazy high dew point) is dangerous. Drink lots of water. Stay in the shade if you have to be outside, and don’t overdo it! Personally, I’m taking myself back to a cooler time in the mountains (even though I am in Charleston) if only via a photo, it will help a little.

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My Gomphrena Blooms Are Creating A Spectacular Show!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, flowers, HOME, Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment
Bright pink blooms on a flower with thin green stem against dark building

Seriously! Look at these lively pink blooms. What show-offs they are. Every one of them dancing in the window, swaying to the butterflies and the bees that surround them and look so happy. I love the bright pink against the darkness. Stunning. They look at bit like fireworks, don’t they? Peaceful fireworks!

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Butterflies and Bees – It’s what we want to see!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Y’all! Can you believe we are nearly headed into the THIRD WEEK OF JULY? How can time fly by so quickly? To be honest, I am not a lover of hot weather, so when summer passes by I get crazy happy. Well, especially once hurricane season is over, right? This shall prove to be an interesting year.

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Caring for Cut Hydrangeas: Tips for Beautiful Blooms

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
White table, cane chairs, a wooden nibble board, and a glass vase of lavender hydrangeas in water.

We all have our favorite things, right? Flowers make me tremendously happy. They are an amazing mood booster. I keep taking this same shot. Different flowers, different days, same setting. I just love the morning light that seems to quietly wake up this space in the early part of the day. So pretty. One of the wonderful things about hydrangeas is the fact that they can last so long and stay gorgeous with just a wee bit of help.

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