I love this photo! Christmas Ornament in Window…

On December 23, 2015December 22, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

I love this photo. I snapped this a while back while visiting my parents around Christmas time. I always get up early because the sunrise over the water is so spectacular. I was walking around snapping photos when this little ornament appeared to be lit up from the light coming through the window. So much charm. I love the view from this window looking out over the river. Absolutely beautiful, just cannot beat it! What great memories growing up on this river!

Merry Christmas Eve eve!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Desktop memories…

On December 22, 2015December 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

I’ve always loved this photo. It remains my desktop photo for a majority of December each year. This is my parents front yard. The river is on the other side of the Christmas tree. The sky is magical, the lights are happy and it brings back good memories.

May all your memories be happy and bright…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

What a day!!

On December 20, 2015December 11, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS6 Comments

Christmas is almost upon us. How did it sneak up so quickly? Why is it when you’re a child Christmas takes forever before it comes again? The mystery, the magic, the love, the lights. All are such wonderful memories… even Alfie, the kid next door… While all tucked in my bed and almost asleep I see his creepy grade-school aged arm reach up to steal a lightbulb out of the Christmas lights that hung on the house. “DAAAAA -AAAAAADDDDD!!!!!!!” You know, those cool, big bulbs… creep! Got the bulb back, and Alfie didn’t try again. I wonder where that kid is now? Hmmm.

Thank you dad for getting the bulb back, for making holidays extra special, for being so cool, for being level headed and calmly teaching us what’s right. To always consider other people’s feelings. To not “cry wolf”, to “Do unto others as you would want them do unto you”.

You’re a great dad! Happy Birthday! Woohoo!

I’m am blessed to have such cool parents!

xoxo,

barbara

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Flashback: Best Christmas Cookies in the World!

On December 15, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Lifestyle, Photograph, Recipe, THOUGHTS4 Comments

Decorate however you like, neat, messy, in whatever colors you create!

This is a Christmas Cookie recipe that our family has made since I was a little kid. It’s become a tradition. It’s fun because everyone can partake in the festivities. Especially if you bake the cookies ahead and then have a decorating party! We just put the frosting into zip-top baggies and cut a hole. Some years we have more colors than others. As you can see, this particular year, I was only loving my Christmas Tree cookie cutter, so that’s the only one I used. Recipe below as well as a link to print recipe only.

Enjoy!

Click here for a recipe to print (minus all the words and blah, blah, blah)!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Holidays in Charleston!

On December 12, 2015December 5, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

On a recent trip downtown (Charleston, SC) Fred, Charlie and I perused the local stores, one being Anthropologie. They have such a unique selection of both clothes and home goods. I love this place! Look at this tree, how brilliant! They used what I would call “O” Rings into the floor (I’m not sure if that was what was in the ceiling as well?), then they strung this cool stuff to make a unique Christmas tree.

I love seeing the stores downtown all dressed up for the holidays!

Info about Anthropologie from their website:

Founded in Wayne, Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1992, Anthropologie remains a destination for women wanting a curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor that reflects their personal style and fuels their lives’ passions, from fashion to art to entertaining. We are committed, as always, to offering our customers signature products and unmatched service, both in our more than 185 stores throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom, and on anthropologie.com.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Magnifilous Toy Emporium – Charleston, SC!

On December 11, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

I’m pretty sure Santa has this wonderful store help with his gift list! If you’re in the area be sure to check them out. I love that they offer unique toys, not the usual that are found in every store. They know about their products as well, which really makes it nice! What a window display!

Read about the Magnifilous Experience, from their website:

You may be lured in the door by the sound of our 1840’s nickelodeon playing nostalgic tunes or by the sight of the spinning carousel as young children enjoy a ride. Entering the door you will be greeted by an enthusiastic staff with only one mission, to ensure that each guest has a Magnifilous experience.

You are welcome to browse at your leisure but one of our toy specialists will be close by to answer questions, demonstrate a toy or help choose the perfect gift.

We strive to keep our inventory unique and ever changing so there is always something new to see whether you are a first time visitor or a loyal friend.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Holiday Window in Charleston…

On December 10, 2015December 3, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

Charleston is looking beautiful for the holidays! We were visiting some shops on King Street a few weeks ago and I couldn’t help but snap a few photos of store windows! This is a peek inside Anthropologie, love that place. Wonderful everything!

If you’re in the area, take a stroll, support the businesses in the area!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charlie in his happy place!

On December 8, 2015December 8, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTS8 Comments

*FEATURING PHOTOS THIS WEEK; WILL RESUME REGULAR POSTS NEXT WEEK!

A little over a week ago all was right with the world. Fred, Charlie and I headed downtown, to see the Christmas decorations and visit a few stores. Charlie has a big time and so do we. It’s an adventure from start to finish.

Then… a jump off the bed tore his CCL (ACL in humans), so today, after much research and consultation, he is having surgery. Please keep him in your thoughts, prayers, good vibes or anything else you’ve got. He’s a sweet beast.

Do you have a suggestion for how to keep a Jack Russell calm for an extended period of time without being able to walk him? If so, let me know! For now, George Winston keeps him calm… unless a dog, cat, squirrel, bird, person, car, bike or anything else that moves goes by…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Window Dressing… brilliant!

On December 7, 2015December 2, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

*Featuring photos this week; will resume regular posts next week!

How is this for a unique holiday window in Charleston? I love how Ooh Ooh Shoes! used the bottom part of the Christmas tree as a “skirt”, topped with a fitted jacket, a clutch bag, and pearls, of course!

I also like the subtle reflections of the stores across the street – get downtown if you haven’t been! It’s beautiful!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A little something to make you smile…

On December 5, 2015November 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

I have lived here in Charleston since right before hurricane Hugo (1989). I can’t believe it’s been nearly 27 years that I’ve been here.There are so many things I love about Charleston. The architecture is out of this world. The food.. ohmygosh, every possible type of restaurant and cuisine that you can imagine. We are a foodie city for sure. We are big on the arts and entertainment.

Charleston has class without a doubt. When you meander your way through downtown streets, as well as some streets around the outlying areas, you see such beauty.

Then there are the unexpected treasures like this frog. A little something to bring a smile to your day…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Chris Wilke! (Show through January 7, 2016)!

On December 2, 2015December 1, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Chris Wilke. Wow! Her paintings are dynamic. Her colors are profound. Not the overly bright, or too toned down variety. Her paintings are wonderful, lively and just beautiful! I just love this painting. Those wonderful shapes, colors, shadows and light. Wow!

If you’re in the Easton area, be sure to check out the Small Treasures Show at 717 Gallery. The show runs through January 7, 2016. A collection of paintings by Chris Wilke and Louis Escobedo!

Read a bit about Chris, from her website:

I’m an Eastern Shore native and art has always been part of my life. I kept up my interest in art by becoming a collector of works of art and antiques and about three years ago I refocused my interest in art by returning to the studio.

I worked in watercolor and graphite and currently I am focusing on oils. I devote all of my time to studying and painting and have taken numerous workshops. Currently I study principally with my mentor Louis Escobedo. I am inspired by many artists, chief among them, Louis Escobedo, John Singer Sargent and the Russian Impressionists, principally Fedor Zacharov and Sergei Bongart.

My current focus is on the immediacy and freedom of alla prima painting. I am inspired by light, color, and composition to represent a moment in time. Working predominately in still life, my creativity is driven to capture and reflect the diversity of everyday life. I take a painterly and impressionistic approach to color and light.

I had the honor recently to become a partner with Louis (Escobedo) and his wife Yolanda at 717 Gallery in Easton, MD.

All images via ChrisWilkeFineArt.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Hawk Alert for pets under 12 pounds.

On November 29, 2015November 17, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS6 Comments

Recently one of the veterinarians in the area posted a warning on their Facebook page. If you have small animals (under 12 pounds typically), to be aware of the hawks.

WHAT????!!!!

I read that post and then saw a hawk swoop into the azaleas, grab some poor soul and take off. It happened so fast I couldn’t believe it. The next day I let Charlie out the back door, Fred saw the hawk in the tree right there. It was eyeing Charlie (trying to figure the weight?? ha), and then it flew off. We went outside with him.

Can you imagine? This hawk looked young, I’m no expert, but it didn’t look as big as the one I think we saw the other day…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Tis the Season…

On November 28, 2015November 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Tis the Season! Charleston is decorated and ready. So many of the storefronts are just beautiful. Every time we come downtown I swear there is a new restaurant, store or other cool place that we have yet to see! So many wonderful things happening in one city. People playing music. Outdoor lounges with heaters and beautiful furniture. Rooftop dining and drinks. This little city is something else!

It’s all dressed up for the Christmas and holiday season. A wonderful way to spend the day!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

On November 26, 2015November 20, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS8 Comments

I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy whatever it is that you’re doing today, whether it be cooking and entertaining or settling in with a good book.

If you’re out and about driving, SAFE TRAVELS!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

All in a days work… Whoa!

On November 22, 2015November 21, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Yesterday, Fred, Charlie and I headed downtown to walk around and stop in a few stores. As we drove down Broad Street we passed Saint Michael’s Church and saw it being painted.

No. Easy. Task!