Peaceful, huh? The fog rolled in, and suddenly the beautiful view on the St. Clair River (in Michigan) was g-o-n-e ! But not for long. Fog is like that, which is amazing to watch. We really noticed it when we were in Maine the first time. Sitting by the harbor having dinner outside with another island in full view, suddenly *POOF* the island was gone, then the water was gone and all you saw was fog. Sudden.
I love weather, so I’m always happy when there is something different (anything!)… weather that stays the same gets boring ;)
Good photo dad (I cannot take credit for this one)!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
You may have noticed I have been posting photos this week – back to normal posting next week! b.
Years ago we rented the most wonderful cottage in Port Clyde, Maine. It was situated on the ocean, actually, rather close to the ocean. There were several cairns (sets of rocks stacked high) – I think they’re so peaceful. Some people used them as markers since way back in time. On the cottage porch railing they just looked so nice. They calm your thoughts… or perhaps that was the ocean. I want to go back, and never leave. That cottage is no longer available to rent. We feel fortunate to have rented it a few times. It was like a movie set… stunning, especially the time spent around the wonderful fireplace! It was a rustic cottage (no heat), and just a short walk to Marshall Point Lighthouse or the Port Clyde General Store!
If you build some of these along the coast, or anywhere else, be sure to knock them down after you’ve enjoyed them… part of the LEAVE NO TRACE movement to leave nature as it is, and to have only the true trail markers left behind…
To see more photos of the inside of the cottage (rustic), click HERE…
Monhegan, Maine. The most wonderful place in the world! Beauty as far as the eye can see. Good friends from years past. Hiking trails that lead you to the most remarkable areas. I could take photos there forever!
If you haven’t been there before, click on the links for more info… the Island Inn is our “home away from home” (I like to call it)… there is something familiar and wonderful about it. It’s filled with wonderful memories, and memories still to be made, more people to meet and food that I dream about until the next year!
Usually on Monday’s I post a Featured Artist, that will continue next week – This week I am posting photos! Enjoy!
Tragedy strikes.Lives are lost. The community pulled together. I am so proud to live in Charleston, SC. An event that could have divided our city has instead made it stronger. I have seen a difference in the way people treat each other, and it is absolutely amazing! Our hearts all break for the friends and families who lost loved ones. The fact that it happened in a church just made it more horrific. These will not be easy times for the families, the church, the community, but we need to continue to pull together and be there for each other… Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
*If you cannot help financially, just keep on with your thoughts and prayers!
Thank YOU!
Donations for Mother Emanuel Church
For those who want to respond to the tragic event that occurred on June 17th at the Mother Emanuel Church, we ask donors to give in one of two ways:
By using the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund
This city’s fund will provide direct financial support for the funeral and burial expenses of the nine victims of the senseless tragedy. Any funds remaining after the funeral and burial expenses are paid will be donated directly to the Emanuel AME Church for use as determined by its governance board. Donations to this fund are not tax-deductible. These denotations can be made in one of two ways ….1. By sending a check to
Mother Emanuel Hope Fund
c/o City of Charleston
Post Office Box 304
Charleston, SC 294022. By stopping by any Wells Fargo Bank nationwide and making a donation to the Fund.3. Texting ‘prayforcharleston’ to 843-606-5995 or go to www.bidr.co/prayforcharleston.
Lowcountry Ministries – Reverend Pinckney Fund
This Fund will be administered by the Palmetto Project (a South Carolina non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of South Carolians). 100% of the funds donated will be used in this community to support local initiatives serving his home church, vulnerable populations and youth projects that Reverend Pinckney was so passionate about. Decisions on the use of these funds will be made a task force of stakeholders made up of a member or members of Reverend Pinckney’s family, colleagues, representatives from Emanuel AME Church and other members of our community selected for their specific expertise. These donations will be tax deductible. Donations can be made by ….1. By sending a check to
Lowcountry Ministries – Reverend Pinckney Fund
c/o The Palmetto Project
6296 Rivers Avenue #100
North Charleston, SC 294062. Or by donating online at the following web site – www.palmettoproject.org
PS/ some of you received this email yesterday… My apologies… operator error!
See how one small change can make such a difference? This slipcover was made by Cheryl Arnold from The Slipcover Shop, her slipcovers are always beautiful, fit perfectly and she makes the process so convenient!
Just look at what a transformation these slipcovers make! (I’m going backwards here, you’ll see the “before” at the end of this post)… This is the latest slipcover, we wanted no pleats, and just plain white cotton duck fabric. It washes and dries like a dream! Simple too, no loading up your car and dragging a chair (or worse yet, a sofa!) somewhere! In most cases, Cheryl orders the fabric, once it comes in, she comes to your house, cuts out the slipcover (which amazes me!), then takes the fabric home and a week or so later, brings you back a slipcover. So the chair never left the house!
If you have a sofa or chair that is still in good condition, but you think needs an update, check out a slipcover. How can you beat it? Throw it in the washer/dryer – it’s great!
Slipcover made years ago…
We had this slipcover made years ago (10+), saw one similar in a magazine and showed it to Cheryl. We bought the fabric at ABC Carpet and Home when we were in New York City – what a great place! Cheryl made the slipcover and W O W ! What a difference it made… you’ll see why…
“BEFORE”
Here is the original chair. The fabric is in good shape, but didn’t go with our furnishings – but all that changed! If you need a slipcover, or pillows, I highly suggest Cheryl. We love it! She has also made us covers for pillows and cushions and even a dog bed! The cotton duck is amazing stuff, and the slipcover truly transformed this chair!
Here’s her card – Highly Recommend!!
UPDATE: Had a question about the weight of the fabric, trying to decide between 9oz or 14oz – I asked Cheryl, and she said that our fabric is 10oz. She said 10-12oz. would be nice. 9 oz. is a little light in her opinion and 14oz is too heavy. She does prewash the fabric. Hope that helps! I love our fabric, it’s perfect!
This is the perfect painting for Flag Day! Painting by the uber talented John Matthew Moore! Nicest guy on the planet and such a fabulous artist! Check him out if you haven’t already!
We’re all looking for a quick, but healthy, weekday dinner… something we can throw together in the blink of an eye. Yet… something that will taste like we really spent time preparing…
Let me start by saying that I do not normally purchase processed food. Processed food is basically anything that makes it quick and easy. If you pick up breaded chicken strips in a regular grocery store, you will see a lot of ingredients that are chemicals and not food. This is good chicken, it’s quick, (from freezer to oven it takes 25 minutes, or less if you sauté on the stove!).
We put the chicken on top of some nice butter lettuce, and made a dressing of EVOO + Lemon + Pepper. (2 parts oil to 1 part lemon).
It was delicious! I sprinkled maybe a teaspoon of parmesan on mine, it added a nice flavor.
Happy Birthday Max (very old photo… getting in the ice cold river!)
I have to give a quick shout to our uber cool nephew, Maxwell! Today is his birthday – hope you have the best birthday ever kiddo! I call him a kid, HA… he’s taller than all of us! This is a very old photo, but one I love!
h a p p y b i r t h d a y m a x w e l l ! ! ! ! we love you, barbara, fred & charlie too!
Happy Mother’s Day to all you mother’s out there – Mom’s are the best, aren’t they?
Thinking of all of you who no longer have their mom here on earth. This is a day of memories and cannot be easy for sure.
Also thinking of those of you who are expecting, I’m sure these are exciting times, know you are blessed!
I am so thankful for my mom, she’s the best – she’s funny, smart and cool! If I were a mom, I would be just like her ;)
Also thankful for Fred’s mom, she’s such a wonderful lady, so sweet!!
Best wishes for health and happiness!
The painting above was done by Pamela Gatens. Pamela’s work is so happy! Thank you Pamela for sharing the Featured Artist post with Mother’s Day!
Read a bit about Pamela from her website, and check out her work!
I paint nearly every day, and when not painting, I am gazing, studying or dreaming about it. Painting on canvas is all about color, freedom and problem solving. I thoroughly enjoy the abstract structure of all paintings. To me, the beginning structure is the most exciting part. No other activity gives the fulfillment that painting does.
Working in acrylic and watercolor, Pamela is a prolific painter and entertaining teacher. She is also a Signature Member of the West Virginia Watercolor Society. She sells her work at The Greenbrier Hotel & Resort, online with Carleton Varney, and at Tamarack in Beckley, WV. Her line of cat and floral cards have been best sellers for years. Pamela lives in Hillsboro, WV with her husband Pat, dog Barker, and cats Pokey and Mack.
Visit my blog often to see more of my newest paintings.
This building demands your attention. Striking isn’t it? This is the John Rutledge House Inn located on Broad Street in Charleston, SC. We spent a night there almost twenty three years ago! It was so wonderful, the breakfast was to die for, and the inn itself… absolutely beautiful! This wasn’t the best photo, but it was snapped on the way to my car, as usual ;)
Here is a little bit about the history (from their website), but I urge you to check out their website, they have wonderful photos that show the transformation of this building!
John Rutledge built this elegant home as a wedding gift for his bride Elizabeth Grimke in 1763. In the 2nd floor drawing room, now the Signer’s Ballroom, John Rutledge, chairman of the drafting committee, wrote several iterations of the Constitution of the U.S. He later signed the document with the other founding fathers. In 1791, George Washington had breakfast with Mrs. Rutledge during his Presidential visit to Charleston.
The Waterton plan, designed by those oh so creative people at Karoleena. Have you seen how they build their homes? A great mix of style and function keeping the environment in mind. What can be better than that? Their website shows you in great detail the way these homes are built, and you won’t believe it! Check out their building process…
This is an amazing plan. Perfect for my husband and I. One section is the living space, and the other is the bedrooms/bathroom/utility. Brilliant floor plan. Stunning, modern design… especially if you have a view! I hope to show you more of their plans in the future! Be sure to peruse their website!
I would also like to wish a very H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y to Kurt Goodjohn, cofounder and CMO of Karoleena, and an all around nice guy! Here’s wishing you another year of health, happiness and best wishes!
The large, grand, historic homes in Charleston, SC are stunning. Breathtaking even. Besides the cost of the home, taxes, insurance, utilities, etc. can you imagine the maintenance? I’m not sure where I was when I snapped this photo, but it appears that this home may be receiving a makeover? Look at the intricate detail. Just beautiful! You have to be able to look beyond what is there to be able to see what it could truly be. A diamond in the rough…
This home will be stunning! Catch you back here tomorrow!
There is nothing like sunlit trees against a dark sky. So dramatic. The blue in that sky is very “Marc Hanson” to me. We have one of his paintings that has that identical color and that’s what drew me in to the painting. Those two colors together are wow!
See what I mean! That dark sky and the streak of light, wow!
Our Marc Hanson painting…
Speaking of Dark Skies, did you know there is an app called DARK SKY. It lets you know when it’s going to begin raining (or let you know a few minutes before), its fairly accurate, although I cannot believe I paid for it, ha ha…
Well, if you haven’t already realized, it’s Friday the 13th. I try to remain a positive person, so I’m thinking this will be a good luck day, and while I’m not normally a superstitious person, I felt like I should take caution and not spread any bad luck to any artist or architect today, so I’m just going to throw a question out there… I could use some recommendations for some good music!
WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO?
I listen to Pandora quite a bit (and psssst a good gift idea would be a no ad upgrade for anyone you know who listens!) – and I tend to get in a rut. I listen to the same few stations. Mainly, it’s George Winston. I like George, but Charlie (woof) LOVES George. He will actually sleep if George is playing (YAY!) So the beast usually wins. Also if I’m trying to write or read I need to concentrate, so I listen to George. When I need to switch it up I listen to Masako.
When I’m cooking, I listen to Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera (something with a beat!) or Happy Radio (Pherrell Williams song “Happy”). Other favorites are Koop (lounge type cool music), Eklipse radio (more happening)…
ARTFOODHOME.COM 