Happy Saturday! A gallery opening and a very special birthday wish!!

On May 25, 2013May 20, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, HOME, THOUGHTS1 Comment

Well today is the day! The day of the opening of the Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island, here’s an image and a blip from their Facebook page “Lupine Gallery” – oh how I wish we were there visiting!

Here at the Lupine, we’re looking forward to seeing familiar faces and new, so if you’re on island, stop in and say hello and see what exciting new art we have on the walls! And then join us for our annual opening party on Saturday, May 25 from 5-7, to welcome the 2013 season.

I would also like to wish a very special someone… a very Happy Birthday! Bobbie Stroud, Fred’s mom… one of the sweetest people on earth! We wish her the happiest of all birthdays!! xoxo us

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The beauty of history…

On May 19, 2013December 21, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

There is a beautiful Catholic church in downtown Charleston, SC that I truly believe everyone should see. The church is Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, founded in 1821. You can sense the history when you walk through the doors. Here in Charleston, SC we have many churches like this… gorgeous, big and beautiful!

My parents were here a few weeks ago, and we were having lunch downtown and on the way back to the car we walked through the very impressive doors. AMAZING. It’s hard to get a good shot with a phone camera, but here is a glimpse at one of the many windows. The architecture is breathtaking. A wonderful church for sure!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

What kind of footprints are these??

On May 18, 2013May 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment

Not the best shot here… Fred and I were walking on the beach at Botany Bay (Edisto, SC) and we saw footprints… not dog (not allowed on the beach), I’m guessing deer? Kind of V shaped? As we meandered down the path (not near the beach) two deer flew in front of us… they were on a mission, or maybe they were playing tag, who knows… they looked happy! What a cool place to live, where you know you’re secure and protected!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Wishes for a Happy Mother’s Day… even if you aren’t one!

On May 12, 2013December 13, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

[Image: Villapenna.com]

Wishing all you Mother’s out there a very happy Mother’s Day! You’re the best… I’m sure a lot of sacrifices are made, but its all worth it, right?

I would like to say THANK GOD for my mom, Sheila, and for Fred’s mom, Bobbie. Fred and I couldn’t have hand picked better moms. No chance. None. Zip. Zero. Nada. We love them more than anything… we are very blessed and we know that.

Now for those of you who aren’t yet a mother, or cannot be a mother. I get it. I understand. I know how you feel. Motherhood clearly isn’t in the cards for everyone. I wish it was, but it’s not. So, be positive, move forward, spend time with a niece or nephew, neighborhood kid or volunteering where so many kids need a positive influence in their lives. And… more important… don’t worry if you can’t be positive quite yet. It took me a long time…

…and hey, I’m the best darn dog mom you’ve ever seen… he he…. (Charlie when we first got him in 2009)

Believe me when I say… dog moms make lots of sacrifices too! (Caught in the act! Note empty toilet paper roll… nice Charlie… couldn’t have paper on a roll for two years!)

I swear tile is creamy white… not sure why it appears tan… eeeek.

E N J O Y T H E D A Y ! !

Love you moms!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Tribute to a friend…

On May 5, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS12 Comments

It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to a friend… “he has begun his journey“. Pain and anguish are no more which is a relief. His smiling face will be missed. His brilliant conversation will always be remembered. The last time we saw Scott was on Monhegan Island, ME. We met for dinner several nights over the course of the week. We shared conversation that covered most topics we could think of. We talked until they turned out the lights and then continued to talk. Family, interests, hiking, climbing (Scott), cooking, books, movies, other friends… you name it, we covered it. I am sad to know those conversations will never continue, at least not here on earth… but I guess that gives us something to look forward to once we begin our own journey.

Monhegan Island is a beautiful place and holds wonderful memories for us. It seems like some of the friends that we’ve met from there are some of our very best. Despite distance, they’re the ones that we keep in touch with. They have touched our heart. Maybe its the week spent on an island with no outside communication to dull your mind… no TV, no radio, just friends, talking, catching up and learning about each others lives. In a “normal” place you probably wouldn’t sit around that long just talking. But on Monhegan THAT is the entertainment, and for that I am so grateful. Strong relationships are forged in a very short period of time. We truly care about each other, and when one hurts, so does the other. Now, that care extends to his family, who was right there by his side…

I found a North End Market receipt in my “Monhegan” book, Scott had written down the name of a movie he really enjoyed, called MAN ON WIRE. As well as a book, RAZOR’S EDGE by W.S. Maugham. I haven’t gotten around to either, but I think we will make a point to do so. A tribute to our friend…

Scott may be gone from this life, but will never be forgotten – the lives he has touched are forever changed… he has made an impression on so many people’s lives. When you are fortunate enough to run across someone special, take the time to get to know them, keep in touch and never take that time for granted. Life is truly short. Cherish your relationships no matter how deep they are. Go out and touch someones life today, in a positive way. Be thankful. Feel blessed.

Peace and prayers to Scott as well as his family. We look forward to seeing you again my friend!

Below, a photo… entitled “I Wish“… a Monhegan tradition, when you leave the island you toss your bouquet into the water… if it comes towards shore that means you’ll be back…

It’s the little things in life…

On May 4, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL2 Comments

Monhegan Island, Maine is an island rich in history. There are so many beautiful sites to see, the ocean, cliffs, artists painting, birds, flowers, and of course… the butterflies… they seem to be everywhere!

Have a wonderful weekend, get out and enjoy the beauty all around you… notice the little things that make you smile. Be grateful for them… Life on earth is a short blip on the radar screen… savor it…

Prayers of peace go out to our Monhegan friend, Scott and to his family…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

French Quarter Art Walk tonight – Charleston SC… and a very special birthday!

On May 3, 2013December 16, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, THOUGHTS2 Comments

This is a busy day! Lots to do and to let you know about! Today is the French Quarter Art Walk from 5-8 PM, visit the local galleries, view the gorgeous art, take in the sights, and maybe even have a snack or two! The art walk is free and open to the public. It’s a great time for both locals and visitors. Peruse the streets of Charleston, walk from gallery to gallery… you might even see a demo! (Click HERE for a map of participating galleries and their locations)! Here is just a small sampling of what you’re in for tonight…

Vineyard II by Gene Costanza

A reminder that M Gallery of Fine Art has moved to 125 Meeting Street, Charleston – a beautiful gallery with so many fabulous artists! I hear Gene Costanza will be giving a demo on Friday night during the art walk. I certainly wouldn’t want to miss it! What an opportunity! I am so grateful to those galleries who take the time to have artists set up and painting, it truly is a thrill, especially when it’s a high caliber artist like Gene! This May Gene Costanza will be conducting a workshop in Charleston. Contact M Gallery for more information.

Oysters al Fresco a collaboration by Mark Kelvin Horton and Shannon Runquist

Be sure to stop by Horton Hayes Fine Art! Besides all the fabulous art to see, check out this painting that is being auctioned off. A beautiful gallery, nice people, what more can you ask for?

From the Horton Hayes website:

Stop in to see the many new works on display including the official Dining with Friends painting, Oysters al Fresco, a collaborative work by Mark Kelvin Horton and Shannon Runquist. This piece is for sale by silent auction at Horton Hayes Fine Art and proceeds from the sale will benefit Lowcountry Aids Services. The auction will be open for bids through Saturday, May 4th.

I Hear The Music by Robert Lange

Robert Lange’s latest show AFFIRMATION will be hanging at Robert Lange Studios, and oh what a show it will be! Stop in and check it out! What an imagination he’s got!

Passing Cold Front by Betty Anglin Smith

Betty Anglin Smith is also having her show, PRESERVATION, at the Smith Killian Fine Art gallery this evening. Be sure to stop in and say hello!

~ ~ ~

On another note… today is a very special someone’s birthday…

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y C A R L I S L E ! (Fred’s dad!)

We hope this is your best birthday ever! Love you so much!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image Credits:

Vineyard II by Gene Costanza – M Gallery of Fine Art

Oysters al Fresco a collaboration by Mark Kelvin Horton and Shannon Runquist – Horton Hayes Fine Art

I Hear The Music by Robert Lange – Robert Lange Studios

Passing Cold Front by Betty Anglin Smith – Smith Killian Fine Art

Charleston Photo… Don’t walk without a camera!

On April 21, 2013December 20, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment

Fred and I took a walk on Easter… the weather was gorgeous and so was the scenery, I’m so glad I brought my camera! People take such pride in their homes downtown, and it really shows. I took some fabulous photos of doors and window boxes. Absolutely stunning!

Enjoy your Sunday, it’s supposed to be windy here… I love that! Maybe the wind will get rid of the remaining squiggles in the oak trees, woohoo!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: Downtown Street and a Trembling Lip…

On April 20, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

I think that the location of this photo could easily be in another country. This is a street in Charleston, SC. Those trees are stunners aren’t they?? If you get a chance, come to Charleston, SC for vacation… if you live here, take the time to go downtown and walk around and see all the cool sights there are to see! You will be amazed. Trust me!

It’s with a trembling lip that I say ‘see ya soon‘ (can’t say goodbye or that trembling lip will turn into a disastrous mess, ha ha) to my parents who have been in town visiting this week. I moved to SC from MI in 1989, right before Hurricane Hugo (brilliant, eh?) with every intention of being here just a short time… then I met Fred. Awwww… the love of my life. It’s hard to live in a different city that is either an expensive flight or a 17 hour drive away… wish we were all closer in distance!

I’ll be back to normal posting next week! Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Carriage Ride in the #1 Tourist Destination in the World… Charleston, SC!

On April 18, 2013December 21, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment

Charleston, SC. What a fabulous city to visit! Most seasons have fabulous weather… there is so much to do and see it will boggle your mind. Food. Boy do we ever have the food, as well as the #1 Restaurant in America! History, culture and the arts… we are heaven on earth for those of you out there who adore art, dance, theatre, concerts, etc. We are people who get out and move. It’s no wonder that Charleston, SC was selected as the #1 TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE WORLD! The. World. Yep, you got it. People from all across the world visit Charleston and love it. This is the second year that Charleston has been voted the #1 tourist destination in the country. Last year we were number 3 in the W O R L D ! Now… Numero Uno folks!

Read more about this in a past post of mine…

A cool website to check out is Charleston Area Convention and Visitor Bureau – when you get to their site you’ll see different videos of Charleston that you can choose from, and they are magnificent!!

Remember, I’ll be back to normal posting next week with HOUSE PLAN THURSDAY… Enjoy your day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo: WHAT’S THAT SMELL? Whew!

On April 16, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

On my daily walk along the greenway in Charleston, SC I could see the wisteria beginning to bloom… no scent… yet. Then one morning on our walk we could smell it. There is no mistaking the scent of Wisteria, it’s heavenly. Especially when it’s all the way down a stretch of our walking path. What a nice spring treat! Smells nice and is beautiful with its pops of lavender peeking through the green vegetation… Oh, I love spring!

I have company in town, so I will get back to normal posting next week! Enjoy your day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Chicken Coops & How To Raise Chickens – THE Hot Thing…

On April 9, 2013February 5, 2025 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS7 Comments

Briar Extended Chicken Coop and Run / Image: Williams-Sonoma

Who knew that raising chickens would be the hot new thing? Well, it is. First you need to check to see if it’s OK to raise chickens where you live. If it is… they say before the chicken OR the egg is the COOP! You know raising chickens is the hot trend if Williams-Sonoma is now selling the coops! These are sweet. I would love this green one. Throw a chicken in it and it’s a deal breaker… the fear of having my hand pecked for reaching in to steal an egg is more than I would bargain for… (do you know a healthy chicken will lay one egg a day?) – I think I found us a retirement job! Fred wants chickens. I don’t… BUT, I want Fred to be happy ;) so we can get a cool coop, he can have his chickens (away from the house) and I will put them in pretty cartons and sell them!

This one is cool for whoever has to be the one to go get the eggs… you don’t even have to bend down!

And even Moser Design Group (who comes up with many of those awesome house plans I feature) has a chicken coop. HOT I’m telling ya!

ChickenCoop at CarltonLanding MoserDesignGroup MDGfb

{Image: from Moser Design Group Facebook, who received their image from Carlton Landing folks from Eufaula, OK}

I found a cool bit of info from Williams-Sonoma: Learn more about coops, chickens and the benefits of farm-fresh eggs!

Whew, I’m glad we found something to do when we retire. I’m pumped! Lots to think about, hee hee… Gotta run, I have big plans to make!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Hiking the Appalachian Trail… do you know what a JUJU is?

On April 2, 2013December 13, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL4 Comments

An image from Jessie Campbell’s blog “AN EXTRAORDINARY HIKE“

Jessie Campbell, this former Monhegan one-room school house teacher is currently hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT). WHAT??!! I know! Holy Cow!

We ran across Jessie’s blog and have been addicted to it ever since. Jessie is a gutsy girl who has done lots of research to determine exactly what to pack, how much weight to carry, etc. Her story is fascinating. Her blog has lots of photos and videos, she talks about the different people that she meets along the way. And let me tell you…. this has restored my faith in humanity. People ARE good. You wouldn’t believe it! I highly encourage you to check it out, I think you will quickly become as addicted to this blog as I am! This is a serious exercise in patience, strength and faith for sure! This is a six month adventure. Can you imagine??

Another photo from Jessie’s blog… these aren’t easy conditions that she’s hiking in… I mean LOOK AT HER HAIR… IT’S FROZEN! She has run into some cool people that are so wonderful! Check it out!

Hey, before Jessie left, she asked if people would send a JUJU… (this is so neat, JUJU is a gypsie or jungle word for LUCK or MAGIC) – If you could write Jessie an email (islandteach@gmail.com) filled with words of encouragement, support, jokes or a simple YOU CAN DO IT. She says to feel free to include photos, song files or anything that would lift her spirits in case of bad weather, blisters or whatever else may come up in this six month period. In the SUBJECT line of your email put AT JUJU (Appalachian Trail Juju).

Then simply type your words of encouragement and/or attach anything that you think may help. She’ll save these AT JUJU email’s for when she really needs them. Talk about words of encouragement! This is so cool and only takes you a minute. Also, if you include your address she’ll send you a postcard and let you know how she’s doing! (Read Jessie’s post about JUJU HERE)

Here’s a short blip about Jessie from her blog:

I am a former one-room school house teacher who spent the last five years living ona kick ass island off the coast to Maine. I love my life, my family, my friends… and most of all… my dog. I have been planning this AT hike for the last six years so this adventure will literally be a dream come true and I plan on making the most of it.

Personally, I’m looking forward to the book as well ;) Catch you back here tomorrow!

Dogwood tree’s and Easter… Happy Easter!

On March 31, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

HAPPY EASTER to you!

I thought this photo was fitting for today… it’s the dogwood tree in our front yard, here’s a little blip I found interesting (from a past post):

Many Christians consider the flowering dogwood’s showy cross-like inflorescences (“flowers”) to be religious symbols, due to their four white petal-like bracts bearing red dots on their tips; these trees are often in flower during the springtime Easter season in the Northern Hemisphere. Christian tradition claims the dogwood as the tree used to make the cross on which Jesus was crucified, and further, that dogwoods grew taller and broader until the 1st Century AD, making them suitable for use as crosses. In response to Jesus’s death on one, God permanently stunted the growth of the dogwood species to prevent them ever again being used for the same purpose. Today, very few dogwood specimens would provide sufficient wood to manufacture a cross by the primitive means of the 1st Century AD.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Meeting for coffee…

On March 30, 2013March 26, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Meet my new friend and fellow blogger, Kate Mura. Kate has an interesting daily photo blog (it’s not easy to post something daily!), VISUAL ST. PAUL, check it out if you get a moment!

What a nice lady! We met at Cafe Medley on Sullivan’s Island. What a cool place! Hint, hint… GREAT coffee! They had some good looking food, bottles of wine, all kinds of delicious treats! I see a future post for sure! Fred and I will have to go back in the name of research ;)

Kate is cool. She is so interesting and full of wise words. I hope that I’ll be like that one day! It was nice to meet you Kate! I look forward to meeting you again next time you’re in Charleston!!