It’s Officially Fall – Super Excited!

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

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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Guess the Artist #44 | Detroit Institute of Arts!

painting of a mountain

Guess the artist! Do you recognize the work by this popular artist? I took this image at the Detroit Institute of Arts a few years ago. Heavenly place to visit – if you ever get a chance to pop in, I cannot recommend it enough! If you’re wondering where the location of the subject of this painting is, read on for details from DIA.org! Answer below…

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Guess the Artist #43 | Detroit Institute of Arts!

On our last trip to Michigan we were able to visit the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), one of the most incredible places to visit. I remember visiting as a kid and it held such wonder for me, from the massive murals by Diego Rivera to the fine paintings – not to mention the mummy which was my favorite room. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing and how old it was. Incredible. Ok, time to guess the artist – one hint, it’s a toughie.

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

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…

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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Guess the Artist #42 | Detroit Institute of Arts

Painting of a woman in a black dress, engraver, working, art history

After a recent trip to Michigan AND a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts, I have a fresh batch of Guess the Artists posts coming up. What a great visit. They are in the midst of a renovation right now but there is still plenty to see. The Contemporary section and a few others were closed, but beginning early August they’ll have several paintings from each of those collections so you won’t miss out.

Do you know who the artist is on this one? If so, comment on this post or on social media – If not, check below for the answer… Good luck!

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Guess the Artist #41 | Detroit Institute of Arts

It’s been a while since I’ve written a “Guess the Artist” post from a visit years ago to the Detroit Institute of Arts. (If you ever get the opportunity to go – please do, you will be THRILLED!) So many fabulous artists, and some from centuries ago. Wow! These paintings are clearly very well taken care of and rightfully so! They are a treasure.

Ok, now… do you know the artist who painted this beauty above? Read on to see the answer and also to read a bit about the painting, which is so interesting!

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The Fascinating World of Gargoyles vs. Grotesques (Biltmore House)!

Image of small section of Biltmore House, Gargoyle, Grotesque, carving

This stately piece of architecture is a cut above the rest (that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting). Dynamic, regal and historic. The amount of intricate detail is mesmerizing. There are a number of (what we would call) gargoyles – they’re everywhere and they’re all different. They are so creative and wonderful, you need to go visit for that reason alone! I’ve heard there is only one true gargoyle… Do you know the difference between gargoyles and grotesques?

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Biltmore House – A View of the Winter Garden!

Winter Garden at the Biltmore House, Atrium, Glass ceiling with wood, Stunning electric light fixtures hang from the ceiling, tropical plants, statue, arched openings

Biltmore – Asheville, North Carolina. Wow! Doesn’t even come close to the feeling when you are within the walls of this grand estate. The details, so many details on every single level. As I mentioned in an earlier “Biltmore” post, I snapped almost 800 photos in a two day span. I think I have photos from each of these arched openings. There were people here, I was just waiting to take a photo until the coast was clear.

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Explore the Breathtaking Biltmore Estate: A Must-Visit Destination!

The oh so grand Biltmore Estate, image taken from front lawn, fountain blowing in the wind

My husband and I have recently taken a road trip to the Biltmore Estate. We had the absolute best time possible. I’m not sure how we fit so much into a few days but we did. I highly encourage you to make your way to Biltmore. Add it to your list right now, I’m not kidding when I say this is one stunning place. I took almost 800 photos – I couldn’t believe it! Biltmore is so special.

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Saluda, NC Arts Festival TODAY – Celebrating 20 years!

Blue sign on brick wall, reads Saluda Arts Festival 20 yrs, May 17th 10-4, colorful

The Saluda Arts Festival is today, May 17, 2025 from 10AM – 4PM. If you’re in the Saluda, North Carolina area, what a great event to pop in to! I love their colorful signs. I took this photo last time we were in the mountains and saved it to post today. We love Saluda, such a wonderful town! Cute shops, wonderful places to eat and such nice people.

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Life as a Bird in the Great Smoky Mountains

Bird perched on a railing, looking out over the Great Smoky Mountains, Waynesville, North Carolina

Can you imagine life as a bird in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park? The freedom to fly hither and yon. Life as a bird comes with options. You glide with the wind. Or you take a break at the bird feeder and hang out with your friends. Or, if you preferred, you just take a break and look out over the beautiful vistas. #lifeisgood

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Support Chef Thornton: Buy a Mug for a Cause, Donate or Share…

Chef Thornton, coffee mug, donation, mug on table overlooking Orchard coffee shop
Quick snapshot while Max was making us an excellent cup of coffee – Orchard Coffee Shop, Waynesville, NC

This is the coolest coffee shop in Waynesville, NC. I started following Orchard Coffee after Hurricane Helene. During the aftermath they did so much to help their community, it truly was jaw-dropping. Everyone who worked here went the extra mile and then the unthinkable happened…

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How To Identify the Birds You’re Watching!

mountains, tree, hummingbird feeder, hummingbird

Is there anything better than getting away to the mountains in the midst of jaw dropping beauty to reset yourself? Everyone needs to get to the mountains at some point. No need for a TV here, so much to watch, it’s ever changing. The clouds, the mountains, the fog, the plants/blooms and of course, the birds, rabbits, etc. The birds were a special treat this visit…

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