How is this for a room with a view?

Room with a View

A river view is a beautiful thing. Treasured. The St. Clair River in Algonac, MI flows beautifully – and just look at this lucky bird. He built his home with a river view. Smart.

I love how the morning sun hits the roof of the birdhouse. Electric! Beautiful sun on the branch of the tree. I kick myself every time I miss a sunrise when I’m visiting. They’re so spectacular, they’re worth getting up for!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Dylan Metrano!

Inn at Night 8x8" Papercutting by Dylan Metrano 8x8

Inn at Night 8×8″ Papercutting by Dylan Metrano

Dylan Metrano. Papercutting that is above and beyond. His work is fabulous. I’m sure those of you Monhegan lovers will recognize the Island Inn image, Inn at Night, simple, yet regal, just like the inn itself!

Island Inn Rooftop by Dylan Metrano (SOLD)

Island Inn Rooftop by Dylan Metrano 5×5″ Papercutting (SOLD)

Me… and orange. It draws me in every time… this piece is already sold, but I had to share! I love the shingles with the purple and that sky… That sky is exactly what you could see on Monhegan, Maine! Wild and bright! I am a big fan of Dylan’s work!

Do you wonder how Dylan does this? I did too! Whew, it’s a lot of work, check out his time lapse video!

Read a bit about Dylan, what a cool guy, from his website (be sure to check out his list of galleries – on Monhegan he is also in the Lupine Gallery!):

For more than ten years, Dylan Metrano has been cutting the likeness of friends, animals, and architecture from colorful origami paper. He grew up in Newburyport, MA, where he was an active member of the theater and music communities. He co-founded the annual Free Art Show, which gives away hundreds of art pieces in boxes located throughout Newburyport and beyond each December.
Dylan currently lives on Monhegan Island, Maine, where he’s been inspired by a landscape trapped in time. Its centuries‐old buildings and migratory birds have been carefully rendered in meticulously cut paper.
Drawn to the simplicity of form, the boldness and relationships of colors, and cleanness of composition, Dylan’s artwork is entirely comprised of cut and carefully layered paper.
Dylan is a self‐taught artist, and has had his artwork featured on numerous album covers, book covers, posters, and in exhibitions throughout New England.
He has shown work at the Newburyport Art Association, the Rockport Art Association, The Lupine Gallery (Monhegan, ME), Chameleon (Newburyport, MA), The Firehouse Center for the Arts (Newburyport, MA), Nahcotta Gallery (Portsmouth, NH), and many other galleries.
In February 2016, Scholastic published “Every Day Birds“, a children’s book which Dylan illustrated with his papercuttings.

Dylan also plays in the bands Tiger Saw and Cape Snow.

Be sure to check out Dylan’s list of galleries, on Monhegan he is in the Lupine Gallery and in his porch gallery through Columbus Day, here are the details:

My Monhegan porch gallery is now open for the summer!

Visiting hours are Tuesdays, 3-5 from now until Columbus Day (or by appointment).

Second house, off the second path off Horn Hill Road.

All images via DylanMetrano.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Marine City Fish Company – Michigan!

Bell's Battered Fish & Chips

Bell’s Battered Fish & Chips – Marine City Fish Company, Marine City, MI

Last time I went to Michigan to visit family, we stopped at a favorite place for dinner. Marine City Fish Company. They have fresh seafood from the nearby lakes (wallet, perch, whitefish, salmon) and they have “Oceanside Seafood”. Normally I pick the local variety, but this flash fried, beer battered, Icelandic cod sure did sound good. The hand cut shoestring fries were amazing, and I’m not a big french fry eater… the homemade tartar sauce was impeccable. The carrots tasty, as was a good-size garden salad. Very good! Of course I had to get the photo shoot in prior to taking a bite, I’m just glad I remembered! Check out their menu! I love menus, ha ha!

This photo is from a previous visit, this is the Cedar Planked White Fish with homemade chips. Wow! Wow! Wow! This actually won a photo contest years ago (thank you Jericho)! It’s as beautiful as it was delicious!

Marine City Fish Company

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sit and dream…

Sit and dream...

Is there anything better than sitting and watching the water? In the cooler weather just watching the current flow, and the few fishermen out and about is a treat, but in the summer… whoa! Boats, people, people floating on rafts. Sailboats, race boats, big boats, little boats – it’s more entertaining than sitting inside in front of the TV! Don’t these two chairs look inviting?

Back to normal posting 5/16!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Mackinac Island Trail – Can you hear the silence?

Mackinac Island Trail – Michigan

Have you ever been in such silence that you can hear it? Most of us are in areas with noise, a lot of noise. From traffic to assorted yard tools the sounds are endless. When you get away to someplace wonderful like Mackinac Island and you bike and hike, if you get into the woods it’s the most wonderful silence. It’s just heavenly!

Who knew silence could be so loud, ha ha!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A heartfelt thought on this winter day…

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This bird is happy and free… the light from the sun is magnificent, leading you to another place and time.

This post is in honor of Randy Locke, a wonderful man who is loved by many.

I wish I had the opportunity to know him.

Godspeed. ❤️

Thinking of his family and friends, may they always feel Randy’s presence in their lives. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Have a peaceful weekend…

Calling all artists – Zimmie’s Artist Residence – Week Rental – Monhegan, Maine!

Zimmies Artist Residence- Island Inn

Image via Island Inn website

New… this year! Zimmie’s Artist Residence – The Island Inn’s home for working artists and students. How wonderful is that? Zimmie’s is in such a great location, close to the wharf, Island Inn, Novelty, Black Duck, hiking trails, etc.

Zimmies front Island Inn

Image via Island Inn website

Here’s a bit from the Island Inn website:

Named after Zimmie Brackett, a true Monhegan original, we’re thrilled to be able to offer this iconic space to artists as a place to live and create art together.  Zimmie was a bon vivant, a legendary host, dancer and fun-meister.  He made The Island Inn’s newest addition his home for over 40 years.

Zimmie’s is a 3-bedroom, 2 full bath, foursquare farmhouse located in the center of town, adjacent to Pierce Cottage, with views of the meadow and the historic Monhegan Lighthouse. The colorful gardens and clothesline have been favorites of visual artists for a decade…both are staying!

One of the nice parts of this is that you have your own space. Whether you rent one room or all three. I know most artists like to get up and get out and paint. This place to stay gives you that opportunity. There is a kitchen that is well-stocked with the basics, so you can put on a pot of coffee, grab a snack and head out.

Zimmie’s is a weekly rental. Arrivals and departures are on Saturdays – so see if you can plan your trip accordingly. Prices are wonderful. It’s so nice to have your own space. Zimmie’s is located right in the heart of things, right next to the Pierce Cottage. Be sure to check out the Island Inn’s website for more details, or call (207-596-0371) with any questions or if you would like to make a reservation! If you get a few more people who you plan to come to the island with, rent the entire house (all three bedrooms). What fun! Meals are not included, but hey, you can always whip up a little something yourself, or get something out! Options… lots of them! Be sure to check out the photos.. if you’ve been to Monhegan before you will recognize this house right away!

A little more from the Island Inn website:

This is a bright and spacious historic building built in 1922. A long time year-round residence, Zimmie’s has high ceilings, oversized windows, hardwood floors, original wood trim and doors, built-ins, and a one-of-a-kind shower tiled with pottery pieces and Monhegan sea glass. Common spaces include a kitchen well-stocked with cooking essentials, a dining room and ample common space to work, relax and learn together. The cottage has two full baths. The beautiful three-season porch overlooking the meadow is perfect for lessons, critiques, rainy day painting or just enjoying a Monhegan sunrise with a mug of fresh-brewed coffee.

Zimmies_BarbaraStroud-1024x768

You may recognize this wonderful clothesline – My photo

I’m happy to know that the flowers and the clothesline are staying! Every year I have wonderful photos from this very spot!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Photo from the archives: Nothing like a river sunset!

A Michigan Sunset | ArtFoodHome.com

Is there anything better than watching a sunset or sunrise? I absolutely love it. It makes you realize there is something out there greater than yourself. This is sunset from my parents front porch. I love this river. But the river with a sunset… WOW!

I have many photos of a stunning sunrise or sunset. There is something so magical about them. Have you noticed how quickly the sun sets? Once it starts going down, towards the end you can basically watch it drop behind the horizon. It’s amazing.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Island House – Mackinac Island, MI

The Island House - Mackinac Island, MI |ArtFoodHome.com

I’m an island girl. I am fond of islands. Mainly where the weather is cool and there is a gorgeous landscape to be seen. Being at the Island House on Mackinac Island, MI where you can get up early, sit out on the porch in the dark cool weather sipping your hot coffee. It’s pure heaven to me! Then inside for a delightful breakfast and out to face the day! We haven’t been in some time… am looking forward to going back one day soon! The Island House is the white beautiful building with the reddish roof in this photo. It’s been around since 1852. I remember it when before it had air conditioning or an elevator, but it now has both! If you ever find yourself looking for a unique destination, Mackinac Island is beautiful, especially the back side of the island (bike rentals are available).

Catch you back here tomorrow!