Farmer’s Market Reminder!

Farmer's Market!

This photo is from the archives, but I thought I would post it today as a reminder not to miss your local Farmer’s Market! What better way to buy the freshest produce that is LOCAL! (Asparagus is no longer in season here in Charleston, SC – but right now we have so many options it will boggle the mind!) – I love the green against the pink rubber band – Wow!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston, SC Voted #1 City in the World by Travel & Leisure Magazine!

Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC – it’s quite a city, that’s for sure! Charleston, SC has been voted the World’s Best City. Wow.

Last year we were number 2 on the list, still impressive – and we’re the number one city in the US and Canada for the fifth year in a row!

So, if you ever are wondering where to take a vacation, this is the place! I think I would plan ahead, I think it’s going to get busier!

From the historic treasures this city has to offer, to the beautiful architecture and food that will blow you away – it’s no wonder!

This blip about Charleston, SC – from Travel + Leisure’s website:

Charleston moved up from the No. 2 city in the world last year to No. 1. The city has shown incredible resilience and, as one reader wrote, there is still “no place quite like it.” In addition to historic battlegrounds and jasmine-scented streets, Charleston is home to award-winning hotels (including the Spectator, No. 2 in the world this year) and restaurants. Antebellum charm, excellent boutiques, and the beautiful waterfronts at Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach make this city one of the most beloved in the U.S.—and now, the world.

That’s quite an honor –  Catch you back here tomorrow!

Monhegan Photo – The Lupine Gallery in Fog

Lupine Gallery, Monhegan, Maine

The Lupine Gallery swaddled in fog. Heavenly, isn’t it? The Lupine Gallery is one of our favorite places to visit on Monhegan island. We visit (at least) daily. They have the most wonderful art work, from fabulous artists. The upstairs of this building is so amazing, you won’t ever want to leave!

While the gallery isn’t open year around, they do have a fabulous website! If you’re in Maine and happen to visit Monhegan, don’t miss this gallery!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

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!

From the Photo Archives: Monhegan Trail

Monhegan Trail

From the photo archives, circa 2007 – Monhegan Trail…

The trails on Monhegan are so fabulous, volunteers work hard to keep them nice. So when you get off the island and see a map for sale, buy one, support the local businesses while you’re there. Something this fabulous deserves to be around forever and ever.

Remember to leave no trace – take everything you brought with you. The logistics of trash removal (for residents and businesses) on the island boggle the mind and the pocketbook!

Catch you back here tomorrow – Back to regular posting next week!

Flag Day!

Happy Flag Day!

Happy Flag Day!

This photo was taken on the Elizabeth Ann from Monhegan Boat Line  (we have always taken Elizabeth Ann on the way to Monhegan and Laura B on the return, both are such cool boats)! Monhegan Boat Line is located in Port Clyde, Maine – a place that is near and dear to our hearts. The nicest people, with a sense of humor, which is so appreciated. They also have a cool gift shop, don’t pass it up!

Catch you back here tomorrow – Back to regular posting next week!

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!

Uncle Henry’s and the Sunflower – Monhegan, ME

Monhegan Sunflower

I think I took a photo of this scene each time I walked by it. Sometimes foggy, in sun, in shade, early, late, wind blowing, wind still… this scene mesmerizes me. Uncle Henry’s in the background, a very cool cottage near the wharf. The two adirondack chairs are perfectly placed to see everything that is going on. I love this place!

Catch you back here tomorrow!