Category: TRAVEL

Monhegan Island, Maine at Sunset

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Maine, Photograph, THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment

Monhegan, Maine

This photo was taken early fall last year. Almost every night there was a beautiful sunset. These breathtaking scenes just happened to be at the time of our dinner reservation each night. Thankfully Fred is understanding while I run out and snap “a few” photos. I think we need to make a reservation after sunset, because when there is a sunset like this it is so awe inspiring you can’t help but to be captivated by it and to feel so utterly blessed to be in such a magnificent place, especially when you can share your love of this place with those you love.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sit and dream…

On By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Michigan, Photograph2 Comments

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!

Flashback: Island Inn Monhegan – Lunch in the Dining Room…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Maine, Photograph4 Comments

Fish Tacos - Island Inn Monhegan

Posting a few *Flashback* photos of lunch at the Island Inn dining room from 2015. I can tell you that each and every meal at the inn was a treat. The fish tacos were outstanding! And the iced tea, ahhhh… the iced tea is fabulous!

Island Inn Monhegan Lobster Roll

And… the Maine lobster roll was so extremely fresh, I believe it just crawled off the boat! Not full of mayo like many Lobster Rolls. Just delicious!

I’m not sure of this year’s menu, but whatever they come up with you know it will be good! In past years we have had lunch at the Barnacle, by the wharf. That’s always fun, you meet some interesting people that way! They used to have sandwiches in a refrigerated case, wonderful sandwiches, turkey, etc., then they served condiments on the side, which is nice if you prefer plain, etc. The refrigerated sandwiches are perfect if you’re not a fan of grilled sandwiches. Always something to look forward to (like breakfast and dinner, hee hee)!

Back to normal posting 5/16!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Mackinac Island Trail – Can you hear the silence?

On By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph4 Comments

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…

On By Barbara StroudIn Michigan, Photograph1 Comment

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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!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, MichiganLeave a comment

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.

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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!

The year before we discovered Maine…

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, TRAVEL2 Comments

San Fran 2005

I like photos that don’t show an entire scene. One that shows a cool element of a location. This photo was taken in San Francisco in 2005, TYBWDM. (The year before we discovered Maine). We haven’t been back. We had gone to San Fran in 2003 – 2005, then thought lets switch between east coast and west coast. So we headed to Maine and that was the end of that!

I love this cool window with the fire escape. San Fran is a great city, so much to do and see, and the weather… wow!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Treats in Wiscasset, Maine…

On By Barbara StroudIn Maine, Photograph, THOUGHTS8 Comments

Treats | Wiscasset, Maine

I love to take photographs of this place. Treats is a wonderful location to STOP at if you’re riding through Wiscasset, Maine. If you’re staying there it’s even better, you can keep popping in, breakfast, lunch and dinner! They have such an interesting array of merchandise. Their food and coffee is out of this world good. Soup like you can only dream of… I took this photo last fall. What a dream this place is!

Treats of Maine – A place to gather, eat & share… their logo, love it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Portland, Maine and Charleston, SC…

On By Barbara StroudIn Maine, Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments

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Exchange Street in Portland, Maine. All that cool brick and those beautiful buildings. So many interesting shops. Coffee shops, bakeries, bookstores, boutiques of all kinds, wonderful food.

Charleston, SC and Portland, ME have so much in common. They really are quite similar in many ways. Artsy, classy, beautiful and interesting! I could live here and be happy.

Funny, most places we go we say that we could live there, with very few exceptions (high traffic areas excluded)… Charleston, SC is such a charming town with so much to offer. You would be lucky to land in either location!

Catch you back here tomorrow!