Category: TRAVEL

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL6 Comments
Porch in Michigan...
Porch in Michigan…

This photo was taken several years ago… at Christmas time… the grass was beautifully blanketed with snow just in time for the arrival of my in laws. I was thrilled that they would see the beauty that I spoke of. They did great driving around in it. We had a wonderful time. It seems like during the winter you cook… and eat… and cook… and eat… Whew! My parents live on a big river, and across the river is Canada. Big hunks of ice float by, sometimes getting jammed. The river is entertainment all year around!

By the time you read this I am headed back from this magical place. Back to the sunny south. That same sun that I curse in the summer I adore in the winter months. When you live in Charleston, you really shouldn’t complain about the winter, ha ha… I’ll be back to my normal posts next week!

Update… today, 12.14.13 – funny that I chose this photo for today… over a week ago I wrote this post. Today, as I get ready to pack up and head to the airport it will be the snowiest day of the year 4-6″ expected by tonight! Windy and snow… absolutely beautiful, but…

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

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…        Featured Artist… Aaron Westerberg!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Artist to watch… Dan Corey!

 

Monhegan Island, Maine… Photo…

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL4 Comments
Monhegan Island, Maine
Monhegan Island, Maine

Ahhh, I get a little homesick for Maine each year. No, it’s not my home, but it feels like it should be. It’s a wonderful place, with people who are so genuine. I absolutely love that. They are hard working and honest (honor system to buy flowers, vegetables along roadside stands… and it WORKS!). I’m happy when I’m in Maine… no worries… of course I am on vacation, ha ha… which is so much different than real life!

For such a small island there is something to be seen no matter where you are! This photo is of White Head on Monhegan. To get to it, you can walk down through town, turn at the Monhegan House, walk past the Novelty (if you can keep walking past the best pizza and ice cream on earth), up to Horn’s Hill, past Don Stone’s studio, and follow the path to this gorgeous setting!

To sit on the ledge and listen to the ocean, watch for whales and just be… in silence… it’s a treat beyond measure. Sometimes the best gifts are the most simple. Quiet. Peace. Beauty.

For the next week, I’m going to keep the posts short… I’ll be back to regular posting the following week! Hang in there with me! I appreciate you visiting, stop by and see what tomorrow brings! Ooooh, I like that, might change my “catch you back here tomorrow”…  ha ha…

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Randy Higbee 6″ Squared Show (2012)

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Gift Idea (2011, BUT they still make these!!)

Catch you back here tomorrow! Stop by and see what tomorrow brings… (whatcha think??)

Featured Product: earPlanes… they will save your sanity!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

Earplanes walgreens

earPlanes… these discreet little ear plugs that relieves that horrible air pressure pain that many of us feel when we travel. Have you heard the babies and young children screaming in pain during descent when flying on an airplane? The pain is excruciating. I have the same pain. Every. Time. I. Fly. I seriously dreaded it until I ran across these earplugs years ago… they carry them all over, Walgreen, Walmart, etc. They’re usually in the aisle of the store that contains eye drops/ear drops… They’re good for one round trip flight. I would not get on a plane without them… They come in adult and child sizes. If you know of anyone who suffers from this pain – tell them about these!

Read a blip from Walgreen’s website:
Relieves air pressure discomfort with the exclusive CeramX filter. Reduces harsh noise. Made of soft hypoallergenic, latex free silicone.
      • Noise reduction rating: 20 decibels, when used as directed
      • Drug free
      • Safe, comfortable, disposable
      • Good for one round trip flight. Also great for mountain driving
      • Tested by U.S. Navy pilots and approved by flight attendants
      Good Housekeeping guarantee:

      • Limited warranty to consumers
      • Replacement or refund if defective

Before inserting, pinch nose and blow to clear your ears. For best results, always insert EarPlanes one hour before landing. Remove after landing and when the cabin door is opened.

Chronic sufferers may also insert EarPlanes just before takeoff. EarPlanes may be removed when the airplane reaches maximum altitude and reinserted one hour before landing.

For maximum results, use your opposite hand to pull the top of your ear upward. Insert the ribbed end and turn like a corkscrew until snug.

Recommendation: Do not reuse after two flights since pollen, dust, and moisture will reduce effectiveness.

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Featured Artist… Kathryn Turner!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Cable Car – San Fran, CA = Big fun!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via Walgreens.com

A breathtaking scene…

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL3 Comments
A Michigan Sunrise...
A Michigan Sunrise…

I took this photo last year when I took a trip home to see my family… they have the most amazing sunrises that reflect against the river. I am the crazy fool out in the cold with my camera snapping photos like a crazy person… PJ’s on… and whoever’s shoes are by the door… off I go. I cannot NOT take a photo. It’s not in me. When I see something beautiful that catches my eye SNAP* SNAP… there are some beautiful sunrises/sunsets in this part of the world! Wishing you a beautiful sunrise or sunset!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       Featured Artist… Jane Barton!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Artist to Watch… Larry Moore!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A Mackinac Island Treasure!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL3 Comments

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Isn’t this the sweetest house ever? I like to refer to it as “my house” (it’s not!) on the West Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI… Many of the homes are very, very large… this one is just right! I love the screened porch, and the view… are you kidding me? Heaven! This is near the Pontiac Trail for those of you who are familiar… I love that little trail… breathtaking views!

Have a great weekend!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…      Fall is in the air and on the door!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…  Eat for a better memory – 7 ways to stay sharp, would you like a cup of joe?

The Golden Light on Mackinac Island, MI

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL3 Comments

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Ahhh, beauty at its best! Several years ago, my mom, sister and I got together for a little weekend getaway on Mackinac Island in Michigan. We had the best time ever celebrating the end of my mom’s chemo treatments, woohoo mom!  We stayed in a beautiful room at the Island House, ate in their dining room each evening which was such a treat… walked and rode bikes until we wore ourselves out! On this day, my sister and I rode bikes around the island after dinner… we really had to pedal fast to make it off the back side of the island (no lights) before it was completely dark… that was something! This isn’t the best photo, taken with my Blackberry, but you get the a feeling of how gorgeous that golden light is! If you ever get a chance to go to Mackinac Island, please do! Like I mentioned, the Island House is a treat… its also worth strolling through the Grand Hotel and all its shops (note: there is a fee). They have a great little bistro where you can eat, lunches are reasonable and so delicious!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       8th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival October 20-27, 2012!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Pomi tomatoes… skip the BPA in the can and try a carton of tomatoes!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Carina – Monhegan, ME…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment

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Ahhh, the Carina… it’s so much more than a grocery store, it’s more of an institution… it’s a place to run into old friends after a year has gone by, a place to catch up like no time has passed. A great place to grab lunch, a snack, or groceries… End of October will be then end of the Carina as we know it… A big thumbs up to Tara Hire for making it as fabulous as she has all these years! She is moving on and following her passion… Monhegan Wellness! So check it out!!

Another thumbs up to Lisa Brackett, who will be running the new store on the island called L. Brackett & Son… A store and a diner… there has been some major fundraising going on, this is a creative, hard working bunch!

We wish them both the best in their new endevours!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Weekend Photo: Sometimes it’s the little things…

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Foods that should never cross your lips – Part 7!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Ahhh, to relax like this…

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL2 Comments

Fred reading at the Island Inn, Monhegan 2009

Is there anything better than to wake up early, have fabulous coffee, chat with friends, have a wonderful breakfast, go for a hike, stop for a snack, sit and read, go for another hike or two, or three… come back to the inn, take a shower and head to dinner… nope. I’m hear to tell you there is nothing better! To relax like this is truly a luxury!! Hope you have your luxury relaxation some time soon!

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There is something mesmerizing about this!

Hey! Happy first day of Autumn… WOOHOO, my favorite season begins!!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Autumn in Wiscasset, Maine!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Foods that should never cross your lips – #6!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

*Monhegan Light… a wonderful Monhegan setting!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Maine2 Comments
Monhegan Light

*UPDATED WITH TRAILER LINK… the previous Vimeo link was not working… (You can also Google “Monhegan Light Trailer” or click the link below…)

You’ve got to watch this movie trailer. I swear this movie is going to be a winner! I just recently found out that a group of students from Ohio University’s School of Media Arts & Studies created a film based on a short story by Richard Russo. The story is about a cinematographer who travels to Monhegan Island to confront a painter about his relationship with his deceased wife. There is an actual story line. The scenery is beyond stunning. I have to give them a thumbs up on all levels. For those of you who have been to Monhegan, this will transform you back to that special place.

Update 2025: while the trailer and website for this film are no longer available (therefore links didn’t work) I’ve removed them from this page…

Update 12/2025: I heard from Frederick Lewis, who along with his students, produced this film – he provided updated links, thank you!

“I did find the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcDzVUsKUXE

And the full film is here:  https://vimeo.com/65193261 “

I pulled this from: lpfilmforum.com (no longer an operable link for this film)

More than a short film, really, “Monhegan Light” approaches the mid-length genre at almost thirty minutes running time.  The film was produced by a team of Ohio University students, led by Associate Professor Frederick Lewis (who executive produced) and directed by Joe Battaglia, an OU student.  Money was raised to produce the film ($18,000) which was shot on location in four days on Monhegan Island, Maine.

For those of you who are familiar with Monhegan you will notice Alison Hill‘s paintings, as well as her yard and her living room (with cool orange sofa)! This group did such a fantastic job. They raised the money, they worked hard and I really want to promote them!

If you’re interested in behind the scenes movie making, watch this video they made… you will see gorgeous scenes of Monhegan around18-19 minutes into it. Marcus DeAnda did a great job as the main character. So believable and he had so much emotion. Perfect casting. Great job to all the actors, Joe Battaglia (Director and Producer) and all the people behind the scenes. Its amazing how much work is involved. Read more about them all on their Facebook page!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via Monhegan Light Facebook...

Peace and beauty, what more could you ask for??

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL4 Comments

DSCN0710

Monhegan… ah… am I ever going to stop posting photos? Well, I just had to, we have some friends who are there this week, next week and the following week! I can’t wait to see their photos! I bet the weather will be perfect! This photo was taken (I think) when we hiked along trail 1… past Dead Man’s Cove and back up into the woods… it is M A G I C A L !  Some are there to paint, others to show family around a wonderful place they have yet to visit, and another who is going to read, relax, swim and hike! You always feel better once you’ve visited Monhegan, it gets your priorities back in place. Really!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Island Inn… Monhegan Island, Maine!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Foods that should never cross your lips – #5!

 

Over the river and through the woods… well kinda…

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL6 Comments

Monhegan Woods...
Monhegan Woods…

When you see this image don’t you just want to plop yourself into these woods and walk around… I do! I’m not sure if this was taken in Cathedral Woods or another area on the island, but it is heaven to meander through the woods without a care in the world. The silence is something you won’t forget. Good, sweet silence. You just don’t hear silence too often…  Over the river and through the woods… but no river. When you reach the end of the trail you do hear and see the crashing surf and that is such a treat! It makes you happy… here’s proof… this is my mom, she was thrilled, just look at that smile!

mom hiking monhegan w stick 2009

Go out and be happy! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Paris Preview with Rhett Thurman at the Sylvan Gallery… tonight!!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, TRAVEL2 Comments

"Beloved Cliche, III" by Rhett Thurman
“Beloved Cliche, III” by Rhett Thurman

The Sylvan Gallery on King Street in Charleston, SC is having a Paris Preview with artist Rhett Thurman. If you’re in the area you won’t want to miss this!

Visit Rhett in her studio tonight (September 5, 2013) at 241 King Street from 5 – 6PM for a preview and sale of her latest work… and then…

Meet at the Sylvan Gallery at 171 King Street for a reception, preview and sale from 6 – 8 PM!

It’s always nice to see where artists paint, what their space is like… and of course to see Rhett’s new work!

If you aren’t in the area… check out Rhett’s older work as well!

I t ‘ s  S T U N N I N G !

From her trip to Monhegan…

"Room with a View" by Rhett Thurman
“Room with a View” by Rhett Thurman

as well as her Charleston paintings!

"Queen Street Grocery" by Rhett Thurman
“Queen Street Grocery” by Rhett Thurman

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Charleston Restaurant Week September 5-16, 2012!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Husk Restaurant in Charleston, SC is the top new restaurant in AMERICA!

All images via TheSylvanGallery.com!

Wouldn’t you like to be here… listening to this??

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL6 Comments

Monhegan, Maine
Monhegan, Maine

Wouldn’t you like to be sitting on a rock, here, in this fabulous place called Monhegan? Located about 10 miles off the coast of Maine sits this pristine little island called Monhegan. It’s a dream come true to spend a few days listening to the ocean, watching the waves, not answering a phone or checking messages. Hell to some I guess, but heavenly to us!

If you’re the type of person who loves the outdoors, doesn’t need to dress up to be happy and loves the sounds and sights of a beautiful rocky coast, this is your place! If you ever get the chance to visit… do! It’s a classy place, full of amazingly talented individuals. You won’t believe the number of famous artists that have painted on this tiny island.

Happy Memories – Catch you back here tomorrow!

FLASHBACK

O N E   Y E A R   A G O:  Rockville, SC photos: What a beautiful place to take a drive!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O:  Foods that should never cross your lips… #3!

The Bud Stop… San Francisco… GORGEOUS flowers!

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment

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Aren’t these flowers just gorgeous? This photo was taken years ago while Fred and I were in San Francisco, CA. This is THE BUD STOP… wildly beautiful flowers! They’re located on Union Street right near Fillmore… Speaking of Fillmore Street… best place that we ate lunch… THE GROVE FILLMORE, I had done a previous post on this place, but it’s worth mentioning again!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Majestic Crape Myrtle’s in Charleston, SC

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Foods that should never cross your lips – Part II