Caring for Cut Hydrangeas: Tips for Beautiful Blooms

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
White table, cane chairs, a wooden nibble board, and a glass vase of lavender hydrangeas in water.

We all have our favorite things, right? Flowers make me tremendously happy. They are an amazing mood booster. I keep taking this same shot. Different flowers, different days, same setting. I just love the morning light that seems to quietly wake up this space in the early part of the day. So pretty. One of the wonderful things about hydrangeas is the fact that they can last so long and stay gorgeous with just a wee bit of help.

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Salad Showstopper: Southwest Salad with Chicken, Black Beans, Corn and Pepper Jack!

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, FOOD, Recipe, Salad2 Comments
Salad with green lettuce, bits of grilled chicken, white corn, chopped tomato, black beans and pepper jack cheese

We love salads. Especially in the summer when the temperature soars and it’s too hot to turn on the stove. Thankfully, my husband will happily grill chicken on the hottest of days (jumping in the pool to cool off in between checking). At least he can stay cool when the temp is soaring. My go to salad (lately) has been grilled chicken, romaine, hardboiled egg, pickled red onion, cheddar, cucumber, tomato, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. But I wanted something different and this is SPECTACULAR, you’ve got to try it!

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Book Suggestion: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Book, The Bodyguard, by Katherine Center, on beach towel and teak chair

This book is summer reading PERFECTION! You know when you have a lot going on and you just can’t concentrate on a book? That’s where I was at. Which, for me, is a very bad place to be, ha ha. Mission accomplished- I picked up Katherine’s book, The Bodyguard and fell right into the story. Whew!

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Happy 4th Y’all! (Photo from 2007)

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Happy 4th of July…

Many of you will know this scene. Or at least remember it from long ago (photo from 2007). Port Clyde, Maine near Monhegan Boat Line. Since this time there was a fire and the General Store is no more, Monhegan Boat Line that had just built a beautiful building (had not actually seen in person) – also was lost. The boat line has rebuilt and they’re back in business. So if you’re headed to Monhegan, it’s a trusted way to go.

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A Wink From A Loved One?

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Bright red cardinal male in shrubs

Cardinals bring hope (and are such fun to watch). We’re thankful to have so many flying around our yard. They love the trees, shrubs, shade and sun. They fly back and forth across the yard busy as can be. Each spring they build a nest (they work so hard, it’s incredible) then wait until the eggs hatch. They tirelessly bring food to the little ones. It’s beautiful to watch.

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Blooming Magnolia | Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, garden, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Magnolia tree, open magnolia cream color bloom, perfection

Magnolia trees in Charleston, SC for the most part are large trees with flowers to match. Big, beautiful and stately. They exude a sweet, mellow, wonderful scent into the air. You might see magnolia scent added to candles and diffusers for good reason. Everyone seems to adore this sweet, sometimes spicy, scent. Their leaves on the other hand can be a force to be reckoned with. They don’t break down and they rustle loudly underfoot. One thing is for sure, the beauty is worth the work!

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Quick and Tasty Egg Salad Sandwiches – What to eat in hot weather!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe, sandwich2 Comments
Egg salad sandwich, toast, egg salad, macaroni salad leftovers on white plate

We all like it a little bit different. This recipe is a guide. As I always say, add more of what you like, less of what you don’t and leave out anything you don’t like. I haven’t made this in years and it was a treat. I had already hard boiled some eggs that were in the fridge, so this only took a few minutes to throw together. #delish

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Artist Carol Bass – Celebration of Her Life and Work!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments
bright and happy abstract painting, Carol Bass Art Show, celebration of life and work, Thursday, July 31, 2025 5-7PM at Merrill Memorial Library

The Show Is Up!!

The show has begun at Merrill Memorial Library (215 Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine) – so if you’re in the area or can be in the area, this is a show not to miss. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 5-7PM. Carol loved life, her family, art and oh, did she love color!! For those of you who can make it to the opening reception, “Please wear your brightest colors”! I love this!

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Sequoyah House Plan (153209) by Allison Ramsey Architects!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment
Beautiful home with porch under a live oak tree dripping with Spanish moss
Sequoyah House Plan by Allison Ramsey Architects

What a beautiful house plan in a spectacular setting. The live oak trees and Spanish moss bring it to life! I love how you can use every bit of this house – not to mention the porches (one open, one screened)! This home exudes charm and character on every level.

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James Richards Workshops – Learn How to Capture the Light!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments
oil painting by Jim Richards, piano, cat with light hitting, window with curtains and light, interior oil painting
Feline Sonata by James Richards | 12″x16″ Oil

There are two (highly coveted) workshops coming soon with artist James Richards. Just watching Jim paint, you will feel so inspired. Even if you don’t paint, you’ll want to. His technique is mesmerizing. On top of being uber talented, he’s a super nice guy to boot, so you’ll have a good time. #nostressworkshop

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

On By Barbara StroudIn Biltmore, Design Inspiration, Flowers, North Carolina, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
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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