Happy Father’s Day!

On June 19, 2016June 18, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This is another photo from the archives. Look at that sky! The reflection in the water! The slight rippling, the outline of the boat and motor, the dark horizon! Mysterious and wonderful!

This photo looks like a good Father’s Day type photo… where you wish your dad a peaceful day, hanging out doing what he likes best… fishing!

Happy Father’s Day to both of our dads!

To my dad: Dad, thank you for being the super cool, fun dad who I’ve learned so much from. I have so many wonderful memories of special things that you have done, remember the treasure box you made me? I still have it! The paintings and treasures, the photos that you’ve taken and developed in your dark room struck something in me that I loved at that young age. To watch you polish rocks, make jewelry, build a canoe, paint, woodwork and everything in between, you are an inspiration. I can only hope to keep up with you… thank you for introducing me to Pickleball, what a blast! I love you so much, and am proud to call you my dad!

To Fred’s dad: Thank you for being a dad who Fred could always learn things from. He has told me many wonderful stories from his youth, namely the camping days… what fun for a kid to have a summer like that! What a sacrifice for you to drive back and forth to work. I am so thankful you are his dad! I’m sure you know what a wonderful son you’ve got – thank you for that!!

Love you both – xoxo, me

To Charlie’s dad: Thank you Fred for being the best dog dad, not to mention the most wonderful husband ever! We are blessed beyond belief!

Love you! xxoo, me

I am also thinking of all of you out there who have a dad that has passed away. I know this day must be difficult. I hope you feel his presence…

Thinking of you… ❤️Catch you back here tomorrow!

How is this for a room with a view?

On June 18, 2016June 9, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Michigan, Photograph5 Comments

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: 27 State Street B&B – Charleston, SC

On June 17, 2016June 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, PhotographLeave a comment

This is such a cool building, so it doesn’t take a lot to make it into a wonderful photo. I snapped this photo in March of 2007. Just look at the charm and character. Isn’t the old wavy glass on the windows just beautiful? I love the different textures – this building has such a wonderful patina!

Read more about 27 State Street B&B!

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

From the Photo Archives: Monhegan Trail

On June 16, 2016June 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Maine, Photograph2 Comments

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!

From the Photo Archives: Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, SC)

On June 15, 2016June 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, SCLeave a comment

From the photo archives… Palmetto Bluff, (Bluffton, SC) – taken September 2007.

We headed out on a road trip shortly after our last dog passed away – Reggie, he was a sweetie. Needed to get away from the silence and busy our minds with beauty. Let me tell you Palmetto Bluff is the perfect place to do just that!

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

Flag Day!

On June 14, 2016June 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Maine, Photograph, THOUGHTS1 Comment

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!

From the Photo Archives: Alligator at Palmetto Bluff

On June 13, 2016June 12, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, Photograph, SCLeave a comment

Photograph from the archives…

This creature was just perched on his own little island minding his business when we walked past… I snapped a photo and kept moving.

It’s best to respect the distance between us, ha ha… This was taken in 2007 at Palmetto Bluff. Have you ever been? If you get a chance, it’s a beautiful place to visit – don’t miss it!

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

Another Charleston Photo…

On June 12, 2016June 3, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, PhotographLeave a comment

Love the shadows, don’t you? Charlie loves to walk downtown… different smells and different “friends” that he runs into along the way. It’s the time of year to head out early, humidity isn’t fit for man or beast, ha ha…

Bring a camera! Most of my photos are taken with my phone nowadays, I can grab it and run out the door and snap along the way. Fred and Charlie walk fast, so I snap, snap, snap then run, run, run to catch up. It’s a workout, but one worth it’s weight in gold!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Photo!

On June 11, 2016June 3, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, PhotographLeave a comment

I love the wrought iron gates in Charleston, SC. Each is a masterpiece. The views beyond the gates are even more of a masterpiece. A peek at that white steeple against that oh-so-blue sky is just beautiful. The palm makes it tropical, the shadows on the old brick are stunning.

No matter where you look you find something absolutely beautiful. Not only downtown in the historic district, but everywhere! Keep your eyes open for it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Guess the artist: Wonderful watercolor by Sandra Baggette!

On June 10, 2016July 20, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Daily Blog, Guess the Artist10 Comments

I wish I could have removed this painting from the frame to snap a photo, you can see reflections in the glass, but you still get an overall look at this painting. A treasure.

UPDATE: The artist’s name is Sandra Baggette from Port Royal, SC – a sweet friend and wonderful artist! Check out her work at SandraBaggette.com!

Over the next few weeks (until I run out of paintings), I am posting one of our paintings and then seeing who can GUESS THE ARTIST. I have retouched this photo on the bottom right corner to remove the artist’s signature.

Do you know the name of this artist?

Comment on my Facebook page or on this blog…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

House Plan: TNH SC 32DL by Moser Design Group

On June 9, 2016June 9, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Daily Blog, HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

TNH SC 32DL by Moser Design Group

This is the TNH SC 32DL plan by Moser Design Group. This plan is 1,791 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This plan features 9′ ceilings both upstairs and down – and has loads of charm to go with it! I love that a section of the porch is screened – so you can sit outside even with the mosquitoes!

This plan has an open floor plan with a kitchen, living & dining space. There is a fireplace both indoor and outdoor. Can you imagine how wonderful it would be on a nippy evening, to sit on your porch and have a fire? Heavenly!

The main floor also has a powder room and a utility room off of the back porch. The master bedroom is in the back of the house and I wonder if there could be some sort of built in storage or drawers to access underneath the stairway from the master bedroom! Couldn’t that be wonderful storage for off season clothing, etc.?

What a great plan, especially if you’re downsizing or not looking for a large home. With the 9′ ceilings both up and down, this plan could really look like it was built years ago. Shiplap walls would be very cool in this home, wouldn’t they?

How perfect is this upstairs? Two bedrooms, bathroom and gallery area. Say no more – this is fabulous!!

All images via MoserDesignGroup.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Dylan Metrano!

On June 8, 2016June 3, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, MichiganLeave a comment

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 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!

Mural on Mira Winery Building – Charleston, SC – Can you name the chef’s?

On June 7, 2016June 2, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Charleston, FOOD1 Comment

This is so cool. This mural was painted on the side of the Mira Winery (Wine tasting in Charleston, SC | Napa Valley Education Center). Artist David Boatwright painted this mural depicting local chefs in town. Can you name them? Answers HERE!

If you aren’t familiar, check out the MiraNapa.com website!

Read a bit about it from CharlestonCityPaper.com!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Leon Basler!

On June 6, 2016April 16, 2024 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Leon Basler. Wonderful work of all kinds. I’m willing to bet his middle name is Versatile! This man sketches, paints, photographs – you name it, he does it. You have to check out his website!

Determination Took Us to the Top by Leon Basler

A majestic tree,which almost comes alive in this painting – fabulous! Be sure to take a peek at Leon’s journal – he brings it to life with his paintings and photographs!

Read a bit about Leon, from his website:

“Transforming an image into a piece of art takes passion. I feel a passion for every piece of art I create, and fortunately I have many passions in my life.

Since I was a young boy, I have been encouraged to express the talents that I have through various artistic outlets. Common scenes evolve into something more as I convey my interpretation of them with different mediums.

I never limit myself or my art and that is why I want to share each unique and individual piece with you so you can have a piece of my passion in your life.”

Leon Basler …

Native of Ste. Genevieve, MO.
Attended Southeast Missouri State University, Chicago Art Institute, Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, American Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago.
Private study under Missouri artists M. Charles Rhinehart, Dhimitri Zonia and Colorado artist Leawn Hlavachick. Worked as a freelance artist for cartoonist Fred Lasswell, who wrote and drew the “Barney Google and Snuffy Smith” cartoon strip. Also studied with Missouri artist Mathew Ziegler.
Worked as an art director for various agencies throughout the Midwest. Illustrator for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, art director and product designer for the pen manufacturer Sheaffer Eaton – Textron, also as a pilot/flight instructor, art and pottery teacher for a rehabilitation center for children.
Currently lives in Bismarck and is presently employed with KLJ Engineering as a visual specialist. Has received national, regional and local recognition for his artwork and designs. His artwork is represented in galleries in SD, ND, WY, CO, WI and MO.
Read more HERE

All images via LeonBasler.com, used with permission…

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

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sun and Shadows – Charleston Photo

On June 5, 2016June 2, 2016 By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Daily Blog, Photograph2 Comments

I’ve mentioned the beautiful window boxes throughout the city. Each one as gorgeous as the next. Some with unexpected plants that seem to flourish in their surroundings. Obviously planted by someone who knows what they’re doing!

Another fine example. What a treat to round a corner and find even more beautiful window boxes just waiting to have their photo taken!

Catch you back here tomorrow!