Brilliant Monhegan Sky!

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Fred and I have been so fortunate to always have such fabulous weather when we visit Monhegan. This wonderful Maine island that sits off the coast is so special in every single way. What makes it so beautiful (other than the surroundings)? The everyday things, from the stacked lobster traps to the colorful clothes on the line blowing in the wind.

Magical. Absolutely magical!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:         Monhegan Boat Line – Port Clyde, Maine

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:      Featured Artist: Connie Hayes!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o: I won!

Botany Bay Trail…

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If you’ve never been to Botany Bay (near Edisto, SC), you don’t know what you’re missing! Beautiful beach, grand old oak trees that form a canopy over the road and are a sanctuary to many birds (and snakes)… beauty everywhere!

Have a great weekend and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:            Artist: Mia Bergeron!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:         Have you tried Purity?

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:    Artist: Stapleton Kearns!

Just look at this Charles Movalli painting… WOW! Happy 4th!

Patriot by Charles Movalli Private Collection Image: Bayview Gallery
Patriot by Charles Movalli
Private Collection
Image: Bayview Gallery

I’m quite positive I’ve mentioned this painting by Charles Movalli in a past post… I still remember walking into Bayview Gallery in Camden, Maine – looking where there were several large Charles Movalli paintings, each so very stunning. This man is talented beyond belief. I would love to meet him one day, he looks like such a cool guy. Whenever talking with other art loving people, if you mention his name, EVERYONE agrees that he is awesome in every single way. As an artist, as a speaker, as a person. You just can’t get any better than that!

Enjoy your 4th of July holiday!!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:            4th of July – Ken DeWaard painting!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:         Happy 4th Charleston Photo!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:     How to make Lemonade Iced Tea – perfect for when its hot outside!

Island Inn Monhegan from the Wharf!

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Isn’t this just the best place ever? Monhegan is stunning and beautiful and when you step off the boat this is what you see. The Island Inn sits regally at the top of the hill. It’s worth the climb, trust me! If you’ve never been to Monhegan before, it’s a treat. It isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a golf course or a mall or to spend time watching TV, this is not the place for you. If you would like to see unspeakable beauty, meet some of the coolest people (other guests who come year after year quickly become like family) and taste some fabulous food, this is your place!

Catch you back here tomorrow! 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:           Holly Grove Houseplan!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:       Artist: Michael Baum!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:   Sailing in Key Largo!

Port Clyde, Maine from Monhegan Boat Line Headed Toward Monhegan!

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I must have Monhegan on my mind! This quaint island in Maine is just so very special. I wonder how many people it affects this way? You don’t have to live there for you to feel a deep connection. Weird but true! This is a shot taken leaving on the boat headed towards Monhegan (about 10 miles off the coast). This is Port Clyde General Store/Dip Net Restaurant, located in none other than, Port Clyde, Maine. Another fabulous place. This is also one of my very favorite places!

Catch you back here tomorrow! Back to my normal posts next week! The boss (me) gave me the week off, hee…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:          Recipe: Cucumbers in Greek Yogurt

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:       Artist: Marc Dalessio!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:  Oregon Coast!

Red Hot Beauty on the Water!

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Stunning isn’t it? It would be nice to be in a boat on the water zooming around under the most gorgeous sunset ever! I am going to pretend to do that over the next few days, so please enjoy some of my favorite photos… and I’ll be back to my normal posts next week.

Where is the most beautiful sunset that you’ve experienced??

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:           Artist: Joshua Clare!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:       Yellow Crowned Night Heron… 

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:   Santa Barbara Beauty…

By the light of the moon – Mackinac Island, MI

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Day off for me so I’m treating you to a glimpse of Mackinac Island, MI. It’s a place we used to go as kids. I loved it then and I love it now. There is just nothing like getting on that ferry and heading to the island! No cars, just horses, fudge, bikes, stunning views and peace and quiet!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:           A colorful Monhegan photo!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:       Charlie (woof) in his happy place!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:   Vital Veggies in the War Against Cancer

Steeple View in Charleston…

 

Steeple View - Charleston, SC
Steeple View – Charleston, SC

The spotlight is on the steeple isn’t it? I love, love, love that golden light! Gorgeous view here in Charleston, SC – had to share!

Hope you’re all having a great weekend – 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 Photo: Rockville Door

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:        Drink Dispensers and drinks to beat the heat

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:   Cool Music…

The smell of Oak… Steakhouse that is!

O A K  S T E A K H O U S E  C H A R L E S T O N , S C
O A K   S T E A K   H O U S E
C H A R L E S T O N , S C

Have you been to Oak Steakhouse in Charleston, SC? I have not, but I can smell the wonderful aromas billowing out of the building. It makes me hungry! Ha ha… It’s definitely on our ever growing list of restaurants in Charleston to try! Have you been?

Oak Steakhouse is located on Broad Street. There are many wonderful galleries to check out on your way to dinner! Be sure to check them out!

Here’s a link to Oak’s menu… everything sounds fabulous!!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:           Artist: Bruce Gomez!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:        Artist: Kevin Beers!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:    Alaska’s Coast in a kayak?

Featured Artist: JD Wissler!

On the Sea by JD Wissler 9x12" Oil
On the Sea by JD Wissler
9 x 12″ Oil – Image: IslesfordArtists.com

John David Wissler… WOW! His work is so incredible, especially if you love these types of views, which I do! This, to me, is SO MAINE. The water is fabulous with the island in the distance. Can’t you feel the movement? I love how it’s kind of abstract closer to the shore. WONDERFUL!

Setting on the Western Way by JD Wissler Image: LancasterGalleries.com
Setting on the Western Way by JD Wissler
18 x 37″ Oil on Panel – Image: LancasterGalleries.com

There are plenty more where this came from. JD has a great collection of paintings, each as fabulous as the next! It was torture trying to pick only two, please go check them out!

Read a blip about JD (John David, for those of you who are wondering) from the Lancaster Galleries website:

“My passion has always been the landscape. I feel a sense of history when painting… the painters I admire and study, Corot, Constable, Turner, Inness, Bonard, Resika…the history of the land itself and my own familiar connection to it. Painting comes through the study of nature…transformed, not merely copied. Seeing the immediacy of the place…what strikes me first. The way trees react to fields, colour to colour, shape to shape…pushing and pulling the plastic nature of the picture plane, creating believable space.

I find the challenge of using what I have observed, taking it to my studio, and creating a new painting invigorating. Drawing upon the memory of place and experience…using the language I have learned from nature, trying to keep the painting fresh…space, clarity, surprise…that’s painting!” – John David Wissler

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:            House Plan: Tidewater Cottage SL998

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:         Artist: Thomas Reis!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:     Roasted Corn Salad Recipe – Out of this world!

Houseplan: The Spartina Cottage by Allison Ramsey Architects!

Spartina Cottage designed by Allison Ramsey Architects (C0511)
Spartina Cottage designed by Allison Ramsey Architects (C0511)

Well, it’s officially summer in the South and it’s hot, hot, hot… It would be nice to have a break from the sun (something you would never hear me say in January/February). The porches on this house would really help keep that stifling heat at bay, at least keep the sun from shining directly in the windows! The Spartina Cottage is a great plan by Allison Ramsey Architects. It measures about 1,663 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A great house for two people or a small family!

Let’s look further…

Spartina Cottage designed by Allison Ramsey Architects
Spartina Cottage designed by Allison Ramsey Architects (C0511)

Great porches on both the back and the front of the house = FABULOUS! Bedrooms on the left, living space on the right, and bathrooms in the center, which comes in handy for a tornado watch! I would probably make “Bedroom Two” a study, a place to read and relax… It’s a great smaller plan, which I happen to like. When Fred retires we don’t want big…

What are your thoughts on this plan?  What kind of plan are you on the lookout for? I’m happy to help you look! Big, small, cottage, modern, traditional, under 2,000, over 3,000 square feet?? Let me know!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:            Artist: Susan Gilbert!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:         How to handle a blowout when you’re on the road!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:    Fresh Rosemary Dry Rub Marinade!

Featured Artist: Jeffrey Hein!

Cold by Jeffrey Hein 12 x 6 Oil on linen
Cold by Jeffrey Hein
12 x 6 Oil on linen

Jeffrey Hein‘s work blows me away! Just look at this painting! Doesn’t she look like she could walk right off the canvas? Her beautiful hair against that dark background is a stunner! All of Jeffrey’s paintings are equally as incredible. I remember seeing another painting of this woman, JoAnn… here it is below… the painting below is sold, but the painting above is available! Just contact the artist! Of course Jeff paints other subjects, but I am just captivated by the way he has painted JoAnn!

JoAnn by Jeffrey Hein
JoAnn by Jeffrey Hein (SOLD)

The way JoAnn is looking right into your eyes is very soulful. I want to know more about her. Don’t you get that feeling?

If you are an artist looking to take a workshop, check out the Teaching and Workshop section of Jeffrey’s website!

Read a blip about Jeff from Quidley and Company Gallery:

Jeffrey Hein was born in 1974 in New Windsor, NY. Despite knowing early that he was interested in art, he had little exposure to it as a youth. His education was limited to numerous drawings of his childhood teachers on his schoolbook covers and on backs of handouts. After only one year of schooling, Hein left to serve a 2 year mission for his church. His missionary work ended prematurely when he was diagnosed with cancer. He battled for about a year and a half before he could return to ‘normal life.’ “After that I dated my wife for about six months in New York while I got ready for school and to come out here to do who knows what. I knew I wanted to do art; but I had no money so it was kind of, what next? So I got married and moved out here” Hein says of his move to Salt Lake City, UT. Hein believes his life experiences have helped him to reach his goals as an artist and have inspired much of his work. He completed his study at the University of Utah in 2002, and has been painting professionally and teaching ever since. Hein has been invited to participate in a variety of international shows and has been written up in numerous newspapers and national magazines. It is very rare for an artist to have both great talent and meaningful content at such an early stage in his promising career. In 2007 he opened the Hein Academy, a small atelier inspired school devoted to academic training. Hein currently lives and works in Salt Lake City with his wife and three children. He is devoted to continual growth as an artist and when not spending time with family he works in his downtown studio where he divides his time between painting, teaching, drawing, sculpting, and filmmaking. “Humanity today is one with, enhanced through, and distorted by innovation and I have embraced modernism and classicism in order to capture this complete modern picture. My goal is also to show the relevance of both classical and abstract art in the modern world by creating work that clearly demonstrates a harmony between them.” – Jeff Hein

All images via JeffHein.com – used with permission from the artist…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:             Sothel Farm, Byrnes Down, USA

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:          Artist: Calvin Liang!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:     Basil, my most used herb!

Omelet with feta, arugula and tomatoes!

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Owieee, I’m hooked on arugula right now. Ever since I heard on the Dr. Oz show how healthy arugula is for you, I tried it… I put it on sandwiches, on top of pasta, in omelets… baby arugula is the best (I buy Earthbound Farms brand). This omelet (or scrambled eggs if that’s easier) is quick and easy:

Omelet with Feta, Arugula and Tomatoes

2 eggs beaten

Baby Arugula

Tomato, chopped

Feta, crumbled

Can add anything your heart desires, onion, leftover chicken Italian sausage, more veggies…

Heat a 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan (or more if using a regular pan). Add the eggs, then add the toppings, pepper… (feta has enough sodium, don’t need salt)

Can either make an omelet with it or scrambled eggs.

Oooooh, and this will keep you going for a while! You might want to have 1/2 banana for dessert… read on…

From the Dr. Oz website:

Everyone knows that leafy greens are good for you. And arugula is one of the better choices for health. It contains two cancer fighters called kaempferol and quercetin. Researchers have shown that diets containing arugula can reduce the risk of lung cancer. Arugula is great to use in a salad, or even mixed into hot pasta coming off the boil. You can also arrange it as a bed of tasty greens on which to put other cooked or raw foods. t’s beautiful and healthy.

Tip: Look for baby arugula.  The young leaves are sweet and nutty tasting. When the plant gets bigger, the leaves can have a slightly bitter taste.

Fresh fruits are an obvious healthy choice, but did you know that bananas contain cancer fighters? They are called catechins and delphinidin, and studies have shown diets rich in bananas and other fruits can reduce the risk of breast cancer. 

Tip:  Have half a banana a day with breakfast. It’s an easy way to sneak a cancer fighter into your diet, right at the start of each day.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:            Artist: Sam Robinson!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:        Charleston, SC Photo – A unique perspective…

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:    Artist: Julia Nichols!

Featured Artist: Thomas Van Stein!

The Night Watcher by Thomas Van Stein
The Night Watcher by Thomas Van Stein – 25″ x 30″ Oil on Canvas

Thomas Van Stein is a remarkable artist. He paints some fabulous nocturnes which I just happen to love! When I was looking through his images this one really caught my eye, I saw this and thought… EDWARD HOPPER… Interesting to read his comment on this painting… Crazy story, eh?

This victorian era house flanks the area I call the Twilight Zone, on Hill street in Ventura. It remembered the painting done by Edward Hopper. I set up in the field across the railroad tracks to do the painting. During the painting, the owner of the house came outside and sat on the porch. Someone upstairs peeked out the window, then flashed their red laser pointer on me, making me want to hit the deck. After recovering from the thought of being shot, I gave a holler, and he put it away. I still decided to document the experience by adding that dash of red.

Thomas Van Stein nocturne the pilgram in port 1 tvs
Pilgrim in Port by Thomas Van Stein  – 22″ x 44″ Oil on Canvas

What a misty feeling this has to it, I love all the lights, the boat working in the wee hours – another fabulous painting!

Here is what Thomas had to say about this painting:

Richard Henry Dana wrote of his seafaring exploits in his classic novel, “Two Years Before the Mast: The tall ship he was on, the”Pilgrim”, came into Port not too long ago. I grabbed my gear and headed out into the darkness before dawn, and painted  this scene from Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. 

Check out his “Thoughts and Ideas”  blog which show’s the painting in progress.

Normally, this is where I say “Read a blip about Thomas, from his website” but… instead of providing you with the text, I’m providing you with the link. I promise that its worth the extra click. Thomas is a fascinating guy! I love his ABOUT page.

The paintings above are available for purchase through James Main Fine Art, Santa Barbara, (805)637-8632 – Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images via ThomasVanStein.net – used with permission from the artist…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:           Rockville, SC – the beauty is immeasurable!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:        Charleston, SC photo…

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:   Turmeric, for your health!

The STAR of the show!!

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Absolutely the star of the show! It looks like there is a spotlight highlighting their beauty! I’ll try to calm down with the hydrangea photos… it’s just so exciting when you can go pick your flowers. I love that! There is just nothing better than fresh flowers to brighten a room!

What’s blooming in your area? Let me know! Happy Sunday! Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:             Sullivan’s Island Beach… ahhh!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:          Artist: Peter Justl!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:     BLUEBERRY PIE RECIPE…