The STAR of the show!!

On June 22, 2014June 19, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

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…

Black Eyed “Susies”

On June 21, 2014June 17, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

Bright and happy aren’t they? My mother-in-law picked these for me, I put them in a glass of water, and toted them around the house snapping photos and they all turned out gorgeously! This one has pretty bright sun hitting it, but I love how the concrete gives that cool background with the sharpness from the shadow…

These are Black Eyed Susan’s and they grow wild in various areas… my husband calls them “Black Eyed Susie’s” and for some reason that makes me laugh every time he says it. Ahhh, its the little things! Have a wonderful week 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: James Richards!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: It’s going to be a long day…

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Ken Auster

Featured Artist… Ken DeWaard!

On June 20, 2014June 17, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Fabulous painting right? This guy knows all the little nuances that make a better painting, and guess what? You’re in luck, Ken will be at Plein Air Richmond and he will also be teaching a workshop this October in North Carolina… details for both are below! Can I just say… they just don’t come any nicer than Ken…!

Ken will be painting at Plein Air Richmond (Richmond, VA), so if you’re in the area, don’t miss it!

P L E I N A I R R I C H M O N D I N F O:

A Week-Long “Painting Out”: June 22-26, 2014
Click here to view daily locations
Watch the 35 specially juried plein air painters set up easels all over our historic city create hundreds of paintings.

Ticketed Collector’s Preview Sale and Awards: June 27

Exhibit Continues at Brazier Gallery June 28 and June 29

“Fast and Fresh” : June 28
Location: Carytown
On Saturday from 9:30 am -11:30 am juried and non-juried artists will start and complete paintings. These “wet” paintings will be available for purchase right off the easels with proceeds benefiting the Symphony.

So if you can make it to Plein Air Richmond, it looks like it will be a good time!

O C T O B E R W O R K S H O P : Upcoming workshop this October with Ken in Aberdeen, NC… here are the details! OOOooohhh, this will be a great workshop!

October 7 – 10, 2014 Essence and Design in Plein Air

4 Day Workshop will be held in the Aberdeen NC area
(9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.)

Artist League of the Sandhills

129 Exchange St, Aberdeen NC, 28315 910-944-3979

E mail contact for more information / Pam Griner

The Neighborhood by Ken DeWaard — *The Neighborhood* by Ken DeWaard

I love Ken’s style and how the lines aren’t all perfectly straight, it adds so much character which is why I love them so much! All of Ken’s paintings are wonderful happy looks at life!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: House Plan: Whisper Creek!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Scott Christensen!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Panera Chicken Noodle Soup update 2011

House Plan: The May River House by Southern Living (SL1860)

On June 19, 2014January 22, 2015 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

2014 Southern Living Idea House – Palmetto Bluff, SC

This is a great opportunity to check out the MAY RIVER HOUSE (SL 1860) House plan in real life! This year (2014) the Southern Living Idea House is located in Palmetto Bluff, SC. To those of you have been there, you know how nice it is! For those of you who haven’t… it’s worth the drive! Truly!

Check out the May River House Plan (SL1860), the images were too small to see, but click on the link… This is one large, gorgeous home… clocking in at 3,787 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this is one heck of a house to tour!!

Here is a little info from the Palmetto Bluff website:

The 2014 project, located in the River Road neighborhood of Palmetto Bluff, promises to deliver engaging ideas for building, updating, or refreshing your own home. You’ll discover innovative Lowcountry style, from the garden to the kitchen and more.

A collaborative effort between Southern Living, Palmetto Bluff, Ken Pursley,Pursley Dixon Architecture, Suzanne Kasler, Suzanne Kasler Interiors, and Shoreline Construction,, The Idea House will be open for tours five days a week. Tour-goers will make a contribution to tour the home, and the proceeds will benefit Bluffton Self Help and the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton to help support their missions in the Bluffton community.

Volunteers from each organization will “man” the house and act as hospitality docents. For more information on how to volunteer, visit:www.blufftonselfhelp.com or www.supportachildbluffton.com.

Tours Begin June 28, 2014
Wednesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sundays noon – 4 p.m.

“Palmetto Bluff exemplifies Lowcountry living in the Carolinas. The preserved surroundings set the standard in conscientious development. It is the perfect setting to reveal our 2014 Idea House this summer. The marriage of the clean lines of Pursley Dixon Architecture and the sophisticated interior design by Suzanne Kasler will offer a fresh look that we can’t wait to reveal here at Southern Living.”
– Lindsay Bierman, Editor Southern Living

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Grab a few “Beers” (Kevin Beers) at his 2013 Gleason show!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: How to brighten up the front of your house for less than $30!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Happy Father’s Day 2011!

Kevin Beers Show Opens at Gleason Fine Art – Boothbay, Maine!

On June 18, 2014June 17, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Manana from the Barnacle by Kevin Beers 13 x 40" Oil — *Manana from the Barnacle* by Kevin Beers
13 x 40″ Oil

GO BIG OR GO HOME… that reminds me of Kevin Beers… you rarely see him paint something small, he’s the guy you see on Monhegan Island carrying a large canvas and a large easel… he’s the guy that knows everyone and is having the time of his life. It shows in his paintings. They are spectacular, and they reflect what he see’s in such a wonderful way. This truly looks like Manana from the Barnacle (neat little store/eatery near the wharf). Looking at this painting makes me feel like I’m there! Hey, where’s my sunscreen?!

Well, if you are in the Boothbay, Maine area, you’re in luck! Gleason Fine Art is having a show for him – it runs June 19 – July 26, 2014 with a opening reception date, Friday, June 27, 2014 from 5-7PM.

Read a blip about Kevin from the Gleason Fine Art website:

Each summer, Brooklyn resident Kevin Beers returns to the rock-bound island of Monhegan to paint for five months. Monhegan has come to mean a lot to Beers. It is where Beers transformed a passion for painting into his life’s work. It is also where Beers met his wife, Amy Raye, who, in a scene right out of a Hepburn and Tracy romantic comedy, literally ran into Beers while admiring a magazine article about Beers painting on Monhegan. Fittingly, Beers and Raye married on their island a couple summers after their serendipitous meeting.

To his many collectors, a Kevin Beers painting represents everything they love about Maine: intense blue seas and skies, puffy white clouds, and sunlight dancing off neat clapboard houses. To Beers himself, “Monhegan is a dazzling place with incredible, beautiful light. I love to paint the buildings on the island—the color and structure of weathered buildings, the patterns of sunlight and shadow, and the sharp contrast between a red roof, white clapboards, and bright blue sky.”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Fresh tomatoes? Make a caprese salad!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Jamie Wyeth, Rockwell Kent and Monhegan – Show at the Farnsworth Museum!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Funny Sign Saturday!

My new sandwich “recipe”!

On June 17, 2014June 12, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, Recipe2 Comments

I’ve come up with a few new sandwich ideas that are over the top good… I needed something different. Something healthy, but super duper tasty… My new thing here… BROCCOLI SPROUTS, I heard on Doctor Oz how they’re so good for you, throw them on all your sandwiches (well, PB&J? I think not) they’re scrumptious little buggers… Above… I have an open face sandwich.

1 slice 7 sprouted grains bread (freezer section) – toasted

Veggie Cream Cheese (Philadelphia Brand) – spread on the toast… YUM!

Hefty dose of broccoli sprouts on top of cream cheese

Cucumbers, thinly sliced on top… we LOVED this! Also tried it with 1/2 slice of Havarti cheese… GET OUTTA HERE!

This will become the new love of your life!

When you feel an open faced sandwich just won’t cut it, here’s another version… sprouted 7 grain bread, veggie cream cheese, 4 thin slices of cucumber, slice of Havarti cheese, 4 more thin slices of cucumber, and a big handful of that oh so healthy arugula (or broccoli sprouts!), top with another slice of sprouted 7 grain bread toasted. Yipeeee!

DE-LISH!! 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: Jason Sacran!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Happy thoughts to all!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Alexsander Titovits!

Featured Artist: Duane Keiser!

On June 16, 2014June 16, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist1 Comment

BethAnn's Bouquet by Duane Keiser — *BethAnn’s Bouquet* by Duane Keiser

I think this is such a striking painting! I love the abstractness of the background, yet the flower petals look like you can reach out and touch them. Ahhh, those bits of orange – made my heart sing! That’s right! I was immediately drawn to this painting. Love it!

Duane has some amazing work that you really need to check out! The ever popular ‘A Painting A Day’ blog is also his, and definitely worth spending time on… full of great paintings!

Read a blip about Duane from his website:

Duane Keiser studied painting under Raymond Berry at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia and Lennart Anderson at Brooklyn College in NYC. His “A Painting a Day” blog has been written about in numerous publications, including USA Today, The New York Times and, most recently, The Huffington Post . Using a makeshift easel made from a cigar box, he made a postcard-sized painting each day and posted them to his blog where collectors could bid on them via eBay (the project is ongoing and can be seen here.) He has exhibited at Fischbach Gallery, Allan Stone Gallery and, most recently, the New York Academy of Art. His work resides in several corporate collections and hundreds of private collections worldwide, including the Gregory Peterson Collection.

WORKSHOP: If you’ll be in the Whidbey Island Area – Duane is conducting a workshop JUNE 24-27, 2014 – All Levels! Click HERE for more info!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Happy Father’s Day!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Charlie’s Big Adventure!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Cancer Prevention Tip… Ginger!

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree….

On June 15, 2014June 12, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

You’ve heard the expression “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” meaning that you are a lot like your parents, whether you like it or not… ha ha… It’s so true, I’m like my mom in so many ways, but I’m also like my dad…

We love to collect art supplies, but are more hesitant to use them… sigh…

Technology… He was the first to get a digital camera, iPad and iPhone! It’s not easy keeping up with him!

Ahhh, technology… LOVE IT! HATE IT! Love it when it’s working… hate it when it’s not! It would be good if one of us were proficient, but we end up figuring things out.

So far.

Love to cook… although he likes more complicated recipes than I do… I tend to go for the quicker ones.

Maine… we all have a love for Maine. What’s not to love?

I am so fortunate/blessed/lucky/happy to have such a cool dad! Hey dad, just want you to know you are the best!!

Fred has his own apple doesn’t fall far from the tree story going on… he is so much like both of his parents…

His dad can fix anything, and now, so can Fred, he had a good teacher!

He shares a love of the outdoors, camping growing up, horses, time on a farm with his grandparents. Oh yeah, lots of similarities.

It’s funny how when you’re young you want to be DIFFERENT than your parents, then as you get old (and “old” is much, much older than what you first perceived it to be) you see how similar you are, and you know that it’s a good thing!

Think about your own “Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” story…

H A P P Y F A T H E R ‘ S D A Y ! ! Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Lunch Spot @ Botany Bay

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

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Chicken Pita with Tzatziki!

All blooming at the same time!

On June 14, 2014June 12, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments

Well, an unusually cold winter made way for a gorgeous spring, wow! Normally they bloom one at a time, this year… all at the same time! Gorgeous… and the gardenias… ahhhh the scent is fabulous!

The far left are the gardenias, then you see the yellow day lilies, the blue hydrangeas and peeking out in front of the hydrangeas… the Easter lilies! Love it!

Have 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: Artist: Gary Bodner

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Wonderful Art… and an update!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Guy Corriero

Featured Artist: Robert Abele!

On June 13, 2014June 13, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Highland Light Truro Dusk 16x20 Oil Image: Addison Art Gallery — Highland Light Truro Dusk
16×20 Oil on Panel
Image: Addison Art Gallery

I have always been a big fan of Robert Abele’s work. The striking colors and his style… I love it! His work reminds me so much of the late Charles Sovek, who we adored. Robert has his own style, but I think it’s very reminiscent of Sovek. The striking color of this lighthouse building at sunset against that gorgeous blue sky is just breathtaking!

Check out Robert’s website, as well as his work at Addison Art Gallery!

Hey, if you’re in the Cape Cod area tomorrow (Saturday, June 14, 2014) boy are you ever in luck! I would be there in a skinny minute if I were closer! Read this from Addison Art Gallery:

Plein Air Artists Gathering and Exhibition

Saturday morning, June 14 on beautiful Cape Cod

A fun day of painting will be followed by a reception full of collectors eager to see the wet paintings.

For more information or to join us in painting, please call the Addison Art Gallery at 508.255.6200 or email helen@addisonart.com

If you are one of the lucky ones to attend, please tell me all about it! Have fun! Buy art!

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: Block Island Cottage

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Louis Escobedo!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Garnet Hill summer…

House Plan: The Rosebud Cottage (SL 1862)

On June 12, 2014June 12, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment

The Rosebud Cottage (SL1862) Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com — The Rosebud Cottage (SL1862)
Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com

Isn’t this a sweet house plan? This 4 bedroom/4 bathroom home was designed by architect Bill Ingram for Southern Living. There is a lot of living packed in this compact 1,760 square feet. Every inch is utilized wisely.

Main Floor - Rosebud Cottage (SL1862) Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com — Main Floor – Rosebud Cottage (SL1862)
Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com

I like the washer/dryer near the master bedroom, it certainly comes in handy! It has a nice open kitchen and living/dining area that works nicely. A great porch for sure. Depending upon the climate I might screen it in order to be able to leave the french doors open, bug-free! I would add an island for the kitchen to give more workspace. Otherwise… perfection!

Upstairs - Rosebud Cottage SL1862 Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com — Upstairs – Rosebud Cottage SL1862
Image: Houseplans.SouthernLiving.com

Nice secluded private guest rooms, very nice if you were visiting! What would you change, if anything? It’s always interesting to hear!

All images via HousePlans.SouthernLiving.com

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Roasted Asparagus… the how to!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: House renovation – Charleston, SC

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Funny Church Sign…

ATTENTION SHOPPERS! Studio Sale with Eric Bowman June 14, 2014!!

On June 11, 2014June 11, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

No flashing blue light… nope, not at this sale… but, ATTENTION SHOPPERS is in order (may have stolen that phrase, sorry eb) – this Studio Sale is a place you will want to be, something you do not want to miss. This sale is one day only... and then it’s over! Just so you don’t miss a deal of the century: it’s THIS COMING SATURDAY from 9AM – 5 PM.

If you make it please take photos, I want to see what I’m missing!!

Eric’s STUDIO SALE will have hundreds of oil paintings, sketches, plein air landscapes and figure studies. If you are anywhere near Tigard, Oregon find a way to make it! There will be 350-400 paintings/sketches… These are paintings that either never left the studio, were returned from a gallery, or painted at plein air competitions. All are deemed framable in the artists eyes (and I think he’s picky, so they will be good ones!). I haven’t personally met Eric, although I feel like I have. This guy is a blast. Go visit him. Bring your money…

YOU WILL SEE SOMETHING YOU LOVE! Oooooh, I want to be in OR on Saturday so bad.

Are you familiar with Eric’s work? His work is some of the best of the absolute best. He’s got such a unique style… and those tree’s… they are just so Eric… so cool…

Free posters & refreshments!

Where? Eric’s studio, located at 7311 SW Pine Street, Tigard, OR 97223

Time? From 9AM – 5PM Saturday, June 14, 2014

Details? Nice guy, great art (and lots of it), prices that you will never see again! All packed into one day of fun, festivities, refreshments and free posters (get outta here!!)

Do you need a little incentive? (I can’t believe anyone would answer YES to that!), well here goes… a few of the available paintings… remember there are HUNDREDS more!

Check out Eric’s blog…

Are you wondering what Eric’s studio looks like (it’s quite amazing!)

Check out Eric’s website, his paintings are stunning! Catch you back here tomorrow!

All images courtesy of Eric Bowman – all used with permission…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e Y e a r A g o: Plein Air Richmond 2013

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Paul Kratter

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Are your eggs all in one basket?

The Easiest Coleslaw You Will Ever Make! Healthy Too!

On June 10, 2014February 21, 2021 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, RecipeLeave a comment

Healthy cole slaw? Usually it’s loaded with mayonnaise and sugar… which is what makes it so good right? Wrong! I bought some shredded cole slaw mix at our local healthy grocery store, Earth Fare (love that place), and I wanted to try something different. I know we both like the mayo based cole slaw recipes, but would we like a vinegar based recipe? Hmmmm, it was time to give it a whirl. I found this recipe on the Food Network (Rachel Ray!) and it couldn’t be easier!

I had originally posted this with a rather sad image… because I kept forgetting to take a photo, ha ha… FINALLY have a photo that looks like the coleslaw before its three days old, sigh…

I was skeptical, but this recipe is delicious!

The only thing I changed below is that I reduced the sugar (original recipe calls for 2 T sugar), I used olive oil (instead of peanut or vegetable oil), I used only 1/2 tsp celery salt. More or less to taste… you can’t go wrong with this recipe!

Click HERE to print the original recipe from FoodNetwork.com!

OIL AND VINEGAR SLAW RECIPE – inspired by Rachel Ray – My version…

Ingredients

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1-2 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 sack, 16 ounces, shredded cabbage mix for slaw salads

1/2 teaspoon salt (or celery salt) (or 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon celery seed)

Pepper

Directions

Mix vinegar and sugar. Add oil. Add cabbage to dressing and season with salt and pepper. Toss with fingers to combine. Adjust seasoning. Let stand 20 minutes. Re-toss and serve.

Lasts a few days… Day 3 pictured above, looks tired, but tasted great!

Find the original recipe at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/oil-and-vinegar-slaw-recipe.html#comments?oc=linkback

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: Margaret Lawrence!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Charlie’s Other Momma…

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Carol Marine!

Featured Artist: Chelsea James!

On June 9, 2014June 9, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Roselle's Blue Bathroom 24x24" Oil on Panel — *Roselle’s Blue Bathroom* by Chelsea James
24 x 24″ Oil on Panel

I love work that is fresh and different. I think that describes Chelsea James work perfectly! Interesting paintings of everyday things. I love these! These are scenes that are familiar to many of us. I think the color variations are fabulous. It’s not just a blue wall, look at all those colors. Chelsea paints with just the right amount of detail.

Utility Sink by Chelsea James 36 x 36" Oil on Panel — *Utility Sink* by Chelsea James
36 x 36″ Oil on Panel

Love this palette! Why do old sinks suddenly interest me so much? The detail is there in more abstract shapes and its wonderful! Chelsea has been in some pretty spectacular shows… what an honor… wow! See details on her blog!

Chelsea’s bio, from her website:

“Painting is a study of our existence, spirit, and environment, derived from experiences in life. I choose objects that evoke childhood memories, create situations of atmospheric mystery, and bring visual interest through interaction. I’m intrigued by subtle shifts in value and color; yet seek a personal interpretation of the objects rather than a replication. Personality is revealed through the process of painting. Abstract remnants from my process remain visible in the final product. The hand must obey the spirit. “

All images via ChelseaJames.com 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: Happy Birthday Cool Kiddo!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Peonies!

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: Pomegranate Juice – Good stuff!

Some Sunday’s you just need to hang out…

On June 8, 2014June 2, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This photo must have been taken back when we had cooler temps. Note the polar fleece cover for Charlie’s sofa? There is nothing this dog likes more than hanging out in his window… and some days you just need to hang out, don’t you?

I wish you a happy day of rest and relaxation! I think I will follow Charlie’s lead ;) – Move over Charlie!

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!

T w o Y e a r s A g o: Artist: Leah Bell

T h r e e Y e a r s A g o: English Pea Salad Recipe – Paula Deen