HAPPY THANKSGIVING… what are you thankful for? Here’s my list…

On By Barbara StroudIn HEALTH, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Image: seasons.flyingdreams.org

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Enjoy your day… I’m going to try to not eat too much, take a long walk to help burn off some of what I’ve eaten and since I’m cooking… I’m going to try to relax. I should be fine unless I lose my sticky notes of what to do when, ha.

What are you thankful for this year? I am thankful for many things, and try to think about all the things I’m grateful for each and every day (they say that makes you a happier person and I truly believe that to be true)! Some of the things I’m thankful for…

Fred (husband and soul mate). Charlie (dog). Family (parents, Fred’s parents, sister, brother in law and their families, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, acquaintances and the list goes on… as well as all of you who are like family to me).

Health.

My mom being ok after a cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemo and radiation.

YOU. (Thanks to everyone who prayed for my mom, I am overwhelmed).

For sun on a cold day. For clouds on a hot day.

For living in a city so rich in culture.

For living in an area where I can walk most everywhere.

For walking each and every day, and for my walking buddy.

For those of you who reached out to me (thank you for sharing your experiences and your information). I am thankful that you read this blog. No kidding. I started it on a whim, and have worked hard to create a post each and every single day. I’m hoping I make it all the way to the end of the year. BIG accomplishment.I have met many cool people!

For that I am thankful…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Larry Moore!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
"Four Corners" by Larry Moore / Image: HortonHayes.com

Larry Moore is a cool guy. I don’t know him personally. I just met him briefly, along with a lot of other people, a few weekends ago when he was in town and painting in Charleston. Larry is a joy to watch paint. Matter-of-fact we watched him paint a similar scene to this one… fabulous! After reading Larry’s blog and hearing more about him, you learn that he’s a nice guy with a great sense of humor. I happen to treasure people with a sense of humor. If you are interested in art (and I assume you are if you’re reading this blog?) you will be quite entertained by Larry’s blog. Very insightful AND entertaining. Just like his paintings. My husband and I both really enjoy his paintings. They’re loose, and they’re fresh… you know exactly what it is without having every detail displayed. If you get a chance, check out his work! In Charleston, SC his paintings can be seen at the Horton Hayes Gallery. For those of you not in Charleston, check out his website, he’s in other galleries as well AND he’s got a great website and you will love his blog!

Here’s a blip about the artist from Horton Hayes website:

Larry Moore is a painter with a message. He has committed his life to documenting the natural world. In his words:

“Today, our beautiful planet is taking a beating through overdevelopment and abuse. I try to capture the grandeur of nature. To create reminders of peace and beauty. It’s my way of making a statement against destruction.”

Larry was born in 1957 and raised in Cocoa Beach, Florida. When his family first began to recognize his talent, he was a tender nine. First drawing, then painting, then surfing. At age 14, Larry had already combined his passion for nature and surfing with his gift. He began airbrushing surfboards, vans and wall murals.

Since then, Larry’s success has been rapid. The mass of awards listed below gives clear witness to his position among the country’s leading artists. Larry has been awarded the highest national and international honors. To date, over 30 pieces of art have been accepted into the Society of Illustrators in New York and Los Angeles. Recently, he was awarded the Society’s most prestigious honor, a gold award. Without pretension, Larry attributes his success to passion, hard work and problem solving; a technique he learned as an illustrator.

Since 1993, Larry has taught illustrating, drawing, creative thinking and oil and pastel workshops. In front of the classroom, he is known as an instructor, role model and mentor. Time and time again, Larry has helped promote young artists to heights they never dreamed of reaching so soon. Perhaps this ability to nurture came from the support of his family. Growing up surrounded by talent, Larry’s mother, grandmother, brother and stepmother were all artists.

Larry remembers clearly the day he discovered plein air painting. From that moment, he knew exactly what he wanted to do: Combine his experience, his passion for nature and his life-long goal of becoming a better painter. “It’s all about the learning journey.”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bowens Island Seafood Restaurant Menu…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD10 Comments

New menu available since this post, click this orange link to see the April 2013 menu!  (photo below is the older menu):  BOWENS ISLAND RESTAURANT (NEW)

Menu from OCTOBER 2011 visit:

Bowens Island. Some of you have been there, many may have heard or read about it in magazines and newspapers. Great seafood! It’s not a fancy place, so don’t go expecting it to be… it’s VERY casual. Great seafood and a view that can’t be beat, bring a camera! In one of my PAST posts about Bowen’s Island I included a link to their menu. Not long after that they changed their menu and there was no longer a link… so here is a photo I took of the menu on 10/28/11 – obviously prices and menu items could change, but as of that date, this is the deal. The menu has been pretty much the same as long as I can remember. Their prices are so reasonable I don’t really pay much attention. Good food, good prices… check it out if you get a chance! It’s in Charleston, SC only five minutes from Folly Beach…

Please excuse the poor quality photo… the menu is well used and in plastic, so…. that’s as good as it gets!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Michael Chamberlain!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Sea Swings – Mike Chamberlain (Image: chamberlainpaintings.blogspot.com)

The artist painted this painting from a photo taken at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. Can’t you feel the movement? It’s fabulous! I love it when an artist paints a painting that’s loose enough for your mind to create the details. This guy is good. If you’re in California, check him out… if not, he’s got a fabulous WEBSITE and BLOG! Kudos to those who can paint, keep up their website AND blog! Woohoo! I thoroughly enjoy reading an artists blog, especially when they can inject a little humor into the mix. Great job Mike!

Here’s a blip about Mike (as well as a photo) via his website… check it out! Catch you back here tomorrow!

My desire is to capture the essence of a subject while maintaining the look and feel of paint. I’m motivated by the beauty surrounding us in simple, everyday objects and scenes. I paint exclusively in oils and enjoy the challenge of working alla prima, both in the studio and outdoors, usually finishing a piece in a single session.

Though primarily self-taught, I’ve had the privilege of studying with some outstanding painters including Jim Promessi, Noah Buchanan, Randall Sexton and Timothy Horn.

Hiking on Monhegan Island, Maine…

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVELLeave a comment
Fred on Monhegan Island, Maine

We had set off for a magnificent hike around Monhegan Island, Maine. Between the fabulous breakfasts at the Island Inn, lunch at the Barnacle (or pizza at the Novelty), an afternoon snack and a to-die-for dinner at the Island Inn we had to walk ALOT. But walk is pretty much what you do on Monhegan. Great hiking trails everywhere, and anywhere you go you walk, so you burn some serious calories (thank god!). There are few places in the world as fabulous as this!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A window to my soul… or from the cottage in Maine.

On By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL8 Comments
Cottage Window - Port Clyde, Maine

Those of you who are friends of mine on Facebook have seen this photo lately… This is one of my favorites. Taken from inside the neatest cottage on the planet earth. The cottage is in Port Clyde, Maine and looks out to the ocean facing Monhegan Island. This cottage is truly like a movie set. Nothing new or fancy about it, it’s been around for a long time. It’s situated so close to the ocean that during a storm it can be a tad thrilling… oooh how I’d like to be there now!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Elizabeth Pollie!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
Image: ElizabethPollie.com

I try my best to select a painting that is for sale instead of one that is already sold, but I just think this is the sweetest painting. This is done by artist Elizabeth Pollie of Harbor Springs, MI. After reading about her, and the different locations that she paints, I was so pleased to see that she paints scenes of Mackinac Island, Michigan! I had vacationed on Mackinac Island this year, and this painting is reminiscent of that trip… This looks like the horses on Mackinac Island. I love the flag in the distance, the light in the horses mane. Excellent. Not typical at all. I often wonder why there aren’t more galleries on Mackinac Island. Why aren’t there artists with easels set up everywhere like on Monhegan Island, Maine? It baffles me. I think it would be an awesome adventure (once my husband retires) to pack up, buy a place on the island and open a gallery. Invite our artist friends to paint on the island and show their work… whoa! Who could pass that up!? I love to dream!

Here’s a blip about Elizabeth from her WEBSITE:

Elizabeth Pollie’s exposure to the arts came at an early age. Taken to museums, enrolled in classes by her parents and influenced by her father’s love and practice of art and architecture, she was always clear about her path in life. “Working within the field of visual arts never seemed like a choice, but rather a place of true belonging”. She enrolled in college art classes while still in high school and went on to receive an education at a formal Art School. She earned her B.F.A. at The College For Creative Studies where she later taught.

Harboring a deep love of travel and art history, Elizabeth has combined her travels with her painting practice. The images that she creates are imbued with a sense of poetry, mood and depth.

The artist paints full time and teaches from her studio, West Wind Atelier in Harbor Springs, Mi.  Her paintings reside in both public and private collections here and abroad and have received much national recognition.

Elizabeth has found a deep sense of place within the rekindled practice of representational painting in America.  Of this movement Pollie reflects, “ It is celebration, an homage and in many ways a joyous homecoming. I am pleased to be a part of it.

Check out Elizabeth’s website! Catch you back here tomorrow!

I accept this award… hee hee… and I pass it on!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment

Well I had a surprise this weekend, my blog, barbarastroud, was given an award! Was I surprised? Yep! A very happy surprise! This award was passed on to me from ADesignForWife blog, which is one to check out! A great design blog, she can showcase the neatest things. The photos are to die for and give you great ideas, so give it a peak… Rules come along with this award… This may as well be an Emmie or an Oscar, ha ha…

Apparently the rules of the award are as follows:
– Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you.
– Share a couple things about yourself.
– Send it along to at least 5 other (new/newer) bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

So THANK YOU ADesignForWife!

A FEW THINGS ABOUT ME…

I’m from Algonac, Michigan…

I am thrilled with cloudy/rainy weather…

I move furniture around probably too much, but love to keep changing things!

I have the best husband in the world (next year will be our 20th anniversary!) and the sweetest beast Jack Russell named CHARLIE.

I love to cook, bake, eat, and then stress about it and walk, walk, walk…

SOME OF MY FAVORITE (NEWER) BLOGS:

Bridget Jennings Artist – a blog that’s more than just art, this girl is hilarious. She’s got the most refreshing sense of humor, great paintings, and has recently started auctioning her paintings on DailyPaintWorks.com!

Wondering – a blog with a great perspective, intriguing photos and interesting stories. Christy is a friend who started this blog not too long ago, where she finds the time I do not know!

Cay Digests New York – an interesting blog about a girl who takes you through different restaurants in New York (and other locations as well)… this blog always makes me hungry!

Tim Horn Paint – a fabulous blog done by one talented artist. He just started it a few months ago, and it THRILLS me to see his paintings. I love it!

Baby Talk Without the Babble – written by a local woman, this is an insightful blog, and hey, you never know what she’s going to say! Fun to read even if you don’t have kids!

I have many blogs that are just fabulous that I read when I get a chance… but they’ve been at it a while, so I will mention them at a later date!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Artist to watch… Pam Ingalls!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist1 Comment
Pam Ingalls – “The Kingdom of Ahhhh” /Image: RSHannaGallery.com

I love paintings of interiors. I especially love the ones that are painted loosely, like this one done by artist Pam Ingalls. This is a great little interior painting entitled “The King of Ahhhhh” and can be located at the RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Here’s a blip about the artist, this comes from the Meyer Gallery, who also represents Pam, they are located in Santa Fe, New Mexico:

Ingalls’ education in art began early. She first studied with her father, Richard Ingalls, who created the Art Department at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. She continued at the Accademia Delle Belle Arte in Florence, Italy in 1977, then returned home to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Gonzaga in 1979.
She later worked with Frederick Frank in New York and subsequently studied oil painting under Ron Lukas in Seattle. More recently she has studied with Richard Schmid and Burt Silverman.
Strong color and sound drawing are primary in her paintings. Her choice of simple subject matter is surprising, sometimes humorous, and always full of emotion. Portraits, still lifes and interior scenes populate her studio.
A table with chairs, a diner counter top, rubber boots standing by a kitchen door, even a bowl of cherries – all evoke a sense of humanity and presence, as if someone is either about to enter the frame or has just left it.
Pam has exhibited in over 125 national and international juried art shows, where she’s won more than 60 prizes. Her work has exhibited in 28 states, and is in collections in several countries.
Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Chocolate Cake just got better!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment
Carrot cake, red velvet cake and lemon cake!

Who doesn’t like cake? There is someone in Charleston, SC that makes THE BEST chocolate cake in all the land, her name is Christen Reese, owner of CHOCOLATE CAKE CHARLESTON. Fred and I went to a cake tasting a few weeks ago (yippee! I think that may be my calling!). The cake was DIVINE. The way everything was displayed was beautiful and I am thrilled to announce… there are more cake flavors that will be available and let me just say… each and every one of them is out of this world: a carrot cake so moist and delicious with just the perfect frosting, a red velvet cake that is as beautiful as it is tasty, and a lemon cake that is so light that it’s absolutely heavenly. I wish I would have turned this plate around and taken the shot from the top of the cake, pure beauty I’m telling you! Be sure to check out Christen’s website, get your cake order in early. Its nice that you can order a small 4″ two layer cake right on up to a 10″ three layer cake, as well as mini bites and medium cupcakes. Talk about flexible! We have our order in! For those of you who are out of town, shipping is available!!

Like I said, everything was so beautifully presented, in addition to the cake, there were little jars of local honey (Low Country Gold from Johns Island) that would make the sweetest gifts (for yourself as well). This picture doesn’t do it justice, I only had my phone with me… if you’re interested in this local Charleston, SC honey contact MORIAH WHITE, (M DESIGNS). (Email address: moriah_white@yahoo.com and phone is 843.637.4785). It would make a sweet hostess gift for sure! She also has her spiced pumpkin chutney available (fall harvest), so contact her while it’s still available…

M Designs – honey from Moriah White

Catch you back here tomorrow…

Artist to watch… Karen Hollingsworth!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment
"Sand in the Sheets" - Karen Hollingsworth, Image: Wynne-FalconerGallery.com

I can FEEL the breeze blowing in the window, I can hear the crashing of the ocean waves, the birds chirping… I can smell the salt air, I FEEL AS IF I AM THERE. Ahhh, this is a great painting done by an amazing artist from Atlanta, GA. She is known for her light airy paintings and considers a painting successful if the viewer feels as if they’re there. Here’e a blip from the artists website:

Karen Hollingsworth is known for her unique light, airy “windowscapes”. In the past the artist painted interior spaces, now she includes an open window that acts as a portal into the space beyond. Her large oil paintings often depict subject matter that is fairly minimal, chairs and ordinary interior settings, however what attracts many viewers is the mysticism evoked by the movement of the air and the ocean breeze through the curtains. 

For Karen, a painting is about the feeling it evokes. Although there are no figures present in her windowscapes, it is difficult to deny the implications of vacant chairs in such an empty space. Karen is interested in creating the “impression of looking through that room and seeing the view outside the room.

“I love to create paintings that evoke a sense of the familiar,” says Karen. “To blend the common objects of everyday life, placed within the interior of a room, with a glimpse of the ocean or mountains through an open window. My windowscapes are intended to provide the viewer with a sense of solitude and well being. A comfortable world bathed in sunlight and warm breezes. For me, a painting is successful if “I wish I were there.”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sunset on the water in Meggett, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME2 Comments

Artist Betty Anglin Smith and her husband own the sweetest cottage in Meggett, South Carolina. It’s a place to sit and read, watch the beautiful view on the water, and for Betty a place to paint. This photo was taken back in 2006 at an oyster roast there for an guest artist in the Smith Killian gallery in Charleston, SC. It was a beautiful night with a spectacular sunset. The reflections were just gorgeous!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Keeping your memory sharp – a game!

On By Barbara StroudIn HEALTH, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: DoctorOz.com 

Who doesn’t love Doctor Oz? I appreciate his information, and there’s tons of it! If Alzheimer’s is a concern for you, I highly suggest you visit his website, there are amazing video’s, tests you can take if you suspect you may have Alzheimer’s as well as plenty of suggestions to help PREVENT it from occurring in the first place! One of his suggestions to PREVENT it in the first place is to not only exercise your body, but EXERCISE YOUR MIND. Click HERE to go to Doctor Oz’s website where you can easily print this game above.

From DoctorOz.com: Studies have shown that keeping your brain challenged and engaged can actually help to prevent Alzheimer’s. Try games like crossword puzzes that work both the visual and language areas of your brain while combining decision-making and motor coordination. You can also try brain games like the card above. As fast as you can, read out loud the color that each word itself is printed in – not the word itself.

Whoa, that’s a challenge. Do things that are foreign to you, drive a new route to work, learn another language, learn another type of puzzle if you’ve mastered the sudoku or crossword. Learn to knit, crotchet, paint, play the piano, the possibilities are endless. What we don’t want to do is sit in front of the TV and become zombies.

Keep this little puzzle handy, use it until it becomes easy and fast, then move on to something else!

Catch you back here tomorrow!