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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Dawson Residence House Plan by Lake and Land Studio!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House PlansLeave a comment
two story house on lake, nice roof lines, green grass, trees
Dawson Residence by Lake and Land Studio

If this is the front of a beautiful home on the water, can you imagine the water side? It’s STUNNING! So many areas to relax and enjoy the boats whirring past. Dreamy with beautiful light filled rooms. Let’s check it out…

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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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Fathers Day… Love you dad!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Christmas Eve 2008 – Michigan

Years ago, Fred’s parents traveled to Michigan to spend Christmas with my family. It was wonderful. They arrived to a big snow storm. If you’re from SC a snow is as exciting as it gets. I’ll never forget this year. This photo of our dads was taken at my sister’s house. It’s a little blurry (taken with a real camera – no phones at that time). My dad on the left, Fred’s dad pictured on the right.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Happy Memories to those of you who have lost your father, Happy Future to those of you still waiting to become a father, and Happy Person to those of you who have chosen not to, but may help with a family or friend’s children. It takes a village to raise a good kid.

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Something to lift your heart…

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS2 Comments
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

I’m seeing so many people posting challenging times, deaths of loved ones and friends. Many people are dealing with the toughest of times. I ran across this quote long ago and saved it. I thought I would share in case you also know people who are going through the same. Maybe you can share this little smile that will lift there hearts if even a wee bit.

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McLeod Plantation Historic Site – A great place to visit…

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, preservation, SC, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

I have driven by McLeod Plantation many, many times, but have yet to visit. I’ve heard wonderful things about it. So really want to make the effort one day soon. Charleston County Parks has a great website that gives all the details, prices of admission, times and even video. So be sure to add this to your list of things to do one day in Charleston, SC!

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Book Suggestion: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, Fiction, THOUGHTS1 Comment
Book and hydrangea with purple flowers and green leaves on white table, Kristin Hannah, Winter Garden, A Novel

Winter Garden, A Novel by Kristin Hannah. Another winner! This is a great book full of history. It goes back and forth between modern time and “war-torn Leningrad”. It will make you appreciate all you have and really think about things differently. The struggles, the relationships, the difficulties but also the love, compassion and caring. Women coming together, even if it takes years.

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Hold Your Loved Ones Tight

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTS4 Comments
arched window, morning rain, fogged window

None of us can predict the future. We know that none of us will be on this earth forever. When we’re young we assume we’ll be here until we’re old right? But day after day on the news you can see there is no guarantee based on age. This is one of life’s challenges that we had hoped would never happen. The loss of a parent (my husband’s dad). A few thoughts…

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Summer Favorite: Roasted Shrimp & Tomato Orzo with Feta & Olives

On By Barbara StroudIn Favorite Things, FOOD, Photograph, Recipe, Salad, THOUGHTS2 Comments
bowl with orzo salad with shrimp, tomatoes, olives and feta, pickled okra

I posted a version of this recipe over ten years ago. It’s a hit. I love to whip this up in the morning and sit down to dinner with no cooking. What a dream! Best yet, the next day you have another meal (or the following day!) – no cooking! The tastes, textures, and freshness take it over the top. I love to photograph my husband’s plate because his usually looks prettier. I’m always in a hurry to catch up, snap photos, etc. I love how he added the pickled okra, so pretty! I gave a sneak peak on my Instagram/Facebook movie. Recipe below…

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