Winter Ramblings

On the heels of a snowy and wintry birthday week and on a recent and rare trip into the city, I took a little time to stop in to one of my favorite "junkin" places. 'Shinola' is a den of eccentricity located in a terra cotta brick and mortar strip of storefronts that sat empty until a few short years ago, when a gentleman named Ben dispersed his collection to fill up and spill out into the side yard and parking lot. It is a rambling myriad of thousands of square feet of antiquity.

Lamps, chandeliers, paintings, armoires, statuary, chairs, chairs and more chairs - stacked upside down and every which way; Folk Art, Oriental Art, African Art, chests of drawers, glassware, a long stretch modern vibrant BLUE sofa illuminated by sunlight from the open bay door in the back warehouse, one live honking goose in the garden of well-worn yard art and paraphernalia.

Cupboards, tables, relics, tchotchkes, piled high to the sky and hanging from the rafters. One could spend many hours, yet days perusing the treasures here. Mannequins, tops, bottoms, full body, cardboard celebrity cut-outs, just lifelike enough to make you jump when you turn a corner and come face to face. Rooms that only your toe can enter in to.

I did not take photos, but surely you get the picture. Where some might see chaos, I see a culmination of many great collections gathered up by someone who sees a vision of passage where artifacts transcend their owners and become dispersed into others' collections.

Somehow, I relate to it so well. I liken my surroundings most often to a cross between "Pee Wee's Playhouse" and " Wilson's Five and Dime".

'suzy's shinola'





off to market we go!




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This adventure was followed by a wonderful lunch date of Poblanos and other spicy delights at Compadres with Sandy and Mary Beth. A Happy Happy Birthday Day.

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Another day shortly after that adventure, I joined the 'Tybee Girls' for some retail therapy and lunch, once again in the city. I'm on a roll. We visited Mayme Baker's Studio of Interior Delights. Then ventured down to Main Street to the Christopher Park Gallery of whimsy and folk art creations. Lunch was at their cafe on the side, 'Rainer's' yum - homemade soups and beenie weenies - good, fresh food and surrounded by more whimsy and happy art.

All of the visuals and interactions of this week made for great inspiration in the creative journal. Many things (ideas) are blossoming and SPRING is not far away, Thank Goodness!

Bird Season

It's just around the corner, well actually, it's always bird season here at Claude's Cove. Whether we're watching Herons and Hummers or Cardinals and Crows or the phenomenal Pileated Woodpecker, there always seems to be an abundance of bird life to fancy our bird-watching pleasures. We have a breathtaking natural habitat that invites those who will to stay with us year round if it suits their nature.

Although you know that what I'm really getting at is the big bird of the year. I've been racking up points to get the Thanksgiving turkey to share our thanks with the family. I've been poring over page after page of the latest Bon Appetit's Thanksgiving special issue and testing recipes for sharing later. My autumn treat to me was the Lee Brothers' 'Simple, Fresh, Southern' cookbook, a valuable addition to my cooking library. Last year I served the Pimento Cheese Potato Gratin, which I think rocks and have made a few other times. This year I will harvest some of brother's collard greens from the great greens patch and make Collard Greens with poblano chiles and chorizo. We've already tested that one and guess what, it rocks too. It is a new spin for me on greens and southern food.

The Lee collection of recipes accentuates good vibes of the south and they don't seem to have any qualms about admitting that this is a vital part of their background.

Easing in to my favorite holiday time of the year, best wishes to everyone for Peace, Prosperity and Comfort and safe travels to your destinations far and wide.


painting- Golden Winged Decalia


French Hens

little things

more reflections on Paris Market...Savannah. antiques. prettiness

history. patinas. rust


baby girl frock


silly menkees


zooma zoom toy car


a shrine for divine guidance


I could live here


Heavenly Chair Place





massive tree trunks bending and bowing to welcome those who come for lowcountry visions not seen in the hill country

camellias wrapped in Spanish moss

it is all so dreamy

paris market

Ladies of the Paris Market







My romance with all things French has evolved over the years, from the love of French Antiques, Paris, fields of lavender and so on. Maybe my visits to Montreal (I know, it's not France, but has it's French influence) in it's Frenchness in the eighties where the language floated on air, the sidewalk cafes were so romantic and the eggs and croissant were the most delicate that ever passed my lips.

Maybe it's visions of Grandpa Claude riding on motorcycle there in World
War I. A gentle farming man in a far foreign land in a turbulent time.

I can't explain my obsession, but I've studied the language and altho I still don't speak it, it is like music. Regardless, I thank Patricia for saying the words, 'Paris Market' and showing me the way. It was like a journey to a faraway place.

Christmas Gift

One of my All Time Favorite gifts was this issue of "The Night Before Christmas" illustrated by Howard Finster, given to me by my beloved husband. Of course, the list of favorite gifts from many is too long to publish, but it is so fine to reflect back to gifts like this that keep on giving. The first Christmas we spent together, he gave me recordings of all the musical acts that we had seen together the previous year. It was truly one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. He has brought much music to my life over these years.

God Bless Us Every One.
Wishing you Comfort and Joy.

Holiday Lights - II

TINY TOWN

The photo tour

As in any year past, it is always the coldest night of the year when we schedule this extravaganza. Even if we went all the twelve days of Christmas, each and every one would be the coldest night of the year. It adds to the ambience. There is a massive bondfire to back up to and get toasty. Then there's the tour to keep you moving...house after tiny house, filled with eclectic collections of toys, yard decor and ephemera. It is a wonderland that tops almost any that I have ever seen.

We had a delightful evening with the Munsons and friends, touring the Tiny, eating chili and watching football. Not to mention catching up with good friends.

I love the holidays, for all those reasons.

Stay tuned, more to come.

Happy December!



When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a posse of Barbies, decked in rodeo gear!