Ever After

painting - Angel Oak











Whether it be the presentation of the colors for a veteran of one of the most horrific wars of our time, or the playing of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Rolling Stones as a recessional, these were portions of services I have attended in these early months of this still new year.Two people who I've met who touched my life and then went on. It is fitting that passing into that next dimension does involve some ceremony that individualizes the one who is being honored and remembered.

As I recently strolled the grounds of the Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, I was entrenched in a calmness of quiet and beauty. A balmy breeze whispered through the Spanish moss draped throughout the graceful and magnificent trees and shrubs interspersed around acres of sculptural elegance. Many generations rest there. It is a stunning expanse perched along the Saint Augustine Creek where a plantation once stood dating back to the 1700s.

The banks of the Saint Augustine are a tranquil repose for contemplating the hereafter. It would be a satisfying spot to have my ashes set along the banks to blow out into the marshes, the sea and evermore, or any place of that sort.

Cemetery Etiquette: Enjoy the natural peace and serenity of the cemetery.


Rest in Peace, Johnny Mercer

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.

Take me back to Tybee

It was my pleasure to travel to Tybee Island GA with such a fun group last weekend. The sights were colorful, inspiring and divine. The food was fantastic. Beach walks. Island walks. City walks. Mermaids. Folk art.



coaster cat



shack cat



Dream place

more later...

Compromise

painting - Edisto Marsh II

"Don't compromise yourself. You're all you've got."
-Janis Joplin

________________________

Not so long ago I was given a lot of time, not by choice, to contemplate where my life is going. It has also given me much time to review where my life has been. Having made compromises in the past and not being certain that I had choices, I placed myself into some positions that really did not set well. I dare say some of those times did result in character development. I can say that more than once I have been sold short by employers of my talent and work ethic. I have no fear of work. What I fear is putting myself into a dull routine that provides no growth or appreciation of what my potential is.

I truly appreciate those who have stood by me to affirm that when your gut feeling tells you something is not right, then listen. I am thankful to have made it this far in figuring out that digging until the proper situation is found is very important. I am thankful to have an opportunity to return to school to continue to grow and learn. I am thankful to have had some time to get to know myself better than ever.
Read a lot.
Pray a lot.
To thine own self be True.

Cove Silhouettes

photos by Thomas Hammond

Thomas captures stunning silhouettes at Claude's Cove of family moments special and sacred. Experimenting with old ways of photographing and documenting his own views.

brisk walks through woods and laurel thickets

Sarah gathers remnants of stories and weaves them into her creations to share on the stages of faraway places

Matt is a new dad and holds his precious gem, lovingly and with gentle care

this family is filled with talent and grace

I am so proud of them all

Glowing Thoughts

navel oranges, blood oranges, tangerines

mandarin orange tea

Bright orbs of orange for dark winter days

Reading about oranges. Foodie shows about oranges. Oranges and dark chocolate. Just thinking about them is a bright thought. The aroma intoxicating. No wonder they come to us in the middle of winter, to brighten the day, to scent the air, to sweeten the senses.

Cabin fever. excavate. clean the corners. empty out.
Bring the balance back to Life.

Research recipes for comfort foods from the Barefoot Contessa.
Homade chicken stock. Bouillabaisse.

Daffodil leaves are peaking through crispy leaf mulch.
Their glowing yellow faces will show themselves soon.

Finishing projects. pulling out seed packets. contemplating spring and
New Beginnings.

Field Trip - Spartanburg Art Museum. Wolf Kahn - paintings and pastels.
Ahhhhhh...my inspiration...

You've got to love a man that braves snow and ice, hand squeezes fresh blood oranges, shovels out the tiki bar and shakes up a beautiful tastey cocktail garnished with a fresh rosemary twig.

Yum.