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.

New View

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows will fall behind you.
-Maori proverb

_________________________

A New Year

Quiet, clouds, collage, draw. Talk to friend, Elizabeth. Email friends.
Greet the New Year with positive thoughts and aspirations.

Watch a movie, "The Secret Life of Bees"
Paint, cadmium orange, tree shadows.

Walk through barnyard with Inez. Leafy whirlwinds twirl and dance and fall.

Collard stems in compost will make garden dirt for next season.
Plant paperwhites from Marybeth in shell pot that belonged to Grandma.

Simmer mixed greens, peas, stir egg and milk into cornmeal.
Prepare traditional meal for New Years Day.
Give thanks and pray for success and prosperity in the coming year.

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.

Santa's Workshop

The elves are busy here at Claude's Cove, stitching and painting, cooking and concocting, spinning tunes to share with the hosts of the most festive occasions of the season.

We are so glad that we can be creative on a shoestring to share our love and thanks to the friends and family that mean so much to us. We're calling it a Homade Christmas this year. We're looking forward to visits from loved ones from afar and lots of good food and memories to share with all.

Making the list for the Christmas Eve dinner and wrapping up little things to send down the road for Christmas Day.





Rocco has settled in for his long winter's cat nap...and visions of sugarplums dance around his head.

Merry Christmas to All!!

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!