Have Art Will Travel....

My friend and local artist, Sharon Westbrook, shares her latest art pieces with my son and daughter-in-law in Atlanta, GA.

Sharon is on her way to Chicago for the Art Festival and stops by Michael and Janine's because they have requested a commission piece above their fireplace.

I have several of Sharon's pieces in my house and am so thrilled that the love of original art is rubbing off on my children too.

With my father, their grandfather, an artist and gallery owner in Key West during his time -- how can they not have an appreciation of the gift and talent displayed in an artist's paintings.

Whether still life, real life, abstract, expressionistic, or impressionistic, etc -- they all reveal the soul of another and share a vulnerable piece of their existence.

How wonderful it is to see this gift displayed bringing us all closer to the inward connection.

These are a few paintings Sharon was considering for Michael and Janine, but there are more to come in the next weeks. I'll keep you posted.

You can find Sharon at http://www.sharonwestbrook.com/

Land of Lakes....

How could I forget to share with you the wonderful experience on Lake Lanier last week.

We visited Frank's son, Greg, in Gainesville, GA and he took us out on his new DECK BOAT. At speeds over 50 mph, we explored Lake Lanier in a quick tour and lovely experience.


The weather was slightly overcast, making it pleasurable for all.


Father and son were in the helm as the boat flew over the water.

The women (Tracy and me) were relaxing on the bow as we were escorted around the big and beautiful lake.

Maggie, the mascot, was getting a blow dry but appearing to love the trip too.!!!!


I think Frank may be considering purchasing a boat now that he has experienced this open type of deck boat. Plenty of room to walk around and very maintainable. (right, honey :) ?)


Thanks Greg!

An Offer We Couldn't Refuse....

We were just a phone call away.......no twisting of our arm......no bribing us at all. When Frank's son called to see if we would like to meet them at the Casa Marina for a drink and dinner, we couldn't refuse. Was that a coincidence that Scott was wearing that T-Shirt??? :) - 'Who's Your Daddy?' -- There it is -- Father and Son!

Not seeing the family in a while, this was a special occasion and the location was the best.




We watched a wedding being performed AND we waved goodbye to 'Hurricane Bill the Bully,' as we looked out over our beautiful ocean and the bevy of surfers who were surfing til they couldn't feel their arms.





The Martini Bar at the Casa was

the place to be Saturday evening -- lots of people, lots of friends.


Scott's wife, Michelle, visited with Jim.


Lisa (Jim's girlfriend) was in heavy conversation otherwise I know she would have turned

and smiled for the camera!




Terry Parker alums gathered too. and...




Frank's grandkids tolerated all of us, but were delightful as usual. They were hungry, but we just couldn't leave the veranda and the beautiful evening breeze.

Is that beer they are drinking? No, no way!

Hard to complain when you get a sunset like this.......all in all a
very good night!








See you again soon!

SISTERS.......Are Made Right Here on Earth, oh yea!

Just when I thought sisters were made in heaven, I found out, they are also made right here on earth!

I must officially and publicly thank 2 of my very good friends for being more than that to me.....being the sisters I did not get in heaven, but the sisters I've made right here on earth.

Today, I received a gift from 2 women -- Bette Bucci and Carolyn Drazien -- gifts from the heart and gifts from the soul. Gifts that only a sister, a soul sister could give!

Bette thought of me when she saw this adorable painting in an art gallery in St. Augustine. She brought it home for me. I am touched and grateful. Thank you Bette.

The inscription says (but you can't see it) -- BE WHO YOU ARE! Thank you for loving me the way that I am and encouraging me to continue being true to myself. Wonderful reminder.


Then, I arrived home to find that my friend, Carolyn (Funky Shui Divas) had 'played' at my house when I had an appointment and she was hanging around waiting for her next appointment.

There she was -- playing and accessorizing as she went --- so when I came home, my house was staged and rearranged in a delightful combination of hearth and home.

I love Carolyn for that special knack she has of pulling things together and making them special while remembering my individual personality and likes.

Thank you Carolyn. What a treat to come home to that re-decor instead of my back hurting from my own antics and trials at recreating uses for home accessories. You're it from now on!
Sisters are made right here on earth!

I'm convinced......

Hugs.

www.funkyshuidivas@clearwire.net

From Pouring Rain to Jamming Traffic

Savannah rain was far behind and our trip to Atlanta was beautiful ...... UNTIL.....as anyone knows -- we hit the Atlanta Highways.

Cars, Concrete, and Cops!

We drove 5 1/2 hours for this? No, we are driving through this to see our kids and grandkids, remember :)

And it was all worth it ........... a successful '5th' birthday for my granddaughter at 'The Jumpy Place,' a perfect visit with all of the grandkids - 1, 3, and 5,

....and a final cookout with my stepfamily in Gainesville, GA.

Now, who could ask for anything more?

We weren't ready to leave, but leave we did.

Nothing like home sweet home!

Until next time!