My daughter has repeatedly accused me of being an “old hippie”.  I never know whether to take this as a compliment or not.  It depends on the way she says it and in reference to what.  But I have to admit that I am very thrilled to see the “BoHo” style movement!  It fits my free spirit and makes me happy!  So that’s enough for me.  If BoHo helps me embrace the person I might have been in younger years so be it!  Needless to say, when my friend Sandi showed me a bracelet she created my heart sang and I had to have one!

I received my “Infinity Wrap” yesterday!  Sandi did a wonderful job of choosing the right silver beads and pale gray pearls to go with so many of my outfits.  I’m wearing it with my St. Simons bracelet, given to me for our anniversary by Mr. T.   Strung on slender black leather the Infinity Wrap has a wonderful silver closure and comfortably wraps around your wrist.  Sandi can size each bracelet to fit and can customize a special design with many different charms, beads and other pretties.

But that’s not all my lovely friend creates!  No…far from it!  Would you like a handmade trivet that displays your favorite wine corks?  Framed in wood, these are sturdy and very useful to place hot foods on or to put under plants where the cork can absorb excess moisture.  These are lovely to look at and oh so sturdy!

I love this wreath that Sandi designed using cotton bolls and other natural elements.  Once again, she can customize a special wreath just for you!  It’s great to support local artisans!  Go BoHo…..what fun!

Contact Sandi Dobbs at Santa Maria Trading Company here:  912-638-9047 (Ask Sandi about her other jewelry creations as well!)

Melissa | people | 04 16th, 2015 | No Comments »

This coming Thursday evening, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Tipsy McSway’s is hosting a very special event.  I’ve written about my friend and songster extraordinaire, Phil King, in past posts, but this event is something a bit different.

Phil will be joined in an evening music by local songwriter’s, Nick Bryant and Jamie Walker.  All of these musicians have beautiful music to share.  Join them as they sing their songs and tell their stories!

Susan Bates, owner of Tipsy McSway’s is always offering a venue for local musicians to share their songs with a full house of listeners.  It’s a great location as well as a wonderful restaurant!  I love the atmosphere in Tipsy’s with the whimsical artwork by ED Hose that defines the character of the restaurant so well!

Put Thursday evening on your calendar!  This is a great way to support a fine Brunswick eating establishment and three talented people who will open their hearts and songs for your listening pleasure!

Tipsy McSway’s – 1414 Newcastle – Brunswick, GA – 912-267-9991

Melissa | people | 04 14th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Her brother was the lighthouse keeper at Cockspur Island on the Savannah River.  Florence Martus busied herself waving her handkerchief at ships as they came and went.  Because of this she became known as “The Waving Girl”.

She lived from 1868 – 1943 at which time a monument depicting her waving at passing ships was placed at the point on which she would stand.  She welcomed over 50,000 ships during her lifetime, eventually waving a lantern to let her presence be known in the dark of night.

It has been said that her waving tradition began when her true love never returned from the sea.  In all she waved her handkerchief or lantern for forty-four years.

Florence’s constant companion as a young girl was her collie dog.  He stood by her side as she hailed the arrival of ships from around the world.  Both are represented in the monument that now stands in Morrell Park.

Today, it is said, that the ghosts of both Florence and her faithful pet, linger on in Savannah at the River Street Market.  Strange shadows are said to be seen dancing around the heavy doors at daybreak and after sunset.  People who have witnessed the shadows, the whooshing of wind as though someone passes and the mournful lament think Florence just wants to be remembered.  When the lights are out for the night a strange, mournful sound has been heard by many that seems to say, “Come back, come back, come back……”.  I’m certainly no expert on such subjects  but I know that Savannah is full of ghost stories just as St. Simons is.  It adds a bit of interest to our lives and sparks the curiosity of tourists.  I think it’s all a valuable part of our history, true or not, but I have to say that I’m quite sure I saw The Woman In White here one late spring evening.  You decide for yourself, but I like to believe there are spirits that still grace us with their presence!

Melissa | people | 04 2nd, 2015 | 3 Comments »

This coming weekend is not only the Cassina Garden Club “Cabin Fever” event, it’s also a great weekend for art!  Coastal Georgia has so many talented artists whose work we get to enjoy and add to our collections.  This weekend the Georgia Coastal Artist’s Guild presents its Spring Show and Sale!  The guild has been functioning as a place for professional artists to market their work since 1983.  Thirty-five artists now participate within this group of outstanding artists.

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Becky Tucker

There are sixteen gifted artists presenting their work during this weekend.

George Netherton

Each one has their own style……

Carol Jo Smidt

Colorful landscapes…..

Jennifer Broadus

Local vistas and more.

Joyce Ledingham

The event takes place at the new Glynn Visual Arts building.  If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a great surprise!

Make plans to put this wonderful show on your calendar.  Adding culture to our lives always enriches the way we see the world!

Melissa | people | 03 23rd, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Kevin Pullen

When I received an invitation from my friend, Natasha Williams, to meet Kevin Pullen I did not know what to expect!  I could say it was a “dark and stormy night” which it turned out to be, but the trip to the north end of the island to view the sculpture of this amazing artist turned out to be well worth the trip.

Kevin’s gift is beyond words.  When I asked him about his training he jokingly said his kindergarten teacher put a ball of clay dough in his hands and the rest is history.  I think he probably was born with this talent and now shares it with us all in his soon to be cast bust of local Maestro Luis Haza, music director of Coastal Symphony of Georgia.  He captured the passion of Maestro to the point that I can envision the conductor’s arms moving with the music, bringing the musicians together to create the one magical voice their instruments create.  What a special gift this piece is and one that will be treasured forever.

While spending time with Kevin I saw more of his work like this wonderful piece depicting the famous artist, Pablo Picasso.

And this, his first work that dates back to the 1960’s, of Martin Luther King captures the peaceful essence of one of the greatest men in history.

Kevin has a special interest in the Civil War.  I did not know the history behind this sculpture of the youngest ranking NCO to serve in army history, John Lincoln Clem. This young man followed the 22nd Michigan regiment of the Union Army at the age of nine.  He served as regiment mascot and drummer boy before receiving his rank and spent his life as a career office, retiring on the eve of the United State’s entry into World War I with the rank of Major General.   You can read more about this brave young soldier here:  http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/biographies/john-clem.html

You’ll find Kevin Pullen teaching at the Golden Isles Career Academy in their media department on weekdays.  He inspires his students, his family and his friends with his positive attitude and loving nature.  And speaking of nature, this piece of “Eve” is beautifully done and I believe that’s one of my favorites, Keith Richards of Rolling Stones fame, just behind her.  I’m happy to add Kevin to my list of new friends and look forward to watching his work grow!

All photographs of Kevin Pullen’s work are copyrighted and remain his property.

Melissa | people | 03 11th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

February 28th is the Super Dolphin Day Race!  The traditional pasta party is the night before with donations of all sorts of deliciousness coming from “Nazarro’s”,  “Crabdaddy’s”, “Del Sur” and “Golden Isles Olive Oil”….what a winning combination!

This is the largest PTA  fundraiser that benefits both Oglethorpe Elementary and St. Simons Elementary schools.  The pasta party takes place in the cafeteria at St. Simons Elementary school on the 27th from 5 – 8 pm….dine in or take out!

Don’t forget to stop in at the gym to register for some amazing prizes that will be given away!

There will be expo booths, bounce houses from Games 2 U, and the silent auction(7-10:30). The 10k 7 am, 5k 8:30, and the 1 mile fun run 9:30.

Tickets to participate in the race can be purchased here: http://superdolphinday.com/

This has been an annual event since 1978.  You DON’T want to miss it this year….share the word and share the fun!

Melissa | people | 02 23rd, 2015 | 1 Comment »

We watched the movie “Message In A Bottle” one night last week.  It reminded me of how we all change with time as I saw a younger Robin Wright play the role of Theresa.  Seeing her now in one of our favorite series, “House of Cards”, you’d barely recognize her!  I love the story of her character finding the wine bottle in which a message, so poignantly written by the Kevin Costner’s character, leads her on a journey to find him.  In typical Nicholas Sparks fashion the movie has a bittersweet ending….why does he always do that?  The soundtrack is so beautiful in this movie.  I’m sharing the piece “Forever (And Always)” by Gabriel Yared with you today.  And if you get the chance and want to view the movie get out your box of tissues, settle back and enjoy!

Melissa | people, Simple Sundays | 02 22nd, 2015 | No Comments »

I’m taking part in a “blogathon” that is hosted by the publishing company, Oghma Creative.  Both my children’s book series and novels are in the hands of Oghma for which I am very grateful.  When asked to take part in this event I did not know what I might write about.  Then it clearly came to me, hitting me right between the eyes, that I needed to write about what I do as a writer and why I do it.

http://www.babble.com/home/i-have-a-dream-speech-products-with-martin-luther-king-quotes/

I have dreamed of writing professionally for as long as I can remember!  I always kept a diary as a child, writing about my day, pouring my soul, and, at times tears, onto the pages, carefully locking the diary so my privacy could be maintained.  I don’t know what happened to all of those diaries, but I suspect they were probably thrown out in one of numerous moves.

When it became in vogue to journal I began keeping my thoughts in beautiful books that I found.  My writing matured and I used the journals as a way of self-expression as well as a sort of therapy.  Writing always cleared my mind and soothed my emotions.  When I look back through some of the journals now I can see how far I’ve come and I realize how many dreams I expressed that really did come true.  I’ve always been a big believer in manifesting and positive thoughts.  The journals have served to help materialize my desires.  They have acted as a catalyst in many cases.  I treasure the experiences I saved in the books and still leaf through to take a look at where I was at different times and how I related to what happened.

This blog has taken the place of that journaling for me as I share my life in Coastal Georgia with readers internationally.  At last count I have readers in 131 countries.  I never imagined such a thing could happen when I first began blogging back in February 2013.  Having the opportunity to share my writing with readers in so many different places is such a blessing!  I have developed an on-line platform that serves my other writing adventures in a very important way.  People follow me through social media and actually visit Coastal Georgia having been introduced to it via The Permanet Tourist.

And now, I discipline myself and keep a tight schedule so that there is plenty of time for my other writing.  The second in the “Emmeline” children’s book series went to my editor last week for her review, changes and suggestions.  I’m making time to work on the first of five women’s literary fiction novels in the “Moonflowers” series as well.  This is probably one of the most challenging journey’s I have ever set out to follow.  It requires going into the depths of my soul to discover each of the five female characters that will be featured in the books.  I realize more and more how much I AM each of these women, as well as other family members and friends whose experiences are woven into the fabric of the saga.  Writing about five generations of strong women, what they did for love and how each generation interacts, even after death, with the other is proving to be quite an adventure.  That bit of supernatural that winds through each of the books allows me to let my imagination go and create in ways that I thrive on.  I imagine my favorite authors from bygone times, Lillian Hellmann, Dorothy Parker, Anais Nin and hope that I might even come close to their talent and greatness.  But….does one have to smoke endless cigarettes and have a full glass of whiskey beside the keyboard at all times in order to achieve this?  If so, I’m in trouble.

Writing is what I live for.  Everyday holds something that enriches my stories, helping me to take my place at my desk each day, place my hands on the keys and allow the words to flow.  There is always a bit of resistance when I first begin, but that is lessening with time.  I have truly found my passion and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to write and be published.  I’ll be posting about and sharing each book with you as they become available.  Most of all I am thankful that writing is a profession I can continue until I take my last breath.  And, who knows,  it might even continue after that…..anything is possible, after all…..or so I’ve been told!

Melissa | people | 02 18th, 2015 | 4 Comments »

Something very special is happening at The Ritz this coming Saturday evening, February 21st.  My dear friend, Phil Morrison, along with a group of talented musicians will pay tribute to the great Duke Ellington and The Harlem Renaissance.

This event continues the celebration of  the rich African-American history we have in Coastal Georgia.  The Big Read features “Their Eyes Were Watching God”, by Zora Neale Hurston, an author who was part of the renaissance that spanned from 1918 into the early 1930’s.  So many African-American authors, musicians and artists made their mark during this important era.

The music of Duke Ellington and other musicians who came to the fore at the time will be celebrated in this wonderful concert!

For information on the event go here:  http://www.goldenislesarts.org/.  Tickets are only $15.00 for members and $10.00 for senior member if ordered ahead of time.  Non-member tickets are $20.00 and $15.00 for seniors.  Tickets will be available at the door for an additional $5.00 per ticket as well.  Click on the link to order on-line today!

Mr. T and I are planning a night out!  Won’t you join us in supporting Golden Isles Arts & Humanities?  It all begins at 8:00….see you there!

Melissa | people | 02 16th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

I originally wrote this post last year during African American History month.  Several readers have mentioned Mr. Abbott so I felt drawn to share this post again.  He was such an important part of history in many ways.  I’ll featuring other African American’s during February who have made a difference and have stories to tell!  I hope you enjoy reading or re-reading about this fascinating man!

I first heard of Robert Abbott a year ago when news of the annual International Festival, held on the grounds of Coastal College, was announced.  Loving festivals that bring people of different backgrounds together to share food and entertainment, my curiosity led me to learn more about this interesting man.  He truly was a man ahead of his time!  An active civil rights visionary, Robert was a man ahead of his time.  He helped many, many African Americans find a better life.

Robert Abbott and his mother, Flora

Born in 1868 here on St. Simons Island, Robert’s father died when young Abbott was only one year old.  His parents both gained their freedom five years before his birth as a result of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.  Both of his parents worked as slaves on the Steven’s Plantation.  Robert’s father was so well thought of by the Steven’s family that they paid for his funeral and erected a headstone in his honor.

In later years, Robert replaced that headstone with a large white granite obelisk that now stands close to the visitor’s center at Fort Frederica.

After his father’s death, Robert’s mother moved to Savannah where she married John Sengstake, a bi-racial Congregational minister and printer from Germany.  From childhood, Robert became aware of the need for and importance of unity among all races.  He received his law degree from Chicago’s Kent College in 1898.  Unsuccessful at finding permanent employment he decided to start his own newspaper, The Chicago Defender.  The first issue of The Defender appeared on the streets on May 5, 1905.  Within a few years the company occupied a three story building and printed over 250,000 copies of the newspaper each week.  Robert’s fierce opposition to racism brought national attention to the paper.  He launched a plan to send shipments of The Defender into the south, thus spreading the word of opportunity and advancement for African Americans in the Chicago area.

Abbott and his chauffeur

Robert Abbott became the pioneer of the Negro press as much as Hearst was for the white metropolitan press.  He was instrumental in the moving of black people from the South on what were then termed “Freedom Trains”.  He was a giving man who left a legacy for all African Americans.  He was the second black millionaire to stake his claim after the Civil War and all of the subsequent race issues that did not easily fade in the South.  This picture shows him with his chauffeur.  Robert loved cars and owned several, yet he never learned to drive.

Things to note that are legacies of this great man’s work are a school that bears his name in Chicago as well as a World War II Battleship.  The Bud Billikin Parade, which is the largest African American parade in the Chicago area is a major event and celebration each year in honor of this great man.

Robert Abbott was a powerful man, quiet and small of stature, but giving and inspirational to so many. His life ended in 1940 at the age of 71.   His work lives on and the local International Festival that honors him will be held in April.  I’ll have more information on that event for you as it draws near.

Melissa | people | 02 9th, 2015 | 6 Comments »