I couldn’t resist using that title when it comes to describing Cindy Sbrissa!  She is simply divine!  Her style, her art, her individuality, Cindy marches to the beat of her own drummer.  Her artwork ranges from small to large glass mosaics and amazing textural felt mosaics that she hand crafts in such a way they come alive.

Cindy made St. Simons Island her home a couple of years ago.  Her studio is in her home, chock full of baskets, bins and boxes of treasures that she uses to create her amazing pieces of art.

Would you like a one of a kind backsplash in your kitchen?  Cindy works on commissions to fit her client’s needs.

Or perhaps a gazing ball or other glistening trinket to hang in a window or on the Christmas tree?  Cindy does it all and so beautifully.

Her work with textiles is fascinating to me.  This portrait of a cat is so lifelike.  In person, the eyes glow like a real cats would.

Would you enjoy a portrait of your favorite puppy done in felt mosaic?  Isn’t this just amazing?

Size is no issue for Cindy as she works her magic.  You can read more about her and see more of her artwork here:  https://sites.google.com/site/mysticmosaics/.  Cindy also teaches individuals as well as groups.  I have a feeling her classes would be more fun than anything I can imagine.  Her sparkling personality and passion for her work is infectious!

Melissa | people | 09 16th, 2013 | No Comments »

One of my favorite movies is “Tuck Everlasting”.  Not only is the cast stellar, love Sissy Spacek in her role, the story itself is so poignant.  We all dream of living forever, yet the heartbreak of that shines so clearly through the story in this movie.  It’s a lovely tale, that if you haven’t seen, please do and if you have…..you might just enjoy seeing it again on a quiet, end of summer, Sunday afternoon.  Enjoy the day!

Melissa | Out&About | 09 15th, 2013 | No Comments »

It’s taken a couple of years to write, edit, rewrite, proofread (several different people) and finally to publish as an e-book on Amazon.  BUT….it’s finally finished!  I am very proud to announce that the cookbook I wrote, “Spice Up Your Life!”,  is available for download on Amazon and will be available in book form shortly.  I hope you’ll fall in love with the recipes and enjoy preparing them for your friends and family.  Some of the menus I have included in my Finally Friday series of this blog may be included with many, many others to choose from.

It’s a simple book and beginning companion to my sister-in-law’s new business, Sangre de Cristo Spice Company.  Herbs, spices and signature blends will be available on-line around the first of October so you can order and cook to your heart’s delight!  All of the products in the line are organice, fair trade herbs and spices and the blends…..just wait till you try them!  If you’d like to prefer the book or order it for your Kindle, go here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Spice%20Up%20Your%20Life!%20Melissa%20Lee

HERE’S TO GREAT FOOD, GREAT FRIENDS, AND GREAT MOMENTS SHARED!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 09 13th, 2013 | 4 Comments »

What do get when you combine a Southern upbringing with a creative imagination?  You get Sharman Burson Ramsey, that’s what you get!  Named after Sharman Douglas whose claim to fame was teaching the future Queen Elizabeth how to do the “cha cha” while her father served as the American Ambassador to Great Britain after WWII.   How could you inherit such a name and not be someone very special?  Sharman spent years as a teacher of English and History.  When she began to search into her own genealogy she found so many interesting things, not the least of which was the discovery that she had Native American AND Mayan ancestry in her genetic make-up.   This information opened up a whole new world for Sharman, inspiring a website and two novels, a third to be published soon.

Sharman is pure Southern charm and her books are fascinating.  The first book, published by Mercer Press in 2012, “Swimming with Serpents” is based on a real love story that took place around the time of the great massacre at Fort Mims in 1813.  It’s a work of historic fiction that tells the story of two “half breed” lovers set against the backdrop of the Creek Indian War.  Sharman creates a family saga full of action, intrigue and redemption.

Its sequel, “In Pursuit”, has just been published by Mercer and continues the story with  two of the characters from her first novel, much to the delight of readers who loved Sharman’s first novel.

Wakefield Plantation

We discussed her  new mystery tale, “Murder and Mint Juleps”, that will soon be published.  I cannot wait to read this one!  It’s about two sisters who, having both been recently widowed.  Although they have been estranged for years, they go to New Orleans to close up the home of one so that they can live together on the family plantation.  What happens is for you to find out, but it sounds like a riveting tale, full of fun and excitement.  There’s even talk of a reality show based on the book and Southern etiquette that you’ll have to wait for more information on.  I’ll share all of Sharman’s news with you as soon as I have it.  The picture I have featured is the actual plantation that has been in her family for decades, “Wakefield”, located in Furman, Alabama.

Sharman is a public speaker for writers groups, inspiring writers to be creative and to learn how to be their own best publicist.  You can read more about her on her site: http://www.southern-style.com.  Be sure to read the page on genealogy about the fascinating journey she took to discover her roots!  The fun and creativity never ends with this lovely lady!

Melissa | people | 09 12th, 2013 | No Comments »

I attended a meeting at the Glynn Art Association this morning to hear about classes, programs and plans for the coming fall and winter season.  I am always impressed by the feeling of community among this group.  Nancy Muldowney, President of the Glynn Art Board, chaired the meeting, sharing her excitement and enthusiasm for art in our area stating that “Art is the basis for everything, it is the universal language”.  There are many exciting things planned at the Association over the next few months that I will share with you in upcoming posts.

To begin with, this coming Saturday, September 14th, there will be an event to “Meet the Teacher” at the Glynn Art Association building from 1-3 p.m.  You’ll have an opportunity to see what classes are offered for all age groups.  There will be materials lists and you’ll be able to speak with the various teachers who will be on board for the exciting classes available to you.

One of the teachers, Bob Pendarvis, attended the meeting today.  Bob created  the Sequential Art Program at S.C.A.D., the first program of its kind in the country..  A long time resident of St. Simons Island, Bob is back and offering a very exciting class for interested participants.  He is particularly interested in women who work in this medium and has a website devoted to that subject.  http://www.sugarninjas.net/bob.

If you’ve ever read a comic book or any illustrated book then you know something about sequential artist.  Bob will be working with students to create artwork that communicates or tells a story.  Your basic prerequisite for this course is that you know how to draw.  Bob will take it from there, offering assignments with both plot and characters that you will then use to create your expression of the assignment.   In short, students will have the opportunity to experience the same sequential art program he created at S.C.A.D. in a smaller classroom with plenty of hands on guidance from Bob.  For a fun peek at his upcoming class, go here:  http://glynnart.org/education/798-2 and also learn about the on-line classes that are offered.

He has a sparkle in his eye, he is passionate about what he teaches and applies the wonder of it all to his daily life experience!  Meet Bob this coming Saturday and find out for yourself!

Glynn Art Association – 529 Beachview Drive – St. Simons Island, GA – www.glynnart.org

Melissa | Out&About | 09 11th, 2013 | No Comments »

Honey, natures finest sweetener.  The ancient Greeks used it for stamina and it is said to help with allergies if it is local, unfiltered honey.  Its color and texture entice me….liquid gold….not to mention the fact that my name, Melissa, is Greek for “honey bee”.

When Chef Jason, the master of culinary arts at the King & Prince Resort here on St. Simons,  gave me a jar of fresh, local honey at the end of our meeting last week I was so excited to get it home, crack open the jar and taste the pure, deliciousness that waited inside the glass walls that held it.

There are no words to express how amazing the taste was!  And that led me to begin researching bees and honey.  Bees are such an essential part of our ecosystem.  They see to it that crops keep growing, fruit trees keep bearing and life keeps on an even keel.  Known uses for honey are as a healing unguent for burns and other wounds.  It is very beneficial in the healing of respiratory problems, as well as aiding in the balance of blood sugar.  It’s very healing for acne too, worked into a paste and placed on the skin, for ten minutes or so,  then rinsed off with warm water…..miraculous.

Honey is full of an array of vitamins and minerals that aid in healing and maintaining a healthy body.  It can be used in place of white sugar, which is known to weaken the immune system, and add subtle sweetness in a homemade salad dressing, dessert or any hot tea.  It is even said to aid in the battle against osteoporosis.  To read more about this little miracle potion provided by bees go here:  http://www.naturalnews.com/021506_honey_grocery_healing.html

There is so much to read about bees and the healing properties of honey on-line, this post could be two weeks long.  I’ll let you do the research.  But I’ll be happy to tell you where this lovely local honey hails from!  Sapelo Farms, right here in Glynn County,  now has Italian bees who are offering their amazing nectar to us.  Visit Sapelo Farms and get yourself a jar of this golden miracle, delicious on a piece of gluten free toast, or filling the holes of an English Muffin, you will not be disappointed!  I’m happy eating a teaspoon full, all on its own.   Here’s a link to the Sapelo Farms website where you’ll find all kinds of information about other produce and products they have to compliment your culinary creations! http://www.sapelofarms.com/ (Note:  I must give credit to photos from The Mummering Cottage on Tumblr and Pinterest for photographs in this post.)

Melissa | Out&About | 09 10th, 2013 | 4 Comments »

I’ve gotten to know Dayna Caldwell over the past few months and am delighted to be sharing this post with you today.  Dayna has recently been named “Director” of the wonderful Left Bank Art Gallery, owned  by Millie Wilcox.  Millie has shared her love of art and her fine eye for selecting just the right pieces for her gallery and clients over the past forty-eight years.  When choosing a new director for the gallery she, once again, used her finely tuned ability to select the best and appointed Dayna.

For years Dayna thought she wanted to be an elementary school teacher.  She has always been very academic, attending Michigan State University to earn her teaching degree.  But destiny had other plans for this lovely young woman.  As part of her degree program she traveled to France and studied for a year.  While living with an artist and her daughter, Dayna got the opportunity to savor the French life and found that she loved it.  She also found that she loved art, all kinds of art.

She was privileged to tour the fabulous French chateaux, the Loire in Paris and other fine galleries when she traveled to the city of romance on the weekends.  Dayna loved the people, the food, the wine, the whole experience of living with the French and savoring their joie de vivre.   This experience set Dayna on a different course.  She found herself drawn to objects and artwork she saw in French museums, so much so that by the end of her year there she knew she wanted to study art history.  Everything came together for her as she went on to graduate school and received her Master’s Degree from the Savannah School of Art & Design.

Mildred Wilcox…Monet’s Garden

It was a fateful evening several years ago when Dayna, working as a server at the local Bonefish restaurant, found herself in what can only be called a moment of destiny.  One of her customers that evening, the late Susan Hardwick, saw something in Dayna and knew she had to introduce her to her dear friend, Millie.  The rest is history.  Dayna has taken over the reins at Left Art Bank Gallery, giving Millie the time to travel and discover more treasures to share with us all.

Among Dayna’s many interests is a deep appreciation for the women weavers of Chile and the tapestries they produced during the political upheaval there forty years ago.  These politically themed weavings depict what happened during that time. Dayna will be speaking in St. Petersburg, Florida on September 14th, where the 40th anniversary of the Chilean coup will be celebrated.   She will share these wonderful weavings with attendees in a Power Point presentation she has created.

After this event, Dayna will return to St. Simons Island to continue her work with the Left Bank Art Gallery and the Mildred Huie Museum.  She speaks fondly of Millie and her love of the atmospheric quality on St. Simons Island that reminds her of Normandy, France.  Millie has been a tremendous mentor for Dayna, their shared love of art is sure to continue offering all of us beautiful works from talented people all over our area and abroad.  I’ll keep you posted on events and plans as they develop.  I have a feeling we’re all in for some fabulous openings and educational events to delight and inspire us all!  For more information on the gallery:  http://www.leftbankartgallery.com/

Melissa | Out&About | 09 9th, 2013 | 6 Comments »

Something mellow and beautiful for your Sunday morning.  Have a peaceful day doing what ever brings you great joy!

Melissa | Out&About | 09 8th, 2013 | 1 Comment »

It’s Finally Friday and Chef John from Nazzaro’s is sharing one of his signature dishes with us!  This looks so yummy, I know I’ll be making it over the weekend!  I’ve added the salad and wine to complete the meal…Bon Appetit!

Chef John’s Shrimp Ala Vodka

Crisp Caesar Salad

Pinot Grigio

Chef John’s Shrimp Ala Vodka

Serves 4

32 Georgia white shrimp

extra virgin olive oil

8 ounces sliced mushrooms

8 ounces fresh spinach

2 ounces vodka

2 cups marinara sauce touch of heavy cream

Sauté shrimp in a teaspoon or so of olive oil.  Add all other ingredients toss with penne pasta.  Serve with a shaving of fresh parmigiano reggiano cheese and cracked black pepper.

Crisp Caesar Salad

2 heads of romaine lettuce, outside leaves removed

juice of one lemon

1/4 olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard

1 small box anchovies, chopped (optional)

1/4 cup freshly parmigiano reggiano cheese

cracked black pepper to taste.

Clean the lettuce and cut in 1 inch strips.  Refrigerate to keep crisp and chilled.  In a wooden salad bowl add the olive oil and lemon juice, whisking to combine.  Add the remaining ingredients and whisk well to form a thick dressing.  Put the lettuce in the salad bowl just before serving and toss well.  Garnish croutons if desired.

Pour a nice glass of chilled Pinot Grigio and enjoy!

NOTE:  If you just don’t feel like cooking this weekend, make reservations to dine at Nazzaro’s and let Chef John make this delicious dish for you!  

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 09 6th, 2013 | No Comments »

Two months from today, the fourth annual McGladrey Classic, a PGA Tour, FedEx Cup Event begins.  The tournament is operated by the Davis Love Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3, on St. Simons Island.  McGladrey, LLP, an international accounting and consulting firm sponsors the tournament which is held on the Seaside Golf Course, part of the Sea Island Company.  The name Love is well known in Coastal Georgia as well as internationally.  Champion golfer, Davis Love III,  calls the Golden Isles home as did his father, Davis Love Jr., a renowned golf instructor and one of the founders of the Golf Digest Learning Centers.  Davis Love Jr. worked at Sea Island as a teaching pro while mentoring and guiding his son in his career.  The Love family was and continues to be a closely knit group.  Davis’ wife, Robin, and their children Lexie and Dru, his brother Mark and his wife Lynn along with their children, Lowery, Lizzy and Anna all play a part in the family business.  If asked, Davis will always put family first.  He speaks of his father’s “investment” in his career as an expression of his love when writing his 1997 book, “Every Shot I Take”.  It is this love of family and concern for other families that makes the Loves such a special part of our community.

One always thinks of money when watching a tournament.  How many thousands of dollars per hole, what the purse is, how much money the winner takes home.  But to Davis Love III, it’s not about the money.  Four years ago when the McGladrey Classic first began, Love dove into the process of planning an event that usually takes two years to put together in a mere 10 months.  His staff at the Foundation refer to it as a miracle.  Teamwork is what it is all about and a leader, like Davis Love III, who believes in giving back to the community.

Patricia Shelnutt, Love’s financial manager, says that Davis “always believed in contributing and being involved in local charities.”, she continued, “Davis saw the erosion of family life in our area and was concerned about the youth and what their futures might hold.”.  He began to talk with the PGA Tour about sponsoring a tournament here in Glynn County and worked with them to create an event, within the strict guidelines and boundaries of the golf association.  Every PGA Tour event is hosted by a non-profit organization.  In this case, The Davis Love Foundation,  it’s team and many, many volunteers make it happen.  All profits from these events are disbursed to charities chosen by the hosts that meet a strict criteria.  The Foundation has continued growing the event and investing in Coastal Georgia through the Foundation each year the McGladrey Classic has been played.

Among the charities the tournament gives to are Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast GA, Habitat for Humanity of Glynn County, United Way of Coastal Georgia, Special Olympics and Blessings in a Backpack.  There are over thirty charities included in this year’s Birdies Fore Love.  To find out more about this special opportunity to donate and contribute go to:  http://www.mcgladreyclassic.com/.  You can share in the fun of predicting how many birdies there will be in the tournament as well as give to the charity of your choice and be eligible to win an automobile, which is donated by Nalley this year.  It’s a win/win situation!

Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting about other aspects of the tournament and giving my readers behind the scenes looks into what goes into making the McGladrey Classic the success it continues to be.  Each year there are more players, each year more volunteers and each year the crowd of golf enthusiasts grows.  All of this, carefully orchestrated and accomplished by a team I’ll introduce you to.  Before I began my meetings with the group I had no idea what went into the production of such an event.  You will be just amazed as I am!

Melissa | people | 09 5th, 2013 | 1 Comment »