Ann & Lizzie

When I met with Ann Payne Price last week for the first time it was a very happy day for me.  Ann is such a charming Southern woman and gifted artist.

She took me on a tour of her lovely home where her paintings fill the walls making the space warm and inviting.

The studio she and her husband built when they bought their home here on St. Simons Island several years ago is the perfect hangout for a creative soul.  The smell of oil paints filled the air, Ann’s easel stood behind the sofa set up with her latest project….I could literally feel her artistic energy as we talked.  Ann shared her story of retiring as an executive with the Coca-Cola company thirteen years ago.  She began to try her hand at painting and found her passion.

Ann expresses her love of Coastal Georgia through her many landscapes and scenes of the marshes that appear like magic, shimmering on the canvas…..

At times she paints flowers that burst with color and life…..

At others she shares her travels with us.  Ann visits France and other parts of Europe twice a year, always prepared to begin a new painting.  Her zest for life and for her artwork is infectious!  Some of her paintings are on commission, but mostly, Ann paints from her soul, transferring what she sees into beautiful works of art done in oil.  She has inspired me to consider setting my easel up again!  Her encouragement was well received, especially when I returned home to find that she had forwarded an article on setting up your oil painting studio!  I may just begin to dabble again!

Ann Payne Price is a treasure.  Her work is frequently on exhibit at Glynn Visual Arts.  I will be keeping you posted on shows that include her work….you won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet this outstanding woman and view her priceless work!

Melissa | people | 09 30th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

We’re swinging into October on Wednesday and the beginning of this year’s fabulous St. Simons Food and Spirits Festival.  This annual celebration of the good life begins on the first day of the month, Wednesday.  The five day tribute to local food and beverage begins at Halyard’s where Chef Dave Snyder will host the First Bite Kick-Off Reception.  Mingle with chef’s and other VIP’s attending the festival with delicious finger foods, craft cocktails and wine.

Can you name the PGA Tour golfers who’ll be participating in this cook-off?

Southern Soul and Sea Island Resorts are teaming together to present the BBQ Pro Am on Rainbow Island.  You’ll be treated to a delicious array of one of the South’s most important menu items….BBQ.  PGA golfers will compete against local chef’s to see who stands up to the grill.  All of the grilled goodies will be paired with craft beer from Georgia’s own Wild Heaven Brewery.

Over the next two days you can attend a Pier Crawl, hosted by Elegant Island Living Magazine……a Festival Feast showcasing the work of some of the area’s most celebrated chefs at Halyard’s……the Grand Oaks Tasting Tour at Gascoigne Bluff presented by Beachview Event Rentals and a newly added Oyster Roast at Coastal Kitchen.  A good time is guaranteed for all who attend!

The festivities end with the SPIRITual Sunday Brunch…..an amazing feast prepared by ECHO at the King & Prince Resort.  If this is anything like last year’s brunch you are in for a huge treat!  Lively libations will open the event followed by beautifully presented, highlighted by the spirited voices of soul singers.

2013

This event grows each year with more and more participants from all over the state of Georgia.  The best part of it all is that the festival benefits Hospice of the Golden Isles.  It’s the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of fall and help support one of this areas most valuable services.  Join the fun and experience the third year of this spectacular event!

Purchase your tickets here:  http://www.saintsimonsfoodandspirits.com/

Melissa | food & entertaining | 09 29th, 2014 | 1 Comment »

I love the music of Vaughn Williams, especial the Tallis Fantasy.  What a beautiful way to begin Sunday!  This is the perfect accompaniment to morning meditation, quietly sorting through what you want the day to be.  I’m back to planning family dinners, special time together and savoring each moment as it comes on this new day.  Enjoy this soulful composition.  It always lifts my spirits and I hope it will yours!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 09 28th, 2014 | No Comments »

Melissa | On The Radio | 09 27th, 2014 | No Comments »

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for the McGladrey Classic!  Signs are showing up….ads are being posted….and contests are beginning!

This is the 5th anniversary of an event that has grown and flourished here on St. Simons Island.

Preparations are underway with the grounds around the Sea Island Golf Club being manicured and beds planted.

There are contests to enter as well!  One lucky person will win a two night stay at the beautiful new Inn at Sea Island – go here to enter….https://www.facebook.com/McGladreyClassic/app_1490137791224124

And Golden Isles Tourism is giving away tickets to the opening concert by Darius Rucker here:  http://www.goldenisles.com/mcgladrey-giveaway.

The excitement is building!  Mark the dates….October 20 – 26th….tickets are available on-line:  http://www.mcgladreyclassic.com/

It’s always a time of fun and activity for all!  Don’t miss out!

Melissa | Out&About | 09 25th, 2014 | No Comments »

Pull out your portable grills, your coolers and your plastic dishware, it’s that time of year again!  School colors are showing, the teams are preparing and parking lot parties, otherwise known as tailgating, are being planned.  Mark Gagliano, the “wine guy” at our local Harris Teeter, and I thought it would be fun to do a post about wine pairing for tailgating!  Sit back and get out your pen and paper.  I’m sharing some great menus and Mark is joining in with wines to go with them.  And just to get you started….all in good fun….enjoy a listen to Lee Brice’s hit song, “Parking Lot Party”!

 Menu #1

Salsa Cups

Pulled Pork Sliders with Cole Slaw

Veggie Cups

Football Brownies

 Mark and I discussed the concept of compare and contrast.  For the first menu he suggested three different wines.  These are full bodied wines that really bring out the flavors in the menu.

Las Rocas Granacha

Parallele 45  Cote de Rhone

Penfold’s Shiraz

Menu #2

Texas Tailgating Dip

Burger Sliders

Bacon Wrapped Hotdogs

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Individual Cheesecake

For this menu Mark chooses a Lambrusco, fizzy, a bit sweet and a contrast to the menu.  To compare, Mark suggests a cabernet to compliment the flavors of the burger and dogs.  His top picks are 14 Hands or Frontera, a division of Concha y Toro.  And he also recommends two box wines for easy pouring  – Black Box and Bota Box – both a great value.

Ca’ De’ Medici Lambrusco

14 Hands Cabernet

Frontera Cabernet

Black Box

Bota Box

Menu #3

Caprese Bites

Asparagus Bundles

Pesto Shrimp Skewers

Limoncello Cupcakes

Mark is suggesting white wine with this upscale meal.  All three of these offer a wonderful compliment to the menu….or, you might even choose Prosecco if you want a bit of the bubbly!

Louis Latour Pouille Fuisse

Bonnet White Bordeaux

Drouhin Chablis

There you have it, three different ways to tailgate!  I’d love to know if you try any of the menus.  If you want recipes please comment, leave me your email address and I’ll get them to you!  Here’s to a great college and pro football season!  We’re big “Dawg” fans in Georgia, but wherever you live, support your team and enjoy!  It’s all about fun, spirit and having a great time together!  Drink responsibly and be safe….wherever you’re having that party!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 09 24th, 2014 | 5 Comments »

Today is the first day of fall…..my favorite season!  You can feel a change in the air with cooler breezes and leaves beginning to gently fall to the ground.

My creativity always begins to flow more easily this time of year!  I love planning to prepare hearty soups and stews…..apple pies….all things pumpkin and more.

Chrysanthemum’s……their earthy aroma and vibrant colors…

Hot mulled cider….

The sounds and smells of Fall fill my senses, making me mellow and at peace with the season.

Melissa | Out&About | 09 23rd, 2014 | 1 Comment »

On Monday, September 29th, music lovers from all over the Golden Isles are in for a treat as The Coastal Symphony of Georgia opens its new 2014-2015 season.  Maestro Luis Haza, begins this stellar season with music from The Romantic Period.  In his words, “These are programs which will showcase the virtuosity of the orchestra, they features a wide musical palette and artistic breadth.”  The selections for the first concert and sure to strike a chord with listener’s who will be treated to an evening of beautiful classical music.

In November the whole family will be treated to a concert that begins with Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and moves onto Peter and the Wolf.  This is a wonderful way to introduce classical music to the younger audience as well as a great way to begin the holiday season with an event the entire family will enjoy.  You’ll be delighted by narration of the Britten piece by Senator Mack Mattingly and his wife, Leslie.  Della Greenblatt, Ms. Georgia World International 2012 will provide narration for Prokofiev’s famous Peter and the Wolf.

Having grown up in a musical family, I have always been surrounded with beautiful music.  My appreciation for all sorts of music began with my mother, who, as an operatic soprano, shared so many different pieces with my brother and me.  As I have long said, music is a form of language.  In fact, it is the Universal language that touches the hearts of all who hear it in ways nothing else can.  Music literally calms the savage beast.

Brunswick High School

For ticket information go to: www.coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org  You will also find tickets for sale at St. Simons Drug Company, on the island and at Hattie’s Books on Newcastle Street in Brunswick.  This season’s concerts will take place at the new Brunswick Highschool on Altama in Brunswick.  With plenty of parking space that is well lit and easy access to the auditorium you’ll enjoy  attending all of the season’s event.   All seats are reserved this season so you’ll find your seats with ease.

An Evening of Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner and Liszt is waiting to inspire you!

Melissa | people | 09 22nd, 2014 | No Comments »

Living in the now, letting go of the past and experiencing life moment by moment!  It’s a never ending challenge to be able to do this.  As humans we’re so used to rushing here and there….busy, busy, busy!  Today, take a moment to observe nature and how it simply IS.  If you have a pet they will show you what it means to live in the moment.  We are the only group of beings who have to plan, scheme, stress and worry.  I look Murphy and see how he’s satisfied with waking up each morning, his furry little tail twitching with excitement as I let him out in the yard each morning.  He is a creature of habit and loves his routine…change is not his friend.  If we could get into the practice of simply being….how nice it would be.

On that note, I’m sharing a song by Joshua Radin that speaks to this subject.  “It’s A Brand New Day” is a sweet piece that I hope you’ll enjoy and pass along today!  Have a wonderfully simply Sunday!

Melissa | Out&About, Simple Sundays | 09 21st, 2014 | 1 Comment »

Listen in as I talk with Kalista Morgan of our local Second Harvest food bank.  We’re discussing this valuable organization, upcoming events and more!

Melissa | Out&About | 09 20th, 2014 | No Comments »