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 »

Google

There is a place, not far from here, that I have dreamed of visiting for more than four years now.  St. Catherine’s Island is another of Georgia’s barrier islands but this particular island is not open to the public.

Google

It has been inhabited for 4,000 years and was the site of the first Spanish outpost back in the 1500’s.  The island was home to the Guale Indians during the 1500 and 1600’s.  In 1766 Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, purchased St. Catherine’s and ran the island as a plantation until the end of the Civil War.  The huge hurricane that hit the Sea Island’s in 1893 caused catastrophic destruction when sea water washed over the entire area, destroying all of the buildings.  Only one survivor lived through that storm.

Google

It is a beautiful place, 10 miles in length and 3-5 miles in width.  Lush island foliage can be found over much of the 14,640 acres as well as marshland.

Google

The wildlife is what interests me most!  When I heard that wild Lemurs inhabit St. Catherine’s I began my wish to visit.  The island is now owned by the St. Catherine’s Island Foundation, a non-profit group, that operates the island interior for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes.  The Foundation is concerned with conservation of natural resources and preservation of endangered species.  Thus the colony of ring-tailed Lemur’s you’ll see running happily about the island if you are lucky enough to visit.

Google

The Sherpa Guide has this to say about the wildlife that finds a safe harbor on St. Catherine’s:  The island has a variety of subtropical ecosystems that are naturally adapted to the management of endangered species from similar climates around the world, which has led to the establishment of the St. Catherines Island Wildlife Survival Center. Begun in 1974 by the New York Zoological Society with a pilot project of 10 gemsboks in a 5-acre pasture, the program has captively bred many exotic species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The island serves as a type of Noah’s Ark, where breeding colonies can be established to build up numbers of the rare animals, which are then returned to zoos or the wild. Some of the animals that have been raised and protected on the island include Grevy’s zebras, ring-tailed lemurs, dama gazelles, St. Vincent parrots, rhinoceros hornbills, Aldabra tortoises (a very rare tortoise related to the Galapagos tortoise), Florida sandhill cranes, and Jackson’s hartebeests. More than 14 zoos participate in the program.

Photo by John Henderson “Sunrise On St. Catherine’s”

I’m researching the island, its history and how to have the opportunity to spend a day there.  If you have that information, please share it with me!  I’d love to visit and take my own photographs to share with you all!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 17th, 2015 | 2 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 »

Yesterday we celebrated Valentine’s Day.  But I’m taking today to share my favorite song of all time, performed by Sting, accompanied by Chris Botti.  Years ago, when my Mother was performing in New York City, she sang a solo concert at one of the theatres in Lincoln Center.  I’ll never forget that night.  A terrible blizzard hit the city the day before dumping several inches of snow and making it impossible for some people to get to the concert.  For her encore that evening, it happened to be February 14th, she dedicated this song to me.  So, I hope you’ll enjoy listening!  It’s not quite the way she performed it, but I know she would approve.

Melissa | Out&About | 02 15th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

I talked with John Bauser, Executive Director at Glynn Visual Arts this week.  Join us as we discuss the new location of GVA, classes and events as well as what to look forward to in 2015!

Melissa | On The Radio | 02 14th, 2015 | No Comments »

If you prefer to stay in on Valentine’s Day, preparing a special meal for that special someone….I’ve got the menu for you!  There is nothing better than cooking a delicious meal for the one you love.  So get out your grocery lists, chill the champagne and get ready to make a fabulous dinner!

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Prosciutto and Grapes

Steak au Poivre with Chopped Organic Greens and Parmesan Crisps

Organic Strawberries Dipped In Dark Chocolate

Champagne

Pinterest

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Prosciutto and Grapes

1 baguette, sliced 1/4″ thick, diagonally, lightly toasted.

1 small log goat cheese

1 tsp. Sangre de Cristo Herbs de Provence

1 tbsp.Honey

1 cup red seedless grapes, cut in half

Mix goat cheese, Herbes de Provence and Honey.  Saute the grapes for 2-3 minutes in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.   Spread each bread slice with cheese mixture and top with grape slices.  Garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme.

Pinterest

Steak au Poivre atop Organic Greens with Parmesan Crisps

2 6 ounce filet medallions

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoons cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoon butter

1/4 cup brandy

Brush the medallions with 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Combine the pepper and salt.  Coat both sides of the medallions with the mixture.  Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until hot, but not browned.  Add the medallions and cook for four minutes, turn and cook for four more minutes for medium rare.  Remove the steaks from the pan, add the brandy to the pan and boil on medium high heat for 2-3 minutes, stir the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir and until just melted.

For the salad:

1 belgian endive

1 head radicchio

2 cups arugula

1 head butter lettuce

Wash the greens well and chop coarsely.  Toss with vinaigrette dressing, place on a serving plate and top with a steak medallion.  Garnish with parmesan crisps.

Vinaigrette Dressing

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients together and toss with the salad greens

Parmesan Crisps

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.  Place four mounds of cheese on the sheet.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.  Remove the tray from the oven and allow the crisps to cool before serving.

Pinterest

Organic Strawberries Dipped In Dark Chocolate

8 large strawberries, with stems, if possible

1 large bar dark chocolate, find European chocolate is the best

In a double boiler, melt the chocolate, adding a tablespoon of butter.  Stir until melted.  Wash the strawberries and dip them in the melted chocolate.  Allow to cool on a wax paper lined plate, in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 02 13th, 2015 | No Comments »

If you live on St. Simons Island you may have seen these two beauties riding in the back of a cream colored, convertible Mini-Cooper.  They refer to their owners as their Chauffeur and his wife, but I know them as Tom and Kris Duderstadt.

Blanche  and Stella, named after fine Belgian brews, Blanche de Bruxelles and Stella Artois, the girls definitely have star quality!

They are die hard Bulldog fans…..Go Dawgs!

They love dining outdoors….Catch 228 has their favorite cheese burger!

Stella is five, so mellow and wise.

Blanche is three, the younger and more frisky.

Christmas is, without doubt, their favorite holiday.

What a pair of beauties!  A movie crew should discover them and make them stars!  Happy Trails girls…..until we meet again!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 12th, 2015 | 3 Comments »

We are blessed, in Coastal Georgia, with a short winter.  While others are shoveling out from under feet of snow and battling with slush, we are beginning to walk on the beach again….bathing in the gentle cool breezes, soaking in the sun.

John Quinlan

I love this photograph of a young robin red breast by John Quinlan.  This little robin is so trusting….

John Quinlan

Can you believe this?  Absolute trust that all is well…that’s the way nature rolls!

Nancy Kirkpatrick shared this wonderful photo of daffodils, or daffies as she calls them, blooming…a true harbinger of spring!

The days are growing longer and signs of Spring appear everywhere as the temperatures begin to warm.  Little crocus bulbs are pushing their blooms above the surface of the garden after a bit of winter’s sleep.

It’s a magical time of year……embrace it!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 11th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

Google Images

Today’s post may be a bit different, but, as a blogger, that is what it’s all about.  I get to create and share with my readers what ever suits my fancy on any given day.

Google Images

For years I have suffered from a sort of “shyness”, for lack of a better word, but I’ve decided to give that up.  No longer hiding behind words and not getting out there and living…..those days are gone….no more hesitancy!

Google

I am so thankful for all of the opportunities writing this blog and hosting the weekly talk show have brought into my life.  I’ve been at this for over two years now.  That fateful morning when Mr. T. answered my question about what to name this blog and he quietly answered, “Why don’t you call it The Permanent Tourist?”, is a day I will never, ever forget!  The way we came to meet each other was magical and the magic continues as each day unfolds.

Photography by Skylar Lee

Thank you is the word that continually comes to my mind when I think how my life has changed and blossomed as I have shared life in Coastal Georgia with all of you!

Photography by Skylar Lee

Before closing today’s post I want to emphasize this question…..”Are you truly living and savoring your life?” .  Not just getting through each day, but experiencing the joy and the gift offered at the beginning of a new day.  We each experience our own set of lessons, challenges and dreams.  Write them down….put them in a beautiful book for safe keeping.  I certainly cannot profess to know what happens when we shed this Earthly body, but whatever it is I want to arrive there knowing I did it all!

Lots of exciting things are happening over the next few weeks!  Stay tuned!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 10th, 2015 | 5 Comments »

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 »