So much is said and written about women learning the art of saying no.  But what about the word YES?

Dream Garden

I, for one, am terrible about accepting help when it is offered.  Always the perfectionist, I tend to take on more than I can, in reality, do.  This leads to a feeling of utter frustration on my part.  Lately, I’m finding it easier to say no, but very difficult to say yes.  Whwn I had my knee replaced last June I never expected the recovery period to be so long.  I missed out on the whole gardening season, worrying about the flower beds that were growing wild and free.  I like order in my life but could not do the things to make that happen for several months.

When a friend of mine called me yesterday with a little pre-birthday surprise I felt hesitant to accept at first.  She knows I have a big week ahead and she knows that I like things to be just so.  For this reason she offered to come over and help me clean out my flower beds and prepare them for Spring planting.  I knew there were trees to trim and clean up as well, no small task!   My little self thought, “Gee, I should be able to take care of all of this by myself….”, but my new and better self thought, “How dear of her to want to help me get this done!”.  To be perfectly honest I was stressing over how I was going to get my yard cleaned up having been in bed with the flu for the past week!  And so I said YES!

More Garden Dreaming

The afternoon was spent cleaning out weeds, trimming and discussing what to plant where.  I got to see perennial plants and flowers planted the year before last popping up through the soil.  This always makes me happy!  The outline of the flower beds is now visible once again and I feel so much better.

We toasted the day with a vodka tonic, sitting on the back deck overlooking the lagoon.  All of this reminded me that friendship is a valuable thing and of how blessed I am to have such wonderful friends!  Mr. T and I will finish up with planting some new flowers and plants over the weekend.  The help I opened my heart to and accepted has given us a head start that is priceless!  Learn to say YES and feel the love filling your heart!

Melissa | Out&About | 03 19th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

If you live in Coastal Georgia you see the many events that begin to appear on the local calendar this time of year.  Each has a wonderful cause all its own and our community supports them well.  I’m writing about an event you’ve heard of but may not grasp the breadth of.  Beginning on Friday, March 27th, a very special event entitled Cabin Fever begins.  For three days participants will be treated to a piece of Coastal Georgia history that makes up the very fabric of who we are today.

At one time there were huge plantations all over the area.  At Gascoigne Point you would find the Hamilton Plantation.  Built in the late 1700’s, the great house no longer stands.  But two structures still remain that speak to the time, a time of slavery when African’s were rounded up, against their will, and brought to America to be put to work growing and harvesting rice and cotton.  These hearty people worked to make the plantations profitable for their owners.  They faced the extreme heat of our area during warm months, working in fields or seeing to the keeping of the great house.  Lest we forget, they provided the labor that enabled these plantations and their owners to thrive and prosper, many times paying the ultimate price, loss of their lives.

It’s easy to sweep such thoughts out of our minds but we cannot.  The two remaining tabby slave cabins that still stand on the grounds of the original plantation at Gascoigne Point have to be preserved so that history continues to tell its story.  The Cassina Garden Club, established in 1932, lovingly cares for and maintains these two historic structures to the best of their abilities.  But time takes its toll and the tabby construction of these cabins must be restored so we do not lose this valuable piece of our history.

You can join in this event and take part in learning more of our history this coming weekend.  Joseph McGill, founder of The Slave Dwelling Project, will be the guest of honor.  Mr. McGill has made it his business to not only discover the slave cabins that still stand in various parts of our country, but to visit them and sleep in them.   He taps into the energy of the place and the people who called these small structures their homes.  The weekend begins with a dinner on Friday evening at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center here on St. Simons Island.  The video you’ll hear when you click on the arrow in the frame above will allow you to hear about Mr. McGill’s  project.  Joseph McGill is dedicated to ensuring that the years of slavery these cabins represent are remembered as more than a mere footstep, they are a footprint, never to be forgotten.

On Saturday you’ll be treated to a trolley tour that will take you to the African-American historic sites that remain standing on the island with a potluck lunch on the grounds of the cabins.  Saturday evening is the crowning event as guests will experience the culinary magic of the time, prepared by our favorite chefarmer Matthew Raiford.  Chef Raiford has worked with the members of Cassina Garden Club using recipes from the original cookbook that have been passed down over the decades.  First printed in 1937, this book is full of delicious recipes provided by members at the time.  These recipes find their roots in a bygone era when female slaves worked in outdoor kitchens to create the meals their master’s then dined on.  If you choose to you can even spend the night on the cabin grounds with Joseph McGill as your host.

Sunday morning will bring an end to the weekend’s events with a Riverside Daybreak Service, a non-denominational event that gives a time to worship, pray  and praise together.  This is an event that has been in the planning for many months by the members of the club that was deeded the property in 1950.  They tirelessly work to maintain this piece of history that is in their care.  Please join them and attend as many of the events as you can!

For more information and to order tickets:  http://www.cassinagardenclub.org/

Melissa | Out&About | 03 18th, 2015 | No Comments »

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We’re well into the month of March and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!  I found this precious picture on-line.  This little girl’s precious face makes me smile.  Her eyes are positively smiling with joy and mischief!

I think everyone is familiar with the famous tune “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”.  The words to this popular song were written by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr., set to music composed by Ernest Ball, for Olcott’s production of The Isle O’ Dreams.  First published in 1912, the song has lasted through the years as a tribute to the Emerald Isles and the hearty people who live there.  My own heritage is predominately Scots/Irish so a visit to the place of my ancestry is on my list for the not too distant future.

St. Patrick’s Day is always a time for fun, revelry and great celebration.  Beer will be green and corned beef will be on the menu!  It seems we celebrate one holiday or another each month in the United States.  Perhaps that is because this has always been the great melting pot, the place that opened its arms to the tired and weary of the world.  We have always offered a helping hand and a safe haven.

I can’t begin this day without letting my precious Wheaton Terrier, Murphy, offer a little Irish blessing for the occasion!  Wheaton’s come from Ireland where they are used for herding.  They are smart, quick and easily trained.  Most of you know Murphy is a rescue dog from New Orleans, discovered on-line by my step-daughter.  He’s a major character in my children’s book series as well.  With the help of the app “My Talking Pet” and my daughter, we were able to let him share this blessing with you!

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Melissa | Out&About | 03 17th, 2015 | No Comments »

It may not be the official beginning of Spring, but the season is upon us here on the island

The lagoon on our property is buzzing with activity…..

And swirling with pollen……..

Great gusts of thick yellow, sneeze making pine pollen waft through the air causing a veil like effect.  Hmmm…no wonder I’ve been a bit under the weather!

Rock wrens are busy tunneling into a potted plant to prepare a nest for their wee eggs to rest and mature.  I’m always struck by the wonder of how those tiny little fledgling birds will literally spring from the nest and spread their wings as Mama teaches them to do.

And this little fellow literally posed for the camera!  Oh Geico…a new star…n’est-ce pas?

I love this season!  It is the month of my birth, a time of renewal and I’m in full celebration mode!  Wearing my green tomorrow and feeling so blessed just to BE!!!!!  Join me in embracing this glorious season!  Take some time to walk barefoot in the grass or sand.  Reconnect with nature!

Melissa | Out&About | 03 16th, 2015 | No Comments »

Lindsey Stirling is such a vibrant musician.  When I found this video, “Beyond the Veil”, I knew I had to share it with my readers.  I have always been a lover of fantasy and fairy tales.  Ms. Stirling puts all of that into motion with this whimsical video.  Isn’t it wonderful how she plays the violin with her whole body….her whole being?  I believe this portrays her inner child and her adult self merging as one.  What do you think?

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 03 15th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

We’re springing into warmer weather, lighter food and wines to accompany!  Join me as I talk with Chef Tom Delaney and wine expert, Mark Gagliano.  Get inspired…..get ready for Spring…..get cooking!

Melissa | On The Radio | 03 14th, 2015 | No Comments »

We’re talking simple and delicious today!  I’ve been craving Asian food this week so I’m giving in and preparing one of my family’s favorite menus!  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Shrimp Dumplings

Asian Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Pineapple

Easy Fried Rice

Mango Sorbet

Shrimp Dumplings

1 package wonton wrappers

1/2 cup ground pork

1/2 cup fresh, boiled shrimp, peeled and finely chopped

1 teaspoon fresh ginger root finely minced

1 scallion, finely minced

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

Combine the pork, shrimp and seasoning in a bowl.  Take one wonton wrapper and place a teaspoon of filling on one side.  I have an actual dumpling press/mold that I use to create the crescent shape and crimp the edges.  If you do not have one simply moisten the edges of each wrapper with water, fold the top over and use a fork to press firmly around the edges.  Heat about 1/4 cup of peanut oil in a shallow saute pan.  Place dumplings in the pan and saute on both sides until golden brown.  Serve with a small bowl of soy sauce for dipping.

Asian Chicken Kabobs

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch cubes

1 sweet red bell pepper, washed, cored and cut into 1 1/2 ” cubes

1 sweet onion, peeled and cut in half crosswise and then into quarters

1 green bell pepper, washed, cored and cut into 1 1/2″ cubes

Marinade:

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry

1 tablespoon honey

1 garlic clove minced

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a bowl.  Place the cut up chicken and vegetables in a large baggie.  Pour the marinade into the bag, seal tightly and shake to cover.  To assemble the kabobs you will need four skewers. Place the chicken and vegetables on the skewers in whatever sequence you want.  Heat your grill outdoors or inside, if you have a stove top grill, place the kabobs on the heated grill and cook for about 10 minutes on each side, turning as needed.  I remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers prior to serving.

Grilled Pineapple

I purchased a peeled and cored pineapple that I cut into 1 inch slices and brushed with a mixture of vegetable oil and a bit of honey.  I placed these on the higher shelf of the grill while the kabobs were grilling.  Easy and a delicious side.

Easy Fried Rice

2 cups cooked brown rice

1/4 cup chopped peanuts

2 scallions, cleaned and finely minced

1 cup sugar snap peas

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 clove garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons peanut oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Bring the oil to medium heat in a wok or large saute pan.  Add the scallions, peas, peppers and garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes.  Add the rice and toss to combine with the vegetables.  Season with soy sauce.

Mango Sorbet

I have to admit that I did not prepare Mango Sorbet from scratch.  I meant it when I said I scale back on labor intensive cooking when the weather begins to warm up!  Your local supermarket will most likely have several different brands of Mango Sorbet to choose from.  Find your favorite and scoop it into serving bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint!  Easy, breezy and delicious!

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 03 13th, 2015 | No Comments »

Co-Chairs, Lynn Wade and Beth Smith, have once again done a masterful job of planning the Christ Church Tour of Homes.  This is the 62nd year the tour has been held featuring homes on both St. Simons and Sea Island.  Christ Church has been offering a place of worship and community to our area since 1736.  This tour uses proceeds from the event to fund mission work and community outreach.  A huge team of volunteers help bring it all together for your enjoyment.

Rev Leigh Hall depicting Anna Matilda Page King

Once again the tour of the historic cemetery at the church will take place.  Last year this part of the tour proved to be a favorite as local volunteers donned their costumes to play the part of various famous figures who are laid to rest in the cemetery.

Of special interest to me is the stop to tour the lighthouse, once operated by James Gould.  The newly renovated keeper’s cottage will be open for ticket holders to tour as well as a climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of our coastal area.

You’ll see homes as well as beautiful gardens and backyard living areas on the tour that begins at Gascoigne Bluff.   Wristbands will  be issued for tours at 10:00, 12:00 and 1:30.  The tour runs from 10:00 – 5:00 on March 21st.  You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and bring your smallest handbag.  No cameras, please!  To see the various stops on St. Simons Island you can drive your own vehicle.  Be sure not to miss the wonderful cemetery tour and refreshments in the Parish house at Christ Church.  For further information and to order tickets go here:  http://www.christchurchtourofhomes.org/

Melissa | Out&About | 03 12th, 2015 | No Comments »

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 »

If  you love movies and you were raised in the South, I’m betting you love “To Kill A Mockingbird”.

Atticus is the heartthrob character in many of our dreams….

For me, Scout is a kindred spirit!  I love her spirit and “tom” boyish ways, it was all part of who I was as a child.

I’m so looking forward to the release of Harper Lee’s sequel, or perhaps prequel to this great classic.

Maybe we’ll all find out just what happened and how Scout grew up and evolved.

I’m thinking her character became an activist….a free spirit….a woman after my own dreams!  What do you think?

Melissa | Out&About | 03 10th, 2015 | No Comments »