I always love sharing the wonderful photography I find on Facebook’s “My Georgia Coast”.  This weekend brought lots of “shutterflies” out to snap away and share some wonderful shots with us all!  If you don’t live in the area you’ll want to make plans for vacationing here.  If you do live here say a big THANK YOU and feel so very lucky!  It was the annual blessing of the fleet in Darien, Georgia with shrimp boats galore!  I’m loving this shot of the sea gulls swooping down by Nancy Kirkpatrick.

Nancy Kirkpatrick

I’m also liking this wonderful photo of an overcast Sunday morning on Yellow Bluff by John Henderson!

John Henderson

Julie Skinner Anderson finally caught site of a rainbow with the St. Simons Lighthouse in the foreground.  What a fabulous photo!

Julie Skinner Anderson

David Fisher captured this photograph of the moon….haunting and beautiful.

David Fisher

Last but certainly not least is this wonderful photo by Laura Ragland of the Altamaha Basin.  This is a fresh water marsh full of local wildlife and natural beauty!

Laura Ragland

What a wonderful way to begin a new week.  There are oh so many events happening this week that I’ll be sharing with you over the next few days!  Get ready, get your calendars out and prepare to make notes!  As always, I’m constantly reminded of how lucky we are to call this amazing place home!  Get your week going, dream your dreams and put them into action!  It’s a new slate and you can make it whatever you will!  Many, many heartfelt thanks for your support and enjoyment of my blog!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 20th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

I love the music of Judy Collins.  I’m sharing a video of a performance she did at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.  The song is entitled “Open The Door”.  I chose this song because it speaks to me of the many, many amazing friends I have made since I began writing The Permanent Tourist.  I am so very grateful for all of you!  Some of you I only know on-line but many of you I get to see eye to eye and heart to heart.  What a gift writing this blog has been for me.  I am blessed to offer my writing to you each and every day!  Have a wonderful Sunday and open the door to whatever joy and adventure comes your way today!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 04 19th, 2015 | No Comments »

The show that aired on the radio this week was not able to be downloaded due to technical difficulties.  This rarely happens but it has now!  I’ll have another show next week, for sure!  In the meantime, please plan to attend the wonderful piano and violin concert this coming Sunday at Wesley United Methodist Church!  The music will be glorious!  For more information about the concert visit:  www.http://www.coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org/

Melissa | Out&About | 04 18th, 2015 | No Comments »

Oh how I love, love pasta with freshly made pesto sauce!  It screams warmer weather is here!  The very smell of the basil and nuts mixing together in a symphony of deliciousness is like heaven for me!  I made my first batch of the season and am sharing that recipe with you today.  I use gluten free spaghetti when I make this.  I like the quinoa pasta I find at HT here on the island.  I also add different greens to the mix, not just basil.  Experiment and let your spirit fly as you create a delicious meal for your friends and family to enjoy!  I teamed this with freshly made sweet Italian chicken sausages, grilled and so yummy! And I love Ina Garten’s Panzanella Salad so that is part of the menu as well.   A glass of crisp, chilled Pinot Grigio and you’ve got a great dinner!  Enjoy and have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Pasta with Fresh Pesto Sauce

1 cup fresh basil leaves

2 cups fresh, organic baby spinach

1/2 cup good Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

1 cup pecan halves

3 cloves garlic, peeled

1/2 teaspoon salt

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Put all of the ingredients except the oil into a food processor or blender.  Pulse until coarsely mixed.  Add the olive oil through the feed tube in a steady stream with the motor running.  Add enough olive oil, about 3/4 cup, so that you have a sauce of medium thickness.  Toss this over freshly cooked pasta, your choice as to what type, adding a bit of the leftover pasta water to blend.  Delicious!

Grilled Sweet Italian Chicken Sausages

There really is no recipe needed for this.  I purchase the sausage at Harris Teeter here on St. Simons.  Most markets have these now since they have become so popular.  I like to brush the sausages with a bit of olive oil before placing them on the grill.  Cook until they are crisp and golden, then serve!

Panzanella Salad

Note:  I like to use Ciabatta bread when I prepare this, it needs to be a couple of days “old”.  But you can use a baguette if you prefer!

1 pint cherry tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 hothouse cucumber, halved, seeded and thinly sliced

1 large red bell pepper, seeds removed and coarsely chopped

1 yellow pepper, seeds removed and coarsely chopped

1/2 red onion, peeled and finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted)

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 loaf of Ciabatta or baguette, cut in 1″ cube (six cups)

1/2 cup good olive oil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Sea salt and pepper to taste

1/2 pound crumbled Feta cheese

Place the vegetables in a large salad bowl.  I lightly toast the bread cubes in a 325 degree oven until they are just crisp, I toss the bread cubes in a bit of olive oil and put them on a baking sheet.  Then add the bread to the bowl with the veggies. olive and oregano.  Mix the dressing in another bowl and toss with the salad, top with Feta cheese.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 04 17th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

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 »

If you’ve been reading this blog over the past few months you may recall that I’ve been working on getting the first in a series of children’s books published.  Oghma Creative Media is the wonderful young company that took my manuscript and, with the help of local artist, ED Hose, have made it come to life!  The end product is the most charming, hard cover book complete with a small collection of easy, French inspired, recipes for children to prepare with the help of a parent or other adult!  Here’s the fabulous cover of “Emmeline at Commander’s Palace”!  Pre-sales begin today when you click on the image cover to the right!  This is a book to treasure and you might even learn a French word or two!

What a journey this has been!  Ups and downs….a few delays along the way, but I think the end product is well worth the wait!  I know you’ll love the book and enjoy reading it to your children or grandchildren.  I’m busy scheduling book signings and making up my travel schedule!   Pre-order today and receive 10% off your order.

Melissa | Out&About | 04 15th, 2015 | 3 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 »

In March my birthday came and went.  Each year I like to choose something to work on within myself.  Since this particular birthday might be termed a “milestone” I felt I needed to target something of great importance to me, my health.

Years come and go, we find ourselves in a sort of rut or daily routine that may not serve us as best it could.  I did some research, talked to a few friends and found my path leading me to an appointment at “Ultimate Health & Rejuvenation”, a wonderful practice started by Dr. Eric W. Friedrich, MD.  Dr. Friedrich has been in the Coastal Georgia area for years.  Many of you may have known him as a very successful ENT, Ear, Nose and Throat, specialist.  His journey has taken a turn and he is now board certified in Anti-Aging Medicine.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in some fantasy world where I’m looking for eternal youth.  I am acutely aware of the changes in my body and energy.  But I want to have the ultimate health and vitality my friends who have worked with Dr. Friedrich are experiencing.  Why not be the best we can be at any age.

I’m reading Dr. Christiane Northrup’s new book, “Goddesses Never Age” and finding many helpful and enlightening tips in it as well.

Yes, I am on a journey I have chosen.  A journey that will launch the next phase of my life in a positive direction.  I have begun my work with Dr. Friedrich.  All of the blood has been drawn to discover just what needs attention in my body and the most natural way to address them.  I’m looking forward to increased vitality and to being the best I can possibly be.  This goal serves me and serves my family in so many ways that no value can be put on it…..good health is priceless!  I’ll be reporting on my progress and sharing the work with you as I reach each new level.  Join me!  After all this is the only body we will have in this lifetime and I, for one, intend to make mine the best it can be!  Here’s to Ultimate Health and Rejuvenation!  Go here to visit Dr. Friedrich’s website and read more about his practice:  http://ultimatehealthrejuvenation.com/

Melissa | Out&About | 04 13th, 2015 | 4 Comments »

The past week has been a mixed bag of joy and sorrow.  The sudden loss of a loved one, not mine but a friend’s.  The final galley’s for the Emmeline book going to the printer and other things have caused moments of tears and moments of celebration.  The more I mature the more I clearly see the circle of life.  Sometimes it doesn’t make sense when a life is cut short so unexpectedly, but the circle is clear.  Just as the news of a passing comes more news of a birth is welcomed.  The message is, in my mind, that life does not come with a guarantee.  It is so very important to live each and every moment.  Don’t wait to do the things you dream of….GET OUT AND LIVE!  If you feel yourself feeling a bit of “ennui” or you are bored, jump start your energy and get outside in nature.  Nothing will clear negative energy like taking a long walk or bike ride….or my personal favorite, gardening!  I chose this song to share with you today because I love it and because it reminds us that we are surrounded by angels who watch over and love us.  I believe it to be true and nothing will ever change my mind!  Have a glorious Sunday!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 04 12th, 2015 | No Comments »

You’re in for a treat when you listen in to the latest Chef and the Wine Guy!  We talked about lighter Spring fare and wines.  As always a great time talking and sharing great ideas to ignite your culinary spirit!

Melissa | On The Radio | 04 11th, 2015 | No Comments »