I first met Julie Singleton Willis during a trunk showing of beautiful jewelry by Atlanta designer, Molly Jane.  I love the feeling of her wonderful design shop, Petite Maison, on the corner of Redfern Village  and Frederica Road here on the island.

When entering the shop you instantly feel welcomed by the comfortable seating arrangement that greets you.  Whether you’re starting from scratch, adding to, downsizing or you simply want a fresh look for what you already have, Julie is a wizard at making it happen.  You’ll find all of the elements you need whether you love classic, modern or eclectic design.

Julie loves finding special vintage pieces to work into settings with contemporary designs…pieces that say WOW when you see them….things that are unexpected!

You’ll find books to whet your desire to redecorate….cook….or simply sit down with a good read.

Jewelry?  Julie has an eye for the unusual.  The pieces on display in her shop are unique, many made with organic elements to complete a look that will always make a special fashion statement.

Petite Maison has been in business for five years, but moved into its current location last year.  You’ll find treasures from Atlanta, Palm Beach, New York City and High Point, just to name a few.  Visit the shop and meet Julie and her lovely assistant Alli, they’ll help you put warmth, comfort and style into your life effortlessly.

Petite Maison – 100 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, GA 31522 – 912-638-0130

Melissa | people | 04 23rd, 2014 | No Comments »

I featured Judith Paixao and her fabulous creations in a post a couple of months ago.  At the time, I did not know Judith personally, but I did sense that she must be a very lovely lady!  I met Judith last week as she worked with clients at a very special event she refers to as a “Salon”.  This lady has a welcoming smile that lights up the room, making you feel as though you’ve known her forever.

The Salon is being held at Petite Maison in Redfern Village.   You can pick from a full array of colors, textures and found objects.  Everything is neatly organized and arranged in color families.

Judith and her husband, Kev, live on their boat and split their time between Coastal Georgia and Bermuda, where they dive for the sea glass used to create these beautiful works of art.

Everywhere I looked I saw trays of colorful sea glass……beads…..metals and more!

The Salon continues today and tomorrow!  Stop by and see what you can put together…..let your creativity loose and your imagination fly!  You’ll have a precious heirloom to treasure forever when Judith works her magic!

Melissa | people | 04 21st, 2014 | 1 Comment »

I always know it has to be Spring when the Left Bank Art Gallery announces their annual art show!  This year’s Palette Passions is the name and the art that is being displayed is absolutely beautiful!  When the gallery opens its doors for the opening tomorrow at 4:30 guests will feel a definite breath of Spring.

The lovely florals and Cloister scenes painted by Katherine Brown Galbraith are simply enchanting.

The lively work of Russian born artist, Sonia Grineva is sure to delight the most discerning collector.

Catherine Elliott who paints at her studio in Connecticut has so many lovely paintings on show that reflect our coastline.

And Millie Gosch, an uber talented artist from Atlanta whose spring scenes simply make me happy!

This show is just beautiful and I know you’ll love seeing all of the color and talent!  You might even walk away with something special for your collection and a good case of Spring Fever!

3600 Frederica Road, Suites 12 & 13, St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522
(800) 336-9469     (912) 638-3017  

Melissa | people | 04 16th, 2014 | No Comments »

I met Carolyn Haines at the Daddy’s Girls’ Weekend event she hosts each year.  Carolyn gives new meaning to the term Steel Magnolia.  Her wicked sense of humor and brilliant art of talking and writing “Southern” is delightful!  She believes that Southern writers have been so remarkable because of their direct connection to the land.  She maintains her connection living on her farm with her many animals.  Carolyn walks her talk, living the charmed life of a successful author and sharing her gift with students in her role of Assistant Professor and Fiction Coordinator at the University of South Alabama.

Being born to parents who both worked as journalists opened the door to writing for Carolyn at a very young age.  Her first story was published in the Mobile Register at the age of twelve.  The rest is history!

Books by Carolyn Haines

Carolyn has a passion for books, writing, photography and animals.  Her mother had polio and could not make her way through the uneven terrain to photograph many of the news events she covered so her eager daughter began to accompany her and go where she could not to capture the moments on film.

She worked as a photo journalist while in college as doors began to open for her.  A chance meeting at a cocktail party connected her with Harper Lee’s agent who encouraged Carolyn to write her first novel.  To date, over fifty of Carolyn’s books have been written and successfully published.  Most recently “The Seeker”, a work penned under the name R.B. Chesterton, a nom de plume she refers to as her dark side.  “The Darkling” began the series she writes under this name that explores the world of horror, a genre often thought to be one women cannot write.

Carolyn began the “Bones” mystery series giving life to her characters Sarah Booth Delaney and Tinkie Bellcase Richmond as they solve one mystery after another.   A ghost called Jitty keeps Sarah on the straight and narrow as each book unfolds.  Southern charm literally exudes from the pages of each of the fourteen books in the series that has a bit of a dark edge as well.  Read more about this series and Carolyn’s other work here:  http://www.carolynhaines.com/.

Carolyn lives with 21 animals….dogs, cats and horses….on her farm not far from Mobile.  She rescues, cares for and supports these creatures with her earnings as well as donations from others who care about animals.  Learn more about Carolyn’s Good Fortune Farm Rescue here:  http://goodfortunefarmrefuge.org/.

We ended our conversation with a few words of wisdom from Carolyn about writing.  “Learn to read with your gut, pay attention.  When your pulse races look at what the writer has done to create that feeling as well as what they write that bores you.  Discerning readers make excellent writers!”

I look forward to a very long friendship with this wonderful woman and I hope you’ll explore her books and begin your journey into the literary work of Carolyn Haines.

Melissa | people | 04 15th, 2014 | 2 Comments »

As a young girl Amy Wallin Smilovic always possessed a wildly creative streak.  Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, as a teenager Amy made hand-woven silk belts for her friends and those of her mother, Judy, as well.  You might find her embellishing sweatshirts and t’s for special friends back in the day.   She has always been interested in color, art, design and FASHION!  

Amy Wallin Smilovik

While living with her husband  in Hong Kong during the late 90’s Amy began to spread her wings, designing clothes for herself then having them made by local seamstresses.  Her clothing soon became the envy of members at the American Club as women began to beg her to make her designs available to them.  The rest is history.  Design Amy did!  Hers is now one of the hottest labels internationally known for contemporary, slightly “edgy” designs perfect for the young as well as the young at heart!

We on St. Simons Island are blessed to have the one and only Tibi outlet located right in the heart of Redfern Village.  Items in the outlet are marked down by 50% and more, making these collectible pieces affordable for any fashion lover.

And SHOES?????  Mr. T. was probably holding his breath when I visited the shop to learn more about the line and its founder.  All styles, colors and height of heels….enough to make me swoon!  A girl can never have too many shoes!

This coming Friday and Saturday, March 29th and 30th, Judy Wallin, Amy’s proud mom who heads up the running of the vast warehouse located in Brunswick, is hosting a sale!  Not just any sale, it’s a Tibi warehouse sale that you will NOT want to miss!  Find it at the very end of Redfern Village in one of the available spaces located  near the Marsh Point Grill.  You will not be disappointed.  Stock up on clothes and shoes at unbelievable prices you won’t be able to resist!

This business that began across the sea in China, with small trunk shows held in private homes is now one of the most sought after lines in the industry.  In case you’re not excited enough already….here’s a peek at the recent show held in New York City during January’s Fashion week to launch Spring 2014!

Tibi – 220 Redfern Village – St. Simons Island, FL – 31522 

Melissa | people | 03 26th, 2014 | No Comments »

The Vessel Of  Scion, a riveting thriller, is now available for your reading pleasure.  I met with local author, Holly McClure, who developed the story for this fascinating book after speaking with a Cajun gentleman whose family fled to Nova Scotia when the Cathar’s were persecuted in France centuries ago.  They eventually found their way to the state of Louisiana, making their home in the famous bayou state that now offers such a French flavor in both lifestyle and food.  Holly tells a story of suspense and  intrigue as to what actually happened with the Cathar line and any of its survivors.  If you like the writing of Dan Brown, get ready, this book takes the theories of conspiracy to an all new level.  The story begins in the Louisiana bayous where the whirlwind of mystery and suspense is activated as a young woman is taken from her home to Rome.  On to France, back to other parts of Italy and to a chamber of Cairn on a mythical island on the North Sea.  Who is this beautiful woman?  Why is she of such interest to a certain religious group, so much so that she is being tracked down with the intent of ending her life?  A colorful cast of characters blend to create a story you will not be able to put down!

Montsegur

Holly put years of research into the writing of The Vessel of  Scion.  As her friend I was pleased to be a part of the end of this process, reading each update and rewrite until it was just right for submission to publishing houses.  When the book finally found its home with a company in the UK celebration was in order.  One thinks that books just happen, the truth is far different!   The actual process of a well written book is one of months and most likely years invested in the final product.  A trip to France to visit the area around Montsegur and other parts of Southern France known to have been inhabited by this Christian group who believed in the battle between darkness and light contributed to Holly’s well written story.  The Cathar’s posed a threat to the powerful Roman Catholic church who saw to their final demise over seven hundred years ago.  No one really knows for sure how many survived this brutal slaughter to continue the stories and the history of this brave group of Christ followers.  But the story Holly weaves gives the reader much to consider and to think about upon finishing the final pages.

Rural North Carolina

This is not the only book Holly has penned.  Her ability to use her talent in various genre’s never ceases to amaze me.  Upcoming will be a trilogy in the Young Adult category, The Hanover Hall Mysteries,  that is full of mystery, the supernatural and ultimate fun as a pair of imaginative twins put their heads together with their grandmother, ala Shirley McClaine, finding one adventure after another!  Holly’s book Conjurer has just been accepted at Mercer Press for publication.  Her life as the daughter of a full blooded Cherokee mother and a Scottish father probably added to her ability to spin a compelling tale.  Raised in Robbinsville, North Carolina, Holly was encouraged to share her dreams, visions and stories with the elders who included her grandfather, also a great storyteller.  The tribe nurtured their children by letting them expand their imaginations rather than curb them.  Conjurer is a powerful work Holly created that takes place in her beloved home state, another page turner that will capture your interest as the story develops and characters explode off the pages.

Holly McClure

Holly’s life has led her in many directions.  Work as a nurse, a mother of three and a life that included helping others with addiction led to her current life as a writer.  She lives on St. Simons Island with her lovely husband, Jack Gonzalez, who is a rare book dealer.    Holly owned the Sullivan Maxx Literary Agency until Lexium Entertainment in Atlanta acquired the business from her in January 2013.  Lexium is a large agency with offices in both Atlanta and Chicago.  Sullivan Maxx is now under their large umbrella as the literary/film division with Holly still keeping her “finger in the pot”, guiding the direction and growth of her brain child.  She offers invaluable help to fellow writers who have a work that is almost, but not quite, ready for submission to potential publishing houses.  She works with clients to put the finishing touches on their manuscripts so they are ready to sell.  Holly also does writer’s workshops and plenty of public speaking at various writer’s meetings and conferences.  Her busy schedule includes a writer’s workshop in Mobile, Alabama April 3 – 5th and the Atlanta Writers Conference in May for which there is already a stand by list for aspiring and published writer’s who seek her expert advise.

Holly’s Ordination

You might question her vast knowledge of various religious paths as you read her latest book.  Holly is a Gnostic scholar as well as a Celtic Christian Priest.  She is a wealth of information on matters of the spirit with an insight into the human condition not held by many.  The Vessel Of Scion is available through Amazon.  You can also order this book through any of our local bookstores.  Read more about Holly and her other books here:  www.hollysullivanmcclure.com.  Holly is my dear friend and one of the most talented writers I know.  I think you’ll love her books!

Melissa | people | 03 20th, 2014 | 3 Comments »

I visited Taylor House Interiors to meet with Operations Manager, Gail Butler, and tour this wonderful interior design center.  Everywhere my eyes rested I was met with vignettes featuring lovely bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and more.  The latest design trends combined with tried and true traditional and antique pieces create a truly eclectic  atmosphere that I love.

The colors, so tastefully chosen and combined to create visions of beautiful spaces sparked my imagination,  giving me plenty of ideas for my own home!  There are times when I need a little nudge in the area of interior design and Taylor House certainly provides that as well as full design services by in house designers who are seasoned and ready to work with each client individually and help them accomplish just the right design to fit their space and needs.

You won’t find a “cookie cutter” look at Taylor House.  There are so many different lines of furniture, both custom as well as pieces you can have delivered to your home just after your purchase.  Instant gratification!  I love that!  The accessories, artwork….everything is beautifully arranged so you can make your selections and create the special environment you want in your full time or vacation residence.

AND…..this coming Saturday, March 15th, Taylor House will launch the first  “Lanai Marketplace Event” featuring “Gardens at Taylor House” and “Zachary’s Casual Furniture”.  A St. Patrick’s Day sale will also be happening with a chance for one lucky person to win $500.00 in the drawing to be held.  You’ll find other items in the archways presented by local artisans and shops as well.  It sounds like a very fun event you’ll want to find the time to include in your Saturday schedule!

Melissa | people | 03 13th, 2014 | No Comments »

The experience of sitting with Albert Fendig, listening to his stories and memories is something I will never, ever forget.  Born and raised here on St. Simons, this Southern gentleman is filled to the brim with the history of our area.  An attorney and an artist, Albert shared his beautiful paintings as well as his family history as we enjoyed a lovely Spring afternoon.

He is passionate about saving and sharing that history, especially that of the Hofwyl-Broadfield Planatation.  Albert’s stories of Miriam and Ophelia Dent and their mission to save the plantation by turning it into a dairy after the rice industry fell following the Civil War and the end of slave labor filled my mind with images of a bygone time.  His position as trustee of the plantation is one he takes to heart, everyday he works to keep this valuable piece of local history thriving and growing.

On Saturday, March 15, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., the second annual “Albert’s Plein Air Affaire” will be held on the grounds of this gracious property.  Artists from all around the area and beyond will come together to paint with Albert Fendig.  Easel’s will be placed here and there as this year’s talented group come together to share the history, putting it into place on canvas and paper.

This event is open to the public for a minimal fee.  Join the artist’s as you stroll across the vast lawn and breathe in the history.  Take a tour of the plantation house and imagine what life was like in the day.

Painting by Albert Fendig

Albert’s Plein Air Affaire is an event you don’t want to miss!  I’ll be featuring more stories on the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation in future posts!  I’ll share the history, the struggles and maybe a ghost story or two as I discover more.

Melissa | people | 03 6th, 2014 | No Comments »

There is a quaint little coffee shop located at the end of Redfern Village here on St. Simons Island.  It’s not part of a major chain, but it’s a place where you’ll find people from all over the area going to meet, plug in to work on-line and also to enjoy a great cup of coffee, tea or chai.  Wake Up Coffee is the name of this establishment and it’s won me over!

I met with Bo Mann, owner, to discuss his mission to work with third world countries, buying coffee beans that he then roasts on site to brew one of the best cups of “Joe” around.

The business has been going strong for five years now with a second location coming in Brunswick on Community Road.  Bo also shared news of his first franchise in Auburn, Alabama.  This is a young man who is going places!

In the front of the store you’ll find all sorts of fair trade items for gift giving or as a treat for yourself.

There is a message behind all of this, a message of world issues, social consciousness and global ethics.  Bo works with farmers in Guatemala, Costa Rico, and Africa to get the very best coffee beans they have to export.  He’s currently working to import coffee from growers in Haiti as well.

You can buy coffee by the pound for home brewing as well.  Bo’s vision is working.   His very presence reflects his belief in what he’s doing with the business.  Wake Up Coffee brings the community together.   Lively conversation is shared, business deals are made and the world keeps spinning toward a greater understanding of how we truly are all in this together!  To read more about Wake Up Coffee or to order on-line click here:  www.wakeupcoffeeco.com.

Wake Up Coffee – 256 Redfern Village – Saint Simons Island, Georgia 31522  – 912- 268-2429

Melissa | people | 03 4th, 2014 | 4 Comments »

The annual wine tasting event, held at Christ Church, last Friday evening brought a crowd of supporters together to enjoy an evening of delicious food and wine!

Food was donated from parishoners and local restaurants, including Delaney’s, Coastal Kitchen, The King & Prince Resort and Halyard’s.

This event raises money to support the Back Pack Buddies program that I featured on Friday’s post last

The team who put this event together, headed up by Avery Brooks and the wines provided by Tom Fleckinger rounded out an evening to be remembered.

This event marks the beginning of Spring in my mind.  The azaleas are just beginning to show their blooms and a sense of newness fills the air!  There’s no place like St. Simons Island in the Spring!

Melissa | people | 02 24th, 2014 | 2 Comments »