I’m sharing some tips for staying cool today!  Driving in Brunswick yesterday, the car showed 102 degrees as the temperature.  Sea breeze or no breeze…..that is HOT!  So sit back, put your feet up, grab a cool drink and read on!

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One of my favorite tricks is to keep a bottle of pure peppermint essential oil in the refrigerator.  Dab a bit on your pulse points and feel the chill.  It is a very refreshing way to cool down when you’ve been outdoors. You can also put a few drops in a small spray bottle of purified water and keep in the fridge.  Spray it on your face, eyes closed please, your neck, arms…all over for a complete cool down.

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I’m loving cucumber water with lemongrass!  It’s easy to make and worth keeping in the cooler when you go to the beach.  Light and refreshing too!  Add strawberries or mint for a little more flavor.  To make the water simply fill a large pitcher with purified water and cut a large cucumber into chunks or slices.  Put them into the water and chill for several hours.  You can add the fruit or mint as well and enjoy a delicious drink.

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Another wonderful drink that is full of anti-inflammatory qualities.  Fill a large pitcher with purified water, chunks of fresh ginger root, lemongrass and fresh thyme.  Yum!

Keep melon of all kinds cut up and refrigerated in a large bin.  Summertime is melon time!  We love it plain or tossed with a bit of honey and fresh mint.  The perfect thing for cooling down and getting rid of excess water that we all tend to retain in the heat.  For a refreshing salad you can also add ripe avocado, cut into chunks and a bit of feta cheese.  The possibilities are limitless!

There are tons of ideas that I could fill these pages with.  Do a Google search and find the things that appeal to you.  Most importantly, stay hydrated and stay cool!  Remember that it’s good to perspire when it’s this hot so outdoor activities are always good for releasing toxins.  Happy Summer….Happy Times!

Melissa | Out&About | 07 13th, 2015 | No Comments »

Nancy Kirkpatrick is contributing so much to The Permanent Tourist with her posts on Tuesday and Wednesday.  We work very well together and appreciate the fact that our talents compliment each other so well.  I first featured Nancy on the blog when I discovered her wonderful photography.  Especially her photos of flowers.  Her ability to bring each blossom to life in such a way that it looks like you could reach out and pick is quite an art form.

On July 15th, from 9am – noon,  Nancy will be teaching a very special class at Glynn Visual Arts.  The Language of Flowers will take students through the steps of creating visual art through photography.  Discovering the right lighting, the necessary equipment and the art of capturing the detail of flowers will all be part of the course.

Nature has a vast language.  Each plant, every petal, all of the color is a dialect in its own way that can be captured by a camera when the right techniques are used.

You can make reservations to attend the class by calling 912-638-8770 and visit www.glynnart.org for further information.

Nancy has so many tips to share and such wisdom and insight into life.  I know that you’ll enjoy this class!

Glynn Visual Arts – 106 Island Drive – St. Simons Island, GA 

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 9th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

View of Neptune Park from the top of Lighthouse

Walk-about Wednesday – Neptune Park

Photos and story by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Just a few days ago I posted some tips for taking fireworks photos with your phone’s camera. Since I am a full time photographer (and writer), one may tend to think my equipment is always top notch, a great camera, pricy lenses, creative filters and, of course I get the occasional question, “How much of that is PhotoShopped?”.  Yes, I have some decent equipment. Not the latest or greatest by any means. Much of it I’ve had for many years. I am also quite proficient with my editing software but I use a light touch. I prefer the natural rather than the extreme. That’s just my style.

So for today’s Walk-about, I offer photos taken only with my phone camera. A Samsung Galaxy Note3. No PhotoShop or special creative filters were used. I used only two basic edits, both from my phone’s edit menu, no special filters or apps.  Auto Adjust which helped to brighten overall and bring out more detail in shadows, and Crop to eliminate any elements that did not support the main subject. I’m including some tips as well – some explanation as to why these photos – taken with a camera phone – are still “keepers”. These are all things anyone can do. I also practice deliberate, judicious shooting. I took only 10-15 photos in this series. So very little time spent looking for the “best” of 100 and very little space used for file storage.

I chose Neptune Park on St Simons Island to “walk about” with my phone since this is a well travelled, much photographed area, especially in the summer months. I went about 9:00 AM in order to beat the heat and avoid the harsh sun and shadows of later in the day. An hour or two earlier would have been even better, but since I planned to be there no longer than 30 minutes to get my images for today’s blog it wasn’t that critical. I finished in 1/2 that time then spent the next fifteen minutes in the shade of the Live Oaks just watching the world go by. It’s a good life when you can enjoy your job outdoors and not be in a rush!

For the lighthouse, I was standing quite close to the base, shooting up at an angle. I included the top edges of the structures clustered around the lighthouse’s base to give it a sense of place. I took only two images, the first one I discarded because the upper tree branches were centered, which was distracting instead of interesting. So I moved slightly to the right and the branches now draw the eye easily up to the top, typically the focal point of a lighthouse.

Next, I took three views of the gazebo: close, closer and closer still. Both horizontal and vertical. Always a good method to follow whenever you have the opportunity. You get three very different looks for almost no effort. One of my favorite instructions goes like this: “When do you take a vertical shot?” The right answer to that question is, “After you take the horizontal”. Again, two looks; no effort.

This is the second view of the gazebo – a bit closer.

And last – closer still. In fact. I am inside the gazebo now and waited until the children on bikes were framed in the openings, giving another layer or dimension to the scene. For this one, I did brighten with Auto Adjust in camera so that the gazebo structure is not a dark black mass since it was taken against a very light area.

Next is the picnic area under the live oaks. A little more difficult for the auto exposure on the camera, but it did OK. The sky is still blue and the massive tree fills the frame because it is the star, after all. The brick lined grills add foreground interest and the pier in the background adds more dimension. For memory images, the sense of place is all important. The tree by itself is impressive enough, but by itself, it is just another live oak in the south. By framing the tree carefully with the other park elements, you now have a memory photo. You know where you were.

Look in all directions after you take a shot. Behind, in front, the sides, beyond. Here is a sweet shot taken right after the picnic area. I did not have to move from my shady spot. Just zoomed in and used the hanging branches for a frame. Auto Adjust again to brighten the interior a bit and bring the rocking chairs out of the dark shadow. If auto adjust doesn’t get the look you want, play with the slider until you have something that pleases you.

Lastly, the wonderful mama and baby whale art by the play ground. This one is a little tougher. Children are usually climbing all over it and the big folks in their lives are gathered round taking pictures. I had to wait a little while – not long. While I waited, I walked all the way around paying attention to what would end up in the background of my subjects. And this, with the sea behind the sculpture was what I liked the best. More pleasant than the playground fence, for sure. And more naturally supportive of a whale’s own habitat.

So that’s it. You do not have to have expensive equipment to get wonderful images of your vacation or your home town. Your camera phone is always with you. With a little care, a little thought, your phone can take great photos. Ones you want to keep, share and be proud of. To recap all the above: 1) try for early or late in the day; 2) take a moment to study your surroundings; 3) take it close, closer, closer still; 4) take a vertical, then a horizontal; 5) take your shot, then look in all directions for the next one; 6) try to layer elements to get dimension – foreground, middle, far; 7) if you have the time, wait for your best shot; 8) make use of framing, both for sense of place and for supporting elements for your subject; 9) watch the background so it does not compete with the subject.

But the most important tip anyone can give for better photos – always – is to enjoy where you are first. Put the phone away; switch it to airplane mode! Find a place to sit and take it all in. Discover the personality, the light, the sounds, the activity or the peacefulness. What I call the local color. Find that first. Then get your phone out and record what you were just feeling. The best images are the ones that evoke a feeling. Make you want to go back there. Be there. Be in the moment. Enjoy!

by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 8th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Travel Tuesday – Istanbul

Photos and Story by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Some time ago good friends who are great travelers returned from a trip to Istanbul and couldn’t say enough wonderful things about the sites they’d seen, the delightful food they’d discovered, the ease of getting around this beautiful city. So with expectations high, Istanbul became a destination reality.

Arriving from high above the city on a golden late afternoon, the natural beauty of this city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait set the stage for what would be a memorable two days. As the summer night fell gently into the sea, fuschia, teal and gold colored lights announced a nearby lighthouse, inviting an old fashioned stroll along the waterfront, complete with warm sea breezes adding to our delight at discovering this beautiful city.

Because our visit occurred during the month-long Ramadan observance, dinner was delayed until after sundown when we then joined locals for our hotel’s evening feast (Iftar). What an experience to sample traditional favorites (fresh fruit, vegetables, halal meats, breads, cheeses, and sweets) while music added a festive air.

Heading to the Old City by taxi the next morning, I marveled at the pristine conditions we passed through. Istanbul certainly stands as a proud testament to the worlds’ greatest cultures, having been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We decided first to see the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque. Built between 1609-1616 its architect, Mehmet Aga, decorated the interior befitting the jeweler he originally was. The 260 windows flood the interior space with light, which is covered by a dome 77 ‘ in diameter and 141’ high. And it is stunning.

Out in the bright sunlight, we are delighted by colorful vendors. The Turkish ice cream kiosks are endlessly entertaining with the silly tricks played with ice cream on sticks twirled deftly just out of reach of eager hands. Porcelains, rugs, sultans hats, spices and endless colorful scarves and fabrics line the walkways. We stop to admire and are drawn into a shop for hot turkish tea while we shop.

Opposite the Blue Mosque stands the regal Hagia Sophia. Built by the Byzantine emperor, Justinian, The Hagia Sophia, whose name means “holy wisdom,” is a domed monument originally built as a cathedral in Constantinople (now Istanbul) in the sixth century A.D. It later became an imperial mosque, and in 1934 the government of Turkey converted the Hagia Sophia into a museum, stating that this unique architectural monument of art would give humanity a “new institution of knowledge.”

I marvel at man’s incredible will to achieve his dreams, to build something that will outlast him, to create from past marvels something new that was never achieved before. Experiencing one of the great cultural centers of the world, I cannot help but feel honored to be witness, once again, to the universal greatness of humanity.

by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 7th, 2015 | No Comments »

Taking Fireworks Photos with Your Phone

Advance scout! Try to position yourself upwind of the fireworks to keep the smokey aftermath of from obscuring your next shot.

Brace yourself! Night time means lower light which will cause more movement blur than daytime shots. Steady your phone or camera on a railing, lean against a lamp post or even another person.

Anticipate! Watch a few rounds so you know where the bursts are likely to flower. Then take aim, steady yourself, wait, wait, click, click, click.

Use auto focus! Once you are in position, aimed and steady, tap the screen to lock focus on the burst – but don’t take the picture until the next burst enters that focused area. Then click, click, click.

Use portrait mode! Take most of your shots in portrait mode. Turn for a few in landscape mode. Try a few angled shots as well. Then you will have more variety to choose from for posting.

Don’t zoom! Zooming will only make it more difficult to catch those falling trails of light. You can crop in camera later.

Add effects later! Use your native phone app only. Adding 3rd party effects while you are shooting introduces lag time and you have no time to spare in low light with moving objects. Add those cool effects for Instagram later.

Take time to enjoy! Yes, you will want to overshoot to get a few great shots. But don’t try to get every burst. The real WOW factor in fireworks is in the moment they happen.

Be creative! Plan a few shots with people, kids, trees, a lighthouse or monuments in the frame. Try as silhouettes against the bright bursts or light the subjects with a flashlight from behind, with the fireworks in front.

All images from Pinterest.

Melissa | Out&About | 07 4th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

Recognition is a good thing!  Especially for people in the arts.  So today I have to say a huge THANK YOU to readers from Elegant Island Living magazine.

For the second year in a row The Permanent Tourist has been voted “Best Local Website”.

I always find this humbling and have the initial reaction of “Really???”  But I am truly honored and will shout it from the roof tops!

Since Nancy Kirkpatrick has joined me in writing the blog we are blossoming and growing.  Her photography is spectacular, never one of my strong points, but I’m learning!  It’s great to have a kindred spirit to brainstorm with….let the creativity flow!

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Who knows where the next year will take us, the blog and anything else that may come up!  We’re ready, our hearts and minds are open and we’re here to serve the Golden Isles with wonderful stories, pictures and information on living in this amazing part of Georgia!  Without the support of readers and sponsors we could not make this happen.  You are appreciated!

Thank You Elegant Island Living Magazine and your wonderful READERS!

Melissa | Out&About | 07 2nd, 2015 | 2 Comments »

Walk-about Wednesday – Brunswick

Story and Photos by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Our Town. As a resident of a nearby island, it may seem a stretch for me to refer to Brunswick – situated across the causeway on the Southeast coast of Georgia – as “our town”. But sometimes words must have their way and in this case, Brunswick is everybody’s “our town”.

Cherished historical buildings line the main street of Newcastle. Many with great architectural detail. Its Old Town residential and commercial district is the largest small town urban National Register of Historic Places district in Georgia. With this town as my destination, I set out with camera, a fresh battery and empty compact flash card packed in my car for the short drive across the causeway and into the heart of Brunswick.

Heading down Gloucester, I turned left on Newcastle and one block later pulled into a parking spot.  Checking my camera settings, I climbed down, locked the car and scanned indecisively for something worthy. But much like an old time divining rod searching for water, my camera lens has a mind of its own. Soon it was picking out beautiful brick patterns, interesting doorways, details up high and down low. The blue sky and clouds supplying a just right urban backdrop.

For two hours I followed my camera’s lead. And in two hours I was chagrined to discover I had covered only two blocks. How could that be? Scrambling for time, feeling the 90 degree heat, I headed back to my car and the AC, the water bottle, the comfort I shamelessly rely on. Home I drove, back across the causeway and the green marshes, the waterways. Slightly nervous that I’d cut too short my foray. “There is serious wealth of subject and detail there yet to be captured”, I scolded myself.

Upstairs, with editing music selected and playing, I began my nervous upload. Watching as image after image sprang to its virtual height, I was amazed that in only two blocks there was so much. So much to save. So much to preserve. So much to love and protect.

With that thought, a recent conversation with a good friend who has lived near Miami for more than thirty years came to mind. I’d mentioned where I was headed for photos; that I loved the historical details in the buildings there and wanted to make sure I captured them for myself. He lamented that too many of Miami’s lovely buildings, its historical marvels, have been razed. Torn down indiscriminately. History replaced by the unimaginative.

I feel very fortunate that here, close to me, close to us, “our town” is still standing proud. Still has potential to stand proud. If I, you, they, all work together to lend that old fashioned hand of pride, we just might ensure that Brunswick remains the charming place that history made.

by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 1st, 2015 | No Comments »

Story and Photos by Nancy Kirkpatrick

I’m not a fan of the term “bucket list” to describe places I long to go, things I hope to do before passing from this known life. However, I do recall thinking as a child that I wanted to go somewhere. Anywhere.

Passing lazy summer hours with the neighborhood kids, my sister, my brother, we’d lapse into games like, “If you could be an animal, what would you be?” I would be a bird. Always. I’d soar the heights, dropping down whenever it suited me; wherever the breezes took me. Explore. Know somewhere new. Then up again to wherever that blue air flowed. It didn’t matter. There were no names for the places I wanted to see.

But that little girl never went far from home. Nor did the teen. Fast forward to a different life, a different day. The day I was asked would I like to go to India. I was stunned. My mind flew instantly to gritty images of monsoons, poverty, dust and grime and a population I hadn’t sprung from. Didn’t understand. Didn’t really know anything about, I finally admitted to myself.

By then I’d had a small taste of Europe: London, Dublin, Brussels, Amsterdam. Places different but not strange and unfamiliar. But India? That’s not what I’d had in mind as my next precious chance to travel. But I swallowed hard and said, “Sure!” It was travel, after all. I was going to India.

Travel visas, inoculations, preparations to be off work, a dog sitter. The days flew in a frenzy to meet a hard-stop deadline. Glossy National Geographic images put aside, I devoured histories instead. Timelines, Religions. Read about abundant past riches, discovered, relentlessly stolen. I felt the injustice. Opened my mind to expanded thought. And touched down in New Delhi a different person than the one who’d been touched only by the known.

This was the world. In the days that followed I was carried head long into a river of color, a cacophony of sound, a kaleidoscope of faces. I felt the weight of population. The poverty. No where could I escape the sense of people; with dots of color distant in the fields, highways packed with no space to spare. Fuchsia, scarlet, sapphire, gold and emerald. The sidewalks and walkways fluttered with fabric jewels of color.

This was the India I discovered and eventually fell in love with. Its people more gracious than any I’ve met before. More grounded in the moment. More in tune with the natural rhythms of life. When people ask me to describe what India is like, my answer is always the same. It’s disturbing. And it’s beautiful.

By Nancy Kirkpatrick

Melissa | Out&About | 06 30th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

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I exchanged emails with a friend over the weekend in which we discussed things that are happening in our lives.  She described what I am experiencing as “iterations”.  I knew the term, yet had to look up the definition just to make sure I was correct.

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I am a person of words.  As a writer, it is my life, my calling to give meaning to the written word, to explore the very depths of my being and find ways of making words into pictures…..sentences into movies that engage the reader, bringing words to life.

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I’m sure you are familiar with the word….Iteration….repeating a process with the aim of reaching a desired goal.  Such is the life of a blogger.  We write, day after day, week after week and so on.  But so is life.  don’t we repeat the same exercises in survival, in self expression, in working to attain the goals we set for ourselves?  I have long loved the nautilus shell for this very reason.  The swirls and curls that repeat themselves so perfectly in sync with nature, with their very being.

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I have taken to sitting in the morning and writing my thoughts, hopes, dreams and, yes, even my fears.  Each day brings fresh pages and new beginnings.  Won’t you join me on this Monday in letting your mind wander a bit.  Let yourself imagine what could be…..what you long for…..what your dreams express.  It’s a new week with lots of possibility!  Swirl like a nautilus and find your core….express yourself in new and different ways…..LIVE!  Here’s to life, to experience and….to Iteration!  (thank you, dear Nancy)

Melissa | Out&About | 06 29th, 2015 | 4 Comments »

Photos by Nancy Kirkpatrick

“Life is a canvas, you are the brush, and all the colors lay before you. Paint your portrait.” – Chris Mott

Vibrant reds.

Orange.

Yellow.

Green.

Blue.

Purple.

Pink.

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 06 27th, 2015 | 2 Comments »