My mother raised me to believe that if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.  I take that to heart when I write this blog and do not share news or stories that do not lift the spirit.  I alluded to good news that will be coming this week for me and my family in my Sunday post. It has been a long road and we are very grateful for the good things that are coming our way.

I can’t share the news yet, but when I can you will be in store for a delightful journal of life unfolding in a new place.

Melissa | Out&About | 07 5th, 2016 | 1 Comment »

Sultry….it’s the only name that comes to mind on this hot summer day.  Hot and humid is in full force and everything has slowed down in this place we now call home.  No rush….no worries and lots of good news coming our way that I will share with you along with the fact that dreams can come true! I am about to have so much to share with you….positive and joyful!  This has been a journey.  I’ve chosen the music today because it suits my mood and it is perfect for where we are  right now!  Relax, breathe deeply and enjoy!

Melissa | Out&About | 07 3rd, 2016 | 2 Comments »

I have always loved a good movie.  The Mission, made in 1986, and starring Jeremy Irons and Robert DeNiro is a special favorite.  The story of a Jesuit priest travelling to South America  to build a mission in which to worship is so beautiful yet tragic.  I love the theme song from The Mission and have linked it here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN7ZhxaUNBg.  At the end of the movie a simple verse from the Bible, John 1:5 shows across the screen “”The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  Wishing you a peaceful, simple Sunday….let your light shine.

Melissa | Out&About, Simple Sundays | 05 29th, 2016 | No Comments »

I rarely, if ever, rant about anything in this blog.  In fact I have made a point of not delving into politics or religion on-line.  My beliefs and affiliations are my business, they are private and I respect the privacy of others.  I’m seeing things on social media that are very disturbing, however.

I am a proud American.  I have deep beliefs in a higher power.  I am respectful of our flag and our country.  What I am seeing in the posts lately are so concerning to me.  If you have read the teachings of Jesus you know he talks about loving one another.  He speaks in terms of our all being as one.  He tells us to approach life with the joy and innocence of children.  To come to him as children would.

The separation that I see beginning in our wonderful country is so concerning to me.  If we are all one, as Jesus says, then how do we draw lines and create boundaries?  Who do we leave out of this formula?  Someone who is gay or of a religion other than the Christian faith?  How do we ever achieve “oneness” if we set up so many rules, regulations and expectations that it becomes impossible.

Tolerance is the word that comes to mind.  And LOVE, the one word that encompasses everything we are to be.  Love one another……I don’t believe this separation of people based on race, religion or sexuality is what was meant by this all important part of scripture.

Rant done!  It’s Tuesday!  Have a wonderful day……and I now step off of my platform.

Melissa | Out&About | 05 24th, 2016 | 3 Comments »

I’ve been working to finish the first in a five part novella series entitled “Moonflowers”.  There are times when writing is my salvation.  It gives me time to be alone, to create and to literally escape the world around me.  This story came from years of hearing about family who lived in the frontier of New Mexico after the civil war.

As a child we spent many summers in the Sangre de Cristo mountains outside of Taos, New Mexico and the Santa Fe area.  My mother’s family is from this area, it is where my parents honeymooned years ago and a place that holds very special memories for me.  The “Moonflower” series is definitely a work of fiction that spans decades of history from post Civil War to the present time.

This is the saga of five generations of women.  What they did out of loneliness and sometimes out of desperation will captivate readers who enjoy women’s literature, history and a bit of the supernatural.  This is a story that will have you waiting for the next four books to be published so that you can find out what happens in the end, if there ever is an end.

“Moonflowers”…..the saga will debut as an e-book in about ten days.  There will be copies for giveaways and other news as the launch begins!  I am a bit nervous, very excited and so blessed to have had the loving support of so many friends as family as this project has unfolded!

Melissa | Out&About | 05 10th, 2016 | 3 Comments »

This is a powerful word.  I chose it today in reference to how we do or do not nurture ourselves.  My personal journey has led me on a path of realizing how I have abandoned myself and my needs for everyone else in my life.  My parents, my husband…..caring for everyone BUT me.  I have landed on my feet, eyes wide open, realizing I have to nurture myself, to find self love without feeling selfish.  It isn’t selfish to care for ourselves.  In fact it is essential to our well being.  Take some time today to quietly go within and listen to your self talk.  Love who you are and find ways of expressing that.  Do something to nurture yourself and feel free to let me know what you experience!

Melissa | Out&About, Wednesday Word | 04 27th, 2016 | 1 Comment »

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Melissa | Out&About | 04 26th, 2016 | No Comments »

I’m putting together a list of “must visit”places now that I am living in historic Louisiana.  As I make the journey to the various locations I’ll post my own personal experiences.  For now I’m beginning by sharing several of the destinations that entice me and call out to be at the top of my list.

The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana is number one on my list of places I want to explore.  This lovely plantation sits on a hill overlooking the city of St. Francisville.  But don’t be fooled by its quiet exterior.  There are tales of ghost sightings and actual photographs of several.

The Legend of Chloe is fascinating.  This photograph has been inspected and dissected only to be found real.  There is no trick photography, no photoshop….nothing but the appearance of a slave girl between what once was the General’s store and the butler’s pantry.  You can clearly see her standing in the breezeway between the two buildings.  If only she could tell us her story!

The history of The Myrtles Plantation dates back to 1796 when “Whiskey Dave”, General David Bradford, fled the United States following the Whiskey Rebellion.  He purchased The Myrtles, then a 650 land grant from the Baron de Corondolet.  Thus began life on this beautiful property.  The general’s son-in-law, Judge Clark Woodruff, sold the plantation in 1834 to Mr. Ruffin Stirling who brought the property up to its current grandeur.  Wrought iron porches were added, French chandeliers and marble hearths are just a few of the improvements made by Stirling.  The grounds of the plantation are full of flora and fauna visitors now enjoy as they walk along the pathways under centuries old live oak trees laced with Spanish moss.

There are many stories and tales of ghosts that play into the history of this grand property.  I cannot wait to visit!  This photo of a young girl was taken with a digital camera.  Do you see the clear from of the child, dressed  in Antebellum clothing?  Oh how I would love to see this myself.  Who knows!  All of the ghosts may appear when I make my journey to The Myrtles!  I’ll have a full report when they do.  Oh….don’t forget!  When you visit this historic plantation save time to wander through the charming town of St. Francisville.  Its many shops and eating establishment may entice you to spend a few days in this historic town located right on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River!  Here’s to living in Louisiana!

Melissa | Out&About | 04 19th, 2016 | No Comments »

Louisiana is a romantic state full of history and lore.  Longfellow immortalized the character of “Evangeline” in his famous poem published in 1847.  A tale of star crossed lovers, this poem has as much popularity as Shakespeare’s beloved “Romeo and Juliet”.

The story begins in what is now Nova Scotia but was then called Acadia.  Evangeline and Gabriel were two of many people driven out of the area by the British.  French Catholics, these people were cast out of their homes in one of history’s lesser known acts of “ethnic cleansing”.

The couple was separated during this time.  There are many, many stories of what happened after that as the story has been passed down from generation to generation.  Evangeline journeyed to Louisiana where she learned Gabriel had settled in the Attakapas district.  Not finding him there she made her way to Philadelphia where she joined the Sisters of Mercy.  Evangeline is said to have wandered throughout the American frontier in search of her love.  When they finally reunited it was on Gabriel’s deathbed as he died in her arms.  Broken hearted, Evangeline followed him shortly thereafter.

In Louisiana there are many spins to the tale making it one of the state’s best loved stories of love lost.  The Evangeline Oak tree is well known to all as well as a grave, which I have found out is empty, that you’ll find in St. Martinville, LA.  Two names are on the headstone, Evangeline as well as Emmeline.  The stories may differ but the charm remains whether the people actually existed or not.  Some of my research produced writing from various people who believe Evangeline or Emmeline were simply a compilation of various Acadian women and that one single person did not exist.  I would like to believe that she did exist and that she and Gabriel reunited for eternity.

Melissa | Out&About | 03 29th, 2016 | No Comments »

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It’s hard to believe six months have already passed since we moved to the New Orleans area.  It has been a time of personal growth, family bonding and support of each other in ways we never dreamed possible.  Many people who have never visited this area think of the French Quarter when they think of New Orleans or they remember the horror of Hurricane Katrina.  But there are so many parts to this historic city I look forward to sharing with you over the coming months.

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The quaint street cars that run up and down St. Charles Avenue…

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The Garden District with its historic homes and the famous Commander’s Palace….

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The Uptown Area with its charming architecture and family atmosphere….

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And the people themselves.  The residents of New Orleans have a heart as big as the city itself and then some.  The people here have high spirits and they know how to survive just as well as they know how to enjoy life to the fullest.  I am proud to be a part of this area, even though we live on the North Shore.  I am finding more and more history of interest and places to visit and photograph….I’m making a list!  And the food….I don’t even need to tell you about the cuisine of New Orleans.  I’ll be sharing news of restaurants and chefs as well as menus and recipes for you to try at home.  My life here has only just begun.  I cannot wait to share it all with you through my eyes.

Melissa | Out&About | 03 22nd, 2016 | 1 Comment »