We watched the movie “Message In A Bottle” one night last week.  It reminded me of how we all change with time as I saw a younger Robin Wright play the role of Theresa.  Seeing her now in one of our favorite series, “House of Cards”, you’d barely recognize her!  I love the story of her character finding the wine bottle in which a message, so poignantly written by the Kevin Costner’s character, leads her on a journey to find him.  In typical Nicholas Sparks fashion the movie has a bittersweet ending….why does he always do that?  The soundtrack is so beautiful in this movie.  I’m sharing the piece “Forever (And Always)” by Gabriel Yared with you today.  And if you get the chance and want to view the movie get out your box of tissues, settle back and enjoy!

Melissa | people, Simple Sundays | 02 22nd, 2015 | No Comments »

Listen in as I talk with my guest, Donna MacPherson, On The Radio this week!  Donna is a good friend and wonderfully talented photographer.  I think you’ll enjoy the conversation!  If you’d like to see her work visit:  www.donnamacpherson.com.

Melissa | On The Radio | 02 21st, 2015 | 2 Comments »

Some of our best meals are the result of my getting into the kitchen and experimenting.  I have been having so much fun using different olive oil and balsamic vinegar combinations from Golden Isles Olive Oil.  I love the product line and the fact that the shop is just down the street from our home makes it so easy to drop in and pick up samples or full sizes of vast selection available there.  The layering of flavors in any dish is always important to me, as well as texture.  This recipe came to me on a cold, rainy evening.  I think you’ll enjoy it….it’s company friendly too!

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Tarragon Chicken with Pasta

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons GIOO lemon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 shallots, finely minced

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/4 cup fresh tarragon, chopped

1/2 cup dry white wine (choose a wine you would drink)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste

1 box pappardelle pasta

1 tablespoon lemon olive oil

Wash the chicken breast, pat dry and trim any excess fat.  Place the olive oil and butter in a saute pan and heat over medium heat.  When the butter is melted add the chicken breasts and sear on each side for about 3 minutes per side.  Add the shallots and garlic, using chefs tongs to mix.  Sprinkle with tarragon, add the white wine and broth,  lower the heat to simmer.  Cover and let cook for about 20 minutes.  Remove the cover and add the cream, salt and pepper.  Taste to adjust seasoning.

Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water.  Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon lemon olive oil.  Place a portion of pasta on four plates.  Top with chicken and plenty of sauce.  Garnish with more fresh tarragon.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 02 20th, 2015 | No Comments »

One of the things I love about writing The Permanent Tourist is the opportunity it gives me to share what’s going on in our community.  I chose the title of this post because I’m talking about the all important sense of hearing.  I think the most difficult part of watching my father age is his loss of hearing and, subsequently, the ability to engage in conversation.  Once a brilliant wordsmith, he now struggles with hearing and expressing himself.  At times I find myself feeling impatient and then I see his frustration which pushes my compassion button, making me slow down and speak as clearly as I can.

On Tuesday evening, February 24th, from 5:30 – 6:30, Christ Church is hosting Dr. Juliette Sterkens.  Dr. Sterkens is affiliated with the Hearing Loss Association of America sponsoring the event.  During this meeting she will demonstrate hearing loops.  What is a hearing loop, you may ask….in the press release I received promoting this event it is explained….

“The hearing loop is the first system to send the voice of a preacher, theatre

performer or a speaker at meeting from a microphone directly into the hearing aid

of someone in the audience.”

Christ Church provides hearing loops for members with hearing issues.  The loops enable them to hear the services and participate in ways that would not otherwise be possible.  For more information on hearing loss and how it can be treated go here:  www.hearingloss.org.

In this community meeting you’ll learn

 Why people with hearing loss can hear but can’t understand

 How to get the most out of hearing aids you already own

 How hearing loops can help you hear better in large public places

 Hear for yourself – a hearing loop will be offered at this meeting

If you, a family member or friend suffers from hearing loss you don’t want to miss this meeting!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 19th, 2015 | No Comments »

I’m taking part in a “blogathon” that is hosted by the publishing company, Oghma Creative.  Both my children’s book series and novels are in the hands of Oghma for which I am very grateful.  When asked to take part in this event I did not know what I might write about.  Then it clearly came to me, hitting me right between the eyes, that I needed to write about what I do as a writer and why I do it.

http://www.babble.com/home/i-have-a-dream-speech-products-with-martin-luther-king-quotes/

I have dreamed of writing professionally for as long as I can remember!  I always kept a diary as a child, writing about my day, pouring my soul, and, at times tears, onto the pages, carefully locking the diary so my privacy could be maintained.  I don’t know what happened to all of those diaries, but I suspect they were probably thrown out in one of numerous moves.

When it became in vogue to journal I began keeping my thoughts in beautiful books that I found.  My writing matured and I used the journals as a way of self-expression as well as a sort of therapy.  Writing always cleared my mind and soothed my emotions.  When I look back through some of the journals now I can see how far I’ve come and I realize how many dreams I expressed that really did come true.  I’ve always been a big believer in manifesting and positive thoughts.  The journals have served to help materialize my desires.  They have acted as a catalyst in many cases.  I treasure the experiences I saved in the books and still leaf through to take a look at where I was at different times and how I related to what happened.

This blog has taken the place of that journaling for me as I share my life in Coastal Georgia with readers internationally.  At last count I have readers in 131 countries.  I never imagined such a thing could happen when I first began blogging back in February 2013.  Having the opportunity to share my writing with readers in so many different places is such a blessing!  I have developed an on-line platform that serves my other writing adventures in a very important way.  People follow me through social media and actually visit Coastal Georgia having been introduced to it via The Permanet Tourist.

And now, I discipline myself and keep a tight schedule so that there is plenty of time for my other writing.  The second in the “Emmeline” children’s book series went to my editor last week for her review, changes and suggestions.  I’m making time to work on the first of five women’s literary fiction novels in the “Moonflowers” series as well.  This is probably one of the most challenging journey’s I have ever set out to follow.  It requires going into the depths of my soul to discover each of the five female characters that will be featured in the books.  I realize more and more how much I AM each of these women, as well as other family members and friends whose experiences are woven into the fabric of the saga.  Writing about five generations of strong women, what they did for love and how each generation interacts, even after death, with the other is proving to be quite an adventure.  That bit of supernatural that winds through each of the books allows me to let my imagination go and create in ways that I thrive on.  I imagine my favorite authors from bygone times, Lillian Hellmann, Dorothy Parker, Anais Nin and hope that I might even come close to their talent and greatness.  But….does one have to smoke endless cigarettes and have a full glass of whiskey beside the keyboard at all times in order to achieve this?  If so, I’m in trouble.

Writing is what I live for.  Everyday holds something that enriches my stories, helping me to take my place at my desk each day, place my hands on the keys and allow the words to flow.  There is always a bit of resistance when I first begin, but that is lessening with time.  I have truly found my passion and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to write and be published.  I’ll be posting about and sharing each book with you as they become available.  Most of all I am thankful that writing is a profession I can continue until I take my last breath.  And, who knows,  it might even continue after that…..anything is possible, after all…..or so I’ve been told!

Melissa | people | 02 18th, 2015 | 4 Comments »

Google

There is a place, not far from here, that I have dreamed of visiting for more than four years now.  St. Catherine’s Island is another of Georgia’s barrier islands but this particular island is not open to the public.

Google

It has been inhabited for 4,000 years and was the site of the first Spanish outpost back in the 1500’s.  The island was home to the Guale Indians during the 1500 and 1600’s.  In 1766 Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, purchased St. Catherine’s and ran the island as a plantation until the end of the Civil War.  The huge hurricane that hit the Sea Island’s in 1893 caused catastrophic destruction when sea water washed over the entire area, destroying all of the buildings.  Only one survivor lived through that storm.

Google

It is a beautiful place, 10 miles in length and 3-5 miles in width.  Lush island foliage can be found over much of the 14,640 acres as well as marshland.

Google

The wildlife is what interests me most!  When I heard that wild Lemurs inhabit St. Catherine’s I began my wish to visit.  The island is now owned by the St. Catherine’s Island Foundation, a non-profit group, that operates the island interior for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes.  The Foundation is concerned with conservation of natural resources and preservation of endangered species.  Thus the colony of ring-tailed Lemur’s you’ll see running happily about the island if you are lucky enough to visit.

Google

The Sherpa Guide has this to say about the wildlife that finds a safe harbor on St. Catherine’s:  The island has a variety of subtropical ecosystems that are naturally adapted to the management of endangered species from similar climates around the world, which has led to the establishment of the St. Catherines Island Wildlife Survival Center. Begun in 1974 by the New York Zoological Society with a pilot project of 10 gemsboks in a 5-acre pasture, the program has captively bred many exotic species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The island serves as a type of Noah’s Ark, where breeding colonies can be established to build up numbers of the rare animals, which are then returned to zoos or the wild. Some of the animals that have been raised and protected on the island include Grevy’s zebras, ring-tailed lemurs, dama gazelles, St. Vincent parrots, rhinoceros hornbills, Aldabra tortoises (a very rare tortoise related to the Galapagos tortoise), Florida sandhill cranes, and Jackson’s hartebeests. More than 14 zoos participate in the program.

Photo by John Henderson “Sunrise On St. Catherine’s”

I’m researching the island, its history and how to have the opportunity to spend a day there.  If you have that information, please share it with me!  I’d love to visit and take my own photographs to share with you all!

Melissa | Out&About | 02 17th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

Something very special is happening at The Ritz this coming Saturday evening, February 21st.  My dear friend, Phil Morrison, along with a group of talented musicians will pay tribute to the great Duke Ellington and The Harlem Renaissance.

This event continues the celebration of  the rich African-American history we have in Coastal Georgia.  The Big Read features “Their Eyes Were Watching God”, by Zora Neale Hurston, an author who was part of the renaissance that spanned from 1918 into the early 1930’s.  So many African-American authors, musicians and artists made their mark during this important era.

The music of Duke Ellington and other musicians who came to the fore at the time will be celebrated in this wonderful concert!

For information on the event go here:  http://www.goldenislesarts.org/.  Tickets are only $15.00 for members and $10.00 for senior member if ordered ahead of time.  Non-member tickets are $20.00 and $15.00 for seniors.  Tickets will be available at the door for an additional $5.00 per ticket as well.  Click on the link to order on-line today!

Mr. T and I are planning a night out!  Won’t you join us in supporting Golden Isles Arts & Humanities?  It all begins at 8:00….see you there!

Melissa | people | 02 16th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Yesterday we celebrated Valentine’s Day.  But I’m taking today to share my favorite song of all time, performed by Sting, accompanied by Chris Botti.  Years ago, when my Mother was performing in New York City, she sang a solo concert at one of the theatres in Lincoln Center.  I’ll never forget that night.  A terrible blizzard hit the city the day before dumping several inches of snow and making it impossible for some people to get to the concert.  For her encore that evening, it happened to be February 14th, she dedicated this song to me.  So, I hope you’ll enjoy listening!  It’s not quite the way she performed it, but I know she would approve.

Melissa | Out&About | 02 15th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

I talked with John Bauser, Executive Director at Glynn Visual Arts this week.  Join us as we discuss the new location of GVA, classes and events as well as what to look forward to in 2015!

Melissa | On The Radio | 02 14th, 2015 | No Comments »

If you prefer to stay in on Valentine’s Day, preparing a special meal for that special someone….I’ve got the menu for you!  There is nothing better than cooking a delicious meal for the one you love.  So get out your grocery lists, chill the champagne and get ready to make a fabulous dinner!

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Prosciutto and Grapes

Steak au Poivre with Chopped Organic Greens and Parmesan Crisps

Organic Strawberries Dipped In Dark Chocolate

Champagne

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Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Prosciutto and Grapes

1 baguette, sliced 1/4″ thick, diagonally, lightly toasted.

1 small log goat cheese

1 tsp. Sangre de Cristo Herbs de Provence

1 tbsp.Honey

1 cup red seedless grapes, cut in half

Mix goat cheese, Herbes de Provence and Honey.  Saute the grapes for 2-3 minutes in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.   Spread each bread slice with cheese mixture and top with grape slices.  Garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme.

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Steak au Poivre atop Organic Greens with Parmesan Crisps

2 6 ounce filet medallions

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoons cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoon butter

1/4 cup brandy

Brush the medallions with 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Combine the pepper and salt.  Coat both sides of the medallions with the mixture.  Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until hot, but not browned.  Add the medallions and cook for four minutes, turn and cook for four more minutes for medium rare.  Remove the steaks from the pan, add the brandy to the pan and boil on medium high heat for 2-3 minutes, stir the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir and until just melted.

For the salad:

1 belgian endive

1 head radicchio

2 cups arugula

1 head butter lettuce

Wash the greens well and chop coarsely.  Toss with vinaigrette dressing, place on a serving plate and top with a steak medallion.  Garnish with parmesan crisps.

Vinaigrette Dressing

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons champagne vinegar

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients together and toss with the salad greens

Parmesan Crisps

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.  Place four mounds of cheese on the sheet.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.  Remove the tray from the oven and allow the crisps to cool before serving.

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Organic Strawberries Dipped In Dark Chocolate

8 large strawberries, with stems, if possible

1 large bar dark chocolate, find European chocolate is the best

In a double boiler, melt the chocolate, adding a tablespoon of butter.  Stir until melted.  Wash the strawberries and dip them in the melted chocolate.  Allow to cool on a wax paper lined plate, in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 02 13th, 2015 | No Comments »