Full Moon Tonight...

Full moon tonight. I love a full moon. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the "half," the "quarter," or the "crescent". . . but there's just something about a full moon... Howwwwwwwwl!

My Weakness...

Ahhhh, yes... here they are. Two of the most adorable, sugary sweet cupcakes you'd ever lay your teeth on. Tenderly purchased from the Ocean Grove Bakery in town, these yummy delights are my every-once-in-awhile treat. Okay, so every two weeks. I cannot resist!

Weekend Finds...

Okay, like I really need anything else?!? But the call of a good Antiques and Collectibles Show—right in my hometown—is like the call from the Sirens on the rocky cliffs to the unsuspecting sailors at sea. But hey... I found some great photos, vintage pen nibs, sewing notions, a porcelain doll, 1933 calendar... and even got 5 Golden children's books for 20 cents apiece at a yard sale on the way to the Show. Bonus!

Completion

Cupid, like a Spring angel, embracing the passion of the Soul.
A Spirit whispering to kindred beauty... breathing love to produce a man.
Manipulating Goddess and boy to discover their essential life together as soulmates.
To ache in her arms never after, beneath the purple lust moon.
Her Romeo, his Juliet... trusting urges.
Like delicate rain mist ironing the world smooth.

Tonight I went to an art critique group right here in my home town, hosted by woodcut print artist Paul Bonelli. Everyone brought items from their own genre... charcoal, pastels, watercolor, printmaking. I brought this book I've been working on. I took this poem and had started to turn it into an "illustrated" book, but lost steam when I got hung up on the visual manifestation of some of the lines.

Surfs Up... Dude! Hurricane Hanna Still Speaks!

You never know what it's going to be like at the beach the day after a hurricane. So today, I went as an observer—with camera in hand—to photograph my favorite place. Several blocks away, I could hear the waves crashing, so I knew it would be exciting. Some of the waves had to be 10 feet high. It's all anyone could talk about.

Ocean Grove Giant Flea Market

Ahhhh... my favorite local flea market of the year! Almost rained out by Hurricane Hannah. But, alas my prayers (and those of friends... thanks guys!) staved off the rain until after 2pm. Only about a third of the vendors showed up, but it was just enough to get through, have lunch with friends Patti, Jackie & her hubby, and walk down to the ocean... before the rains came.

If You're Gonna Be Bad...

So, I decided to top off my dinner... a box of Totino's Pizza Rolls... with an ice cream sundae. Espresso Mocha Chip with hot fudge and whipped cream and a cherry on top of course... at my favorite Ocean Grove ice cream shop, Days. Not a great combination in the tummy... but both were very yummy!

Walk, Walk, Walk, Walk, Walk, Walk...

It's what I love to do around my home town of Ocean Grove.

Home Sweet Home

Here's a photo of the sunset over Ocean Grove taken this past Saturday. See all the wires? The town of Ocean Grove (est. 1869) is so old fashioned that there are no underground electric, phone, or cable wires! They actually connect from the poles outside right to your house! But... I wouldn't have it any other way.

One Tall Order

This past Saturday was my hometown's 4th of July Parade. Every year it takes place the first Saturday of July on Main Avenue of Ocean Grove. Such a nice parade... and against the backdrop of this quaint Victorian town, it really feels nostalgic.

You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream...

For a soft vanilla cone, with rainbow sprinkles! Actually, mine was a hot fudge sundae with Mocha Chip ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry on top. Mmmmm, mmmm.

When you live in a tiny little shore town like Ocean Grove, it's pretty much mandatory that you go out for ice cream at least once a week. Our favorite place is Day's Ice Cream, with lots of home-made flavors and friendly service.

That's my wonderful husband and best friend, Joseph... in case you were wondering.

I Heart Giant Flea Markets!!!

Saturday's Giant Flea Market in Ocean Grove was amazing as usual. I got tons of jewelry findings, two German-English and English-German translation dictionaries, some old television bulbs, cool vintage bottles and tins, swizzle sticks with pink elephants on them (how appropriate), a couple of chandelier crystals, and other odds and ends.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature put a stop to the fun around 1pm, with a downpour that really snuck up on us all. But...tis the season for flea markets, and the next Giant Flea Market in Ocean Grove is the Saturday after Labor Day. Maybe I'll see you there!