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Friday, June 29, 2012

back to its glory...

Wednesday morning the sun rose, the skies cleared and the wind subsided. Sanibel was back in all its shining glory.


All the locals came out from their nests to see how the
beaches had fared.


The storm had passed indeed...and left behind loads
of shells from the sea!






What a wonderful surprise to see the beaches returned to their glory. It is as if Debby had never even sailed by!




It is such a blessing to be here and share the island with so many special creatures and wonderful treasures. I can't wait to see what rolls ashore next!


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

the Gulf waters rose...

It was clear that something was different this past Sunday morning. And I soon realized that nothing would be normal as Tropical Storm Debby was creeping past Sanibel Island in the warm waters
of the Gulf of Mexico.


We ventured to the beach to see the angry sky moving toward our little island. It was eery but beautiful...


The waves quickly swept over the entire beach.


Our beautiful old lighthouse stood tall
waiting for the winds and rain.


We drove to the other end of the island to see how
Blind Pass was fairing...


The long sandy path that leads to the beach was now struggling to hold its stance while the Gulf waters rose...


The water even rushed up to the driftwood at the Deadwood Forest.


It was a bit daunting but it was such a blessing
to see something so spectacular.


Monday morning came and the sun was still buried behind the dark angry sky. As I made my way to Bowman's Beach the wind blew and the rains continued to fall. The Gulf was still raging...


...and the damage was greatest to our precious sea turtle nests.





I was so taken by the sad sight of the nests that I didn't even notice the waters rising around me...


...within seconds the Gulf waters covered my path
and began to rush toward the dunes.


It was time to go.


We were very fortunate these past few days. For folks in Northern Florida, the fate will be so much worse. Keep those in the path of the storm in your thoughts and prayers.


Monday, June 25, 2012

a romantic beach picnic...

I sure hope you are enjoying your summer so far!
Take a peek at the July 2012 issue of Romantic Homes magazine for my story on hosting an old-fashioned beach picnic...


Photographed right here on Sanibel Island!


Here's to sunny breezy days...and picnics!

Guess what...Next month's issue of Romantic Homes magazine will feature an inside look at my Sanibel home!


Friday, June 22, 2012

what's old is new again...

Want to add a little vintage flair to your kitchen?


If the answer is yes, you should visit 


for tips and lots of pics.

I hope you get inspired to take a fresh look at a few
 old familiar friends!

Enjoy...


Thursday, June 21, 2012

great news!

I am pleased to announce that I am now contributing to 

VINTAGE LIVING.


Do you love all things vintage...?

Vintage Living is an online blog that promotes
"bygone style in the modern era".

This fall VINTAGE LIVING will be launching an online magazine.

Click HERE to read the blog.

It's an honor to be a part of a new venture that is so
near and dear to my heart!


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

let the light shine in...

It is officially summer solstice...so let the light shine in!


It is easy to take sunshine for granted here on Sanibel Island. There is never a shortage of beaming light
streaming through the windows.


Since today has the longest amount of daylight of the year...


...let it shine!





May you never have a shortage of sunny days.
Now fill your spirit with light and let your radiance shine.


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

summertime...

With the arrival of summer comes a slower lazy-hazy pace here on Sanibel Island.


Announcing our summer hours...

Monday through Friday 11:00am to 4:00pm


Miss P is ready for the day!














If you are in the area I hope you will stop in and have a peek.

I'm sure you will love our greeter!


If you are not going to be able to come for a visit...
You can shop online anytime!


Click on the image below to see lots of wonderful treasures...


I hope your summer is off to a great start.
Maybe I'll see you in the shop...or soaring through the internet!

Thanks for all the support and encouragement over the years. It's hard for me to believe that I first opened Surroundings almost twenty years ago! I am pretty blessed to be able to do what I love for so long...I really do play house for a living!

Sending you warm and sunny wishes from Sanibel...