Another Double Barrel Post

WHEN? Sunday • November 3

WHERE? Flora-Bama @ Alabama-Florida State Line

We've been attending this worship service since April of this year. It has been going on for about two and a half years. The music is loud and lifts you up or possibly wakes you up if you're sleepy. It's like no other worship service we've ever attended.

Someone suggested we try it, and we have to say we do like it enough to drive 30 miles each way to attend it.

Yesterday, the message was brought by John McInnis using The Prodigal Son Parable as the scripture as well as 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Thirty-five year old McInnis told his story, giving his background and describing his life. He said he had been richly blessed but had various health problems in his life, which included working hard and playing hard.

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I say this is a double barrel post because he mentioned three books he recommended for reading that helped change his life and discover the approach that worked for him for a personal relationship with God who sent His Son, Jesus, who provides all people with salvation through His death on the cross and His resurrection. He also mentioned his genuine concern for our nation to return to God.

Those books are:

EAT TO LIVE by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

THE TRUE MEASURE OF A MAN by Richard E. Simmons, III

THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn

Now we have approximately 700 pages of reading we are looking forward to

On the road to the mountains and back

We've been back from our fall trip to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee for several days, but it's been a little more difficult to recover because of a few unpleasantries on our return. We've almost quit blogging but felt this was a special trip that was like old vacations in which we packed just about all we could into a week of travel.

The 43rd Annual Octoberfest in Helen, Georgia, spurred us on the get it planned and get on the road in an Enterprise rental car. Wendell drove all the 1672 miles on the Chrysler before we turned it back in at Foley, Alabama.

Blogging really takes too long to go into details. What we do feel, is photos and even a couple of videos tell the story better than writing about it.

We stayed in motels in Cedartown, GA; Clayton, GA; Dillard, GA; and Villa Rica, GA, leaving on October 10 and returning on October 17.

While we were gone, some tiny rodents (mice) had a exciting time inhabiting our place and some of them even met their maker -- what a STINK!

Also, while doing a week's worth of laundry, the old clothes washer bit the dust.

Are you beginning to see the negative side to the trip now?

Moving right along, we'll just launch you into the photos.
2013 Fall Trip

The best way to view the videos is on YouTube.

Octoberfest in Helen, GA, 2013

Smoky Mountain National Park on Columbus Day Holiday 2013

Double Barrel Post

WHEN? Sunday · March 17

WHERE? Fairhope, Alabama · find us on the map

We missed this event our first year here in 2008 and last year in 2012, but have attended every other year we've lived in South Baldwin County. It offers over 200 exhibitors from across the nation. Live entertainment is included, along with many booths offering food and refreshment. All of this takes place on the streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope.

Admission is free to the festival, and the only expense for us was two dollars each way from the Piggly Wigley parking lot on BRATS (Baldwin County Area Transportation System), plus our food and drink at the festival itself. A person could spend lots of $$$ on many interesting and unusual items and some great art, but we curbed our appetite for spending.

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About David Tate, the artist who painted this years artwork:

We wanted you to know about the artist who painted this year's artwork because David Tate is originally from Mississippi.

The Planning Committee for the 61st Annual Arts & Crafts Festival has selected the official artwork to be printed on festival posters and T-shirts. The artwork was created by local artist David Tate and features the most popular site and destination in Fairhope, the Fairhope Municipal Pier and rose garden. The impressionistic acrylic painting is bright and colorful and is a scene depicting the view of the pier from the Henry George Park on the bluff.

Tate’s work was chosen after a year of research by the committee to pick just the right work of art for the popular festival that brings an estimated 350,000 people to the downtown area for the three-day Eastern Shore Chamber event, which takes place March 15, 16 & 17.

"The moment I saw David’s work I knew that I wanted him to be this year’s festival artist,” said Debbie Floyd, festival chairman. “His paintings exhibit the calm and restful nature that exemplifies this wonderful little town called Fairhope. When I look at our poster, I can feel myself standing on the bluff with a summer breeze blowing through the trees. I hope everyone who sees it feels the same way."

“That is my favorite view,” said Tate. “I enjoy the sun sets and listening to the Baldwin Pops perform there.”

A native of Columbus, Miss., Tate and his wife, Rhonda moved to Fairhope in 2003. The couple has been married for 42 years, and they have two grown children and one grandchild. Tate did not pursue a career as an artist until retiring from the retail industry, moving to Fairhope and finally taking art classes locally. Although he knew at a young age he could draw, the inspiration developed upon moving to the haven for artists.

Tate said he spends many hours every day painting and has found his niche. His works are exhibited at the Fairhope Artists Gallery, "The moment I saw David’s work I knew that I wanted him to be this year’s festival artist,” said Debbie Floyd, festival chairman. “His paintings exhibit the calm and restful nature that exemplifies this wonderful little town called Fairhope. When I look at our poster, I can feel myself standing on the bluff with a summer breeze blowing through the trees. I hope everyone who sees it feels the same way."

“I’m excited about having my work selected for the official artwork this year,” said Tate. “It makes me feel good any time someone is interested in my work.” During last year’s festival Tate said he sold more than a dozen paintings. He will once again have new works on display during this year’s festival inside the Fairhope Artist Gallery, 18 S Section St Fairhope, AL 36532, (251) 990-8763.

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Here's a very sentimental video that says much about the town of Fairhope.
Fairhope Song Video

The weather was beautiful and since it was St. Patrick's Day, there were many activities vying for attention and participation.

We left the festival in a mood to continue enjoying ourselves and stopped at Magnolia River Bar and Grill in Magnolia Springs before returning home.

Here's some photos from the day's activities Luck of the Irish

The Niña & Pinta replicas at Lulu's Marina

The Niña & Pinta replicas have been open for tours at LuLu's Marina. Today is the the last day because the ships leave early Monday.

For those who have lived in the Gulf Coast area (Gulf Shores, Alabama), the same opportunity presented itself a few years ago.

Since I like history, and this is just a bit like stepping back to the time when some have reported Columbus discovered America while he was trying to find a western route to India, it is neat.

We both struggled to take some photos that were worth viewing. Pretty sure WDS took the one above. You can see our other efforts at: The Niña & Pinta replicas open for tours at LuLu's Marina

Here's a website that explains what this is and the 6-minute video from Iowa is very good.
Discover Columbus' Ships

2012 | The Year In Sunsets

We were blessed to have a trip in October to Destin, Florida. Instead of it being a day trip, it lasted for several days, and we really enjoyed it. Taking photos from the high rise balcony was fun -- particularly the sunrises and the sunsets. The one above I titled "Pink and Blue Sunset."

When I saw the a video that Newsocracy put on YouTube, I thought this would be a very good way to close out 2012.

2012 | The Year In Sunsets

A Happy 2013 to you all!