Back To My Brushes

The studio at Chateau Relaxo has been idle for a few weeks, as I dutifully focused on my studies.  With the 'Principles of Real Estate' coursework behind me and broker interviews in the weeks ahead, I have a narrow window of creative opportunity before me.  

A wonderful, new waterfront shop is opening in the Smithfield area -- just in time for the holidays -- and they want to feature my coastal artwork!  Yay!  As a result, I may even be ready to part with a few of the quarterboards that I painted this summer.

Feels like old times, as Maddie dog and I jockey for prime floor space around the studio.  My beloved four-footed colleague would love to claim its entire footprint as her own, but my wares demand plenty of room as I work.  In a labrador huff, she protests and reluctantly seeks solace elsewhere.  

It seems like ages since I've played in my paints.  There's something about the smell of waxes and glazes and the tactile feel of paint brushes and putty knives.  For me, it's like spending time with old friends.

Colors and finishes, all experiments and unplanned self-expression.  Loving what I'm seeing and most of all, how it all feels.  Such a simple thing, but it somehow resonates within me.  I'm back to my brushes and I'm having a ball.  

Literally.

Lovingly offered up by my sweet Maddie dog, I am unexpectedly presented her tattered, stinky tennis ball.  Plopped it right in my lap.  Needless to say, I set the paint brush down in response to her unselfish gesture.  "You're right.  It's time to play fetch, old girl."

If you can, try to carve out a moment for yourself today.  Maybe even share it with a favorite friend.

Breathe.  Play.  Putter.  Do whatever you love to do.  It's worth the sacrifice of time.

 

Being Grateful

I don't know about you, but there's always an area in my life that would benefit from more reflection.  And usually, some work.  Lately, that's been the area of gratitude.  I know could do much better there. 

It's not about cultivating a well-mannered 'oh thank you, dear' kind of gratefulness.  

I'm talking about becoming joy-filled grateful, even for the aggravating things found in every day life.  

Appreciating short term pain and inconveniences for their long term gains (like character building or peace of mind).  I'm so blessed, yet I still allow frustrations to creep in at times.

Thankful for cleaning the oven, because I actually have one to clean.  Thankful for picking up after a messy-but-sweet hubby and our perpetually shedding labrador, because my life is so much richer by their loving presence.  

A heart of gratitude means learning to automatically shake things off, just like Maddie does.

My prayer is to keep an 'each day above ground is a good day' level of gratitude.

With family members who are gravely ill, I can't imagine how precious life must look through their eyes.  Grateful for each difficult breath.  By stark comparison, it sure makes my concerns about life's ordinary obstacles seem futile, like chasing the wind.

Daring to focus my energy, resources and talents into developing a 'serving others' level of gratefulness.  

Grateful for every opportunity and creative thought I'm given. 

Asking myself important questions daily to stay in check:

"Who did I help today?"

"Where did I make a lasting difference?"

"What am I grateful for at this very moment?"

All's Quiet on the Creek

It's raining.  Very little traffic on Carters Creek today.  Showers kept boats moored, sans a handful of diehards.  Tides ran higher than normal.  We stayed along the shore, counting down the days till our boat's new engine is ready.  I'll be chomping at the bit during its break-in period, dying to go 8-barrel fast again.

Maddie dog humor prevailed.  Looked like she was ready to go scuba diving with her snorkle-shaped stick.  After fetching it from the creek a few times, she joyfully chewed it to bits.  Even rolled around on its broken remnants.  Such merciless doggie behavior, with pure satisfaction on her face.  Her wet fur naturally set into distinctive labrador 'feathers.'  She's such a beautiful (and uniquely smelly) river pup.  Melts my heart and makes me laugh, every day.

Sweet hubby is slowly healing post-op, but still wanted to attend tonight's riverfront concert.  Weather-related venue change caused us to punt.  It's for the best, as he should rest up after such a big day.

Had dinner at Lee's... the fried chicken, of course.  Northern Neck living at its best.

All is well in our quiet corner of the world.  So grateful.

Best of Chateau Relaxo Style

Readership has really increased lately!  Thought it might be helpful to select a few favorite posts for your armchair perusal...

Amen, Zac Brown

A Little Uncertainty Can Be Good For You

In Praise of the Boonies

East Beach Road Trip

Dog Days of Summer

Just Love That Old Bay

Plein Air Painting: Part II & Part I

As for recipes, my crazy-good crab dip and shrimp pasta truly are easy-to-prepare winners.
I'll have more dishes to share soon, including a B&B worthy blueberry french toast topped with fresh strawberries and my coveted 'Virginia surf and turf' appetizer.  (Warning: deliciously addictive sweet potato biscuits are involved!)

Maybe one day, even the legendary 'sugah' cookie recipe will be revealed.  A family favorite... can almost smell 'em baking!

It's been fun chronicling this new chapter in my life.
What's your favorite
Chateau Relaxo blog post or photo thus far?  I'd love to hear from you!

Peace, love and sand between your toes,

TMT

Happy 4th of July, Y'all!

Mr. Chateau Relaxo had some work to do first thing this morning, as world markets sure don't close for U.S. holidays.  I spent time in the studio painting a still life oyster shell from flat (2D) images.  Not as easy as it looks, especially when trying to get the right depth of field and shading.  Figured I needed to get some shells to study, as nothing beats working from the real thing.

We missed the morning parade, but there were still so many sights to behold up on the Northern Neck.  

Boy howdy, Carter's Creek was a-buzz with activity -- summer is in full swing!  Boats galore were pulling tubers, skiers, wakeboarders... you name it!

Maddie enjoyed a good fetch (or 12) in the creek, before joyfully rolling in a dusty patch of dirt. 

After she rinsed off by swimming even more, we headed over to Merroir to see a few of those real-life shells.  The place was packed -- wow!  Sure makes us look forward to having an oyster roast come Fall.

 

Back at the house, the evening was capped off with some low-key grilling and chilling.  Sweetie won our cornhole challenge, but it went down to the wire.  I'm thinking rematch! 

We finished the night with Meredith and Derek's 'thank you' gift from their recent anniversary travels.  Bet it shines as a new Chateau Relaxo tradition!

Happy 4th of July, everyone. Hope yours was wonderful.  Wishing you all God's blessings...

Find A Need...

... and help meet it.  You just might find yourself 

living more fulfilled as a result.

There's someone who needs your encouragement.  

Or your time.  Perhaps even your resources, whether your are wealthy or not.  Dare to share.  It's worth it.

If you keep your head down, you may never see it.  

Look up.  Signs of need are all around us.

Sweet hubby and I went grocery shopping this weekend.  While filling the cart he said, "we need to be sure to get some dog chow for the SPCA."  

Yep, showed him it's on the list.  We both saw their sign and wanted to help meet the need.  I also pressed for getting some cat food, since we have 3 grandkitties as well as the 2 grandpups.  "It shows how much we love kitty cats, too."  I angled like a shameless politician and lobbied for doggie biscuits.  "You know how our Maddie enjoys hers.  Every doggie deserves a treat."  

And a forever home.

Tabb has a dream to one day build an expansive animal shelter up on the Northern Neck in Lancaster County.  It would be a no-kill facility, with plenty of room for critters to run, play and chase lots of tennis balls.  So many beagles and hounds get left along the country roads, when that dog 'won't hunt.'  Heartbreaking.  Sweetie even has the right property in mind.  We'll just have to work hard and let things fall into place to make it a reality -- if it is His will.  (Sure hope so!)

Till then, we'll continue sowing seeds
by faith, however and wherever we can.  It's the secret to living an abundant life.

To finally have what we want, 

we've got to finally want what we have.
Think about it.

Anyone can rack up accomplishments, 

even wealth.  Or a closet full of shoes.
And yet we could still feel empty inside. 

Real growth comes when we're willing 

to stretch our minds and reach beyond our comfort zone. 

True fulfillment comes when we're willing to share whatever we have for the benefit others.  Give of ourselves... often.  The blessings of a contented and grateful heart are endless.

If you have a garden, share its riches with someone.

If you cook, fix a good meal for an elderly neighbor.  Stop and listen for a while.  Read to a child or be a mentor.  Swing a hammer at the local Habitat house build.  We all have gifts to share.

Take the time to care about someone else.  

You won't regret it.

Bet you'll even sleep better at night... smiling, fulfilled and contented.  (Doggie dreams, optional.)

Dog Days of Summer

Mom's busy painting today, so I thought I'd help her with this bloggie thing.

I'm Madison, the world's most spoiled dog.  

I've been thinking, "who could best share how to survive the dog days of summer than an actual doggie?"  I'm your girl!

(You probably don't know this, but I used to write funny newsletters with photos for my Sissies.  When they grew up and moved out on their own, I missed them being around.  On Father's Day, we chilled together just like old times. :-)

For 10 wonderful summers,

I've had the joy of scratching, fetching and swimming
 for days on end.  I do miss riding in the boat.
Hopefully it will be up and running again soon, with me perched like a statue at its bow... velvet ears flapping in the breeze.

Dog Days 101:

When it's really hot outside, you have to find your own shade.
You can't be picky, so don't complain.
Dig a hole if you must, because nothing cools a belly
faster than freshly turned garden dirt.

Speaking of the garden...

The garden hose... oh, the garden hose.  

*BEST... INVENTION... EVER!*  

Bet it's been a while since you've frolicked

 in its heavenly spray, hasn't it?  You're never too old!  

Dare to play again and drink deeply from its bounty.  

It will bring a child-like smile back to your face.

Works for me, every time.

There's so much I could share... about popsicles, cook-outs
 and walks in the park.

Whatever you choose to do, take someone you love along with you.  And if, like me, they have four feet.. all the better.

Amen, Zac Brown

I, too, "like my chicken fried."

Not just any chicken either.  Forget that Kentucky Fried stuff.  Ugh.  For me, it's got to be really, really good.  Worth the ensuing 'I've-been-a-baaad-dog' nutritional guilt... that kind of good.

Regardless of race or denomination, fried chicken graces many a dinner table after church on Sundays.  Piled high on Grandma's blue willow platter and placed lovingly next to the ham biscuits, it's a key part of the comfort meal following a Southern funeral.  When it's especially good bird, I'm half tempted to ask the bereavement committee ladies, "um, who made the chicken... and do you think she'd share the recipe?"  Thankfully, I've stopped short of that faux pas.  Thus far.

You see, I'm not a woman to be wooed by jewelry, flowers or chocolates.  Oh no.  I prefer real estate, stocks and chicken fried.  With a crock of their homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, Lee's in Kilmarnock just may be my kryptonite.  I'm wise enough to generously share what's on my plate, to cut those hefty calories.

Sweet hubby knows his wifey.  After work tonight, he wooed me with a simple, "honey, you want to go to Lee's?"  Faster than a dog ready for a walk, I was heading for the door.  We rolled out, unaware of the heavy traffic that awaited us on Rt. 17.  Or the single lane delays on Rt. 3 over the Piankatank River bridge.  No matter, we were Northern Neck bound and that's always a good thing in our book.

After dinner and still swooning with fried chicken bliss, we leisurely made our way down the road to Irvington.  Perfect evening for a drive.  Deer grazed in the fields as fireflies made their nightly appearance.  Saw hydrangea bushes the size of a Volkswagen.   The grapevines at the Dog and Oyster Vineyard were filling in nicely.  Trick Dog Cafe looked to have a good crowd tonight.  Always happy to see local businesses succeed, given how many shuttered storefronts now display 'for lease' signs in their windows.

Barely opened the car door before Maddie raced out to swim in Carters Creek at dusk.  She didn't wait 30 minutes after eating her Lee's leftovers, but it didn't seem to matter much.

Sitting at the end of the dock enjoying the view, I remain in agreement with Zac Brown, "there's no dollar sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know."  Amen, Zac.  Amen.

But my ankles sure could use a tan.  Guess a girl can't have it all...

(To learn more, visit tammythrift.com today!)

Back In The Saddle Again

After taking a wonderful day off to attend the high school graduation of my great-nephew and great-niece (way to go, Class of 2012!), it's kick-it-into-high-gear time at Chateau Relaxo Design.

My studio is packed with new treasures acquired over the weekend, all ready to be re-imagined and re-painted for Irvington's farmers market.  Sawdust flying to the rafters, sweet hubby even added his woodworking talents to this artsy endeavor.  After collaborating on design ideas, he routed edge after edge on a truly diverse series of quarterboards, wooden signs and raised panel architectural pieces.

 

Funny thing... treasure hunting
for reclaimed wood has become a fun, new way to spend time as a couple.

Over the years we've learned that shared interests and taking uncharted paths together can help keep married life fresh and adventuresome, especially when you've seen each other with bedhead for more than a couple of decades.
To not lose our 'Ozzie and Harriet' sweetness when working together, we've also discovered it's best to:
(1) work on our projects in different spaces,
(2) to trust and apply our own unique methods and skills
(3) and to do it all without any  
unsolicited advice from one another.
Keeps the peace and cultivates creativity.

Maddie agrees that these 'upcycling' projects
 may be our best yet.  (Hope the good folks who stop by
the farmers market will think so, too!)

Oh Buoy!

I've finally finished painting those old crab pot buoys!  They've gathered dust in my garage for longer than I'd care to admit. Sure wish I would have taken a 'before' photo -- they were sooo ratty!  

For now, they're heaped in sea grass baskets in my foyer's alcove.

Hmmm... with a precocious yellow lab in the house, those buoys may become an eye-level temptation for impromptu fetching sessions!

Till then, it's onto painting a couple of quarterboards (like below) for my office walls.  Through just-right colors and phrases, I hope to capture my love for river living and the contagious fun of summertime boating up on the Northern Neck.  

Good times, great memories...