Vineyard Adventures

I now feel that I have a second home here on Martha’s Vineyard. I can’t believe it has already been three weeks since I have arrived. Within the 19 day period (to be exact) I feel as though I have done so much! My favorite memories thus far...

Spending time with family: I wouldn’t trade my summer for anything else. My twin cousins, 9-year old cousin, uncle, and aunt have blessed me with allowing me to be a part of their summer routine. I love spending time with them at their comfortable home.

Down at the pond catching frogs

I enjoy taking trips with them around the vineyard. I had a fabulous date with my princesses at Lucy Vincent Beach last week on my day off.

Lucy Vincent

Ice cream outings are also a highlight.

New Favorite: Chocolate Ice Cream Dipped in Cherry (El's Specialty)

A few days ago my uncle, three cousins, and I had a picnic on Menemsha beach, a destination to watch a colorful sunset. We ordered a pizza, drinks, & candy from the Chilmark store and reserved 2 large lobsters from Larson’s Fish Market. 2 Coronas and lime made the meal complete as we enjoyed our feast on the beach.

Docks at Menemsha

Working: Work is demanding. I spend over 40 hours a week at the Chilmark store, trying to stay clear-headed in the fast-paced, HOT environment. Now that I have gotten into the swing of things I find joy in serving the costumers and spending time with my co-workers. At the end of the work day, I can often look forward to taking a swim in the cool ocean with my new friends from the Czech Republic. At 8 pm at night the sky is strewn with pinks and purples, while the ocean rolls clear water onto the shores. It is a wonderful end to a day of sweaty work behind a stuffy counter!

Porch of the Chilmark Store

Vilum taking pizza out of the oven

Beach: On my days off, I make it a point to frequent the beaches. They are beautiful! Though the humidity is high, the air temperature is bearable. This allows for a relaxing nap on the sand.

Exploring Edgartown: Edgartown is a gorgeous community filled with Victorian homes, shopping opportunities, and a stunning harbor. My first trip was for a gallery opening, drinks, and ice cream with my uncle & aunt. The second was a day trip in which I meandered down the cobblestone streets, poked around the various boutiques, and read my book on a bench out-looking the harbor. This town is almost unreal in its beauty and laid-back attitude.

Morning Runs: Though the humidity and heat hinder my steps, I love running to the beach and back home. Three beaches are within 1 ½ to 2 miles from me, making a perfect half-way point for a scenic stretch.

Celebrity Sightings: Well-known actors and actresses seek Martha’s Vineyard as a haven for relaxation. While at work and at the beach I have seen Jake & Maggie Gyllenhaal, Meg Ryan, Ted Danson, and Mary Steenburgen. President Obama is rumored to be visiting within the next few weeks…

Until next time!

F-F's Quote of the Day

“The only thing shallow about style is how people consider it.”—Lauren Boyle of DIS Magazine (quote taken from The NYT SundayStyle article "The Young and Disruptive")

Dior winter 2011

Fashion can be deemed as a shallow industry, but I believe it is an art form in itself. Look at this Christian Dior winter 2010 collection! These gowns are enough to feed one’s eyes full with substantial color, form, and grace.

Fashionably Form’s post Spring Color Yourself Beautiful is in-line with Dior’s creative pursuits. Open your eyes and let your surroundings inspire you today. Perhaps you can even inspire another with a creative ensemble. As noted in "Get a Rich Look for a Low Price", you don’t have to pay a pretty penny for a outfit that pops.

Harboring Unique Perspectives

Clad in a simple black dress, strappy sandals, and a Sarai (my mother’s jewelry line) pearl necklace, I was relieved to step out of my sweaty work clothes and into something nice for a fun evening out. I traded my co-worker for her morning shift, so I could attend an art opening with my uncle and aunt on Thursday night.  I was grateful for the evening off, as I was able to get dressed up, put on a little lipstick, and head to Edgertown for a little culture.

Beautiful Victorian style homes lined the cobblestone streets, and people roamed the sidewalks in crisp khakis and button-up polo shirts. Store windows showcased fresh, resort-wear fashions for the summer travelers, while others featured casual beach-wear for a younger clientele.

Upon entering the North Water Gallery, I was struck by the array of colors that splashed against the white whiles. Multiple artists displayed their work at the gallery—most of the content inspired by Martha’s Vineyard’s breathtaking scenery. Three artists especially caught my eye.

Betty Anglin Smith captures the landscape in vivid color. Her work jumps off of the canvas and leaps into one's imagination, stirring a new vision of sand dunes, beach scene, or sunset.

Sunset Reflection

Robert Stark Jr. creates eye-catching work. His paintings create a sense of serenity through his use of space; as they energize and stimulate the senses with brilliant color and sharp lines.

Spread Out Catboats

Steve Mills was another artist that immediately captured my attention. His incredible oil paintings are mesmerizing. He uses a technique called photorealistic—a method that can consume almost 400 hours per painting! The intricate details and unique perspective makes each canvas a true work of art.

Clear Through

Martha’s Vineyard is a haven for artists. I currently live with four. My uncle is a talented graphic designer, my aunt a beautiful painter, and my aunt’s mother and step-father a painter and sculptor respectively.

The island’s simplicity and natural beauty draw relaxation, contemplation, and introspection from its inhabitants. I appreciate the different perspectives portrayed through the medium of art.

Beauty is found in a variety of ways—a fact that should open our eyes with appreciation. I find it beautiful that many people may see the same scene on the surface, but once it is truly absorbed the vision can be translated in many forms.

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I enjoyed my night out with my uncle, aunt, and local artists. It is refreshing to experience new things and investigate other perspectives. I look forward to further adventures.

Today is my day off. After some time on the beach, it is now time for a nap before a little shopping trip back to Edgertown.

Imagination Vacation

It is my fourth day on the island; and despite jet lag, a cold, and a major heat wave, I have been having a fantastic time.  There has been lots of time for play.

Upon my arrival to Martha’s Vineyard, my cousins El & Wren received manicures and pedicures. After nails were dried the two girls, Dash, and I raced down to the ponds to catch some frogs and take a gander at little villages made from moss, sticks, and acorns.

It is so refreshing to be amidst child-like creativity and imagination.

Yesterday the twins dug through my suitcases to uncover vintage fabrics. I brought a 50’s skirt taken from an evening gown, an apron from the ‘70s, tulle, and Lycra knit. I plan to use the materials to make El & Wren tutus, but for the moment they served as perfect apparel for fairy princesses.

My Fairy Princesses

Dashing Dash joined boldly joined the girly dress-up session, as he was gifted a vintage vest from the 1970’s—a perfect addition to his Revolutionary War costume.

Lt. Dash reporting for duty in his new vintage vest.

El

Loves the Camera

Wren

Knows how to pose.

This is step one for the development of our tutu designs. The girls will aid in the creation of their custom frills, and the garments will be sewn on my great-grandmother’s refurbished sewing machine! Stay tuned for updates.