Friday, November 26, 2010

The Great Things about a Girl Trip~~ (part 1)

Girl's just gotta have fun~~~




My friend Marsha and I took off on a girl trip - we were going to our condo in Florida~


The Gardener said, "is there any Vera Bradley stuff left in the world?" We said, "yes - we are going to buy more when we get to Florida!"


The drive down was beautiful - the fall colors were making their last big showing for the season. The evening sun highlighted the colors in a grand display along the highway.

We stopped at one of those scenic pullovers along the route and took some photos.

We knew this beautiful display would most likely be gone by the time we returned home.


It was windy and cold on top of this hill!


This little kitty came to greet us. We wanted to feed him (but we had NO food for a kitty in the car!) We had to leave the kitty and it made us so sad~~



We stopped in Campobello, South Carolina at the North Woods Yarn Shop - one of our favorite yarn shops along the route headed south. (just one of the great things about a girl trip - you can stop and shop whenever you want!)


They have yarn everywhere in this house! Marsha is shopping from the refrigerator! They also have yarn in all the kitchen cupboards and the bathtub and the back porch!



Back in September, I held a contest (a thank you to my readers and followers) and gave away a week's stay at our condo in Florida. These wonderful folks were the winners of the contest. This is a photo of me with Debbie, Miss Hannah, and sweet Granny. Deb and her family were on their way home from the condo - as Marsha and I were headed down. So when we passed on the highway - we pulled over and I got to meet these delightful ladies.


Deb shared the photos from their trip on her beautiful blog, Mountain Musings. She chronicled their stay in the form of several interesting posts - you are going to love reading about their trip! She has all the posts listed on her sidebar - so please go and read all about the great fun that they had on their first ever trip to Florida! You will love seeing the photos of Granny in the ocean! and their trip to the Space Center! and Granny's fabulous basket making while she was at the beach! and the special surprise that was waiting for ME at the condo - a gift from these precious people that touched my heart and made me cry~~

For me to actually have the chance to meet these wonderful ladies was such a thrill. They are all the most precious people - the kind of people that you instantly love.

There were hugs all around when we said our good-byes~~


Debbie, Miss Hannah, and Granny - you have touched my life in such a special way - I treasure our chance meeting and our new found friendships!


As we traveled on down the road - Marsha and I took advantage of yet another opportunity for me to visit and meet one of my favorite blogging friends. We stopped in Savannah and met beautiful Silke and her husband Daniel for a late lunch. Silke's blog, Metamorphosis is a showcase for her many talents. Silke is an artist - her paintings are both expressive and beautiful.



We had a wonderful visit with both Silke and Daniel. Silke has long been one of my favorite bloggers - getting to meet her and Daniel was a delight!


Daniel is also a talented artist and illustrator for children's books. His story blog can be found here. Daniel also has a sketchbook blog - you can see his fascinating sketches here. I could have sat and talked to Silke and Daniel all evening - we were having such a good time - but it was getting late and we still had a LONG way to go~~

On the way out of Savannah - we drove by the home that was the central figure in the well known novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.


We arrived at the condo about 11pm later that evening. It had been a LONG day - but now that we were here - we both took the traditional "girl trip oath"!

The next morning - Marsha found herself a front row seat for the early morning sunrise!

Every morning - just off the corner of my balcony - the sun rises out of the ocean~~


It is a magical sight to see the sun rise out of the clouds - sitting on top of the great ocean~~


Deb and her family had left a gift bag for me sitting in the living room of the condo. Inside, I found this beautiful quilt that they had made especially for me! I cannot even begin to tell you the feelings that came over me as I looked upon this beautiful gift. That someone would make such a beautiful quilt and then give it tome - I was so overcome with emotion, that I sat down and cried. This was such a wonderful gift and so very special to me~~

Debbie talks about this beautiful quilt on her blog in a posting titled - Betty at the Beach. She has some amazing photos of this quilt that were taken with the ocean as a backdrop - you will want to visit her special posting and read about the amazing journey for this beautiful quilt.

So I am already crying ~~ and then I turn the quilt over to find this special message that they have written on the back of the quilt. Deb, Hannah, and Granny - how can I ever thank you for this special gift of your hearts and your hands? This quilt is so very special to me - and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for this unbelievable gift. I love you all~~


The best part of the trip - for me- is the key lime pie that they make at the Publix across the street. If you love key lime pie - this is the BEST!


When you are on a girl trip - you can have key lime pie for breakfast if you want to!




Girls gotta have their crafts - Marsha brought all of her jewelry making supplies ~~


She made me this fabulous pair of earrings - (I love turtles!) Are these too cute or what!



Guess whose crafting "mess" this belongs to?



I'm always "nesting" you know! The great thing about our girl trip - is that we just left our stuff out all week long - didnt have to clean up our mess each day!


A few of the nests that I was working on while we were in Florida~~


A beach walk - definately one of my favorite things to do!


I am always fascinated by the trail of foam bubbles that the waves leave along the beach. These foam bubbles were part of the inspiration for my shorebird nest series.

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My friend Mary, broke a beloved depression glass dish. Rather than throw it away, I brought all the broken pieces to the beach and threw them into the ocean. In time, as the pieces toss and turn against the waves - they will become seaglass - and some lucky person will walk along the beach and rejoice that they found a beautiful piece of red seaglass!

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I found mybe 15 or 20 pieces of sea glass this week on my beach walks. Mostly browns, and greens, and white. I used to think that this was a wonderful place to find seaglass - until I visited this beach in Bermuda!


October is seabean season! The National Seabean Symposium was being held in Cocoa Beach while we were there this week. I am always amazed to realize that this little sea bean journeyed so far - down the Amazon River in Africa and across the mighty ocean - to here on my little beach. Do you know about seabeans?
This is a hamburger bean - one of my favorite seabeans. I love finding them on the beaches in the late fall. I have a huge collection~~


A BRAND NEW HOBBY LOBBY - does it get any better than this! When you are on a girl trip - you can stay as long as you want and shop!


We went out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants and Marsha made a new friend!
We seem to attract kitties every where we go! Doesn't this kitty have pretty white feet! We were eating at a seafood restaurant - I bet she gets to have the leftovers!



It was all going so good - until this! On the way home from the restaurant we had a little situation~~~
TO BE CONTINUED!!
Vicki

39 comments:

Nancy said...

Vicki,
I am just lovin reading this!! And a cliff hanger to boot no less!! Can't wait til part 2~
The Quilt is absolutely Gorgeous, and the colors are so Florida Bright! I bet with all the Love that went into the Quilt there must have been some fun laughter too. They look like a wonderful group of Ladies!! I hope you had a Wonderful Thanksgiving Day Holiday, Until part 2.....
Huggs, Nancy
coeurdalenegifts.blofspot.com

Deb said...

Vicki ~ oooh, how the memories just came flooding back! I absolutely LOVED reading about your trip and seeing the pictures!!! That condo and beach is such a very special place!! And YOU are special, too!!

Hmm, but what about those blue lights on that last picture?! I'm not sure this is sounding like Part 2 is going to be quite as nice as walking on the beach and knitting! Can't wait to read more. Thanks so much for posting.

Sherri said...

Vicki, what a wonderful time you and your friend had! That quilt was absolutely lovely-what a very kind and beautiful gift those wonderful women gave you! Hope the "situation" wasn't too bad on the way back from the restaurant!

Anonymous said...

A whole trunkful of Vera Bradley!!! I could hardly get past that picture to read further. So glad you had a wonderful time. Umm....you weren't speeding were you????

Sandies' Patch said...

Loved this posting!
As I write this comment, we have lovely sunshine reflecting off the snow, so bright you need your sunglasses to see properly!
Glad you had a great time on the beach and got some creativity too!

Have a great weekend and belated Thanksgiving blessings!

Sandie xx

Tolentreasures said...

Loved reading this post. I had to laugh at the key lime pie part. Every time we are in Florida that is an important stop(s). Key Lime Pie from Publix. I didn't know that was such a well known fact. Beautiful quilt and how nice of you to give them that vacation and those memories.

Cathy

SuZeQ said...

I am only hoping that your situation isn't going to have anything to do with "THE SITUATION" from Jersey Shores ... he creeps me out! What a FUN girl trip - lucky you! Yes, girl trips are fun, always allowing you to do what you want to do and when you want to do it. Good for you!

PoetessWug said...

I absolutely love girl time and girl trips!! Eat what you want, when you want! Go where you want, when you want, without dressing up if you want!! Lazing around doing nothing if you want...except talk!!!! ^_^ I'm feeling anxious about your SITUATION though!! EEK!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello Vicki!
Oh, I how miss those girl trips! Are they not the bomb??? And I sooooooo envy you at the moment ... you are at one of my most favorite places in the world ... the ocean. The sea has a marvelous healing quality on the heart, soul, and mind.

Your fabulous will no doubt leave you with many fond memories ... there is nothing like sisterhood to share them with! I look forward to part deux!
Hugs, P.

gigi knits said...

Like I always say - I feel like I just had a great visit with a dear friend!!

Dorthe said...

Oh sweet Vicki, what an exeptional trip you two have had, such a beautifull trip- in a fantastic nature, and the meting with the lucky women whom won the week in yoiur beach house-the beautifull quilt they so sweetly gave you, and ALL THE GIRL TRIP THINGS...
wow a wonderfull tour--can`t wait to see next chapter....
Dear hugs, sweetie.
Dorthe

Jody Hammer said...

I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU FOUND A HAMBURGER BEAN!!!! Of all the years that I have lived here and been going to the beach, I have only found 1 sea bean, and it was a hamburger bean. I have been looking for one ever since. I love them! I am very happy that you find so many, you are a very lucky girl!!! I'm glad you had fun on your trip and I hope that someday I can join you while you are here! Thanks for sharing your journey! Loved it!

Barbara Jean said...

Vicki,
Your nests are amazing!
Looks like it was a fun trip!

blessings

barbara jean

PS Thanks for your visit, and kind words.

knitalatte said...

Vicki,
I don't know what a hamburger bean is, but it sounds delicious, I think? I can't decide if my favorite photo is Marsha on the deck under the green blanket or Marsha at the refrigerator full of yarn. I just know that I'd enjoy being in both those places a bunch. I'm so glad you had so much fun on your trip and I can't wait for part 2.

myriamkreativ said...

Hi Vicki,
your girls trip sounds to be great fun. Its so easy to gon on holidays with women, isn`t it? Your quilt is simply wonderful. Im sure it will find a very special place in your home and all the love and laughter and good thoughts while it was crafted will be with you forever.
Thank you for a wonderful coffee break during reading this post! A little relaxing time was just what I needed.... you did get it right.Lyssie spit blood thres days ago in the evening without any reason and I had to go to hospital with her by emergency. After two days of all sorts of tests and things we now know that everything really bad didn`t happen, which we thank god for. Now she is back home and mommy is a bit more relaxed. So I hope no catastrophs any more for this year. Hugs & love Myriam

Low Tide High Style said...

What a wonderful trip filled with so many friends, new and old, and so much fun! And that is a very special quilt, one you'll always treasure I'm sure!

I hope your "situation" wasn't too bad!

Kat :)

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Your pictures today are happiness, Vicki. Precious moments captures beautifully with a touch of fun.
Have a sweet Sunday and a great start to the new week! xxx

fromsophiesview said...

Hi Vicki..my guys are in love with your blog...imagine knitting,sea glass hounding and walking beaches forever...well that's what we do in Nova Scotia Canada. That Bermuda find was an out-of-this world, heart-pounding fantasy,I'm sure. You are certainly a kind and gracious person to give away time at your condo...the winners are so relaxed and refreshed. It's going to be a real treat to follow you and yours...Cheers!

Lili said...

You and Marsha are just the cutest! Love all your beach pictures with that foam, so pretty! What a great time you two had meeting all those folks in person and shopping and leaving all your projects laying out for the week, not to mention eating the pie for breakfast!! Oh dear, I see you have a story for us involving blue lights. Will stay tuned for that one for sure! xo ~Lili

Finding Joy said...

What a great "girls trip" it looked like so much fun. And that lime tart looks so tasty. May I have a slice?!!!

I can just imagine sitting beside the sea, listening to the waves while doing crafty things. Lucky girl.

Blessings

Anonymous said...

My goodness - you REALLY know how to do a Girl Trip, Vicki! FABULOUS post, and I'm so happy to "meet" you! :)
Hugs from the Colorado mountains,
Zuzu

Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea said...

What a great post. I love FL and the ocean.
The Bavarian Christmas linky party is now open-won’t you come and join us at http://dobermans-by-the-sea.blogspot.com/2010/11/1st-christmas-linky-party-at-dobermans.html

Drawn to The Sea said...

I had chill bumps reading about the beautiful gift those 3 lovely ladies left for you. That quilt was obviously a labor of love.

And btw, I'm sure you hear this all the time... you have such gorgeous hair :-)

summerland cottage said...

I LoVed this post !
It felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie,
sweet and heart warming,
thank you for sharing !

yaya said...

The colors of fall have been gone up north for a while....it was nice to see them again. I loved all the pics of your trip. I haven't been on a girl trip for so long, I can't even remember the last time I did go on one! Thanks for giving me the ocean and letting me feel like I was there. One thing struck me funny though...the cat you left behind sure looks like the one you met later on don't you think?

Deborah said...

OMGoodness!!!! What a wonderful trip. OOOOooo I am so green with envy that you met Silke and Daniel! How wonderful for all of you. I just received your email and yes I more than still want one of your nests. I sent you an email reply. Thank you ever so much. I will have to visit this post again-so much to see!
**blows kisses** Deb

elvira pajarola said...

You made truly a wonderful trip, cara Vicky....meeting all these special people...how much emotions!!!!!!

...Certainly, the fabulous handmade Quilt from your new friend is not only a beauty; it is a wonderful artwork!!!!

How wonderful you had your friend with you to share all the joy!!!!


....THE VIEW from you balcony is a dream...!!!!

have a wonderful week, cara Vicky!!

ciao ciao elvira

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Vicki,
What a "Great" trip! I love the beach..and long to go..the quilt is beautiful and I would have cried too!. A hand made gift is so loving and thoughtful I think..
The key lime pie looks so yummy and creamy..I could just taste it. The yarn shop sounds delightful!! I love to explore yarn shops.
I am looking forward to reading more of you trip..
Have a sweet day and hugs, Elizabeth

Mosaic Magpie said...

This is like a soap opera stay tuned for the rest of the story.... Looks like you all were having a great time up til this point.
A lovely quilt, such a great thank you gift.
Debbie

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

What a fabulous trip and what a fantastic quilt...the pie looks yummy too! Quite the generous "giveaway"...lucky gals!

Toyin O. said...

Wow, looks like you guys had a great time. Nothing like a fun girl trip.

Bonjade said...

Such nice post......how lovely to meet such lovely people....
love your plaid and love your colours of the nests so much......
What are you going to make from it?
Fine day
Hugs

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Dear Vicki...
Memories flood into my mind...this very precious beach of yours will always house my final beach memories with my beloved David.
Your such a wonderful caring person...making others feel special.
A joy to come here and recognize first hand the sunrise and your peeks of the condo.
Love to you and the Gardener this Christmas season...Love on each other with the passion memories are made of.
Love to you my precious Vicki,

xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

mary said...

Such a great trip! Sorry I missed it but what a great time you had. I'm happy you are there now. Snowing here. I'm hoping you are sending warm(er) thoughts my way!
Mary
(Blue lights?.... part of one's day...)

Beedeebabee said...

OMG...All those beautiful bags!!! What a perfect sign of the beautiful trip to come! :) It sounded (and looked) so wonderful, Vicki, and that quilt from Deb and the girls is just so gorgeous...my eyes welled up just reading what you wrote about it!...As always, your nests are soooo lovely...and Marsha's turtle earrings are adorable! Love your "Girl trip" in the sand, and all your dreamy photos. This is such a feel good post...such a great way to start my day! Have a fun weekend, Sweetie! xo Paulette ;)

Mellisa said...

Oh how much fun, I can't stand it! You are so very lucky to have such a wonderful friend to take this trip with :) What a lovely quilt and what a wonderful gift you gave to those sweet ladies!

Jules said...

I've read about your adventure (enviously) and waited quite patiently .... when are we getting part 2? I need to know about the 'situation'...... x

Silke Powers said...

Oh my goodness!! I am just now catching up on my blogging and what fun to read here about our meeting and then the rest of your wonderful trip! I cannot tell you how much Daniel and I loved meeting you and Marsha! It was such a highlight for me! You are just as wonderful as I thought you would be!!!! As I am writing this, I am looking up and seeing your beautiful nest on our coffee table. Much love, Silke

Patti Foy said...

Hi Vicki,
I'm Silke's sister-in-law (Daniel's sister) and just came here from your blog. So fun that you got to meet! I wanted to tell you that I have one of your fascinating nests here in my living room! Yes! It was a gift to me from them for my birthday a few months ago. You are quite amazing, I've never seen anything like it.
Happy holidays!