BJ's visit to Marblehead

This past week my artist friend BJ Lantz came to Marblehead to stay with us for a few days. This had been planned for many months since she was going up to the Squam Workshops in New Hampshire which isn't all that far from us to take a couple of art classes, so we invited her to come to visit Marblehead and stay with us on her way back home. Here we are at the Boston Yacht Club out on the deck overlooking beautiful Marblehead Harbor. It was a lovely day, actually quite warm for the fall. Shorts and tee shirts were fine because it went well into the 80s that day which was good since BJ is from Florida and she needs warm!

Of course the Captain had to come early the first day BJ arrived so he could take her for a ride on the "Carol Ann". A couple of BJ's friends from Connecticut Rob and Kathy drove up to see her and they joined us as well for a harbor cruise and then over and around Brown's Island and Salem.

BJ is an experienced boater as well since she and her Captain Hubby have a sailboat named "Adios" that they love to go out on like we do on the "Carol Ann". Here she is being nice to the Captain, which is always a wise thing to be when you are out on a boat! You just cannot be too nice to the Captain!!

The next day I showed her all around Marblehead. Here she is in my favorite flower shop run by my friend Nancy called "Flores Mantilla". Nancy is from South America and has a passion for flowers and her shop has the most magnificent plants ever. BJ was quite taken with it as well and ended up buying a few goodies while we were there.

It was a gorgeous sunny day and we walked and walked, hitting almost every little shop and doing some damage at most of them. We stopped for lunch, we chatted and talked about exhibiting at the Atlanta Design Show coming up in January 2010. We both have taken booths at the show and are really excited about the potential business that could be generated there. Both the "Captains" are joining us in Atlanta to help with the exhibition, so that will make it even more fun along with doing lots of business. Then we wandered down to the town dock and sat and just enjoyed the scenery, talking to a couple of folks doing the same thing we were, just taking in the prettiness of Marblehead and the harbor, simply enjoying the day with a friend.

We came back home I gave her a tour of my new studio and my home, showed her all my collections and goodies and we just vegged for a while. Then the Captain came home early and we headed back down to the Boston Yacht Club for drinks on the deck and a lovely dinner.

Here are the 3 of us enjoying the deck of the yacht club overlooking the harbor. It was still quite warm out so we were able to sit outside and chat for a while before it was time to go upstairs to the Commodore's lounge and have dinner.

The Captain and I were so surprised as BJ handed us this absolutely adorable little bag while we were having some libations before dinner. She had made this for us....it was a gift bag featuring a photo of our boat the "Carol Ann" with a big THANKS! written in white type under the boat set against the blue ocean. The bag was perfectly made, with handles and everything and inside was a very generous gift card to West Marine, our favorite marine supply store. How cool was that. We were thrilled! A wonderful thank you!

Here is a close up of the "Carol Ann" gift bag and gift enclosure card that BJ made for us. Now, perhaps you can understand the distinct advantage of having friends who are artists! Not only are they free spirits and fun to hang out with, enjoying colors and flowers and things in life with a special creative sense of the world around us, but their gifts are one of kind, fabulously interesting, unique and personal. Created from the heart... Very Special indeed! BJ we loved having you ...come back anytime, your room is always ready! It was fun! best, carol

Comments

[BJ Lantz]

What a lovely post of my visit, Carol! I truly enjoyed every single moment! Thanks so much once again for showing me such a great time! Best to the Admiral :-)) See you in January!

Beej

[New York Hotel]

Great. You tour is loking to be fantastic. THank for sharing your great time picture. I always love to watch such type of pics. I just came back from New York and i booked my ticket via ECT and it was really fantastic tour.