"Lobstering" in the Keys

Catch of the Day

My exceptionally fun summer did not end with Franklin, NC.  When I got home from NC I unpacked, washed clothes, repacked and headed to Marathon in the Keys.  Of course, there isn't much to pack when you are in a bathing suit all day.

Me and my brother

Harry, my son David and his family and I joined my brother and other family members to go "Lobstering".  As you see in this photo we succeeded in catching our limit (4 per person in the boat per day).

Not everyone looking for lobster on the ocean bottom finds them.  My brother, Don, is an exceptional fisherman.  He has "lobstered" for many years in the water around Marathon and knows where to go in that great big ocean to catch the limit each day.

It was great to be with family!  And great to have a lobster feast with all the trimmings prepared by my super sister-in-law Nancy.

Fly Fishing in North Carolina

Harry and I learned to Fly Fish while in Franklin this summer.  I have always thought this would be great fun so we gave it a try.  And guess what?  I was right!!!

It is wonderful to be outdoors in such a beautiful setting, water rushing around your legs with mountains in the distance.   THAT was the fun part.  The UNFUN part was trying to walk in rushing, icy cold water on slippery rocks dressed in boots and waders.  But I am proud to say I didn't fall in!!!

We didn't catch anything but I can't wait to do it again.

My Summer Vacation

School has started and somewhere I know a teacher is asking students to write about what they did during their summer break.  So, I too, will write a little bit about what I did this summer.

My husband and I scouted out and found a lovely campground in Franklin, NC.  We rented it for the year and spent most of the summer there.  It was cooler than Florida, not as muggy and fewer bugs.

We have a 32 foot pull camper trailer with all the necessary elements: beds, kitchen, dining table, bathroom, etc. ..all the comforts of home....yep, even air conditioning.

This is a very small camp ground with just 14 camp sites.  The river is just a few feet from our camper so I can hear the water moving along and enjoy seeing people in inner tubes float by. I spent a lot of time sitting by the river reading during the day and then watching fire flies/lightening bugs in the evenings.

We did a lot of sight seeing, played tennis, kayaked and I even painted a little.  It was a delightful summer.  Now I can't wait for the fall and watch the leaves change color.

Pink Hibiscus Auction

Congratulations to Pat for winning last weeks auction painting "Yellow Hibiscus"

This weeks painting is "Pink Hibiscus"with frame, 5" x 7" painted in oil, last of the set of three.  Bidding starts at just 99 cents with no reserve.  Get your bids in before the deadline of 7 PM  EST, Wednesday July 3. 

Email your bid to jackie@jackieschindehette.com and write "Auction" in the subject line so I will be sure to open it immediately.  I notify all bidders when a higher offer is bid.  A number of offers come in the last few minutes before the deadline so, ties are broken by the time stamp on the email.

Some collectors have been disappointed when they have been outbid the last few seconds because there is not enough time to notify them of a higher bid.  My only suggestion is to offer the highest bid you are willing to pay so there is less chance of your being outbid the last second.

But.....the most important thing is   HAVE FUN!!!

"Yellow Hibiscus" Mini Auction

Hibiscus of all colors are found in Florida.  I personally think they should be the State Flower.  The blooms open in the morning and close at night.  If you want to keep the flower open just put it in some water and set it in the refrigerator.  It will stay open all night and is still beautiful in the morning.

"Yellow Hibiscus" is my auction painting this week.  Bids open at just 99 Cents.  You may offer bids until 7 PM EST. Wednesday, June 26.

The painting is 5" x 7" and comes with the frame.  Free Shipping if you live out of town.  Email bids to jackie@jackieschindehette.com

Miniaure Painting Auction

I am holding my weekly auction of miniature oil paintings again.  This "Red Hibiscus" is the first on the auction block.  The painting itself is 5"x7",  and comes with the frame and  FREE shipping.

Bidding starts at just 99 cents.  Yep, you can add an original painting to your collection...or give to someone special...for very little cost.

Email your bid to jackie@jackieschindehette.com  Write Auction in the subject line so I will be sure to open it right away.  You will be notified if you are the high bidder or need to up the ante.

This weeks auction ends 7 PM, Wednesday June 19.  Bidding ties are broken by the earliest time stamp on your emailed bid.


 Collect all Three!!!
In the coming two weeks I will offer a Yellow Hibiscus and a Pink Hibiscus painting.  All three are framed alike so bid on just one or try to get all 3 in the collection. 

Gainesville Spring Arts Festival

Thank You to Janie and Ronald for adding "Gone Fishing" to their personal collection during the Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival in Downtown Gainesville, Fl. this past weekend.  It was a wonderful show and the weather could not have been better.  Lots of people turned out to enjoy the spring atmosphere and to add art of all types to their homes.

"Cedar Key Sunset" also found a new home.  Thank You Ann and Tom for adding my work to your personal collection.

Exhibiting at outdoor Art Festivals takes a lot of planning and physical work.   Top shows like this one jury their artists 6 months in advance.  Artists arrive at the "crack of dawn" the first morning of the show to set up the tent and install all the artwork.

Yep, we just sit around during the show, often in the rain, cold, heat, or howling wind.  It IS fun to meet all the folks that come by, and of course, a delight to talk about our art work.  Then it is time to break it all down, pack up the truck, drive home and then....unload it all.

Don't think I am complaining....I am just explaining how it works.  I choose to participate in these festivals because I thoroughly enjoy seeing long time friends and collectors, making new friends, some of whom become collectors, and seeing the smiles my work brings to people.

This is the last show for me until next October at the Fine Arts for Ocala Festival.  The show is moving to downtown Ocala, which will bring a home-town feeling to it. 

All are welcome to email or call me to visit my studio/gallery and see new works as they come off the easel.