I must admit my disappointment when I discovered a visit to Diamond Head Lighthouse was off limits. It seems the Coast Guard had taken up residence there.
Our only option was to take a two hour hike to the summit of Diamond Head. To climb the stairs to the summit, took prayers and perseverance. The view was well worth the climb. I was mesmerized by the distant view of Diamond Head Lighthouse. The turquoise translucent ocean showcased Diamond Head’s magnificence and captivated me. The waves splashed in adoration.
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Makapu'u, Hawai’i, impels supernatural fables, extraordinary experiences and provocative emotions. According to Hawai’ian Legend, Makapu’u was a goddess who after arriving from Tahiti, took residence at the point bearing her name.
Makapu’u Point rises majestically 647 feet above the ocean. It is composed of a number of lava flows. A notch large enough to hold the lighthouse was blasted out of the lava face at a height of 395 feet above the water. The tower of only 35 feet was built so that it was still visible and would not be obscured during bad weather. The lighthouse was accessed by a narrow trail cut into the cliff. Learn to appreciate small quiet moments, the ocean, a walk on the beach, time alone, your health, your strength, your smile, your life. Germany Kent
We live in a noisy world. Where everything demands our attention all at once. While touring Ireland's breathtaking coast on the Wild Atlantic Way, I learned the value of quiet moments. After sneaking over a wall to see a lighthouse earlier, I was relieved with the accessibility and calm of the Broadhaven lighthouse. The anxiety and fear of being locked in a foreign jail dissipated as I quietly gazed at the water and graceful mountains behind it. Perhaps it took an unexpected struggle to appreciate things I took for granted. After sneaking over a wall to see a lighthouse earlier, I was relieved with the accessibility and calm of the Broadhaven lighthouse.The painting “Haven of Rest” is a happy reminder how easily calm can be restored when we separate ourselves from chaos. Surveying a city map of Evanston, Illinois, I was surprised not to see any map symbols or references for the Grosse Point Lighthouse. The city and lighthouse once bear the same name.
Grosse Point Lighthouse is one of the most stunning lighthouses I have visited. I marveled at the immense Keepers House four stories high. Double doors marked the entrance to the lighthouse. The large sloping red road complimented the plush green lawn. Trees adorned the grounds and provided a picturesque backdrop. My painting alludes to the beauty of this marvelous structure. Evanston is near Chicago so when I painted the lighthouse, I added a wisp of pale color to allude to the moniker for Chicago -Windy City. I journeyed to Amelia Island Lighthouse on a bright sunny day with clear blue skies. I was thrilled about painting my first lighthouse.
My excitement momentarily turned to frustration as we drove in circles unable to find the lighthouse. It seemed like there was a decision to make the lighthouse inaccessible and hidden. There were no directional signs. Finally, after our final loop, we noticed a narrow unmarked road. My sister and I discovered the beautiful lighthouse at the road’s end. World Watercolor Month Mixed signals are confusing. Especially in life. Like a traffic alternatively flashing red and green lights, we don’t know how to proceed. We live in a bipolar world. It makes it difficult to navigate life if we don’t have an internal compass.
West Chop Lighthouse embodies this quote: “A lighthouse is two-faced...A lighthouse is both an invitation and a warning. It says “Welcome Home.” But...right after that it says “Danger.” Nathan Hill. West Chop is the first lighthouse seen from the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. It is a welcoming sight to travelers. Ironically, once you venture to West Chop Lighthouse at Vineyard Haven, you’ll find an idyllic white picket fence and a “No Trespassing” sign. So much for the welcome! The grounds are closed to the public. It belongs to the Coast Guard. A keeper’s house serves as living quarters for the officer in charge. The second keeper’s house is a vacation home for the military. The West Chop Lighthouse was built in 1817 after residents petitioned their congressman. After a report of erosion, a new conical tower and keepers house were built in 1846. By the 1800s, the West Chop had become a bustling resort and a place for presidential retreats. New homes were constructed in the neighborhood which blocked its light. In 1891, the current lighthouse was built to replace the shorter tower. Driving along the Georgia coast, I headed to St. Simons Island. The drive offers a panoramic view of sawgrass. St. Simons Island Lighthouse is located on a part of a chain of popular barrier islands called the “Golden Isles.” Barrier islands are nature's way of protecting the mainland from storms.
Having already visited Tybee Island Lighthouse, I was excited about finishing the day with one final lighthouse. Although the lighthouse was closed, I was delighted to be able to walk the grounds. Stopping on the walkway near the ocean I gazed into the distance. I walked around the lighthouse trying to decide on the best vantage point for my painting. A little tired after a long day, I welcomed the chance to sit down and draw the lighthouse. As the sun was setting, a blaze of light bounced off the lighthouse. It seemed to refresh the lighthouse and me. For now the lighthouse was receiving light instead of giving it. I painted the Cape Florida Lighthouse after a week of rain. I drove to Key Biscayne to see the lighthouse in sunny Florida. Standing behind a canopy of palm trees, the beautiful lighthouse towered against a clear blue sky. The lighthouse was surrounded by mangroves and not condos, thanks to the park's namesake, Bill Baggs. Cape Florida Bill Baggs State Park was opened in 1967 foiling efforts by developers.
WORLD WATER COLOR MONTH Art has always been a tool to express our most intimate thoughts and uplift our spirits. Mediums like watercolor voice our inner emotions. Artists, amateurs and educators celebrate Watercolor Month to raise awareness of the art form, and support funds for art education.
Haven’t tried watercolors before? Give it a try and paint with friends or your kids. Use the hashtag #WorldWaterColorMonth to post your art and make friends. Charles O. Shields of Doodlewash created Watercolor Month in 2016. Doodlewash assigns a theme paint for every day of Watercolor Month. If you don’t want to participate in the daily challenge you can work on a painting and unveil it at the end of the month. You also donate funds to school and art education centers that are low on funds. Haven’t tried watercolors before? Give it a try and paint with friends or your kids. Use the hashtag #WorldWaterColorMonth to post your art and make friends. https://nationaltoday.com/world-watercolor-month/ Enjoy an evening of art, music, food and drink under the stars. The Art Guild of Orange Parks hosts an evening of Italian themed art, food and entertainment on September 15, 2022 from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm at beautiful Azalea Manor.
Situated on the banks of the St. Johns River, Azalea Manor sits on four waterfront acres of beautiful grounds. Scenic brickways, ivy arches, fruit, trees, beautiful azaleas and flowers adorn the property. Stroll around this historic property. Festivities include Art Sales, Art Demonstration, Silent Auction, and wine tastings. Don’t miss this night of incredible Italian food, desserts and more. General Admission is $50. Deadline to purchase tickets is September 1. Purchase tickets online or by mailing a check to AGOP “Bella Notte,” 5000 US Highway, Suite 18 #254, Fleming Island, FL 32003. |
AuthorWhen I am not traveling to or painting lighthouses, I am writing or researching lighthouses. Archives
December 2022
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