After moving to Tampa, one of M.'s 1st purchases was a copy of One Tank Trips, a book based on the local news series of daytrips that could be reached with one tank (or less) of gas. Inspired by the idea that living in Florida meant we could vacation here too, we've spent some time exploring off-the-beaten-path Florida. This past weekend, we hit the road w/a half tank o’ gas. Destination: Anna Maria Island (AMI), FL, it's actually made up of 3 communities – Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Instead of the usual hotel chains and fast food restaurants, AMI is bursting with piers, nautical antiques, fresh seafood, and a strong alliance of independent businesses. Yay!
Because of it’s beachfront location, we chose to stay at Bungalow Beach Resort. We loved the friendly staff and our poolside suite. Our days were spent cruising the annual Bayfest event and coastal shops.
And since we couldn’t come home empty-handed, I convinced M. to let me acquire 2 new pieces to satisfy a recent mermaid obsession. A white-washed wood-and-metal mermaid weatherwave from The White Egret:
And a brightly painted mermaid from Florida folk artist Rhonda K. We enjoyed meeting and chatting with the painter herself. Looking at her fun Florida art, made me wish for more walls at PMH so we could buy more of her work...
4 comments:
thank you so very much. I needed to read this today. I am HAPPY that pretty starfish loving girl ended up somewhere lovely and sweet. I love painting mermaids. To me, they are like people. No two ever, every alike. I have one I call the Fishbone Mermaid in my house. She's has an attitude issue. :)
RhondaK, we are honored to have one of your paintings in our home. We promise your mermaid art is much appreciated & admired here.
Thank you for sending Monica my way. I have some work out closer to Tampa at the Creative Native Gallery.
http://www.thecreativenativegallery.com/
She has 3-4 of my large mermaids I didn't take on the road. Plus she's got some real tikis carved by a local carver and more there. She sells my sister's work, too.
Sure, no prob. My sis Nic fell in love with your (now mine) mermaid painting, but I couldn't part with it, cuz I love it too much already. Will DEFINATELY check out your local paintings. Thanks for doing what you do.
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