Month: April 2017

Happy Easter ~ Buona Pasqua!

Posted on by Bridgette Mathews

Happy Easter to all who are celebrating today!   I have taken on a little “post lent” personal challenge to notice 5 beautiful things in my environment every day just to stay positive and appreciate what surrounds me.  One of this morning’s “observations” is a spot I drive by every day and in the spring these beautiful blue wildflowers are here for just a short visit.   I believe they are called “glory of the snow” because they are the first flower to bloom after the winter.   Anyone recognize the area?   Hope you all enjoy this amazingly gorgeous day and find one or two things to appreciate in your own little world!

Internationally Acclaimed Organist Joonho Park plays Bach on April 22nd

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

chasnaz's avatarCape Ann Community

The Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is pleased to present young Korean organ virtuoso Joonho Park performing an all-Bach program in a progressive organ recital. He teaches at the University of Texas at Austin and is the winner of many international organ competitions.  Joonho Park has been hailed as an amazing talent with exquisite technique and exciting musicality.  He will be playing some of the most technically demanding and beloved organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach.

The first half will be performed in the Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, on the distinguished 1893 Hutchings pipe-organ, restored by world-renowned Gloucester organ-builder Charles Fisk in 1962.  George Hutchings built the original Boston Symphony Hall organ in 1903 and his instruments are known for their beautiful tone colors and powerful foundation stops.

At the intermission, the audience will stroll next door for the second half of the concert in St. John’s Episcopal…

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Forest Bathing; Earth Day Celebration April 22nd

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Karen Pischke BSN, RN's avatarCape Ann Wellness

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

Earth Day. Saturday April 22nd. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Gloucester MA.
Shinrin-yoku, (forest bathing) the Japanese practice of making contact with and taking in the atmosphere of the forest. Studies show that forest environments:
  • promote lower concentrations of cortisol (stress hormone,)
  • lower pulse rate,
  • lower blood pressure,
  • boost the immune system,
  • lower sympathetic nerve activity (decreased stress)
  • greater parasympathetic nerve activity (increased relaxation.)

Join us for a gentle walk and meditation in nature and experience the health benefits of shinrin-yoku. On this leisurely walk you will be encouraged to use all of your senses as you allow the beautiful setting in nature to lower your stress levels, boost your immune system and improve your overall health. No experience with meditation necessary.

Simple breathing relaxation and meditation exercises will be taught.

Advance Registration Required. Register Early…

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HAPPY EASTER, HAPPY PASSOVER, HAPPY SPRING!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Wishing all our readers a very Happy Spring, Happy Passover, and Happy Easter!

74 Long Beach front row cottages in less than a minute

Posted on by Catherine

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The view from the boardwalk on a spring day – can you spot the two new homes?

 

Long Beach cottages from the boardwalk 1 of 3

animation 1 of 3 (first 24 homes, just past the old hotel)

 

Long Beach cottages from the boardwalk 2 of 3

animation 2 of 3 ( Laughing Water and next 25 homes )

 

Long Beach cottages from the boardwalk animation 3 of 3

animation 3 of 3 (next 24 homes)

coastal living: a Long Beach walk combines ocean view, front row cottages, and beach

Posted on by Catherine

Long Beach panoramic (click picture to enlarge) view at low tide, April 2017. The barrier rip rap is mightily exposed. At other times the large boulders are buried beneath deep sand.

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This spring awakening is calm. Most of the homes remain prepped for winter.

Do you know how many front row cottages line Long Beach?

The view from the beach at low tide (ocean at my back) in two parts.

 

Long Beach animation front row cottages beach appeal 1 of 2

 

Long Beach animation front row cottages beach appeal 2 of 2

HAPPY EASTER FROM CAFFE SICILIA!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

I love stopping in to visit Maria and Nina at Caffe Sicilia anytime of the year, but especially during the holidays. The bakery was humming today, with their regular customers as well as regional and international travelers, and their refrigerator brimming over with special Easter orders. Folks are still purchasing raffle tickets for Caffe Sicilia’s giant chocolate egg to benefit children with autism. What a gorgeous day for shopping downtown Gloucester. Happy Easter and Happy Spring! 

SHOPPING AT THE BOOKSTORE OF GLOUCESTER FOR BUNNY LOVE

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

The Bookstore of Gloucester has a wonderful selection of spring-themed children’s books. Having fun with baby granddaughter Charlotte on the way!

HALEY BAKER AT TURTLE ALLEY IS ROCKING THE CHOCOLATE MAKING (AS USUAL!)

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Saturday afternoon and Haley is working like mad to fill everyone’s Easter basket. She has so much finesse and makes it all look so easy. I’m a messy cook and would after only a few minutes be covered in chocolate. Not such a bad thing, though.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS6l5t-lUHM/

White Chocolate Turtles

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Caramel Choclate Nonpareils

HELLO! YOU CAN WIN THIS GINORMOUS EASTER EGG!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Caffe Sicilia is raffling tickets for an enormous Easter egg. The funds raised are going towards autism. Did I mention the egg is DARK chocolate 🙂

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS6h5iMlNbR/

New hobby anyone?

Posted on by Bridgette Mathews

OK kids…anyone up for a new hobby?   If I didn’t have such a love-hate relationship with flying insects (they love me, I hate them) I would be all over this.   If this is up your alley, the folks at Harvest Lane Honey whose products are for sale at the Building Center have some great How-To videos to check out.   Happy Honey Making!