Good Morning Gloucester

Spent some time this week up in Rockland, Maine and headed up to Port Clyde and Marshall Point Lighthouse to check it off my list.   When we got there it was cloudy and overcast and it didn’t look very promising for any kind of sunset, but we stuck around anyway because you really just never know what the skies will bring.  We never saw the sun but we saw the most amazing blue, purple, pink and orange skies about 10 minutes after the sun set.  What a gift!

Gloucester voted in top 10 US best cities/towns for arts and crafts!
Gloucester, the oldest fishing port in the US (and still richly operational), and Rocky Neck, the oldest and most established artists’ colony in America, can now add the prestigious title of best place for arts and crafts recognized by the organizers of American Craft Week, the nation’s largest annual craft celebration.
American Craft Week is a national, grassroots program designed to promote and celebrate fine handmade American craft.  Produced by a committee of CRAFT (Craft Retailers and Artists of Tomorrow), it began in 2010, and last year included over 1,000 events in all 50 states!
Gloucester’s notable recognition is sponsored by American Craft Week and voted on by arts’ and crafts’ aficionados across the Country.   
Only one of two cities in the East awarded this acknowledgement (along with Brattleboro, Vermont), Gloucester is a straight drive on 128 North or a train ride (less than one hour) from Boston. In addition to a breathtaking unobstructed ocean drive, Gloucester is home to some of the best beaches; boasting a plethora of hotels, B&Bs and countless restaurants and pubs per block, including fresh lobsters; an unrivaled music scene, and the renowned Gorton Theater bringing international talent for many first-run shows. Movies (e.g., Perfect Storm, Manchester by the Sea, Olive Kittredge) are always in production, somewhere in the city.  “When we started American Craft Week, we wanted to involve galleries and festivals so we could draw the public’s attention to craft. But in the course of six years, our vision has become so much wider, mainly because craft in this country is so pervasive and exciting,” founder, Diane Sulg exclaims.
American Craft Week encompasses events in all fifty states. Several states, including Vermont, Maine and Virginia, have official celebrations backed by tourism and economic development dollars.  In addition to the tangibles,  Sulg noted “craft creates jobs for thousands of Americans.  The impact of this creative economy is profound for individuals, communities and the entire nation.”
Donna Soodalter-Toman, the owner of DIVA (Donna’s Infinite Variety of Adornments), Main Street in Gloucester says of her love for working and living in Gloucester, “I have been drawn to Gloucester as a crafter, collector, beach and music junky for over 40 years.  Now a resident, I make the ocean a big part of my daily routine as I watch painters search for inspiration by the seashore and I find sea glass to incorporate into my pieces.  I adore the diversity of the people; their warmth, spirit and authenticity – No turning back, ever.   I’m thrilled that our city received this prestigious award and look forward to welcoming visitors to Gloucester all year round!”
For information on Gloucester happenings, including; open studios, artists, crafters, galleries, fairs, fiestas and where to stay and play, contact Discover Gloucester at info@DiscoverGloucester.com.

Hi Joey. Great fun at Sunday’s Podcast. Went kayaking after I left there. 

I hope the FOB enjoy this photo. The Annisquam River is my solace and my playground. Every day on the Annisquam is amazing; but some days are more amazing that others. I call days like this, ‘Gifts from God.’   – Karen

Karen Pischke

Gloucester MA

St. Peter’s Fiesta is coming and the Sicilian flag is popping up all over Gloucester. This one is in our neighborhood downtown at Pleasant and Prospect streets. We love our Sicilian pals and neighbors in Gloucester (including the creator of this blog). Our daughter’s birthday party this year included a “Martina,” “two Sofia’s” and a “Maria.” Our son’s been known to wonder why all his buddies have jet black hair except him. Which got me to wondering – are Sicilians really Italian? Through most of history, Sicily wasn’t Italian. It became part of Italy only in 1861. Sicilian peeps – are you Sicilian or Italian?

Mile marker

Donna Ardizzoni / Circle Consulting Group 978-526-9222

Nothing like weak wifi and intermittent cell service to force you to back off “the grid” for a bit.   It’s been so nice to unplug a little and just hang out with my camera for a few days.   Beautiful scenes to photograph are all the therapy I need 😀