Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Chapter 1: Sights and Sounds of Savannah...

As most of you know, I just returned from a wonderful WONDERFUL art retreat...

~ Petticoats and Parasols ~

hosted by the Queen of the South...

the one and only Jennifer Hayslip.

Teachers included:

Tiffany of Shabbyscraps and Christine of Dollybelle

Guest Speaker:

Jo Packham of Where Women Create

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I will have to split my 5-day trip into many chapters as I want to cherish each moment that I encountered with old friends and new friends while enjoying such a beautiful historic city.

So the story goes...

I flew into Savannah on Wednesday evening, a whole day early as I love to unpack, relax and get acquainted with my new surroundings.

I really enjoy that "extra" day of semi solitude...it does my body & soul some good to leave work and home behind so I can prepare for the exciting days ahead.

The first surprise of the evening was as I was waiting at the airport for my roommate (Karen of Some Days are Diamonds) to arrive, I was greeted by our personal chauffeurs who came to whisk us away to our hotel. I'm just kidding as they weren't JUST our chauffeurs...they were special souls that I've been dying to meet in person!!

This cute couple from Florida drove all the way up to Savannah to meet Karen and I as they were on their way to Tybee Island.

Meet Theresa of They Call Me Ganky and her adorable husband Marc...

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Don't you just love her name tag?? She made it on the drive over...she's so creative!!! Like I said earlier, she wasn't coming to the event (unfortunately) as she and her husband were passing through for a long weekend vacation of their own on the island.

Theresa, Karen and I met through blogging and had never met each other in person so it was great to be this close...we just HAD to get together!!!

Karen arrived safely from California and about an hour later, we were whisked off to our new home for the next 5 days.

Our hotel was smack in the middle of everything we wanted to see...shopping, eating, touring, etc.

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We scurried to our rooms to change out of our "flight" clothes and into a little something more presentable as we were headed for dinner at The Olde Pink House.

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Theresa had already made our reservations and our Chief Chauffeur Marc dropped us off curbside...talk about service!

We had a drink at the beautiful Planters Tavern inside the mansion and then we were led upstairs to our wonderful table near the fireplace. Everything on the menu looked delicious, it was so hard to decide what to eat. Even the waiter {Luciano} was yummy and I must say...I did leave with his phone number and he left with a sweet tip for treating us girls soooo good :)

They say what happens in Savannah stays in Savannah, right? But if nothing happened...there's not much to tell so get your little nasty minds out of the gutter people...even though Luciano was young, handsome and had a smile that lit up the room...I AM happily married!  :)))

The next morning, we were up and running. Where to, we had no idea so Karen and I followed Marc and Theresa down to the River Road and we walked the shops and snapped some shots...

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I really thought that Savannah would remind me of New Orleans, but it didn't...not at all. Each beautiful city has their own identity. Similar, but not the same by any means.

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I love the textiles ... anything from old brick with plastered mortar, to weathered wood, to wrought iron and tile...everything blended so beautifully together. I had to walk slowly to try and catch each glimpse of history.

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I love all of the beautiful architectural details. Why don't they build beautiful homes and buildings like this today?

I really think I was born in the wrong era.

Well...um...I don't like wearing dresses and I really need my air conditioning...so, maybe not  ;)

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Savannah is so lush and green and was showing true signs of Spring as all of the Azalea bushes were in bloom and the flora was plentiful.

With the huge Live Oak trees dripping with Spanish Moss, very rarely would one walk in direct sunlight. Although it was a rather hot and humid weekend, it was still a pleasure to stroll down the sidewalk, soaking in all of Savannah's beauty. 

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We could hear a multitude of church bells every hour, on the hour.

There wasn't a cloud in the sky and we walked for blocks and blocks, or should I say "squares and squares" as Savannah is made up of perfect squares which are dedicated to the history and namesakes of this old charming city.

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As you can see, the Spring pollen was at it's prime too. As it would fall like snow from the trees above, it would fill in every nook and cranny in the old brick sidewalks and historic markers.

ah-choo!

:)

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We walked through the city's cemetery. It was beautiful but after reading most of the memorial plaques, most bodies were no longer buried there as they have been moved to other locations for some reason. There were still signs of awesome history to be had anyway and I was able to catch some photos of my favorite ones.

I did not have time to catch a taxi to Bonaventure Cemetery so that will remain on my bucket list. I really need to come to terms that I cannot fulfill my bucket list in 5 days...right? ;)

And this reminds me...I can't tell the whole story in one post so I'll end it here for now.

Stay tuned for my next post about the AMAZING Welcome Dinner that kicked off the Petticoats and Parasols Weekend...

I hope you love the color PINK!

;)

36 comments:

Sheila said...

Wow what some cherished memories you made. I know you have so much more to tell and i can't wait to hear it all. and more about the young hunk.. lol..

Hearts Turned said...

What gorgeous photos, Jodie! I've never been south of Virginia, and I REALLY need to! Everything seems to be just dripping with history and beauty (and Spanish Moss AND humidity!)

So glad your meeting with friends was so wonderful--can't wait to hear more about your week!

Anne Lorys said...

Jodie, your photos are stunning, and your narrative has me really, really wanting to visit Savannah!

I can't wait to see your next installment. :-)

Hugs,
Anne

Lisa said...

Jodie,
Your photos are gorgeous! You missed your calling as a tour guide! LOL! Can't wait for your next post!

Jessica Rodarte said...

I'm looking forward to every, single post. I love the pictures you took- so beautiful!

Tristan Robin said...

wonderful photos - and travelogue - looking forward to more

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Hi Jodie, I very much enjoyed reading your description and looking at those beautiful pictures! I just love that kind of architecture and I love towns that have lots of green.
Maybe Karen has taken home Luciano in her suitcase and that's the reason why it was so heavy, lol. Karen, when you read this: Tell the truth ;-)!
Big hugs,
Julia

Robin Thomas said...

Your pictures are beautiful. Didja meet my friend Shelley Overholt from Oklahoma??

Theresa said...

Well, I have to say dear Jodie, that I enjoyed chapter 1 the most:) What a sweet post and we enjoyed every minute! We actually drove from just outside Atlanta, although Florida is somewhere I wouldn't mind living! I am sorry you guys didn't get to go to the Bonaventure cemetery... I guess we'll just have to meet back up down there and go there together. The dinner was amazing a the Olde Pink House, best flounder EVER and thanks again for dinner and the CAB:) Have a blessed day dear friend, I can't wait until we meet again! Love you bunches!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Thanks for sharing! Savannah is on my pixie dust list (I refuse to call it a bucket list!) Can't wait for your next post!

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

Savannah is beautiful and so are you photos! It is a great city, and I LOVED the Olde Pink House too!

Honey Lamb and I said...

Ok sister you took some fabulous pictures!!! Tell Mrs. Robin Thomas that yes you meet Ms. Moulin Rouge! Lol! I love the ubber talented Robin!!!

VS said...

Oh Miss jodie,
Your photo's are delightful as usual!!! It looks like such a wonderful trip & you're right...the architecture is amazing!!! I loved the sweet little goodies you brought for everyone...how cool is that friend.
I can't wait to find out more,
Big Smiles,
Susie

Tina said...

oh - you sure did have a wonderful trip Jodie.
Beautiful photos - thanks for sharing.
xo Tina

summersundays-jw said...

I've always wanted to go to Savannah and you've just made it worse. It looks just like I've imagined in your photos. Did you see Paula (isn't that where she lives?)? Thanks for the tour.

Debby said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos with us, enjoying your getaway so far. How fun to got to meet so many of your blogging buddies.
Debby

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jodie,
Great journaling of your fist day in Savannah. Isn't it jus the loveliest place to be.
Can't wait to read your next post.

hugs
Sissie

Charlene said...

Great shots of those spires on the church. Seems like everytime I tried to get those they were covered by trees or the trolley turned the corner. HUGS! Charlene

Devon Smith-Breidel said...

Jodie-dropping by to say hello and to see what you have been up to. Savannah looks great especially through your lens. I am so excited that you will be participating in Karen's Where Women Create Party! This will be my first one. Can't wait to see your next creations!
xoDevon

Anonymous said...

hey chickadee! Isnt Georgia soo pretty and inspirational? Lets move there!!! Oh nevermind I could never leave home even if it is stupd CP. hehe I love the photo of the cart! Ya didnt bring it home for me? BOOOO Jodie! hehe JK
I cant wait to see what you have in the next chapter! glad you had a blast and meet so many new gals! Big hugs

toodles-
sarah

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

Savannah is a beautiful place. Did you go to Paula's restaurant?

Suzie Button said...

You're so lucky to have gone! I'm going to make it to Savannah one day! I'm just so tied to my job that I never get away! I can't wait to hear more! Suzie

Karen said...

Loved it all.
Sigh.
I can't believe it's over and we are home.
Loved Theresa and Marc. They were just the cutest.
Totally enjoyed Savannah - but we just needed more time. I really wanted to get to that one cemetery - oh well NEXT TRIP!!! :)
Now we just convince Thad you absolutely positively must go to Oregon! (hehehe)
Hugs! Karen

Beth A. @ Songbird Hill said...

Love the pictures Jodi. Very nice. Can't wait for Chapter 2!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jodie,

I loved seeing your wonderful photos and the one of you in the bus.
No wonder you looked so happy, Savannah looks like a gorgeous place and aren't the old buildings so much nicer than the modern.
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to Part 2.

Hugs
Carolyn

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Hi Jodie~ this looks like such a fun trip...I'm so looking forward to hearing all about it!r

Unknown said...

WOW, With all your wonderful writing and wonderful pictures I felt like I was there. Can't wait to hear more.

Hugs Linda

Unknown said...

WOW, With all your wonderful writing and wonderful pictures I felt like I was there. Can't wait to hear more.

Hugs Linda

Susan said...

I am a follower for sure!! Nice blog. Susan

trash talk said...

Girlie girl...I've seen your unpacked room before...tell me no one was injured during the process.
What a beautiful city. Cannot wait to see it all through your lens.
Debbie
P.S. Dirt...I want dirt!

Lisa said...

Hey Sis,
I'm reading your story & I felt like I was just walking right beside you. You are such a great story teller, you should write a travel journal, hum let me think.. .a bloggers guide thru the south! Ha, see I can be your publicist. Coat tail rider, that's me. I know what you mean about the city's being different. NOLA has it's own smell for one thing. The minute you step off the plane at Moisant you know your home! How awesome that you met up with some blogger friends, how cool is that??I can't wait for part 2. Lisa

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I've only been to Savannah once, and that was with my ex-husband, but it was beautiful. I so love the history and all the architecture. Your photos are stunning as usual. Look forward to part 2. Have a fabulous day! :) Tammy

My Grama's Soul said...

Dear friend.....what a beautiful tour you have shown us today. THANK YOU!!

Blessings,

Jo

Laura said...

OK Miss Priss-
I will be anxious to hear 2 things:

1. where are you headed next?

and

2. at your sessions did anyone do something special with a shaving cream can??

Guess who.

Laura Belle
White Spray Paint

Anonymous said...

Jodie,
How wonderful it was to meet you at P&P. I loved sitting with you at lunch and getting to know you better. I love the little bags you made for us all with the coaster. Actually I really need one for my craftroom and this one is perfect! Thanks again sweetie, I hope to get my own pictures up soon. I love your blog too! I am going to add it to my blogroll.
Hugs,
Amada

Pam @ Frippery said...

Fabulous photos.