February 15th, 2014
A Black Box Theater or experimental theater contains a simple, unadorned performance space. It is new in theater; just a large room with black walls and a flat floor. It uses limited sets, simple lighting effects, and a cozy focus on the story, writing, and performances. The venues are considered by many where more “pure” theatre can be enjoyed and explored.
All of the above is true, except that on Friday, February 14th, when Brown Box Theatre Project opened its 2014 Season, the venue was the modern and beautiful Ocean City Center for the Arts, located at 502 94th St. in Ocean City, Maryland. This is the home of the Art League of Ocean City. Website? http://www.artleagueofoceancity.org.
 
John, Susan, Shelley and I were looking forward to seeing once again its Director, Kyler Taustin, who founded Brown Box Theatre Project in 2009. Congratulations to him and his actors and staff for a beautiful evening. The audience was thrilled and you could see it and feel it, as well.
Brown Box Theatre Project is a non-profit theatre collaborative dedicated to bringing live theatre to schools and communities that ordinarily lack easy access to the performing arts. Previous performances have been A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Nina Variations, Romeo & Juliet, and a Feeble Mind. Not only does Kyle bring threatre to Ocean City, Maryland, but he is also bringing it to the Delaware Beaches. He will be back in September. Please check out their website by visiting http://www.brownboxtheatre.org. On Facebook as Brown Box Theatre Project, as well.
“Two Wrongs” was written by Scott Caan of Hawaii Five-O. It is a contemporary comedy and presents the story of Shelly, played by Chelsea Schmidt, and Terry played by Alex Marz, a pair of neurotics whose love lives become entangled due to the unethical meddling of their therapist, Julian, played by Brooks Reeves. It has a sharp dialogue, humor, love and deception. It was an hour long without intermission and the audience, laughed, clapped, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It will be playing at the Ocean City Center for the Arts through February 17th. For tickets, please visit http://www.brownboxtheatre.org.
The Ocean Center for the Arts is offering a wide range of classes and events, including, pottery classes, pasta and pottery, painting, drawing, photography, kids classes, workshops and a few that caught my attention were: Cookies and Canvas, and Brushes and Bubbly. To know more, please visit http://www.artleagueofoceancity.org, or call 410-524-9433.
A stop at the Skye Bar located at Galaxy 66 in Ocean City for some small plates. The Galaxy 66 is located at 66th St. in Ocean City. Website? http://www.galaxy66barandgrille.com.
On the table…
Tenderloin tips…Italian marinade with truffle parmesan cheese fries. Tender and delicious “fries”.
Seared Rare Tuna with fresh Wasabi.
Tempura Chicken Bites…they were tempura battered and tossed in a choice of sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, or curry mustard sauce….all of them were served. I really like them; crispy and well seasoned.
Have a Good One!!
December 24th, 2013
For those of you who are still doing those last minute shopping….New shop opened just recently in Historic Berlin, Maryland. Sea-La-Vie is owned by two sisters. It is located on 11 Artisans Way, Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 443-513-4768.
 
The building is as cute as it can be. Sea-La-Vie offers home accessories, gifts, and much more. Pick up some local art, a hostess gift, a birthday present. Or, something that might catch your fancy.
Children’s present…and don’t forget your pet.
 
Historic Berlin has plenty of charm. It is a great town to visit any time of the year. This town is surging in the Small Town poll, so stay tuned because Budget Travel’s “Americas Coolest Small Town 2014” will be announced in mid February.
In the meantime stop by Sea-La-Vie.
 
Merry Christmas!! Talk to you later.
December 13th, 2013
 
TaDa will open today, Friday, December 13th at 10 a.m. and will stay open until 8 p.m. It is the 2nd Friday Art Stroll in Downtown, Historic Berlin, Maryland. TaDa is located at 18 N. Main Street. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website? http://www.berlintada.com.
Historic Berlin, Maryland is part of the Maryland Main Street Community…they support traditional main streets and neighborhoods throughout Maryland. Getting the residents and visitors to stroll, shop and live Main Street. So, tonight Main Street Historic Berlin will not be this quiet. On the contrary….this town is a destination for shopping, antiquing, dining, and entertainment.
Blair Parsons is the shopkeeper of this gift shop where personal attention is of most importance. Friendly and knowing her merchandise well, Blair’s customers have become friends. TaDa looks beautiful and fully prepared to help you shop for everyone on your list. Gift giving is part of the Holiday Season….TaDa’s painted glassware and art by Patty Falck is collected by many.
Shop, stroll, meet with friends…..TaDa is a must!!
December 9th, 2013
It was quiet as I passed the other night St. Martin’s Church….not so much so on Friday, November 1st when the celebration of The Fall Feast of St. Martin took place. St. Martin’s Church is located at 11413 Old Worcester Highway, Showell, MD 21811.
I was looking forward to mingling with friends and stepping into the past.
The mood inside the tent was festive.
The food was delicious, combining the cuisine of the region, from farm to table and from the sea to the raw bar.
 
And plenty to choose for dessert.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is one of the oldest structures in Worcester County. It was built in 1756, 20 years prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence.
This is the key that opens the doors to this historic church, built brick by brick. The importance of historic preservation…”St. Martin’s Church is considered by many historians to be the finest preserved, most significant piece of American history on the Lower Eastern Shore.”
The President of the Board of Directors is Mrs. Sherrie T. Beckstead. With her there are many that make possible the fundraising to keep the preservation on-going.
St. Martin’s Church is a museum. It is open to the public on a regular basis. Please visit http://www.historicstmartinschurch.org. Summer and fall bring open houses that are scheduled and staffed by volunteers. It is also available for private tours. It is a venue for historic weddings. Educational events like the Shakespeare performance of Romeo & Juliet are free to the public.
Take a look inside St. Martin’s. The pews have a history, as well….many of them were owned by area families.
A beautiful performance inside St. Martin’s by Vocalist Rachel Allman….the evening ended with the announcement of the raffle…a replica of the Key to St. Martin!!
Have a great day!!
October 12th, 2013
The beginning of a Nor’ Easter, along the Mid Atlantic Seaboard, did not deter Jody and I from driving from Rehoboth Beach to Ocean City, Maryland. Along the way we picked one of my usual suspects in Bethany Beach, who is always ready to come along for a dining experience. But, wait a minute…it was Debbie’s birthday!!
Rain, wind, and not too many on the road…we made it to Liquid Assets located mid town, at 9301 Coastal Highway, in Ocean City, Maryland. Tel 410-524-7037. Website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com. There is no other restaurant up and down the Delaware and Maryland beaches that compare to Liquid Assets. It is a package goods store, a bar, a restaurant….serving delicious food. Sit among the bottles of wines or choose a more quiet ambiance in their separate dining room. We sat among the sofas, and the bottles of liquour.
It was our evening and chatting away we began our dining experience with a beautiful presentation of a cheese board. Midnight Moon, Goat Cheese, and Gouda were our choices.
It is that time of the year when pumpkins are in every recipe. They are also in drinks….The Great Pumkin’ Martini at Liquid Assets looked so gorgeous. A sip of it told me that it could go down very smoothly. It had Spice Liqueur, Fireball Whiskey, Cream, and 43.
 
A few small plates of scallops.
The roasted veggies were a hit!!
The beets had a wonderful flavor!
The best Pan Roasted Mussels Bar None!! Chorizo Sausage, Shallots, Garlic & Grilled Bread!! How yummy is that? I can attest to this because ever since I had them at Liquid Assets, I have tried mussels at every restaurant. I have been wanting to see if they measured up to Liquid Assets’. I have found good ones, but not amazing ones!! It is one of my favorite dishes and once again I requested a spoon so I could finish the broth!! Look how gorgeous they looked.
Dessert was a Flourless Chocolate Brownie, topped with vanilla bean ice cream and creamy chocolate sauce…..This dessert was Gluten Free!! Dense brownie full of flavor.
Note: Ocean City’s Restaurant Week starts on Sunday 10/13 until Sunday 10/27. One price, 2 weeks!! Check participating restaurants, menus, and info. at http://www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com/ocmd-food-restaurants.
Have a Good One!!
July 15th, 2013
When I went out last night, I looked up at the sky and it was so clear and full of stars….it is looking good for the Delaware and Maryland Beaches this week.
Hot and steamy days with balmy nights. Movies on the beach are a big attraction at all of our beaches. Take the family, a blanket, your friends and popcorn. So, What’s Going On?
DEWEY BEACH
Monday, 7/15 – Movie Night in Dewey Beach – Arthur Christmas – Movies start at approximately 8:30 p.m. on the beach at 1 Dagsworthy Street. And, next Monday, 7/22 it will be Wreck-It Ralph. Non metered spaces are FREE Mondays and Wednesdays after 5 p.m.
Note: Bonfires in Dewey are also worth mentioning on this post. Bring some marshmallows with you. They are on Wednesdays at 1 Dagsworthy Street, on the beach. 7:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., until August 28th.
REHOBOTH BEACH
Thursday, 7/25 – At Dusk! Cinema by the Surf in Rehoboth Beach offers fun for the entire family. Peter Pan will be the next flick on 7/25, and admission is Free!
FENWICK ISLAND
Wednesday, 7/17 – At 8 p.m. Madagascar 3 will be the movie shown at the Beach on Farmington Street. More info? Please call 302-539-2100.
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Wednesdays – At the Carousel Hotel Beach on 118th St. Until August 28th at 8:30 p.m. The movies are for the entire family.
Mondays and Fridays at 27th Street and on the Beach at 8:30 p.m. Take a chair, blanket and be ready to enjoy a nite out under the moon and stars, besides the surf.
Monday, 7/15 – Madagascar
Friday, 7/19 – Toy Story 3
Monday, 7/22 – Brave
Friday, 7/26 – Spy Kids 4
Monday, 7/29 – Wreck-It Ralph
Note: Are you a film enthusiast? Screen film submissions for the 16th anniversary of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. On Monday, 7/15 at the South Coastal Libray in Bethany Beach, located at 43 Kent Avenue in Bethany. Screening starts at 7 p.m. and admission is Free.
Tuesday, 7/16 you can attend a screening Upstairs, Movies at Midway on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth. The screening starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $2.00
Have a Good One!!
July 3rd, 2013
I am keeping my fingers crossed; the forecast for Southern Delaware is supposed to be good for the all the Fourth of July celebrations that will be taking place at the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland.
I am ready. If you decided to venture to any of the celebrations, please get to the town early and plan on staying awhile. Do not rush to get out because you won’t be able to. It takes some time to maneuver the traffic jams.
So, with that said and done….Where Are The Parties?
DOVER – Delaware’s capital has a full schedule of events for the 4th of July, including at 2 p.m. the National Bell-Ringing Ceremony at The Old State House on The Green, joining bells ringing across America’s thirteen original colonies and featuring the reading of the Declaration of Independence!! Please visit http://www.dover4thofjuly.com. Dover celebrates in a big way with the museums opening, Legislative Hall, Delaware’s State Capitol Building on 411 Legislative Avenue is holding guided tours throughout the day. Photo ID is required for all adults. A Historic Dover Scavenger Hunt begins at the Welcome Center at 121 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. North and extends throughout Dover’s Historic sites and museums. Guided tours of The Old State House and the film “Thunder and Rain” about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride for independence at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Biggs Museum of American Art on 406 Federal Street is also open. Kids can create a flag to wave during the fireworks. There is a Divided Dover Walking Tour, a Tales of Slavery and Freedom Walking Tour, and a Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour. Children’s activities, crafts and food vendors are among the many festivities in Dover.
6 p.m. – Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade. The route is down State Street, starting at Hazel Rd. and ending just past The Green.
7:45 p.m. – Opening Ceremony with our National Anthem in front of Legislative Hall.
8 p.m – The 287th Army Band of the Delaware National Guard presents a concer of patriotic, pop and other favorites, finishing with Tchaikovsky’s exciting “Overture 1812”, complete with cannon, leading into the fireworks.
9:25 – Fireworks!! Exploding in the sky over Legislative hall…Musical theme is “Car Tunes”.
MILTON – 4th of July Picnic at Milton Memorial Park…food, family fun, and music. BBQ Chicken or Fish! Serving starts at 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. At 3 p.m. Irish Eyes Restaurant Hot Dogs & Hamburgers. At 3 p.m. there will be field games including a potato sack race, bean bag and water balloon toss!! Also, at 3 p.m. Lions Club Free Rides on the Clipper Express (donations are appreciated), lemonade and funnel cakes. At 7 p.m. Foot Light Productions will provide patriotic music for everyone’s enjoyment. Take your lawn chairs, and/or blankets….and bug spray.
LEWES – Historic Lewes celebrates the 4th of July, starting at 9 a.m. with children’s games and activities on Second Street. All day until 4 p.m. The Lewes Decorated Boat Parade will start on the canal at 1 p.m. It will be followed by an awards ceremony at Lightship Overfalls. The parade will leave from Roosevelt Inlet across from the Coast Guard Station at 1:30 p.m. and reach the judges’ stand at Fisherman’s Wharf at around 2 p.m.
Unregistered entries are invited to join the parade by arriving at Roosevelt Inlet at 1:30 p.m., tuning a VHF radio to channel 65 and then follow instructions.
At 5….ish the Doo-Dah Parade will begin. It is a fun and spirited parade. Join in and have fun. It will start at Manila Ave, travel down Kings Highway to Savannah Rd. and finally head to Second, Market and Third Streets.
REHOBOTH BEACH – The 17th Annual Fireworks Show will begin around 9:15 p.m., near Star of the Sea at 307 S. Boardwalk. Please get there on time and then stay for the concert because you it will take forever to get out of town. The Funsters will perform before and after the fireworks at the Bandstand. You might as well enjoy the music. You and about 100,000 will enjoy a fantastic display on the beach. I might have to wait for Kevin Fleming, to put the photos on Facebook. The weather could play a role on all displays at the beaches, so, check it out.
Shuttle buses going into town will pick up visitors at Rt. 1 near County Bank and at the DART Park & Ride. Parking for the buses will be available at the grass lot next to County Bank. Charge for parking is $10 per car, with the proceeds split between the Kiwanis Club and Main Street.
The Jolly Trolley will run a shortened route from 6 to 11:30 p.m. It will be between Dewey Beach to Christian Street in Rehoboth behind the Jack Lingo Real Estate office. The Trolley will pick up and drop off passengers at all regular stops between the Rudder and Robinson Street in Dewey. Please note that it will only stop at Christian Street in Rehoboth Beach due to Rehoboth Avenue being closed until 11:30 p.m. Once the Avenue re-opens, the service will continue until 2 p.m.
DEWEY BEACH – One fireworks display sooooo large, that it might set a record. How many fireworks can be set off in a 10 minute period? Well, you have to attend and see for yourselves. The party starts at 9:15 p.m. off Dickinson Street. The fireworks will be set off from the waterfront restaurants; Northbeach, Ivy, and Rusty Rudder.
BETHANY BEACH – Don’t miss the celebrations in Bethany Beach. The theme for this year’s annual event is “Wish You Were Here for Bethany in Bloom”. Congratulations to Melinda Linde, Grand Marshal, who has made Bethany Beach gorgeous, planting, weeding and maintaining the beautiful flowers and shrubs.
Noon- Festivities will start with the Parade at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Garfield Parkway. There is no pre-registration for floats and bikers. Registration will be held Thursday from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The registration desk for floats will be on Rt. 1 and Central Ave. The bikes can be registered on the Christian Church grounds adjacent to the Christian Church building.
2 p.m. – Horseshoe-throwing contest at the southwest corner of the Christian Church grounds.
7:15 p.m. – Award ceremony at the Bandstand.
7:30 p.m. – The Milford Community Band performs on the Bandstand.
Dusk – FIREWORKS!!
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND – Uptown and Downtown – Concerts starting on both locations at 8 p.m., followed by the FIREWORKS!! Downtown at North Division St. and Uptown at Northside Park on 127th Street. More info? Please call 410-250-0125.
SEACRETS – Fireworks will begin at around 9 p.m. Seacrets is located on 49th Street in Ocean City, Maryland.
OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND – West of Ocean City, Maryland, by a couple of miles….the Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. at Showell Park on Racetrack Rd!!
Be safe, and have a Great 4th of July!!
June 27th, 2013
 Liz Lind Editions - Catalog “Colour and I are one. I am a painter.” paul klee, 1914
This quote of long ago came to mind when I visited Liz Lind Editions Gallery and Studio in the town of Showell, Maryland. So, you wonder where Showell, Maryland is….It is an unincorporated town in Worcester County not far at all from Ocean City, Maryland and the Delaware/Maryland line, between Bishopville and Ocean Pines, Maryland. From Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, it will take you about half hour to 45 minutes at this time of the year.
You can find Liz Lind Editions at 10109 Pitts Rd., Showell, MD 21862. Tel. 443-727-9042. Website? http://www.lizlindeditions.com It opens Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. During the week, please call for an appointment and Liz or Erica Rittling, her Assistant, will be happy to receive you.
I think that years ago, I stopped at her gallery in Annapolis, and at that time I was taken with her watercolors. When Liz mentions that sunlight, sand and surf are the 3 elements that inspire her work, all you have to do is look around her studio, or you might want to open her website, above mentioned, to see her work.
And, when I looked outside today, it was so pretty that I thought this day is what Liz is talking about…ocean breezes, hot sand between the toes, and pink swirls of cotton candy on the boardwalk. She mentions that those memories are always with her.
So, I asked her…How did you become a painter? It started as a little girl, buying spiral notebooks from the pharmacy, scribbling and just playing around. Later in life, she and her mother had a gallery, then Liz had a gallery…and she finally decided that her paintings were selling so well that she would only represent herself…Linz Lind Editions!!
 Coffee Table Book Liz mentions her work is a combination of many things, including gouache. Not knowing what gouache was, I found out that painting in this form is similar to watercolor, but it is modified to make it opaque.
Some of her paintings are traditional watercolors, and she mentions that others are more like a stage set, where they are assembled separately. She works on several paintings at the same time. Some take months; others just minutes. Her work is not complete until the composition becomes her vision.
Liz grew spent so much time in Ocean City, Maryland…a coastal type of girl. Her paintings show, the sand and the sea, the ocean and surfing, whales, the Atlantic Shore, and the Chesapeake Bay. Her watercolors of flowers and garden petals are whimsical…She designed the cover for Maryland Life magazine.
Her gallery is on the first floor and upstairs you will find her studio. Liz Lind Editions also offers framing.
 
Liz Lind is a brand name. In her gallery you will find the perfect gifts….note cards, ceramic coasters, tiles, framed tiles, baby onesies, coffee mugs, ornaments, and adult and children tee-shirts.
 
 
Liz Lind is in collaboration with Maine Cottage. Her works for Maine Cottage are printed and signed in a limited edition of 100. For more information, please visit http://www.mainecottage.com.
Please note that Liz Lind accepts commission work and she is also a great teacher. If you have any questions, please call her at 443-0727-9042.
It was so nice meeting Liz….the artist behind her paintings. If you do decide to visit and meet her, you’ll see what I mean. She was friendly, gracious, and fun. And, so were you Erica!!
Have a great day!!
 
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