Join us where skies are blue ....

Blue Skies is a ministry that offers weeklong family retreats to bring the hope of Christ to families living through the challenges of pediatric cancer and other life-threatening pediatric illnesses. Our hope is that children who are sick will laugh and play again; that siblings, who often compete with illness, will feel cherished and valued; and, that marriages and families will be strengthened.

Please Text* 104120 to Pepsi (73774) and VOTE DAILY online to send kids with cancer and their families to Where Skies are Blue.

Peaceful WindMark Beach

“Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.” ~Anonymous

Summer -- Still a Dream Come True at WindMark Beach Idea House

I loved the unspoiled simplicity of WindMark Beach. Devoid of crowds most folks expect in Florida, this peaceful shoreline along the Forgotten Coast felt like our very own secret hideaway for the 4th of July weekend.

We danced along the shore. We searched for treasures and were not disappointed. Dozens of live sand dollars tickeled our toes along the sandbar -- what a thrill. We played until the sun went down, and carried home a heartfull of memories. Our Summer Dreams keep coming true each time we visit our sweet home at WindMark Beach.

Back at the house, we read the beach stories of other families (over a dozen already this year!) vacationing at Summer Dream. Our guest book is already filling up with lively tales of cuddling on the porch, board games during afternoon showers, sandcastle building, and "catching the big one" in St. Joe Bay's crystal blue waters. What a joy to share the WindMark Idea House with others. What a blessing for our children to create lasting memories as well.

Thanks to all who have visited. And thanks again to MyHomeIdeas for our Summer Dream Come True!

Plein Air Painting of Summer Dream Cottage

During the Summer Dream Porch Party, I was honored to welcome a Northwest Florida artist, Jill Berry, to stay in our home during the Plein Air Paintout.
To thank us for her stay in the Sunrise Suite, she painted this rendering of the house for us. I was thrilled to see her interpretation, and equally thankful she shared her inspiration . . .

"I wouldn't have expected myself to choose this frontal view, but the more
distant angle seemed to have an outsider feel, like from the neighbor's
perspective. My impression of the place is so welcoming with the perfect
porch. My concept for the painting is based around that piece of light though
the breezeway in the back. I want the viewer's eye to go up the steps onto the
porch and be drawn into the house. It's the silver lining or perhaps the gold at
the end of the rainbow. I hope I pulled it off." ~Jill Berry

Thank you, Jill, for such a thoughtful gift! We will find a place of honor in Summer Dream to showcase your beautiful work.

Check out Jill's Plein Air Painting Journal on her blog.

Beach House Outdoor Shower

Behind this curtain . . . lies the coziest

Outdoor shower, with plenty of flip flops to welcome you to the beach. . . and

A cozy spot for a little one to rest or tap her feet in the puddles . . .

We had so much fun at Summer Dream this weekend. We hope you can come visit us soon!!

Summer Dream Porch Party, May 9th -- Win a Free Stay in the WindMark Beach IdeaHouse!

We'd love for you to join us for a:

Summer Dream Porch Party & Open House

Saturday, May 9th, between 11am-5pm EST

While visiting WindMark and Port St. Joe for the Plein Air Paintout,

Stop by Summer Dream for snacks and lemonade.

Tour the MyHomeIdeas 2008 Idea House and

Enter for Your chance to WIN a two night stay at Summer Dream.

We can't wait to see you at WindMark Beach!!

Click here for directions to WindMark Beach

WindMark Beach PleinAir Paintout and Summer Dream Porch Picnic May 9th, 2009

Join us at Summer Dream for an artful celebration you'll not soon forget! (Scroll down to learn how you may WIN a two-night stay at Summer Dream!!)

PLEIN AIR PAINTERS CREATE LASTING MEMORIES OF FORGOTTEN COAST IN GREAT PAINT-OUT MAY 7-17, 2009

“Plein Air” Defined: According to the website, PleinAirFl.com
“Plein Air” , a French word, simply translated means ”open air”. The roots of plein air painting are found in 19th-century Europe. An Englishman, John Constable, believed that artists should forget” formulas” and trust their own vision in finding truth in nature.

About the same time in France, in a small village called Barbizon, a group of artists focused their attention on a subject matter that had never been done before, everyday life and the natural world surrounding it. These realists laid the ground work for the next development: Impressionism. Plein air forever changed how artists see the world.

A true plein air painting is done on location, capturing the atmosphere of the moment. The majority of the painting must be completed on site with little to no work to be done in the studio. Most artists agree this is the true test of skill as it requires complete confidence in placement of color and brushwork in a short amount of time. For example, a sunset may only last 30-40 minutes. That would be all the time the artist has to capture the scene.

Nationally recognized plein air artists have been selected to capture the allure of the Florida's Forgotten Coast with paint and canvas. Artists will be painting on the beach, across the marsh, beside the lakes and throughout the streets of waterfront towns from Mexico Beach, Windmark, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St. George Island, Carrabelle, and inland at Wewahitchka. You are cordially invited to join us at this premier art exhibition and sale featuring on-location artists. Experience beauty through the eyes of America's finest plein air artists!

Plein air is all about capturing the light and the nuance of life in a natural outdoor setting.

Schedule of Events
May 8-17 Watch Art Happen, artists paint between Mexico Beach and Alligator Point

May 10-16 WindMark Village Center Town Hall: Available Works, art viewing & sales
Daily 11-5pm EST

May 11-15 Plein Air Classics, an exhibit of private collection paintings, Gulf County TDC Welcome Center, Daily 9-5pm EST

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

May 9

SUMMER DREAM Porch Picnic, Home Tour, and Free Stay Giveaway!! Enter to win a two-night stay in Summer Dream! Visit us in WindMark Beach between 1-5pm EST before attending WindMark Beach's opening reception at 6pm. All visitors to SUMMER DREAM Porch Picnic and Open House may enter our drawing to win a two-night stay.

May 8

Dual Opening Receptions, meet the artists, event organizers and patrons: In the
West at the WindMark Village Center, In the East at SummerCamp, both 6-8 pm EST

May 9

Reid Avenue Quickdraw, artists from the region capture Port St. Joe in the Plein
Air tradition, children's art project and music, 10-4pm EST. More information and
application.

May 12

Student Art Day, Maddox Park, lunch follows at the Gulf County TDC Welcome
Center, Port St. Joe, 10-1pm EST

May 13

Art Tete-e-tete & Wine Tasting, artist reception, Prickly Pears, Mexico
Beach, 5-7pm CST

May 15

Plein Air TGIF, relax with artists overlooking St. Joe Bay, Gulf County TDC WelcomeCenter, Port St. joe, ticket required, 5:30-8:30pm EST

This is only a PARTIAL event listing for activities taking place in Port St. Joe and WindMark Beach. For a comprehensive listing of Plein Air Paintout events along the Forgotten Coast, visit PleinAirFl.com .

Our Sea Turtle Friends

My daughter and I just enjoyed these wonderful books about Sea Turtles . . . followed by a lively conversation of how these wonderful animals are protected near our new Florida home.

The Sea Turtle Nesting Season begins May 1st and runs through October 31st in Gulf County, Florida. WindMark Beach is the ONLY community in the state of Florida to earn a "Wildlife-Friendly" certification because of its efforts to preserve these and other wonderful creatures sharing their coast. WindMark uses specialized lighting to keep lights off the beach and the adjacent wildlife community within the Village.Hatching sea turtles move toward the brightest light on the beach at night, because they instinctively believe it is the moon shining over the water. At WindMark Beach, the developers ensured the Village lighting is not even visible from the beach.

Bill Lynn, a wildlife biologist employed by WindMark and St. Joe Company, says that, "Protecting the environment is important to our company. Not only that, our customers want to be environmentally friendly."
While most coastal counties have lighting ordinances, it is still an issue on some beaches. Some highly imperiled turtle species, such as giant leatherback turtles and loggerheads, nest on these same beaches.When the hatchlings dig to the surface, normally at night, and see street lights, they head toward them and away from the water, which often means they die.

In 2003 biologists determined over 79,300 hatchling sea turtles on Florida coasts either died or had to be picked up and returned to the water after heading inland. Lights displayed on beaches also disrupt the nesting habits of several species of shorebirds, making them more vulnerable to predation.

Dean Gallagher was the FWC biologist who worked with St. Joe and their
wildlife-friendly certification for WindMark Beach. He now works with the
University of Hawaii. He has high praise for the way everyone connected with the
project embraced the idea of making it a wildlife-friendly development.

"Instead of using 40-foot poles for street lighting, they used low, 12-foot
poles with full-cutoff fixtures. They were so well-done you can't see the
lighting from the beach," Gallagher said. ~Port St. Joe Star,
May 9, 2007

This summer, families who visit Summer Dream will be able to observe loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat. You may even choose to join the Gulf Coast Conservation Association's efforts to preserve this endangered species, by signing up to perform "Turtle Patrol" during your stay. To learn more about the sea turtles in Gulf County, or to volunteer during your WindMark Beach vacation, visit the GCA Turtles website.

Summer Dream Cottage Website Launch

What is Your Summer Dream?

Maybe it's rising with the sun,
fishing in the tides, splashing in the surf,
and romancing by the light of the moon.

Maybe it's children laughing, screen doors clapping, and families gathering to grill and serve the daily catch.

Maybe it's a peaceful afternoon wrapped in the welcoming arms of a porch bed swing with a good book, iced tea, and a gentle Gulf breeze as company.

Whatever your vision . . . A Summer Dream getaway beckons you to celebrate life's simple joys.

Visit: SummerDreamCottage.Com to plan your own Summer Dream Vacation.

Flip Flop Welcome

Our flip flop stop has been featured as an owner tip on HomeAway.com . HomeAway asked, "What gifts do you offer to welcome guests?"

"Flip Flops! We won our vacation home from MyHomeIdeas.Com. When we arrived to the home, the outdoor shower was stocked with flip flops. Our children quickly tossed off their street shoes and chose a colorful pair of flops for their stay. We were so touched, we decided to purchase a case of flip flops, and keep the shower stocked for new guests upon arrival. The flip flops have been a huge hit, and a fun way to welcome guests to our Summer Dream House in Windmark Beach." -Leisa, Port St. Joe, FL (HomeAway #94102, VRBO #220237)

We can't wait to see you at the beach!!
Leisa

Won't You Be My Neighbor -- NEW homes for sale in WindMark Beach

WindMark Beach has just lowered the prices on the Model Homes next door to Summer Dream. Which means NOW is the time to hook an incredible deal on a vacation rental. Check out these great buys, and have fun creating your own Summer home.
111 Washboard features a lovely detached carriage style garage and has just been reduced from nearly $1.3 million to $890,000.
109 Washboard has just been reduced from $1.2 million to $796,000! 103 Washboard has just been reduced from $1.1 million to $796,000!

107 Washboard has just been reduced to $890,000. This home is currently filled with luxurious furnishings from Joseph's Cottage.

All of these lovely cottages are connected by a BeachWalk to our own Summer Dream Cottage -- just a hundred yard dash away from the loveliest white sand beach you've ever seen, and equidistant to the WindMark Village Center.

Check in with the WindMark Beach Village Sales. I would love for you to join me at the beach!

By the way, I receive no commission for the sale of these homes, just the satisfaction of knowing YOUR Summer Dream might be coming true in WindMark Beach!!

Blessings to you. Hope to see you at the beach!!

Leisa

Summer Dream at Windmark Beach -- Bunk Room and Guest Suite

The New Summer Dream Beach House in Port St. Joe, Florida (so generously gifted to us from MyHomeIdeas.com) has been officially transformed into Windmark Beach's newest vacation home!! The bunk room is now complete. This room which previously housed the guest suite, offers a snug getaway for children and adults alike. It now sleeps six (between the two bunks and trundles), and features books to read, toys for play, and a tv and game system to keep the younger set entertained.

What was once a child's room . . . is now a dreamy space to greet a sunrise. I am especially proud of this room. We used the gorgeous bed and upholstered furnishings the designer, Dale Trice, left with the home. We added the tables, porcelain fish, and mirrored coastal artwork from PortSide Trading on Reid Avenue in Port St. Joe, coral lamps from LampsPlus.com

We brightened the walls with Sherwin Williams Jovial paint, which matched the pink ribbon on the blinds. We shopped for hours in Port St. Joe and online to complete this space. My father, Dennis Barber, and his handyman, Steve, sanded the walls, patched and painted this room until it glowed. My mother, Linda Barber, and Patti Stroud, my property manager continued the vision by placing the artwork on the walls. I left them with the ideas, but these angels, and our wonderful Summer Dream Team made the rooms a reality.

And speaking of the Dream Team -- here's a pic of the crazy bunch who helped us transform an already fabulous IdeaHouse into a Summer Dream where guests will feel completely at Home! From left to right starting at top: Zach Barber, Steve Connelly, Dennis and Linda Barber (my parents), Michelle Cook, Linda Brown. Seated on the swing is Connie Connelly and girls I simply know as Dani's friends. Dani Connelly is taking the picture.
By the way, this group should be commended for the rug burns I hear they acquired in assembling the bunks. Thank you so much everyone. Thanks to MyHomeIdeas for changing our lives, and to our incredible friends and family for keeping the dream alive. Life is So Good -- especially among friends at the beach!!!

For more great photos and to see how you may getaway to this amazing home, click Here or on the Summer Dream House Picture at the top left of this blog. You will be amazed!!

Windmark Beach School of Fish

I found a great review and photos of Windmark Beach's School of Fish Restaurant on SoWal.Com Brennan's "School Of Fish" at Windmark Beach

" We stopped by Windmark Beach on our way back from Apalachicola and were
surprised to see "School Of Fish", the latest offering from the Brennan brothers
out of New Orleans was open for business and serving lunch. Everything was
excellent as expected and the view of St. Joseph's Bay and Cape San Blas is
outstanding. They have outdoor and indoor seating.I had grilled shrimp and some
of the most tasty saffron rice I've ever had. Tootsie had a juicy burger with
perfect fries tossed in truffle oil. All the dishes around us looked excellent -
grilled fish and steaks, and delectable deserts.

"I heard one local comment how appreciative he was to have such a fine restaurant come to the area. Blake Brennan was present and chatting at every table. We met him and mentioned we hadn't made it to Royal B or Commander's Palace (both now in Destin) yet but he said to call him and he'd set it up. Now that's service!"

Oh . . . and check out the views!!! The restaurant also hosts culinary demonstrations on special weekends. A Valentine's Day party is planned at the restaurant as well . . .

Oh how I wish we could take off and enjoy it ourselves, but as our daughter says, "Isn't it nice that we can share such a wonderful house and beach with our friends. Others can enjoy it too!"

Be sure to visit them during your trip to Summer Dream at Windmark Beach.

Since this post, School of Fish has changed ownership. It will still operate under the same name, but the owners of the FishHouse in Pensacola Beach will now be the proprietors. I've eaten at the Fish House -- yum! I feel confident the standard of excellence shall continue in this scenic restaurant.

MyHomeIdeas Beach House Girls Room Reveal

Our daughter loved her new bedroom . . . as you can see.

MyHomeIdeas Windmark Beach Idea House Big Reveal -- for kids

The MyHomeIdeas.Com Home Giveaway Big Reveal -- Kids' Style.

As you can see. . . our children love the new beach house from MyHomeIdeas . . . Read the full story from MyHomeIdeas here and more from this blog on our Story of a Dream Come True. This scene ends with our daughter running downstairs to find her new bed.

The Dream Team!

It takes a team to make a Summer Dream come true! My parents (in the top middle) and this fun group of friends all headed down to Summer Dream for the weekend to do last minute repairs, build bunk beds, and check off all the items on my to-do list. Thank you guys for all your hard work. I heard you had a few rug burns when it was all over. I'm glad to see you all took a little time to goof off on the porch swing. Next time I see the Dream Team, Friday Night Happy Hour is on me -- er, well, maybe the first round anyway. I know you Dreamers a little too well.

And that's my Pops -- always working (in between naps). He has worked extremely hard to make this home Renter-Ready. Thanks Dad, for always being there. I'm lucky to have you.

A Walk Through Windmark Beach

This scenic video, posted on the Southern Resort's Gulf Coast Blog (and created by our very own angel and property manager, Patti Stroud) offers a glimpse of the treasures awaiting you at Windmark Beach.



Oh, watching it again makes me homesick for the coast. I truly hope you all get a chance to experience this Summer Dream!

Lucky Enough! Works in Progress at the Idea House.

Many people are surprised to realize only a portion of the furnishings were conveyed to us as part of the prize package from MyHomeIdeas.com. . . Many of the tables and all of the artwork was on loan for staging purposes. But, the important items remained: all the gorgeous outdoor furniture from Frontgate, all of the upholstered furnishings, window treatments, beds and luxurious bedding. We were thrilled with the home as it was (with or without the pricey artwork), and ever grateful for this experience. As I say, "If you are lucky enough to be at the beach, you are lucky enough." This sign was our first purchase -- located in the laundry room, and the guest's entry to the home. Read Some Day to learn its significance.
We were thrilled to add a few of our own touches to the home. As you can see, the home is still a work-in-progress. But, we are certain to have it in tip-top shape before Spring when, hopefully, our big rental season will begin.

We replaced the missing dining table with a great buy from World Market. The weathered finish of this table is perfect for active families in the beach house. It also neatly stows a bench underneath. So, for our holiday meals, we simply pulled the table away from the window, and had enough space to fit all the troops. The chairs were still in the house from before, but we were able to find an inexpensive look-alike alternative for the barstools at Target.

The artwork was missing in the master bedroom. Luckily, we found stunning replacements at Trask Design Studio in Port St. Joe's lovely shopping district on Reid Street.

This bed sadly had to be moved from the coral bedroom to accomodate a more appropriate location for the children's room in the main house. But we thought it looked lovely in person with the striped walls. Now that I see the picture, however, I'm not as convinced. Hmmm. All the girly decor (lamps, pillows, etc.) have been relocated to our home in Maryland. Updated photos will follow of this room -- now outfitted from another lovely shop in Port St. Joe -- Portside Trading Company. The staff at Portside Trading were exceptionally helpful, allowing us to bring home pieces to try out in the space. Once we have new photos with all the furniture, I can decide if the room color will work.

These beds from SimplyBunkbeds.com look very nice in the coral room. This, as you see, is still a work-in-progress. Your ideas are welcome! I think we just need pillows and artwork and extra lighting to tie it all together.

I do like how the white bunks brighten the space. We placed a bunk on each wall with trundles underneath. There's enough bunkspace here to sleep 6! We also added a double ottoman sleeper to the main room.

Summer Dream can comfortably accommodate a slumbering party of 14. . . perfect for a family reunion. You will find that splitting the bill for a vacation home between a couple of other families (instead of booking individual hotel rooms) allows you a little more pocket change for shopping on Reid Avenue.

We'll post completed photos of the rooms as we have them. . . each weekend my family and friends from the Gulf Coast have been visiting Summer Dream to give each room just a little more love. Many thanks to My Dream Team!

And Blessings to all of you,

Leisa

Our Fabulous New Home in Windmark Beach!!

Finally! We're here!! Here's the view that greeted us as we drove up to the home . . . the garages open to the street to the back of the home . . . inviting us to park the car and choose alternative forms of transportation -- beach cruisers, kayaks, and barefeet -- for the rest of our stay.

Flip flops welcomed our arrival to the home. The children didn't miss a beat as they shed their street shoes quickly, and chose a personal pair for their stay. We were so touched by our children's natural reaction that we have stocked enough flip flops to greet all guests at our new Summer Dream.

Porch living at it's finest . . . we sat for hours each evening in this space -- a great place for a game of cards or a coctail among friends. The porches felt like they went on and on.

Sitting here at night delights the senses. The flavor of salty air seasoned with pine. The rhythm of evening dew dancing atop tin roofs, trickling through the branches below. It felt as if we were transported deep into a Southern rainforest.

Sensational seating for a sisterly chat.

Walking along the beach on Christmas day . . . shorts, barefeet, almost 80 degree temps with our jolly crew . . .

truly was a holiday's Summer Dream!

Kayaks -- courtesy of Windmark Beach -- stand ready for a sportsman's pleasure. We're saving this adventure for next time, when the water is warm enough for me to fall into!

The bikes are provided by Windmark Sales Office for guests -- for free!!! We biked the miles of cobbled roads and boardwalks for hours!

The home truly was more fabulous in person! There was room for everbody to enjoy a movie or a meal in the main room. Then at bedtime, each person had a private space in which to retreat. A perfect place for a holiday reunion!

The carriage house above the garage offered a great getaway for the grandparents. The children loved visiting them there every morning.

Our children never wanted to leave. My son said, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could live here year round, and bring all our friends! This house and this neighborhood are AWESOME!" You can't get higher praise than that, especially from a nine-year-old.

Like him, I wish we could live here year round. But I also agree this will be a terrific place to welcome guests. The best part of having a Summer Dream come true is sharing it with others. . . I hope you can come visit soon.

When you are ready to plan your own Summer Dream vacation, here is the angel to call . . . Patti Stroud, our property manager from Southern Resorts, worked tirelessly prior to our arrival to prepare the home for us. She noticed every little detail, brought in the cleaning team, worked with all the contractors to ensure everything was hooked up and running for us when we got there. We have been absolutely blessed by Patti's hard work and enthusiasm, and know she will take exceptionally good care of our guests. Give her a call at (850)229-1350 or click on the Summer Dream photo on the blog to book your stay.

We know your family will love Windmark as much as we do! We can't wait to welcome you to your Summer Dream.

Blessings,

Leisa