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.

Windmark Beach -- For those who like to be first!

Just one more reason to be among the FIRST to visit Summer Dream . . .

Florida Travel + Life Magazine's feature article this month picked Windmark Beach as one of Florida's "52 Great Weekend Getaways." Windmark BeachWalk Photo: Courtesy of St. Joe Company

#52 WindMark Beach -- Best for those who like being first.
"East of Panama City in North Florida, ecologically sound WindMark Beach (a part-residential, part-resort community) officially debuts this March. Pedal a beach cruiser through paths that skirt sand dunes landscaped with native plants and gardens. In the fall migrating monarchs en route to Mexico pause here. . . A second-story, open-air lounge at WindMark's School of Fish offers stunning vistas of Cape San Blas State Park and the town center. Downstairs, a raw bar will serve Apalachicola oysters." ~Larry Nighswander

Read the full article here

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

First Sunset at Windmark Beach

Our First Walk on Windmark Beach . . . at Sunset!

Best transportation in town . . . Pops' shoulders.

Our Bernese Mountain Dog, Maggie, can't wait to sample this new terrain.

The sky softly turns to pink as the girls enjoy their beach walk.

These sunsets truly will make you cry. I'm walking here with my parents. My little girl is riding her Grand Pops shoulders again. The boys are waiting for us at the end of the boardwalk.

The kayaks, provided courtesy of Windmark, accentuate the evening landscape.

This Christmas truly was a "Summer Dream" come true! Thank you MyHomeIdeas!

Life Is Good at the Beach House

It's official! Our children LOVED the new beach house! On Christmas morning, they enjoyed a few laughs on the coolest porch swing they ever saw.
The boys call it "gi-normous!" Their sister chimes in, "Yeah, hu-normous!"
They pose here with their new "Life is Good" shirts -- freshly ripped from packages found under the Christmas morning tree. They swing and giggle briefly for the camera before reminding their mother (and Aunt Leisa) that "We're going to the beach, remember. " A couple of minutes and a hundred yard race later, they were there!
Those pictures will follow later, along with our family's elated reactions to our new home and the amazing coastal community of Windmark Beach. Because for now -- after a wonderful Christmas week of living in a Summer Dream, a 17 hour mini-van trek with my delightful husband, three children, and Bernese Mountain dog has delivered me safely home to a "gi-normous, hu-gantic" pile of laundry to explore. All I seek now is R-E-S-T! (Well, ok . . . maybe I can post just one pic of Maggie the Beach dog.)

I do hope your holidays have been wonderful, too. As soon as we dig our way completely out of our sandy suitcases, I promise to post more pictures and stories from what my children have proclaimed was "The Best Christmas EVER!"

Blessings to you,
Leisa

Celebrate the New Year in the Windmark Beach Idea House!!

The Windmark Idea House will be officially ours soon. . . Our family plans to stay here for the first time during Christmas, but on December 29th, this little slice of paradise will be ready to Welcome Your Family. If our dream-come-true is your dream too, Click Here for Rental Information or call Patti Stroud, our Southern Resorts Property Manager at (800)424-1318 to see when the Idea House is available for your family!

You may browse the photos and slideshows of this amazing home by clicking the photo above or by visiting: MyHomeIdeas. But keep checking back here, as we will be posting our own photos soon. You may expect a few changes to the decor. The artwork and a few tables and lights will change since those pieces were on loan. . . And the little girl's bed will be moving to our Maryland home at our daughter's request. In its place -- we are building a Fabulous NEW Bunkroom similiar to the one here with beds for 6 of your favorite friends or little ones!!!
Start planning your stay today with the Port St. Joe Getaway -- Fun Links on the sidebar. And click here to introduce your little ones to a few of the neighbors.
The Windmark Beach community is nothing less than spectacular. Our cottage, which we plan to name "Summer Dream" is conveniently located next to the Town Center's shops, restaurants, community pool, and the best part --- only 100 yards from the snow-white beach! We look forward to welcoming all of you to the "cottage that will knock your sandals off" very soon!

Blessings to you for the Holiday Season,
Leisa

Ready to Meet Our New Neighbors

Our trip to Port St. Joe and the new beach house this Christmas is all our family can talk about! We are preparing to meet a few of the locals.

Scallops! Port St. Joe is famous for them!

What fun it will be to go horseback riding on the beach!! Horses are provided by Two Bit Stables. Our dog will be a welcome visitor, too. K-9 magazine once awarded Port St. Joe the title of Best Dog Beach in the U.S! Gulf County is the ONLY county in Florida that allows our pampered pooch to walk along its shores.

Windmark Beach is the only Florida Development to obtain a "Wildlife Friendly" certification. The community's specialized lighting ensures that nesting sea turtles will always feel welcome along their beach!

One of my favorite locals -- dolphins in the St. Joe Bay.

Fiddler crabs in the water . . . watch your step!

White Ibises fill the sky.

A Florida Gator might even show up for a visit at St. Joseph's nature reserve.

And a walk through the woods could invite curiousity from a land local. . .

Our nature-loving family will surely have a grand time making friends with all our new neighbors!