Tag Archives: Rocky Neck

JOEANN HART’S OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH FOR “HIGHWIRE ACT AND OTHER TALES OF SURVIVAL!”

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Dear Friends, Family, & Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that my collection of short fiction, Highwire Act & Other Tales of Survival, will officially release on September 15th. The launch is on September 14th at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center at 7pm, where I will be reading with fellow Black Lawrence Press author Sara Johnson Allen. I will also be reading at the Sawyer Free Library, the temporary location on 21 Main St, Gloucester, on October12th at 5:30 pm. These events are free and open to the public.The Bookstore will be selling copies at both. You may also order a copy directly from Black Lawrence Press or any of the usual venues.

Warmly,

JoeAnn

JoeAnn Hart’s extraordinary stories take you on a trip: to a dystopian future; to the tidewaters of Gloucester; to the chambers of a haunted mill.  But in the end, the real place she takes us is the center of the human heart. These unforgettable tales are generous, brilliant, and fierce.

—Jennifer Finney Boylan, author of She’s Not There, and co-author (with Jodi Picoult) of Mad Honey

In her fiction collection, Highwire Act and Other Tales of Survival, JoeAnn Hart’s characters go to the sea, deadhead flowers, eat artisanal pizzas, with humor and with humanity. These luminous stories shine long after you’ve read them.

—Ann Hood, author of Fly Girl

The fabulous cover was designed with a collage by Gloucester artist Hans Pundt.

In this collection, a young couple raise crickets for food, a woman in a caged complex is witness to the deterioration of her neighbor, a homeless man contemplates an infant’s grave from the Westward Expansion, and an uncompromising ego takes on a Biblical rain. These are among the stories in Highwire Act & Other Tales of Survival, where the climate crisis arrives not just as strange and violent weather, but as upheavals of our political and emotional climates as well. As characters struggle for survival with Covid, ecological destruction, grief, or mental illness, they attempt to find solace and restoration from a nature that is increasingly no longer in a position to give back. And with science unable to keep up, fake suicides, fairy tales, and delusion are the thorny tools humans are left with to carry on, yet carry on they do

VENUS AND THE WAXING CRESCENT MOON

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Beautiful sky, Moon, and Venus Sunday night.

PARADE OF SAILS AND SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

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My friend Mary McLoud reminded me of this time lapse video of the Parade of Sail from several years ago (eight actually!).

Parade of Sails Through Gloucester Inner Harbor Time Lapse

The tall ships start appearing around 1:50, but I liked seeing all the smaller boats, too. Look for the Stanley Thomas lobster boat closer to the beginning. After the Parade I walked out onto the rocky ledge near the Eastern Point Lighthouse, but as you can see in the second-to-last clip, a thunderstorm was on the way and I had to skeedadle.

Al Bezanson’s list of schooner’s, in order of appearance: Sugar Babe, Adventure, Thomas E Lannon, Adirondack III, Brilliant, Virginia, Tillicum I, Lewis H Story, Liberty Clipper, Perception, Light Reign, American Eagle, Morning Light, Green Dragon.

MAGNIFICENT PARADE OF SAIL WENDING THROUGH THE HARBOR

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The magnificent Parade of Sail, as seen from Rocky Neck <3

 

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY! COME CELEBRATE THE GRAND OPENING OF THE BRAND NEW COVE GALLERY ON ROCKY NECK!

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So looking forward  to attending the grand opening of the new Cove Gallery!

 

CAPE ANN’S GHOSTLY SNOWY OWL!

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A beautiful mysterious Snowy Owl has spent the winter here on Cape Ann. She is very elusive, never dallying too long in one location. She has been spotted in the Good Harbor Beach dunes, Long Beach, Salt Island, Middle Street rooftops, woods, Back Shore, Bass Rocks, Rocky Neck, Smith’s Cove, and even at the bottom of our hill on Pirate’s Lane.

Thank you to many friends who have alerted me to her presence – Hilary, Catherine, Grace, Nicole, Gordon, Arley, Frankie, Susan, Roger – if I forgot to include you, I mean to thank you, too!

If you spotted a Snowy on Cape this winter, please write. I do not believe Cape Ann’s Snowy is still about however, if you do see a Snowy, please leave a comment or feel free to email at kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com. Thank you!

I am almost certain she is not the same Snowy that stayed with us several winter’s ago. Unlike Piping Plovers, from tracking data, we know that Snowies don’t generally return to the same location every winter, and many only migrate during their youth. In case you missed it, here is a link to a series of fun educational short films that I made about Cape Ann’s 2018 resident Snowy Owl, including bathing, capturing a seabird, and passing a pellet. Snowy Owl Film Project

It’s been a banner year for Snowy Owls at Salisbury Beach, Sandy Point, and Parker River, so much so I have gone out of my way to avoid stopping to photograph owls at these locations for fear of disturbing the Snowies. There are a great deal more people out and about photographing than in previous years, due largely to the pandemic, and the owl disturbances are many.

 

 

CAROL LEE’S COTTAGE IS NOW OPEN FOR ONLINE SHOPPING!

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My friend JoAnn Sousa wrote this lovely note about her friend Carol Lee and her shop, Carol Lee’s Cottage. I thought it so sweet and that is why I am sharing the note in its entirety –

JoAnn writes,

“I am so glad you have your own blog – wonderful.

I’ve have been mesmerized by your incredible wildlife photos for years and you have heightened my interest in birds.

I realize you may be primarily focused on Gloucester and totally understand and I trust you have a long lists of subjects to cover. I wanted to mention a shop in Rockport , Carol Lee’s Cottage. Carol Lee Kelliher owns it (she has no idea I’m writing to you) and I am always taken by the variety and quality of goods she has. For instance she has a collection of kids tee shirts and long sleeve that have heros on them such as Jane Goodall, Madam Curie etc – I think she’s the only one in NE with the line. She was also one of the first to carry masks. Great jewelry at reasonable prices, cute dresses, it goes on and on. Personally I think she’s the nicest shop on the neck.

If you have any interest you can check out the store and her background story on FB or carolleescottage.com. Her personality matches her colorful goods and she has a nice following.

Anyway, they opened up Bearskin Neck today, curbside pick ups at the restaurants and stores and I thought I’d pass along some info on this little jewel of a store. She’s doing curbside/mailing etc.

Stay well and congrats!”

Thank you JoAnn for sharing! And thank you for your kind comments. I am interested in posting about any small business with their coronavirus endeavors. It’s such a tough time and I admire the resourcefulness and resiliency of so many trying so hard to stay afloat during this most challenging of time.

The children’s tees do look especially wonderful and I Love her selection Turkish beach towels – you are so spot on, her products are wonderfully colorful and fun! Here are some images from Carol’s website, where you can do your online shopping HERE

GLOUCESTER EAST IN THE LIFTING FOG

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Friday afternoon into evening the light was spectacular in our neighborhood, The fog was coming and receeding in waves. At moments the sun was shining brightly, seconds later, the sun and anything ten feet in front of you was obscured.

 

ROSEWAY AT THE RAILWAYS

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Schooner Roseway hauled out at the Marine Railways – a Gloucester favorite (after our own Schooner fleet, of course).

To learn more about the Essex built Schooner Roseway, visit her website here: Schooner Roseway

History

Roseway, 137′ in sparred length, was designed as a fishing yacht by John James and built in 1925 in his family’s shipyard in Essex, Massachusetts. Father and son worked side by side on Roseway, carrying on a long New England history of wooden shipbuilding. She was commissioned by Harold Hathaway of Taunton, Massachusetts, and was named after an acquaintance of Hathaway’s “who always got her way.” Despite her limited fishing history, Roseway set a record of 74 swordfish caught in one day in 1934. Read more here.

Calm Before the Storm

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Good Morning! Brought to you by Rocky Neck–from an exquisitely sunny and peaceful morning.

Saturated Sunset Over Gloucester Harbor

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Gorgeous sunset over Gloucester Harbor and Rocky Neck, with the colors of the sky flowing from red hot reds and oranges to soothing shades of violet pinks and blues. 


Within moments, the sky’s hues changed from orange to violet. FV Pioneer in the foreground. 

Sky Drama Over Gloucester Harbor

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Layers of of fast moving April storm clouds swirling over the Harbor last night.

Click image to view larger panorama larger

Smith’s Cove Rocky Neck

Happy New Year’s Day 2017 Scenes from Our Neighborhood

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duckworths-gloucester-copyright-kim-smithThe Duckworth’s wishing everyone a Happy 2017

rocky-neck-star-copyright-kim-smithharbor-cove-star-2-copyright-kim-smithHarbor Star

ten-pound-island-lighthouse-gloucester-massachusetts-copyright-kim-smithHeading out New Year’s Day evening

Super Moon, Howling Coyotes, Flying Swan, Songbirds Going Crazy, and Beautiful Brace Cove Daybreak

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rocky-neck-smith-cove-daybreak-copyright-kim-smithLast Tuesday was a photographer’s magical dream morning. After photographing and filming December’s “Long Night’s Moon” descending over the Gloucester city skyline, I turned toward the east to see a peaceful daybreak scene over Rocky Neck. Perhaps the sun hadn’t fully risen I thought and hurried to Brace Cove. The sun had rose behind Brace Rock with just enough clouds that it was still pretty, not blasted out by too much light.

I then walked along the edge of Niles Pond, meeting up with Mr. Swan who was occupied with his morning swim, which often indicates he is readying to take flight. He did, and with movie camera in hand, he circled the Pond before landing at Brace Cove, near the breakwater.

Eerily, the coyotes were howling in the distance, actually howling, like wolves, and for quite a long while. I often hear their meet-and-greet yipping and socializing barks that they make shortly after sunset, and too the terrible sound they make when killing a creature, but I have never heard them howling in the morning. I wonder if it had something to do with the full moon? Do our readers hear coyotes howling regularly?

tufted-titmouse-copyright-kim-smithTufted Titmouse

Further along the Pond walk there was a large flock of American Robins and they, along with a lively group of Blue Jays, Tufted Titmice, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, and Cardinals were hungrily eating every berry in sight, so much so that when I returned to the same spot a few days later, there wasn’t a berry or fruit to be seen. A magical morning at a magical place we’re fortunate to call home.

full-cold-moon-frosty-moon-december-2016-gloucester-ma-city-skyline-1-copyright-kim-smithDecember Long Night’s Moon

Nightfall

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Beautiful from every vantage point all around the harbor. Click panoramic images to see full size.gloucester-harbor-sunset-copyright-kim-smithgloucesterskyline-nightfall-1-copyright-kim-smithgloucester-skyline-nightfall-copyright-kim-smith

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL9kiwVDD_h/

September Dreamscapes

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As the fog was dissipating in the setting sun, whichever direction the camera was pointed, we were treated to a breathtaking view. 

gloucester-city-skyline-sunset-from-smiths-cove-copyright-kim-smith

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKmfFDjjgRS/

Foggy Morning Rocky Neck

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Foggy morning in the neighborhood, looking towards Rocky Neck and the East Gloucester Marine RailwaysGloucester foggy morning Smith's Cove Rocky Neck -2 copyright Kim Smith Gloucester foggy morning Smith's Cove Rocky Neck copyright Kim SmithGloucester foggy morning Smith's Cove Rocky Neck -3 copyright Kim Smith 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BI-JsEjjHaC/

Dominic Nesta Returning to Port

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Dominic Nesta and his unmistakeable fishing boat ‘Tide Skipper’ coming home Friday night, with the Fort in the background. I think the pilot house on the small book gives it a very interesting, unique look, making it always easy to identify whenever seen in the Harbor.

Dominic Nesta Tide Skipper fishing boat Gloucester MA copyright Kim Smith Dominic Nesta Tide Skipper fishing boat Gloucester MA Harbor copyright Kim Smith

HUGE THANK YOU TO THE ROCKY NECK ART COLONY!

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So many thanks to everyone who came out for my talk at the Cultural Center last night. Thank you to old friends who were there and thank you to my new friends; it was a pleasure to meet you!

We had a wonderful turnout. The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck and the Rocky Neck Art Colony did a tremendous job hosting. With special thanks and gratitude to Martha Swanson, Suzanne Gilbert Lee, Jane Keddy, Karen Ristuben, Tom Nihan, and Mary Lou. The Beautiful Birds of Cape Ann thank you to!

MUTE SWAN ROCKY NECK GLOUCESTER KIMSMITHDESIGNS.COM 2016

Mr.Swan and Mallards Rocky Neck Gloucester

Fringetree on Rocky Neck ~ American Native Beauty in Our Midst

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Fringetree Chionanthus virginicus Gloucester MA ©Kim Smith 2014jpgFringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)

Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), the American native small tree, is so rarely planted today. Trees and plants trend at nurseries and, unfortunately, Fringetree has become one of those beauties that we need reminding of its great merits. The above specimen can be seen today in full glorious bloom on Rocky Neck, across the street from Judith and Gordon Goetmann’s Gallery. The botanical name translates lossely as snow flower, aptly describing the fluffy panicles covering the Fringetree when in bloom.

Fringetree Chionanthus virginicus Rocky Neck Gloucester MA -2 ©Kim Smith 2014The sweetly scented airy blossoms are attractive to bees and butterflies and the ripened fruits are a wonderful food source for songbirds and small mammals. In autumn, the foliage turns a brilliant clear golden yellow. Fringetree grows from Canada to the Gulf Coast, and famously tolerates air pollution, making it ideal for urban landscapes. Grow Fringetree in sun to part sun, in moist fertile soil. At maturity, the tree tops out at twelve to twenty feet high and equally as wide.

The one negative is that Fringetree is slow to leaf out in spring, with a tendency to look dry and woody. Don’t plant it with your spring ephemerals and you won’t notice!

Fringetree Chionanthus virginicus Gloucester MA -2 ©Kim Smith 2014Fringetrees are dioecious, which means they have separate male and female plants, similar to hollies. Some flowers are “perfect,” meaning they have male and female parts. The male’s flowers are showier than the females, and the female and perfect flowers give way to blackish-blue fruit in late summer. Chionanthus virginicus is a member of the Oleaceae, or Olive Family, and the fruits of Fringetree are similar looking to that of Olea eruopea, the olive tree cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, Africa and Asia for its edible fruit.

I ran into Anne Malvaux while photographing the Rocky Neck Fringetree and she reports that she doesn’t recall seeing any fruit, which means it is most likely a male of the species, or that the fruit is so delicious it is quickly devoured by wildlife (often the case with native trees and shrubs). Or if it is a female and doesn’t bear fruit, it may because there is no males growing nearby. We’ll have a another look in late summer.

Fringetree Chionanthus virginicus Rocky Neck Gloucester MA ©Kim Smith 2014

Paint Factory Behind a Veil of Birch Leaves

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Veil of Birch Leaves Paint Factory ©Kim Smith 2013

I liked all the focal lengths and couldn’t decide which one to post–Paint Factory as muse.

Veil of Birch Leaves Paint Factory -2©Kim Smith 2013

Veil of Birch Leaves Paint Factory -3 ©Kim Smith 2013

Veil of Birch Leaves and Paint Factory -4 ©Kim Smith 2013

Paint Factory Rocky Neck Gloucester

Video: Time Lapse Parade of Sails Through Gloucester Inner Harbor

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See original post and comments on Good Morning Gloucester

The taller ships start appearing around 1:50, but I liked seeing all the smaller boats, too. Look for the Stanley Thomas lobster boat closer to the beginning. After the Parade I walked out onto the rocky ledge near the Eastern Point Lighthouse, but as you can see in the second-to-last clip, a thunderstorm was on the way and I had to skedadle.

Beautiful Event to film-to many of us, Gloucester is our “somewhere over the rainbow.”

 

Video: Gloucester’s First Wind Turbine Transported Through the Inner Harbor

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Filmed on October 15th, 2012. I began filming the barge carrying Gloucester’s first wind turbine at daybreak, from Niles Beach, as as it was being prepared for transport through the inner harbor. Leaving Niles, I jumped in my car and raced over to Rocky Neck to catch the barge as it was rounding the Paint Factory jetty. The barge moved slowly and majestically through the harbor, dwarfing the wooden clapboard homes and working waterfront buildings. The sky was mostly overcast, and when the sun shone briefly, the metal siding of the tugboat Orion and the steely gray cylinders shimmered in the early morning light.

I then zoomed back to my car and drove to the Jodrey Fish Pier, which was a great vantage point to film as the barge was approaching it’s destination, the Cruiseport launching site.

At the State Pier, many people were photographing and marveling at the enormity of the wind turbine. The largest turbine section purportedly weighs over a million pounds. Shree Delorenzo, co-owner of Cruiseport, reports that she had to engage a structural engineer to ensure that her dock could withstand the weight of the turbine, along with the two cranes, and the counter weights.

The London Symphony Orchestra performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Opus 21.

Created for Good Morning Gloucester

Special thanks to Joey Ciaramitaro, Mayor Carolyn Kirk, Sheree Delorenzo of Cruiseport, and Mark Baldwin, Baldwin Crane.