CREATIVE USES FOR EEL GRASS AND “CHESAPEAKEVILLE”
This past early August saw some of the seaweed-iest days we’ve ever seen along the Jersey Shore. It was literally enrobing all parts of us as we swam in the ocean. However, human creativity knows no bounds as we came across the above excellent use for said seaweed. The island was almost virtually self-promoting to passing aircraft and winged wild life. Beautiful and ecological. It suggested the low-tech approach of a recently discovered Journal “Chesapeakeville” and the area of Virginia
Shout Out to EASTERN SHORE POST
On the eve of the release of my first Texas map, we received really nice coverage in this Virginia newspaper. The interviewer, herself from a family interested in geography, highlighted some of the particular specialties of map-making and really got into the nitty-gritty. The article, from the June 29, 2018 edition, did justice to the issues involved in deciding just what to map and how to make choices about what to show and what to leave out. The need for precision that
My, What Big Teeth You Have!
As another year of Shark Week ends with a few more stories of Shark Attacks from Florida to New York, why not celebrate swimming with them by checking out a celebratory 102nd year anniversary item? The LBI Shark Attack Map memorializes the first documented attacks in this part of the world and makes a great memento as well as a reminder of our love/hate relationship with the sea. One real attack in a hundred years (Summer of Blood) yet we are fascinated
Ruminations on Texas’ Coastal Bend
As I am finishing up my first foray away from the east coast of the US to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, my thoughts are about the great state of Texas and all its diverse environments. I was pointed to this area by avid map fans who wanted to know if I had maps of the Texas shoreline and, lord knows, there is enough of it. For a state that most easterners think of as “inland”, there is some 350+ miles
Imitation is NOT always the sincerest form of flattery.
As we approach Father’s Day and the start of the summer season, always a good map purchasing time of year, I had my interest and concern piqued by something that is becoming more and more of an issue in today’s digital world. That is, stealing of images (and just about everything else). This started with hearing from an old colleague and purveyor of maps who was in a restaurant on Long Beach Island, New Jersey recently and was interested to see one
Spring is Here!
Following up on an earlier post of “perfect for any décor”, several folks generously provided prime examples of doing just that. “NMI” of South Carolina sent the header photo of an ensemble that was put up in a new medical office. She grouped 3 maps together, enlivening the public area with much of the coastline. Perhaps more than most people would put in a house but very appropriate for a commercial space. Cassie Clayshulte Photography, of Bluffton, South Carolina, has chosen to use
IF YOU THINK SANTA CAN’T FIND YOU, MAYBE HE NEEDS A MAP!
As the year is coming to a close and many of you are perhaps buying a map as a holiday present for someone, I couldn’t help but think how much people really like looking at maps and the really nice feedback I’ve gotten from many of you who’ve gotten one. The kick you get out of seeing them is the same one I get out of making them. This kind of person-to-person communication is irreplaceable and becoming more rare with each passing day in our
“Perfect for Every Decor”
Labor Day at the shore has me thinking about the timeless appeal of maps. Why do we even still have them despite the existence of Google Earth, Mapquest, Waze and countless GPS programs? Are we truly that lost? Or is the simple, accessible 2-dimensional abstract rendering of a complex, not-so-easily-grasped 3-dimensional reality still a seductive pleasure to hold and absorb. A steadying influence in turbulent times. It can describe a very familiar place or an exotic locale that you've never been to and might never
Finally ready!
I’m very excited to be able to report that my most recent map projects, two different maps of South Carolina, are finally ready to be viewed. Due to a variety of complications, it took much longer than I had hoped to get these completed, but I think they are worth the wait. The first one, along with 3 previously issued maps, completes my representation of the entire coastline of the state. This map picks up at Winyah Bay, below Pawleys Island, and goes all the way
Thoughts of the Lowcountry of South Carolina and its Rich History
As I’ve worked through the entire coast of the state and corresponded with many enthusiastic residents who’ve made purchases from the first group of maps that I issued, I’ve really grown in my appreciation of the varied history of the area. While almost anyone with a little knowledge of US history knows something about Charleston and Fort Sumter, this really only begins to scratch the surface. As numerous folk have generously pointed out to me, there’s really a lot to explore throughout the coastal areas,