A Sister’s Stroll

Nov 26, 2023

Recently, my sister came and spent some time with me in my studio. She took many photos, and I asked her to share them with you. It was interesting to see Stormwater from someone else’s point of view. Situated smack dab in the middle of downtown Columbia, SC, it is a thriving little oasis. Take a look.

THE LABORER by MIKE WSOL

When driving up to Stormwater, you will pass this very large sculpture, The Laborer, by Mike Wsol. Ever wonder what it was about? I linked him (above) and you can check out his work. Also when you look at it straight on, you realize there are steps to go up inside. Here’s what it looks like in there. My sister, Christina Laffey, got some photos for us to see it.

PAINTING ROBERT

I am enjoying painting Robert from head to toe! : )

Thank you for taking the time to view this week’s adventures. I appreciate being able to communicate with you in this way. As always, I would love to hear from you. A studio visit would be even better!

Michel

My sister also got this cool video of a juvenile red-tailed hawk eating a meal in our little oasis in the middle of downtown Columbia, SC. (Trigger warning / not for the squeamish.)

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20 Comments

  1. Virginia on November 26, 2023 at 12:28 pm

    Love it!!!
    Happy Holidays!
    Virginia



    • Michel McNinch on November 26, 2023 at 12:35 pm

      Thank you, Virginia. Happy Holidays to you too! Hope you don’t get too much snow!



  2. Christina Laffey on November 26, 2023 at 12:39 pm

    Aww that’s really cool Michel!!! I really enjoyed my walk!! I had no idea all of the exciting things to see were back there. I normally spend my time perusing what’s IN the studio! Now I know how cool and relaxing/refreshing it is ALL around Stormwater! <3



    • Michel McNinch on November 26, 2023 at 1:20 pm

      Sure did enjoy your visit.
      Come again soon!



  3. Ann Coleman Fosberry on November 26, 2023 at 1:15 pm

    Oh my goodness! I love Tina’s perspective!! That hawk was rather busy! Beautiful things outdoors!
    I would be remiss if I did not remark about your Robert! It is probably my most favorite! I have never been a fan of feet, but I must say his are adorable! Hahaha
    Thank you for sharing yourself!
    ann
    ann coleman fosberry
    Mt. Pleasant SC



    • Michel McNinch on November 26, 2023 at 1:22 pm

      Thanks for “getting it.” Love you cuz



  4. Jeannie Irvin on November 26, 2023 at 1:17 pm

    💓love your painting 🖼️ of your MAN !! Can’t wait to see you in the process!!!!!



    • Michel McNinch on November 26, 2023 at 1:21 pm

      It has been so much fun.



  5. Robert McNinch on November 26, 2023 at 2:15 pm

    Robert



    • Robert McNinch on November 26, 2023 at 2:21 pm

      Going to be fantastic!



  6. Jimmy Lee on November 26, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    Loved your sister’s photos. Good eye

    Nice Robert



    • Michel McNinch on November 26, 2023 at 5:44 pm

      Thank you, Jimmy. Please give my love and a big hug to Janet. I know y’all must be tired, but it will all be worth it. See you soon.



  7. Donna Rawls on November 26, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    So very nice of Tina to take time out from her busy schedule to spend time with her “favorite” sister…..Can’t believe that she was able to get so close to the hawk….just awesome! Stormwater is a treasure…..Lots of creativity there.



    • Michel on November 26, 2023 at 5:45 pm

      Thank you Donna. It’s nice to have you back at stormwater once a week to help make the magic. See you soon.



  8. Dianne Meadow on November 26, 2023 at 4:01 pm

    I had no idea about the steps inside The Laborer! That is so cool…will definitely check it out!! Great video of the hawk. Do you know what he was eating? Wonderful painting of Robert!!



    • Michel on November 26, 2023 at 5:49 pm

      It is a squirrel. Thank you for your kind words about the pain of Robert. It is a lot of fun to paint his mug. And his sweet feet. lol



  9. Maggie woodruff on November 26, 2023 at 4:47 pm

    This was fun and interesting. Thanks



    • Michel on November 26, 2023 at 5:49 pm

      Thank you, Maggie. It truly is a special place, and I love being a part of it.



  10. Faye Meetze on November 26, 2023 at 5:34 pm

    Loved seeing all of this! Nice Sister you have, too. Thanks to you and Tina,

    Faye



  11. Michel on November 26, 2023 at 5:50 pm

    Hi Faye! Sure would like to have you come around how are y’all doing? Marion still got that hat? I’ll tell Tina that you enjoyed the photos. Love you.



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