If any of y’all are ever lucky enough to catch me on a Karaoke night, and I’ve already had a few beers, I usually sing a song by this guy…
John Mellencamp,
Although he was John Cougar when his career started. (A name his record label stuck on his first album without telling him.)
This is the song I’ll most likely be singing, Ain’t Even Done with the Night.
Yeah, the video is a little cheesy, but the song is just greatness – Very Springsteen/Dylan-inspired, and I’ll bet you’ve either forgotten it/or never heard it before.
Either way, you’re welcome.
Anyhoo, stumbled on John Mellencamp’s weekend house in Architectural Digest recently.
The article’s a couple of months old but I thought the house was worth sharing.
This is the private stretch of beach alongside the property.
The house, whose architecture was inspired by a church in Myrtle Beach that John took a picture of, is located on Daufuskie Island. The South Carolina island, just across from Savannah Georgia, was until recently inhabited entirely by descendants of freed slaves. The island is still so private that it’s only accessible by boat.
John hired interior designer Monique Gibson, who filled the house with “upscale simplicity”. Yeah, it’s a little more austere that I usually like my houses. But just look at all the vintage portraits that pepper the place, those open kitchen shelves, the bare bulb light fixtures, and even the master bathroom has a sort of “grown-up summer camp” feel to it. And just how much do I love those vintage Pyrex beakers on the 27 foot-long metal console table. So, so very much.
It just makes me want to sing……
…….but not without a few beers first,
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
No mention of his gal pal, Meg Ryan? Have you seen photos of her house? The one I saw was industrial modern + very appealing to me.
I left her out of the story. Of course she influenced him to update the place profesionally….I’ll look up her house-s now.
Love it, very unexpected to me– just didn’t picture him in such a tranquil setting I guess, ha. Very industrial gothic, serious motifs represented by almost playful or rustic installations. Looks like a great place to take a nap or finish a book! And Savannah is one of my favorite places. Thanks for posting. 🙂
We haven’t made it to Savannah yet. But we will. One of my absolute favorite books takes place there……..
Midnight in the Garden is my favorite! The characterization, the suspense, the history, and the drama are addictive. Got to see the outside of Mercer House as a kid and it left quite an impression on me, major item on my bucket list is to visit inside! And to own that particular issue of Architectural Digest. 🙂
I retread it every few years just to remind myself how wonderful it is……..AND I always have a few extra copies on hand to give to someone who hasn’t read it. All my friends, and family, love that book too!
You should read is The Water is Wide by Pat Conroy detailing his real-life experiences as a young teacher of the isolated African American kids on Daufuskie back in the 60’s. Fascinating, poignant, and a GREAT movie called Conrack starring a young Jon Voight was made from it. I’ve always wanted to go there, but obviously it’s become a bit touristy and a vacation spot for the rich and famous now, so not exactly the same unspoiled place it was 😦 Love the house, though 🙂
Never heard of it, Amber. And The Prince of Tides is one of my favorite books. I knew Pat Conroy grew up in that general area. Thanks for the new “Summer Read” suggestion……I’m ordering one off of Amazon now.
Awesome! But do try to catch the movie (Conrack) some time – that’s the real treat! Jon Voight is AMAZING. They show it on TV occasionally…
I’ll see if it’s on Netflix….but only after I finish the book