Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Folly Beach, S.C.

Happy New Year! I love New Year's Eve. Always have and hope I always will. Years ago, when Charleston had the big First Night Festival I was on the board and coordinated hundreds of volunteers for the event, roping all of my friends into staffing events and cauldrons all over town.

Now-a-days I gather some of the same group and new friends to go out for an early evening dinner and I will be home to watch the ball drop from the snug corner of my couch. We will be the first costumers of the evening at Husk. Hip, hip, hurrah! Best new restaurant in America, here we come!  I was looking for something sparkly to wear but according to my closet I am NOT a sparkle person.

I whine to my boss when I am forced to write goals each year and tell him that "goals just slow me down". Some of the best things that happened in 2011 I couldn't have anticipated to write down as resolutions so I'll keep flying by the seat of my pants and try to be brave enough not to turn down new opportunities in 2012. 

Thank you to all of you who have made my life so interesting and fun this year. May 2012 treat you kindly! Thank you for dropping by Charleston Daily Photo. I hope you have some idea how grateful I am for all your comments and emails! Feel free to touch base on Facebook if you have a presence there.

No Parking Sign - Folly Beach

No Parking Sign - Folly Beach, S.C.

Apparently one weekend walk on Folly Beach can give me enough photo ammunition to fill a week of blog entries! As the owner of a very narrow drive in downtown Charleston I am always interested in creative "No Parking" signs and this one gets my vote of approval.

I knew the image looked familiar. I tracked back through my photos to find that it is the same image that was on a pirate flag hanging on the wall at the old Buccaneer Restaurant.  Further research claims it to be Blackbeard's flag.

Colorful sea shells at the seashore...

Folly Beach, S.C.

Shells come in brilliant colors at the Edge of America. These folks always make me happy with their colorful sea shells and it looks like they had been recently touched up with fresh paint just waiting for me to wander by with my camera. The shells edge the entire front of their property.

Aren't you all so very proud of me for not blogging or responding to comments while I am at work even this quiet week? Such self control, I tell ya. That and I might get fired.

Sadly I have licked the empty casserole dishes from the Christmas leftovers and the frig looks bare. I am considering pausing my evening walk at Bull St. Gourmet and see what soup they have simmering.

Charleston's Ginkgo Biloba party

Ginkgo trees at the Charleston Library Society

Ginkgo trees at Marion Square, Charleston, S.C.

Ginkgo leaves, King St., Charleston, S.C.

Charleston had a Ginkgo Biloba party and I hope you were there! The crazy wind yesterday probably put an end to the festivities but it was grand while it lasted. Besides, who doesn't like saying Ginkgo Biloba, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginkgo Biloba.....?


And yes, Virginia, there is a Ginko blog! Check out: The Ginkgo Pages where I found this gorgeous video.

Folly Beach Snowman

Folly Beach, S.C.

Folly Beach snowman/snowwoman. I was pleased to find this whacky little statue still in place.

In other news - can this week please last forever? I love this odd no-man's land of a week between Christmas and New Years. No meetings, very few work emails, no bosses around, sneaking in a little late and slipping out a little early to make up for it and yet getting real stuff done without interruptions. More, more, I want more!

I Like Your Pie

Pane e Vino, Warren St., Charleston, S.C.

Pie? I didn't even know the tiny Italian Restaurant Pane e Vino on Warren St. had pie. I appreciate the sidewalk tip and now I have to find out. Unless......unless the message was really meant for the new bake shop a couple doors down? Hmmmm.

Mural Quiz Solved

Bert's Market, Folly Beach, S.C.

I posted the lizard portion below from a larger mural a few days ago to see if anyone could place it. So far there were no correct answers so no one will ever know if there was a prize. Ha! Here is the answer. Although not visible in this view, the image was from the far left upper corner of this outside wall mural on Bert's Market on Folly Beach.

Cool, eh! A pirate! I walked one morning just before Christmas when it was very quiet on the beach. I imagine the lot is usually full of parked cars blocking the masterpiece so I got lucky. It is by Douglas Panzone from dynastymuralworks.com. He invites stalkers so consider me on the job.

Congratulations Clay & Nicole!

Marry Me!, American Theater, King St., Charleston, S.C.

 I did a nice walking loop around the peninsula today, checked a shockingly low after-Christmas bank balance at an ATM (ouchie!) and picked up a couple things at Harris Teeter etc.

On my way back I went up King St. and happened on this happy scene in front of the American Theater on King St. Congratulations to Clay & Nicole. They probably wondered why the crazy woman walking by paused to join their photo-op but I promised them they would be today's "Charleston Daily Photo". I loved their happy grins. May they have many years of happiness.

Guess Where, Charleston?

Mural Section

Okay kids, here is a lowcountry location quiz question. Can anyone place this lovely piece of a larger wall mural?

Hints - it is not part of the graffiti walls behind Buffalo South on Folly Rd. although I featured them a couple of days ago. It is part of a large wall mural and easily visible outside.

You Know it's Christmas in Charleston when....

St. Matthew's Luterhan Church, King St., Charleston, S.C.

What an odd sight! I grabbed this shot a week or so ago. It was on a weekend so they may have been demonstrating the outdoor fireplace at the Holiday Farmer's Market but how odd to see it in front of the church. It makes a fitting Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance for Christmas.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I've been up at the lake with my son. I packed all the goodies to warm up and we had a cozy, lovely weekend with a bonfire last night and a walk around the lake this morning.

Stephanie Harvin listed these in her column in the Post & Courier last week and so many of them rang true I thought I would pass them on and see if you can think of any others. I didn't include them all so click the link to get to her original post. I love them! Thanks Stephanie!

 You know you have enjoyed Christmas in Charleston if you have ...

... danced until you are dizzy under the Christmas tree in Marion Square.
... watched the sailboats decorated with lights bobbing in the City Marina.
... perspired through your Christmas sweater.
... listened to Jazz Vespers at Circular Congregational Church.
... walked around Colonial Lake in the moonlight.
... had shrimp and grits on your breakfast menu.
... taken the time to get out of your car and look down the waterway when the Wappoo Bridge opens.
... peered through a wrought iron gate to see how the other half lives.
... touched the dancing child statue at White Point Garden.

... fallen in love with white camellias instead of poinsettias.
... walked along the new shops at the Market.
... rocked on a piazza that slants toward the bannister.
... walked the Ravenel Bridge in a winter sunset just to see the colors.
... felt the sand ooze between your toes as the wave runs out at Folly Beach.
... played beach volleyball at the Isle of Palms because the weather was warm enough for a tan.
... had a crab pinch your finger as you were plucking him out of the net.
... smelled the trash can after forgetting to take out the shrimp shells.
... gone for a canoe ride on Lake Moultrie as the sun rises.
... rocked the morning away in a Pawleys Island Hammock.
... sung "Kum ba yah" which is actually a Gul- lah spiritual first recorded on the South Carolina Coast.

... taken the kids out to see the Morris Island lighthouse on a chilly day.
... been thankful that the smell of pluff mud means you're home.
Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.
Reach Stephanie Harvin at 937-5557 or sharvin@postandcourier.com.

Merry Christmas everyone! What should we add to her list? 

Baby in Waiting

Baby in waiting, Charleston, S.C.

If someone you know gives birth at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital today their baby will be in good company. All week long people have been stopping at the hospital's information desk reporting that Baby Jesus is missing from the manger scene.

He isn't missing - he hasn't been born yet.

At midnight on Christmas Eve, one of the nurses in the Newborn Nursery will take him out of the crib he has been waiting in, call for Security to escort her out and gently lay Him in the manger. It is a sweet tradition that has been going on for as long as I remember. In the olden days the nuns used to do the honor but now it has been passed on to the experts in baby care.

Sheepman's Graffiti Panels, Folly Road

Sheepmans Graffiti Panels, Folly Rd., Charleston, S.C.

It's been a while since I checked in on Sheepman's graffiti panels in the back of the Buffalo South plaza on Folly Rd. I was worried that they might have been defaced. Someone might have sprayed graffiti on the graffiti. This artist was given permission to paint so we can wallow in the enjoyment of his art.

The shopping center that used to be abandonded is now active and the parking lot is full of boats for sale but I was pleased to find the gaffiti panels still looked fresh and good and some pieces had been updated since my last visit. This is a shrine for worshippers of graffiti art and there are lots of images online.  Holler if you need directions. I think most photographers have found it by now.

Got my tree decorated

Marion Square, Charleston, S.C.

Finally got my tree lit. Impressive, eh!

I like the sillhouhette of the gentleman in front of the tree. He looks like the Jolly Green Giant in black. He was  photographer taking a photo of a couple looking up at the tree. I do love it when all the lights are twinking in Marion Square. It turns Charleston into a winter wonderland - even if the girls are still laying out tanning during the day time.

Yipee! I am off for four days.

My Moment of Fame

Charleston Magazine

I kept getting emails from people congratulating me so I finally walked down to Harris Teeter and bought the January Charleston Magazine. Although I am a subscriber, I send my subscriptions as gifts and read old
issues at work for myself.

How fun is this!? Pretty damn fun.

Style Editor Ayoka Lucas and photographer Leann Canon came to my house just before I went away on my trip and put this together. I think they did a lovely job and I am incredibly flattered that they featured me. I've always loved Charleston Magazine. Thanks folks! You made me look good!

The Hanging Gardens of Wentworth St.

Hanging Gardens, Wentworth St., Charleston. S.C.

Aren't these grand?  They have some major veggies growing in their front yard right in town.This looks like a delicious salad in the making. I like these people.

Big Bird Crew, Wentworth St., Charleston, S.C.

Speaking of Wentworth St., do you know who built the sidewalks? The Big Bird Crew, that is who!

Cottage in Blue

Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Oh, it looks like the perfect Cottage Magazine cottage doesn't it? This could be on a lot of dream house lists. I walked past it when I was wandering in the old village of Mt. Pleasant on Sunday. It is even my shade of blue. I hope the occupants are very happy.

Check out this amazing painting of a quilt. Wow. I found it because I was thinking of trying to paint a quilt but I'm so blown away by this it seems pointless. I should just finish sewing up the bits and pieces of a crazy quilt I have in a trunk and be done with it. I've gotten out of the habit of handicrafts ever since I .....ahem....got a laptop and it sucked all the hours out of my day.

Broken Memories

Holiday Ornament

Boo hiss. I broke the old Calvin & Hobbes ornament I painted for my son when he was a little critter. The ornament was dated 1991. Ouch.

Calvin & Hobbes Quotes:

“- "I've been thinking Hobbes --" - "On a weekend?" - "Well, it wasn't on purpose..."”

 “County library? Reference desk, please. Hello? Yes, I need a word definition. Well, that's the problem. I don't know how to spell it and I'm not allowed to say it. Could you just rattle off all the swear words you know and I'll stop you when...Hello?”

“I wonder if I can grow fangs when my baby teeth fall out.”

 “What fun is it being cool if you can't wear a sombrero?”

 “Life is like topography, Hobbes. There are summits of happiness and success, flat stretches of boring routine, and valleys of frustration and failure.”

 “-You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.
-What mood is that?
-Last-minute panic.”
 “Some days even my lucky rocketship underpants won't help.”

 “Who was the first guy that look at a cow and said," I think that I'll drink whatever comes out of those things when I squeeze them?”

 “Well, remember what you said, because in a day or two, I'll have a witty and blistering retort! You'll be devastated THEN!”

White Christmas

Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

This isn't what the White Christmas song was talking about but isn't it pretty? After I walked the Shem Creek boardwalk on Sunday I wandered around the old Mt. Pleasant village for a while to make it a worthwhile walk and spotted this beautiful porch. I don't have any plants hanging on my porch right now. Shame on me.

I was just treated out to dinner by the vendor (thanks Mark!) who hosts my fundraising uniform sales. We walked down to Pane e Vino and ate in their outside bistro area. It was just chilly enough to have the heaters on in the enclosed porch area and it was completely comfortable. Truthfully, although this should be my neighborhood Italian restaurant, I've boycotted them for years after I went with a large group of professional women friends and the manager announced at the end of our meal that she wouldn't accept individual checks. She was so snarky about our dilemma as we all sat there with our debit cards in hand, that I simply couldn't go back until I heard it was under new management. I don't know how the current management feels about separate checks because I was treated to a delicious dinner this evening. I had the Lamb Ragu and it was good enough that I'd like to go back and pay for my own meal someday, if they let me.

Happy Birthday Ruby & Harper!

Ruby & Harper - first birthday

One year ago

Isn't amazing how fast time flies when you aren't the one getting up in the middle of the night? Still, it's hard to believe that it's been a year since I sneaked into the hospital nursery and took pictures of these darling gals in their cribs. Jimihatt and Angel hosted a first birthday party in style in their new home. Happy birthday Ruby & Harper. Don't ask me to figure out which one is which!

Shem Creek Boardwalk Park

Shem Creek Park, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

I finally got around to checking out the new Shem Creek boardwalk park this morning and it was a bright and sunny day for it. Shem Creek with all the picturesque commercial shrimp boat activity is always such a neat spot it's great to get closer to it.

The boardwalk is fresh and new and takes you from Coleman Blvd. to the opening of the harbor. There was plenty of parking this morning but I expect it can fill up fast. It should be a lovely spot to watch the sunset. Here is the link to the Post & Courier details. Ideally I would plan to stop in at Vickery's for brunch but since I was wandering on my own I skipped that this trip. Next time, my sweet blackened salmon caesar salad, next time.

Walking Wagener Terrace

Ashley River, Charleston, S.C.

How sweetly framed this scene is. I meant to walk the new Shem Creek boardwalk this morning but the Ravenel Bridge was closed when I headed that way so I zipped around and walked the Hampton Park neighborhood. There are so many sweet little cottages in that area.

I happened by Havens Blanton's yard sale and was offered a mimosa. I know that alcohol is required to loosen the bidding on silent auctions but yard sales and mimosas? Brilliant! :) Check out Haven's site for recipes and design ideas.

The Godfather lives here!

Candycane Camellias

We do have seasons!

King St Shopping

King St., Charleston, S.C.

 WISE COLUMN: King Street among top 10 U.S. shopping venues

The accolades keep coming for Charleston.  Already named the top tourist destination in America, now it's on a tony list for shopping.Right beside the glittering fame of Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles and Fifth Avenue in New York lies King Street as one of the 10-best shopping streets in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report's online Travel page. Here's part of what it had to say about the storied retail corridor: "This historic avenue pulses with pedestrians in search of the perfect outfit or gift. Beautiful buildings house big-name brands like Apple and Banana Republic; however, it's the number of family-owned boutiques and male clothiers that really distinguishes King Street. ... Although King Street bustles with pastel-clad patrons particularly in the spring, you'll find Southern hospitality persists year-round."

Speaking of shopping, my free range tootsies rebel at the end of every summer when they have to be caged again and the search is on every fall for a comfortable yet semi stylish shoe. I was relieved to find this year's model at Philips Shoe ( I love you, I love you, I love you) store and they are sweeties.  They are the Taos Majesty and although I only wear black, they do come in a few colors.

 

You can expect to see me wear these shoes every single day of the work week until spring when I will have to throw them out in shreds and go back to my favorite Naot sandals.

  Hurrah for comfortable feet!