Artsy Parky

Marion Square, Charleston, SC

I should just put a certain amount of money aside each month for art. I see it, I love it, I'm just not ready to pay the money for original art but I should. I just isn't the way I buy things. Normally I find something I like, I revisit it a few times. I trust my instinct and go back and buy it. So often with art, it needs to be a spur of the moment purchase and sadly I'm not very good with that.

I try to walk through the Piccolo Spoleto art show at Marion Square each year. It makes me feel better about not buying tickets for all the other shows. I love art but I still have trouble handing over my credit card and buying original art. Shame on me.

This lady stood out as new this year and I liked her paintings. Maybe I will go back and hand over my credit card. Her name is Kay Lybrand and she lives on Pawley's Island. She likes to kayak and paint. I liked her and I liked her work and that sounds like a pretty good life to me. I hope she has a successful introduction to Spoleto Festival. If you see her you can ask her if she remembers some wacky blogger taking her picture.

Dance like everyone is watching

Marion Square, Charleston, SC

These dancers put on a show most Saturdays during the Farmer's Market season but drew a big crowd yesterday since it is the beginning of the Spoleto Festival. Almost as much as the performers, I enjoy watching the delight on faces of the other performers as they admire the stunts and wait for their turn. I try to make a big show of dropping a donation in the bucket to encourage everyone else to support the team.

Marion Square, Charleston, SC

Marion Square, Charleston, SC 

'Mornin' Judge

Hominy Grill, Rutledge Ave., Charleston, S.C.

Good news for the brunch crowd lined up every weekend in front of Hominy Grill on Rutledge Ave. They are expanding. Sometimes I feel so bad for the throngs of customers waiting in the heat to get in when I walk by, I am almost tempted to wave for them all to follow me home and offer to make pancakes. Almost. Not quite.

I am starting my Spoleto activities as the festival winds to a close. I went to see Trombone Shorty at the College of Charleston cistern last night. It was so cool! I've never been to an official night time event under those grand oak trees with the lights on the old buildings. The temperature was perfect, my companions delightful and the music lively. I didn't risk taking pictures although I do have the same fake press pass that Chuck has. Chuck gave me one for my birthday and I leave it causally tucked in but visible in my backpack so I look semi official if no one examines it too closely.

I am off for a late morning walk. I got up early to meet a gentleman in a parking lot to do a deal and we both left happy.

Random Piccilo Spoleto Festival

Goodness! I felt under dressed. I need to get some color on.

Let the Festival begin!

Customs House, Charleston, S.C.

I always miss the opening events but took advantage of the cheap tickets last night (free!) and detoured my evening walk to listen to the symphony and watch ballet at the foot of the Customs House. What a glorious evening. We could hear thunder but it didn't rain. On the way home I stood for a while and listened to the concert at the College of Charleston cistern. Spoleto Festival has arrived! Get your tickets here.

Someone called my name out and waved from a car on George St. and happily she left a comment leading me to this amazing set of pictures from the Family Circle tennis mixed doubles match in April. You must go see these pictures. Wowza! They are amazing. What a lucky find.

Okay kids - go have a great day. I need to make potato salad for a get together tomorrow and go to a 60th anniversary party this afternoon.

Let the Festivities Begin

Market St., Charleston, S.C.

The Spoleto Festival began today with all the usual fanfare and not so much as a note from the mayor to my CEO asking that I be made available for the day. Walking the street late this evening I had to duck and dodge the crowds.

Besides all the big ticket events there are lots of little pop up musical acts like this one that gathered a quick spontaneous audience in the market. Should be a fun couple of weeks! Let me know if there is an event I shouldn't miss.