Literary Canine Companions

  Literary canine companions
Are dogs a writer's best friend? Seven
S.C. authors argue yes in new book    By Jennifer Berry Hawes jhawes@postandcourier.com  Josephine Humphreys Charleston native and author of "Nowhere Else on Earth," "Dreams of Sleep," "Rich in Love" and "The Fireman's Fair."

I love to write with my dog nearby because writing is lonely. At least when my dog's with me, I feel like there's another presence in the room, another brain at work, even if its frequency is different from mine. A dog is the only way a writer can be un-lonesome but still get work done. Ten other reasons for writing with a dog:

1. The dog never says, "When is your next book coming out?" 
2. The dog understands why someone might stare off into space for several hours. He won't think you're crazy. 
3. The dog believes you're doing something important. 
4. The dog doesn't mind frequent breaks for snacks. 
5. When you read a passage to the dog, he'll say "I love that!" with his eyes. 
6. Unlike a cat, he won't say "I don't get it." 
7. The dog will keep your feet warm while you write. 
8. He can bark at intruders and interruptions. 
9. He won't want to go to the movies the night before your deadline. 
10. By example, he reminds you that readers will trust you and follow you down a mysterious path into another world

I spotted the article by Jennifer Berry Hawes in today's Post & Courier. The book is Literary Dogs & Their South Carolina Companions and is available from Amazon and I happened to have a picture of author Josephine Humphreys' canine companion Archie.

Overheard on Church St.

Church St., Charleston, S.C.

Tourists chatting on Church St.:

"So, there are no Churches on Church St.?"

"Right. You can imagine how disappointed we were on Broad St."

Christmas Elves hard at work in Charleston

Meeting & Tradd St., Charleston, S.C.

How perfect was it that I was walking up Meeting St. as this glorious house was being decorated? Perfect, perfect, perfect. This scene will be in a thousand photographs just as it is at Halloween but mine will be the first because I stood on the sidewalk with the owner of the property as she watched her elves adjust the hat designed by a sail maker for her house. What a gift of joy she gives to Charleston each year with the creative and original decorations. Thank you Rebekah!

The Gathering Cafe

Carrot Cake, The Gathering Cafe, Charleston, S.C.

I met with friends to try a new West Ashley restaurant this evening - The Gathering Cafe at Orange Grove and Sam Rittenburg. Now that I live West Ashley I am tickled to hear of tasty new places close to me with great food and plenty of parking. Thanks to my friends Kathy and Leah for the suggestion. From top to bottom although not in that order, we enjoyed the carrot cake, meatloaf, salmon, pork loin (mine) and a visit from chef/owner Nathan Conkle.

I notice that their web site offers printable coupons for a free dessert and glass of wine until 12/15. Go for it!

The Gathering Cafe in West Ashley is a casual, family owned and operated cafe-restaurant offering satisfying food choices to the community of Charleston. We strive to offer the freshest ingredients, and we strongly support the use of organic and local food sources.
Owner, chef and South Carolina native, Nathan Conkle, brings over fifteen years experience to the tables of this new cafe. The Gathering strives to create an atmosphere of comfort where  both individuals and families can gather and feel welcome. The Gathering also offers tasty, take-away choices for those on the move. Please join us in celebrating life's nourishing food!

Our future Physical Therapists

SCRUBS U, PT/OT/Speech Therapy

I hosted twenty five students interested in exploring Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy tonight. Good evening but I think it took me right through to my bed time. Yawn. Thanks to our dedicated staff for making it such a fun experience! There is nothing like letting kids learn about something they are really interested in. Magic.

Christmas Trees for a cause

West Ashley Optimist Club - Christmas Tree Sales

Hey folks, if you haven't picked up your Christmas Tree yet, consider getting one from the West Ashley Optimist tree lot on Playground Road. It is their only fundraiser and the money goes directly to youth programs - scholarships, sports programs etc.

I got mine this evening. Thanks gentlemen!

Outhouses at Sunset

Outhouses, Indian Springs Camp Meeting Grounds

Hey, they look quite nice in that late afternoon light. I took this at the Indian Springs Camp meeting grounds. The wooden cabins are in a circle and the outhouses match up to the cabins in a bigger circle outside. Each wooden tent cabin has it's own numbered outhouse.

I've used enough outhouses in my life to last me forever. When I get back from a trip overseas now, I want to get on the floor and hug the first porcelain flush toilet that I find. We are sooooo fortunate.

Wild Kingdom of Harleyville

Carved bear in a tree, Harleyville, S.C.

My back yard is green and natural with no flower beds or formal plantings and I am tempted to leave it like that. I mentioned to a friend that the only thing I would kinda like would be a full size carved bear coming out of the trees. I may need to buy a chainsaw and learn how to make one. The conversation reminded me of the carved bear in a tree in Harleyville, S.C. Check out the eagle perched on top.

Further on the same drive through this little town is a giant carved eagle. Sadly on this trip it looks like part of his beak is missing. Too much time in the sun without sunblock? It happens to us all.

Rejoice!

Charleston Symphony - Rejoice

Shhh....no photos allowed. I sneaked my camera out during the last encore to remind you that there is one more performance this evening. I love the Symphony Gospel Choir. I joined a couple of friends for a quick bite at Caviar & Bananas before enjoying the concert. By the end, everyone was on their feet clapping and swaying with the joyful music. Let the season begin!

Rejoice! A Spiritual & Gospel Holiday Celebration

12/1/2012 7:30 PM
SATURDAY

Dr. Isaiah R. McGee, conductor and Gospel Choir Artistic Director
David A. Richardson, Spiritual Ensemble Music Director
The 12th annual performance of the joyous sounds of the  holiday features the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the CSO Spiritual Ensemble, and the CSO Gospel Choir performing spiritual songs, sacred hymns and rousing gospel. Acclaimed vocalists Lori Hicks, soprano, and Dove Award nominee Bryan Wilson, tenor, will perform as special guest soloists. From the traditional "Go  Tell It on the Mountain" to the more modern sounds of Kirk Franklin's "Silver and Gold," this concert is sure to get you in the spirit of the season.

Buy Tickets

 Location

Sottile Theatre - Maps & Directions
44 George Street
Charleston, SC 29401

World AIDS Day - 2012

AIDS Quilts on display, Charleston, S.C.

We had panels of the AIDS quilts on display at the hospital today to commemorate World AIDS day. The Ann Caldwell singers sang and we had a food truck rodeo in the parking lots to raise funds for the Ryan White Program. That would be MY lunch in the bottom photo thanks to Tokyo Crepes. A nice change from my usual scrappy cafeteria salad.

I can't remember if I mentioned it earlier in the year, but Ryan White's mother gave a talk here in Charleston and I got to meet her. I knew she had to be an amazing person to have a son like him. I was right. It was an honor to meet her.

Burwell's Stone Fire Grill - Before & After

Cedar Planked Crab Cake

Before and after shot of my giant cedar planked crab cake at Burwell's Stone Fire Grill on Market St. last night. I cleaned that plate up. That is what I call a seriously good crab cake with large pieces of solid crab meat.

Going, going, gone!

This little miniature quail egg was the surprise "gift from the chef." How cute is that?

Quail Egg

When I was invited to a media dinner Burwell's Stone Fire Grill I invited fellow blogger Chuck along for the evening. They might as well have double bloggers at the table! We split a delicious scallop and pork belly appetizer.

Pork belly & scallops

Chuck ordered the steak on the signature stone fire grill. Hot! The steak came out sitting on the hot stone and he cut it up in portions and let the 700 degree heated stone sear and cook it exactly the way he (we) wanted. I gotta tell ya, I never order a big steak in a restaurant but ate as much of this one as I could reasonably sneak off his plate. I could get the pieces of meat well cooked but still tender just the way I like it.

Warming up at the Stone Fire Grill

Our dessert of panacotta was a light and tasty way to end the meal.

Since it was a media dinner, we were comfortable taking pictures of our dinner and snooping around. We had a lovely evening and enjoyed everything we ordered. It is hard to recognize the attractive modern building as the old Gilligan's restaurant.

Kenneth Emery, owner/operator

Lounge area

Dueling cameras on the panacotta

Chef Eric Huff busy in the open kitchen

Flying Tigers

Art Cobert - 11th Bomb Squadron

I was invited to sit in on the Rivertowne Book Club in Mt. Pleasant today and soon discovered I was in for a real treat. I was seated next to the speaker, Art Cobert who will turn 92 in January and flew with the members of the Flying Tigers. What amazing stories he had to tell. He had a video that he had put together with collected pictures from their time based in China - 1940-45.  

Gunnery Sergeant (Sep.) Arthur Cobert is an Army Air Corps veteran who served as a flight engineer, gunner and backup pilot on the B-25 bomber during World War II. He enlisted in March 1943 and was honorably discharged from service in December 1945 after being wounded. He was a member of the 11th Bomb Squadron, also known as the Jiggs Squadron, which was selected to be one of two replacement crews for the legendary Flying Tigers. The unit was sent to China where B-25 crews flew missions throughout the Pacific theater, against Japanese targets. Cobert was wounded twice during his service and was awarded the Purple Heart. Of his experience in the military, he said, “I think the military is good for young men because it kicks them in the backside and straightens them out and gives them a little discipline that they don’t always have. It sure helped me.”

He brought some memorabilia for us to look at and read out a few meaningful letters. He was able to still squeeze into his uniform! They each wore the sign below on their back. It let the locals know that they were US airmen and they would be rewarded for their return.

Art also happens to be one of our hospital volunteers and still regularly helps out at the Mount Pleasant Hospital.

Charleston - by Brendan James

New song by Brendan James. See what you think!

Slow Down. Humans Present.

Coming St., Charleston, S.C.

This is an old favorite from my sign file. Someone took the trouble to paint their message on an imitation sign. It didn't last long but happily I caught a picture of it. The next time I passed it was in pieces on the ground. Not everyone got the message.

Busy but good day after an early start. I bought a cheapo "swivel store spice rack" at a fundraising sale today and have been organizing my drawer of spice bottles after a fast walk in the dark. I don't have much cabinet space so I am trying to be as efficient as I can.

I got tickets to the Rejoice! the Charleston Symphony's Holiday special. That always starts the season for me.  I do like to go to the concert that has the Gospel Choir performance. 

A little sumthin', sumthin' to get you through the winter

Blossoms, Charles Towne Landing, Charleston, S.C.

We do get some special gifts to help us through the winter. I found these pretty blossoms at Charles Towne Landing this weekend.

What a fun evening I've had. I invited two friends - deliciously wacky, warm hearted and funny women to dinner and we had such a lovely time. I've been cooking dinner for friends on Monday nights lately. I can cook on the weekends and have things ready to put together when I get home from work. I made lasagna, garlic bread, pear and blue cheese salad and a pear and almond tart. Yum!

Don't let me forget that I need to be at work before 7 a.m. for a fundraising book sale. Yawn.

Johns Island Pig Roast

Tractor Rides, Johns Island, S.C.

Truth is I've been posting more pictures on Facebook lately because of the instant feedback. I'm trying not to ignore the blog but FB offers the quick reward. Feel free to connect there!

What a glorious day yesterday was. I was invited to author Josephine Humphrey's post Thanksgiving pig roast on Johns Island. I know - I am too lucky. I went with my friend Pam from US 17 Coastal Highway blog. The theme was a "cuban pig roast" so I made a sticky sweet Tres Leche cake to take with me in case anyone had room for dessert. The food was incredible.

I noticed the gentleman in blue who was with Nathalie Dupree holding his microphone down to catch the sounds of the crackling pork skin and asked him later what he was working on. He turned out to be food journalist Richard Johnson from British Street Food working on a story for BBC about food in the south. Fun! He landed on perfect setting for his story - kids fishing, tractor rides, gracious and welcoming hosts, interesting guests and delicious food.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend. Back to reality in the morning. Too soon. Too soon.

Let there be YELLOW!

Charles Towne Landing, Charleston, S.C.

I joined the stroller brigade of young parents and toddlers walking off our holiday meals and enjoying the bright sunny day at Charles Towne Landing. I happened upon these ginkgo biloba trees in full bloom at the entrance to the Animal Forist.

What a nice day. I enjoyed my Ultimate Grilled Cheese and roasted corn on the cob at Sesame and caught a movie with my son.  I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend.