Do you have a restaurant you love because they deliver consistently delicious (and creative!) food? Recently we had another unusual salad that was so exquisite in every way. It was different, it was fabulous – utter perfection. Their pizza’s are perfect, thin crust, great sauce, not too much cheese (or too little) – but their salads are what I look so forward to!

Just look at this stunning display of tree canopy. The live oak trees in this area are astounding. Long ago (late 1920/30’s) a tree was planted in the front yard of each home. This area used to be a cabbage field. The architecture is varied, many homes with interesting cuts to their roofs, some slightly larger and some slightly smaller, but from the street they all seem to be somewhat close. Similar (not exact) in size and scale. The trees bring cohesiveness.

Joy. It has a different definition for each of us. For some of us it may be spending time with friends out on the town, for others, we may prefer a quiet night at home. Some of are energized by being around a lot of people and others of us are quite the opposite. If you’re having trouble finding your joy. What makes you happy, what makes you smile, what gives you peace (or if you know someone who is) read on…

This isn’t my best photo (haha, laughing as I type this… literally), yet it’s one of my very favorites – I was trying to take a selfie with my family several visits ago, and we all started laughing. The photo didn’t “turn out” but I love it, because it shows my family how we really are. I have no idea what we were laughing at – probably just trying to get us all to look into the camera, ha ha.

South Carolina. We sure have some beautiful scenery. I took this photo years ago at Botany Bay (Edisto, SC). This beautiful marsh scene makes me feel calm, serene, and peaceful. Botany Bay is a sanctuary (literally). From driving through the winding roads looking at nature all around you to getting out and taking a walk on the beach, you will certainly be mesmerized at such untouched beauty.

Winter light. Winter skies. (Not to mention cooler winter temps!) Ahhh, I love them. The sky seems bluer and the golden light is amazing as it highlights the trees. Something stark and leaf barren can be stunning. Note the small moon… Late fall/winter are my favorites. Maybe winter (in Charleston) is my favorite because it’s more like fall in the midwest.

Let sleeping dogs lie, quite literally in this case. The sun was streaming in, Charlie had his walk checked off the list and a full belly. He happily hopped into his bed, tucked himself tightly and fell asleep. How nice to be Charlie! Now, let’s talk organization… I have a simple strategy for tackling a big (or small) job. Closets, drawers, you name it. #letsgetitdone

Beans. They should be far more popular than they are. Some people think beans are cheap and not worth all the time to make. But, the truth is, they don’t take all that long, and the taste can be out of this world delicious, with the added benefit that they’re easy on the wallet. Growing up, long ago, we used to eat beans every once in a while – my favorite part of that meal was the (Jiffy) cornbread, ha ha. But I was a kid with a limited palette. Thank goodness I’ve grown up and oh boy, are these beans ever fabulous. The taste is out of this world. The secret is in the…

Bridges. There are several bridges in Charleston, SC that allow boat traffic through, these are bascule bridges that draw up (with 12 hour advance notice). This is the Ashley River Memorial Bridge that takes you from downtown Charleston to the West Ashley side of Charleston (West of the Ashley river). There are two bridges 1/10th of a mile apart. They’re quite dramatic.

A beautiful church with stunning architecture. This is Grace Church Cathedral located in downtown Charleston, SC. It’s an example of outstanding architecture that has withstood the test of time. You can read about the history of the building and it has been through a lot, yet lives to tell the story. Just look at the intricacies!

Happy New Year, 2023! Can you believe we just keep flying through the years? No matter what’s going on in the world, let’s all try to make this year the best year ever. Not only for ourselves, but for each other as well. Life presents us with paths to follow, we just have to make the right choice at the time. We’re all just trying our best, right?

Happy New Year’s Eve! Wishing you a happy, healthy, full-of-good-things 2023. Count your blessings and most importantly, BE a blessing to someone (anyone!) else. As you reflect on 2022, think about the connections you’ve made – make the extra effort to inquire about someone’s day/life/year… I am friends with so many of you, and appreciate all the time you take to reach out to me. I am blessed (and thrilled) beyond belief. Thank you – Here’s to a safe and wonderful 2023!