Charles in Charge, hee hee… that’s me! Well, I don’t go by Charles, my name is Charlie! Thankfully my people changed my name because when I came into their lives my name was Rooster. Ugh. I know, Rooster? I definitely like “Charlie” much, much better!

I have decided to give my mom, Barbara, the day off… I mean look at this desk… it’s a mess! I told her I would take care of this post today (if she would please take care of the desk!). So here I am!

Hope you have all been well! I’m anxiously awaiting playing in the sprinkler, the heat is here and there’s nothing like the sprinkler to cool you off on a hot day!

She will be back to normal posting tomorrow!

WOOF to you all, enjoy your weekend!!

cHarLiE

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:             Island Cottage House Plan!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:          Artist: Ignat Ignatov!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:      Memorial Day Quote

Happy Mother’s Day! But wait… before you say, “I’m not a mother”… this wish is for all of you who…

–ARE a mom: I’m sure the joy is overwhelming, as well as the worry and stress, but the love… ahhh, that beats all, right? Know you are blessed…

–WANT to be a mom: so it’s not your time yet, that’s OK. Enjoy your life, get out and do things so that once you do have children you don’t feel like you’re missing out!

–TRIED to be: for all of you who have felt the heartbreak of wanting to be a parent, but having it not work out for one reason or another, I feel for you. I understand. I’m in the same boat. Find what brings you joy and move on with your life. You can spend forever on “what if’s” but you will be much happier if you move on… (such as) help out a friend with children, teach them something special, something important like being nice to others, volunteering, there are other options, not the ones you probably dreamed about, but life does get good again…

–DON’T want to be: hey, everyone has a reason. If having children isn’t your deal, that’s fine. Help a friend with their child once in a while, or teach a child how to bake cookies, some cool, fun, important (cookie baking!) life skill!

To my mom, I would like to say that you are the absolute coolest mom and I love you to pieces… I wish we lived closer! AHHH… I’ve learned a lot from you, even though I don’t think you realized it. Like… the importance of saying no instead of being overwhelmed and miserable. My note taking surely I got from you, and that lead to my writing… I love to talk about cooking and recipes, food and health, books and so much more with you. I love knowing you’re on the other end of the phone when I call! Thank you for being my mom! I love you mom!!

To Fred’s mom, I would like to say that you are such a great role model, someone who is truly caring and shows it by helping others every chance you get. You are always there if we need you. We’re very fortunate to live close although we don’t see each other every day, its a nice feeling knowing that we can be there in a moments notice! It’s fun comparing our Dr. Oz notes and trying to keep up with what’s good for you and bad for you since it changes constantly! Thank you for being Fred’s mom! We love you!!

Ok, get out and do something good for someone. Make someone smile today.

MAKE.  SOMEONE.  SMILE.  TODAY…

Repeat tomorrow… and the next day… and the next day… and the next day… etc.

PS/ Thank you Kate Mullin for making the world a more beautiful place with your flower arrangements!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:           Monhegan Island… Maine!

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:        Artist: Craig Mooney!

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:   Artist: Stan Moeller!

Friends are more precious than gold.

This is a tribute to a friend… Scott Dulin. An amazing guy, so interesting and full of life. Fred and I met Scott on Monhegan Island (Maine)…. we quickly became friends and looked forward to arriving on the island at the same time the next year. We had fun, we talked until late, late… about everything. Scott was just such a nice guy, and it was nice to have a friend like him on the island. We would keep in touch throughout the year…

Life changes in the blink of an eye. Call or write your friends, let them know how important they are in your life.

Through the sadness there was a definite silver lining. We will always miss Scott and his smile, but through him we met his sister Jennifer. I feel like she is a sister to us as well, and we haven’t even met yet. We will meet Jennifer (pictured upper right with Scott) this year… can’t wait! I truly think he would be smiling knowing that we’ve become friends.

Big hug to you Jennifer… see you soon!

Also would like to say cheers to our friend… until we see you again…

Catch you back here tomorrow…

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:                The little things in life…

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:             Mary Whyte’s Book: The Working South

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:        Artist: Dan Corey!

We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area of Charleston, SC. The live oak trees that line our street are magnificent, grand and stately. They have grown together to form an arch which is so beautiful to see. Our neighborhood is protective of our trees. Can you imagine what it would look like without them? I hope I never have to know…

Just look at those shadows dancing in the street. Wow! This photo doesn’t do it justice…

If you have a spot, plant a tree… it’s good for the earth, the shade keeps your home cooler in the summer… makes a nice memorial or tribute to a friend or relative. We are only here a short time… make it beautiful while you can!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K !

O n e  Y e a r  A g o:                French Quarter Art Walk

T w o  Y e a r s  A g o:             Me painting with Ken DeWaard at Bowens Island 

T h r e e  Y e a r s  A g o:        Steak, Mushroom and Bok Choy Stir Fry