A Heartfelt Post: Christmas Eve at the Grave, 1896 by Otto Hesselbom

I ran across an image of this painting last year. It moved me. So many astounding elements: The figure who appears to be crying. The lit Christmas tree. The graveyard in the moonlight. The moon and the plentiful stars, all of which give hope. I know for many this is a tough time of year. Please hang in there. If you can do anything to help someone else, please do – let’s be a world filled with kind humans.

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The most delectable Christmas Cookies in all the land!

Christmas Cookie Tradition (older photo)

If you’re looking for a super special Christmas cookie recipe – look no further! This is a recipe the entire family can join in on. Everyone can display their artistic abilities (or not, ha ha) – either way, the cookies will taste the same – Out of this world delicious. As a family, we always doubled the recipe for the cookies, not sure if we did for the frosting, there is plenty!

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Picture Perfect Just Like A Postcard!

Whoa! The unspeakable beauty of the mountains is undeniable. We arrived in Western North Carolina on a sunny but cool day. As we were having lunch in Saluda, NC I saw a weather alert pop up – possible 3-5″ of snow in elevations > 3,500. We were at 5,000. Here it is in all its glory. What a magical time to be in the mountains…

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Be on the lookout for the next performance by the King’s Counterpoint!

The King’s Counterpoint and the West Ashley High School Choirs

I love the wonderful opportunities in Charleston to see and hear wonderful art and music. My husband and I went to The Kings Counterpoint (KCP) free Christmas event at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Was it ever spectacular. There were a few songs featuring the West Ashley High School Wildcat Chorale and the final song they all sang together. It was absolute perfection! Donations were gladly given – excellent performance!

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The *Secret Ingredient* to elevate your cooking!

Have you ever been somewhere and tasted something so divine, fresh, real and over the top despite being so simple? Well, we have and I’m sharing it with you. The places you can use this are endless – oh the joy, just in time for the holidays! It will take your dishes from good to out of this world! 💫

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Featured Artist: Kent Ambler!

Summer Solstice by Kent Ambler 24″ x 24″ Woodcut/Edition of 30

Kent Ambler, he is over the top fabulous. We first saw his work at a place we were staying (more on that below) and it took my breath away. I whipped out my phone and took a photo and a close up of the signature so I could be in touch with this artist. His colors are fabulous, his subject matter is cool and different. The process is impressive. I love the dark against this orangey sky. Love it!

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Always Look Up!

My husband and I took an evening walk – you may have heard me say – Always Look Up! It’s my motto. You see the most beautiful sites when you take the time to draw your eye toward the sky. This evening was no different. The sky was a dark blue, the clouds were numerous and the brightness coming from the moon was ethereal! There aren’t a lot of areas to see the sky because of all the trees – it was incredible to see so many starts.

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A Winter Wonderland! What a treat…

My husband and I got away to the mountains for a few days. It was sunny and nice when we left Charleston, SC – we stopped at a wonderful little place in Saluda, NC for lunch and I noticed a Severe Weather Statement appear on my phone. I tapped on it, 3-5″ of snow possible in elevations over 3,500′. Well…

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Greek Pasta Salad (Delish!)

It’s always a treat to come up with something quick and so delicious. Easy? Yep, it’s that too. I almost always make my own vinaigrette’s (oh, I have a good one coming next week!) – I mentioned this Greek Pasta Salad recipe in a Thanksgiving post. I mentioned that I try to take something (having a food allergy) that I can eat if it turns out there isn’t something that I can be sure is allergen-free. Great time saver on this one, and wow, was it ever good!

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Featured Artist: William Jameson!

Appalachian Winter by William Jameson | 36″ x 36″ | Oil on Panel

Isn’t this painting fabulous? It captures a scene in North Carolina so perfectly. The stream leads your eye to the fabulous trees in the distance which then goes on to that little spot of orange brilliance behind the tree towards the top and on to the dark limbs of the evergreen trees. This painting is so lovely you just don’t want to look away.

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Getting in the Christmas Spirit…

A quick photo to catapult you into the spirit of Christmas. The wonder and the magic of it all. When you were young did you ride through neighborhoods to look at Christmas lights aglow? It was so fun, I can still remember it, many decades later. The joy of Christmas is all around you – be on the lookout for it.

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Charleston, SC – A Stunning View for Everyone!

Most of us are blown away with the beauty of Charleston, SC. Other areas of Charleston are trying to keep their charm intact, but whether it will happen remains to be seen. Most people want it, but it’s not an easy process, so we shall see. There are many older neighborhoods hoping it comes to fruition because they would also like to have (very) limited guidelines to help keep the character in their neighborhoods.

The architecture in Charleston, SC is stunning. You’ll find an array of different styles from different periods. Charleston is rich in history and the history is fascinating! If you’ve never visited, I highly suggest it. To me, the best time to visit is during the cooler temps, but it seems most visit in the heat of the summer and love it. #youbeyou

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