Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina is an old, old city.

It wears its history like a stage set... elements of glory and antebellum sadness side by side.

It even has its own version of the Leaning Tower... but this one (very, very Southern!) is campanile of a historic church.

And the beauty of the iron work...

 Every doorway, courtyard, balcony and window seems to be edged and enclosed with iron...

 

Even the graves are edged in fanciness (Charleston is Fancy City, in my opinion!)

 

It's a little like walking into the set for "Gone with the Wind" or something...

visual poetry at every turn.

Charleston is charmed me thoroughly.

What a lovely city to visit...

with dear friends. Truly it was a beautiful retreat (and a treat!) for a group of artists who needed the joyful reminder to slow down and notice the details.

On the blessing of talented friends...

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to go away to relax with the kindest and most talented friends for a time of pure rest? 

Last week I did just that.

I am still basking in the glow.

 

 These are artists with a global reputation; their art appears on products you've bought time and time again... and they have hearts of gold, deeply rooted faith and more talent than you could shake a stick at.

If you're curious, you can find more by clicking on these links...
Visit my friends Susan Winget,  Barb Tourtillotte,  Caroline Simas and me, Sharyn Sowell online.

When it's time for art play with your most admired artist friends and the very thought of being intimidated is tossed right out the window... PURE FUN is just around the corner.

Messy fun.

 

Let me tell you, Edisto Island, South Carolina is genuine Southern living at its best.

If you go there, be prepared for porch swings and grits, crab cakes, Cheerwine sodas so sweet a single sip almost cracks your teeth!

I felt like Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean set had come to life, there was so much dripping Spanish moss and iron-work...

 

And Botany Bay is magic, just like the name leads you to think it will be.

I fell for the Low Country food and the people, the gorgeous landscapes and Southern hospitality.

Even eating fried pickles and hot dogs those Southerners wear bow ties and Tiffany scarves. I've never seen anything quite like it!

Watching the art flow was amazing...

praying together gave us a deep connection I will never forget.

Tomorrow I'll share a peek at Charleston, with its famous iron gates and genuine antebellum welcome. They even taught this Yankee to talk Southern!