From Hair Bands to Headbands: My Civilized Concert Era

It has been an interesting few days, to say the least. But I did manage a little escape for a change of scenery, which included something I hadn’t done in a long time: going to see one of my favorite bands. And when I say favorite, I mean probably my favorite, because, let’s be honest, at this stage of life I’m not sure we’re allowed to have just one. Everything has an asterisk now.

Here’s the thing, I’ve been to plenty of concerts in recent years, mostly tagging along to shows I didn’t actually pick. And sure, I’ve had fun... local bands, community events, the usual “on the reg” entertainment. But this time? This was my pick. My music. My thing. And let me tell you, the hype was real. Add to that a beautiful fall Friday evening in Charleston with clear skies, a light breeze coming off the water and it was just pretty close to perfect.

But then I started people-watching (because that is what I do), and y’all…I was shook. Literally shook.

Let me just preface this by saying I don’t know how much of this was the “Charleston Effect” which if you don't know is that mystical Lowcountry magic that makes everything look prettier, smell better, and feel like it belongs in a Nancy Meyers movie even in a sold-out stadium. But everyone at this concert was stunning. Like, effortlessly stylish. Tasteful. Polished. Think: breezy linen dresses, cool sneakers, understated jewelry.

Meanwhile, flash back to my concert-going years? We wore less clothing, more makeup, and had twice the hair. Teased bangs that could block a view from the mezzanine. And hydration? Please. The only liquid available then was beer in a plastic cup, and water bottles weren’t even a thing. Speaking of options, can we talk about the FOOD situation, that was there was even a food situation? At this concert, there were vendors serving real food! Food that made me wish I had waited to eat there. Back in my day, it was nothing but lukewarm beer and a $25 t-shirt. 

And the civility! There was no smoking, no vaping, no clouds of “mystery smoke” floating through the crowd. People were polite. Respectful. Practically ready to write thank-you notes to the band on Crane stationery.

The contrast was jarring. Back then, we were savages. Literal beasts with Aqua Net. And here I was, sipping a water bottle (without a lid, because you aren't allowed the lid???)  under lights with the nicest people who looked like they were auditioning for a J.Crew catalog...and we talked to each other through the entire concert.  Did I mention I could actually hear fine after?  Back in the day...after a concert, I was still praying days later that my hearing would return.  

Embarrassed for my younger self? Maybe just a smidge. But on the bright side, I think I left that concert with at least eight new couples to add to my Christmas card list.

Who knew rock and roll could be so…gracious?

Things We Surrender: A Lowcountry Novel by Heidi Hostetter - My Thoughts

I just finished up Things We Surrender: A Lowcountry Novel by Heidi Hostetter and I have to admit the cover of the book drew me in.  I was hot off Karen White's Tradd Street series when I saw this and I was still in a Charleston mood.  When am I not in a Charleston mood? 

I have read one prior book of Ms. Hostetter, The Inheritance, so her move to Charleston  interested me.  Honestly, I have a hard time not loving a book set where my heart loves, in the South Carolina Low Country. Things we Surrender follows a family of strong females (family by blood and friendship) as they rediscover their bonds and begin to heal from a lifetime of hurt and misunderstandings. It was a good start but I will be looking for a sequel as the author does leave a wide door at the end for an adventure for some Southern Belle's in Rome!

For a quick fun, read this is definitely worth picking up.

The Guests on South Battery (Book 5 from the Tradd Street Series) by Karen White - My Thoughst

I told you I have been reading again and completely understanding why I used to love it so very much.  It is the BEST escape from the world.  I can't watch a movie or television show and get the same escape.  Give me a good book and some time and I am truly in heaven.

This past week I dove back into the Tradd Street Series with the only book in the series I hadn't read.  Several years ago, when I was part of a book club, we read through this series up to the point there were no more books to read. So, imagine my excitement when I saw there was an addition to the series.

First, I should say I really like Karen White, as a writer, but I have liked some of the Tradd Series books more than others.  I liked ALL of them because they are set in the one city I have never lived in but have a great homesickness for....Charleston, South Carolina.  Normally I also don't read much that involves ghosts and spirits but these books have been an exception because I really like the history that is usually sprinkled in to spice the story lines up.  The Guest on South of Battery did not disappoint and actually finally, after four other books, began to warm my heart to the protagonist, Melanie Trenholm.

Though, Melanie is the main character of the series she was pretty much my least liked character and her peripheral characters, often in the form of ghosts or spirits who had lost their way, endeared the series to me. With this book Melanie was finally developed a with a bit more dimension and I think maybe I misjudged her.  IF you love the Low Country, beautiful, historic homes and, of course, Charleston and a ghost story or two...this just might be the series for you!

Hurricane Season...

Photo credit: (Photo: Paul Zoeller, AP)
 

I don't know if you have heard or not but we, here in the South, have gotten a drop or two of rain as of late.

One thing you learn when you live this close to the coast is to watch the storms as they form in the Atlantic.  I grew up very far inland and really never paid much attention to Hurricanes but I have learned and seen first hand the destruction one of these monsters can bring, even if you don't take a direct hit. 

We were fortunate this time, we only got the rain.  So far, though, no wind or tornadoes which makes me feel more at ease.  Many roads are washed out, and Charleston is closed...yes, closed.  The peninsula is inaccessible at this point...no going in or out.  Tomorrow is supposed to bring more rains like the several inches we got yesterday and last night. I suppose today was our reprieve.  Ahh....Hurricane Season, we respect you!


Gorgeous Homes of Edenton, NC

Edenton, North Carolina is a little gem that lies on the Albemarle Sound in the north-eastern corner of North Carolina.

 The streets are lined with amazing historical homes that look like something out of a movie set.  Seeing as Charleston, SC is my favorite city you wouldn't think the homes in Edenton would be so noteworthy, but trust me when I say, it is well worth a visit if you love history and old houses!

Edenton also has some pretty fabulous restaurants and cafes. As a matter of fact,  I had the best biscuit I have had in a VERY long time last weekend at 'Nothing Fancy Cafe in downtown Edenton!  There are also some cute little boutiques that hopefully I can share about in another post sometime soon.  It is truly refreshing that Edenton  has preserved it's quiet history and  community which continues to have a thriving downtown with every store front filled.

MRI and an Update

My sweet boy is doing well. No more scares! We had an MRI yesterday and have an appointment scheduled (of course not as soon as I would like!) with a pediatric neurologist in Charleston at MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina for those of you not from my neck of the woods!) The only on going issue DS2 is having is regular headaches but otherwise he is 100%.  Of course, I am watching him like a hawk and very protective of his tiredness level.

Our Dr. here is keeping a close eye on him until we get to see the neurologist and was able to review the MRI yesterday as well. He called me immediately to let me know there was no sign of a mass or ...tumor which is such a HUGE relief. Hopefully we will know more in a few weeks after we see the specialist at MUSC.

Praising God and praying this was a one time incident with no repeat! Thank you for all the prayers and support we have received, I don't know how I would have made it through the last couple of weeks without it.

Christmas in Charleston

We took a break from all the busy, hectic, must be, must do and snuck off to Charleston on Sunday afternoon.  It was a much needed break and great time spent just with the 5 of us.  Here are some pictures I took of our day:

 Our day started with a visit with the man in red.  My sweet DS2 asked for a Chess set for Christmas and Santa informed us that no one had asked for one of those this year! 

 This lovely gentleman was seen wandering downtown.

 Ahh...empty sidewalks

 Now if this isn't a brilliant marketing strategy I don't know what is!

Simple and Beautiful

 Shopping in Charleston...LOVE it!

 Even with the cold weather we have had lately, there were beautiful blooms to be found.

 There is just something about that water.

 peeking...

Merry Christmas!

DD and Charleston...

I had to take a photo while riding with DD on her 1st drive across the bridge. She was so excited to finally get to drive it herself!

Welcome back to the routine.

This week finds me trying to settle back into the normal routine after a wonderful, relaxing week of Spring Break. We split our Spring Break time between Myrtle Beach, SC (at the request of the children) and Isle of Palms/Charleston, SC (at the request of the Mommy)! DH took the entire week off and spent it with us and that was just wonderful. It is rare that he will take that kind of time off and I loved, loved, loved having him footloose and fancy free. So, after a week of eating, shopping, sunning, and napping reality has set back in. I am not real fond of that.