The first three months of 2019 found us in Indian Wells, California. It was an attempt to follow the sun only to have record breaking amounts of rain and flooding. It was all good – we gladly sacrificed the sun to save California from a drought. It was ultimately rewarding because when the sun finally came out so did the super bloom.
We managed to find a yoga studio 2.5 miles away so we walked to yoga and back, got in some golf, hiked and visited with numerous family members and friends. Rinse and repeat…
A quick stop in Nevada to add a bit of fabric softener then off to our home in Charleston, South Carolina for the spin cycle. And boy what a spin…
As Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, was quoted “change is the only constant in life.”
He got that one right!
Bam….
Preston and Chloe announced they are having twins. Say what??? Twins! Double the pleasure, double the fun. We’re super excited. So excited that we momentarily lost our minds and committed to babysitting three days a week for a year.
Bill and I have really settled into life in Charleston and managed to keep ourselves quite busy.
No wonder Travel and Leisure magazine lists Charleston as the number one destination in America. It’s rich with history. There’s architecture dating back to 1694, lavish gardens, daily events to choose from and tasty restaurants. Being fortunate enough to live in the walkable historic district allows us the freedom to slowly soak in this city. A feast for the soul.
Looking to take advantage of the culture, art, reading, music and parties – we joined the Charleston Library Society (the second oldest lending library in the country) and the Gibbes Museum.
Before the Gibbes Street party
The juxtaposition is our membership to the Middleton Place Plantation. A car ride away and home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America. There are 110 acres to roam and drink in the beautiful grounds. We particularly like the Stableyards where there is a menagerie of animals and craftspeople forging iron and making pottery. Top that off with fish & grits and a glass of red.
Hold onto your hats! I’ve become a Charleston Hat Lady. No, not a red hat or purple hat (those are worn only if they match the outfit). It’s about wearing hats, volunteering and meeting other ladies.
Spoleto is here. Per their website “it’s one of America’s major performing arts festivals. It was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to establish a counterpart to the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy.”
The talent is over the top. Folk music singers I’m with Her made us new fans. Check them out on YouTube. Wow. “Path of Miracles” a theatric/musical about the Camino de Santiago was interesting to say the least. It was a minimalistic production where the singers (pilgrims) dressed in everyday street clothes (no walking sticks or backpacks – they must have used Camino Ways) sang music that sounded like a cross between Gregorian and Tibetan chanting in several different languages. Hmm. Think about the last time you went to a modern art museum and knew you were experiencing art but felt a bit confused… we wondered if those in the audience who hadn’t walked the Camino would understand. The standing ovations proved it was a success none the less.
Time to brag. Last month I had the honor of winning Charleston Magazine’s gate photo competition. Historic Charleston is famous for their iron works. It’s a scrolling web of forged beauty.
Best part of Charleston is we get to spend time with the family. Especially with this little princess – now 8 months.
It’s our last week here and we’re gearing up for our big fundraising event for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation this Saturday, June 8th. If you’re in Charleston please stop by our Lemonade Stand at the corner of Meeting and Calhoun in Marion Square between 10 and 6 (bring your umbrella). Otherwise, if you want to miss the rain you may make a donation by clicking on this link or head over to paigeshaw.com use the code LemonadeDays (valid until June 9, 2019) and take 30% off your purchase (proceeds are donated to ALSF).
Known as Lemonade Days (from June 1st to 9th) 2,300 lemonade stands across the USA will raise funds to help ALSF change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.
My goal is to raise $8,000. which will pay for a month of research. Any donation – big or small all add up. Thanks!!!
