Lowcountry Women Authors Book Signing

Center for Women, What's Happening November 2009

3rd Annual Lowcountry Women Authors Holiday Book Signing

With Barnes & Noble, Mt. Pleasant:

Sunday, Nov 22 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm
$10 at the door
Mt Pleasant Towne Centre
1600 Palmetto Grande Drive
(old Tweeter space near Bed, Bath and Beyond)

Meet 50+ local authors and have your holiday gift purchases personally signed!

Anne Rivers Siddons – Sweetwater Creek, Off Season, Hill Towns

Cassandra King – Queen of Broken Hearts, The Same Sweet Girls, The Sunday Wife, Making Waves

Sue Monk Kidd & Ann Kidd Taylor – Traveling with Pomegranates, The Mermaid Chair, The Secret Life of Bees

Mary Alice Monroe – Time is a River, Turtle Summer, Last Light over Carolina

Nathalie Dupree & Marion Sullivan – Nathalie Dupree’s Shrimp and Grits

Nicole Seitz – The Spirit of Sweetgrass, Trouble the Water, Saving Cicadas

Marjory Wentworth – Shackles, Noticing Eden, Despite Gravity

Click Here to see all of the participating authors and their books.

Local Band!

Jun 21 2008 10:00P Frankie Biggs James Island, SC

Jul 4 2008 10:00P Folly Beach (Roadhouse) Folly Beach, SC

Aug 8 2008 10:00P Folly Beach (Roadhouse) Folly Beach, SC

Too Intense (Variety Hit Tunes Old/New)
For Booking:(843) 763-1392 (843) 813-0675

Jenkins Home for Children Yard Sale LowCountry SC

Orphan Aid Society, Inc.

1st Annual

WHALE-OF-A-YARD SALE
Saturday, November 10, 2007

Please drop off tax deductible items to:
JENKINS HOME FOR CHILDREN
3923 Azalea Drive
Charleston Heights
(Off Leads or N. Cosgrove)
(843) 744-2429

Monday-Friday
8 am. To 5 pm.

Binding Ink not associated with Orphan Aid Society, Inc. or Jenkins Home for Children

Information provided via flyer

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Susan G. Komen for the Cure

RACE FOR THE CURE®

October 20, 2007, 8 a.m.
Daniel Island, SC

Packet Pick-up
October 18 and 19, 2007
Daniel Island Medical Center
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Registration is also available on Race Day, October 20 starting at 7 a.m.

"The Lowcountry Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one of hundreds of local chapters around the country working diligently to further the Foundation's mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment."

When Is It Okay To Scream?

To list just a few of my current events, a Co-Worker has cancer (see The Red Carpet); a Co-Workers’ Best Friend since days at War together, has just been diagnosed with cancer and has 6 weeks to live. One Co-Worker had a stroke not to long ago and will be unable to return to work or his style of life and motorcycles. One Co-Worker recently unexpectedly under went immediate necessary brain surgery and died on the operating table. One Co-Worker just lost her Father-In-Law last night; as he drove home, he crashed into a tree; supposedly he had a heart attack. Another Co-Worker was telling me that she has had 4 deaths in her Family in the last 2 months. Understandably, she is unsure if she can handle the heart wrenching news if any more should occur, as other members in her Family are currently not well. In less than a few months, a champion Co-Worker has triumphed over her Daughters’ miscarriage, 3 cars in one month expensively breaking down, the loss of her Mother to inevitable cancer, and shortly afterwards, their Family dog dying - pending an astronomical vet bill. She accredits the Lord for her remarkable strength during this seeming trial. I widen my eyes and note, our City has just lost 9 Fire Fighters in one blaze. “The nation’s deadliest single disaster for firefighters since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.” This week, another rare event in our City took the lives of 5 People in a Highway accident involving an 18 wheeler. Compared to what everyone else is going through; I feel terrible to be complaining to myself, about my own mediocre confrontations amid dharma or karma. And yet with my heart being pulled in so many directions and many of my personal situations being intellectually challenged, I can’t help but want to scream.

Related post: God’s Goose Bumps

PostScripts Lowcountry Blog Meet Up April

Last Sunday April 22; I attended the local Blogger Meet-Up organized by Heather Solos at PostScripts. PostScripts posts about all “the Lowcountry Bloggers comings and goings in the active local blogging community”! “These days it's written primarily by Heather Solos of Moncks Corner Moments and administered by Dan Conover of Xark!". If you have a blog in the Lowcountry, SC your site should and needs to be listed on their Big Blogroll at PostScripts for terrific coverage! Currently there are at least 146 Lowcountry Bloggers!

The Blogger Meet-Up gave me the opportunity to become acquainted with the faces of fantastic people behind their blogs in the Lowcountry. The conversations were well rounded - refreshingly mentally stimulating with my evening ending in everyone enjoying laughter about South Park cartoons!

Whom I met from the Big Blogroll:

Heather Solos:“is a 28 year old professional blogger and stay-at-home-mom. She is the mother of 2 boys and also has a stepdaughter. Heather was a professional chef in her pre-kids life, but became a stay-at-home mom when she was pregnant with her first son. She works for Charleston.net, writing the Low Country Blogs roundup. She also keeps a personal blog, Moncks Corner Moments. Heather wants everyone to know you do not have to become the picture of Donna Reed or June Cleaver to be a successful SAHM.” Currently Heather is 23 weeks pregnant!

Heather Solos is also in partnership with Home Ec 101, “What You Wish Your Mama Taught You”.

Dave accompanied with Kathy. Dave has written a novel Prodigal Child ("Who among us is not our own worst enemy? Which of us does not wish for a second chance? Which of us does not have an inner artist trying to break free? Prodigal Child is a satisfying and charming read because it deals convincingly with these very personal, yet universal, issues.")

Dave:“I am an ex-framebuilder. My bikes have been ridden in the Tour de France, Olympics, and World Championships. My experience dates back to 1957, I retired from the bicycle business in 1993. This is a place where I post articles, stories, and personal thoughts primarily about bicycles.” Dave Moulton's Bike Blog

Two impressive young 22 year old Gentlemen, Jared and Kevin whom rekindled my hope for Society’s’ future:

Jared has co-written the book, Building Online Communities with Drupal, phpBB, and WordPress

Jared: “Hi, I’m Jared. No, not the guy from the prominent submarine sandwich chain — sorry to disappoint you. I’m 22, a Web designer, student, gadget geek, and…well…everything else under the sun living in Charleston, SC. I’ve done a lot: I’ve co-written a book, gotten halfway decent at designing a website, and…well, you’ll have to dive in a bit to find out. The website’s here to put my daily exploits on display, help me showcase some of the many things I do… JAREDWSMITH.COM”

Kevin: I am a 22 year old man who lives in South Carolina. I am interested in writing stories (science fiction, fantasy, or whatever else steals my attention for a while). I also like drawing, though most of my drawing seems to lean towards illustration. I have an interest in music, and can play the harmonica. At various times, I have felt some interest in design, learning the guitar, and videography, but I admittedly have some "focus" issues. I have currently finished a Book of Poetry that I am going to try to publish, God willing. I am also working on designs for a High Fantasy style novel, and a collection of dream-based paintings. Aside from these particular goals my only real goals are to keep doing what I am doing. Thank you for your interest in me and my site, not to mention my work…

Kevin has several excellent sites! Stones In My Passway… “(The blog, soapbox, and journal for the website Leaves Tremble On The Tree)” Several of his art and poems…. Can be found at Leaves Tremble On The Tree, To Consolate My Mind “(The philosophical side of Leaves, where ideas and curiosity is put down to paper, so to speak)”

Vera: Her One-Line Bio says it all:“Totally obsessed knitter and crocheter.” Vera’s blog site is none other than Vera’s Crafty Blog. Her other sites include Vera Knits and Vera's Crochet.

Vera is also the Hostess of Needles Hooks and Yarn (Crafters Fantasy Football)! A 'Fantasy Football League Blog' that also includes Football links to NFL Injury Reports, NFL Teams, Fantasy Football Tips, NFL.com Fantasy and more!

I believe Vera’s Husband made an appearance Sunday!

Saphyre Rose: I am a 24 year cancer survivor who was given 3 months to live. Due to the chemo and radiation I now have nerve damage and Fibromyalgia. But at least I am alive! I am married to the most wonderful man in the world and have a little muttling who is my familiar. I am a Wiccan and I am a Independent thinker and voter.

Saphyre Rose’s blog is the Sun and Moon Sorcery (Live in the Sun. Love in the Moon.)

Patrick: “I'm a television producer, writer, GAD sufferer, hypochondriac, debater, animal lover, amateur photographer, chronic over-eater, game show fan, ISFJ-personality type, and Christian. For the rest, read the blogs.”

Patrick’s blog is Patrick’s Place, “Fighting against Double Standards and for Common Sense since 2004”. Patrick also has several other blogs of interest, A Stop At Willoughby “(A novelist talks about writing, trying to be published, and a few other topics, too. What works for me may not work for you: proceed accordingly.)”, the Cross Examination, and Patrick’s Weekender“(Home of the Saturday Six and the Sunday Seven It’s never too late to play!)”

Mike from Notoriously Nice Mike. “A well-known local blogger who lives up to his nickname.” His on-site bio includes “100 Things About Me”. His blog includes pictures and information on a little bit of everything from books, pets, politics… and of course, Mike! “(Mike Notoriously Nice. Featuring Briar, Justine, Little Mike, Allan, and Jo Ann)”

Kit from Makes you like your eggs on the Jersey side. “Topics range from geek-talk to politics and humor.” To truly know Kit, all anyone needs to do is read old excerpts from his rarely updated website Clowns Will Eat You. Here you can learn also about Kit’s shoes, “I had recently decided that I was a Goth, and I had it on very good information that Goths wore combat boots.”

Eugene: Imablog. “Perspectives of a Canadian in the Old/Deep/New/Geographic South: This is where I ramble on about nothing in particular and post a few nice pictures.” Eugene’s blog includes My Geek Code where he states, Yes, I'm a geek and proud of it. He also includes his Research Interest, “One of my principle interests is doing attenuation correction in SPECT imaging using non-uniform attenuation maps obtained from a transmission scan. I did some work on the subject for my Master's thesis. With my latest job responsibilities though, I don't get to spend a great deal of time working on it. I hope to get back to it one of these days though.” His Coin Collection and much more!

J.J.: I’m not drunk enough for this. really, i’m not. “mmmm... blog... if these ramblings offend you, i'm probably a bit pickled. if they don't, you're probably a bit pickled.” Categories include: Car stuff, Four colour ramblings , Rant-A-Roni, Uncategorized, What I'm Drinking Now…

Sunnie (Kaytee): SunnieFaerie "a stay-at-home mom of 4 beautiful children and 2 beautiful Angels. I've been married since 1995." Sunnie (Kaytee) states that her husband Jimmy also present at the Blogger Meet-Up has a blog Chronicles of a Bodyman,“West Ashley father and autobody repairman on cars and life.”, though he rarely has the chance to post.

Some of SunnieFaerie recent posts include WalkAmerica about the walk-a-thon to help raise money for premature babies, Beautiful! with nice photos of the sunset, Soccer and More

If you were at the PostScripts Blogger Meet-Up and I didn’t list you, kindly accept my apologies and drop me a line so Binding Ink can list your blog also! Thanks!

Save the Easter Lilies - Gardening At Its’ Best

To and fro work takes me up and down East Montague Avenue:

“[The following blog entry was sent to you from: ***@***.***
It came from the blog: Charleston Blog
The entry is titled: Olde North Charleston
The entry can be found here: http://www.charleston.com/blog/index.cfm/2007/2/8/Olde-North-Charleston

As Charleston county experiences continued growth in all directions (except, of course, seaward), tract subdivisions pop up to the North and South, further and further from downtown. In an age that finds the old-fashioned neighborhood harder and harder to come by, Park Circle and East Montague Avenue remain relatively unchanged from an era long gone by.

Just a short, ten-minute drive up Spruill Avenue from downtown Charleston, East Montague and the Park Circle neighborhood still have the look and feel that the "Olde Village" had fifty years ago. Four blocks of wide streets with free parking are lined with shops, restaurants and other businesses, and offer visitors and local residents alike a relaxed place to stroll, eat, drink, and, increasingly, shop.

Restaurants include the homey and delightful Idle Hour; the popular Sesame ("burgers and beer"); the "Best Burger in Charleston" 2006 winner from the Post and Courier, Johnny's Olde Village Grill; the ultra-retro Meat-n-three of Aunt Bea's (which also houses a miniature U.S Post Office and takes in alterations - I am not kidding); and one of the best Irish Pubs in the South, Madra Rua. Park Circle coffee and cream is a free wi-fi hotspot, as well as a fine place for sandwiches, sprits, and of course, coffee and local color. There are two spa/salons, SoCal day spa and Bella Bella, as well as A gardening store, a convenience store, and a variety of other businesses.

For a map showing the greater Charleston area and the location of "the Olde Village", click here:
http://tinyurl.com/357ee5

To map for yourself or to program a navigation system, use an address on East Montague Avenue in North Charleston, such as 1087 E. Montague.]”

Just so happens the other day I had a hankering for some different kind of viddles. I decided around 4 pm to venture into that Aunt Bea's Restaurant at the 1050 building. (Rumor has it there are also lots of Politics a brew within). Unfortunately, the Restaurant wasn’t open for dinner until after 5 pm. Nonetheless; inside I did get to see the functioning miniature ‘old fashion general’ U.S Post Office!

Exiting to the outdoors, my ears were perked by unusual noise – whistling as if calling someone and other commotions to get ones attention. I assumed it could be kids from the nearby school and was preparing to ignore such. In fact; just about in my ‘tune it out mode’ is when suddenly I heard and saw a man across the street shouting frantically in my direction, “stop – you’re going to loose everything!” Nothing in my hands, so I had nothing to loose. For some reason, either because I was hungry or food comes in mind when you see and hear a man shout those words, I assumed someone was about to drop his carry out meal from one of the other local food places. With my car door almost unlocked is when instinctively or call it woman intuition I knew to stop a white bronco looking vehicle having turned the corner off of O’Hear Ave just as this man was now waving his arms about anxiously. Out of the corner of my eye is when I saw the back passenger door of the vehicle swing open. At first I thought his groceries were going to fall out, then I panically wondered - a child, yet I remembered noting some kind of white plants bouncing back and forth from the sudden brake motion from this auto. The man proceeded to only close the door while stating again, ‘you were about to loose it all’. He must have been stunned by the drivers’ reply cause he repeated, oh you were wondering why you could here noise inside your automobile. It wasn’t until this Gentleman returned across the street to his original departure that I realized, ‘the gardening store’. He wasn’t worried about no viddles falling, he was concerned for his customer who just purchased a jeep full of Easter Lilies from his business. Now this guy could have thought, hey I got my money and he could have just let someone drive off with their rear side door open until the driver either realized it was swinging or the door was ripped from it’s hinges after colliding into something. But this Businessman went the extra steps. So Folks, if you are going to program a navigation system and/or plan a nice visit to” the Olde Village” on E. Montague, use the address 1049 East Montague Ave for DUKES GARDEN CENTER. This is the where people want and need to shop!

Today I stopped in to get a business card so I could be certain to list DUKES GARDEN CENTER address correctly. That is when I learned this Businessman’s’ name is Marty. Seems he has some deep roots in Charleston, SC. Possibly in his grandfather linage helping perhaps start the Paper Mill. Marty is currently working on getting the DUKES GARDEN CENTER website up, so I hope he will share on that site, the story of his SC heritage. So happens the person he assured the auto door was closed, is a regular customer. None the less, he could have just sat idle on the green; but he didn’t. I also learned from Marty that the regular Customer purchased the plants for a local church where Members will be placing Easter Lilies for each person whom is no longer and/or can not be with them this Easter.

DUKES GARDEN CENTER
1049 EAST MONTAGUE AVENUE
NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 29405
843-200-8016

Vanna White in Charleston SC, Who What Else!

“This month, South Carolinians are the lucky ones, asWheel of Fortune comes to Charleston for a series of show tapings to honor the home state of Vanna White. Vanna, born in North Myrtle Beach, has been one of South Carolina’s most famous faces since she joined Wheel of Fortune in 1982.” (Source: SouthCarolina Magazine)

Black History Month -- February 2007: Charleston’s African-American Heritage Honored:

“National Black History month has a special significance in Charleston, SC. The historical influence of African Americans in the South Carolina Lowcountry is reflected in the culture and customs that still resonate throughout the area…” (Charleston Area Convention and Visitor Bureau),ABC News 4

“The only tennis tournament offering the top junior players the opportunity to compete for a wildcard invitation into a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Tier I event will once again bring more than 400 regionally and nationally ranked juniors from 14 states (and Canada) to Charleston as SMASH Magazine presents the 6th annual SMASH Junior Cup on Daniel Island in Charleston, SC from February 23-26, 2007.” (Family Cirlce Cup)

Toy Soldier Show: 50 tables of new and antique toy soldiers, diorama supplies, and military books on sale and display. Sponsored by the South Carolina Military Miniatures Society. For more info call 795-8720:
Event Date Sat 3/3/07
Start Time 9:00 - 4:00
Location Patriots Pt Holiday Inn
Cost $3.00, children under 12 free accompanied by an adult
South Carolina Military Miniature Society)

Lynyrd Skynyrd & 38 Special show April 14th at the Ladson Fairgrounds!

From Charleston City Paper:
“SOUTHERN ROCK FEST, The DJs at Q104.5 FM sure sound excited about what they're promoting as the Southern Rock Weekend at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson in mid-April. In fact, the event is part of the annual Heritage Motorcycle Rally, which runs from April 12-22. Co-sponsored by Rock 104.5, the festival's main music lineup features Spartanburg's Marshall Tucker Band on Sat. April 14, the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd and '80s rockers .38 Special on Sun. April 15. The following weekend features modern country act Montgomery Gentry on Fri. April 20 and Illinois classic rock band REO Speedwagon, with support from Smashmouth, on Sat. April 21. Advance tickets for Marshall Tucker are available for $20, while advance tickets for Skynyrd are available for $30 (both at www.etix.com). Check out www.heritagemotorcyclerally.com and www.q1045.com for more.”

100th Birthday celebration for oldest woman on Wadmalaw Island SC - Sun 4/15/07, this event is given by her children and grandchildren.

Stay posted my Readers for more Binding Ink! Thanks for Reading!

What Is Noisette Blvd Harboring Now

Exit the former Navy base, recently erected Riverfront Park – turn right onto N. Hobson Ave following the sharp left curve, then immediately yield right onto Noisette Blvd. Rapidly approach the set speed limit of 30 mph, You will near the road laden train tracks and cross a trendy fishing bridge. But just before you make the final jagged left curve headed toward Virginia Ave., be sure to look on the left hand side and you will surely see what appears to be a wooden tunnel from Maryland turnpike or perhaps some strange wooden garden green house. Across the enclosed fence you’ll note some strange almost village lettering, losttrades.com. Curious? I was! So naturally I went to the website. At first I was like - what does an odd shaped wooden doohickey have to do with film making? “Lost Trades is a collection of adventure based individuals with common goals: to bring about positive social and environmental change by building examples of human creativity, expeditioning to places of extreme beauty and documenting these voyages on film.” I began to explore some more and learned that Lost Trades is based on three Brothers from Woodstock, Vermont where the Brothers grew up in the mountains of New England. Somehow with only craftsmanship in their blood, a dream, and determination they came to Charleston, SC. July 2, 1999 on the Stono River, apparently on the old “Burnt Oak Plantation”; 9,000 hours invested - the three Brothers manual built ALLURA. A 50 ft. catamaran, 16,000 lbs. comprised of Okume Mahogany plywood and Douglas Fir, needing only 4 ft. of water when sailing. Certified for 77 passengers, the Brothers sailed the ALLURA to the Caribbean and started a day charter business.

Today, on Noisette Blvd. here in Charleston, SC is part of their GREENHORN BOAT SHOP. It is their MOBILE BOAT SHOP that they are able to pack up the entire warehouse and relocate to other 'port cities and coastal areas around the world.' Hence, the odd shaped tunnel is merely a 'giant tent with removable metal poles and a large tarp cover'. At the Navy Base Revitalization Project on Noisette Blvd, Lost Trades is building a 55 ft. Searunner wooden catamaran. Lost Trades also have an interest in Viking ships, canoes, kayaks, and rowing vessels. They offer apprenticeship and international exchange programs. “We build the highest quality sailing catamarans in the world, with the lowest low-tech tools. A few circular saws, jigsaws, sanders, and drills are all we need to create the ultimate sailing machine out of wood.” The website Lost Trades is a must read for more information on their history, expeditions, films, how to apply for apprenticeship… Meanwhile’ I am continuing to enjoy my rides to and fro work, noting the oblong progress on the craftsmanship. Wondering what their research has found for the 'renewable material for use in marine grade plywood' such as 'Airheart' vs the tropical hardwood. So Readers, be sure to take a look at the progress next time you are in the area! BTW: With as much rain water as Noisette Blvd tends to harbor after every down pour, Lost Trades might want to get started on those canoes!

Noisette Blvd Trains Ringling Bros

Exit the former Navy base, recently erected Riverfront Park – turn right onto N. Hobson Ave following the sharp left curve, then immediately yield right onto Noisette Blvd. Rapidly approach the set speed limit of 30 mph and you will briefly see a train sitting on the right side of the tracks. Then suddenly traffic squelches to a halt as drivers note an almost cartoon caption sign – “caution 5 miles an hour– children at play’ –. As you near the road laden train tracks, the trains have almost reluctantly split, allowing traffic to cross the trendy fishing bridge. However, promptly caution for there atop the bridge stands another cartoonish sign “5 miles an hour– children at play’. Be aware my Dear Readers, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum/Bailey have come to town! That’s right, Ladies and Gentlemen Jan 31 - Feb 04 at the North Charleston Coliseum, The Greatest Show on Earth is in N. Charleston for our enjoyment! And on Noisette Blvd. sits their Circus bus and train! And I take great pleasure in my daily route to and fro work, noting the vehicles in front of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum/Bailey trains. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, taxis, … Knowing the Ringling Bros. and Barnum/Bailey Circus may be here to entertain the child in us all. However; for all the Ringling Bros. and Barnum/Bailey have always given us, it is nice to be reminded that behind the mask, the makeup, the tricks, treats, feats, and rings, they are people like you and I. People with Friends and Family visiting them. People visiting our town. People with kids. And so, seeing this on Noisette Blvd., has been for me, ‘the Greatest Show On Earth’.

"The dream is as much a part of the American culture as Ringling Bros. and Barnum/ Bailey itself: to run away and join the circus. For the human performers, animal stars, and crewmembers of the two unique editions of The Greatest Show On Earth, life on the road is the best life you could imagine!

The Red Unit and Blue Unit trains criss-cross the country 11 months out of the year, logging more than 25,000 miles as they bring America's Living National Treasure to millions of families in more than 90 cities! More than a mile long, each of the privately owned Ringling Bros. and Barnum/Bailey trains is an international melting pot of cultures and skills."
Ringling Bros. and Barnum/Bailey Trains