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Throwback Thursday: of Wind and Poetry 10/12

Poetry: a structure in art that needs none; Yet that is always my struggle.

It is a joy but I’ve been without muse as I find myself shallow to amuse,

That which is a life uninspired; quiet and dry and left feeling tired.

Yet why don’t I? Go on, go on, go on:

I appreciate the wind today, Even when it bites.

Counting each blessing With pink cheeks and nose.

The wind is a wonderful thing;

One last time before the frost It awakens what was dead,

Leaves abandon home Yet here they dance again.

Even the shadows sway To the song of the breeze

Everything is alive this day A body of water in peace at bay;

They too receive a gift Of crashing, rolling rhythms, Drowning out city sounds.

Oh clever, clever wind, We are forever in your debt.

Even birds under your power Today they still owe breath.

And as I count each blessing, Your power grows stronger yet.10614_379733685435833_1669890470_n

And I know it is time I move on; Blown away against my will;

Respect and gratitude, always, To that which was my muse.

And I’ll work harder still To chase and embrace; to choose,

Hoping to awaken the strangest of myself soon.

Throwback Thursday: How To Develop a Personal Style 11/09

With Spring herein sight… just around the corner…?! I thought it was only appropriate to post a process essay I wrote in 2009: How To Develop a Personal Style. Spring is all about new beginnings, reinventing yourself, or refreshing yourself. This essay was really fun to write and maybe it will inspire you!

Also, I am so overwhelmed with work and personal life that I’ve had no time to post new blogs lately, which makes me very sad. Please stay tuned for my film review of Noah, writings about my health scare with cancer, a vlog on some new beauty products, and my first week with a VitaMix!… maybe this is ambitious but I’m hoping to get to all of that this month!!!!!510b343973f9945cc5611c7d1765b579

How To Develop a Personal Style

People embrace creativity and individuality through countless types of expression; yet with so many ways of expressing oneself, there is still one aspect that every person has in common: physical presence. A person can paint a painting or construct a building, yet their physical appearance still reflects who they are. The way one looks can also transform the way one feels, so having a personal style (along with basic fashion sense) is very important. It is a statement to the world, and sometimes it just takes some self reflection, research, and experimenting to discover how one should dress. Finding a personal style is a process, but by using the following six steps as a guide, one can truly create and develop their own personal style to show off who they are to the world.

1003836_488212434587957_482577665_nStep #1: Study yourself. When deciding the best way to express yourself through clothing, you must have a good understanding of who you are. Personal style isn’t about what’s trendy or cute – it is a self-reflection. When thinking about clothes, be true to yourself and your unique fashion sense, but don’t be afraid to take chances. If you feel like you haven’t found your personal style yet, try to think outside of the box. Caution: Don’t categorize yourself! If you automatically assume you must dress “sporty” or “preppy,” you may not reach the full potential of your style. Thinking back on your childhood is a great place to start in studying yourself. Remember what you were like at your most innocent state and what inspired your imagination. Also ask yourself, “What inspires me now?” The clothes in a music video or the colors in an art piece can inspire someone’s sense of fashion.

Step #2: Study the professionals. Celebrities are wealthy, fashion-savvy, and easy to track, so choose a singer or actress you love and study their look. What is it about their style that catches your attention? If you love it, don’t be afraid to copy it. Warning: Make sure you are looking to celebrities with similar body types! Find celebrities and other experts in fashion magazines like Elle and Vogue. Also try one trend at a time; trends are not necessarily a way to discovering personal style, but it works as a good place to start experimenting with fashion. Beyond the world of fashion and Hollywood, don’t hesitate to talk to your friends who have good taste. (Ask to borrow items of clothing or accessories for a special occasion!)feb8810b8815f5293398c1028b6140cf

Step #3: Plan and prepare. At this point, you should have a good idea about the clothes you like, but it is very important to apply what you like to what is practical. A tip that cannot be stressed enough: work with your body type! Figure out your best features and show them off. A great way to find out what looks good on your body is to look back on old photos of yourself and learn from your mistakes. Also take note of things like eye color and skin tone to find colors that will look good on you. After evaluating your body type and other physical details, pick something to be your signature. A signature piece adds something special to your look and helps you stand out. If you love skirts, wearing a different kind of skirt every day would be a great signature! Other fabulous options include: dresses, heels, necklaces, rings, or even one specific color. Steps one through three take time and thought to fully achieve, but if you put in enough effort, it makes step four a blast.

Step #4: Shop! When shopping, stay focused on the research you have done in the previous steps. If needed, browse through a store’s online catalogue before shopping, or bring in photos of outfits you would like to recreate. A very important tip: try on everything! There is nothing worse than clothes that are too loose or too tight. In addition, find a tailor or learn simple hemming techniques. Nothing fits perfectly, yet a perfect fit is the easiest way to look good. Also remember to stock up on basics; you can’t own too many fun accessories or solid tops. The best places to stock up are stores like Target, Old Navy, and the Gap. (Warning: stay away from the printed clothes at Old Navy and the Gap; they’re cheap and obnoxious!)

Stores like Target, Forever 21, H&M, and Payless are great places to find inexpensive clothes. (Being stylish doesn’t require being in debt!) However, a great confidence booster to your wardrobe is one amazing, name brand piece like a Chanel bag. If you buy one amazing item (or get one for your birthday), take very good care of it and you will be able to keep it for years to come. Caution: don’t wear fakes! It’s pointless. Step four may be the hardest step in this process, so there are a lot of warnings to take note of. Remember! Don’t overdue labels; people do not care where your clothes are from and labels take away from an outfit. Also, don’t obsess over sales! Sales are great, but if you stay too focused on them, you will miss out on other great clothing opportunities. Shopping can either be a very stressful or a very therapeutic exercise, so just remember everything you did in steps one through three, take your time, and remember to work with your body type. There is a lot more to one’s personal style than clothing though, which brings us to step five.

dcaa88ee89def19cb950aa851c0b1772Step #5: Define your hair and makeup. If you love your clothes but not your hair, you have a serious problem! Hair should be unique and bold; it is a woman’s strongest accessory. The most important thing to do is listen to the experts! Most salons will give free consultations and can help find a cut, color, and product regimen that will work well for your style and your type of hair. Even if you love your hair the way it is, experiment with products to achieve maximum health and style. Warning: don’t buy hair products from Target! Target is a great place for clothes, but professional salon products are the only things that should touch your hair. Even if Target carries a professional line, many times they are expired, overpriced, and watered down.

There is a lot less risk involved with makeup; you can try things over and over again and simply wash it off if you don’t like it. If you need extra help, professional salons and department stores will do your makeup for you. Remember: you typically have to buy makeup to have it applied, but it is a great way to get cosmetic advice. If you don’t like to wear makeup, it is still something that makes a woman look put together and stylish. Mascara, bronzer, and chapstick become a great minimalistic package for those that don’t like to be too dolled up. Either way, don’t be afraid to play around with makeup to improve your personal style.

Step #6: Wear your new look and own it! You have the clothes, the hair, and the makeup to show off who you are, so what more could there be to do? Own your new look! If you do not feel confident in your clothes, don’t wear them. Yes, it can be scary to try new things, but confidence is the key to owning your personal style. If this is your first time trying something new, you will most likely receive criticism. Remember: Be critical of criticism. It’s impossible to please everyone and the most important thing about a personal style is to have it be your style. Here are some more simple (yet helpful) tips:

  1. Don’t be afraid to personalize clothes yourself – get crafty and try sewing on a new collar or beaded accents.e46446919247001a7182ac2ed556acaf
  2. Never dress boring! If you’re clothes are simple and neutral, wear colorful shoes or a bold accessory.
  3. Wear dramatic pieces sparingly.
  4. Never repeat full outfits; change the necklace or add a bracelet at least.
  5. Posture will transform the way you come off to other people and will help anyone look more confident.
  6. Even if you are sick or having a bad day, never let it show in your outfit. Wear something comfortable, but still make sure it’s fitted and stylish. Not only will this help your mood, but it keeps you looking great.

Now that you have followed these six steps, you should feel confident, beautiful, and redefined. Just remember that the more you try, the more you can get away with. So never get stuck in one fashion box – personal style is developed and altered over time to reflect your unique self. Having your own personal style isn’t everything to life, but its one of the countless mediums of expression that should be embraced by all!

Throwback Thursday: a Party Poem 1/09

It feels weird to look back, knowing this was written over 5 years ago at a house party. It’s very strange and a little silly, but I chose this poem because of it’s firm physical influence, which has a strong correlation to my feelings this week. Try not to take it too seriously…

This world of vines with stripes
With billowing smoke beneath,
I try to escape but it will not leave.
My eyes they bulge and my shoulders round,
My ears they pulse and it feels profound.
Sounds bounce and wave through my head,
Cinnamon toast crunch. Needing to be fed.
As it enters through the vines and veins of skin
To the stomach lump of my body lying within,
Where there beats a heart in this dark abyss,
Its presence lingers like true love’s first kiss.
And as it lies there beating, a pain circulates,
Through spine of center for which it hates.
I know not of what they say down a stair,
But in mind of layers, levels, it’s hard to care.
And so what do I care? But what I see
Is a world far different than naturally.
Marshmallow pies, marshmallow pies,
It’s high up here, I’ve seen many skies.
Whether it be day, it be dark, it be gone,
It’s honor I give through peace of song,
And here I swing within my mind, my center,
However sound will not leave – only enter.
Stop, stop, it says to me, small sounds say.
But this price of presence shall it pay?


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15 Wrestlers Qualify for MAWA Regionals

The Hempfield Wrestling Program saw big success in competition in the Primary District Qualifiers for The Mid Atlantic Wrestling Association (MAWA) Regional Championships.

High School, Junior High School and Youth Levels were all represented. The top 3 in each division qualify for the Regional Championships.

Advanced Division:

Ian Edwards 2nd

Gordy Hoover 2nd

Luke DeGeorge 4th

Intermediate Division:

Dylan Bard 1st

Reagan Lefevre 1st

Luke Kramer 2nd

Luke Kreider 2nd

Russ Hanes 2nd

Clay Gainer 2nd

Junior Division:

Grant Hoover 1st

Cole Peters 1st

Kameron Fickes 1st

Braden Edwards 3rd

Brian Williams 3rd

Midget Division:

Derek Katch 2nd

Dominic Angelo 4th

Bantam Division:

Grayson Angelo 2nd

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NSPCC Big Board Game Day 21 May 2016

Come and play board games with friends, family or strangers at The Black Lion and raise money for a great cause  (Link to Facebook page).

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played any games for decades or if the term ‘Euro’ for you isn’t about ‘Brexit’.

Suggested £5 donation to the NSPCC. All proceeds to charity. Venue kindly donated by Black Lion Hereford.

Many of the best board and card games aren’t available on the high street so you may not have heard of them, if you want to learn more we’ll have friendly games teachers on hand to get you started, or bring along your favorite classics and enjoy the nostalgia.

We have some great raffle prizes including 10 brand new boardgames, some pre-loved board games , some non game treats and two mystery boxes! There will be something for big kids and little kids alike!

Event details:

The Black Lion: 31 Bridge Street, Hereford HR4 9DG
We are upstairs in the function/skittle alley, accessed from a door in the car park.
Recommended parking: Strictly limited onsite. Nearest is Hereford Leisure Pool (cross the old bridge and the Black Lion is on your left) or Greyfrairs car park.
(first right after the underpass down Bridge Street and the Black Lion is on your right)
Times: Noon until late (1am).
Ages: Children welcome until 7pm
Costs: £5 suggested donation per person
Food and drinks: Buy from the Black Lion. Please don’t bring your own food. We are trying to arrange a group meal at approximately 6pm e.g chilli con carne and chips in addition to the standard pub menu. Tea and coffee available in the gaming area.

Fundraising page:

The Hereford Wargames Club

The Hereford Wargames Club (formerly the Spread Eagle Wargames Society) meet weekly at the Swan Inn, 171 Aylestone Hill, Hereford HR1 1JJ, on Tuesday evenings, from around 7pm.

Fire & Fury – Confederates attacking at Gaines Mill

We are a friendly, informal crowd who play a wide variety of land, naval, and aerial figure games, and board games, covering all periods and scales.

Very British Civil War – Anglican League volunteers
Very British Civil War – Anglican League volunteers

Recent games have included WWII ( Bolt Action, Flames of War), American Civil War (Fire & Fury), Fantasy/Sci-fi (Warhammer , 40k ,Infinity,.Bloodbowl), Ancients and Dark Ages (Saga, DBM), Very British Civil War, Pandemic.

Flames of War – Hungarians dig in against advancing Russians

We also organise larger all-day games from time to time.
All over 18’s are welcome to come along and play. An added benefit is that the pub serves good food and drink !

Wings of War – Spitfires and Me109’s clash

If you wish to find out more, feel free to contact Craig or Liam at The Swan Inn, tel. 01432-275234


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If we were not at home, we would call this place beautiful,

Discuss its majesty, while the June light floods over it.

But we are on our own ground, and barely look up or around ourselves.

A man may navigate these streets with his eyes shut, and know it better by following his working senses, than those who tap and touch their way through other people’s photos, and last night’s HBO ever can.

Open any cookbook, and turn to the muckiest pages , there you will find treasure, buried beneath grains of Demerara and dried egg yolk.

About hereisthemoment

I write. Sometimes I don't.

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I honestly can’t believe that we’re already halfway through March! Seriously, where does the time go? Well, my time has gone towards several birthdays this month, and it’s been a very busy but very enjoyable couple of weeks. One of the birthdays observed this month has been my own (my 30th, if we’re counting… but who’s counting?)

This birthday made me feel exceptionally loved — everyone in my life truly rose to the occasion, and treated me to a slap-bang celebration, complete with an apartment full of balloons (all thanks to the ingenuity and lung-power of my lovely roommate!), birthday-eve pancakes for dinner, birthday breakfast at Eclipse (please go, if you haven’t yet, and you won’t regret ordering the chocolate croissant with lavender sea salt or the vanilla-bean infused orange juice…or anything else, really…), afternoon-lounging-on-the-couch-in-pajamas, dinner at Starlite with friends old and new, and a Drag Queen Gospel brunch at Lips (which promises to be the “Best in Drag Dining”, and doesn’t disappoint!), not to mention cards galore, an amazing care package, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to my door!

Birthdays are so awesome.

I felt very lucky to be asked to take part in another birthday this month — a sweet 16 party for a very sweet, stylish and super-cool 16-year-old (awesome blog here)! She wanted all red flowers and compact, clean lines, and hopefully my arrangements were up to snuff! Here are some of them, packed for transportation

I’m over-the-moon about announcing an upcoming event taking place this coming Saturday March 22 — the South Park Springtime Walkabout!

I’ll be stationed in The Grove at Juniper & 30th, with flowers in tow! I’ll have an abundance of wearable flowers (crowns, corsages, fascinators, even some boutonnieres!) as well as small nosegays for sale. I hope you’ll come on down and join in what promises to be a delightful evening! Looking forward to seeing you there, and to reporting back on here afterward….

As tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, here’s one of my favorite Irish ditties to help us all say a rollicking farewell to the weekend…

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A First Date with Joe Maffo

Man holds alligator

Joe adorns me with a snake necklace while showing off  one of his toys; a baby (live) alligator.

If you haven’t yet been to the Joe Maffo’s exhibit at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, then you are missing out on something special.  Held outside on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Joe and his staff of students and volunteers educate delighted crowds about reptiles, chickens, and rabbits, among those he had the day I visited with Johnny D.

Brothers  Brothers, Miles and Owen, share a python.

kid holds baby gator

Local student assists Maffo as summer job.

kid with snake

Visitor from Beaufort, Miguel wears a python “hoodie” with Maffo.

Joe carefully wraps onlookers with his friends, then explains how and what they eat, and why they should never be approached in the wild.

“I want people to educate people to respect our wildlife, but not fear it.  We are all part of the same eco-system,”  says Joe.

And we’re not the only ones who appreciate Maffo’s expertise.  Featured in August’s Men’s Health magazine, pg. 34, he’s gone nationwide.  Also look for a piece in the Wall Street Journal called What’s in My Bag, for a look at what Joe Maffo carries around with him… maybe you don’t want to know!

chicken on guy's shoulder

Johnny D bonds with a chicken.

For more information about Critter Management call, 843-681-8050

Or check out the exhibit schedule here: http://www.coastaldiscovery.org/home/discover-and-learn/site-tours-programs/

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; An Oasis For Artists

Nancy Mitchell paints outside on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island Plein Air Artist, Nancy Mitchell, loves to work outdoors whenever possible.

*One of the joys of living on Hilton Head Island is knowing that, when it comes to retiring from a lifetime of ‘the grind’, the relocation aspect is already knocked.  The next thing to check off – while taking that last ride home on the commuter train – is pursuing a lifelong passion that, for many people, is to follow an artistic vision.  So now, the question arises, if one is a working artist, living in Hilton Head, South Carolina, where does one go, and what does one do, when it’s time to retire?  Hmmmm.

Brucie Holler, Artist, works in her studio.

Impressionist painter, Brucie Holler, at work in her studio.

Hilton Head’s natural surroundings are further blessings to those lucky enough to wake up here each day.  To many people around the world, the natural habitat of the lowcountry, is truly a work of art, and cannot be overstated as a luxury, especially, when considering that much of this community’s resort development began during an era when little, if any, consideration was given to the environment, and greenhouse gases hadn’t even made it into the political lexicon.  Landscaping in the sixties and seventies on the east and west coast of the United States consisted of razing shoreline forests to erect high-rise dwellings with penthouses, and city skyscrapers.   It simply wasn’t vogue to leave trees standing, where rent could be collected.

Joe and Marilyn Bowler

Portraiture Artist, Joe Bowler pictured left, with late wife, Marilyn, in 2008

Yet, in spite of this, Hilton Head developed as it did, creating a land/seascape on the southeastern shoreline, second to none.  Ancient live oaks, veiled with Spanish moss, and wax myrtle trees grow unhindered, where alligators, snowy egrets, and herons fish standing next to each other.  Really, one can almost hear them talking to each other.  And, as recently as two years ago, Asian community developers began visiting Hilton Head to understand what made it so aesthetically pleasing to investors and vacationers, so they could mimic it in their own resort planning.

Which begs the question, how does one feel artistically inspired in a place that is itself, a natural work of art?  Hilton Head Island is a glorious little nook, a most pristine example of developed shoreline in the lowcountry along the eastern seaboard.  The answer is that inspiration resides within the artist, evidenced during the research and interviewing of this article highlighting four distinctly different, renowned Hilton Head working artists who live and create just around the corner from one another.

I. Robert Rommel

predator bird catches fish

‘Osprey Catches Flounder’, in this award-winning photograph, by Robert Rommel.

Schoolteachers on Hilton Head make great use of field trip opportunities inherent just by virtue of living and learning on the island.  Any numbers of locally protected areas easily bring textbook illustrations to vibrant life, so that everything learned in the classroom, can be applied to the immediate natural habitat.

Fortunately, the lowcountry is a veritable biosphere of wildlife, encouraging constant outdoor studies.  Science classes often include trips to the beach, trolling for shells and exoskeletons scattered, layered under eons of tides.  With this as background, research biologist/wildlife photographer, Robert Rommel, takes advantage of his surroundings to amplify the range of his own camera art, as well as, to give him a unique perspective when teaching photography workshops.

Photographer Shoots Fiddler Crab

Wildlife Photographer, Robert Rommel Waits Out the Fiddler Crab Mating Ritual With Extraordinary Patience

Fiddler Crab close-up

Fiddler Crab Prepares to Impress His Date

Fiddler Crab Dance

Wow, She’s Impressed. I am, too.

His current project, conducted on location at Fish Haul Creek Park at Port Royal Plantation beach, includes a scenic trail walk through the park, opening out to one of many of Hilton Head’s awesome, natural surprises.  A constantly changing seascape view including shoreline, huge rocks, tide pools, and just over the waterway, Port Royal Plantation.

The mating ritual of the sand fiddler crab fascinates Robert and his Nikon today.  Yes, fascinates.  In fact, until he gets his shot, one goes on blind faith that the silent, patient, wildlife photographer, lying stretched out prone, for hours on the sand, knows that what he is waiting for, flat on his stomach, is going to be worth it.  And the resulting photos don’t disappoint, (see captioned photo) as he catches the male sand fiddler crab doing quite a dance with one claw waving madly about, trying for the attention of a mate, who has to be totally impressed by this.  But what more could a female sand fiddler want, out here at 10:00 am in the salt marsh of Port Royal? Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
Robert’s work recently won a Wildlife in Focus Contest and a portfolio of his work can be found on his website, http://www.robertrommel.com, where one can also find out when and where he teaches photography workshops.

Impressionist painting, 30 Panels

‘Murmurations Squared,’ by Impressionist Painter, Brucie Holler

II. Brucie Holler

In the Gallery of Shoppes, overlooking Greenwood Avenue just before the Sea Pines gate, Brucie Holler’s more recent “starling murmurations” –inspired paintings can be found.  Vibrant acrylics on paper abstracts decorate the walls, floors, and tables of her studio, compelling the gaze over and over as her brush strokes mimic the reverberations of a flock of starlings that hauntingly sweep the skies.   YouTube videos set to music, illustrate this wildlife phenomenon, and Brucie’s abstract interpretations are breathtaking.

“As a non-representational painter, I am interested in exploring the source of inspiration,” writes Brucie.  She wonders how people experience the natural world, life, beauty, music, language, “and translate that into authentic, personal transcendent art?”

Prior to the mixed media murmurations studies – a wondrous, mixed media panel consisting of thirty, eight by eight-inch squares, can be bought as individual squares, or as a whole (see captioned photo, above) – and concurrent with this work, is much of Brucie’s abstract art which distinguishes itself by the use of multi-layered aqua-teal colors, and charcoal strokes (see abstract painting, right).  Her work is mainly informed by two constant sources, language and the natural world.  Language, as expressed through poetry, as well as the natural energy created by wind, gravity, and stillness, inspires her lines and what happens between the forms as aroused by the starling murmurations.

Impressionist painting, oil on canvas

‘Sky’s Big Hand’, Oil on Canvas, 60×72

A South Carolina native, Holler pursued graduate work at the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore, after receiving a BA in painting at Florida State University.  She has pursued her artistic vision through teaching art, and working administratively, while constantly honing her own craft studying with other internationally known artists, including Richard Smith, and Truman Lowe.  Her work has been shown in galleries in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Colorado.

Represented by Camellia Art locally, and Parker Gallery on St. Simons Island, Brucie appreciates that she can be prolific and evolve, as she is inspired.  Her work can also be viewed online, at http://www.brucieholler.com/

III. Joe Bowler

Portrait of Little Girl, Regan Boyse, by Joe Bowler

‘Whistler’s Daughter,’ by World-renowned Portrait Artist, and Long-time Island Resident, Joe Bowler

One island neighbor, award-winning and world-renowned commissioned portrait artist, has lived locally in surprisingly, well-preserved privacy, since 1972.  What an honor for native islanders to grow up near such an eminent, prolific artist, whose credentials extend from 1952, when he was elected to the Society of Illustrators, all the way to 1992, being inducted into the Illustrators Hall of Fame.  In between, Joe established himself as an internationally acclaimed illustrator/portrait artist, whose commissioned work has kept patrons queued up for ten years at a time.

After contracting polio in 1958, Bowler nonetheless, committed himself to his art; indeed, grew and evolved, with each passing decade from the business world of nationally recognized illustrations, to commissioned portraiture on Hilton Head, where he found time to create his own inspired art between and around commissions.

Joe Bowler portrait, Regan Boyse

Portrait, ‘Regan Boyse – 2010’, by Joe Bowler

Referring fondly to his years working as errand boy, palette and brush cleaner at Cooper Studio in the early years, his first break came when Saturday Evening Post artist/illustrator, Coby Whitmore, took a sample portrait the nineteen year-old Bowler had been working on, and sold it for him to Cosmopolitan magazine for $1000.  Bowler made $35.00/week at that time.  In 1967 the Artists’ Guild of New York named Joe their Artist of the Year, and by this time, magazines were commissioning him to do portraits of well-known people including a McCall’s article portraying eight presidential candidates’ wives; works that landed the covers of such well-known publications as the August 1971 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal portrait of Rose Kennedy, and a Saturday Evening Post cover of Julie and David Eisenhower.

Encouraged, and managed by his late wife, Marilyn (see captioned photo near the top, by Mark Staff), Joe drew inspiration from her tireless support, inherent understanding of the working artist, and fifty-eight strong years of marriage.  Currently, daughter Jolyn Bowler, is the organizer and keeper of the Bowler flame.

Joe Bowler’s works can be viewed online at http://www.joebowler.com,  http://www.morriswhiteside.com, or in person at the Morris-Whiteside Gallery at The Red Piano, 220 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC  29928; phone, 843-842-4433.  Anyone with inquiries regarding portraits or non-portrait works can either call Jolyn Bowler, at 843-671-2702, or send an email to bowlerportraits@gmail.com.

IV. Nancy Mitchell

Recent painting by Nancy Mitchell

‘Gullah’s Ark’, by Hilton Head Artist, Nancy Mitchell

For the same reason Hilton Head Island stands alone as an incredible testament to the art that is inherent in nature, renowned muralist, wildlife painter, and now, sculptor, Nancy Mitchell, has carved out an artistic niche for herself over the past thirty years; the shared motivation being, environmental respect.  Because, just as Hilton Head Island’s early developers insisted on maintaining the natural beauty of the island during building, Nancy’s profound respect for native flora and fauna is always evident in her work.  And, not only does she draw inspiration from local land/seascapes, she belongs to the Lowcountry Plein Air Society, an organization devoted to nature, and painting outdoors.

Nancy lives her art, and her art lives within her.  There are no other words to describe this totally dedicated, talented, authentic, artist on Hilton Head.  Her work evolves through natural textures and hues, and she is unafraid of learning new tricks.  As a commissioned muralist through the years, she graciously gives of herself through her art donations to animal relief charities and other non-profit organizations.  A true renaissance woman in the new millennium, Nancy’s artistic output is matched only by her glowing smile and sincere desire to return to the earth its natural resources, in any way possible.  If Hilton Head Island were personified as an artist, Nancy Mitchell would be its muse, without a doubt.

“Making a living as an artist has only been possible because of diversity. Murals and faux finishes are still an important part of my repertoire as is commission work for clients and designers,” states Nancy.

Nancy Artist, Plein Air Society Artist

‘Beachpath II’, by Nancy Mitchell, Was Recently Completed on the Easel in Her Back Yard (see Photo at the Top of Artist at Work)

Her love for animals, especially rescued pets, and the local marsh tackies indigenous to coastal Carolina, has led her to animal drawings, mixed-media works, and animal sculptures more recently.  Much of what she has learned has been adding to a fifteen-year brainstorm that has culminated in her current work-in-progress, Life is a Carnival, which will include large, highly textured, sculpture pieces of mixed media, silhouettes, and dynamic shadows, a project inspired largely by the Shriners’ Savannah Carnival.

Represented by The Red Piano Too, Art Gallery, 870 Sea Island Pkwy, St. Helena, SC 29920; phone, 843-838-2241, http://www.redpianotoo.com/ Email: redpianotoo@islc.net, The Filling Station Gallery, 69 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, SC;  phone, 843-263-4796, Mitchell divides her time between shows, commissioned works, and selling her art at farmer’s markets, and weekend art festivals.  Those who would like to learn more about Nancy’s passion for oil painting, can take her October 2014 workshop, at the Art Academy.

Each of these artists works in a unique setting of their choosing.  Joe Bowler and Brucie Holler prefer their own studios, while Robert Rommel and Nancy Mitchell would rather work outside.  The two things they all have in common are 1.) inspiration to create, which only comes from within, and 2.) the extraordinary protective landscape that is Hilton Head Island.  Of course, a work of art in and of itself.

*Please note: This article was commissioned by, and first appeared in, the July, 2014, issue of Hilton Head Monthly on page 22, in the magazine’s, Vibe section.  This is the writer’s uncut, final version.  Any errors of spelling, fact, or inaccuracies that occur herein, please email me, Carmen Hawkins DeCecco, carmenhawk1@gmail.com, with your concern and contact information, and I will address promptly.  Thank you.

Hilton Head Wrack and Roll!

Seaweed, known as wrack.

Seaweed, known as wrack.

We are ever grateful that this island is home to so much carefully preserved and honored wildlife that we, the domesticated, evolved and reasoning creatures that we are, tend to step back on occasion screeching thusly…. “AAAGH!!! DID YOU SEE THE SIZE OF THAT SNAKE?”, forgetting for a moment that we have intruded upon their (their, being Nature that was here waayyyyyyyyy yonder before us), territory in recent years, which, if you measure in geologic time amounts to about the size of a quarter against the globe of 4.6 billion years, which is how long the earth has been in existence.  Apparently, they say we (we, as in humanoids) have been here only a short burp compared to the earth’s raging gastrointestinal offspring of dinasaurs, ice ages, and meteor she-bangs, and I believe them, (“Who?” You might ask is saying we are only a blip on the earth’s radar screen, if eons were measured as blips on radar screens, and I will answer, “people who have made it their business to research and dig in the dirt to prove and make us feel like we are an ego-driven, selfish race of species that will self-sabotage before any asteroid comes close to the widening hole in our ozone layer.”)

Neanderman seeking birdie

Neanderman seeking birdie

I mean really, we’ve got alligators (prehistoric), enormous, birds of prey that spread their wings and you think a seven-forty-seven is taking off from the lagoon at the 16th tee of the Sea Pines Club Course, some days. Turtles get bigger and bigger, and forget sea turtles… have you ever seen a loggerhead up close?  You’d think you maybe took a step back to the Pleistocene age sometimes when walking around our pristine and scenic sand dunes.

Which brings me to my point, believe it or not (I know you’re thinking, ‘is she ever going to get to the point, or what?’), which is that seaweed – also a prehistoric life form, but has not evolved much from then to now – a natural and necessary feature of our delicate ecosystem, sometimes crowds the beach after a super moon tidal party that does not involve us, except as spectators.  Having applied all my literary skills to describing this beautiful ocean algae that sustains invertebrates such as crabs and insects, as well as providing nesting for shorebirds, I shudder to call something so essential, accenting the beaches like eyebrows, gracing our shorelines, and harmless, as “wrack”, but there you have it.  That’s what it’s called. Wrack.

Having said all that above, I and my dog Sam, know the true purpose for wrack; Beach Beagle Back Scratcher!

Celebrate World Ocean Day with the Coastal Discovery Museum Friday, June 8, 2012

World Ocean Day, June 8, 2012

What better way to wind up a Hilton Head vacation week, than to visit the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn for a full day of presentations honoring our delicate ocean systems and wildlife? (That was a rhetorical questions… there is no better way.)  Beginning at 9:00 am on Friday, June 8, with Dr. Michael R. Denson of the Waddell Mariculture Center, followed by six more forty-five minute presentations ranging in subject from seafood in lowcountry restaurants, hearing measurements of bottle-nosed dolphins, sea turtle habits, sharks (natch), and human impact on marine environments.

Loggerhead Turtle

Space for each lecture is limited to the first sixty people who arrive.  For more information, check out their Facebook page for a full schedule of events, or call: 843-689-6767 or email: info@coastaldiscovery.org.  And if you can’t make it on Friday, check out the website for daily family and kid-friendly events and classes all about the lowcountry wildlife, history, and environment.

And for those of you who have never been to the Coastal Discovery Museum, take a walk around the gorgeous grounds of what was once known as Honey Horn Plantation… and bring your camera!

Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn

Located at 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, 29926 just off the Cross Island Parkway:

If You Are What You Eat, This Gator Was a Beer-Guzzling Sports Fan

Soccer, Anyone?

I thought my little Beagle Sam, held the record for most obnoxious objects to put in his mouth (hairclips, eye glasses, underwear…sigh, yes, underwear… and plastic squeaks from inside the chew toys I bring him).  But nooooooooo, Sam must concede to the thirteen-foot alligator that was chased and caught yesterday at Jarvis Creek Park.  This guy likes to kick back and watch the games live, apparently, considering the contents of his stomach.  A real sportsman, is he.  Baseballs, tennis balls, fishing lures, and a beer can were just a few of the items revealed during the autopsy of said deceased gator.  Fortunately, the only body parts discovered were several turtles, and an intact four-foot alligator he had ingested at some point.  I understand now how these creatures have survived since the age of dinosaurs; they can stay alive feeding on literally, anything at all.  And if you had any doubts as to the seriousness of the signs that say, “Please do not feed the alligators,” keep in mind, this one grabbed a soccer ball for his dinner.  For more details, check out the Island Packet.

      By the way, just in case you were wondering, Jarvis Creek is nowhere near The Vacation Company’s vacation rentals.

What Makes Spanish Moss Spanish?

A strand of Spanish Moss

Excellent question.  Tillandsia usneoides, or Spanish Moss as is commonly known, is the gauzy-looking veil that drapes from the branches of southern Live Oaks, Cypress, and even some pines.  Often, at The Vacation Company, we are asked about several wildlife curiousities, the first being “do alligators really roam the golf courses free?” And the second one being, “so just what is Spanish Moss, anyway?”  The following is my attempt to address this odd, yet nostalgic plant ubiquitous to this region.

The only references to it being ‘Spanish’ were in the form of legends.  I found three different tales on the Internet alone.  Two had to do with a Spaniard who dies in a Live Oak tree because of his undying forbidden love of a young Native American woman.  For some reason or other, his beard continues growing until it spreads and populates the other trees, showing that his love truly lived on even after he was gone.  The third tale was about Cherokees who attacked a Spanish couple planning to develop a plantation in Charleston in the 1700’s.  As a warning to any other Europeans to not continue invading their land, the Cherokees cut off the long hair of the wife and threw it into the trees, where it shriveled into gray strands and spread as a way of warning other settlers.

Spanish Moss on Live Oaks at Honey Horn Plantation
on Hilton Head Island, SC

     The air-plant is not really in the family of moss, as it sounds, but is considered a flowering plant (although the flowers are miniscule) that spreads by seeds and by birds who use it to build nests.  While not exactly a parasite, it does depend on the nutrients of its host trees for certain minerals – like calcium and magnesium -while also needing sun and moisture; which is why it grows well in humid regions like the southeastern United States all the way down to Argentina.  Trees generally don’t benefit from being covered in Spanish Moss, as it makes it hard for the tree to breathe and bend in the wind.

Through the years, this plant has supplied both function and art to civilization.  It has been used for pillow stuffing, upholstery filling, and more recently in arts and crafts (Note: it does provide a home for critters like snakes and beetles, so it would be wise to select carefully).  Aesthetically, the romantic and haunting characteristics of Spanish Moss dripping over a swamp, or hanging cobweb-like in a humid forest have also come to represent the genre southern gothic, in novels and movies.

Personally, I can’t imagine looking across a Hilton Head Island marsh sunset, or bike riding through the Forest Preserve without seeing it waving slowly in the breeze.  It has come to signify home for me, lace curtains decorating the scenery as I drive towards the island from any point north.

This ends this week’s science topic.  There will be a pop-quiz on Facebook.

Congratulations to Justin Oldt – Winner, HiltonHeadsUp Picture Poll & Truffles Cafe Gift Card!

Justin Oldt’s photo of mile marker 33

Last week’s picture poll winner is Justin Oldt, who not only knew that the picture of my dog Sam was taken at mile marker 33 in Sea Pines, but also had a picture of it himself taken before mine.  Justin wins a gift card at Truffles Cafe for being the first to answer correctly.

Do you have an interesting angle on a familiar Hilton Head scene?  We at The Vacation Company would love to see it and if it’s really unique, I’ll post it here and on our Facebook and Twitter accounts for the next picture poll contest.  And if it’s an interesting Hilton Head video, we’ll add it to our YouTube account as well.

So Busy This Vacation Season! We Had to Hire a Local to Help Us Out.

Fred Sneggert, Vacation Company valet, here to help

         With so much going on this year on Hilton Head Island, we’ve had to pull in some local help for busy Saturday check-ins.  This is Fred Sneggert, the Snowy Egret, who graciously helped us out last week by valet parking a few cars at one of our many oceanfront villa rental buildings.  Fred’s lived here for quite some time, and doesn’t mind pitching in when the going gets hot.  He retired down here some years ago after a stellar career as a bellhop in Charleston.  We’re so glad he lives next door to this gorgeous condo complex near the south end.  Do you know where it is?  If you do, take the poll to the right of this blog post.  If you’re not sure, but think a hint would help, click here to see another picture of the same complex from a different angle on our Facebook page.

Fred worked hard July 2.  Thanks Fred!

     If you give up, but still want to stay in a villa in Palmetto Dunes – Barrington, Captain’s Walk, Villamare, Windsor – or in Shipyard, Forest Beach – Shorewood, SeaCrest – or in Sea Pines – Land’s End, Beachside Tennis, Turtle Lane, South Beach Villas – or more, and stay in a villa with a view to the Atlantic, call an Angel 800-845-7018.

Mooning in the Morning in Sea PInes

       Living on Hilton Head is truly a gift when any astronomical events occur, because the night sky is clear and stargazing is unhindered by smog and streetlights.  And with all the excitement recently about the moon being so big and full this past weekend, I made a point of looking for it every night and checking it out from various angles.  It was a beautiful sight, and for those of you who have been living under a bucket in a cave for the past few weeks, the news media tells us that the moon has not been this close to the earth in over eighteen years.

Moon sets over marsh in the a.m.

      I have to say, I enjoy the morning moon setting over the marsh as the sun rises across the golf course, almost as much as I like the evening moon.  Today, I was finally able to get a couple of shots of that lovely sight while walking my dog, Sam.

     Are you a moongazer? Let us know your favorite place to watch the night sky on Hilton Head.  And if you have any photos, send them to me, along with the location and date that you took them, and I’ll post them in our facebook album.

     And remember, if you want to get an uninterrupted view of the night sky, call an Angel for rates on some of the best star-gazing Hilton Head vacation rentals on the island! 855.845.7018

Marsh View at Sea Pines Club Course 18th Green

If you’ve rented a property with the Vacation Company of Hilton Head, you have probably enjoyed a great view of one of the island’s many natural scenes; quiet lagoon or marsh, lush golf course, ocean, or the site of a wooded bike path offering tranquility and shade to joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers. You’ve walked or biked to Harbourtown for a dazzling sunset, played the Ocean Course for it’s myriad scenic angles and gator sightings, or wandered over to Jurassic Park (aka the Sea Pines Forest Preserve) to soak up the undisturbed and occasionally mutant-sized flora and fauna. How many other glorious views can you ask for?

Countless, is the answer. But to suggest a couple of favorites, I would begin with the drive over the bridges, including the Cross Island Parkway. In thirty-five years, I have not tired of these breathtaking rides that offer panoramic, moving shots of Lowcountry landscape reminiscent of a National Geographic documentary complete with pelicans dive-bombing the ocean, shrimp boats plowing through the water, marsh grasses blowing, and a vibrantly painted sky that changes daily according to the weather.

Bored? Take a drive.

My other favorite island view is the marsh sunset from the Sea Pines Country Club clubhouse. This one is spectacular and exciting because each one is vastly different from the one before it. Some evenings, the sky is brilliant orange with purple daggers flying out front and others, it is like a watercolor painting, pastel shades melting into each other. This one, I snapped Friday, 6/11/10 just after walking our dog Sam, up past the 18th green.

Do you have a personal favorite shot of a Hilton Head view? If so, send it in, and we’ll post it. Make sure you give us the name of the location and the date and time it was shot and with what kind of camera was used. Send your photos to carmen@vacationcompany.com.


text:
Music Wafting Through the Trees, is the title of Nancy Mitchell’s latest collection of wall sculptures and oil-on-canvases on display at the Art League of Hilton Head

Music Wafted Through the Trees Gallery

Art League of Hilton Head’s Exhibiting Member, Nancy Mitchell’s, ‘Music Wafted Through the Trees’, wall sculptures and oils exhibit in the gallery at 14 Shelter Cove through Sept. 23, 2017, with a special reception on Thurs. Sept. 7th, from 5 – 7 pm, featuring live music from Mitchell’s children, Hannah Wicklund and Luke Mitchell.

Once again, Nancy Mitchell captures all that is magical, wondrous, and musical, about living, working, dreaming, creating, and growing up in this Shambala, we call Hilton Head Island.  And, she does it all from her family home, IMAGINE, in Palmetto Bay.

‘Under the Oak’, oil, $1200.00

Having recreated South Carolina’s lowcountry scenes of morning mists, and marsh sunsets for thirty-plus years in oil-on-canvas landscapes, and commissioned murals all over the island, Nancy began sculpturing memories, inspirations, and people, in accessible wall sculptures, that she also paints reminiscent of shadow-boxes, but adding perfect, recognizable figures from the collective Hilton Head conscience.

‘Love Song’, clay, $350.00

Her work borrows from the fabric of Hilton Head’s quilt; decades upon generations of families reared in the marshes, lives sustained by shrimp boats, and oyster beds, children climbing live oaks, wax myrtle growing wild, and grand magnolia blossoms providing background perfume.  Throughout this tranquil history, kids learned to play music under the stars, at the knees of fathers, mothers, and touring bands, who sang outside the marina bars, and restaurants, through the coming years of development.

‘Tiki Hut’, clay, $275.00

One of the many glorious advantages about living in, and visiting this neck of the southeast coast (one that is oddly, under-promoted, in national marketing efforts), is the constant sound of live, Music Wafting Through the Trees wherever one wanders in the late afternoons, and into the wee hours of the next day, all over the island.

Oil on Canvas, Nancy Mitchell

‘High Divers’, oil, $850.00

Whether riding the bike trails, or walking along the beach towards a boardwalk, or putting into the 18th hole of the HarbourTown golf course late in the day, outdoor live music beckons from one of the many restaurants and outdoor bars for which Hilton Head is famous.

‘Hannah’, oil, $1200.00

Nancy’s husband, Matt Wicklund, a house painter, and former drummer for the local rock band, The Bonzo Brothers, helped her manage a household that included her own art studio, and accompanying… supplies, but also two kids growing up as musicians practicing rock and roll in the house, going to school, and playing gigs all around the island.

Which led to one of the many enduring gifts of having children musicians always practicing in the house and performing in venues nearby; the constant, cosmic-like inspiration for fresh art themes for Nancy’s projects, like this current show at the Art League of Hilton Head’s gallery location in the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina building at 14 Shelter Cove. (see below for exhibit & gallery hours).

So, what does it really take to rear two kids in the arts realistically, and successfully?

“You can only help them by driving them to gigs, running sound and reminding them to practice. Then let them go, creatively,” Nancy says.

Family Tree Mitchell
***’Family Tree’, clay, commission example piece, not for sale.*** Ask Nancy Mitchell for more information about this excellent COMMISSIONED GIFT IDEA; a personalized Family Tree tailored to your family!

On giving out creative advice: “I remember, the only times I ever noticed if Hannah made a mistake while she was performing, was when she would look over at her dad while he was doing sound. It was really funny, because I told her to stop telegraphing that she made a mistake, and maybe he wouldn’t notice either.”  Nancy also remembers being critical of her son Luke who – later on – told her, that he remembers what she had advised, when he is on stage.

Most importantly, from the Oracle Nancy, “Sometimes being supportive is knowing when to be quiet.”

It’s not a coincidence that a hurricane sharing the moniker with Father Matthew, railed through Hilton Head almost a year ago, lightening up the spaces between the sandy southern coast, and the branches of the remaining trees, including a total ass-kicking at the Wicklund’s. Fully recovered from the devastation, the painted sign is back up above the front door, imploring guests to IMAGINE. Forget welcome. Artists and musicians OWN welcome. You’ve got to imagine, if you’re going to enter the House of Wicklund.

Music Wafted Through the Trees
Exhibition runs August 29 – September 23, 2017

Opening Reception, free and open to the public
Thursday, September 7, 2017, 5pm-7pm
featuring live music by Hannah Wicklund & Luke Mitchell
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday
10am – 4pm and 90 minutes prior to all
Art Center of Coastal Carolina performances.

For more information, call: 843-681-5060 or

Hilton Head Lighthouse Barbershoppers

Bill Andrus conducts the Hilton Head Lighthouse Chorus, December 2 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Bluffton, SC (

[The following unedited article is the PG-13 version of Sunday’s Island Packet, ‘Only on Hilton Head’, found in the Features section on page, C9, behind the half-page ad for activating your online digital Packet.]

If it weren’t for barbershop quartets, I probably wouldn’t know the second or third verses of most popular songs.  That’s because not only to barbershop singers know how to harmonize like nobody’s business, they also ANNUNCIATE clearly each word, so that we’re not all bellowing perfectly, “GLOR…OORR…oorr…oorr…or…RIA, in excelsis Deo!” and then mumbling into, “Shemp and Moe…m-hm…Curly… Why mhm…Gus trains…beer bong…” trailing on similarly for two more excruciating lines until we all belt out, “GLOR…OORR…OORR…oorr…or…RIA,” like we really mean it, darn it.  Alleluja, Angels We Have Heard on High.  Ta-da!

As one might guess, we paid close attention to the lyrics during the Holiday Serenade at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Malphrus Road, in Bluffton, Friday, December 2.  It helped that the programs they handed out included lyrics to all the carols so we could sing along (no fudging it that night with the Stooges, no siree). And might I say, what a lovely treat to hear Christmas carols sung in perfect and whimsical harmony by our own Hilton Head Island Lighthouse Chorus (, a chapter within the Carolinas District of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

My neighbor Dennis Miller, sings bass in his own quartet within the Hilton Head chapter, and is busy making the rounds of assisted living facilities, offices, and churches this time of year.  Anyone who hasn’t booked a barbershop serenade, or attended a concert of barbershop chorus singers, is missing out on a very special, sometimes forgotten art in American vocal music history.

Barbershop singing began in the early 1800’s in American towns, before there was easy access to any kind of public entertainment.  Men would gather around barbershops – literally, it was a hangout back then – and sing harmony to amuse themselves and impress the ladies.  The art of harmonizing has tentacles reaching out to urban areas where city dwellers gathered to make music without instruments.  Remember the vocals of the Drifters, Temptations, the Four Seasons, and so on, all have their roots in the barbershop style of harmonizing.

And while they entertained themselves, America most certainly benefited from a whole industry and genre of inspiring sounds that permeate churches, holidays, and Americana. And speaking of holidays, if you miss out on a Christmas serenade, the next big one is definitely Valentine’s Day.

“Every year, we are booked all day long on Valentine’s Day.  We charge a small fee for two songs, a rose, and a card, delivered to your sweetheart’s door.  And the songs are as hokie as you could possibly want.  ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ is always one of them,” said Dennis.  This last is a song I can only hear in my head off-key, in Alfalfa’s trembling, cracking voice singing to Darla with bubbles flying out of his mouth, so maybe Johnny D will surprise me with a little hokie barbershop serenade this year, and I’ll finally hear how ‘Sweetheart’ is supposed to be sung.

(You definitely have to watch this, okay? Now, you will totally appreciate the harmonious, harmonizing of the Hilton Head Barbershoppers)

Barbershop choruses donate portions of their proceeds to benefit area music non-profits, like high school programs that need rebuilding. Currently, much of the Lighthouse Chorus proceeds are going towards rebuilding their own membership.  Sadly, the area chapter of harmonizers has dwindled from about forty singers ten years ago, to sixteen or so, presently, as interest in the genre has waned.  Participating in competitions is also part of the annual schedule of events for members, an added perk of traveling that they enjoy.

The Hilton Head chapter encourages anyone interested in participating or listening to them rehearse or simply learning more about how to become a chorus singer (you only need to love to sing, the program says), to attend any of their weekly rehearsals on Tuesday night at 7 pm at the Cypress Clubhouse in Hilton Head Plantation, 20 Ladyslipper Lane, 29926.  You can call for more information, (843) 290-9517 or email,

Gratitude Blog From Hilton Head Blog Angel

Jewelry display at festival

Hilton Head Blog Angel Jewelry Booth at the Italian Heritage Festival at Honey Horn

This past weekend couldn’t have been better, even if we had scripted the event.  Which actually, we did.  Or rather, Paul Caimano, Committee Chairman of the Sixth Annual Italian Heritage Festival at Honey Horn, and his friends at the Italian-American Club of Hilton Head (IACHH) did. (Script the event, that is).

Three people at Italian Heritage Festival 2015

2015 Festival Goers Fan their Beers.

And that’s probably the reason everything at the Italian Heritage Festival at Honey Horn came off without a hitch or a glitch.  That, and the God-wink bestowed upon us, when San Gennaro instructed the heavens to shine sunny and warm all day long on Hilton Head, while his blood liquefied over in Naples, Italy, in front of the astonished, and awed, Catholic congregants.

And now that the Pope is visiting the United States this week, I thought it appropriate to share this great video I snagged off YouTube, of the March 21, 2015 blood miracle that occurred; a phenomenon that was visited by Pope Francis in Naples, just this past spring.  This is the same blood miracle that we celebrate in the United States every year, only it is the September 19th, scheduled, liquefaction that is fêted.  You see, we are fortunate that San Gennaro’s blood liquefaction is a frequent event – AND annual – so that nobody ever misses a moment to party down Vatican style.

Now according to the video, the March melting was just a partial miracle, as you will note, and Pope Francis – the good sport that he is – did not take it personally, but rather joked, that San Gennaro was probably none to happy with the state of the world, as it is.  Ergo, the blood only melts a little, and looks like pudding.  I guess we’ve got some work to do here on earth, to get his blood liquefying, and roiling the way it’s supposed to.  Way to go, World.

George Paletta at Festival 2015

IACHH Vice-President, The George, Happy that the Sun Shined Brightly on Saturday.

I’m just glad that San Gennaro saw fit to bestow a happy, sunny day on us, this past Saturday on Hilton Head, because lots of fun and entertainment was consumed by the Italian-American plebeians, of the New World.  And Yours Truly, reaped some of the spoils, thankfully, due to arduous planting of marketing seeds prior to this auspicious annual Hilton Head event.

San Gennaro Statue

San Gennaro Statue at Las Vegas Feast, sports paper bills for a tie (big surprise).

That is why I am thanking Islanders and visitors from near and far, who trod courageously through the fairgrounds Saturday, fending off pesky fan-wavers, and smoldering scents of pizza and grilled sweet Italian sausage wafting through the air, to brave the crush of local business vendors selling everything from hand-made ceramics, to raffle tickets, wine, and jewelry.

All, to the rousing musical entertainment of Larry Tanelli and his wife, Claudette, whose showstoppers included, “Fly Me to the Moon,” “That’s Amore!” and of course, the ever-popular (and my personal favorite), “Has Anyone Seen Il Presidente, Johnny D?  The Port-o-johns Are Running Low On Toilet Paper!”  That one, as always, drew a standing O.  Interestingly, the ubiquitous Johnny D, was suddenly scarce during that little ditty.

I also want to thank the IACHH Board, Club members, Festival volunteers, and especially the USCB students who assisted the set-up of my booth, and the ROTC who directed traffic and parking.  It would have been a rather amusing, end-of-day activity driving out of Honey Horn without the supervision of these patient, courteous guides, for many festival-goers (and ragged vendors, like me).  As it was, I felt cared for, and looked after by my young attendants.  Great job everyone.

Pink Beaded Necklace

Multiple Shades of Pink Beaded Strands Accent Any Beachy Outfit.

For those of you who couldn’t attend this gala event, and are devastated that you missed the grand opening of Hilton Head Blog Angel Jewelry, fret not.  I have here, the hyperlink needed to go directly to the website (Jewelry Gifts For Less), and choose a lovely, colorful, necklace to wear to almost any festivity that lies ahead in your future. And for those of you who read all the way down to this point, you will know that there is a contest with a free jewelry gift as reward, to the first patient reader/generous customer that sends me a link to any news media reporting on whether or not the blood liquefaction miracle occurred fully this past Saturday in Naples.

I could not find any, and I’m concerned since the last one didn’t, you know, totally liquefy.  I’d like to know if San Gennaro is getting over his Agida with this world full of wanderers from the flock.

In closing, I leave you with a full-blown, ten-minute documentary, explaining the blood miracle (for those of you obsessive, curious geeks, like me) of San Gennaro, that draws an explicit history of this Christian martyr’s journey from teenaged, medieval, Italian priest, to principle patron saint of Naples, seventeen hundred and fifteen years after his death.  Behold.

A Hilton Head Aria Weekend, Like Eating the Icing First, Says Sam, the Beach Beagle

Beagle on sofa

Sam Gears Up For a Night of Arias on Hilton Head

Hi.  Sam here.  It’s been a while, I know, and I wasn’t planning to make this a habit, but Blog Angel asked me to do her a solid.  And apparently, a “solid” doesn’t mean, what I did next to the tennis courts on our way back from yesterday’s run, which is why there was some confusion on my end, about when to get this thing out to the reading public.  You see, my way of getting the daily news, is a whole lot more interesting than the way you guys do it.  I sometimes forget how far behind the homo sapiens species is, when it comes to communicating with one another.

La Scala Poster

IACHH Offers Islanders an Aria Weekend

Be that as it may, HiltonHeadBlogAngel, is quite busy these days promoting the Italians and working for The Man.  Not sure what that means, just checking her notes here, and that’s all she wrote. Literally… that’s all she wrote… down for me, here… so bear with me.  Oh yeah, and she’s still working on some other big project, which is taking up, like, half a life-time, to complete.  It better be some project, is all I can say, because I am tired of picking up the slack around here, I can tell you.  And, she’s tired of picking up after me, is what she would say, in retort to my uppity attitude. All right already, moving on…

For those of you who live in a deep hole in the ground, under a bucket, and also, those of you who may live up there in the New England area, like Rhode Island; you may have missed the biggest, best, Italian Heritage Festival on Hilton Head, there ever was.

But that’s okay, all is not lost.  See, this month, being October, the 10th month of 2014, you can still catch up with those crazy Italians in the American Southeast Coastal Corridor region.  But only, if you’ve got the moxie to just get-up-and-go, for a good time, and a long weekend, of fabulous, classy arias, and Broadway show tunes, and even spend a day at the beach.  Check this out:

Tenor for La Scala weekend on Hilto Head

John Kaneklides, Award-winning Tenor

The Italians on Hilton Head are bringing EIGHT – count ’em – EIGHT, major opera singers to the island to sing only your favorite tunes, with their favorite accompanists.

Krista Rose Wilhelmsen

Now, I don’t know about you, but sometimes, I just want to hear my favorite songs from a story.  Y’know? I don’t want to have to sit through the whole first act, and unfolding plot-points, monologues, and choruses, just to finally get to hear a rousing, rendition of Maria, from “West Side Story”, or to suffer the pontifications of the king in “MacBeth”, just to hear someone finally sing, Come dal ciel precipita, which is what you’re pretty much in for, if you buy tickets to the opera in Vienna, or someplace like that.

Will Jacob

No way.  Not here in Coastal, Italian Lowcountry.  They like to get right to the point of things when it comes to entertainment.  Like, eating the icing off the cake first, so to speak.  Kind of like Johnny D, the president of the Italian-American Club of Hilton Head (IACHH), who pretty much lives his whole life eating the icing off the cake first.  Those of you who know Il Presidente personally, know what I’m talking about.  (FYI: He’s the one who lent me the sunglasses for the photo shoot up there on the leather sofa).

Lacquavia Alston

Lacquavia Alston

So, rather than making you buy an expensive season of tickets to watch a bunch of three-hour shows, just to hear your ONE favorite song, the Italians on Hilton Head, are condensing it into one easy night out: great singers, performing only the best arias and Broadway showstoppers, for a night of pure, uninterrupted, musical joy. Wooo-heee!

Opear Singer

John Fowler to Sing, 10/25 & 26, on Hilton Head

You can’t beat that kind of upscale entertainment with a stick, especially when you consider that all the proceeds go to local charities and scholarship funds.  This is the best of the best, singing the best of the best, all for you, dear music lovers.  So don’t waste any time, buy your tickets today, by clicking here, or you can call 888-860-2787,  or call Johhny D for more information, 401-524-1416.  Then, don your opera-night-out-duds, and have a great time!

Singer Stallard

Tina Milhorn-Stallard

singer headshot

Harold McIntosh

Marc Rattray

Marc Rattray

And this is all being made possible, thanks to the generosity of our presenting sponsor, Coastal States Bank, without whom, it wouldn’t be possible-which- okay… I already said that. Thanks, Coastal States Bank for being our presenting sponsor.

Bank logo

La Scala to Broadway, Presenting Sponsor

So here’s the nuts and bolts:

La Scala to Broadway  is playing ONE NIGHT ONLY at the Arts Center of Hilton Head, on October 25th, 2014.

Buy your tickets online, or call the box office: 888-860-2787, or for more information: 401-524-1416

Father’s Day Special – Hilton Head’s Own, Steppin Stones, Featuring a Chip Off the Old Block

Rockin on Hilton Head

Steppin Stones Drummer, Ryan Tye, Vocals and Lead Guitarist, Hannah Wicklund, and vocals & bass guitarist, Mick Ray

Have you ever gone completely slack-jawed, blown-away by a live band that you’d never heard of?  Well, now I have.  And that band is Hilton Head Island’s own, Steppin Stones, born and bred right here on the South Carolina geologic tennis shoe.  I first saw this band at the Chamber of Commerce Christmas After Hours party 2012, where I had gone to connect with local businesspeople and promote myself.  I ended up connecting with exactly – goose-egg – new business contacts, except for Gregg Russell and Mira Scott (two of Hilton Head’s most renowned artists, whom I already know, and who don’t need my services by any stretch of the imagination), who were also hanging out front row while The Steppin Stones blasted out “Gimme Shelter like nobody’s business.

It might amuse you to know that Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones is comprised of three teenagers, who rock down the chandeliers with as much talent and  gusto as their predecessors, a la Steppenwolf, and the Rolling Stones; two bands by the way, who entertained us waaayyyyyyyy back yonder before these kids were born.  But you knew that already.  The great thing about this band is that you can bring the whole family and totally rock yourselves OUT.  Your kids will love this group, because they’re watching their contemporaries on stage, while you will also love them, because they’re playing our favorite tunes from our own, said, formative years.  The whole event resolves the paradox of being safe AND totally cool.  And, as everybody knows, that’s really hard to do these days.

band poses for album

Picture from self-titled 1st cd portfolio shoot.

How did such a trio begin?  Well, apparently, while many kids around the age of seven are watching tv and playing video games after school, these three decided it was more fun to make a whole lot of racket in the garage.  So, under the watchful tutelage of two well-known island artists, Nancy Mitchell and Matthew Wicklund (lead singer, Hannah Wicklund‘s, parents) The Steppin Stones emerged out of Palmetto Bay bedrock.  Oh joy, you say, will they be on America’s Got Talent?  Not any time soon, since this band is already booked all summer long, and everybody within lowcountry regional earshot has already heard of them.  Lead singer and guitarist, Hannah Wicklund, and bass guitarist, Mick Ray, started out playing piano when they were each six years old, and went on to take guitar lessons for five more years.  Ryan Tye began drumming at age eight.  Their manager/roadie/sound guy is Hannah’s father Matt Wicklund, who is the go-to man if you want ever want to book this group.  Mom, Nancy Mitchell, is renowned for her paintings and murals that can be seen in various island public venues and private homes.

Since officially forming the band in 2006, Hannah, Ryan, and Mick, have improved and honed their repertoire substantially, taking on classic rock songs with edge and confidence.  Not afraid to tackle the difficult ranges of Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Mick Jagger, they will transport you to a time when young up-and-coming bands actually played instruments and wrote their own music.  And in keeping with their rock muses, The Steppin Stones also write and produce their own music, which is for sale on cd’s at any of their concert showings.  Sample the video below, where they sing one of their original songs, “Make Up Your Mind,” (starts about four minutes in).  This past January, their 2nd cd hit the Internet called, Handle Me, and is doing quite well.  Currently appearing three nights a week at different Hilton Head venues (see schedule below), Hannah and her bandmates – now, age sixteen, Mick, seventeen,  and Ryan, seventeen – graduated high school this year, and are looking towards their own careers in music.  So, if you want to catch up with them before they are too famous, and tickets to their concerts are the price of a small mortgage payment, you will most definitely want to check them out this summer on Hilton Head Island.

Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm, Coligny PlazaFridays 4:00-7:00pm, Hilton Head Beach and Tennis; and Saturdays 7:30- 9:30 pm, under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town

For info and bookings, call: 843-842-2380 or email:  You can also check Hannah’s Instagram page, for up-to-date photos.

                                                                                And finally, in honor of Father’s Day, I implore only islanders who have been here since the early ’80’s to read on (anyone else will be bored to tears beyond this sentence).  For those of you who may or may not have been of a certain age and living in Hilton Head thirty years ago, you may wonder, from what pedigree doth Hannah Wicklund spring?  Ah… I am pleased to connect some dots for those of you who weren’t drowning in a beer bong at that time (or maybe you were).  There once was a seaside cantina upstairs on the beach side of Coligny Plaza, in what is now known as The Big Bamboo restaurant.  The cantina was known to local ne’re-do-wells as Dos Borrachos, which translates (most inauspiciously, I might add) to Two Drunks.  Yes, I know.  We are so proud, that this classy, gentile, family-oriented island was once home to a Mexican restaurant so named, Two Drunks.  Very impressive.  Well, it certainly spoke to the clientele, as I remember visiting (for entertainment and educational purposes only) with my best friend Amy on occasion, which would make us, dos senoritas entering to enjoy con queso and imbibing mucho cerveza, and exiting as dos borrachos.

Why do I mention this short-lived late-night dining pleasure from back in the day?  Because starting at the early-bird crack of 11:00 pm, playing until the wee, 3:00 a.m.-ish on the weekends, we would rock out like idiots to the vivid music of Joe Walsh, Lou Reed, and the Young Rascals, as played by a  local musical ensemble known as, the most prestigious, Bonzo Brothers (who later became the Truly Dangerous Swamp Band).  Again, you ask… the point?  Well, the point is, the drummer for the aforementioned Brothers Bonz’, was the one and only manager/roadie/sound guy of today’s rockin’ Steppin Stones, Matthew Wicklund, FATHER of lead singer, Hannah!  (Whew… wasn’t sure I could put all that together coherently for you; or maybe it wasn’t very coherent, I’m sure I’ll find out.)  So how cool is that?  A Truly Dangerous Bonzo Brothers Legacy, lives on as we live and breathe on Hilton Head Island.  Now, wasn’t that worth reading all the way down to this point?

And if I wanted to riff on the Dos Borrachos connection all day long (but I will spare you my immature ramblings for the most part, except for this one more thing), I could mention that sometimes, I went to the late-night cantina with both Amy, and another best bud, Steve; then I could say that three amigos entered the bar known as Two Drunks, and came out as Tres Borrachos.

Okay, that’s all.  I’m done now.  I think that’s enough double-pun-entendres.  Happy Father’s Day, everyone.

Concert on the Green, Presented by The Jazz Corner at Palmetto Bluff

Teri Rini Powers Trio Performs on the Green at Palmetto Bluff

       For those of you who enjoy lowcountry scenery, a nostalgic step into a bygone era, and cool marsh breezes while driving through live oak tree-lined roads with our ubiquitous Spanish Moss providing extra sun protection, an outdoor concert at Palmetto Bluff  is precisely the day out for you.  And, proof that you will never run out of fun things to do on Hilton Head, as long as you’re paying attention.

View of May River from the Town Green at Palmetto Bluff

       At The Vacation Company, we try to inform our guests and friends of everything there is to do and add our own recommendations, yet there is always something more, and extraordinarily suitable for all tastes and ages, like the jazz concert we experienced last night on the Palmetto Bluff town green with about six hundred other music lovers.  This lovely development along the May River is home to the award-winning five-star boutique hotel known as the Inn at Palmetto Bluff, and is arranged around the burned ruins of a prior mansion.  The lamplit streets and reconstructed buildings surround the town square where the house once stood, and is now a gorgeous landscaped park perfect for outdoor events overlooking the water.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff & Jazz Lovers

 Kudos to the organizers, sponsors, and performers who made this classy, family event both affordable, and noteworthy.  The $25/car donation went to Bob & Lois Masteller’s (owners of The Jazz Corner), philanthropic outreach program, the Junior Jazz Foundation (JFF), whose dual missions are, “the preservation of the American art form of jazz through the education of young musicians by supplying instruments, scholarships, classes, seminars, a summer jazz camp AND presenting quality live music performances to the community to continue to ‘Keep Jazz Alive'”.  Concerts and events outdoors at Palmetto Bluff occur every so often throughout the season, so if you are visiting with us, please check the newspaper, or here at HiltonHeadsUp, or one of the many local online event calendars.  It’s a blast!

So What’s Going on Next Week on Hilton Head?

New Logo

Okay here’s a hint; NOT golf.  That’s the week after, so just chill down and pace yourself.  What’s going on next week is the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s annual fundraiser, “Symphony Under the Stars – Music of the Night,” an outdoor picnic held at Honey Horn Plantation April 3 & 4, 2012.  So, if you’re fortunate enough to be staying at one of our luxury vacation rentals, this is an excellent time for families and a wonderful way to support a very worthy community arts organization.  It’s also a great way to introduce the kids to a little culture in a comfortable, non-stuffy outdoors venue.
Symphony of the Stars

Symphony Night Under the Stars

Many groups use the concert themes to inspire their choice of costumes, decorations, and menus while competing for a variety of prizes during the night.  Some guests provide a full gourmet meal while others prefer simpler picnic fare such as fried chicken or deli foods.  You may provide your own refreshments; however, wine, beer, soft drinks and water are available for sale by the League of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.

HHSO Conductor

Maestro John Morris Russell

PURE Insurance and Coastal Plains Insurance of Hilton Head
are the Presenting Sponsors.  This year’s night is designed and led by Principal Guest Conductor, John Morris Russell.  It includes Broadway music performed by the HHSO with soprano and tenor soloists.  With a background as the Cincinnati Pops Conductor, Maestro Russell’s music choices will be sure to delight all ages and preferences.  Guests will enjoy selections from Carmen, My Fair Lady, Cole Porter, West Side Story, including performances from guest artists, thrilling soprano Rebecca Flaherty and rousing tenor Allen Henderson.
Bring your own food and drinks, tables of ten will be set with cloths.  Wine and beer will also be available for purchase, and parking is included in the ticket price of $64.50/person.  Tickets are going fast and the first night is sold out already so Wednesday, 4/4/12 is all that is available at this point.  If you attend, I want to know how much fun you had so send me your pictures and reviews of the event (, so we can post them here and on our Facebook page.  Dinner begins at 6:00 – 7:30 pm, at  which point the concert  begins. Questions? Call 843.842.2055, or visit the HHSO website for more details.

Harbour Lights – A Harbour Town Happy Holidays!

Harbour Town, Hilton Head,
Annual Tree-lighing

What a pleasure it is to enjoy Harbour Town in the off-season, especially during the Christmas season off-season.  And while the lighting of the tree was the focal point, it certainly wasn’t the only attraction this past Friday night.

Harbour Town, Sea Pines,
Lighted Displays

Truly impressive were all the light displays dotting the Harbour Town campus around the tree and in front of the Crazy Crab.

Gregg Russell Entertains, 11/25/11

Even better?  Gregg Russell entertaining under the Liberty Oak again.  A Harbour Town Holiday kick-off couldn’t get any better.
And where can you get the best luxury vacation rentals marina side?  Call a Guardian Angel for more information, 800-845-7018, or view our selection online.

This Weekend: A Lowcountry Lift

    So. Just in case you aren’t sure what to do with yourselves on Sunday, November 14, 2010, or if you’ve arrived on the island Saturday too early to check in to your vacation rental, and you just can’t decide where to park your car and you’re hungry from the long drive or flight… well, have we got the answer for you. Barely two miles down the road from The Vacation Company (the people with whom you’ve entrusted your family’s getaway-together-week), is Shelter Cove Park, where the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival will be amped for two days of oysters, beer, oysters, art, oysters, music, oysters, and… did I mention the oysters?
Where: Shelter Cove Park

When: Sat 11/13 – Sun 11/14
11 am – 5 pm both days

What: Steamed oysters, fried oysters, oysters chowder, shrimp, chili, hotdogs, hamburgers, and more.

What Else: A holiday craft show, silent auction, kid zone, and laser tag too!

Music: Chilly Willy Band & Matt MacKelcan, Peter Buonaiuto, Stepping Stones & White Liquor.

    If you’ve somehow missed the indulgence of an authentic lowcountry oyster roast with all the accompanying sides, spirits, and music, then you haven’t really experienced what makes Hilton Head and South Carolina environs so alluring in the off-season. Besides the incredibly warm afternoon temperatures, marmalade sunsets, and indescribably perfect golf days, the island invites you to enjoy its most freshest and delectable delicacies during the best month of the year in which to enjoy them, according to any lowcountry shrimper/fisherman or almanac you may run across in your travels. For more info, call 843.681.7271


text:
List Entry Summary

This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.

List entry Number: 1102750

The building may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.

County: Hertfordshire

District: North Hertfordshire

District Type: District Authority

Parish: Ashwell

National Park: Not applicable to this List entry.

Grade: II*

Date first listed: 27-May-1968

Date of most recent amendment: Not applicable to this List entry.

Legacy System Information

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System: LBS

UID: 162157

Asset Groupings

This list entry does not comprise part of an Asset Grouping. Asset Groupings are not part of the official record but are added later for information.

List entry Description

Summary of Building

Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details.

Reasons for Designation

Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details.

Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details.

TL 2639 ASHWELL HIGH STREET (South side) Ashwell 8/26 No. 15 27.5.68 (Jessamine House)

House. Circa 1700. Interior with some reused C16 timber framing. Chequered red brick front. Plain tile gable end roof. 2 storeys and attics. 5 wood casements with flat gauged brick lintels. Central door with 4 fielded and 2 glazed panels and semi circular hood with moulded cornice. Heavy moulded wood modillioned eaves cornice. 3 casement dormers with pediment gables. Moulded floor band, carried over doorcase. Rear elevation has a plastered gabled stair tower and a large external red brick stack. C20 1½-storey extension. E gable end is plastered. Formerly a lower timber frame extension on this side. Interior has arched central passage and C18 dog-leg staircase with barley twist balusters. Original fielded panelling to front right ground floor room. (RCHM Typescript).

Listing NGR: TL2695739708

Selected Sources

Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details

National Grid Reference: TL 26957 39708

© Crown Copyright and database right 2017. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100024900.
© British Crown and SeaZone Solutions Limited 2017. All rights reserved. Licence number 102006.006.
Use of this data is subject to Terms and Conditions.

The above map is for quick reference purposes only and may not be to scale. For a copy of the full scale map, please see the attached PDF - 1102750 .pdf

The PDF will be generated from our live systems and may take a few minutes to download depending on how busy our servers are. We apologise for this delay.

This copy shows the entry on 23-Oct-2017 at 03:32:11.

End of official listing


text:
How The Bulls Celebrate A Division Title

So by now everybody knows that the Durham Bulls have won the 2014 International League South Division title. And frankly, you probably could’ve predicted that in February, seeing as how the Bulls have won the division in seven of the past eight seasons. And the common denominator of those eight seasons has been none other than manager Charlie Montoyo, the winningest manager in Durham Bulls franchise history.

So, you know the team won the title, but what you don’t know is how Montoyo spent his first couple minutes after exiting the dugout on August 25th, when the Bulls’ 4-2 victory over the Gwinnett Braves propelled Durham into the Governors’ Cup playoffs for the 13th time in the past 17 years.

Luckily, we have you covered. Follow Charlie from the field and into the clubhouse.

P.S. We hope you enjoy pitching coach Neil Allen’s celebration as much as we did.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Saving money on groceries and other stuff

Hey all!

So a few of you have now asked me for couponing tips. However, I do not save a lot of MORE money using coupons, due to the way I already shop, even without coupons. And there are so many different coupon tips, that it would be overwhelming for me to list them all. So I am going to just start out with a generalized "here is how I save money on groceries" post. Then if you have any more specific questions, let me know. Below are things that I do or don't do, and end up spending on average about $135 (about) on a family of 5, per week, on just food.

#1 - You cannot be brand specific. By allowing yourself to purchase the store brands or value brands, you can on average save up to $1.00 per item. Now if you typically buy brand name everything, and say you went to the store and purchased 75 items of  brand name everything, you could possibly save about $75. That is where you will see your MOST savings.

#2 - Only buy what you need. I, myself, can be an impulse shopper. You see something that is on sale, that you don't normally buy, so you want to pick it up. And doing this once in a while is fine, but if can admit that you do it too often, maybe its something you really need to try to stop doing.

#3 - Make sure you have a store card.  Pretty much all stores these days have some type of discount card that allows shoppers to get even lower prices. They make it seem like its a secret club....but its not. All stores have them these days. Get one! I have 13 different store cards on my key rings.

#4 - Register that store card online.  Once you register it online, you will receive period emails alerting you of savings coming up, or savings that are specific to what you typically buy from that store. You can also, save electronic coupons to your store card online. Then when you swipe your card, the coupon is automatically applied. Ex: CVS send me coupons via email, that I can either print out or save right to my card. (I can do another post sometime about CVS tricks alone) Another EX: I can save coupons that Shoprite offers, right to my card. And you can use those in line with paper coupons too, at most stores.

#5 - Do not be afraid of stores with the word DOLLAR in them.  My favorite ones to hit are Dollar General and Family Dollar. The low cost items I typically only buy at these stores are value brand medicines (they are cheaper then CVS  brand, and work just as well -- THEY ARE THE SAME THING!!!). Cleaners, laundry products and air fresheners tend to be cheapest at these stores as well. we also always buy our bread from Dollar General - its only $.85 and sooo fresh & soft.
These 2 stores are also my first places to hit when I am looking for small home decorating items like picture frames, vases, table clothes, etc, and you can even get cheap office supplies there too.  My newest obsession is going to Dollar tree for organizational items like bins & baskets.

Last but not least -- this is a BIG one that might shock some of you.
#6 - WALMART IS NOT  ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST PLACE TO GET GROCERIES!!!! NO, its not!!!  If you compare non-sale prices at a regular grocery store, and the prices at Walmart - Yes, its cheaper. BUT....regular grocery stores like Shoprite, put things on sale ALL THE TIME!!!  And their sale prices are much lower then Walmarts 'discount' prices. Now this statement is only towards the groceries. There are plenty of other items that make Walmart the cheapest place to purchase them.

Now, I am not trying to tell you all that what you do is wrong. I am just explaining how I shop to save money. And maybe some of these tips can be applied to your own shopping habits, and maybe help. I know some people will only eat organic, which can be expensive. And some people live with others who are brand specific. I am just lucky enough that my family eats whatever I buy. They don't care who makes it.

Oh I forgot one....#7 -- Value menus at Fast Food Restaurants.  Admit it, we all eat out at least once a week, just because its easier. And for those of us who live on a tight budget, it tends to be fast food mostly. When we eat out at McD's or KFC or someplace like that, we try to stay away from "meals". For example....when we go to McDonald's, i will typically get 20 piece nuggets, a regular fry, and 2 medium drinks. This usually runs me somewhere around $15 and feeds me and the 3 girls. If I got them all a Happy meal, it would run me that much for them alone, and then my food on top of it. And 1/4 of that food and half the drinks would be left in my car.

Thanks. I'm done now! Byyyyyeeeee!


text:
I Don’t Buy Fear

I often think about the amount of incredible people that exist out there. People who survive freak accidents and come out to teach us about life. People who are born without limps showing us their strength and endurance. People who survive abusive relationships and kidnaps who still show us grace. Or even just the nice man that offered my grandmother a seat, or the bank teller who greeted me and patiently helped me. Or the neighbor that stops to chat about life with me. People who stop to notice me, to notice life.

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t think we’re all in a rat race. I think there are plenty of people who still notice how amazing life is. I think there are plenty of people who still stop to notice the color of the sky or the color of the leaves. I don’t buy into this idea that we’re all becoming robots who barely notice life anymore. If that was the case, we wouldn’t have artists or writers or musicians. Creativity would be dead. But it’s not and that says a lot.

I stopped watching the news a long time ago because of the negativity it promotes. Sensationalism is a business and I stopped buying it. If I want to know what’s happening in the world I go out and look at it. I stopped letting a TV screen dictate what I think of the world. Since then I noticed I ask questions way more. When someone makes generalizations, instead of nodding, I ask them why they think that. What experiences in their life has led them to believe that. And most of the time they end up seeing what they’re saying is not really true.

We are fed lies and one sided stories all the time. We are spoon fed other peoples’ fears and prejudices all the time. Sometimes they are so small we don’t even notice it and that’s what makes it so dangerous. Because before you know it, you’ve become this hateful person. I truly believe that’s how hate rises. ISIS, KKK, these are all born out of hate. But how do you think hate of that size starts? In small dosages. No one is born with hate.

So I challenge you to question hate. Stop taking in one sided stories as facts. Don’t just nod when your friends make prejudiced statements. Ask them what makes them think that. Whenever I’m about to go traveling, I’m bound to have one person say to me, “Why are you going there? My friend went and had a horrible time.” But they are always comments made by people who’ve never been there, or people who’ve heard it from friends or the news. I understand that sometimes people have good intentions and they just to warn you, but you must learn to distinguish information from fear. Yes, danger exists, but do your own research. Don’t just let other peoples’ perceptions and experiences become yours until you’ve actually experienced it. Never stop questioning fear, never stop questioning hate.

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