”Around the Corner” by Johann Vanderbijl

Tomorrow night I’ll be at the Village Studios and Gallery in the Historic Pendleton Street Arts District for a benefit for YouthBASE, one of my beloved charities. It starts at 7 and tickets are $50. This will prove to be different and interesting and classy, because it’s a LIVE art auction…how much fun!  We’ll also have great items on the silent auction table, including tickets to TSO and Neil Diamond!!!  The picture above is one example of some of the compelling art that will be on the auction block. This one in particular is a favorite because an artist friend of mine donated it for the cause..and its meaning will hit you right in the gut. There are precious children in the world struggling with AIDS…it’s a harsh reality.  I will soon be embarking on some way to help these babies…any ideas?? Let me know. In the meantime, I invite you out tomorrow night to help make a difference right here in our community. It’s all about ART and SOUL! Whatever you do this weekend, have a blessed one, ox!

The fruit tart was a hit today at our company Chili Cook-Off and Pot Luck! Nannette, I call her Nanner Pie, one of our most valued co-workers, puts this together every couple of months and we love it! Thanks Nan!!!  I’ve gotten requests for the recipe, so here goes…it’s so easy and so much fun to make!!! 

I sheet frozen puff pastry (I use Pepperidge Farm), 1 cup cold milk, 1 pkg (4-serving size) Jell-O Vanilla instant pudding and pie filling, 1 cup cool whip (thawed), fruit of your choice (kiwi is good, strawberries, mandarin oranges, etc.), 3 tbsp apricot preserves, 2 tsp water

Prick pastry sheet with fork, after it’s thawed, bake 10-15 minutes or until puffy and golden brown. Cool completely. Add milk to dry pudding mix in large bowl. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes, gently stir in whipped topping. Spread onto center of pastry, leaving some edge all around, ’cause it’s so pretty! Arrange fruit over pudding mixture however you want, in rows, or make a design like I do : )  Mix preserves and water, then spread with pastry brush all over fruit..makes it really shine..heck, I just put it all over the darn thing..it’s delicious! Impress your friends and amaze your enemies!!!

Jamie Harvey, League Academy

She’s a Magic Listener and a Magical Teacher…not to be confused with our Teachers Who Make Magic! She would definitely deserve that recognition too, but I thought I would feature Jamie here. She was chosen as Teacher of the Year at League Academy of Communication Arts for 2009-2010!  What I like about Jamie, is not only her dedication to League and her students, but to cancer research. She most recently completed a 60-mile walk in Atlanta for Breast Cancer Awareness.  She is an excellent role model for her kids, her fellow teachers and for all who want to make a difference in the world!  Congratulations Jamie…we are so proud of you!!!

November 11th, 1961

July 4th, 2007

1961 was a good year. Mama and Daddy got married…then little Eddie came, followed by yours truly. This morning on the radio I wished Daddy a Happy Anniversary even though his beloved died in June, because I know his love for her transcends this earthly life. As I said on the air, she is wrapped around his heart now more than ever, and I know that one day we will all be reunited. I pray he will feel her love today. I will try to stand in for her tonight at dinner, although I know my presence will fall short. We will raise a glass in her memory and thank her for all the many years of devotion and love she showed us all.

Starbucks “Entertainer” Named Patrick

So, there I was..in Spartanburg off E. Main St. earlier this week, leaving Kadi’s house..you know, the Re-Bath winner : ) and it was late afternoon. I needed my java fix before heading back to Greenville. I popped into the Starbucks there where the big Ross store sits…as I waited for the voice through the little speaker to ask me what I wanted, I pondered life and how things change so quickly..I was missing my Mama, and I was worried about my Pappy. Then, out of nowhere, this British/quasi Irish voice greeted me through that little speaker…..’ello and thanks for choosing Starbucks today..would you care for a blah blah blah or a blah blah blah???? No thanks, I reciprocated in my best British accent, I would prefer a Ginger Latte please, tall….and I’ll drive forward for the total….mmmm delightful, I said jokingly. I had to get up there as quickly as possible to meet this character. 

Just as I suspected, a young man acting like a fool, who made me laugh wen I needed it the most. I had no idea just how cute this guy was (but too young for me to date) and I just thanked him for making me smile. Then I took his picture and said I would blog about him as soon as I could. His name is Patrick, and he does many voices..some of which have gotten him into trouble. I won’t elaborate here, but I guess some folks just don’t have a sense of humor.

Thank you Patrick for being yourself and helping me see the joy in life, even if it’s through a drive-through speaker, and from a perfect stranger, oxox! 

Maybe Barney isn't happy with Tuesday's results : )  Maybe he just had a bad day...see for yourself...be sure and watch the end...what big fangs you have!!!

I was so proud to be an American today!!!  This election year was by far the most exciting in my entire life…and I felt really connected to everyone I was in line with at the Dunean Baptist Church…whether BLUE or RED, didn’t matter..we were all one today. How fabulous! And then, I see this video..my friend Barry sent it to me..it’ll make you proud and give you a giggle!!!

Hey guys…here’s the new Seal video. It’s from his brand new soul classics album. Let me know what you think and if we should add it to the Magic playlist. I think it’s awesome! That man can flat-out sing…

From time to time, I’ll be featuring small towns on my blog. I love a small town honey. And Greer is one of my top picks! Growing up in Taylors, we were in Greer a lot. Lately, I’ve been spending more time in these little hamlets. Maybe it’s because I want to get back to the simpler things in life, and simpler times. When I go to Greer, I feel like I’ve stepped back in time…it’s a little like Mayberry…people drive slower, strangers say hi to each other…and boy, you can find some good home’cookin’!!! Like, Southern Thymes on Trade Street. A lady named Wendy owns this place, and child, they can COOK up in there!! You have GOT to try the fried squash…mmmmm..it’s lick your fingers good!   

I love the newer restaurants too in Greer…like Cafe Rivera on E. Poinsett…here, your taste buds can travel the world! BIN 112, Bistro 107, Gerard’s, Great Bay Oyster House and Justin’s are all favs of mine and my Pappy’s as well.  Greer has great places to shop ladies for some really cute clothes and shoes…antique shops, etc. You could spend all day here! And sometimes I do.

Now, as you come into downtown Greer from Wade Hampton…there’s some cool little haunts I love. Like, the Silver Chair Book Store…stop in for some coffee and great conversation. Or if you are into health stores, try The Natural Choice on W. Poinsett. I’ve actually had my eyes checked there…it’s called Iridology, and basically, one of the owners, Tessa…can tell a lot about what’s going on internally, by gazing into your eyes..it’s the coolest thing! They offer alternative medicines and health products too.

Please add your comments here…about why you love Greer!  Or give me a heads-up on a small town you yould like me to feature, and why. Thanks for sharing!

Have a beauiful day everyone, oxox!