James Christopher Hill does Folly Beach

Planet Follywood, Folly Beach, S.C.

Artist James Christopher Hill happened upon my photo albums and realized what y'all have known for years, I am a big fan. I take a couple pictures of his mural on Planet Follywood every time I am at the beach. I once asked one of the British Black Cabs to park in front of it just so I could get a shot. Here is his etsy shop with darker fantasy, horror and science fiction paintings to steampunk designs and images and his gallery web site.

As far as I am concerned I keep going back to my old favorites of his work - the stars on the side of the building on Folly Beach. Thanks for the smiles James Christopher Hill!

Hanging out at the Edge of America

Folly Beach, S.C.

So, this Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, new wild birds flocking to town I hear.

Dog, dog, cat, cat, beer

Folly Beach, S.C.

Dog, dog, cat, cat, beer. What else do you need? I spotted this cut out porch fencing on Folly Beach. Naturally.

Time to relax

Folly Beach, S.C.

I like how these folks made a relaxing spot on the mound between the two trees. I hope they spent some time out there this evening because it has been so lovely and warm out. We are heading into a beautiful weekend. 

I walked down to the Taste of India this evening to have some chicken curry with a Scottish friend who used to work for the Foreign Service. She had a samosa emergency.

What else have I done this week? I joined my friend Andre at Husk on Sunday after his four sons flew in to spend his birthday with him. Yep, me and five gentlemen at Husk. Not a bad deal at all. I am still thinking about those fried oysters. Andre looked so very happy across the table with all of his sons together. What a great gift they gave him by gathering together to celebrate.

Okay, kids. Let's see what we can make of this weekend!

Froggy went a courtin'

Folly Beach Park, Folly Beach, S.C.

There is only one tune that can go along with this picture. Sing it Froggy!

How do you like them berries?

Folly Beach, S.C.

Another fun shot from my Folly Beach walk this morning. Now, it might be time for the first nap of the year. Yawn.

The Quirkyliciousness of Folly Beach

Folly Beach, S.C.

I always seem to end up at Folly Beach to walk the Edge of America on New Year's Day. The beach is exactly the way I like it - empty. I hope everyone had a good New Year's Eve. I went with a group of friends to SNOB on East Bay St. and enjoyed the first dinner seating which got me home well before crazy folks took over the streets. SNOB was great! What a treat. 

Thursday night blog hopping

Respect the Beach, Folly Beach, S.C.

Today's photo is from a recent walk on Folly Beach. Respect the Beach. I do, I do!

It is wild and windy out there, kids! I went out to find out what was flapping in the breeze on my porch and a chair cushion went sailing by.

I have a couple new-to-me blogs to introduce:

Moore on Running: Noah is an old friend of mine. A few years ago I watched him get in shape and transform into a lean, trim, running machine. It looks like he is still at it and coordinating spontaneous group runs. Noah is a very cool gentleman.

Joe's Retirement Blog:  Joe is retired on on the road. For the time being he is in the Charleston area and visiting some of our favorite haunts. Enjoy!

VERT Indigo: I am late to the game but have become a fan of Lisa Shimko's art. This is her art blog. Fun stuff. I want one. A bird, no a panda, no maybe a pink elephant. No prices listed but dreaming is easy.

Gotta go see what mischief Stephen Colbert is up to with the South Carolina Presidential primary. He is going to make some announcement on his show tonight. Y'all batten down the hatches. Don't blow away.

The King on Folly

Planet Follywood, Folly Beach, S.C.

I love this mural wall on Planet Follywood on Folly Beach but this is the first time I spotted the artist's name and was able to follow up.

The sign in the photo below, led me to James Christopher Hill who actually has a new blog himself at: James Hill Artwork.  Here is the link to his portfolio page. The wall at Folly is still a favorite of mine.

2012 List of Banished Words

Bottle Tree, Folly Beach, S.C.

Beautiful blue bottle tree on Folly Beach unrelated to entry. 

Lake Superior State University 2012 List of Banished Words

• AMAZING

• BABY BUMP

• SHARED SACRIFICE

• OCCUPY

• BLOWBACK

• MAN CAVE

• THE NEW NORMAL

• PET PARENT

• WIN THE FUTURE

• TRICKERATION

• GINORMOUS

• THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

I sit in management meeting so I could come up with a lot more, but I would like to immediately offer up these words for banishment consideration:

• Squee

• Smitten

• Swoon  

• Noms 

 Clearly I've been reading too many blogs written by young women who squee, swoon over and are often smitten by noms.

Resolve not to....

Planet Follywood, Folly Beach, S.C.

We are NOT giving up Coronas for New Years. That might be an easier way to do resolutions. What are you NOT giving up?

No Parking Sign - Folly Beach

No Parking Sign - Folly Beach, S.C.

Apparently one weekend walk on Folly Beach can give me enough photo ammunition to fill a week of blog entries! As the owner of a very narrow drive in downtown Charleston I am always interested in creative "No Parking" signs and this one gets my vote of approval.

I knew the image looked familiar. I tracked back through my photos to find that it is the same image that was on a pirate flag hanging on the wall at the old Buccaneer Restaurant.  Further research claims it to be Blackbeard's flag.

Colorful sea shells at the seashore...

Folly Beach, S.C.

Shells come in brilliant colors at the Edge of America. These folks always make me happy with their colorful sea shells and it looks like they had been recently touched up with fresh paint just waiting for me to wander by with my camera. The shells edge the entire front of their property.

Aren't you all so very proud of me for not blogging or responding to comments while I am at work even this quiet week? Such self control, I tell ya. That and I might get fired.

Sadly I have licked the empty casserole dishes from the Christmas leftovers and the frig looks bare. I am considering pausing my evening walk at Bull St. Gourmet and see what soup they have simmering.

Folly Beach Snowman

Folly Beach, S.C.

Folly Beach snowman/snowwoman. I was pleased to find this whacky little statue still in place.

In other news - can this week please last forever? I love this odd no-man's land of a week between Christmas and New Years. No meetings, very few work emails, no bosses around, sneaking in a little late and slipping out a little early to make up for it and yet getting real stuff done without interruptions. More, more, I want more!

Mural Quiz Solved

Bert's Market, Folly Beach, S.C.

I posted the lizard portion below from a larger mural a few days ago to see if anyone could place it. So far there were no correct answers so no one will ever know if there was a prize. Ha! Here is the answer. Although not visible in this view, the image was from the far left upper corner of this outside wall mural on Bert's Market on Folly Beach.

Cool, eh! A pirate! I walked one morning just before Christmas when it was very quiet on the beach. I imagine the lot is usually full of parked cars blocking the masterpiece so I got lucky. It is by Douglas Panzone from dynastymuralworks.com. He invites stalkers so consider me on the job.

Retro sign - Rita's

Rita's, Folly Beach

Photo from a recent visit to Rita's on Folly Beach. I am not enjoying it getting dark so early. It's pretty much impossible for me to get home, grab a bite to eat and get out for a walk while it is still light. It seems almost unreasonable to go out for a good walk when it is pitch dark. Blah. Hopefully I can get out this weekend and freshen up my Charleston photo album with some Christmas in the lowcounty shots.

I arrived home to find the police at my door today. They were making rounds in the neighborhood after the recent suspected arson fire on my street. There has been a string of arson fires in old Charleston houses in recent years but this is the first time one has been as far south as Vanderhorst St. and I don't like it. I'd really like them to catch the person doing this. They are all set in the middle of the night and mostly seem to be in rental properties. It's left me thinking of escape routes from the house and wondering if I could get out of my window if necessary.

Monday Hodge Podge

Folly Beach, S.C.

While I was shivering at an outside wedding overlooking the marsh on Saturday, across the street surfers were wading into the water. I am such a baby about being cold it isn't a sport I'll be taking up but I can watch them forever. Photographer Kathy Hare was a little further down the beach catching this incredible shot of a kite surfer in front of the lighthouse. Wow.

What else is going on? I've been a little slow grabbing a photo of the new business on King St. People Matter is going to renovate this building and move in. Exciting times for upper King St. People Matter is a Human Resource company that will eventually bring over 250 jobs to the area. It will be nice to follow this with an "after" shot after the renovation.

When Andra Watkins asked people for suggestions for gifts for her parents, I gave my standard answer - buy them a Shingles shot. Crazy? Not so. I am not a person who ever recommends medications or interventions but I personally know so many people who have had a miserable case of painful shingles that in this case I do. Since insurance doesn't always cover it it really is a good gift. Until recently it was only recommended for people over sixty but I've heard the age has dropped enough that I might be ready to get one myself. My understanding is that physician's offices direct you to a drug store and for the first time I spotted this sign at Rite Aid. Shingles Vaccinations Today!

Wonder what Kolo kolo mlynsky is doing in my Lowcountry Blogroll? Julia is from the lowcountry and lives in Czechoslovakia with her adorable family. I love her photos and am delighted that she is actively blogging again.

Finally, a perfect leaf heart imprint. You know me and my pavements.

I am off to cram a few more things in my suitcase. It is unbelievable to me that I will be on a plane to India on Wednesday. How on earth do I occupy myself on a fifteen hour plane ride? Fifteen hours! Colored gel pens to doodle, sticky putty, books.....what else can I do?

Here Comes the Bride

Here comes the bride, Folly Beach, S.C.

Having a best friend who is also a Deacon gets me to some of the best weddings in town. This little darling was flower girl for Brian and Tiffany as they got married overlooking the marsh on Folly Beach this afternoon. They are probably still partying at Rita's right now! Brian is Bar Manager at Blossom Restaurant so congratulate him next time you stop by, and Tiffany is a nurse at MUSC. Congratulations!

Shark Week!

Folly Beach, S.C.

I'm not sure what Shark Week is about but I dug up the only shark picture I have. Yeah Folly Beach!

PS: Yep. I made the Black Cab park there for the photo op :).

Folly Beach Questions

Folly Beach, S.C.

I've puzzled over this old photo find on Folly Beach for a long time. What do you think? A shelter blown to shreds? Folly Beach style prayer flags?

Beach Bum recently mentioned a "just the guys" day trip to Charleston and asked about places to eat. Do you have suggestions for them on Folly or in town?