Sasee Magazine - April 2017 by Strand Media Group

April 2017

To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhowâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is a human offering that can border on miraculous. - Elizabeth Gilbert

April 2017 Volume 16, Issue 4

Meant to Be

8 Read It 10 A Heart Beating Strong 12 18 One Man’s Treasure 21 Bridal Guide Sasee Asks an Expert 22 By Fayge Goldstein

Review by Nicole McManus By Rose Ann Sinay

By Jeffery Cohen

Making Your Wedding Vision a Reality

By Nancy Burroughs

Sasee Asks an Expert

How to Get Fit & Stay Healthy for Your Big Day

By Olga Thorn

Five Tips for Buying Art

By Ginny Lassiter

38 The Chico’s Connection By Erika Hoffman

Rain Drops of Love

Sweetest Holiday

By Judie Schaal

By Diane DeVaughn Stokes

46 Sasee Women Building Homes

Sasee Asks an Expert

Izzy’s Ring

Sasee Asks an Expert

49 April Calendar

How to Select a Venue for Your Wedding Day

By Kim Leatherwood

How to Include Your Furbaby in Your Wedding

By Miss Lulu Schnauzer By Duane A. Wood

How to Choose Your Engagement Ring

By Christopher Cervini

Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build

47 Kids Page Anchored in Easter By Kay Filar

It’s all in the

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Cover Artist

Caroline Fellis

Oui, je le veux (I do), by Caroline Fellis Oui, je las veux was inspired by Caroline Fellis’ friends when they finally decided to tie the knot after a long engagement. To reflect the bride’s joy, positive energy and boundless happiness, Caroline pictured her in a vibrant yellow dress with a flamboyant bouquet. Her vision came true in this painting.

letter from the editor While I was doing a big cleanup in my front yard last weekend, I realized that my little patch of ground has changed. For all the years I’ve lived there, it’s been very shady with only a few hours of morning sun to keep the hydrangeas and impatiens happy. I never got to plant zinnias or tomatoes – there just wasn’t enough sun. Last year the lots next door to me were razed to make way for new construction. The lush woods that shaded my yard are gone. Then, Hurricane Matthew blew through with destructive force and took some of my trees with him. I was unsettled by both events, even though I tried very hard to look on the bright side. Regardless, change is hard. But, what I realized while I was outside that day is that now I can plant zinnias and tomatoes. There’s enough sun for both – and maybe a basil plant or two as well. It’s the same with life, I believe. Change, while sometimes unsettling, is necessary for growth, and there is always a silver lining if I look hard enough. And many times change is good! The Sasee headquarters have moved to the Litchfield Exchange, located behind Applewood Pancake House in Litchfield. We are all thrilled about our new digs and hope you’ll stop by and say hello.

Caroline has always loved storytelling, and after university studies in art and music, she chose paint as the medium to illustrate the fruit of her imagination. She finds inspiration in the scenic farmland and rolling hills of the countryside of the province of Quebec in Canada, where every season brings new wonders. She is fortunate to live in such a beautiful setting and unique area where she is surrounded by disused bridges and roads seldom traveled. Through her art, she tries to capture the beauty around her and express it on canvas. Currently, Caroline enjoys working with a palette knife; it allows her to bring texture to her artwork and to fuse colors in a new way. To see more of Caroline’s work, visit www.carolinefellis.com or her Etsy shop.

who’s who Publisher Delores Blount Sales & Marketing Director Susan Bryant

Photographer & Graphic Artist Aubrey Plum Web Developer Scott Konradt

Editor Leslie Moore

Accounting Kristy Rollar

Account Executives Amanda Kennedy-Colie Erica Schneider Gay Stackhouse

Administrative & Creative Coordinator Celia Wester

Art Director Patrick Sullivan

Executive Publishers Jim Creel Bill Hennecy Suzette Rogers

From all of us, best wishes for a Happy Easter or Happy Passover! PO Box 1389, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 fax 843-626-6452 • phone 843-626-8911 • www.sasee.com • info@sasee.com Sasee is published monthly and distributed free along the Grand Strand. Letters to the editor are welcome, but could be edited for length. Submissions of articles and art are welcome. Visit our website for details on submission. Sasee is a Strand Media Group, Inc. publication.

Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material, in part or in whole, prepared by Strand Media Group, Inc. and appearing within this publication is strictly prohibited. Title “Sasee” is registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

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Meant to Be by Fayge Goldstein

This amazing story happened over sixty years ago, in the early 1950s, when it was a fashion to spend weekends at a hotel in the Catskills. There was a young man working as a lifeguard at the Concord Hotel; he was very personable, enjoyed meeting new people and was definitely not shy by any means, but something happened to him one day when he saw a beautiful woman enter the pool area. He was dumbfounded and lost his nerve to speak. He watched her from afar all the while longing to say hello. Two days passed as he tried to work up his nerve to go and introduce himself, but he just couldn’t. Finally, on Saturday night he decided he was going to meet her no matter what. If he did not meet her now he would lose his chance as she was going home the next day. So he dressed to the hilt and decided to wear his lucky tie which had the number 21 written on it. Trying to exude confidence, he sauntered into the hotel and accidentally bumped into this lovely lady. “Hello,” he mumbled. “My name is Mitchell Smith. Sorry, I was rushing so.” He felt his confidence grow and continued. “I actually wanted to meet you.” “Really?” replied the young woman. “Believe it or not my name is Beverly Smith. What a coincidence. By the way, not only do we have the same last name, but I am also twenty-one.” Mitchell smiled inwardly; his lucky tie had served him well. This was the auspicious beginning for these two young people. Mitchell proceeded to ask Beverly to dance. After dancing for a while they sat down to chat. They found the conversation between them flowed easily, and they had many interesting topics to discuss. To say the more they spoke the more Mitchell was smitten by Beverly is an understatement. After about five hours they decided to go for a walk. Without any hesitation, Mitchell knew this was the woman for him. He told her so in no uncertain terms and proposed on the spot. Beverly was touched and flabbergasted. “Hmm, maybe we can just date for now and see where this goes.”

This was all the encouragement Mitchell needed. Beverly lived in Brooklyn, over two and a half hours away, but he would go to see her very often.

As they continued to date, they became very smitten with each other and both felt certain they were really meant to marry. There was only one stumbling block. Mitchell was a bit younger then Beverly, he had only worn that tie because he liked it, in reality he was only 17 years old. He bravely broke this news to his almost bride to be, and she laughed so hard tears rolled down her cheeks. At this point in their relationship she really cared for him and decided his age was fine with her. She just couldn’t be angry, she was too happy. From that point on they agreed never to tell any white lies and this cemented their happiness. They excitedly formalized their engagement. Two month later, after a total of ten months of dating, Mitchell and Beverly were joined in matrimony with his mother signing her consent. They had a simple wedding surrounded by family and some friends. It was a very joyous occasion. The years passed quickly. They had three children and were able to build a beautiful family. Their home was filled with love and harmony. They supported each other through career changes, childrearing, health issues and so much more for almost 60 years. Sadly, Beverly passed away almost two years ago, but her memory is carried in the hearts of her family, including many grandchildren and great grandchildren who knew and loved her. How do I know this story to be true? I am the eldest child of this amazing match that was so obviously made in Heaven.

Fayge Goldstein

has loved writing since she was a child. After raising her beautiful family of six, Fayge decided to return to her writing. She has had many different professions over the years including working as a nurse/counselor, but writing has always been her hidden love. Fayge hopes to be able to share joy and maybe even some wisdom with her heartfelt creations.

2017 Lineup 2 5 t h

A N N I V E R S A R Y

October 5

18th Annual Pawleys Island Wine & Food Gala October 6

Artrageous

Music, Art and Dance extravaganza

October 7

Grammy Award-winning

Delbert McClinton October 13

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got A Friend

Carole King & James Taylor Tribute

October 14

Grammy Award-winning Singer-Songwriter

Melissa Manchester October 19

Grammy Award-winning Bluegrass Group

Balsam Range October 20

Joe Gransden Big Band

October 21

Masters of Soul Motown ~ Tabled Event

For Tickets visit www.pawleysmusic.com or call 843-626-8911

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–Read It!– Nicole Says…Read

All the Presidents’ Gardens By Marta McDowell Review by Nicole McManus

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The White House is an iconic structure in American history and its surrounding lawns have stood out through the centuries. The gardens have been the setting where Americans, royalty, dignitaries, soldiers and even protestors have all converged. Marta McDowell dives into the details of how these majestic gardens came to be, as well as taking a closer look into the people in charge of caring for them. Broken into sections by the decades, readers will be taken on an epic journey from the start of the United States of America to modern times with the Obamas. Filled with photographs and even handwritten blueprints, the gardens come alive. Entertaining little-known historical facts are also mixed into each chapter. A quick reference guide in the back that gives the biographies on the First Gardeners is included as well, and a listing of every single thing that has been planted over time. Readers will feel like they know the First Families better after reading All the Presidents’ Gardens. This book provides something for everyone, from fans of American History to those wanting inspiration for their own backyard. Thankfully the author keeps away from politics and remains focused on the gardens and the people who

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influenced and maintained them. The personal details of the families, as well as the significance of each time period are what truly inspired how the grounds were shaped and what plants were displayed. From the first seeds and goats, to golf courses and edible plants, the lawns are ever evolving. I truly appreciated the thorough research Marta McDowell did in order to create such a breathtaking book. Even her honesty in the opening prologue, where she describes her inspiration for writing this particular manuscript, is refreshing. Growing up, I never really thought about the White House lawns, I just enjoyed their beauty whenever I saw the White House pictured. However, I enjoyed learning about this splendid scenery. This is the type of book that one tends to keep within easy reach, so as to be able to flip through the beautiful pages.

Nicole McManus loves to read, to the point that she is sure she was born with a book in her hands. She writes book reviews in the hopes of helping others find the magic found through reading. Contact her at ARIESGRLREVIEW.COM.

A Heart Beating Strong by Rose Ann Sinay

The sky is gray and heavy with snow predicted to fall this afternoon in New York. This New England weather was the major factor in my husband’s and my decision to move to North Carolina for a shovel-less retirement. It is a balmy sixty-five degrees back home. But sitting on my daughter’s couch, feeding my baby granddaughter, I feel happy, thankful and extremely lucky. I am content. Let it snow! Mila Rose has had quite the bumpy journey since her birth in August. Major heart defects were detected when my daughter was four months pregnant and the entire family has been in waiting mode for each step, each surgery – waiting for whatever could make Mila healthy. In the meantime, keeping our baby virus-free until her heart was repaired was a full time job. Her second operation was technically a great success, a miracle of modern medicine and the skill of dedicated doctors and nurses. However, even with the perfect operation, comes the long list of possible complications. Fevers, irregular heartbeats and fluid around Mila’s heart plagued her recovery. After the surgery she was diagnosed with Chylothorax, a condition caused by damage to a thoracic duct. Simply put, Mila’s body could not process the triglycerides in her milk. She was immediately changed to a (pre-digested fat) prescription formula. It was a putrid-smelling, vile-tasting concoction that reacted with the medication necessary to regulate her heart rhythm. The combination turned the liquid in her stomach into a semi-solid. Keeping it down was impossible. Bringing it up was painful for my granddaughter and terrifying for her parents as

they watched their baby struggle, choke, and turn as red as a tomato trying to catch her breath. It was a condition that had to be tolerated until the duct healed. There was no alternative. Finally, at Mila’s six week post-op cardiology appointment the doctor took her off the interacting heart medication and the prescription formula. He announced it was okay for her to get “sick,” okay for her to get a cold – to cough and sneeze and to get a stuffy nose just like any other baby. We wouldn’t have to panic or rush to the hospital every time Mila got a sniffle. She could resume regular formula purchased at the store instead of ordered from a pharmacy. It was a test period, but her chest sounded clear, and the x-rays looked good. The formula we dreaded feeding to her, that had caused so much angst, had done its job, the duct appeared to be healing and functioning. Mila was healthy, and now, she could get “sick.” We couldn’t help but laugh at the irony. It was the best news we could have received. My daughter and I gave the expected sigh of relief even though we knew the worry was set too deep. It would always be with us. It’s been a week since her doctor’s appointment, but there is already a change in my granddaughter. She’s thriving on her new formula, drinking twice the amount she did before. The choking episodes have stopped, and feeding her has become a special time again. She has gained back the weight she lost after the surgery. Mila’s angry, red scar is fading to pink. It’s straight and regal – a daily reminder of our precious gift. She will learn to love it as much as we

do. She’s moving her arms and legs at Olympian speed to make up for lost time and has started tolerating tummy time. My granddaughter will always need to check in with her “team” on a regular basis to monitor any issues that may arise, but it’s a small price to pay for this bright and promising future. For the first time in a year, life seems almost normal. Soon she will be able to meet her cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. The oxygen tanks and monitors have been removed from her princess themed bedroom. The room is now pretty and pink…and ordinary. Yay! The snow is coming down fast, swirling a new blanket of white on top of the existing one. The “kids” suddenly realize they can take Mila outside in her first snow storm. There is an excitement in their voices. They can make snow angels in the fluffy white stuff, build Mila a little snowman. Maybe they could have a snow ball fight. Mila is bundled into a fat pink snow suit and whisked out into the mini blizzard. They take too many pictures… they can’t help themselves (big smile). I stand on the porch taking even more shots just in case they miss one.

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I watch my family, dressed in hats, gloves and their warmest winter coats, make deep footprints in the smooth white surface. My granddaughter doesn’t disappoint, as she holds out her mittened hand to catch the fluffy white stuff. They carefully place Mila on the snow and move her wrapped, puffy limbs back and forth making an angel impression in the snow. She smiles as the white flakes collect on her long eye lashes. Her mouth is open, and she giggles as the frozen precipitation falls on her tongue. It is a personal celebration – the smiles on all three of their faces, the excitement of a hard-won victory. My granddaughter is healthy, happy and beautiful. She’s strong and determined. She can be anything she wants to be. Life is good.

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Rose Ann Sinay

is a freelance writer typing away in sunny North Carolina. Her articles/stories have been published in The Carolinas Today, The Oddville Press and The Brunswick Beacon.

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Sassee Magazine: 4.4167 x 4.9792 --- Pawleys area Georgetown County. 2016

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One Man’s Treasure by Jeffery Cohen

“One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” It was a mantra that my father repeated regularly – usually as he was dragging a rolled up Oriental rug or a marble-topped coffee table to the trunk of his car from a pile of trash at the side of the road. And truer words were never spoken by a real “junk picker.” That’s what my mother called him. It was always said with affection and respect. It was a title that Dad was proud of. My father was a curious man with a vast imagination and a resourceful nature that he’d developed by living through the Great Depression. Some of those early years were spent, like so many of his generation, riding around the country in boxcars or hitching a ride on the nation’s highways in search of work. “You learn to make do,” he would remind me with a smile and a knowing nod. While other fathers spent afternoons in their backyards having a catch with their kids or ran around a park hoisting kites in the air, my father and I strolled the streets of town. Like two explorers on expedition, we’d examine the stacks of trash placed in front of neighbor’s homes, as we searched for the tarnished brass lamp or the chipped china tea pot that begged for the chance at a second life. Every outing was another joyous treasure hunt.

Dad was a dreamer, able to see the possibilities in the simplest things. He prided himself in “making something from nothing.” I remember him scrounging around for m o n t h s collecting odd pieces of board and scraps of wood.

Then I watched him take that monumental stack of wood and, piece by piece, transform leftover lumber into a back porch he built onto our house. When he began to gather up chunks of stone, even I had to wonder. Day after day he lugged grapefruit sized rocks of every kind into the backyard as the neighbors watched in amusement. One weekend, he dragged a bag of cement home and turned a plain old pile of rocks into an amazing outdoor stone fireplace! Having grown up my father’s apprentice, I too, have become a “junk picker,” although I like to think of myself more as a creative recycler. I’ve surrounded myself with so many “reincarnated” objects that my wife teases me about being a hoarder. She’s never quite appreciated the fine art of collecting. “Now what are you bringing here? Another piece of junk?” my wife accused, standing with her hands on her hips as I dragged a beat up, dusty, old, paint-splattered power mower across the front lawn. “You don’t actually think that thing is going to start?” I took a long look. “The sign on it says, still works.” I shrugged. I held up the crinkled piece of notebook paper with the hand-written letters on it. My wife just smiled and shook her disbelieving head. Trying hard not to let her skepticism get in the way of my enthusiasm, I wheeled the ancient mower into the yard, filled it with gas, added a touch of oil and pulled the cord. To my great delight, it started up on the first try and has been doing so for five years without any end in sight!

One July I was driving through town on a sweltering afternoon when I happened on a young woman carting out the trash. Piece by piece, she placed a line of nearly life-size plastic figures at the curb. Mary, Joseph, shepherds, sheep and the three wise men. She was lovingly about to lay the statue of a child in the manger when I slammed on the brakes. “Excuse me. Are you throwing all of this out?” She nodded, a sad look on her face, as she held the baby Jesus in her arms.

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“Would you mind if I took them?” I asked. A smile spread across her face as her eyes brightened. “Please do,” she sighed.” My father will be so pleased. He was so afraid that they’d go to waste in some landfill somewhere.” That Christmas I covered the floor of our front porch with hay and happily displayed my rescued nativity. Joy to the world! While on a lunch hour stroll, I came upon a mound of trash, a piano keyboard box perched at its top. I was pretty certain that the box would be empty, but my curiosity forced me to take a peek. To my surprise, it held a keyboard. I was pretty certain that the keyboard wouldn’t work, but I figured, what do I have to lose? So I carted it home. I plugged it in and pressed the power button, pretty certain nothing would happen. Boy was I ever wrong. The sound was glorious, its notes filling the house. If junk be the food of life, play on. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to come across some real finds: A first edition of Catcher in the Rye, a case of Wedgewood china, a crystal chandelier. I still haven’t turned up a bottle of Chateau Laffite, a Picasso masterpiece unknowingly discarded, or that box of baseball cards we all wish our mother’s hadn’t thrown out, but you never know. Like my father used to say, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Habitat for Humanity of Horry County invites women to devote at least one day to help build decent and affordable housing in our community. Habitat’s National Women’s Build Week enables women to help eliminate poverty housing by building homes and communities. Through Women’s Build, thousands of women volunteers and homeowners gain the confidence and skills to lay bricks, pound nails, raise walls and create hope. For more information please contact erin@habitatmb.org Register and/or Donate online today at www.habitatmb.org

Jeffery Cohen

Freelance writer and newspaper columnist, Jeffery Cohen, has written for Sasee, Lifetime and Read, Learn, Write. He’s won awards in Women-On-Writing Contest, Vocabula’s Well Written Contest, National League of American Pen Women’s’ Keats Competition, Southern California Genealogy Competition, and Writer’s Weekly writing contest.

Always and Forever

Spring 2017 Photo Courtesy of Wayneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s View Photography

Making Your Wedding Vision a Reality by Nancy Burroughs

Selecting a venue is one of the most important decisions of a Bride and Groom’s wedding planning process. Once selected, keep in mind the following factors to truly personalize your venue and translate your wedding vision into reality.

104 LAUREL, the newly renovated warehouse built in 1935 & nestled in the Historic Riverfront District of Conway, is now booking your next event. Whether planning the wedding of your dreams, a celebration with friends and family, your class reunion or a business gathering to enjoy a change of scenery and feed your teams creativity, we have the perfect venue for you!

1. Lighting Lighting can be the easiest, fastest and most effective way to completely change the mood of a venue. Whether you’re going for a romantic feel with soft lighting, or for a glam look with lots of color, lighting can make all the difference in the world. This helps to set the mood for your guests as soon as they walk in, and can help translate your theme from floor to ceiling. 2. Color Scheme Whatever your wedding color scheme, make sure to carry it throughout the entire venue space and keep it consistent. Selecting specific colors, whether incorporated in your lighting, linens, flowers or signature cocktail, will ensure your event venue expresses a cohesive image, tying all elements of the venue together. Remember, less is more with bold colors, but consistency is key. 3. Personal Logo This can apply to just about any aspect of your venue, as long as you are creative. A popular trend is a photo backdrop, with the couples’ logo, initials or wedding date. Customization can also come into play with many other details – napkins, matches or even your dance floor or ice sculpture. You can put your logo on just about anything, which will make for a personalized experience. 4. Make It Personal For many couples, their wedding is truly about the two of them, but it’s also about the family members and loved ones who have supported them throughout their lives. Choosing a focal point as guests enter the wedding venue to display family photos is a memorable and personal way to honor both sides of the family, while also providing your guests with an insight to your lives. The most important concern of personalizing your venue is to remember to have fun and don’t get lost in the process.

(843) 457-8478 • 104laurel.com

104 Laurel Street, Conway, South Carolina

Nancy Burroughs and her husband, Joe, are the owners of a newly renovated brick warehouse built in the early 1930s nestled in the historical riverfront district of Conway. Nancy has always had a passion for creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. By opening “104Laurel,” an event space, she can offer this same opportunity to her customers where they can make it elegant or rustic, simple or extravagant. “104Laurel” is where their dreams can become a reality! Contact Nancy by calling (704) 763-7969 or find 104 Laurel on Facebook.

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Kaminski House Museum • Historic Georgetown, SC

How to Select a Venue for your Wedding Day by Kim Leatherwood

You said “yes,” and you have the ring. You are having the time of your life showing off your sparkly diamond and receiving congratulations from family and friends. But now you have to get down to business and find a site for your wedding day. Some of us have been dreaming about our wedding day since we were very young. We have imagined every detail of this day from the intricate design of our wedding gown right down to the type of curly cues of icing on the wedding cake. For others, the vision may not be so clear. If you fall into the last category, try this: Close your eyes and think of your fiancé. Imagine different venues, and let these images float through your mind. What do you see? If you close your eyes and can’t come up with anything, do not despair. You can always pick up bridal magazines and look at images of the venues on the pages. Now, try to visualize you and your partner in various venues to determine which ones reflect your personalities and interests. Websites such as Wedding Wire and theknot are excellent research tools for brides. Once you have determined the physical location for your nuptials, these wedding planning sites will list the types of venues in your area with price and contact information. Finally, most of us have to deal with our financial reality and that six-letter word – “BUDGET.” I tell all the brides that I work with to think about what is truly important to them and their fiancé on their wedding day and build the budget around those line items. If the venue is the most important consideration, then cut back on decorations or catering costs. Outdoor venues can offer amazing natural beauty and should allow you to cut back on flowers and other decorations. I have found that the most spectacular events at the Kaminski House Museum are the ones that are all about good food featuring Grandma’s coveted recipe for Shrimp and Grits, dancing barefoot in the breezes off of the Sampit River and receiving a send off to the honeymoon amid the hugs and tears of beloved family and friends. Happy Wedding Planning! Kim Leatherwood is Assistant Director of Kaminski House Museum on Front Street in Georgetown. Both the Kaminski House and Stewart-Parker House are spectacular, river-front venues for your perfect day! Contact Kim by calling 843-546-7706 or email kleatherwood@kaminskimuseum.org.

Weddings on the lawn at the Kaminski House Museum or special events at the Stewart-Parker House feature Southern-Style charm & tradition. Visit our website for information and complete history, KaminskiMuseum.org Kaminski House Museum 1003 Front Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 Hours: Mon - Sat, 10am to 5pm. Admission charged CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR GUIDED TOUR - TIMES 11AM, 1PM & 3PM (843)546-7706

Yours to treasure!

Give Well Do Good 10% of every gift sale is donated to charity! Free gift wrap is just another bonus!

Repairs, Appraisals, Jewelry Consignment & Custom Designs by James Huntley 981-B Hackler Street, Soho Shoppes @ Market Common 843-692-0346 • www.treasuresfinejewelers.net

Lee’s Inlet Apothecary • 3579 U.S.17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 843.651.7979 • info@GoodDeedGoods.com • www.GoodDeedGoods.com

Mon - Fri 9:30 - 5:30, Sat 10 - 4

Making You Smile is Our Special-Tea ! Tea Room & Boutique

The tea room is the perfect place for your bridal shower, luncheon or tea! Reserve your space now! A special occasion isn’t necessary to eat at the tea room. Anytime you eat at the tea room it’s a special occasion

Over 60 Teas Homemade Quiche Sandwiches & Wraps Scones/Pastries • Soups High Tea Served Daily by Reservation Only Serving a spectacular lunch Monday - Saturday, 10-4. No reservations required. Call ahead seating encouraged. 26

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317 Laurel Street Conway, SC 29526

843.248.2624

(Closed Sundays & Mondays) Serving the Grand Strand for 70 Years!

Lazelle’s Flower Shop Weddings Tropicals • Plants Contemporary & Traditional Arrangements High-Style Floral Arrangements Silk Arrangements Funeral Designs Extensive Gift Line Fruit & Gift Baskets

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How to Include Your Furbaby in Your Wedding by Miss Lulu Schnauzer

My human mom, Nancy Schrum, asked me to share some advice on how “pawsitivly” perfect it is to have furbabies like me in your wedding. My mom can’t imagine having such a special occasion without me in attendance! The first thing to do is get permission from your venue. Can you believe some places don’t allow us inside? An outdoor event is perfect for pups like me – we especially like beach weddings. But, for those of us who are, shall we say, easily distracted, be sure to keep us safe and secure. You can buy absolutely gorgeous wedding collars and leashes to match every fur color and size! Most furbabies do not like surprises, so help us understand what is going to happen well in advance. There are fun furbaby schools that can help your four-legged family member understand what you expect at your wedding. Remember, we want to please you more than anything. Take us to the venue in advance, and let us sniff around. Now for the fun part – the outfit! If your pup is going to be a ring bearer or flower girl, there are a lot of options – from fancy neckwear for the girls and bowties for the boys. Or maybe you would like a fancy dress or tux? As a fashion “furmaven,” I always want to look my very best for photos. Don’t forget us at the reception! All the food will have hungry pups drooling. There are special, dog-friendly wedding cakes that are delicious and safe for “woofing” down.

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And, finally, have fun with us and be patient! Being with you is all we ever really want.

Visit Miss Lulu Schnauzer at Lulu Paws Boutique, located at 11378 Ocean Highway in Pawleys Island at the Sweetgrass Center. Call 843-237-5858 or visit the online store at www.lulusonlinestore.com.

SPRING SALE! All engagement rings & wedding bands 40% off!

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Izzi’s Ring

by Duane A. Wood When I proposed to Tammie, my soon-to-be step-daughter, Izzi, had just turned six. Initially, when Izzi was being aloof, or always sitting between us, or demanding constant attention, I assumed this was simply a six-year-old child dealing with the unknown. No doubt this contributed but the real issue was jealousy. I’ve learned two important things since then; it doesn’t really matter how old the woman is to provoke a jealous reaction, and surprisingly enough, trying to reason with a sixyear-old doesn’t really work. As the wedding day drew closer, Izzi’s excitement about the ceremony increased. Every night she made us rehearse what we were going to say – except for kissing the bride. Watching her flip between excitement and jealousy was interesting. It was important to us that we include Izzi in the ceremony in some special way. An obvious choice was being a flower girl. She liked this idea and wanted everyone to be very clear that she was the “head” flower girl. This seemed to give her a sense of being in control. But what she really needed was something permanent, lasting and symbolic. I wanted her to realize that my commitment was to both her and her mother. I decided to give Izzi a wedding ring too. I shared this idea with the minister, and he felt it was a fine idea, and 30

suggested I write some vows. When I asked Tammie if she wanted to read the vows before the wedding, she said, “No, I want to wait and hear what you say when everyone else hears it. I trust you.” Awesome. Trust is the foundation to a great marriage. But I quickly realized that if I screwed this up, time would stop, the sky would fall, and western civilization would end as we know it. Or worse, for a brief moment, all the attention was going to be on the groom – a fate worse than death. The ring was a simple gold band with a small heart made of opal; something similar to a promise ring. Since Izzi made us practice getting married all the time, we used one of the rings we practiced with to find her size. To keep this moment spontaneous and meaningful, neither Tammie nor I told anyone about the ring. I left my best man in the dark until ten minutes before the ceremony. When I explained to him what was going to happen, the look on his face was somewhere between, “Well, this is rather unorthodox,” and “Huh?” That didn’t help my performance anxiety. Immediately after I placed the ring on Tammie’s finger the Minister was to pronounce that the union just witnessed was more than a union between two people. It was a union of three. Releasing the hands of my new bride, I stepped down from the

altar and asked for the head flower girl’s hand. While on one knee, I said the following: Isabella Marie Mayes, I, Duane Andrew Wood, give you THIS ring as a token of my promise, and I’ll even PINKY SWEAR, that I will, in the best way I know how, be a good step-father to you, and a loving husband to your mommy. When Izzi realized what was happening her face lit-up - and my heart melted. With a huge smile, missing teeth and all, she gave me a huge hug and kissed me on the cheek. Of course, I melted inside. She completely understood what just happened. A memory was created, and two souls bonded. To my surprise, there was not a dry eye in the house. The entire wedding party cried, and my new father-in-law gave me grief because I made him cry. As touching as this was, the most important thing to me was that Izzi understood she was just as important to me as her mother.

I would love to believe that this one special day gave her the sense of confidence and security she needed to become the strong, independent and capable woman she is today. By the time Izzi reached junior high the ring was no longer “cool” and was eventually misplaced and lost. But as she matured, and our relationship grew stronger, we didn’t need a ring to bring us together. It was the memory of a simple gesture that said her stepfather loves her dearly.

Duane Wood’s

day job is as an IT professional. Yawn. His real passions are officiating NCAA and high school football games and writing. He lives near Monterey, California, with his wife and three children.

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How to Choose Your Engagement Ring by Christopher Cervini

First and most importantly, find a jeweler you can trust. When you sit down in person with an expert gemologist, you can look at numerous diamonds that are outstanding on paper, but there will be one that speaks to you because of its visual beauty, not its technical aspects. An expert will educate you on the credentials of a particular diamond and teach you why one is nicer than the other – even within the same grades there will be subtle differences that only a gemologist can see and explain. A relationship with a jeweler is confidential and very personal – I encourage all young couples to develop a relationship with a professional jeweler. My customers become my friends, and they come back to me for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. I know their children and families, and they know mine. A family store is where you will get that connection; one that lasts a lifetime. When a gentleman has found the lady he wants to spend the rest of his life with, it is his most important emotional connection. He needs to first understand his fiancée, and do some personal recognizance to understand her tastes – does she like traditional, contemporary, unusual or unorthodox? Personally, I usually recommend something that is timeless, even if there are upgrades along the way. You want a ring that is going to be appealing for a lifetime. The next decision is the shape of the center stone. Does she like round, pear, oval or cushion? Round, oval or cushion cut are the most popular shapes now.

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I don’t fall back on the formula many use in determining the budget for the ring. What I truly like to do is get to know the gentleman and find out what he’s comfortable spending. Then I take his money as far as it can go – it is important to be a good steward of his money and give him the very best value. I’m also an advocate for staying within your means as opposed to pushing the limit and putting yourself in a bind. Christopher Cervini is the owner of Christopher’s Fine Jewelry, located at 11412 Ocean Highway in Pawleys Island. Christopher is a certified gemologist with the GIA and has been in the jewelry business for 25 years. He and his knowledgeable staff are happy to help you with all of your fine jewelry needs. Christopher’s Fine Jewelry is open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-5pm.

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Providing Excellent Care From the Heart for 20 Years

1997-2017

Don’t count the days, make the days count.

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ByGone Beauties Eclectic Furniture and Treasures

www.resourcefulrealty.com Sara Mosseri (843)461-5272

Shelyn Mosseri Lee (843)222-3331

Tripp Parnell (843)222-7660

5213 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC 29577 Office: (843)492-4900

1409 Hwy 17 South Surfide Beach, SC 29575 (Beside Jerribob’s)

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How to Get Fit & Stay Healthy for Your Big Day Hair Nails Facials Waxing Spa Packages Massage Therapy Gift Cards Available Wedding Parties Welcome

COASTAL GRAND MALL 843-839-3193

by Olga Thorn

Getting ready for your big day is not always easy. The pressure to be your most fit self is real, and no one wants to be remembered as the starving woman who made Bridezilla look like an angel. Women always ask me how to get in the best shape possible for their wedding, so I’m going to break it down for you. First of all, this is not the time for a crash diet; it’s time for a healthy diet. Instead of downing protein bars and fake food, choose fresh fruits and vegetables that rate low on the glycemic index. Dump the bananas and pineapple, and try apples, berries and oranges instead. Forget potatoes and opt for filling foliage, squash, mushrooms and onions. Choose small portions of lean protein (like chicken, fish or protein drinks), large salads, large servings of veggies and skip the butter. Lastly, drink water like it’s your job. Add a lemon or orange slice for flavor. In order to create a lean and healthy look, you want to go for activities that are not overly strenuous. Running six miles a day or power lifting with heavy weights could create more stress and swelling in your body than anything. Wedding planning alone is stressful enough! But don’t mistake this for a free pass. You want to focus on building long, lean muscles with exercises that use your own body weight. Practicing vinyasa-based yoga two or three days per week will burn fat, trim the torso and make your arms look perfect in any wedding dress. Activities like cycling, walking or light jogging for 45 minutes will be most effective as well. Not only will you be more likely to keep up with a regular schedule of these activities, but you are more likely to keep them up after the big day. You want to establish healthy exercise and eating patterns with your hubby-to-be now, so you don’t outgrow your wedding dress (and entire wardrobe) during the honeymoon phase. As a couple you want to invest in your health, for you and the sake of your future children!

Hop on in for Easter jewelry! 34

Broadway at the Beach • 843-445-7910 Barefoot Landing • 843-281-0736

Olga Thorn is the owner of OM Yoga in Myrtle Beach, an Executive Director at Beautycounter and happily married with three children.

Furniture • Home Decor Jewelry • Local Photography

it’ s a feeling . . .

843-651-5560 4491 Hwy. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet (One Mile South of the Marsh Walk)

Tues - Sat 10 - 5:30

Make sure you are on the lookout for our May Sasee issue

"Memorable People" What does family mean? Mother’s Day Aging parents/grandparents Favorite aunt or uncle Family reunions

Step-parents Adoption Mentors Letting go Women we admire

A GALLERY OF THE

Carolinas’ Finest Arts and Crafts

Blooms

Five Tips for Buying Art

A Group Show

by Ginny Lassiter

1. First and foremost, buy what you love. Your art should evoke an emotional response. Maybe it’s a memory of a special time or person. Choose colors that you’re drawn to. Ideally, the piece you love will be an original, but, that being said, if you are crazy about a piece, but the original is no long available, go ahead and buy the reproduction. You’ll never regret buying art that you love! And you’ll always find a place for it in your home!

April 19- June 3

Artist Ruth Cox, Lantana, oil on board, 12 x 9

910-575-5999

• Custom Framing Available •

www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com 10283 Beach Dr. SW • Calabash, NC

The beauty of simplicity is when less is more

2. Don’t go overboard with matching to your furniture. What’s important is that when you walk into a room, it feels good. Every piece doesn’t have to match. It’s more about reflecting your family’s personality. You can always add a throw pillow to tie things together. Matchy matchy is way overrated. 3. Make yourself think outside the box. If you have a traditional home and lean toward traditional art, add an abstract to the mix. It adds depth and interest to a room. Also, use some three-dimensional pieces. A piece of pottery or art glass can make the transition between abstract and traditional seamless. And remember, items that you decorate with can come from unexpected places – your garage, flea markets, garden shops, etc. Consider using an item in a way it was not originally intended. 4. Make sure your frames work with both the art piece and your home. The frame on a painting, photo or heirloom must certainly provide protection for the piece, but its visual function is to make it stand out from the wall and at the same time support your room’s “personality.” The frames in your room should coordinate with each other, but not match exactly. Also, it’s perfectly acceptable to have both framed and unframed canvas (gallery wrap) pieces in the same space. 5. Don’t forget the three-dimensional art. It adds another element to your space and allows you to include interesting textures. This means you’ll be able to showcase that special collection of baskets or face jugs or decanters that you love so much. Display them as a group.

THE BLUE HERON GALLERY 36

1780-10A CHANDLERS LANE, SUNSET BEACH, NC 28468 (910) 575-5088 • WWW . BLUEHERONGALLERY - NC . COM

Ginny Lassiter, owner of Sunset River Marketplace art gallery in Calabash, North Carolina, is an artist herself, but also serves as a creative consultant. She has a relaxed style and believes art buying should be fun, not intimidating. Contact her at Sunset River Marketplace - call 910-575-5999 or visit www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com.

Me & Mommy

Ladies’ and Children’s Boutique Clothing, Accessories, Gift Registry, Sportwear

Gift Certificates Available

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Joyous & Free, Judith March, VaVa and many more…

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The Chico’s Connection by Erika Hoffman

His freshman year, my son met a girl. At dinner one spring evening in the outskirts of Atlanta, after a long drive from North Carolina, his dad, sister and I were introduced to Jessica, a pretty girl with auburn hair and green eyes. I could tell our 18 year old son was in love. That night, our family stayed at his grandma’s home near downtown Atlanta. Although not much of a shopper, the next day, I acquiesced to my kids’ wishes to hang out at Perimeter Mall, an upscale shopping mecca that contains Chico’s, a clothing chain I frequent. (At Chico’s I’m only size three, which sounds petite until you learn that’s their largest size.) At any rate, I was flipping through the sales rack absent-mindedly when my son Erik asked, “What are you looking for, Mom?” “Nothing particular. Anything in size three – that’s not too bold, too frilly, too revealing and comes in black.” “I’ll help,” he murmured and wandered off. “And that’s on sale!” I hollered my addendum after him. Soon, he returned holding a couple of hangers with black tops. “Nope. They’re sleeveless. I want short sleeves,” I said, hardly glancing up. Erik set off again. A few minutes later, he returned accompanied by a stylishly attired, middle-aged, Latina lady with a welcoming smile. She clasped her hands together and beamed at me very friendly. Erik stood behind her and said something, but often I don’t catch exactly what he says because he mumbles. (When I don’t understand him, he claims I need a hearing aid.) Anyway, I assumed that he’d brought this congenial salesclerk over to assist me. I barely nodded in her direction. “Oh thanks. But I’m just looking; killing time really. I don’t need any help,” I said. She looked confused when I turned around. I continued to slide polyester skirts back and forth on the rack. The lady slipped away. “Jeesh, Mom!” I heard my son’s voice, this time – loud and clear. Startled, I peered up at his bulging eyes. “What? I didn’t want to waste her time. I think they work on commission here. I probably won’t buy a thing.” My son looked steamed. “You were so rude to Jessica’s mother!” he said.

“What?” I exclaimed. “I introduced you to Jessica’s mom, and you were too involved browsing for shirts to even say hello.” “Huh?” “That was Jessica’s mom!” He pointed to the dark- haired lady about to exit the store. “Jessica’s mom works here?” “NO! She was shopping here, a customer, just like you.” “You knew she’d be here today?” “NO.” Horrified, I dropped the apparel and ran to grab her before she departed. “I’m so sorry,” I said, looking her squarely in the face. “My son mumbles. I didn’t hear him say you’re Jessica’s mom.” “It’s ok,” she said, and smiled sweetly. “I’m glad for us to meet – finally.” “Me too. What a bizarre coincidence we’re both here!” “I like Chico’s,” she said. “I come often.” “It’s my favorite store,” I said smiling back. Eight years later, she and I together walked up the altar’s steps, lit candles and smiled. We were dressed in long gowns, standing in front of guests at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia. The occasion? Her daughter Jessica was getting married! And, likewise was my son, Erik. On this day being in the same place at the same time for Jess’s mom and me was no magical coincidence! It had been well planned for a year.

Erika Hoffman

writes personal essays for magazines, e-zines, and anthologies. She also pens a column once a month on the craft of writing, which is featured the last Friday and appears in the category “The Writers Table” of the e-zine Page & Spine.

Light Up Your Spring! Lamp & Lampshade Shop

Ladies’ & Children’s Clothing • Better Quality Used Furniture Unique Decorating Items • Collectibles • Housewares

“The South’s Extraordinary Lamp, Shade & Restoration Shop”

Upscale Consignment Shop

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Quality Replacement Shades all sizes, shapes, styles

Expert Lamp Repair visit our Lamp Doctor

Large Selection of Lamps designs for all decors

Personalized Service bring lamp base in for proper fitting

608 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach • (843)626-9952 • www.lafayeslamps.com Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm • Saturday by Appointment

11115 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island (Next to Habaneros) • 843-237-8447 Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm • take2resale@yahoo.com

Rain Drops of Love by Judie Schaal

Eleanor Roosevelt, at a very young age, lost both parents and a younger brother. In 1905 she married Franklin Delano Roosevelt and, although she suffered from depression her whole life, went on to be the first presidential spouse to hold regular press conferences, write a daily newspaper column and host a radio show. Her other accomplishments were many and she eventually was regarded as “one of the most esteemed women in the world.” I wonder if she sometimes awoke in the morning to the sounds of rain upon her window. Did she roll over and begrudge the imposition of bad weather on her plans? Did depression take over or did she rise with energy to gladly change her day’s commitments? Maybe both. Often we have to fight the demons that want to rule us. Often we have to look beyond the moment and know that life is a challenge.

The raindrops slide down the windowpane. Their cascading begins a day of questions. Will the needed moisture sooth the parched earth? Will the darkening skies make us change our plans? Life is like that. How do we interpret an event? Do we see the positives or do we dwell on the reverse? I want to open the windows and the doors of my heart. I want the rain to show me the possibilities of a beautiful day without sun. The spring flowers are thirsty, and so am I. Helen Keller could “see” the world through her heart and “hear” the sounds of love by being open to their possibilities. She blossomed when she learned to communicate and eventually campaigned for women’s suffrage, labor rights, socialism and anti-militarism. What a wonderful example for all of us to put aside our feelings of inertia and forge ahead to pursue our interests and our dreams. 40

John Denver wrote in one of his songs: “Sometimes I think I’ll never see the sun again” and “my heart feels like breaking.” But his greatest emphasis was in words like, “even when it’s raining, life is beautiful to me” and “love is all around.” Love is a shelter from the storm. It blankets the negatives. It showers us with hope. And it especially encourages us to be more than we thought we could be. If each day we make a commitment to reach out with love toward just one other person, we will be spreading a ray of sunshine that might become contagious. The Helen Kellers and the Eleanor Roosevelts of the past are with us as guiding lights showing us what we can accomplish – even when it’s raining.

Judie Schaal

Judie Schaal lives in Murrells Inlet with Gary, her husband of 50 years. She has written for On The Green magazine, the Sun News as a tennis columnist and is currently copy editor and photographer of a local color 28 page newsletter.

843-407-3124 To receive a FREE copy of Dr. Sattele’s informative medical report entitled: “The Real Weight Loss Solution,” call 1-800-791-4810 and enter ID#2980 or go to www.RapidWeightLossCenters.com

Assisted Living Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

If you need Assisted Living and Memory Care for your loved ones, Murrells Inlet’s newest and most advanced Senior Living community is accepting reservations. We even have options for seniors who aren’t quite ready for full Assisted Living. Please call to schedule your private tour. Tuesday - Saturday: 10-5 Stop in and meet the owner Linda Falls

Piedmont Springs Interiors 671 Jamestown Dr. Garden City, SC 29576 • (843) 353-8369 Website: www.piedmontspringsinteriors.com Email: Lindapsinteriors@aol.com

Large Selection of Fabrics! In house custom drapery, bedding and upholstery workroom , blinds & shutters! Interior design service available South Myrtle Beach 843-626-7272

699 Prince Creek Parkway Murrells Inlet, SC, 29576 (843) 353-1525 ThriveAtPrinceCreek.com FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 843.448.8379 OR VISIT US ONLINE AT www.LongBaySymphony.com A LONG BAY SYMPHONY GUILD EVENT:

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BEETHOVEN, BLUE JEANS & BBQ SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017 5:00 - 9:00 PM Inlet Affairs in Murrells Inlet

This is a fundraiser to help keep the opportunities to hear great music and educate young musicians going along the Grand Strand and surrounding areas. This event will provide a special time for golfers which includes breakfast, beverages and an awards luncheon with door prizes and prizes for the first, second and third place teams.

The Perfect Retirement. A world to explore, a vibrant community to come home to. A lifestyle that embraces true independence, new friendships, culinary celebrations and the safety of community. It’s time to enjoy retirement the way it’s meant to be. 1 0 a es at itchfield rive a leys sland, (843) 353-6040 • Lakes-Litchfield.com a leys sland s remier ife lan ommunity

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Clothing you & your family for over 25 years! 843-237-2631 11096 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island Monday - Saturday 10am - 5:30pm

Sweetest Holiday by Diane DeVaughn Stokes

I want to tell you a story, one that was told to me when I was a kid. It is what I grew up to believe and hope it helps you, and your children and grandchildren tie the Easter season’s religious and secular issues up with a big beautiful bow. Monsignor McCabe was the pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Newark, New Jersey, where I grew up. He was the dearest, sweetest man whose love of his congregation was unending. Everyone adored him, even Protestants in the community. He was truly God’s representative on earth. But it was his sermons that moved people to tears and enlightened hearts. I fondly recall the sermon about why “Fish Don’t Bite on Sunday,” because it was the Lord’s day, and fish inherently knew they could not bite on the Sabbath, so don’t bother missing church on Sunday to go fishing. He always got his point across in the most unique ways. But it was this one Easter sermon that has stuck with me throughout my entire life. Monsignor started the talk asking all of the kids to tell him about the candy they had gotten earlier that morning. One by one we rattled off “jelly beans, crème filled eggs, chocolate rabbits, marshmallow chicks.” Monsignor laughed and asked us why we did not bring him some candy this morning! Then in his gentle way he started to explain why we get sweets on Easter morning. “Does anybody know,” he asked?

There wasn’t a sound in the church as Monsignor filled us in about the secret connection to this season of confections. It was early in the morning when Jesus pushed that rock away from His tomb and rose from the dead, and it was the rabbits who saw him first and started to hop all around spreading the “SWEET” message that Jesus, who died on the cross to save us from our sins, is now alive, and He will continue to live in our hearts and love us forever. That is why we continue the tradition today of giving sweets from the Easter Bunny on Easter morning. The rabbits were the bearer of the “best news ever” and Easter eggs are the sign of the new life that his resurrection gave us. Well friends, I have always believed that story to be true. And who’s to say it isn’t true? There may not be any Biblical relevance to piece together Jesus with rabbits and candy, but it helped me and all the other kids to better understand the secular part of Easter and its tie to the most important part of Easter, the religious one. Thank you, Monsignor McCabe, for your wisdom and beautiful symbolism that made Easter the SWEETEST holiday of all. Diane DeVaughn Stokes

and her husband Chuck own Stages Video Productions in Myrtle Beach. Diane is also the Host and Producer for TV show “Inside Out” as seen on HTC channel 4, and “Diane on Six” on EASY Radio. Her new book Floating On Air- A Broadcasting Love Affair is available on amazon.com.

Sasee Women Building Homes! No Construction Skills Required! May 9-13, 2017

Join Habitat for Humanity of Horry County and devote one day to help build decent and affordable housing in our community during National Women Build Week 2017.

Women Build is not about excluding men, it's about empowering women so they can learn construction skills in a more supportive environment.

Habitat for Humanity Horry County is now accepting full day registrations for Women Build. Build days will be Tuesday, May 9 through Saturday, May 13, from 8 am-3 pm.

Construction will take place at 1034 Mistletoe Court, the future home of the Blue Family, in the Village of Dreams Neighborhood in Myrtle Beach.

When you volunteer a day, you will help eliminate poverty housing by building homes and communities.

All participants receive lunch and the first 50 registrants receive a Women Build 2017 t-shirt. Participants are encouraged to donate a minimum of $20.

Together with thousands of women volunteers and homeowners, you will gain the confidence and skills to lay bricks, pound nails, raise walls and CREATE HOPE!

To learn more, visit www.habitatmb.org, email Erin Walters at erin@habitatmb.org or call 843-650-8815.

It’s time for Easter fun and our community has a lot of exciting activities planned! Here are a few that Sasee Kids will love!

April 8th

April 15th

Thompson Farm’s 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Start with brunch at 10 am and then enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt at noon. Pre-registration required for brunch. Visit www.thompsonfarmandnursery.com or call 843-236-1400.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Gordon Biersch The fun begins at 9 am, 843-839-0249 for reservations, www.marketcommonmb.com.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Tupelo Honey Café Sit down with the Easter Bunny at 9 am, 843-315-3780 for reservations, www.marketcommonmb.com.

Brookgreen Gardens Eggstravaganza Enter the enchanted world of Peter Rabbit and Friends, as delightful characters from Beatrix Potter's classic tales come alive in a garden full of surprises, treats and activities. Peter Rabbit will join in the fun and pose for lots of photos, so remember to bring your basket and dress up for this special morning. Call 843-235-6016 for reservations or visit www.brookgreen.org. Brunch with the Easter Bunny at the Children’s Museum Enjoy an Easter egg hunt after the brunch, 10-11:30am, 843-946-9469 for reservations, www.cmsckids.org. Easter Egg Hunt at Kaminski House Museum, Georgetown Easter Strut begins at 11 am in Francis Marion Park, hunt begins at 11:30 am in Rainey Park, 843-546-7706, www.kaminskimuseum.org. Easter Egg Hunt at McLean Park, North Myrtle Beach Starts at 10am sharp with other activities until noon. Wear your best Easter outfit to have your photo made with Ms. Blossom. Call 843-280-5584 or visit http://parks.nmb.us for more information. Hammock Shops Village Easter Egg Hunt 10 am-12:30 pm, Enjoy face painting, balloon art and the hunt for eggs! 843-235-6355, www.thehammockshops.com.

Anchored in Easter by Kay Filar

The year 2000 brought many milestones to our extended family. Son Travis graduated from college. Daughter Kaitlyn had her 16th birthday and my father his 75th. Sister Deb and her husband marked their 20th wedding anniversary; my husband and I, our 25th; and my parents, their 50th. We had so much to celebrate! But finding a time to do so with a dozen people living across three states was a challenge, and Dad was having health issues that prohibited him from traveling. So the gathering was postponed until Easter weekend of 2001. Just before those three days in April, Dad had made the difficult decision not to begin dialysis for his failing kidneys. He had a myriad of other medical issues already affecting his quality of life and chose not to add a three-times-a-week, several-hour therapy with many side effects to the regimen. Dad worried about the toll that would take on Mom and decided he wanted to spend whatever time he had left enjoying life, eating what he loved and doing as much as he could. My sisters and I wanted to be sure our celebration helped to make that happen. The group – our family of five, middle sister Joyce, and Deb’s family of four, who brought Mom and Dad as the guests of honor – assembled at my home in North Carolina. Our first meal together was a colorful array of Dad’s favorite foods: taste bud-blasting hickory-smoked steak, loaded baked potatoes and fresh produce like what he grew in the garden that took up most of our childhood backyard: crisp green beans, sweet yellow corn bathed in butter, juicy red tomatoes and luscious, orange cantaloupe. How often we three girls complained about having to weed, debug, pick, snap, cut, can and freeze those foods all summer long, but how wonderful to see Dad’s wide smile while he savored each bite as if he had grown it himself! The next morning we awoke early to an unseasonably cool spring morning threatening rain. Nothing, however, was going to spoil the surprise that we had in store for Dad and Mom that day. Although our family had enjoyed motor boating and waterskiing

on Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River growing up, Dad’s real dream was to own a moto-cruiser and sail it on the Chesapeake Bay. Once again, his face lit up as we joined Captain Al and his first-mate for a three-hour cruise aboard a 35-foot sailboat on Lake Norman. With Mom and Dad bundled against the brisk wind, we glided across the water, taking in the wildlife and our pilot’s wild life story as one of the first commercial sailors on the Southeast’s largest manmade lake. Everyone had a chance at the steering wheel and to assist with the sails and rigging as we plied through choppy waves and occasional drizzle. The highlight of the cruise was briefly stalling on a shoal between two small islands that Captain Al had somehow overlooked, causing just enough excitement to keep the attention of the teens aboard! Once back on land, we headed to a nautically-themed restaurant at water’s edge. There Dad ate his fill of seafood, and Mom cried over the delicious cake covered in fresh coconut and fondant violets, the flowers she carried in their February wedding 51 years before. In between we toasted the many milestones we had reached the previous year and reminisced long into the evening. Dad amazed his doctors by living another 10 months. Within two years of his passing, Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and experienced the slow indignity of losing herself for the next seven years. Each of us left behind; however, is so grateful for the gift that we received through that special, life-giving Easter. Like the anchor that kept our sailboat secure in a windy cove, we created a perfect memory to anchor Mom and Dad forever in our hearts.

Kay Hollyday Filar

recently retired, after 22 years as department assistant in chemistry and art for Davidson College. With her move to Pawleys Island, she looks forward to walking on the beach with her husband and dog, reading and writing more, and deepening relationships with family, new friends and God.

April

2017

5-9

70th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival Various events, Wilmington, NC. For more info, call (910)794-4650 or visit ncazaleafestival.org

15-16, 22-23 Art in the Park

10 am-4 pm all days, 15-16 Chapin Park, Myrtle Beach, 22-23 Market Common, Valor Park. For more info, call 843-446-3830,

artsyparksy.com

Woodsong Porch & Art Stroll 10 am-2 pm, Village of Woodsong, 529 Sylvan St., Shallotte, NC. Enjoy food, wine, live music and exhibits by local artists. For more info, visit woodsongartstroll.eventbrite.com

7-8

Spring Garden Festival Lowcountry Herb Society, 8 am5 pm both days, Inlet Culinary Garden, Murrells Inlet. For more info, visit lcherbsociety.info

Purses with Purpose: An Evening of Fun & Frivolity Hosted by the NMB Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, 6 pm, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, $60 per person, all proceeds benefit local charities. For more info, call 843-450-4001 or visit nmbwcpurses.eventbrite.com for tickets

24-29

Singing in the Sun 6:30 pm nightly, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, top gospel artists and preaching. For more info, call 888-238-6858 or visit abrahamproductions.net

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

8-9

Plantacular Sale 9:30am-4pm both days, Brookgreen Gardens. For more info, call 843-235-6000 or visit brookgreen.org

Moveable Feast Julie James discusses The Thing About Love, 11 am, Inlet Affairs, $30. For more info, call 843-235-9600 or visit classatpawleys.com

Lowcountry Garden Party Noon- 3 pm, Chicora Wood Plantation, Georgetown. Luncheon, raffle, live auction, gem dig and more, $85 per person. For more info, call 843-626-8911 or visit pawleysmusic.com

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

8-10

Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Hosted by Hootie and the Blowfish, events at House of Blues, tourney at The Dye Club at Barefoot Resort on Monday, gates open at 8:30 am. For more info, call 843- 343-7451 or visit hootiegolf.com

21-30

S.O.S Spring Safari Various venues, North Myrtle Beach, parade on Saturday at 1 pm. For more info, call 843-280-5570 or visit shagdance.com

31-4/1

Taste of the Coast at The House of Blues 11 am-4 pm. For more info, call 843-272-8163 or visit tocnmb.com

Advertiser Index

104 Laurel ........................................................................................................... 22 Angelo’s Steak & Pasta ......................................................................................... 33 Barbara’s Fine Gifts.............................................................................................. 24 B Boutique .......................................................................................................... 27 Belk..................................................................................................................... 34 B. Graham .......................................................................................................... 10 Blue Heron ......................................................................................................... 36 Brightwater ........................................................................................................... 7 Broadway Grand Prix .......................................................................................... 15 Brookgreen .................................................................................................... 10, 20 Bygone Beauties .................................................................................................. 33 Callahan’s of Calabash ........................................................................................... 3 Carolina Car Care ............................................................................................... 16 Changing Minds ................................................................................................. 14 Christopher’s Jewelers .......................................................................................... 52 The Citizens Bank ............................................................................................... 17 CoCo Salon......................................................................................................... 24 Details by Three Sisters.......................................................................................... 5 Dr. Grabeman ....................................................................................................... 5 Dr. Sattele’s Rapid Weight Loss & Esthetics Centers ........................................... 41 Eleanor Pitts ........................................................................................................ 29 Fowler Life Coaching .......................................................................................... 17 Fringe .................................................................................................................. 29 Gateway Supply .................................................................................................. 31 Good Deed Goods .............................................................................................. 26 Grady’s ................................................................................................................ 27 Grand Strand Plastic Surgery ............................................................................... 29 Habitat for Humanity ......................................................................................... 19 Home Couture .................................................................................................... 37 Homespun Crafters Mall ..................................................................................... 11 Homewatch Caregivers.......................................................................................... 5 Horry Electric Co-Op ......................................................................................... 16 Hospice Care of SC ............................................................................................. 33 Inlet Printing ....................................................................................................... 39

Joggling Board..................................................................................................... 44 Just Because IYQ ................................................................................................. 26 Kaminski House .................................................................................................. 25 La Fayes............................................................................................................... 39 The Lakes at Litchfield ........................................................................................ 43 Lazelle’s Flower Shop ........................................................................................... 27 Long Bay Symphony ........................................................................................... 42 Low Country Garden Party ................................................................................. 51 Lu Lu Paw Boutique ........................................................................................... 28 Me & Mommy.................................................................................................... 37 Mickey’s Travel .................................................................................................... 32 Myrtle Beach Estates ........................................................................................... 11 Oreck .................................................................................................................. 16 Palmetto Ace ....................................................................................................... 17 Papa John’s Pizza ................................................................................................. 42 Pawleys Island Bakery .......................................................................................... 24 Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art .................................................................. 9 Piedmont Springs Interiors .................................................................................. 42 Pure Barre ........................................................................................................... 27 Resourceful Realty ............................................................................................... 33 Rose Arbor ............................................................................................................ 5 Sea Island Trading Co............................................................................................ 2 Shades and Draperies .......................................................................................... 13 Silver Shack ......................................................................................................... 34 Studio 77 ............................................................................................................ 37 Sunset River Marketplace .................................................................................... 36 Take 2 Resale....................................................................................................... 39 Taz ...................................................................................................................... 35 Thrive Assisted Living & Memory Care............................................................... 42 Treasures Jewelers ................................................................................................ 26 Tweaked .............................................................................................................. 35 Two Sisters .......................................................................................................... 44 Wayne’s View Photography ................................................................................. 23 WEZV ................................................................................................................ 50

P LEASE JOIN

US FOR THE

4T H A N N UA L

Low Country Garden Party

F RIDAY , A PRIL 28, 2017 • 12 N OON - 3

Chicora Wood Plantation P L A N T ER S VIL L E , G EO RG ETOWN C O U N T Y , SC

An Elegant Garden Party Luncheon

em ig (Combined Values of $10,000 plus) • i e ainting

And much more...

a e

i e uction

Tickets $85

Reservations Required For more information call 843-626-8911 or visit www.pawleysmusic.com All proceeds will benefit the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art and the Kathryn Bryan Metts Scholarship Fund

ress is lantation asual

ats and hats are encouraged

When Two Become One

11412 Ocean Highway Pawleys Island, SC 29585 843-237-3773 www.christophersfinejewelry.com