Sasee December 2014

December 2014 Priceless www.sasee.com

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. – Pierre Corneille

holiday

lowcountry

MURRELLS INLET 843.357.1700 MOUNT PLEASANT 843.571.2446 C H D I N T E R I O R S . C O M

full service interior design

antiques

home furnishings & accessories

December

Volume 13, Issue 12

who’s who Publisher

2014

Delores Blount

Sales & Marketing Director Susan Bryant

Editor

Leslie Moore

Account Executives Amanda Kennedy-Colie Erica Schneider Gay Stackhouse

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26

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Art Director Taylor Nelson

Photography Director Patrick Sullivan

Graphic Artists Stephanie Holman Scott Konradt

Accounting Ronald Pacetti

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42

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Administrative & Creative Coordinator Celia Wester

Executive Publishers Jim Creel Bill Hennecy

Featured The Unsuitable Hat by Sally Gosen Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Giving Back, Getting Back by Jeffery Cohen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Christmas Shopping, Part II by Rose Ann Sinay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The BIG Box by Joan Leotta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Southern Snaps by Leslie Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 “You could shake my entire family tree and not one debutante would fall out!” – Miriam Oehrlein by Ann Ipock . . . . . 36 The Fed-Ex Angel by Kim Seeley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Anything . . . except the Lobster by Linda DeMers Hummel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Sasee Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Littlest Angel by Marsha Tennant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

In This Issue Read It! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Preserving Tradition: Gini Abee, Carolina Coast Cotillion and Ocean Forest Cotillion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Tasteful Gifts: Sharon McIntyre, Edible Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Living the Dream:Sheila Michelson, Something Old/Something New Consignment and Retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Fashion Forecast: Put On the Dog and Pamper Yourself Rotten This Holiday Season by Whitley Hamlin . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Classic Gourmet: Shad Velasco, Owner/Chef, The Library Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 December Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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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. For subscription info, visit see page 59. 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 © 2014. 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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Pen & Brush readers’ comments RE: “Marital Bliss,” by Diane DeVaughn Stokes “Be kind, friends” – what great advice for a marriage. Thanks for sharing it, Diane.

– Cheryl RE: “The Elusive PB&J,” by Beth Wood You have captured the idea of home perfectly. It never is about things…it’s about people. Your words brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my lips.

Well done article and life.

letter from the editor Our Sasee theme this month is “Gifted,” and I started thinking about my favorite gifts through the years. Yes, I do love those little boxes with precious metals and stones inside, but I think my favorite gifts always include time spent with those I love. Two of my close friends and I plan a get together at each other’s homes every year – it is always a joy and has become a favorite tradition for the three of us. I visit with family I don’t see very often at holiday gatherings in the days before and after Christmas – making priceless memories that keep us connected. Even watching a movie or laughing at the antics of one of my dogs becomes a precious memory when shared with one of my children. The “gift” of time is the greatest gift of all.

I wish you joy this holiday. And I wish you time: time to spend with the people you care most about and time to spend alone enjoying the peace that lies buried underneath our to-do lists. Thank you for spending your precious time with Sasee each month.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

we’d love to hear from you!

Love what you’re reading? You can reach us by: Have suggestions? mail: P.O. Box 1389

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 Let us know! phone: 843.626.8911 email: info@sasee.com web: www.sasee.com

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– Phyllis I just finished reading Sasee! Thank you for giving a voice to woman writers who speak authentically, from viewpoints that invite us all in to their lives. I am happy to be amongst them!

– Carrie RE: November Sasee AWESOME ISSUE! Snuggled into the essays with Joy! Love the kids section…and cover is spectacular!

– Marsha

Cover Artist Jacqui Faye

Visions of Sugarplums, by Jacqui Faye Red Shoe series, Jacqui Faye, 2011 acrylic on canvas, 12 in x 12 in (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1956, Jaqui Faye works predominantly in acrylics. Recognized for her Red Shoe series, Jacqui paints playful, innocent and sometimes provocative compositions using the red shoes to tell a story. Jacqui’s vivid reds and lifelike skin tones and her attention to detail add to the dimension of her compositions.

The inspiration for the series came from earlier figurative paintings.

Over time, it evolved into the series it is today – thought provoking expressions of intrigue, mystery and seduction. Anonymity of her subjects plays an influential role in establishing a strong connection with her audience.

After many years away, Jacqui returned to San Antonio. Her works reside in private collections in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and throughout Canada and the United States.

To view Ms. Faye’s gallery of work, visit www.jacquifaye.com or email her at j@jacquifaye.com.

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Voice

The Unsuitable Hat

by Sally Gosen Case

I finally find the hat I’m looking for: a soft, white angora beret faintly yellowed with time. I search carefully for evidence of moths and am relieved to find that, once again, it has reached another winter unscathed.

She gave it to me years, no, decades ago. A lost and awkward middle-schooler, I was not only taller than the boys, I was taller than my teachers. “Coltish” seems too kind a word; it implies some hope for a graceful future. I was a brainy, clumsy tomboy, a farmer’s daughter.

We worked hard. Mud and sweat were a way of life. My free time was spent riding my horse or diving deep into some adventure book.

I was mystified by the gift. It was the softest thing I could imagine. The white fabric draped beautifully in my hands. What was this for? I couldn’t wear it hunting or camping; it would get dirty. I would ruin it or lose it. She had always had a knack for giving me wonderful surprises, but this seemed like a mistake, a gift for someone else.

I wore it from time to time, tilted elegantly over my pale, thin face and protruding front teeth. It looked like something stolen from a stranger.

This unlikely gift was, in fact, meant for someone else. It was for a willowy woman in a flowing vintage coat and heels that made her taller than her cityboy husband. Her long hair flowed from under the jaunty beret. Her laughter revealed not only perfect teeth, but also a delicious comfort in her own skin. This was the person my grandmother saw before anyone else could see. This was the person she was shopping for when she bought a white angora hat.

She had a way of doing what she felt should be done, but in her own way.

She had busy hands that could make anything. As she approached retirement, she started her own successful business. She had that knack, the ability to see something beyond the obvious. Her approach was always confident and unique. She seemed fearless to me. I wanted to be like her, going boldly in my own direction.

She was a country woman by birth, strong and hard-working. Going to church or picking berries, her daily uniform was a neat, plain shirtdress and nylon stockings. I never saw her as anyone else until after she died, when I was given her simple wooden jewelry box. Inside I found ethnic necklaces, bold rings and enormous, bright pins. I was mystified. Where was the woman who had chosen these

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pieces and carefully stored them in a padded box? I had never seen her wear such things. The tears that fell onto the unfinished wood were born of loss: the loss of a huge part of her that I hadn’t known existed until she was gone forever. But that was the part of her that had seen me so clearly years before, the part that looked beyond the obvious. She knew that a woman craves beautiful things, even if her life has no room for them. She understood that, even if I never wore the hat, somehow I needed to have it. She must have known that the time for it would come.

As rain batters my windows, I pull out more and more hats. I have headgear to suit everyone from Sherlock Holmes to Audrey Hepburn. I have to stack them three deep to get them all on the display hooks. This is my winter ritual, bringing out my winter self – beautifully tailored vintage coats, high-heeled boots, enormous, bright pins, hats.

I rinse the beret with a little vinegar to brighten the white. I shape it on a towel, soft, snowy, and feminine – still the perfect hat for me.

Sally Gosen Case Sally Gosen Case lives and writes on the beautiful Oregon coast. Her poetry and nonfiction have appeared in a variety of magazines, including Horticulture, Mary Jane’s Farm, and The Storyteller. Sally and her son coauthor an Oregon travel blog, casingoregon.com.

Voice

Giving Back, Getting Back

by Jeffery Cohen

“What about this one?” I asked my wife as I pulled a Douglas fir away from the wooden rack it was resting against and shook off the ice crystals that coated its branches.

“Looks good to me,” she answered. So I tied the tree onto the top of the car and headed for home. As I set it up in the corner of the living room, my wife stacked boxes of ornaments she retrieved from the attic. With each delicate decoration that was lifted out, a memory was attached.

There were a few delicate glass balls, survivors from our childhoods, still intact. Homemade angels crudely glued together by our children reminded us of those days when the twins scampered happily around the Christmas tree. Now, there was only my wife and I to celebrate. We began to feel just how empty a house can become on a holiday. Our folks had passed away. Our children had moved away. The grandkids were just visions of sugarplums dancing in our heads as we listened to their tiny voices over the phone from the other side of the country.

We debated whether to have a turkey or ham for our holiday dinner.

“It’s just the two of us,” my wife said. “That’s an awful lot of food for just two people.” But we both knew it wasn’t the size of the meal that concerned us. It was the loneliness we’d be dining in.

“Maybe we should do something different this year,” my wife suggested.

She handed me a newspaper with an article headlined, “Giving Back.” It was a story of a man in town and his wife who prepared Christmas dinner in the basement of a local church for anyone who’d like to come. “It says they can use all of the help they can get. What do you think?”

I remembered my father telling me of lean years during the Depression when he was far away from home. He’d spent one Christmas at a city mission, sharing dinner with a host of fellow travelers down on their luck. It was one of the sweetest meals he said he’d ever eaten.

We couldn’t think of a happier way to spend the holiday. We slipped into our winter coats, pulled woolen caps onto our heads and headed out. It was cold and gray, and biting winds spat sprays of icy flakes in every direction. What began as a dusting had now gained strength, and large white flakes poured over the streets and sidewalks as we cowered behind upturned collars. Turning the corner, we came upon a hand written sign that simply said, “Free Holiday Dinner Inside – Join us.”

We opened the door and were ushered inside by a gust of wind, which abruptly slammed the door shut behind us. We stood in a large room. Over an illmatched tile floor, tables and folding chairs had been carefully arranged. Through a doorway, a handful of people buzzed about the kitchen, emptying pots of hot food into waiting aluminum pans.

“Welcome brother.” A tall, lanky man in a green and black plaid shirt and

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blue jeans purred. With the hint of a smile, he placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Name’s Jim. Will you be joining us for dinner?”

“We came to volunteer,” I explained.

“Terrific. We can always use more help. Just grab yourself an apron over there, and we’ll put you to work.” He winked. “Folks should be arriving anytime now.” As he finished his words, a line of shy figures began skulking through the doorway, shaking off crystals of winter as they entered.

He ushered me over to a serving station where he instructed me to lay one scoop of mashed potatoes next to the slices of turkey as each tray passed down the line. Side by side, people shuffled, their grateful eyes hiding behind empty plates – a sad parade of the lost and forgotten in search of a hot meal and a little company. Tattered, torn and shredding at the edges with no place else to go, they came to celebrate the warmth of the holiday.

With every outstretched hand, I realized how lucky we’d been. As I happily dished out dinner, my wife welcomed newcomers at the door, ushering them to a table and wishing them a happy holiday.

“Gravy?” A voice called out. “Can I get a little gravy here?” A leather-faced woman with a missing tooth asked, as her frail finger pointed to her plate. “Hard to find good help on Christmas,” she cackled to those around her and was answered by a chorus of giggles down the line. Then she flashed the most serene smile. “And we’re sure lucky to have you. You’ll never realize just how much you’ve given us.”

As I gazed around Freelance writer and newspaper humor the room at the smiling columnist, Jeffery Cohen, has written for faces and listened to their Sasee, Lifetime and Read, Learn, Write. He’s laughter, I realized that we won awards in Women-On-Writing Contest, were the lucky ones. We Vocabula’s Well Written Contest, National had gotten back far more League of American Pen Womens’ than we could ever give.

Competition, Southern California Genealogy Competition, and Writer’s Weekly writing contest.

Jeffery Cohen

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Read It! Nicole Says…Read The Puppy that Came for Christmas, by Megan Rix

by Nicole McManus 14

Jingle…not Jiggle!

Megan and Ian Rix have desperately been trying to have a baby to finally complete their family. Throughout the numerous failed attempts, the couple has kept their struggles quiet. Along the way, they begin volunteering with a group called Helper Dogs that trains puppies to assist humans with disabilities. Megan and Ian get to experience all the joy and heartache of fostering two little puppies over the course of a year, until they finally get their forever dog.

The Puppy that Came for Christmas is a beautifully written memoir. Megan’s emotions shine through her words as she struggles to conceive. She keeps her story honest by showing the good times as well as the bad, such as medication failures or experiencing jealousy over her brother’s surprise announcement. However,

Life is a

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Stop by for lunch and a tour and see how we make every day feel like a holiday.

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puppy lovers around the world can relate to all the pleasures and sorrows that come with Emma, Freddy and eventually Traffy. With their first dog, Megan tells readers about each of Emma’s triumphs and the new world of possibilities that opens from being a doggie parent. Then Freddy brings a bit of silliness to help distract from the pain of Emma’s graduation. Readers will laugh, cry and “ooh” and “ahh” throughout this inspirational book.

I enjoyed reading this book. I have always been a dog lover and was fascinated by the insider’s look into fostering and Nicole McManus loves to read, to the training Helper Dogs. It is a given that lot of work and love goes into preparing these dogs for theirColors future owner, but Notes:point that she is sure she was born with a Job#: MOG2-141005 De: fs book in her hands. She writes book this book opened my eyes to all the paperwork and fun reviews in the hopes of helping others Size: 4.4167w X 6.6921”t Ae: jm C M Y an K exercises required from the beginning.

Rix’s book is all find the magic found through reading.

Publication: Date: 10.24.14 Contact her at delightful read that reminds us to charitaClient: Morningsidearound Georgetown Rnd~Ver: r01•vB NAconsider NA NA Red bleCANTON, optionsMAduring holiday season. ariesgrlreview.com.

1017 TURNPIKE STREET, 02021 •the (P) 781.828.9290 • (F) 781.828.9419 • WWW.TRIADADVERTISING.COM

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Preserving Tradition

Gini Abee:

Carolina Coast Cotillion and Ocean Forest Cotillion Tell us a little about yourself.

I am an art teacher at St. James Middle School, and also teach TV and Yearbook classes – I’ve been in the same classroom for 20 years! This is my second career after being a real estate broker. I also teach education students at HGTC. Although I grew up in North Carolina, we spent summers in Myrtle Beach. My grandmother owned an oceanfront home, destroyed in Hurricane Hazel; my father and uncle built and shared a little beach house on that lot, and eventually built a duplex.

After receiving a design degree in college, I was working in real estate, building a small condo complex near our duplex, and I met my husband, Chester. We’ve been married for 33 years. I have one son, Matthew, and one stepson, Dean. They are both married and have always been very close.

What is your special talent?

People must think my talents are in planning and organization, because I get called on to coordinate many events at my DAR Chapter and my church, Surfside United Methodist. I do press releases for my school and communications for debs and brides.

What are your holiday plans?

We’ll have a big family gathering the week before Christmas at my mother’s home in Myrtle Beach – for at least three dozen! It’s a smorgasbord spread; my dad used to say they all bring their special dishes; mine are deviled eggs, corn puddin’ and ‘tater salad. Sadly, we lost my father two years ago; although we still share in the fun and frivolity, holidays have been much more nostalgic, realizing that being together with family and friends is what is most important.

Also, we get together with school friends, our Supper Club, my church CARE Circle and my Sweet Southern Pearls. The Carolina Coast Cotillion has a Holiday Ball the weekend before Christmas and Ocean Forest Cotillion has their Annual Ball the weekend after. Cotillions were once a way to introduce young ladies to eligible suitors; now they are societal events. My mother and I founded the Ocean Forest Cotillion 25 years ago, and my youngest sister was one of the first debutantes.

We joined the Carolina Coast Cotillion when it formed 10 years ago on the south end of the beach where we live and work. In keeping with tradition, adult children of members, including my son and his wife, come to both events every year. It’s a time to build relationships, both personal and professional. Cotillion balls are a time of politeness and decorum – courteous gatherings. Our area has so few formal family events; we look forward to these Cotillions during the holiday season.

Christmas Eve finds us ushering at church for the candlelight service, before relaxing at home with a fire, and watching (and reciting every word) Christmas Vacation!

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Best holiday gift?

My best ever holiday gift was our mantel clock, Chester gave me the first year we were married.

We call it our Christmas Clock, and its chimes let us reflect on Christmases past, present and hopefully, many more future holidays together. When my grandmother’s home was destroyed by Hurricane Hazel, all that was left were a few timbers. In the sand and rubble, my mother glimpsed and pulled out a scarf filled with my grandmother’s jewelry! When we turned 21, all the grandchildren were given a ring designed by my father, made from these heirloom pieces, a prized possession in passing on a family tradition.

Merry Christmas

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Voice

Christmas Shopping, Part II

by Rose Ann Sinay

We sat around the table after demolishing the second wave of leftovers from Christmas dinner, the day before. We had just filled the dishwasher with the latelunch dishes. The pots and pans were still piled in the sink, soaking; the way we were feeling, they could be soaking there for quite a while. We eyed the leftover pieces of pie, but were too stuffed and lazy to lift more than the coffee cups to our lips.

My daughter and I had planned to storm the mega “Day after Christmas” sales, but by the look of us, the storming might have to be reduced to little more than an extended “hello.”

My husband and son quietly slipped away, not wanting to be included in anything that required entering a store or using a credit card. They barely handled the “before” Christmas fiasco, never mind a complete rerun of the holiday shopping.

“Maybe we can skip the accessories department this year,” Kailey said. “…and the robes.”

“But those are the best,” I whined (yes, I whined). I loved buying those thick red and green socks, the full circle scarves and the genuine leather wallets.

The stores were practically giving the robes away slashed down to a third of their original price. “I thought you liked receiving all that stuff.”

Then I realized, I had taught my children well. If someone gives you a gift, even if you don’t like it, you smile and express sincere appreciation for their thought, I had repeatedly reminded them. How many times over the years, had I seen them employ the strategy without skipping a beat. I had been so proud of them when, on one occasion, they thoughtfully thanked a gifter for a pair of overly large, satin Christmas boxers for my son and toddler snap purse for my teen-aged daughter.

The gifter was thrilled and my children happy to accommodate. But, turning it on me…well that was a different story!!

“Oh, I do like getting them,” my daughter assured me. “I have so many pairs of socks that I put them in little gift bags, and when someone shows up with a present for me, I have something personal and already wrapped just for them. It’s worked out great! But I’ve given everyone I know Christmas socks for the past couple of years, and I still have some sitting in my drawer, tags intact.”

“Scarves?” I asked.

“Same,” she replied.

“Mittens?”

My daughter just looked at me, reluctant to say more.

“So why are we going shopping?” I asked as I headed for the sink to attack those dirty pans that needed to be scraped. I needed to re-group.

“Grab your coat,” I told my daughter as I finished rinsing the last pot.

“We’re going to do some REAL Christmas shopping.”

She groaned, but put on her most comfortable shoes, threw her hair up

22

in a pony tail, and zipped up her heavy sweatshirt.

I ran upstairs and pulled out five of the biggest bags decorated with Santa Claus, snowmen and colored lights. We headed in the direction of the nearest mall and were surprised to find plenty of parking spots right in front of the biggest department store. I headed directly to the accessories department. “I thought we agreed, no socks, no scarves, no gloves,” Kailey said.

I handed her one of the bags. “Fill it up. You may not want more socks, but there are many people that need all of this stuff. So let’s give them new clothes in addition to the bags of used ones that are still sitting in the garage,” I said pointedly.

We chose carefully – a few holiday items and the rest durable, everyday wear. Slippers in small, medium, and large sizes were all placed in our carts. Warm hats, nice sweaters, colorful fleece, and lots and lots of socks – the smaller sizes trimmed with red pompoms and little green ribbons also made their way into the mix, along with stuffed animals, stylish ties and fashionable scarves – all at rock bottom prices. Simple costume jewelry that could dress up the plainest outfit for a special touch was added to the “dreaded accessories.” When we were done, it felt like Christmas had started all over again.

We stopped at one of the dollar-type stores and bought ribbon, markers, note cards and tape. Those were the only items for which we paid full price. We labeled each bag with its contents and sizes, tied them with huge bows, and dropped them all off at the Salvation Army.

“That was great,” my daughter said collapsing into her car seat on the way home. “It was one the best shopping trips we have ever done. Let’s do this again next year.”

“It’s a date. Oh, and there might be a little something for you, I said opening my purse.”

Kailey grabbed the small box, unwrapping it in almost one movement. She peeled back the Rose Ann Sinay is a freelance writer layers of batting until she found typing away in sunny North Carolina. the little round pendant that I had Her articles/stories have been published found in the jewelry clearance bin. in The Carolinas Today, The Oddville Merry Christmas, Press and The Brunswick Beacon.

Daughter, it said.

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Voice

The BIG Box

by Joan Leotta

By age eight, I had already learned one of life’s hard truths. Christmas gifts for little brothers come in BIG boxes. Big sisters receive only medium and small boxes, whether from Santa or Mom and Dad. By then, I suspected that the Christmas morning stockings and presents were also from my parents. To be honest, I never really suffered in the gift category. There was abundance, and, well, I loved the puppets, crayons, cooking sets, books, and mountains of stuffed animals that I received. I had no interest in the fire engines, ride-on toys and forts revealed when my little brother’s BIG boxes were opened.

I admit that, silly though it may seem, when I spied the HUGE boxes under the tree for my brother, I had the nagging suspicion that a bigger box equaled more love. The old maxim that good things come in small packages did not ring true for me.

I thought about putting a new bicycle on my list, just so I could qualify for a big box, despite the fact that my bike was just fine. I was the same height I had been the year before – almost. I didn’t. On Christmas Eve, all of my aunts, uncles and cousins met for dinner at my grandmother’s house as usual. We opened gifts from each other and laughed a lot. After clean up, my family spent the night.

Despite staying up very late on Christmas Eve, I awakened before dawn, put on slippers and robe and crept downstairs. The Christmas tree lights were on and under it were our stockings and boxes, “from Santa.” There were many, many boxes, some big, some small – and one GREAT BIG ENORMOUS Box. I sighed.

Quietly, I perused the pile for items with my name attached. I piled my gifts by my stocking and sat down next to them to wait for my parents and Grandma to come downstairs. I opened the copy of The Black Stallion my Aunt Claudia had given me the night before. I hoped my “Santa” packages would contain a Magic Bake oven, and a new diary with a lock along with a pen. I could see that my stocking was full of candy. That made me smile. I took a candy cane cookie from a plate by the tree, arranged my gaily wrapped boxes around me and began to munch on a cookie and read my book while I waited.

As I read, I heard my brother, Mom and Dad pad down the stairs.

Grandma came in a minute later. My brother and I dumped out our stockings.

Mine had a bracelet, peppermints and chocolate Dutch shoes! Mom said I could eat one, or even a pair, right away since, “After all, what’s a little chocolate on Christmas morning?”

Grandma brought in a tray with coffee for the adults, milk for my brother and me and a plate of sweet rolls. Mom helped my brother open his boxes. Dad was ready with some tools to put together his new ride-on toy. I exclaimed happily over the oven and diary.

Grandma and Mom began to clean up the wrapping paper. Then Mom noticed – the BIGGEST box was still wrapped.

“Whose is this?” she asked.

I looked up. “Mom, you’d better help little brother open that one too.”

Mom stood up, read the tag and looked at me. “Why, don’t you think you can open it yourself?”

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“Me? It’s for me?”

I walked over to the box. It was as high as I was tall, definitely the BIGGEST box under the tree this year and possibly, ever! And my name was clearly printed on the tag: “Joanie.”

I turned the box on its side and began to rip the paper. My hands were trembling as I tugged at the box flaps that opened to reveal a sea of shredded paper.

I reached in and tossed out the paper in fistfuls. Deep down in the paper nest lay a large toy lion – silky and soft – with a golden mane. The imprisoned lion was large but not huge. The box and filling were about three times his size. I released him from this cardboard incarceration and hugged him tight. A moment later, I christened this amazing creature, “Goldie,” and he promptly became the king of my stuffed animal jungle.

I later learned my parents had ordered Goldie from FAO Swartz in New York for me. He was shipped from New York to Pittsburgh in the BIG BOX. My parents could have repacked Goldie to save on wrapping paper and avoid a huge Christmas morning mess, but it seems they had noticed my silly problem about the size of the boxes under the tree. Because of that, they decided to let me experience the joy of opening a BIG box.

It’s been a long time since the biggest box under the tree was the one I wanted. After all, jewelry comes in small boxes. But I’ve never forgotten the real gift that Christmas, learning that often when we think no one notices us, that no one is aware of our inner desires for a BIG box or whatever else, someone often does. As a parent, I’ve tried to always put this lesson into practice, carefully observing my dear daughter so I will know how to fulfill her hidden wish, to Joan Leotta has been playing with words through be aware of her writing and performing since childhood. Her awardneed for a BIG box, winning poetry, short stories, books and articles have whatever it may be. appeared in many journals, magazines and newspapers.

She performs folklore and one-woman shows on historic figures in schools libraries, museums and at festivals. Joan lives in Calabash, North Carolina, with husband Joe. You can learn more about her work and reach her through www.joanleotta.wordpress.com.

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25

Sharon McIntyre: Edible Arrangements

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Oxford, Connecticut; it’s a small town with more cows than people! As soon as I was old enough, I moved to the city (New Haven), and that’s where I met my husband, Dennis. We’ve been married for 32 years and have two sons.

Twenty years ago, we came to this area after my husband had taken a leave of absence from his career to pursue his MBA. We moved into a winter rental across the street from the ocean. I had made my husband promise we could go back home if I didn’t like it, but on New Year’s Eve we toasted, and I told him, “I don’t want to go back!”

Our boys, Kyle and Troy, were raised here, the youngest is now 21.

What is your special talent?

I’m not shy, and I love people; I’m a good communicator. At Edible Arrangements, most of our business is online, so I miss getting to talk to people. We love for people to come in for a free sample and to find out more about what we do.

What are your holiday plans?

Working a LOT of hours! On Christmas Eve, we’ll be working in both stores until at least 8:30 pm. My parents retired here, so we’ll go to their house on Christmas Day. We decided after we opened the Myrtle Beach store ten years ago that we would celebrate our immediate family Christmas on New Year’s Day – we’re not so tired and can really enjoy being together. In January, we take a nice, long vacation to somewhere warm and tropical.

For years, my husband worked during the day, and I worked at night so we wouldn’t have to leave our children with babysitters. Now, we work together every day at our stores, and I am more in love with him than ever.

Best holiday gift?

Several years ago, my husband gave me a gift. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew I loved it. (I’m really not very technically inclined!) It was a Kindle, and I still love it.

It’s the perfect gift for an avid reader like me.

Tell us what’s new and exciting at Edible Arrangements.

We’re celebrating our one year anniversary at our Murrells Inlet store and have been in Myrtle Beach for ten years. For the holidays, we have lots of new and festive items – check our website for up to date information and special promotions. The Reindeer Sleigh Ride Bouquet is back by popular demand as well.

We love having people stop by the store and try something. Right now, we have a special promotion – purchase a pineapple pop for $3.95 and $1 of every sale is donated to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Stop by and see Sharon at either location of Edible Arrangements. Her stores are located at 7827 N. Kings Highway, in Northwoods Plaza, and in the Bi-Lo Shopping Center in Murrells Inlet. Call 843-497-2916 or 843-299-1071 or visit www.ediblearrangements.com.

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Behind the Scenes at Brookgreen Gardens’

Nights of a Thousand Cand les

by Leslie Moore

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Southern Snaps

The holiday season brings many delights to our area, but one that has become a favorite tradition for locals and visitors is Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles (NOTC). For nine nights in December the beautiful gardens are transformed into a magical fairyland of a half a million lights, more than 5,000 hand lit candles and a wide variety of holiday-themed entertainment. Months of work by hundreds of volunteers and the entire staff, from the CEO to restaurant dishwashers, go into creating an event that brings the joy of the season to thousands each year. “Even the people who answer our phones help by rolling lights and getting them ready for placement,” said Bob Jewell, President and CEO of Brookgreen Gardens.

Sasee was given a sneak peak behind the scenes of the 2014 Nights of a Thousand Candles, by Bob and Jon McGann, Horticultural Nights of a Thousand Candles Coordinator. Bob began by telling us about the beginnings of NOTC. “Nights of a Thousand Candles was started 15 years ago, but 10 years ago we expanded and stepped up the event, turning it into one of the Southeast’s premiere holiday events.” Bob’s vision has made NOTC the biggest fundraiser of the year for Brookgreen Gardens, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit. Visitors from around the country travel to Murrells Inlet to enjoy this holiday display. The first year of

NOTC, 1,800 people attended, 2003 saw 7,200, and by 2013 that number had risen to 34,000.

Jon has been a member of the horticultural staff at the gardens for six years and spends nearly half of his year on this one event. Beginning in mid-September, he and fellow horticulturalists, Kelley Nash, Brad Fowler, Casey Cassleman and Jason Flynn start the process of bringing NOTC to life. When I asked Jon his favorite display, he immediately said, “Live Oak Allee.” The centuries old oaks are hung with 800 strings of lights that float down from the highest branches. This year, Jon is happy that all the lights in this area are LED – and that nearly three fourths of all the lights in NOTC have been transitioned to LED, saving energy and money for the gardens.

Each year the event is expanded and new displays are added. For 2014, an 80 foot China Fir in the arboretum will be covered with 65,000 white lights.

Bob jokingly said he hoped low flying planes wouldn’t be misled! The fir took an entire week to complete and is the highest lights have ever gone. The tree will be visible from many areas of the gardens. Also, the Poetry Garden will be open this year and lit only with candles, giving a beautiful, tranquil feel to this recently refurbished garden.

33

All 5,000 plus candles are lit each night by staff and volunteers. “It only takes us about an hour,” said Jon. “We have it down to an art!” The candles floating in the many pools are anchored to the bottom to keep them steady. This year, over 500 pounds of cranberries will be floating along with the candles. “We’ve been experimenting for weeks,” said Jon. “And, so far, we’re very pleased with the results.”

The staff and volunteers are so busy making sure we all enjoy our visit, many times they forget to take the time to enjoy NOTC themselves. “I like to walk around as the gardens are closing,” said Bob. “And, I enjoy hearing people’s reactions – last year I saw a man propose. It was magical.” Jon agrees, saying, “I always take the time to sit quietly in Live Oak Alee and just look and listen to everyone having a good time. That’s what makes this all worthwhile.”

Visit Brookgreen Gardens during the Nights of a Thousand Candles on December 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20. Hours are 3-10 pm each night. New this year, Brookgreen has a free mobile app that will guide your visit with up to date information on entertainment schedules, food and drink locations plus much more. Download it in the App Store or on Google Play. Links to both are on the website, www.brookgreen.org.

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35

Voice

“You could shake my entire family tree and not one debutante would fall out!”

– Miriam Oehrlein

by Ann Ipock

As a child, I was always fascinated with beauty pageants – the glamour, the sophistication, the rush of adrenaline – heck, the importance of it all. Each year, my sisters, my mother and I would gather ‘round the TV and watch Miss America with all the hoopla, critiquing each contestant and picking our favorite. Sometimes I would imitate a ballerina – being the clown that I was, make that a bad impersonation – and everyone would crack up laughing. Or someone else would try to sing along with a contestant, being silly and hitting all the wrong notes on purpose.

I was also fascinated with friends whose mothers – attractive women with high-powered careers – worked outside of the home, a pretty rare thing in the ’50s and ’60s. Maybe that fascination was because those particular friends took piano lessons and wore stylish, expensive clothes: Ladybug, John Meyer or Villager. Oh, to live that life! I considered my family sort of plain. I never saw a Fortune magazine in our home or a copy of Entrepreneur, though we subscribed to Readers Digest and National Geographic. (But in all fairness, my father, now 86, is definitely an entrepreneur. He and my mother own a strip mall, and he is an accomplished woodworker, having built too-many-to-count pieces of furniture, including a complete solid red oak seven-piece bedroom suite when our daughter, Kelly, got married. All of this with a high school education, but not college. He would tell you now that he graduated from the School of Hard Knocks.)

Yep, I was a dreamy-eyed, impressionable, sensitive kid who simply wanted to be a movie star, a singer, a dancer or anything bigger than the boring, smalltown feel I felt then – and though I went on to act in community theater productions in Murrells Inlet and Georgetown, I never got my SAG card or hit the big screen. I equated all of this “stuff” in my childhood to success, prestige, a pinnacle; as if you had “arrived” and now held a ticket to a perfect future. Of course, I was only twelve-years old, what did I know?

In my teen years, I became fascinated with cheerleaders – probably because of the cute boys on the team and the revelry and close-knit group. I even cheered for the Cardinals in high school, complete with red-and-white uniforms, pompoms, megaphones and teased hair! What fun! But later, while many of my friends were joining sororities – another mysterious, “what is this?” society, I never joined one. Instead, I graduated from a community college and lived with my parents during those two years.

However, the most enigmatic of all the “girls’ clubs” was achieving the status of debutante. In order to be one, The Terpsichorean Club, a private, ultra high society, formed in the 1920s, decides which young girls will be selected. This is based on their families’ contributions to North Carolina’s economic, cultural, social and civic life. The girls are then presented to Society at the annual Cotillion Ball, resplendent in their beautiful white dresses, pearls and sturdy names, which

36

sound more like law firms to me. Collins Stovall Anderson, for instance. The debutantes – “debs” for short – are accompanied by their family and a male escort to the Ball. Also a half dozen or more activities take place over the frenzied weekend; teas, luncheons, lawn parties, etc. To tell you the truth, I must confess that even now while reading the Sunday Raleigh News and Observer, I love perusing the bridal section, which lists the debutante’s “coming out” year in the bride’s write-up.

What I’m trying to say is I now know that success has nothing to do with what club or society you’re in, what beauty pageant you won or how many pedigrees or diplomas you have. It’s what you do with your life AFTER all the glory, glitz and glamour. In that vein, I was recently discussing this with my friend, Miriam. She said, “Honey, you could shake my entire family tree and not one debutante would fall out!” She is hysterically funny, and she has a dry, wicked sense of humor! Now get this: A native of Greenville, South Caroina, and a graduate of Clemson with a biology degree, she now owns Miriam O Jewelry and was the winner of the Belk Southern Designer Showcase in 2012! She is a successful business woman, mother and wife, and may not be a debutante, but she IS a designer of jewelry, much admired and quite happy, thank you very much!

I guess dreaming, longings and fantasies are just that – not reality – though it surely helps to have all of this as a writer! I certainly don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with being a debutante, a sorority sister or rising to the top as a (cough!) movie star. Settle down! But it’s not the end-all, be-all.

Still. I wonder how Margaret Ann Morris (my given name) would’ve looked on my Crane vellum stationery with my Mont Blanc pen and my very best curly cue handwriting – sending thank you notes to all of the dignitaries and officials who selected and supported me as a debutante.

Ann Ipock Ann Ipock is a Wilmington, North Carolina, author, speaker and humorist, who is shoe-obsessed and a recovering wannabe Debutante. After getting the mayor’s mustache caught in her dental hygiene polisher, she turned to writing.

Hubby Russell calls her a “legend in her own mind.” They have two daughters and two granddaughters. Life Is Short, I Wish I Was Taller is her third book. Visit her website at www.annipock.com

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37

Sheila Michelson:

Something Old/ Something New Consignment and Retail Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m originally from Long Island, New York, where I owned a hair salon. I was also an educator and did hair shows several times a year. About 10 years ago, one of my daughters moved here after she was married, and I decided to follow her! Now, all of my family live here except one daughter and granddaughter who are still in New York. I have three daughters, four granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. We are a family of girls!

What is your special talent?

I have a good artistic eye, and love creating beautiful things – I paint, make jewelry, most any artistic endeavor. I love fashion, plus I’m a certified interior decorator.

Styling hair is an art form also; one I’ve done for years. I also refinish/redesign furniture for Something Old/Something New. What are your holiday plans?

My daughters and their families will come to my house, and I’ll cook a huge Italian dinner. Usually, I go back to Long Island for the holidays, but my business is keeping me here this year.

Best holiday gift?

Having my family close – what could be better? Our family always gives gifts, but we are a practical group and try to give something the other really needs. I spoiled my girls at Christmas when they were growing up, but I always included the practical things, like new pajamas, and they still love getting those for Christmas.

Tell us what’s new and exciting at Something Old/Something New. When I first moved here, I worked as a hair stylist, but last July I opened my store – this has been a dream of mine for many years. I really enjoy it, even though it’s a lot of work! Probably 80% of the things in the store are mine. New things come in every week, and we also have upscale consigners and talented artisans who sell their work in my store. It really excites me to find a piece of furniture that is well made and a good brand name that I can re-do and repurpose to be used and enjoyed for many more years.

We have some fun holiday gifts as well – things you’ll never find in a “big box” store.

My jewelry line is unique and beautiful, we have handmade soaps and essential oil products that everyone loves, plus I can customize anything for you.

Something Old/Something New Consignment and Retail is located at 4683 Dick Pond Road in Myrtle Beach, and hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm. Call Sheila at 843-907-4600.

38

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Voice

The Fed-Ex Angel

by Kim Seeley

It was Christmas time, in the early 1980s. Bing Crosby was crooning on my CD player, “May your days be merry and bright,” but my days were not merry and bright. My days were frantic and melancholy.

My nights were anxious, and my dreams were disturbing. What was the problem, you might ask? It was simple, yet not so simple. I did not have my four-year-old daughter the one thing she wanted for Christmas.

It was the midst of the Cabbage Patch Kid craze. Every little girl in America wanted one. They were the “hot item” of the season. Of course, my daughter, Melissa, wanted a Cabbage Patch Kid. Unfortunately, I had been unable to find one, despite many trips to the mall, phone calls to various retailers, and orders placed in every major toy catalogue. I had even ordered catalogues that I had never used before. This was before the days of Amazon and e-bay; but it would have made no difference. The manufacturers simply could not keep up with the demand. All of my orders were returned, marked “out-ofstock,” or “shipment pending.”

Of course, I did not go to the extremes that some mothers did. I refused to become involved in a slugfest the day after Thanksgiving, which did take place at a mall close to me. This is the epitome of the holiday spirit, assaulting another mother because you both grabbed the Cabbage Patch Kid box at the same time. I chose not to participate. I did, however, call various stores and attempt to find out when a shipment of dolls would arrive, but they were not helpful. They refused to confirm that the truck would actually contain the coveted dolls, or they would be purposefully vague about the time of arrival. I suppose the store personnel were overwhelmed with requests for the yarn-haired, vinyl-faced objects of desire.

By the end of November, I had already resorted to Plan B. I had found a homemade Cabbage Patch look-alike at a craft show. She was the same size and wore the same type clothes as the Cabbage Patch Kids, but her face was cloth. She was adorable. A hospital near me, aware of the Cabbage Patch dilemma, was offering to mail adoption certificates, similar to the ones that came in the box with the genuine dolls. I ordered the adoption certificate and made it look as genuine as I could. But I knew Melissa would take one look at her doll and know she was not the real deal. I did not have the manufacturer’s box, and the doll did not have a vinyl face.

That Christmas season seems a bit overcast in my memory, even to this day. We took our annual trip to see the “real” Santa in Richmond at Miller and Rhoads with my sisters and their children. We had a lovely time at our lunch with Santa. We watched him drink his milk all in one gulp. We each had a piece of reindeer cake. We admired the beautiful Christmas decorations inside the stores and in the sidewalk windows. We stood in line so that each child could speak to the Santa, who somehow, magically, called him or her by name and asked about his hometown. But this year, when Melissa asked Santa for a Cabbage Patch Kid, my heart sank. I knew that on Christmas morning, she was going to be disappointed.

I realize that many people think this is so trivial. After all, a doll is not the

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reason for the season. Of course not, I was aware of that. Nor was my daughter a greedy little spoiled brat who asked for too much. I limited my children’s Santa list to no more than three items and some surprises. That way, they could prioritize their wish list and leave some element of serendipity on Christmas morning.

When Melissa was a toddler, her three items were glue, tape, and M&M’s. She really asked for so little that it disturbed me all the more that I could not find a genuine Cabbage Patch Kid. I continued my search throughout the month of December, calling all the companies where I had placed catalog orders. They were all noncommittal. They were waiting on shipments from the manufacturer. I went to the mall toy stores before they opened, hoping to snag one doll. I never had any luck. At least, I had my Plan B doll and adoption certificate, and Melissa would have a lovely Christmas, with a few surprises.

Finally it was Christmas Eve. I needed to make a last minute run to the local grocery store, and my husband stayed home with Melissa. I picked up ingredients to make my grandfather his favorite coconut pie and my aunt’s favorite Jell-O salad. The aunts and uncles had the turkey and ham covered, but I knew I was expected to make these two items each holiday season. I left the store totally focused on my contributions to the family Christmas dinner.

As I pulled into my driveway, I noticed a cardboard Fed-Ex box on my doorstep. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be? I checked the label – Sears Catalog Department. I brought the box to my car and opened it. It was a real, authentic, genuine Cabbage Patch Kid! I was so relieved and happy that I cried, just a little.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I had prayed for a doll for my daughter.

I just saw this as a small Christmas miracle, delivered by a Fed-Ex angel. Thank you, Sears. Thank you, Fed-Ex. And thank you to the One who listens to even the smallest, most insignificant prayers. Merry Christmas to all! And to all, a good night!

Kim Seeley Kim Seeley resides in Wakefield, Virginia with her husband Wayne. She is the doting grandmother of Evan and Delaney, who keep her imagination and zest for life intact.

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The holidays are the perfect time of year to break out of your typical nine dots, get creative with your attire, and “put on the dog,” as my Grandmother would say. While the perfect holiday look centers on what you wear, it’s not just about your clothes, but your entire presentation. This is the time to do it up, from head to toe.

As for me and my dress, no matter the time of year, I love to put my outfit together with a dose of tension. By this, I mean I like to pair things that are not always logical. My motto is “If it doesn’t go together, it definitely goes together!” I understand this ideology is not for everyone, but your own look will be just a little more interesting by doing so. Creating a unique look incorporating personal or distinct pieces can be done on any budget and the holidays are perhaps the easiest time of year to do it.

Sequins, shimmer and shine, red lips, red satin, silver and gold; everything sparkles during the holiday season. It is fun and easy to incorporate any of these elements into your holiday look. One of my favorite outfit combinations for this time of the year is sequins and tartan plaid. Each of these elements possesses a strong personality on its own, but fusing the two spawns a happy explosion for the visual senses. Paired with a tutu or feather skirt, swiss dot tights, sequins or satin, plaid is the perfect pattern to incorporate into your holiday fashion repertoire.

Perhaps your personal style is a little more simple and sleek. Pair a flouncy winter white skirt with a simple black turtleneck, or be daring and wear a menswear inspired tuxedo. Want just a touch of sparkle? There is no better time to break out your Grandmother’s vintage broach, and affix it to your lapel, or simply incorporate sparkle with a sequined pump or embellished headband. These looks couldn’t be easier to replicate, and they’re all

Put On the Dog and Pamper Yourself Rotten This Holiday Season

by Whitley Hamlin

The holidays are near, and in my book, this is a no-holds-barred time of the year when it comes to dressing. Weddings, private parties and fancy fundraisers aside, this is the Lowcountry, which doesn’t give many of us more conservative dressers a ton of room for flair on a day-to-day basis. Something about the holidays grants us an understood permission slip to take a step away from our typically more restrained wardrobe inclination.

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Fashion Forecast

screaming to be worn to a holiday party.

When putting together your holiday ensemble, now is not the time to skimp on the details. If you’re at all like me when it comes to makeup, you love the idea of a red lip or fingernail while flipping through the pages of a magazine or perusing Pinterest but are a little hesitant to mimic this bold look yourself. Opt for a rosy cheek, shimmery eye and perhaps even a pair of eyelash falsies to ramp up your glam. The most wonderful time of the year is also the perfect time of year to have fun with femininity.

With more and more family responsibilities, work and other life commitments, many of us do not set aside time for a little self pampering and TLC. I know I always say I will go get a manicure or massage, but maybe once a year, at best, I actually fulfill this well deserved and rejuvenating promise to myself. Blow outs are all the rage right now, and I think getting one might just be the newest perfect form of self pampering. A little curling, a lot of teasing, and voila…Nothing says sexy like big, voluminous hair. Don’t feel like re-channeling your inner ’80s self? For a more demure style, a swanky holiday party is the perfect place to rock a romantic braid. Looking for the perfect agent to feel a part of the ever glam 1970s? Spice up even the simplest party dress by parting pin-straight hair down the middle and wearing a shimmery, lacy headband to a festive event.

Whatever your personal style, the holidays are the perfect time of year to take on your fashion inhibitions, and stylishly live life to the fullest. When you look in the mirror and like what you see on the outside, you automatically feel lovelier on the inside. When you do this, you will exude self confidence, beauty and joy, impacting not just yourself, but everyone around you. Put on the dog this holiday season, and if you think he feels left out, put the dog in tartan and sequins too.

Cheers!

Whitley Adkins Hamlin Whitley Adkins Hamlin is a wardrobe stylist specializing in personal, editorial and commercial work, and the author of the fashion blog, the Queen City Style (www.thequeencitystyle.com). The granddaughter and great granddaughter of wardrobe stylists, Whitley has been exposed to, and collected, one of a kind wardrobe pieces since she was a young girl. As a result, Whitley both learned and taught herself the art of cultivating one of a kind looks she passes onto her clients. In her free time, Whitley is an avid runner who loves spending time with her husband and two young boys, cooking and entertaining and redecorating her house until there is nothing left to redecorate (which is never, ha!).

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Voice

Anything . . . except the Lobster

by Linda DeMers Hummel

For part of 1932, my grandmother served oatmeal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the only nourishment she could afford for her husband and young children. When the Great Depression lifted and she found herself living a more comfortable life again, she had a hard time relaxing. That’s the sweet way to say it. Really, she ran herself into the ground for the next thirty years making sure she’d always have meat in her freezer. She sewed all her own clothes, including suits. She stretched pea soup with just the promise of ham bone and used every scrap of paper on both sides. She and my grandfather walked two blocks to the bank at the end of every month to see how much interest they’d built up in their savings account. Even as the numbers grew steadily, nothing more than a cautious sigh ever slipped out of either of them.

It was no surprise then that she elicited a little gasp from everyone in the family when, in her 60s, she made an announcement at Sunday dinner that began, “I’ve decided to live a little.”

“A little” meant that she would still keep to her regimen of squeezing every penny out of her household budget, but one thing would change. She had made a list of every expensive, swanky restaurant she could think of in New York City and told our family that she intended to eat in every one.

“And I may even order a martini,” she added.

My grandfather didn’t think life got much better than a frozen dinner in front of the television on Saturday nights in their tiny apartment. So, at age 12, I became her designated dinner partner.

Two weeks later, I was dressed in my finest, watching her apply lipstick and blot it with a tissue. “Tonight we’re going to the The Four Seasons,” she said. When my face didn’t register the amazement she was looking for (I’d never heard of the place) she said, “When you grow up, you’ll remember this night.” She asked me if I’d had a big lunch, and I assured her I hadn’t, figuring that her rules for the “Clean Plate Club” would be in effect no matter how elegant the setting.

She brightened at the waiter’s suggestion of a cocktail, as if she’d just now thought of it. “I think I’ll have a beefeater martini with a twist.” My Shirley Temple arrived in a heavy etched goblet. She held her glass to mine in the air and said, “Here’s to living it up!”

I’d never seen so many forks for one person. The menu was loaded with words in other languages I couldn’t read. “Anything you want,” she winked, and then in a Hollywood whisper, “except the lobster.”

I ordered shrimp cocktail and was a bit deflated at all the shredded lettuce and the lemon wedge I assumed I’d have to conquer in order to move onto the next course. I was confused when she gently said, “Those are the garnish.” Not knowing what that word meant, my fork was still poised to finish it all until she added: “You don’t eat it. It’s just for show.”

Everything smelled good. The waiter treated us as if we were movie stars.

That might have lent itself to my letting my imagination take over as we ate. By dessert, I whispered that I was pretty sure Cary Grant was sitting at the very next

44

table. She turned and stared for what seemed minutes. “Nope,” she said, turning back, “Just a man with very good hair, but keep looking. He’s bound to show up in one of these places!”

My grandmother grew up poor and without a mother, taking up space in a childhood that never rose from dreary even when she would tell me her stories that were meant to be pleasant. She then raised her own children in tough times, with only her tenacity to lean on. Yet here she was in some place so fancy-schmantzy, as she would say, that a movie star might appear.

Because she never dreamed it would happen, she didn’t waste a moment.

She’d point out art on the walls or remark on the freshness of the roses in the crystal vase. Whether we had to go or not, she’d insist on a trip to the ladies room just to rate the wallpaper and the quality of the hand towels. For seven years, we made the rounds. Name a famous New York restaurant in the 1960s, and chances are we were there. She, never taking the first table offered (“They’ll think we’re from Iowa”). Me, giving into adolescent embarrassment when she’d pull out her pad and pencil to calculate the tip to the penny. I learned the difference between prime rib and rib eye at Delmonico’s, and not to run in fear of escargot at the Brasserie. I had caviar for the first (and last) time at the 21 Club. I ordered Baked Alaska as often as it showed up on a menu. We never saw Cary Grant.

Tavern on the Green in Central Park was our last dinner together though we didn’t know it that night. I was home from college, on winter break. It had snowed. I listened to her decide between the salmon and the pork tenderloin. The trees bathed in their twinkly lights were just behind her, the dark wood beams just above.

“Isn’t this just the life?” she smiled, as she unfolded her napkin and took it all in. She looked over my shoulder, lost in thought. I was going to ask her what she was thinking just as her eyes came back to me. She smiled. And then with a wink, Linda DeMers Hummel is a freelance writer living in she said, “Remember Baltimore. She’s at work on a memoir and can be now, anything… reached at lindadhummel@gmail.com. except the lobster.”

Linda DeMers Hummel

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Hard Rock Cafe, Myrtle Beach

The Golden Egg, Surfside Beach

Saturday December 6th(9am), Saturday December 20th, 9am to 10:30am 13th(8am & 10am), & 20th(8am & 10am) - Free -

- $9.95 per Person -

Call 843-946-0007 for more information.

Reservations are required.

Call 843-650-9548 for more information.

J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, North Myrtle Beach

St James High School, Murrells Inlet

Saturday December 13 9am to 11am

Saturday December 13, 8:30am to 11:30am

- $5 (Open to ages 5 - 12) -

Saturday, December 6 5:30pm Main Street, North Myrtle Beach

Surfside

Saturday, December 13 2pm 11 North Ocean Boulevard, Surfside Beach

Murrells Inlet

Sunday, December 07 3pm Wilcox Ave. to Pendergrass Ave., Murrells Inlet

Georgetown

- $10 to $20 -

- $19.95 -

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Conway

Saturday, December 6 11:30am Front St., Georgetown

December 6 & December 7 Call 843-448-8379 for more information

December 15-16 & December 21-22 Call 1-800-905-422 for more information

Tickets are available online at www.ConwayParksandRecreation.com Contact 248-1740 for more information

Saturday, December 13 10am Main Street, Downtown Conway

Various Locations

Palace Theatre

www.culturalcouncil.info Call 843-520-0744 for more information.

- $3 for Children & Up, $4 for Adults -

Musical Classics for the Holiday Season Presented by The Long Bay Symphony

Nutcracker Ballet Coastal Youth Ballet

- $7 for children 2 & up, $6 for Adults -

Saturday, December 13, 7:30am to 9:30am

Contact stjamesbands@gmail.com for more information.

N. Myrtle Beach

Saturday December 20th, 9am to 10:30am

Conway Recreation Center, Conway

- $5 -

Register with Horry County Parks & Recreation at (843) 249-4157.

SC Maritime Museum, Georgetown

A Christmas Carol presented by Atlantic Stage 79th Avenue Theater

- $12.50 to $27.50 -

November 27 - December 21 Call 1-877-287-8557 for more information

Sasee Kids Nicole Says…

By Nicole McManus

Growing up, we all remember reading the classic Christmas tales: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Polar Express, and even Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Chances are we still have a copy of each of these books, so if you are looking for something new or different to give the little readers this holiday season, try these three.

by Anna Dewdney (Age Range: 0-3) This board book is perfect for the youngest of readers. Llama Llama Jingle Bells was just released and is the latest in the popular series. A cute, rhythmic story line accompanies adorable pictures of the Llama family celebrating various Christmas traditions. Plus, the thicker pages of the board book are durable enough to withstand the curiosity of babies.

by Elise Primavera (Age Range: 4-7) This is a book from the Auntie Claus series. This is the story about young Christopher Kringle who is starting to doubt Christmas. He deliberately behaves badly in order to get on the “Bad Boys and Girls List” to prove it doesn’t exist.

However, his actions get him locked out of Christmas, and he must go on a journey to learn that belief is the key to the family’s secret. The majestic pictures are stunning, and this story is sure to be a favorite for the entire family.

by Mary Pope Osbourne (Age Range: 7-9) The Magic Tree House is a popular series for elementary school aged children.

In this Christmas story, Annie and Jack have been mysteriously invited to Camelot to celebrate Christmas. However, when they get there, Camelot is under a dark, miserable spell. It is up to Annie and Jack to go on a quest to find imagination and bring joy back to the kingdom. This is a fascinating story with easy to read sentences, ideal for kids who are transitioning into chapter books. There are a few black and white pictures to accompany the fast-paced story. This book will surely spark children’s imaginations.

00

Classic Gourmet

Shad Velasco:

Owner/Chef, The Library Restaurant Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in Cooperstown, New York, where my dad has been a chef for 40 years. He works more hours than I do and loves it! My mother lives here and works part-time cooking at a small restaurant in Little River. The restaurant business is definitely in my blood.

I have been a chef for most of my career and have worked in seven states and Montreal. I moved to the Grand Strand in 1993 and first worked in the Myrtle Beach Hilton. My wife, Mistie, and I have been married for ten years – we were married right here in The Library – this restaurant means so much to both of us.

Mistie has her own pet sitting business that serves the entire Grand Strand area.

It was always a dream of mine to work at The Library – its reputation has always been one of relaxed, fine dining with the highest quality food and service.

Owning this restaurant is a dream come true for me.

What is your special talent?

I have great people skills. I’ve owned The Library for twelve years and have done it on my own, so I think my gift would be tenacity. I’m not afraid of hard work.

What are your holiday plans?

In this business? I’ll be working. We are open through Christmas Eve, but close on Christmas Day when Mistie and I throw a party for all of our employees.

Best holiday gift?

Six years ago, I was given a bottle of 1990 Beringer Private Reserve. What a wonderful bottle of wine!

Tell us a little about The Library Restaurant.

This restaurant first opened in 1974 and has been “the” fine dining restaurant in Myrtle Beach ever since. Our classic dishes are made with the freshest ingredients available and prepared to order. The wait staff has a combined experience of nearly 100 years, and guests receive the highest quality service. Your meal will not be rushed – when a customer makes a reservation, the table is theirs for the evening.

I believe we’re the only restaurant in the area with a true, in-ground wine cellar. It was built very well, and has never leaked. Our main dining room seats around thirty, but we have three private dining rooms. One is for two people and perfect for a romantic evening. The others seat twelve (The Reading Room) and forty (The Banquet Room) respectively – perfect for any size holiday party.

The Library Restaurant is located at 1212 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach.

For reservations or information, call 843-448-4527, or visit www.thelibraryrestsc.com.

48

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49

Voice

The Littlest Angel

by Marsha Tennant

My most treasured Christmas present that Santa ever left me was a doll. I remember it as though it was yesterday, and it became one of the family stories we would tell from year to year. Those memories linked the holidays like garland wrapped around the tree. There have been funny stories as well as more serious ones, but each one holding a special place in the family oral history.

Once a year the local grocery store would sell a few of the top toys of the season. The front window ledge was the display case. Earl, the owner, enjoyed offering this service to his customers. Families appreciated that the toys could be added to their accounts and paid off by December 31st. As a child, I waited in anticipation to see what THE doll would be. Although there were several choices, the most popular one was prominently placed front and center. I knew she was the one.

She was the most beautiful doll I had ever seen. Her name was The Littlest Angel and every inch of her lived up to her name. Even the box she came in had the name written in heavenly letters. Her lips were rose red and her cheeks a soft pink. Long, braided light brown hair fell on either side of her face. She wore a beautiful pink floral dress with white shoes and socks.

Several other outfits were included in the box. But it was her big blue eyes that spoke to me. The caption on the box said that they opened and closed.

The other feature, which gave her the name, was the ability to bend her knees…hence the name. She was the perfect angel doll for the season.

Each week I would go to the store with my mom and brother. I would check the window to see if she was still there. The week before Christmas she was gone. My heart sank. My mother pointed out that most of the other toys were gone as well. She told me that Santa had stopped by to pick them up and begin checking the lists of the children that lived in our community. That was a very creative answer for an anxious eight year old. All I could do was wait for Christmas morning to see if my wish had been granted.

Christmas morning arrived. I was up before dawn. I don’t think I slept much the night before. I wanted The Littlest Angel more than anything I could remember. As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, and tried to focus what was under our tree, I saw her! Santa heard my request and chose me to own

50

her. Tears fell down my cheeks as I reached for this sweet little doll. I tilted her head back and forth to see the eyes open and close. I bent her knees to the prayer-like position. She was MINE! My parents smiled and said that Santa knew I had been a good little girl that year. (Good thing Santa didn’t ask my brother…he was always fair game for sister tricks.)

The reason this doll became part of our family stories is because of the events that happened after that. I was in third grade, and the teacher allowed us to bring a favorite Christmas present for Show and Tell on the Friday after the holiday vacation. I dressed The Littlest Angel in her red and white ice skating outfit. She even wore a pair of ice skates. I knew I had one of the best dolls to show. I was full of pride and excitement.

Marsha Tennant writes for several national publications Maybe I was and enjoys working with First Book of Horry County. even somewhat She is the author of the children’s book, Margaret, cocky. I walked Pirate Queen. She enjoys facilitating (altered) journaling to the front of classes along the Grand Strand. Marsha can be reached the classroom at marshatennant@yahoo.com. and began to

Marsha Tennant

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demonstrate how her knees bent and her eyes opened and closed. I was so proud of my possession.

That’s when it happened. I walked back to my desk and sat The Littlest Angel on the edge so others could see her. One of the boys in the class ran down the row of desks and knocked my beautiful doll to the floor. It took a few seconds for it to replay in my mind. I looked down on the floor and saw her, but it didn’t register immediately. Slowly, the reality and horror began to sink in. I reached down to pick up my angel doll and heard the sound of something loose as I cradled her in my arms. Her eyes were broken. They dangled in her head like loose marbles. They were attached in one place but would no longer open and close. I don’t remember what happened in the classroom after that, or even the bus ride home. I dreaded facing my parents.

My heart was broken.

When my Dad arrived home he could clearly see that I had been crying. He gently picked up The Littlest Angel and moved her head up and down. He turned her over and made a few observations. That’s when he told me to get his toolbox. He spread a few tools out on the table and began to do

something to my doll’s face. He told me to go help Mom with supper and let him see what he could do. I asked about her several times before bed but my Dad would just tell me to be patient.

As I crawled into bed that night I was sad and lonely without my precious companion. She had been part of my life for several weeks. I loved her so much. That’s when my Dad walked into my bedroom with my doll tucked under his arm. Her eyes were wide open. My Dad bent down and whispered in my ear, “Her eyes will always be open so that she can watch over you.” My Dad had glued them to stay in place. That was his gift to me. I reached for her and we snuggled under the covers…The Littlest Angel watching over me.

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Happy Holidays!

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Advertiser Index The Accessory Cottage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Affordables Apparel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Amazing Pride & Joy Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Angelo’s Steak & Pasta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Barbara’s Fine Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 The BarreWorx. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Belk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Bell & Bell Buick • GMC Trucks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bienvenue Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Bio-Identical Hormones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Bloomingails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Blue Heron Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Brookgreen Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Burroughs & Chapin Art Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Butler Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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Callahan’s of Calabash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Carma the Salon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Carolina Car Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Carolina Coastal Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa. . . . . . 56 Celia’s Hair Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Centro Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 CHD Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Christopher’s Fine Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Citizens Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Classic Antiques & More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Coccadotts Cake Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Coastal Dance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Darden’s Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 David Grabeman, D.D.S., P.A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Dead Dog Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Dr. Sattele’s Rapid Weight Loss & Esthetic Centers. . . 13 Doodlebugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Edible Arraangements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Eleanor Pitts Fine Gifts & Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Fabric Décor & More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Finders Keepers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Flamingo Porch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Frame Factory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Gay Dolphin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Good Times Consignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Grady’s Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Graham’s Landing LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Harvest Commons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Homespun Crafters Mall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Homewatch Caregivers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

The Joggling Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Just Because IYQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 The Kangaroo Pouch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Lamp Niche. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Land Rover Cape Fear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 20 The Library Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Litchfield Dance Arts Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Long Bay Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 McLeod Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Me & Mommy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Millie’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Modish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Morningside of Georgetown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Murrells Inlet Outpost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Myrtle Beach Estates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Bienvenue Home Gifts & Home Decor A Real Southern Experience with Swamp Fox Tours

Home Furnishings Custom Decorating and year round fun!

Open 7 days a week 814 Front Street Georgetown, SC 29440 843-527-1112 www.BienvenueHomeSC.com

Myrtle Beach Singles Search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Paint with a Passion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Palmetto Ace Home Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Papa John’s Pizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Pawleys Island Bakery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Pawleys Island Golf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Pink Cabana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The Pink Cabana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Pounds Away. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Pure Palmetto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Benny Rappa’s Tratoria Itallian Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . 35 Rice Birds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 River City Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Rose Arbor Fabrics & Interiors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 The RSVP Shoppe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Sea Island Trading Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Seven Seas Seafood Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Shades & Draperies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Shop the Avenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Simply Sophia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Something Old Something New. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 South Atlantic Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Studio 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Swamp Fox Art Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Take 2 Resale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Taylors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Taz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Treasures Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Two Sisters with Southern Charm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Ultra Tan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Vandy Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Vintiques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 WEZV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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December 2014 7 14 21 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

3 10 17 24 31

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

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1-1/11/15

4-6, 11-13, 18-20 4-7, 11-14, 18-20

Dixie Dugan: A Retrospective,

Holiday Lowcountry Art Show, Georgetown Watercolor Society,

Nights of a Thousand Candles, Brookgreen Gardens, 3-10pm. For more info, call 843-235-6021 or visit www.brookgreen.org.

A Christmas Story, The Musical, Theatre of the Republic, 331 Main St., Conway. For show times and ticket info, call 843-488-0821 or visit www.theatreoftherepublic.com.

6-7

6, 7, 13

11

Long Bay Symphony, Musical Classics for the

Area Christmas Parades: 6th, Georgetown, 11 am, Front St.; 6th, North Myrtle Beach, 5:30 pm, Main St.; 7th, Murrells Inlet, 3 pm, Business 17; 13th, Conway, 10 am, Main St.; 13th, Surfside Beach, 2 pm, Ocean Blvd.

Good Friends Luncheon, DeBordieu Club,

16, 20

19

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Christmas & Carols and All That Jazz,

Litchfield Dance Arts Academy, Celebrating the Season in Dance, Holiday Dance Performances 16th, 7 pm, Winyah Auditorium, Georgetown; 20th, 3 pm & 7 pm, Litchfield Dance Arts Academy; adults, $15; 12 & under free. For more info, call 843-237-7465 or visit www.litchfielddance.com.

Moveable Feast, Rick Bragg discuses Jerry Lee

New Year’s Eve at Celebrity Square,

Carolina Master Chorale, 13th, 4 pm, Socastee High School; 14th, 4 pm at Trinity Church, Myrtle Beach. For more info, call 843- 444-5774 or visit www.CarolinaMasterChorale.com.

The Art Museum of Myrtle Beach, For more info, call 843-238-2510 or visit www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org.

Rice Museum, Georgetown. For more info, call 843-546-7423.

5 The Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes, 4-8 pm, North Myrtle Beach, $25 in advance, $30 day of tour, sponsored by North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club. For more info, call 843-655-2688.

13-14

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Holiday Season, 6th, 7 pm, Trinity Episcopal Church, Myrtle Beach; 7th, 3 pm, Wheelwright Auditorium, CCU and 7 pm, Our Lady Star of the Sea, North Myrtle Beach, admission $20. For more info, call 843-448-8379 or visit www.longbaysymphony.com.

Lewis: His Own Story, 11 am, Pawleys Plantation, $25. For more info, call 843-235-9600 or visit www.classatpawleys.com.

doors open at 11:30 am, lunch at noon, $30. For tickets or more info, call Lynne at 803-609-2483 or visit Good Friends of Georgetown County, SC on FB.

Broadway at the Beach, fireworks at 8 pm, live entertainment and more. For more info, call 843-444-3200, or visit www.broadwayatthebeach.com.

Give Your Mom, Sister, Best Friend or Yourself the Gift that Lasts a Year!

Special Offer 12 Issues for $24 Name Address City State Zip Send check or money order to Sasee Distribution PO Box 1389 Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Be sure to check out the current issue of the

eBook

www.facebook.com/saseemag

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~ I nspirati on ~ “Good healthcare combines detective work with medical know-how. And listening comes first.”

Dr. Ruth Wieland, Sunset Beach Internal Medicine

We know that finding the right physician for your healthcare needs is so important.

That’s why Sunset Beach Internal Medicine is proud to welcome our new physician, Dr. Ruth Wieland.

Board-certified and specializing in adult internal medicine, Dr. Wieland works closely with patients to diagnose and treat many conditions including COPD, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Dr. Wieland also provides personalized lifestyle plans to help patients achieve optimal health.

Dr. Wieland is looking forward to accepting new patients. Call 910-575-8488 to set up an appointment.

Sunset Beach Internal Medicine 1733 Seaside Road SW, Suite B, Ocean Isle, NC 910-575-8488 McLeodSeacoast.org 52434-DrWieland 9x10-125.indd 1

McLeod Physician Associates 10/17/14 3:30 PM