Blackberry cobbler tomorrow...if there's any berries left...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A World Apart (Day 3)
Spring Island continued... Sometime during the 1780's a descendant of John Cochran, probably Mary Cochran Edwards, built a tabby plantation house on this expanse overlooking Port Royal Sound and the surrounding marshes. Eventually flanking wings were added to the main structure in 1820 by George Edwards. A model of how it appeared mid 1800's before the Great War:
Tabby, a common form of construction in the Lowcountry, was made by burning oyster shells with oak wood then combining the resulting lyme with sand and water. This mixture was poured into molds forming large blocks. After building the structure the walls would then be covered in plaster.
Under the auspices of George Edwards this plantation became one of the most profitable, producing the much desired "black seed" or "long staple" cotton. This cotton was only produced on a handful of islands--Edisto, Hilton Head, and Spring--- and became known as Sea Island cotton. From 1850 to 1853 Sea Island cotton was the "most valuable agricultural commodity in the world".
George Edwards died before the onset of the War Between the States. His son, James Edwards, was forced to flee inland when Federal pickets took control of his lands. The house burned at some point and was in continual litigation for years after the war.
Today, as you leave the home and head westward, you are traveling under the canopy of a great oak allee'. About 300 yards ahead of you is a emerald, mossy mound enveloped by live oaks with the ever present Spanish moss and Resurrection fern. The mound is topped by a large statue of St Francis of Assisi. I was told while on the island that this was built as a memorial to a daughter who had died at a young age. Later her sister was married here.
The wedding I am here to photograph will take place here also.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Tabby, a common form of construction in the Lowcountry, was made by burning oyster shells with oak wood then combining the resulting lyme with sand and water. This mixture was poured into molds forming large blocks. After building the structure the walls would then be covered in plaster.
Under the auspices of George Edwards this plantation became one of the most profitable, producing the much desired "black seed" or "long staple" cotton. This cotton was only produced on a handful of islands--Edisto, Hilton Head, and Spring--- and became known as Sea Island cotton. From 1850 to 1853 Sea Island cotton was the "most valuable agricultural commodity in the world".
George Edwards died before the onset of the War Between the States. His son, James Edwards, was forced to flee inland when Federal pickets took control of his lands. The house burned at some point and was in continual litigation for years after the war.
Today, as you leave the home and head westward, you are traveling under the canopy of a great oak allee'. About 300 yards ahead of you is a emerald, mossy mound enveloped by live oaks with the ever present Spanish moss and Resurrection fern. The mound is topped by a large statue of St Francis of Assisi. I was told while on the island that this was built as a memorial to a daughter who had died at a young age. Later her sister was married here.The wedding I am here to photograph will take place here also.
Prayer of St. FrancisLord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A World Apart (Day 2)
Continuing our tour of Spring Island... The River House is on the north western end of the island and over looks Chechessee Creek.
Interiors that do not feel like a "club" but a friend's attractive and comfortable home. In this area of the River House, the walls are lined with artwork by artists who have visited and been inspired by the many facets of this island.
In addition to the dinning areas and other pleasant rooms, there is a post office that exemplifies the graciousness of the buildings here---new, well done construction and amenities, but lovely old, time worn materials
Leaving the main building and going through the adjoining breezeway, you come to our favorite room. Lots of books about the island, nature, and history, interesting photos on the walls of the history of the island, and Spring Island's signature cookies!
And the Nature Center next door...
The architecture and interiors connect you to the island itself---the geography and unique flora and fauna. An abundance of life that has lured people throughout the years and so helped to shape and determine the history and culture here.
Monday, June 22, 2009
A World Apart
Last weekend I was incredibly fortunate to photograph a charming wedding on Spring Island. A 3,000 acre private island off the coast of South Carolina, Spring is one of the sea islands with a captivating history involving immense wealth, cotton, war, and the demise of a family and a way of life. But today new life wends its way in and around what has survived on the island. An Arnold Palmer golf course wraps around the tabby ruins, weddings and celebrations are held under the centuries old live oaks, and alluring new old homes are being built around the shrimp ponds and cotton fields. Join me for an enchanting getaway under the canopy of the oaks and Spanish moss...
After crossing Callawassie Island, you cross the bridge into Spring---
Many, many, many Live Oaks covered in Resurrection fern. During the South's hot summers, and little rain, this small fern will dry up, turn brown, and appear dead. As the first raindrops splatter the sturdy branches of the oak , the fern will uncurl and, once again, become green, lush, and full of life. When we arrived on Thursday these ferns were completely brown. A huge storm thundered in that night and Friday morning we were greeted with a deep greenness as we drove onto the island.
An old plantation building.
Sandy roads.
Delicate fronds waving gently in the sultry breeze.To be continued....
Thursday, June 18, 2009
In My Shop
If you're in the market for original artwork...beautiful photographs from my Limited Editions: Spring Blossom series available now. Signed, dated, and only one printed. Looking forward to being matted, framed, and becoming part of your life!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
In Bloom
These two are constant companions and intense rivals, competing about everything---from who has the hardest chores to who has the best golf clubs. Best Friends who each won their age division in the first golf tournament of the season. And they argued about that! Wednesday, June 10, 2009
In Bloom
Amazing how just a few blossoms can infuse the entire house with cheeriness and sweet memories---Gardenia jasminoides.Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Eating Seasonally
Bodacious
Silver Queen
How Sweet It Is
Butter & Sugar
Ambrosia
Honey ’n Pearl
The names say it all---Georgia corn coming to your table soon.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Summer Reading
Have you seen this magazine? It's pages are intensely beautiful, thought-provoking, and God-honoring. A quote from the editor: "At Life: Beautiful we believe God is part of every minute of every day, and that through simple daily tasks, such as cooking, serving others, raising kids---and most importantly, coming to a full understanding of God's love for us---we can all live beautiful lives."Yes.
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