- Jun 29, 2016
Celebrating three years of marriage, a few weeks ago Eric and I drove over to Beaufort, SC for an evening. What a special trip it was! If you are ever in the area, you must check out this quant little town. The charm is slightly reminiscent of Charleston without any of the traffic and scurry.
We stayed at the Cuthbert House Inn , a highly awarded bed and breakfast. Large and lovely with perfectly creaky floors, I enjoyed every moment. There was a “cocktail hour” in the early evening, and they served drinks and light snacks as the owner sat with the guests and chatted about the history of the home and just life in general. We sat in the sitting room, just as wealthy ladies of old once did. Also, we discovered that General William Sherman once spent the night in the very room in which we were staying! *Of course, we do not speak of these things too loudly with those of southern heritage, ahem.* I have always loved pretending to be a part of history. And to be relaxing with my mister while doing it was so, so fun.
The bathroom in our suite was large and held both an old fireplace and a clawfoot tub. Having battled recently with anxiety about what the future will hold, I found staying in this home soothing. This home had seen, and even held, war–and it continued to stand with pride. As I relaxed in the tub of General Sherman’s old bedroom, a peace came over me. The poet Shelley once said that “History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.” To me, that poem is both a warning and a lullaby. Yes, we must learn from the mistakes of the past, but we must also revel in the knowledge that God was there and He will continue to be there. And we be will okay.
Enjoying beauty is easy and rewarding, when we recognize it as a gift from Him.
Here I am breaking the rules and wearing sunglasses indoors at Lowcountry Produce–the cutest cafe and produce market with the coolest high ceilings!
If books are your thing, Nevermore Books must be on you to-do list. Also, check out the Beaufort Visitor’s Center where they will chat with you teach you all sorts of interesting things about the history of a small town that carried on in remarkable ways after the Civil War.
Scout Southern Market has THE best sweet tea, y’all. So yummy! They also have all sorts of Carolina treasures and a cute little candy bar.
What a fun adventure through history with sweet treats and sweet hospitality in the lovely town of Beaufort.
Of course, a token ‘usie’ is a must. It was our anniversary, after all:
Happy Wednesday!
Keep the Faith,
Audrey Ann
- May 30, 2016
Congaree National Park–a gorgeous swampland of towering trees, fireflies, and rather crazy camping experiences, apparently. There is so much amazing history and so much wildlife. And there is nothing like sleeping under the stars.
About 11pm we went to bed. As we settled into our tent, that lush feeling of crisp air and a cool sleeping bag rushed over me. It was a clear night, and looking up at the mesh top of the tent, the stars peeked through the delicate trees. But the moment and aforementioned feelings were short lived.
Our camping neighbors thought it would be a rad idea to shine their flashlight into our tent approximately 17,497 times, throw boxes of glass bottles onto the ground, and (my favorite) snap fallen limbs in half–enough for a year’s worth of kindle. And it’s 3am, mind you.
That’s right, four hours of crazy. The infuriating aspect was that several times they seemed to have quieted down, and we drifted into that darling, infant stage of sleep and then BAM!
Strong coffee and cinnamon Pop-tarts were enjoyed in abundance the next morning.
I also happened to lose my wedding band on the way back from the potty in the middle of the neighbor’s wild, super fun party. But thank the Lord I found it shining in the grass lined with dew. Whew. It was quite a camping trip.
- May 16, 2016
I
t was a ceremonial occasion–Mom zipping up my dress and helping me attach the veil. Months before the wedding I tried on my mother’s darling wedding dress, just for kicks. I stood in front of the mirror with Mom, we breathed in nostalgia, and we breathed out ridiculous laughter. First off, her dress is the tiniest thing you’ve ever seen, and would never have fit me without some major alterations. Additionally, the style (though very classy) was a bit on the 1980’s-meets-a-lace-cupcake side. On her it was adorable. On me it was hilarious. But I did choose to wear her veil (and the beadwork even matched my dress).
The day of my wedding was full of moments I wanted to remember forever, but it has taken me nearly three years to understand the significance of wearing that puffy bit of tulle. My photographer friend snapped away and I floated through the moment. Eyes were dewey, and I grinned like a chimpanzee (seriously, some of my wedding photos are a trifle embarrassing).
The funny thing is, I had worn her veil my whole life. Under her surrounding love I had lived. It was full of protection, humor, and an understanding of reality based on her past, based on years of life before me. She made selfless decisions for my brothers and me based on what God had taught her and the places she had been. The veil was her love. And really, I still wear it.
As I pledged my life and love to a man, I was covered with so much love, with years of Mom telling me that when you know, you know. All the quirks of family life and ordinary days come to a crescendo on a day like one’s wedding.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! Thank you for covering with your prayers, love, and a bit of crazy. And thanks for knowing my secrets and still thinking I can do anything. Proverbs 31 says a noble wife (and mama) are rare and the kiddos will rise up and called her “blessed.” I sure do.
Photos: Copyright Tori Watson Photography
