Home

I've been in Charleston for almost one month now and it's been great.  I've been catching up with friends and family in and around town (even made it to Columbia to see some dear friends yesterday).  I've enjoyed my time here very much and was blessed with another very special day today.

My plan was to wake up early and head to Stiles Point for a reading of my new books.  I was so excited that I didn't need my 6:30 alarm...I got up when Edgar left to hunt at 4:45!  I had so much energy I was able to check emails, do my devotional, complete a 40 minute workout with my new Jillian Michael's DVD, and do a load of laundry before getting ready to head out the door!  What a way to start the morning!

I drove the usual I-26 through Downtown and across the James Island Connector on my way to read.  This has always been my favorite route to Stiles Point because of the sunrise over the harbor.  It's breathtaking.  Many mornings I've thanked God for the simple blessing of getting to see that each day on my way to school.  As I pulled onto the connector this morning, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros came on the radio with their song "Home" and I had to smile.  It feels good to be here.

I can't tell you how much at home I felt at Stiles Point today either.  That place is and always will be so special to me.  I walked in and greeted office staff and a few passing teachers, headed to my first class to read at 8:30 and then ended up staying at school until just after1.  I had so many warm welcomes from teachers and students and was unbelievably happy to be there.  It was very special to be a "visitor" in the school and to get to share my adventures through my books about Gia.  I was really pleased that my stories went across the ages as I read to kindergarten through fifth grade and everyone was receptive. 

After leaving SPES I was able to run see my friend Cathryn's class at St. Andrews Math and Science and her little kindergartners were adorable.  It was such a nice thing to visit her there as I've always been working the same schedule as her, so that has rarely happened! 

I may be visiting Charleston at the moment and heading off to Italy in just over a week, but Charleston is home. I have said it many times before, but Mom shared a quote with me when I was young that has stuck with me...
"I'z Charleston born and Charleston bred, and when I die, I'll be Charleston dead."  I think that about sums it up!!