 This past weekend I spent Saturday, January 24th and Sunday January 25th at the Frampton Plantation in Yemassee, South Carolina as a guest of the South Carolina Lowcountry Tourism Commission. I was there to raise money for the Diann Shaddox Foundation. The "Frampton House" property was part of an original King's Grant to the Frampton family in the 1700s. In 1865, General Sherman's troops burned the plantation house and all the farm buildings that stood on this site. In 1868, John Frampton rebuilt the present charming Lowcountry farmhouse and continued to work the land, which is now the home of the SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission. Saturday morning began rainy and windy with the ground saturated from the storms the night before. I arrived around 9:00 that wet morning to find beige A frame canvas tents dotting the grounds of the old plantation where Union and Confederate soldiers had spent the night. 19th-century cannons made by Lt. Colonel Vernon Terry were placed in front of the old plantation home. As the morning moved on the rain clouds seemed to be racing across the sky as the warmth of the South Carolina sun began to shine down upon the Plantation. For me though, since my tremors go wild in cold and I couldn't seem to have enough layers of clothes on I sat quivering from Essential Tremor and the cold. The plantation home became busy with soldiers and visitors scurrying and preparing for the Battle of Pocotaligo to take place later that day. Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans: Charles Jones Colcock Camp 2100 and the 144th New York State Volunteers, whose ancestors fought at the 1864 Battle of Honey Hill In Ridgeland, SC were present to represent Union and Confederate soldiers at the Battle of Pocotaligo reenactment. In the quietness of the afternoon The Battle of Pocotaligo began with the firing of the cannons echoing across the valley shaking and rattling the old plantation home. The original Battle of Pocotaligo was fought on May 29, 1862 near Yemassee, SC. The Unions objective was to sever the Charleston and Savannah Railroad to isolate Charleston. During that battle, the Union lost 2 & 9 wounded, and the Confederates lost 2 & 6 wounded. The second Battle of Pocotaligo was on October 22, 1862 and once more, the objective was to sever the railroad. In both battles, the Confederate soldiers were able to keep the Union soldiers from the railroad. Sunday was a picture perfect day that started out cool but warmed into the high 50’s. Each day I was able to meet and talk with so many people to explain about the Diann Shaddox Foundation’s mission to bring awareness for Essential Tremor, the largest movement disorder. I was able to meet Ann, James, Pat, Claudia, Brittany, Bob Rogers, Lt. Colonial Vernon Terry, and so many others. Not only did I get to enlighten so many about Essential Tremor, I also learned so much about history. I was very pleased that so many young people were there and interested in talking to historians. To witness how people lived sleeping in tents and their entertainment, (not the computer or cell phones) listening to guitar playing and singing at night by a campfire, and reading books or telling stories by the light of oil lamps was wonderful. It was a couple of fascinating days. To learn more about the reenactments go to: Sons of Confederate Veterans: Charles Jones Colcock Camp 2100 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sons-of-Confederate-Veterans-Charles-Jones-Colcock-Camp-2100/462176950559213?fref=photo & 144th New York State Volunteers,       Dear Readers, I would like to say a huge thank you to my Editor Marsha Rhodes for her support. My novels wouldn't become a reality without her tireless efforts in editing . Thank you Marsha for your encouragement and inspiration.          Dear Readers,
I have a book announcement for my newest novel, Hidden Dreams that is set to be released in June, 2021. 2020 was a difficult year for us all. During this time, I was able, with the help of my editor Marsha Rhodes, to fulfill my dream of bringing my Southern Dreams to life. I began my Southern Dreams stories years ago and it brought peace to me then and now. Hidden Dreams is part of Southern Dreams stories of rhapsodies and struggles of the Bellamead family living on the Bella Oak Plantation established in 1844 in South Carolina. Each generation of the Bellamead family chronicles events that weave the years to unite the tapestry of life. Hidden Dreams is set in the 60’s. The story brings memories back when I grew up in a small town in Arkansas. Life seemed simple. I stayed out after dark, caught fireflies, watch the stars get brighter in the sky and on hot summer days, I was able to go swimming in a creek. I can still hear the sound of the crystal clear water flowing over smooth rocks and listening to the birds singing in the trees while sitting on the bank of the creek. The characters in Hidden Dreams lives were twisted together from a young age, but life and fate took over. Charlie Bellamead, her name everyone used except her mom and Pearl who used Charlene, wasn’t a southern belle at all. However, she was a true southern girl full of mischief and only told her hidden dreams to one other, her best friend Ramona. Jessie, Ramona’s brother, stood tall, very handsome with the same blonde hair and blue eyes as Ramona. Jessie stared at the young girl he’d loved his entire life, his hidden dream. He’d been able to hide his feeling for years, but it was getting harder each day. Thoughts swirled in his mind as he looked into Charlie’s green eyes. He knew he wasn’t right for her, a poor boy from a small farm and her a rich plantation owner’s daughter. He also knew she had her own dreams for her future and he wasn’t a part of them and he’d never be. Now, I hope Hidden Dreams will bring some joy into your life. See you soon. Diann  Kentucky Chocolate Bourbon Balls
Ingredients:
Place the nuts in a sealable jar. Pour the bourbon over the nuts. Seal and allow to soak overnight. Mix the butter and sugar; fold in the soaked nuts. Form into 3/4" balls and refrigerate overnight. Line a tray with waxed paper. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Roll the balls in the melted chocolate to coat; arrange on the prepared tray. Store in refrigerator until serving.  The old Frampton Plantation in Yemassee, SC has a fountain/wishing well and when I visit I can’t resist to throw a coin into it. While I’m there, if a child visits I always give them a coin to toss into the water. I love to see a smile and expression full of hope and anticipation grow on their faces as they make a wish. The tradition of the wishing well has its beginnings in European folk history. Of course in years past underground streams were important sources of clear, fresh water. The early Celts and Germanic people considered springs or streams to have healing and rejuvenating properties, guarded by spirits who may or may not be friendly. The tradition of dropping coins in ponds and fountains began when people placed the coins as gifts for the deity to show appreciation. According to belief, any wish spoken over the source of water would come true. A person could make a wish or ask for a blessing from the spirit(s) of the well. People threw silver or copper coins into the well or stream as thanks to the spirits, for good luck or for helpful magic. Tossing a coin into a wishing well has added benefits. Copper and silver are biocides, meaning that they neutralize harmful bacteria in the water, including those that cause the "rotten-egg" or sulfur smell. Silver and copper metal in coins helps keep the water sweet. Some people believe that the guardians or dwellers of the well would grant them their wish if they paid a price. After uttering the wish, one would generally drop a coin in the well. That wish would then be granted by the guardian or dweller, based upon how the coin would land at the bottom of the well. If the coin landed heads up, the guardian of the well would grant the wish, but the wish of a tails up coin would be ignored. It was thus potentially lucky to throw coins in the well, but it depended on how they landed.  No matter what age we all love to stop and throw a coin into a wishing well. Whether it is only superstition or maybe a real folklore, I will continue to make my wish. However, now I will have to take a few minutes to watch which way the coin lands.
May all your wishes come true.  G'morning everyone! Had a great day & lots of fun yesterday in Savannah, GA visiting with my friend & Editor Marsha Tolleson Langston Rhodes and her husband Allen. We are working on my next novel, Spirits of Sacred Mountain. Spirits of Sacred Mountain is a tale as ancient as time, about a young Native American Indian boy’s life spinning out of control and a magical mountain with deep hidden secrets. The sun was out, which was wonderful in itself, the food was delicious. We had grouper & crab with peppers & puff pastry, at the Savannah's River House Seafood Chelsea, our waiter was very sweet and we met Gladys who prepared our lunch. Thank you to the manager who was kind enough to give us a table in a private room by the window to look out to the Savannah River. Can't wait to see Marsha again soon. Check out my books, A Faded Cottage, Whispering Fog, & Miranda.   Aiken author’s new book rooted in Native American folklore Diann Shaddox, an Aiken author and founder offor Essential For her first book, Aiken author Diann Shaddox raised awareness of a condition that she lives with – essential tremor. For her latest book, she pulled from another aspect of her life – her Native American heritage. Staff Photo by Stephanie Turner “Spirits of Sacred Mountain” is the latest book by Diann Shaddox. “Spirits of Sacred Mountain” was released in May. “Cody Tanner looks like a normal 11-year-old, except he can blur/disappear, use his mind to move objects, and stop time. Normal if you’re a spirit of the mountain,” says the book’s summary. Tanner, like Shaddox, is a Native American. The author is a member of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma. “That’s probably what triggered a lot of this because I was reading up on the tribe, Wyandotte,” Shaddox said.  The story of “Spirits” is rooted in Native American folklore and is written so that readers as young as elementary school-aged students can enjoy it, according to Shaddox.
“I’ve already gotten people wanting a second one,” Shaddox said. “Spirits ” is dedicated to Shaddox’s husband, to the Wyandotte Nation and to the late Chief Leaford Bearskin. Before he passed, Bearskin asked Shaddox to write a story about the Native American culture. He was also a childhood friend of her mother. Shaddox’s first book, “A Faded Cottage,” was released in 2013. Her two other books are “Whispering Fog” and “Miranda.” All proceeds benefit the Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremor, an Aiken-based organization that Shaddox started. Her upcoming book signings are as follows: • July 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.: Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St. S.W.; part of the museum’s Sweet Tea Series; will have refreshments of wine and cheese • July 12 from 3 to 6 p.m.: Ridgecrest Coffee Bar in the Village of Woodside, 108 Coach Light Way “Spirits of Sacred Mountain” is $5.99 as an ebook, $17.99 as a paperback and $27.99 as a hardback and can be purchased through major online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. “We think this is going to be the most popular book she’s written,” said Randy Miles, executive director of the Diann Shaddox Foundation. Shaddox has plans to make “Spirits” the first of a series. http://www.aikenstandard.com/20160627/160629548/aiken-authorx2019s-new-book-rooted-in-native-american-folklore For more information, visit www.diannshaddox.com or www.diann shaddoxfoundation.org. When I was growing up in a small town of Arkansas, I spent many cool summer evenings racing around the yard carrying a fruit jar in my hands. If you have to ask why, then you have missed out on a tradition of catching lightning bugs or called by many fireflies. The world turns into an enchanted evening as if tiny stars had fallen from the sky twinkling in the darken night.
The fireflies seem magical and even though there is a scientific answer (a chemical reaction occurs to make their spectacular light) I’d rather believe they are small fairies living in their own glittering world.  Cooking asparagus tonight. I may grill hamburgers, if the rain doesn't slow I will pan fry the hamburgers the old fashion way. lol
How to cook asparagus! Snap off the dry ends of the asparagus. Okay, this took me a while to understand, since my grandmother didn't grow asparagus in Arkansas. You just grab hold of the asparagus with both hands and snap. It has an automatic snap and will break in half. It can't be any easier than that! Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet, (I use a flat iron skillet, sorry the southerner comes out) drizzle the asparagus lightly with olive oil and salt. Cook at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes. It depends on the thickness of the stalks, so keep watch. So easy, enjoy. Have a great evening. I will be adding this recipe to Diann's Family Favorites Cooking from Scratch.  Happy Father’s Day
I was very fortunate to have a kind, gentle man, my granddad, Creath, in my life for 10 years, a man who built buildings, courthouses, dams, and bridges all around the south. He had patience with a little girl who liked to talk and had way too much energy. He gave me the best gift you can give a child, time. On warm summer days, we would take long, slow walks around our yard. He would stop under the apple tree and pick an apple, wipe it off and using his pocketknife he would peel it. Then, we would continue our walk and he would hand me slices of the apple. He allowed me to talk about anything that I wanted. He was a strong willed man, known around town that his word was his bond. But he was also a caring man, a man who would take time to watch animals and birds play, teaching me to slow down and enjoy life. I miss Granddad and those days we spent together, but I will always cherish the memories. Happy Father's Day! Time does go by quickly but the pain and heartache never goes away.. Remembering you today and always...... Today, May 20th, a year ago I spoke to my son, Rick, for the last time. No, I didn't say goodbye because I will see him again one day, but I did say I love you. Time has gone by, but a day doesn't go by that I don’t think of him. I hear his laughter, see his smile, and will always hear him calling Mom, in his special voice, all the time. Today May the 20th isn't a day of sadness; it’s a day to remember a wonderful son who loved life. I remember how it felt to wrap my arms around him when he was a grown man just as it did when he was a tiny, blued eyed baby with blonde curls. He left this life way too soon. This is a reminder to all of us. Live each day to the fullest and never forget to tell your loved ones and family how much you love them. I will always keep my son alive in my heart and one day, all my memories, I will put down on paper in Rick’s Book of Life.         My Mamow & Granddad who took care of me and taught me about life. Today is Mother's Day, a day of remembering your mom or someone that made a difference in your life. I was very lucky since I had a mother who gave me life and a grandmother who taught me about life. Mother's Day is a time to think about your love ones, the ones who are still with you and the ones that are in heaven. When I was a child my granddad would sit outside on our front porch and talk to the cardinals. The magnificent birds in the coats of red would fly down onto limbs in the old oak tree, only a few feet from him, and stay for the longest time. Yes, he would have a conversation with them and they would sing their beautiful songs. He would tell me to be quiet and listen. I did as he asked and sat quietly, which was difficult for me then & now, and listen. I have learned over the years that a cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has died. When I think back to those days so long ago sitting with my granddad on our front porch remembering the cardinal singing in the old oaks I have to believe that this folklore must be true.  My mother, Mary Ann. So when you see a beautiful red bird, I believe it means a loved one is visiting you. They usually show up when you most need them or miss them. They also make an appearance during times of celebration as well as despair to let you know they will always be with you. Look for them, they'll appear. Then take the time to remember your family & friends that aren't with you anymore. I had two cardinals singing outside of my office this morning. I sat and listened quietly to the calming music from Mother Nature. Cardinals and the Number 12 The number 12 is considered a lucky number by many Native Americans. The number 12 also is associated with the cardinal. Cardinals are seen during all 12 months of the year. A cardinal's eggs will hatch in 12 days. Native American lore holds that if you have encountered a cardinal, expect good luck to follow, possibly in 12 hours, 12 days, or at noon or midnight. Happy Mother's day!
I have to say this spring Folly Beach Wine & Sign was interesting to say the least. Saturday didn't look very good, weather wise I mean, and... It did turn out that we had a hell of a Saturday on the Folly Beach Pier. We began the day with clouds and a high hope that the humongous front marching our way would go north and miss us. WELL, it didn't. The group of diehard authors and artist set up tents and began to sell books & art, but the rain moved in. We believed the slow rain showers would move on but.... instead a horrific storm or I would call a hurricane came through. The tents began to dance in huge gust with a downpour and of course we were all out there on the deck, being drenched by rain, trying to save everything. Everyone was great, however we weren't giving up. Sooooo... we all decided to extend the Folly Beach Wine & Sign to Sunday. Sunday morning began with blue skies and bright sun. The wind was gusty but all the tents were strapped down and everyone was ready. Crowds of people began to show up and they were very interested in everyone's books and jewelry. I was able to talk with people from all over the world about the Diann Shaddox Foundation and Essential Tremor. I meet a few people who had ET and of course many that had not heard about it. We did have fun with the drawings for the raffles, that included a one nights stay at the Waters Edge Inn on Folly Beach, lunches & dinners at Locklears, Blues, Ritas and so many fun things. Check back we are planning on another Folly Beach Wine & Sign in September. You don't want to miss the fun.  I had an amazing day Saturday April 11, 2015 at the Folly Beach Sea & Sand Festival. I was up at 2:00 in the morning preparing to leave Aiken, SC and drive to Folly Beach, SC. The weather was iffy to say the least with a forecast of 100% rain at noon.
I arrived at Folly Beach with a few sprinkles of rain as we were setting up our tent. but the thick dark clouds swiftly began floating out to the ocean and a beautiful day emerged. Temperatures were in the low 70's with a gentle seabreeze. It was a record day of signing copies of "A Faded Cottage" & "Whispering Fog" and talking to so many people from all over the world about the Diann Shaddox Foundation & Essential Tremor. I met so many wonderful people, Marilyn, Nancy, Kat, Cindy, Brooke, and even met Katie Ward, (Jr. Teen Sea & Sand). A few facts about the amazing Hummingbird.
Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds with iridescent feathers. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 50 to 200 flaps per second depending on the direction of flight and air conditions) that they make a humming noise. Hummingbirds can fly right, left, up, down, backwards, and even upside down. They are also able to hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern. A hummingbird must consume approximately 1/2 of its weight in sugar daily, and the average hummingbird feeds 5-8 times per hour. Hummingbirds do not suck nectar through their long bills, they lick, (10-15 times per second), it with fringed forked tongues. The hummingbird’s fast breathing rate, fast heartbeat, and high body temperature require that they eat often. Humming birds have no sense of smell but have very keen eyesight. At rest, a hummingbird takes an average of 250 breaths per minute. The Ruby-Throated hummingbird flies 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico during both its spring and fall migrations. Depending on the species, habitat conditions, predators and other factors, the average lifespan of a wild hummingbird is 3-12 years. Hummingbirds radiate like hot coals in the sun. The color that reaches your eye is created by pigment, which absorbs some colors and rejects others. Like soap bubbles, hummingbird’s color comes from iridescence, not pigment. I wish for you this Easter Sunday that your home will be filled with love, family, and happiness. This picture is worn, but it is full of treasured memories. I was four years old. Have a wonderful Easter!  Easter in Nashville, AR. Diann at the age of 4. Living in Hill Country had its advantages and one was going to the Mandola Estates and Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood near Austin, TX. Visiting Trattoria Lisina makes you believe you are in Tuscany in the heart of Italy. On cool winter days you are able to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine sitting in front of a fire in the large rock fireplace or take a walk around the grounds.
Not only is the ambiance amazing but the food is always outstanding. The selection of meals that Chef/Owner Damian Mandola creates varies from pizza to traditional Italian classics like Osso Buco. Depending on your mood you can have a homemade pasta meal like Fettuccine con Prosciutto e funghi or enjoy a crunchy perfectly cooked pizza baked in a wood burning oven, which is my favorite. The wines varied from boutique wineries and of course they have their own Mandola wines that are available. If you are in the Austin, TX area you must visit Trattoria Lisina. Cheers.  Is Friday the 13th an old wives’ tale, just superstition, or reality?
So how unlucky is Friday the 13th? Friday the 13th is known by many as the unluckiest day of the year. This may all have originated from the word or phobia triskaidekaphobia, or fear of the number thirteen. Numerologists consider 12 a "complete" and divine number. There are 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 hours on the clock, 12 months of the year and 12 apostles of Jesus. Anywhere outside a bakery, then 13 is considered a transgression of this rule, which I love. You can never go wrong with one extra donut. This fear of 13 can be seen even in how societies are built. For example, more than 80 percent of high-rise buildings lack a 13th floor. And many airports skip the 13th gate. Hospitals and hotels regularly have no room with the number 13. On streets in Florence, Italy, the house between number 12 and 14 is addressed as 12 1/2. There is a longstanding myth that if 13 people dine together, one will die within a year. In France socialites known as the quatorziens (fourteeners) once made themselves available as 14th guests to keep a dinner party from an unlucky fate. While many will laugh off the superstitious day, others will remain in bed paralyzed by fear and avoid daily tasks, conducting business or traveling. In the U.S., an estimated 17 to 21 million people suffer from a fear of Friday the 13th, according to a study by the North Carolina Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute. The phobia, a fear of Friday the 13th, known as friggatriskaidekaphobia, is not uncommon. The word comes from Frigga, the name of the Norse goddess for whom Friday is named. Accurate data is impossible to collect since many people around the world avoid certain activities, including travel and surgery on that day. Past Black Fridays notwithstanding, Friday the 13th may actually be a boon for finance. According to CNBC, the market has been up 80 times out of the past 140 Friday the 13ths. According to research completed at the Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics (CVS) in 2008, there were fewer accidents and reports of theft or fire on Friday the 13th than on other Fridays. Whatever you believe; Friday the 13th is a lucky or unlucky day, may good fortune be with you and the one extra donut.  Woody, the Woodchuck (Groundhog) from VA February 2 is Groundhog Day, a weather lore that has its origins in ancient Europe, but Groundhog Day has a different meaning for me. I think of Woody each Groundhog day.
Well, you ask who is Woody? Woody isn’t as famous as Punxsutawney Phil, or Birmingham Bill or Shubenacadie Sam, but he was just as important to a small group of people in VA. When we lived in Burke, VA, many years ago, we had a groundhog who we named Woody that burrowed under our carport. At first we would catch a glimpse of a furry brown, round creature in the back yard scampering around and wondered what it was. That little groundhog became brave and eventually would sit at the end of the carport and stare at us just as we would stare at him. We did some research and learned he was a woodchuck, so he became known as Woody. We also learned that Woody loved lettuce. Even though Woody was supposed to be hibernating, he would pop out of his burrow to get his snack of salad that we would leave for him throughout the winter. The only sound Woody made was a low bark and we all knew to stay our distance, since he was a wild animal. All the kids in the neighborhood would stop by to get a glimpse at Woody and Woody didn’t seem to mind the stares. I believe he enjoy his fame. On February 2 that one year we had our own Groundhog Day celebration, but it really didn’t count since Woody would emerge from his burrow every day for his snack, and he was in the shade, however we did have fun watching and waiting for him to appear. The tradition of Groundhog Day began in Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, PA. The first documented American reference to Groundhog Day can be found in a diary entry, dated February 4, 1841, of Morgantown, PA storekeeper James Morris. The tradition of Groundhog Day says if a groundhog comes out of its hole on February 2 and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; no shadow means an early spring. Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas Day, when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal like the groundhog as a means of predicating weather. After the German settlers came to PA, they continued the tradition, which is now known as Groundhog Day. In Scotland there was a poem: If Candle-mas Day is bright and clear, There'll be two winters in the year. If Candle mas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again. I wish everyone a Happy Groundhog Day.  The Angel Oak Tree is a Southern live oak located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina. It is a southern soldier that has stood guard over the south for hundreds of years. Native Americans, slaves and immigrants from many other countries have taken shelter from it's enormous limbs. The stories this old oak could tell would fill a book as large as it is. How many lovers has sat on its branches, or evil plots has it heard? It is a living monument to survival. To see this massive soldier is free and worthy of a visit.Who knows how many more years this majestic wonder has left... According to several sources, this ancient tree is approximately 1,500 years old. That would make it about 1,100 years old when the Pilgrims first set foot in North America. It is said to be one of the OLDEST living organisms East of the Mississippi River, which makes standing in the shadows of its massive canopy a great honor. This tree has survived natural disasters like the Great Charleston Earthquake of 1886, the Hurricane of 1893, Hurricane Hugo in 1989, and countless humans climbing it's branches over more than a dozen centuries. It stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. in length. The oak derives its name from the estate of Justis and Martha Angel, and local folklore tells stories of ghosts of former slaves appearing as angels around the tree. Recorded history traces the ownership of the live oak and surrounding land, back to the year 1717 when Abraham Waight received it as part of a small land grant. The tree stayed in the Waight family for four generations, and was part of a Marriage Settlement to Justus Angel and Martha Waight Tucker Angel. The Angel Oak Tree - Charleston Tree 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, SC 29455 Hours 9-5 Mon- Sat, 1-5 Sunday Phone 843-559-3496  This past weekend I spent Saturday, January 24th and Sunday January 25th at the Frampton Plantation in Yemassee, South Carolina as a guest of the South Carolina Lowcountry Tourism Commission. I was there to raise money for the Diann Shaddox Foundation. The "Frampton House" property was part of an original King's Grant to the Frampton family in the 1700s. In 1865, General Sherman's troops burned the plantation house and all the farm buildings that stood on this site. In 1868, John Frampton rebuilt the present charming Lowcountry farmhouse and continued to work the land, which is now the home of the SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.  Saturday morning began rainy and windy with the ground saturated from the storms the night before. I arrived around 9:00 that wet morning to find beige A frame canvas tents dotting the grounds of the old plantation where Union and Confederate soldiers had spent the night. 19th-century cannons made by Lt. Colonel Vernon Terry were placed in front of the old plantation home. As the morning moved on the rain clouds seemed to be racing across the sky as the warmth of the South Carolina sun began to shine down upon the Plantation. For me though, since my tremors go wild in cold and I couldn't seem to have enough layers of clothes on I sat quivering from Essential Tremor and the cold. The plantation home became busy with soldiers and visitors scurrying and preparing for the Battle of Pocotaligo to take place later that day. Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans: Charles Jones Colcock Camp 2100 and the 144th New York State Volunteers, whose ancestors fought at the 1864 Battle of Honey Hill In Ridgeland, SC were present to represent Union and Confederate soldiers at the Battle of Pocotaligo reenactment. In the quietness of the afternoon The Battle of Pocotaligo began with the firing of the cannons echoing across the valley shaking and rattling the old plantation home. The original Battle of Pocotaligo was fought on May 29, 1862 near Yemassee, SC. The Unions objective was to sever the Charleston and Savannah Railroad to isolate Charleston. During that battle, the Union lost 2 & 9 wounded, and the Confederates lost 2 & 6 wounded. The second Battle of Pocotaligo was on October 22, 1862 and once more, the objective was to sever the railroad. In both battles, the Confederate soldiers were able to keep the Union soldiers from the railroad. Sunday was a picture perfect day that started out cool but warmed into the high 50’s. Each day I was able to meet and talk with so many people to explain about the Diann Shaddox Foundation’s mission to bring awareness for Essential Tremor, the largest movement disorder. I was able to meet Ann, James, Pat, Claudia, Brittany, Bob Rogers, Lt. Colonial Vernon Terry, and so many others. Not only did I get to enlighten so many about Essential Tremor, I also learned so much about history. I was very pleased that so many young people were there and interested in talking to historians. To witness how people lived sleeping in tents and their entertainment, (not the computer or cell phones) listening to guitar playing and singing at night by a campfire, and reading books or telling stories by the light of oil lamps was wonderful. It was a couple of fascinating days. To learn more about the reenactments go to: Sons of Confederate Veterans: Charles Jones Colcock Camp 2100 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sons-of-Confederate-Veterans-Charles-Jones-Colcock-Camp-2100/462176950559213?fref=photo & 144th New York State Volunteers,  Saturday January 24, 2015:
Diann Shaddox Author to raise funds for Diann Shaddox Foundation will be at the 2015 re-enactment Battle of Pocotaligo Civil War hosted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans: Charles Jones Colcock Camp 2100 and the SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission at Frampton Plantation in Point South! Please stop by, visit and get your signed copy of “A Faded Cottage” a SC love story about an artist with Essential Tremor & “Whispering Fog” a time travel. The event is hosted by the Charles Jones Colcock Camp #2100 Sons of Confederate Veterans, Ridgeland, SC. Frampton Plantation is part of the Lowcountry Tourism Commission. #SCLowcountry#CivilWar #Yemassee For information go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SC-Lowcountry-Tourism-Commission/147593725273609?fref=ts  Growing up my grandmother had a huge pink camellia bush/tree in her front yard just like this one in the picture. The camellia would be covered in the most beautiful pink blooms at the end of December/first of January. It was the most beautiful site in the dead of winter.
Many years a pure white snow would fall blanketing the camellia making it look like a beautiful handcrafted lace tablecloth. I miss seeing that camellia, but I will always have my southern dreams. Happy memories & winter to all. 'Pink Perfection' This awesome Japonica is the most popular camellia in America. The dense upright plant is covered in masses of the dazzling perfect camellia blooms from late fall to early spring. A superb camellia for the garden!  Today, January 14th, is my father’s birthday, a man I never met.
A strange thing to be able to say you never met you own father. It was fall day that Sunday, November 20th when my father, a pilot, alone flew a stunt plane up into the blue sky for a few of his friends, as they, including my mother and brother stood watching. The plane's motor stalled and dove back to the ground. That one day changed many lives, including my own. Almost a month later I was born. I learned about my father from stories told from friends and family, that he was a very kind, generous man. This is the beginning chapter in my book of life, a chapter with only memories that have come from others, not my own, a chapter molding me into the person I have become. Happy birthday to my daddy, William. |
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