February Issue

Dr. Paul Byington, Owner and Chef Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant Murrells Inlet

Traditions of Thailand

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Thai Birthday Traditions

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Dr. Paul Byington turns 65

Thailand possess some very unique traditions as part of its culture. This tropical country is known for the influence that Buddhism has left on it and roaming through the streets of Thailand it will be more than obvious to you the extent that the Buddhist religion has had on the customs and traditions of Thailand. Many of their superstitions such as evil omens and good luck charms are things that have been interpolated into the society with many that cannot even be traced back to their origins. Amongst the customs and traditions are all sorts of activities which have symbolic representation.

Birthday Customs in Thailand One of the distinct customs in Thailand is the way they celebrate their Birthdays. Usually the parents and loved ones of a young birthday boy or girl purchase birds or fish to the number of the person’s age. They add an extra number as a good luck charm for the next year as they would want to see the person live another year with them. Some blessed water is then sprinkled onto the creatures by the birthday child who then sets them free into the water or air according to the nature of the creature. The myth behind this method of celebration is that it pleases the Gods. Dr. Paul Byington, owner/chef of Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant in Murrells Inlet is not a young boy and will not release birds or fish as tradition goes, but will enjoy celebrating his 65th birthday with friends on Thursday, February 12th. Stop by to wish him a Happy Birthday!

For authentic Thai food in an upscale environment, visit Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant located at 4493 Hwy. 17 Bus., Murrells Inlet.

843-651-5863 • www.BlueElephantThai.com

Articles and Upcoming Events: A Curious Home for an Unconventional Couple page 4 & 5 Pawleys Island Candles Store Changes Name to Isle of Candles page 6 Black Olives Not Just a Symbol of Goodness & Nobility page 6 Dollars & Sense . . . Tips and Strategies page 11 1st Annual Dragon Boat Festival page 12 Myrtle Beach State Park Programs page 12

Volume 4 Issue 2

PUBLISHER: Schaefer Design Studio P.O. Box 2221 Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Inspirational Reading page 14

GRAPHIC PRODUCTION: Sherrill “Shea” Schaefer

ADVERTISING ACCOUNTS:

The Moveable Feast page 14

Bruce Schaefer

PHOTOGRAPHY: Bruce Schaefer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Elizabeth Moses - Murrells Inlet Melissa Newsome - Pawleys Island David X. Ognek - Surfside Beach Victoria Salyers - Myrtle Beach

Coastal Carolina University February Cultural Schedule page 13

Bruce & Shea

The Coastal Journal is a monthly publication and is distributed FREE along the Grand Strand, Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Litchfield, Georgetown, and Conway. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material, in part or whole, designed by Schaefer Design Studio and appearing within this publication is strictly prohibited. The Coastal Journal 2009 ©

843-421-2363 • e-mail: [email protected]

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www.coastaljournal.sc Click on individual ads to go directly to our advertisers websites. 3 COASTAL JOURNAL

A Curious Home for an Unconventional Couple

By Elizabeth Moses

Huntington Portraits by Herbert Bohnert (1888-1967), Courtesy of Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC

First-time visitors to Atalaya (A-ta-lie-yuh) usually fall into one of two categories: those who

career as a sculptor. She possessed a strong work ethic, continuing to sculpt into her

think the building unappealing and austere and those who are awestruck by this architectur-

nineties. In an interview, Anna described working while dealing with tuberculosis (TB) for

al wonderment tucked away inside Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, S.C.

over a decade: “Well, the reason for that prolonged period of T.B. was that I wouldn’t stop work. I kept doing fairly good-sized things all during that period.” [Anna Hyatt-Huntington

For this latter group, curiosity beckons them to take a stroll through the house to learn more.

interview, [ca. 1964], Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.]

Neither castle nor mansion, but simply a winter retreat. That terminology may be confusing for visitors to realize as Atalaya is built in a square, encompassing about 40,000 square feet,

Although Anna became a renowned sculptor, her earlier ambition was to be a violinist and

which includes an inner courtyard. This Moorish-style house was built under the direction of

she studied the instrument for many years, starting at age fourteen. However, sculpting

Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington and later dubbed “Atalaya,” a Spanish noun which means

became her passion. Her generous body of work numbers over five hundred pieces, many

“watchtower” or “vantage point.” Spanish castles usually included an atalaya as a place to

of them given away rather than sold. She was the first American sculptor to use the medium

keep an eye out for pirates. Archer designed the house “in his head” as there are no known

of aluminum and one of her most beloved aluminum works is of the Fighting Stallions, which

formal blueprints. This lack of drawings was known to have perplexed his foreman, William

presides majestically at the entrance to Brookgreen Gardens, across the highway from

Thomson of Georgetown, who reportedly remarked to Archer in slight vexation, “Mr.

Atalaya.

Huntington, if you tell me much more, I might actually know what you are building!” The grassy courtyard is bisected by a covered walkway, at the center of which is the namesake

Archer, born March 10, 1870 in New York, was an astute businessman. He inherited mega

tower. No need to beware pirates here. The tower was functional nonetheless, containing a

money from his father, Collis P. Huntington, one of the Big Four of railroad history. Archer did

3,000 gallon water tank which provided indoor plumbing.

work for a while with another family business, the Newport News shipyards, but found true calling in being a philanthropist. From an early age, after traveling to Spain and Mexico, he

The Huntingtons came to Atalaya for an occasional departure from their more socially active

began a life-long love affair with all things Hispanic: culture, languages, architecture, artwork

life in their New York and Connecticut homes. They came to work and to relax. The home,

and the people. It was this love of the Moorish architecture in Spain and northern Africa that

though large in scale, is not overpowering. Rooms are of average size except for Anna’s

led to the idea of building Atalaya. That and the fact that Archer’s family had lost a home in

sculpture studio, the largest room in the house.

the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. Archer wanted a home that would not burn.

The house is a marvel, but what about the fascinating couple who called it home? Who were

Surprisingly, neither Anna nor Archer attended college formally. They were self and private-

Archer and Anna and how did they end up with this legacy in Murrells Inlet?

ly taught, Archer at one time even studying medicine because he felt he might need it in his field work. He received honorary degrees from Harvard, Yale and Columbia universities and

Anna Hyatt was born March 10, 1876 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to a zoologist father and

Anna was awarded an honorary doctorate from Syracuse University. She was also the sec-

a mother who painted. Following her older sister Harriet to art school, she began a life-long

ond woman ever elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

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The tower that lends Atalaya its name was built to house a water tank and as a roosting spot for bats, a natural insect controller. Probably much to Archer’s disappointment, bats never set up house there. Photo by Elizabeth Moses, Huntington Beach State Park

Archer and Anna bought four former rice plantations along the Waccamaw Neck in Georgetown County. They needed a warmer climate to help treat Anna’s TB and wished to construct a garden to exhibit her work. This led to Brookgreen Gardens which today also exhibits many pieces by other American sculptors as well as poetry by Archer and other poets. Building Atalaya and Brookgreen Garden concurrently from 1931-33, Archer and Anna provide support to about one hundred local families, thereby being the largest employers in the country during the height of the Great Depression. Archer and Anna found lasting mutual love and respect for each other through their work and interests and married on March 10th, 1923. They were supportive of the arts and protectors of the environment. Huntington Beach State Park today offers Atalaya as its hidden delight and boasts a park full of natural wildlife and landscapes, a top birding spot and much more. Atalaya was designated a National Historical Landmark along with Brookgreen Gardens in 1992. Atalaya is one of only two National Historic Landmark buildings managed by the South Carolina State Park Service and the only home/studio of an artist in the S.C. State Park system.

Atalaya is the site of several celebrations throughout the year.

September contains the annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival. This show highlights juried artists and draws in crowds of several thousand

visitors over a three-day period. In the spring, the state park participates in CanAm week by hosting Wildlife & History Day. The volunteer

organization, Friends of Huntington Beach State Park, sponsors their own special party each year. March 10th marks “3-in-1 Day” at Atalaya, the mutual birth date and wedding anniversary for Archer and Anna.

The ornate window grills were designed by Anna and made at Tito & Roger Ironworks in Miami, Florida. Photo by Elizabeth Moses, Huntington Beach State Park

Please join us for our upcoming 3-in-1 Day to celebrate and remember Archer and Anna. Tickets: $10 per person. Space is limited. Reservations required.

Contact Atalaya Interpretive Ranger Elizabeth Moses at 843/ 237-2162 for information.

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Pawleys Island Candle Store Has New Name

Black Olives

By Melissa Newsom Owners of Candle Creations, a fullservice candle store and candle factory, have changed the store’s name to Isle of Candles. Located in the Pawleys Island Hammock Shops Village, Isle of Candles is widely known for its unique soy lotion candles—a soy candle that when it melts, pools into a soy lotion. The store’s new owners, Kathy and Bob Miller, changed the store’s name and remodeled the retail store, but they are still making the same fragrant soy lotion candles that people around the country love. Today, these candles come in 48 fragrances, including Pawleys Island, Cookies ‘N Cream, Energy and Magnolia. “We’re excited about running the candle factory and retail store as Isle of Candles,” says Kathy Miller. “It better reflects the fun feel and beach-like ambiance of our store and gift products. We want people to think of an island vacation getaway when they dip into our soy lotion candles and the name, Isle of Candles, helps set that tone.” To use the soy candles as a luxurious lotion, simply burn the candle until the pool of soy reaches the container’s edge. Then extinguish the flame and safely dip a finger into the melted soy oil. The soy lotion leaves skin feeling silky smooth. Naturally rich in vitamin E, Isle of Candles’ soy lotion candles are natural skin moisturizers and have been known to relieve eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and insect bites and diminish the appearance of scars. Since the name change, Isle of Candles’ product line has expanded to include soy lotion candles in silver tins. “These lightweight tins come in three sizes so tourists can easily get them home,” says Kathy. Soy candles burn longer, cleaner and cooler than regular paraffin wax candles. They are good for the environment and Isle of Candles’ soy lotion candles are good for use on your skin.

Not Just a Symbol of Goodness and Nobility When preparing simple horsd’oeuvres for an evening dinner party or a special event, consider adding a side dish of black olives. If you would like to jazz up the dish, stuff the olives with either peppers, garlic or almonds to add an elegant twist to this symbol of goodness and nobility. Olive tapenade is also a delicious and easy-to-make spread that you can use as a dip, sandwich spread, or topping for fish and poultry. To make it, put pitted olives in a food processor with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Olives are one of the oldest foods known, and are thought to have originated in Crete between five and seven thousand years ago. They are mentioned in the Bible, depicted in ancient Egyptian art, and played an important role in Greek mythology. Olive oil has been consumed since 3000 BC. Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought olives to America during the 15th and 16th century. Franciscan missionaries introduced olives into California in the late 18th century. Today, much of the commercial cultivation of olives occurs in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. In terms of health benefits, the best olives are black olives that are water-cured or sea-salted. They are a very good source of monounsaturated fat and a good source of iron, vitamin E, copper, and dietary fiber. Some olives are picked green and unripe, which make them much lower in mineral content; others are allowed to fully ripen on the tree to a black color. Yet, not all of the black olives available begin with a black color. Some processing methods expose unripe greens olives to the air, and the subsequent oxidation turns them a dark color. In addition to the original color of the olive, the color is affected by fermentation and/or curing in oil, water, brine or salt. While olives are traditionally sold in jars and cans, many stores are now offering them in bulk in large barrels. Buying bulk olives will allow you to experiment with many different types with which you may be unfamiliar and to purchase only as many as you need at one time. Olives will keep freshest if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Other Health Benefits:

Hammock Shops Village 10880 Ocean Highway #12 Pawleys Island, SC 29585 843-237-2108 • www.isleofcandles.com 6 COASTAL JOURNAL

Antibacterial

Whole olives contain the anti-bacterial antioxidant, polyphenols.

Antifungal

Whole olives contain the anti-fungal antioxidant, polyphenols.

Hydrochloric Acid

Stimulate production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Immune System

General - Stimulate the immune system.

Muscles

Possess a beneficial protein-to-fat ratio while remaining alkaline.

Skin

Erase fine lines and wrinkles. Smooth the skin.

For more information go to www.whfoods.org or www.fruitarian.com

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As I prepare for this month’s article the Dow Jones Industrial Average is hovering around 8200.

Fixed annuities come in several forms. Some pay a fixed amount of interest to the annuity accord-

Since the rapid sell off of the fall we have not seen much of a recovery. Conventional wisdom says

ing to the contract. Others, like equity-indexed annuities, have optional features. They may return

the markets look six months into the future and predict future economic conditions. Like all other

a higher rate of interest to the annuity than the contract minimum. An equity index annuity’s inter-

bits of conventional wisdom, there is no statistical proof for this. However, in my opinion, it is an

est crediting is partially dependent on the performance of an underlying market index. Basically it

indicator worth watching.

enables the annuity owner to benefit from gains in the underlying market without risking capital if the market index loses value. The features of annuities are beyond the scope of this article. If you

Ultimately, the markets and how they perform are based on human perceptions and activities. The

would like additional information, we will gladly supply you with resources.

Investors Business Daily newspaper has a sentiment index that measures the number of advisors who are bullish versus those who are bearish. When the index gets to either extreme a change

Why include annuities in an asset allocation? I believe the recent market provides the answer.

in the direction of the markets is likely. Market tops and bottoms can only be seen in hindsight.

Funds in a fixed annuity would have retained their value and likely the contracts will have been

Trying to time them is not a good strategy. So what are some good investment strategies?

credited with the minimum amount of interest. The principal in the annuities is unchanged.

If you are a regular reader of this feature, you know I am a strong proponent of asset allocation.

Before purchasing an annuity become an informed consumer. Some annuity features can be

A thoroughly thought out and applied asset allocation, consistent with each persons risk toler-

complex...be sure you understand them. For instance, be certain ability to withdraw money with-

ance, is a good strategy. Asset allocation is investing your capital into different investment and

out fees and or charges is consistent with your needs. Current and anticipated. Because the guar-

savings products. An example is a portfolio of large, mid and small-capitalization stocks and sav-

antee of payment by a fixed annuity company is contingent on the ability of the company to make

ings accounts. Periodic adjustment of the asset allocation helps maintain its effectiveness.

payments, be sure of the financial soundness of the annuity company.

Integral parts of an asset allocation may annuities, if appropriate for the investor. Many employer sponsored retirement plans, like 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plans, have annuities as the investment vehicle. Some are fixed annuities; some are variable annuities. Variable annuity returns are dependent on the performance of the mutual funds held in the variable annuity.

David X. Ognek, Financial Services Professional 843-238-5330 • [email protected]

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1st Annual Ground Zero

Dragon Boat Festival Saturday, April 25, 2009 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Grand Park at Market Commons

Myrtle Beach State Park

February and March Programs Myrtle Beach State Park will hold some natural history programs designed for various ages during the months of February. All programs are free with park admission and will meet in the activity center unless otherwise noted. Please call 238-0874 for more information. Myrtle Beach State Park is just south of Myrtle Beach on U.S. 17 Business. The park offers 312 acres of camping, picnic and playground areas, fishing pier, nature trail and beach access. Admission fees are $4 per adult, $1.50 for ages 6- 15, under 5 free, and South Carolina residents 65 and over are $2.50. Free admission with paid park program. Park hours for January and February are 6 am to 8 pm. For more information about the park, call the park office at 843-238-5325.

Pre-School Wonders - How to Decorate - Hermit Crab Style! Wednesday, February 19 Spend some quality time with your youngster (ages 3-5) while learning about nature and having fun. We will read an interactive story, do a craft, and meet some live hermit crabs. Meet at the activity center. A chaperone is required to stay with the young participant. 11 am to 11:45 am.

You’re invited to become a Team Captain or join the crew for this exciting event! What is Dragon Boating? It's the fastest growing international team water sport today. Dragon boat race festivals are visually-spectacular, exciting events held around the world.

How do you do Dragon boating? A boat of 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steering person paddle to cross the finish line faster than other competitors.

What's a Team Captain's responsibility? You'll recruit a team of 21 participants who agree to paddle a Dragon boat together at the Festival and who agree to raise $100 (or more) each in tax-deductible gifts to Ground Zero.

How will I know what to do? You'll receive a Team Captain manual and personal coaching as you recruit, prepare and compete with your team. We'll be with you every step of the way with guidance and tips

Join a Crew . . . If being a Captain is not for you - you can simply join a crew of others like you that want to make a differnce in the lives of teenagers. All you have to do is raise a minimum of $100 or more, be at least 14 years of age by April 25th and register through the Ground Zero office (see below).

Top 7 reasons to say "YES" and become a Team Captain:

Skulls, Teeth, and Bones, Oh my! Saturday, February 21 Through the use of bones, skulls and skins, explore the food preferences, natural history, and identification of some of our common aquatic and terrestrial animals found at Myrtle Beach State Park. Designed for ages 8 and older. 11 am to noon.

Through the Years Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Myrtle Beach State Park! Tuesday, February 24 The history of Myrtle Beach State Park is marked by tremendous change and growth. Take a stroll back in time and learn how this park has been shaped by the Civilian Conservation Corps, hurricanes, changing recreational demands, and other influences over the decades. The program will include a power point slide show and a mile walk through the park. Designed for ages 12 and older. 10 am to noon

Pre-School Wonders - Recycling can be Fun! Wednesday, February 25 Spend some quality time with your youngster (ages 3-5) while learning about recycling and nature. Have fun learning how easy it is to recycle as we read some stories, listen to songs about recycling, and make our own music and art from recycled products. Meet at the activity center. A chaperone is required to stay with the young participant. 11 am to 11:45 am.

The Ocean and Us • Saturday, February 28 Have you ever wondered what is in your toothpaste or ice cream? Or how some medical research is conducted? Who cares about a horseshoe crab? Learn how these questions are linked to many plants and animals that live in the ocean and how they benefit our daily lives. We will even have some tasty marine treats! Designed for ages 12 and up, 10 am to 11 am

Backyard Bird ID • Tuesdays in March Check out our bird feeders and learn how to identify the common birds that visit our feeders and what they like to eat during this informal program. Meet at the nature center. 2:30 pm to 3 pm

1. You'll have fun! 2. You'll experience Dragon boating. 3. You'll be a key member of an important team. 4. You'll help mobilize people in your company, your youth group, your church, or your school for a cause. 5. You'll have the opportunity to receive incentives and win prizes. 6. You'll help raise awareness about the need to reach today's teenagers for Jesus Christ. 7. You'll help reach and disciple Myrtle Beach-area teenagers for Jesus Christ by raising

Legends of the Forest • Every Thursday in March Learn what makes the maritime forest so unique at Myrtle Beach State Park as we explore this special habitat from the comfort of your indoor chair. Using live plants and animals, biofacts, and power point, we will explore the natural history of a variety of plants and animals that inhabit this forest. 2:30 to 3:30 pm

Sharks! • Saturday, March 14 and 28 Discover the truth behind the numerous myths surrounding these fascinating creatures. Meet at the nature center. 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm

urgently-needed resources for Ground Zero.

For more information contact Victoria Salyers GZ Community Relations Director 843-457-6330 [email protected] 12 COASTAL JOURNAL

Planet Jeopardy • Every Wednesday in March Do you want to make a difference? Come play games that teach you how easy it can be to turn your daily actions into positive impacts on the environment at home, Myrtle Beach State Park, and where ever else you may go! This is a great program for all ages! 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Beachcombing Treasures • Saturday, March 7 and 21 Take a stroll down the beach to learn more about seashells, ghost crabs, sea turtles, sand dunes, and tides. Wear shoes that may get wet. Meet at the nature center. 11 am to noon

February 2009 Cultural Schedule Coastal Carolina University is a vital center for higher learning and cultural activity for South Carolina’s Grand Strand region. Coastal Carolina University Theater and Music Department performances are selected to provide a variety of training opportunities to students and to offer audiences a variety of live performance experiences.

Coastal Carolina University Theatre “Miss Julie” Sunday, Feb. 1, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. Edwards Black Box Theatre Written in Denmark in 1888, “Miss Julie” is a powerful drama about gender and class. Raised by a proto-feminist mother and a traditionalist father, Julie is ill at ease in the aristocratic society of her upbringing. On Midsummer’s Eve she dares enter forbidden territory and finds herself engaged in an epic struggle with her father’s valet, Jean. One of the foremost naturalistic dramas of all time, “Miss Julie” is a groundbreaking work. Strindberg’s innovations—cutting out intermissions, the use of real props and natural light—heralded a new era in modern theater. More than 100 years later, the play still has major relevance and emotional impact. General admission: $12 • Alumni/senior citizens: $8 Coastal Carolina University and HGTC students: $3 (one per valid student ID) Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty/staff: $6 (two per valid ID) Teens (ages 11 to 17): $3 Children (ages 10 and under): Free (must be accompanied by an adult)

Third Annual Coastal Honor Band and Scholarship Festival Don Wilcox and Robert Sheldon, directors Sunday, Feb. 1, 3 p.m. • Wheelwright Auditorium The concert, featuring regional high school bands, is a culmination of three days of rehearsals, master classes and music making on Coastal Carolina University’s campus. Guest conductors Dan Wilcox, West Virginia University Director of Bands Emeritus, and internationally respected composer Robert Sheldon will lead the Festival Wind Ensemble and Coastal Honor Band in concert. Scholarships will be awarded at this event to high school seniors who will participate in Coastal Carolina University bands in the 2009 fall semester. Admission: Free with ticket

Coastal Carolina University Department of Music An American Voice Jeffrey L. Jones, baritone Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts Jeffrey L. Jones of the Coastal Carolina University Department of Music faculty will present a recital of contemporary art songs by American composers, featuring works by Lee Hoiby, David Conte and John Corigliano. Admission: Free with ticket

Coastal Carolina University Choir and Jazz Combo "Isn’t It Romantic" Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. • Wall Auditorium Extend the romance of Valentine’s Day. Enjoy an evening of your favorite romantic jazz selections as performed by the Coastal Carolina University Chamber Choir and Jazz Combos, under the direction of Dan O’Reilly and Terri Sinclair. Classics such as “My Funny Valentine,” “The Girl from Ipanema” and, of course, “Isn’t It Romantic” will be included, among many others. General Admission: $9 Alumni/senior citizens: $7 Coastal Carolina University and HGTC students: Free (one per valid ID) Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty/staff: Free (two per valid ID) Children and teens: Free

The Coastal Winds "Lincolnshire Posy" Jim Tully, director Friday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Brunswick Community College (Bolivia, N.C.) Odell Williamson Auditorium Coastal Carolina University’s premier instrumental ensemble will perform Percy Grainger’s landmark piece "Lincolnshire Posy," along with "Hans Christian Andersen Suite" by Danish composer Soren Hyldgaard. This concert is presented as a community outreach experience for all residents and visitors to the Grand Strand and the coastal North and South Carolina regions. Admission: Free

Faculty Recital Daniel Hull, guitarist Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall, Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts Guitarist Daniel Hull presents an evening of guitar music featuring works by Giuliani, Bogdanovic, Britten, York, Brouwer and Dyens. This concert will also include selections from Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s "Platero y Yo" for narrator and guitar. Admission: Free with ticket

Coastal Carolina University Theatre "Company: A Musical Comedy" Book by George Furth Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Steve Earnest, director Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m. Wheelwright Auditorium Sondheim collaborated with George Furth (book) and Harold Prince (director) to create "Company," the first of the Sondheim/Prince shows that were to lay the foundation for the postgolden age Broadway musicals. "Company" was the first non-linear, "concept" musical. Set firmly in New York, the musical follows five married, once married, or soon to be married couples and their mutual friend, Robert, a 35-year-old bachelor who has been unable to connect in a long-term relationship. The relationships are presented in a series of vignettes, primarily through Bobby's eyes, depicting the less-than-ideal aspects of commitment. Eventually, Bobby learns that while relationships aren't perfect, they are a necessary part of "being alive." General Admission: $12 • Alumni/senior citizens: $8 Coastal Carolina University and HGTC students: $3 (one per valid student ID) Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty/staff: $6 (two per valid ID) Teens (ages 11 to 17): $3, Children (ages 10 and under): Free (must be accompanied by an adult)

For more information about upcoming cultural events, contact Coastal Carolina University at

843-349-2502 or www.coastal.edu 13 COASTAL JOURNAL

Inspirational Reading When author Lisa Hammond followed her passion, she founded her own company, Femail Creations--a woman-oriented catalog company that grew into a huge success. Lisa loved shopping, thus the mail-order catalog. Because she's passionate about women making their way in the world, Femail Creations features only items crafted by women artisans. In Dream Big Hammond details how she and her sister entrepreneurs followed their dreams and managed their fears to become happy and successful. Lisa shares the lessons they learned, the mistakes they made, and the fulfillment they attained. Dream Big reflects Lisa's inspirational personality and drive, as well as her belief in the power of women connecting with women--from the artists whose products appear in Femail Creations to the women who buy those products. Dream Big is a virtual meeting place for women who want to live (and work) their dreams. By sharing parts of their stories and tips, the women who've done it lend a hand to those who still dream that "maybe someday". Readers will find inspiration, as well as hard-nosed advice, about how to pursue their passion--whether for business, creativity, family, or anything else--in spite of fear and inevitable missteps. Chapters include: Permission to Dream, Facing Fears, Attempting the Impossible, Owning Our Power, Trusting Our Guts, Persistence is Omnipotent, and Never Too Late. Dream Big shows women that the first step isn't writing a business plan--it's listening to yourself and taking your turn; it's managing your life from the heart with a "femail" touch. Hammond, who's known to her thousands of customers, friends, and family as the Barefoot CEO, didn't do things conventionally. That makes for hilarious stories, heart-stopping inspiration, and roll-up-your sleeves tips--a blueprint in action for their dreams.

For more information on this book and other wonderful resources for personal and professional success, go to

www.WalkTheTalk.com

The Moveable Feast February & March 2009

This popular series of literary luncheons, each featuring an exciting author at different Waccamaw Neck restaurants, is held every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fee is $25 and most feasts are followed by a signing at Litchfield Books at 2 p.m. Reservations are requested by the Wednesday prior to the feast by visiting the office inside The Chocolate & Coffee House in the Litchfield Exchange, online (www.classatpawleys.com) or by phone, 235-9600. February 6 - Marjorie Wentworth (Shackles) at Rocco’s Based on a true story, Shackles describes what happens when a group of little boys search for buried treasure in their backyard on Sullivan’s Island, and dig up a bit of history — a set of shackles used centuries ago on slaves who were held on the island. This poignant story, written in lyric prose by South Carolina’s Poet Laureate, is beautifully illustrated by artist Leslie Darwin Pratt-Thomas.

February 13 - Patricia Causey Nichols (Voices of Our Ancestors) at Austin’s In Voices of Our Ancestors Nichols offers the first detailed linguistic history of South Carolina as she explores the contacts between distinctive language cultures in the colonial and early federal eras and studies the dialects that evolved even as English became paramount in the state. As language development reflects historical development, her work also serves as a new avenue of inquiry into SC’s social history from the epoch of Native American primacy to the present day.

February 20 - Jim Harrison & Jerry Blackwelder (Pathways to a Southern Coast) at DeBordieu Beach Club In the inimitable Harrison style, this long-awaited reprinting includes oils, watercolors and pencil sketches of sand dunes, salt marshes, lighthouses, palmetto palms and fishing shacks - all hauntingly beautiful and capturing the peculiar beauty of the Southern coast. In accompanying text, Blackwelder explains how important the coast has been to the South, discussing its surrounding folklore and its traditions, its natural history and ecology, always returning to its natural beauty.

February 27 - Charles Todd (A Matter of Justice) at Ocean One Todd’s 11th Inspector Ian Rutledge historical mystery takes place at the turn of the century, in a war far from England, where two soldiers chance upon an opportunity that will change their lives forever. To take advantage of it, they will be required to do the unthinkable, and then to put the past behind them. But not all memories are so short.

March 6 - Nicole Seitz (A Hundred Years of Happiness) at Kimbel’s in Wachesaw A courageous novel that explores the pain and repercussions of the Viet Nam War on two families today. A beautiful young woman. An American soldier. A war-torn country. Nearly 40 years of silence. Now, two daughters search for the truth they hope will set them free and the elusive peace their parents have never found. Seitz writes with keen insight and compassion as the past collides with the present, and her characters must face the choices they made nearly a lifetime ago.

March. 13 - Rita Shuler (Small-town Slayings in South Carolina) at DeBordieu Clubhouse After 24 years with SLED as special agent/forensic photographer, Lieutenant Shuler has a passion for remembering the victims. Her new book (following Carolina Crimes and Murder in the Midlands) takes us back in time, showing differences and similarities of crime solving in the past and present and some surprising twists of court proceedings, verdicts and sentences. From an unsolved case that has haunted her for 30 years to a cold case that was solved after 15 years by advanced DNA technology, Shuler blends her own memories with extensive research, resulting in a fast-paced, factual and fascinating look at crime in South Carolina.

March 20 - Jack Bass & Scott Poole (The Palmetto State) at Inlet Affairs Jack Bass is author or co-author of seven nonfiction books about the American South. His works have focused on Southern politics, race relations, and the role of law in shaping the civil rights era. He is a professor of Humanities and Social Sciences at the College of Charleston. He taught for 11 years as a professor of journalism at the University of Mississippi. He has written for The Los Angeles Times, Atlanta Constitution, Washington Post, The New Republic, The Nation, and The New York Times. He and co-author Scott Poole bring Walter Edgar’s South Carolina: A History up to the present.

March 27 - Bill Noel (The Pier) at Sea View Inn The Pier picks up right where Folly left off without missing a beat. News of a suicide is the topic of discussion at a housewarming party for Chris Landrum, the newest resident of Folly Beach, a small barrier island off of historic Charleston. While certainly unfortunate, a stranger’s death has no significance for the recently retired Kentuckian, until a friend convinces him the fatality could not have been suicide. Noel excels at murder mysteries with suspense, humor and a little romance thrown in.

14 COASTAL JOURNAL

15 COASTAL JOURNAL