Month: October 2016

Dare To Be Great – Quotes of Inspiration

October 19, 2016 by 0 Comments
Helen Keller
Helen Keller

“Life is not about discovering our talents; it is about pushing our talents to the limit and discovering our genius.” – Robert Brault

“Nobody ever drowned in his own sweat.” – Ann Landers

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you can dream it,you can do it.” – Walt Disney

“Promise yourself to live your life as a revolution and not just a process of evolution.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

“To the question of your life you are the answer, and to the problems of your life you are the solution.” – Joe Cordare

“Seventy percent of success in life is showing up.” – Woody Allen

“In response to those who say to stop dreaming and face reality, I say keep dreaming and make reality.” – Kristian Kan

“Dreams are free, so free your dreams.” – Astrid Alauda

“Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” – Veronica Shoffstall

“Don’t let anyone steal your dream. It’s your dream, not theirs.” – Dan Zadra

Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa

“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die tomorrow.” – James Dean

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” – Pablo Picasso

“The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms; and to confide in one’s self, and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course.” – Michelangelo

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things.
They push the human race forward, and while some see them as the crazy ones,
we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world… are the ones who do.” – Apple Ad Campaign

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”  –Robert Frost

Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” –Wayne Gretzky

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” –Michael Jordan

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” –Babe Ruth

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore, Dream, Discover.” –Mark Twain

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” –Alice Walker

“Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” –Pablo Picasso

Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” –Mark Twain

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you have imagined.”–Henry David Thoreau

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” –Theodore Roosevelt

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” –Anne Frank

“Limitations live only in our minds.  But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” –Jamie Paolinetti

“You become what you believe.” –Oprah Winfrey

Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein

Is Poverty the New Black (What Are Millennials Seeing)

October 18, 2016 by 2 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

I was recently having a discussion with a friend who just had an offer accepted on a house where her and her boyfriend will be moving into and living together for the first time since they began their courtship 10 months ago.  We naturally led the conversation to marriage and she gave us a timeline for engagement, wedding and honeymoon based on their collective financial situation.  I asked where was the romance and spontaneity.  She turned and smiled and said, “that is all that is planned.  The how and exactly when is up to him.”

Last week I spoke to an HR manager in Malaysia about new graduate hiring and asked what the significant challenges were.  She said that offers are extended but candidates don’t accept for one or two months.  When I probed further, she explained that they want to travel and see the world before they start work.

Now I started to put the dots together and looked back at some recent publications around millennials.

Here is what I found out:

  • They are choosing to move to the big cities where they can barely afford to live and eat for the sheer excitement and challenge of urban city life.
  • Their primary motivators are not money, but challenge and making a difference
  • They are bound to a life without limits where new terrains, geographies and hobbies are a way of life.

More research needed.

Several years ago, I was a prominent local area host for couchsurfers.  For those that do not know, couchsurfing is a global community of travelers and hosts that offer temporary housing and assistance at no cost.  Often a gift or meal is shared.  It is a free-spirited approach to travel and engaging in new relationships.  I found my experiences rewarding and diverse.  I hosted couples, bands, mother and daughter teams, individual travelers, gays and lesbians looking for answers and people just looking for a new beginning.  From Sweden to Belgium, Spain to Brazil; they came from all over the world to share stories and experiences.

All my life, I was raised by my father’s generation to make money, save it and then make more.  It was always about the net worth.  I fought off that thinking after graduate school, but a part of me still understands and thus I have created a due thought process on money.  It is good to save, but also good to enjoy the virtues it offers.

Now, why is poverty the new black?  I don’t know the exact answer, but would like to offer some unsubstantiated theories and observations:

  • We could say that the new generation puts less emphasis on family and religion and focuses more on personal discovery
  • We could also conclude that opportunities are more limited and for the first time, their parents will make more than them and they have come to that realization
  • Perhaps, they are inspired by innovation and to change the world, they have to see it.  Really, see it.
  • Money is an inhibitor.  We work to make money.  Work limits our ability to explore civilizations and untapped cultures.
  • Technology has given opportunities to discover on limited means.  With the onslaught of Uber, AirBNB and GoFundMe, we can see things we never thought possible.
  • Maybe, it is cool to not be judged by the size of your wallet and your social status.
  • The idea of save and explore sounds so appealing.  I spent an amazing five days in New Orleans with a friend a few years back.  We left on one day notice and drove 23 hours just because.  Today, she travels around the world building homes and helping in villages in impoverished communities.

There are many explanations and research studies that will draw conclusion upon conclusion, but in a way, that is what makes this new generation so powerful.  They are not victims of statistics.  They are individuals struggling to find an identity.

In a world where you can meet new people, share stories, create moments and find identity, money isn’t the answer.  A great pair of shoes, a smartphone, a warm blanket and an endless sense of adventure is all you really need.

Charleston’s New and ONLY Indoor Haunted House – Charleston Screams at Citadel Mall

October 18, 2016 by 0 Comments

Charleston’s New and ONLY Indoor Haunted House – Charleston Screams
Opening This Friday, October 21 through Monday, October 31 at Citadel Mall

Charleston, SC – Charleston’s new and ONLY indoor Haunted House, Charleston Screams, will open October 21-31, 2016 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at Citadel Mall. Experience the Historical Horrors of the Holy City first-hand with famous characters such as Black Beard and Lavinia Fisher. Charleston Screams is a local, family operated, haunted attraction on a professional scale. What started as a way to help the youngest family member diagnosed with a serious illness, socialize with his friends, became a dream that he wanted to share with others. Come get scared for a good cause.

Charleston Screams is honored to be supporting the Campaign for MUSC Shawn Jenkins Childrens Hospital Fund with 10% of all proceeds. Tickets are available at the door for $10.00 per person and this attraction is recommended for ages 10 and up. There will be a special Trick or Treat event on Monday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m. with “Family Friendly” characters.

Find Charleston Screams online at CharlestonScreams.com where you will find additional information on the business, our story, and the links to our Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and our blogspot.

About Citadel Mall:

Citadel Mall is located at 1-526 and HWY 7 in West Ashley. The shopping center features over 75 stores including Belk, Target, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Sears. Shopping hours are Monday through Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday: 12 noon to 6 pm. For more information, visit www.CitadelMall.net and find us on Facebook at Citadel Mall Charleston. Citadel Mall is leased and managed by Spinoso Real Estate Group.

About Spinoso Real Estate Group:

Spinoso Real Estate Group is a highly skilled real estate service firm providing a wide range of personalized services for the leasing, property management, analysis, repositioning, stabilization, master planning and development of retail-based commercial real estate.

 

From Vision to Reality: It Girls of Charleston – A Community of Acceptance and Friendship

October 18, 2016 by 5 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Charleston is changing before our eyes. We are a melting pot of
locals and transplants sharing diverse ideas and lifestyles. Finding true
and life-long connections is a challenge we all face. The It Girls of
Charleston has created a solution for the women of the Charleston
area. By creating a safe environment built on relationships,
community partnership and social engagement, they offer women in the
Charleston area a place to connect and find personal and emotional connections.
We had a chance to sit down with the founder/organizer Jamie
Sprenger to learn a little bit more about the driving forces that led to this
energetic community that will be hosting a Brunch and Bachelorette
auction to support the Children’s Tumor Foundation [1] later this
month.

CD:  What is the catalyst and driving force behind creating this networking community? 

JS: I moved to Charleston this past February and knew only one
person in town, my best friend. However, she is on call a lot, has a
serious boyfriend and her own group of local friends. I was very lonely and
wanted someone to go explore with, without having to bug my best
friend all the time. I searched online for social groups, but the
ones I found interesting either had no upcoming events, were composed of
members in their 50s-70s, or were co-ed. I was looking for an
all-girls group around my age range that was very active. Since it
did not exist, I decided to create one. In forming this group I’ve
found my true passions – organizing events, being a leader in the
community, and exploring Charleston with a truly amazing group of women.

CD:  What are the challenges your members face and how will this group help to reduce some of the pressures?

JS: 99% of us are not from Charleston, so we didn’t have any
friends when we moved here. It Girls is a place that fosters close
friendships. We also don’t know what venues are good (restaurants, hair
stylists, etc.) and need advice on where to go. Whenever we need advice on
local venues or anything Charleston related, we post in our Facebook group
and several people always respond with their feedback and
recommendations.  Some of us are finding it hard to adjust to life in a new city, away
from family, with a different culture and everyone else in the group
understands each other and supports each other. We are planning a
Friendsgiving dinner for those who cannot travel to their families
for the holiday.  Over half of us are single and are having a hard time dating in this
town. It Girls provides a safe space where no one needs to care how
they look or worry about getting hit on, because every night is Girls
Night. We can vent to each other about dating, get advice, and feel
like we don’t need a significant other because we have such a
great friend group.  A lot of us struggle with eating healthy and exercising. We created
a separate Facebook group for those interested where we hold each
other accountable for our goals and motivate each other. It is a personal
development group to improve physical health, self-esteem,
happiness, and well being.

CD:  What type of community engagement do you plan in the next year?

JS: We plan on organizing at least one large charity
event per year. Our first charity event is October 23rd at 5Church and it
is a date auction and silent auction benefitting the Children’s Tumor
Foundation. My childhood best friend, Alison Garrard, came to me
with the idea and we have enjoyed planning every detail of the
event and knowing we are making a difference in our community. We would
like to make this a yearly event. I also host a monthly book club, a
monthly murder mystery dinner, a monthly canvas painting night,
weekly wine nights, and sporadic dinners, movies, beach trips, girl’s night
out, exercise and dance classes, weekend getaways, Sunday brunches,
local festivals, spa parties, arts and crafts nights, and anything
else members suggest.

CD:  Does this group have a professional networking element, social or both? 

JS: The primary focus of our group is the social element. However,
professional networking naturally occurs as well. Members will post
on our Facebook group looking for recommendations for services, etc.
and if a member is in that business, she will comment, or if
a member knows another member in that service, she will recommend that
member. For example, a member was looking for a professional
photographer and we found three within our group. The purpose of the
group is to develop deeper connections than professional contacts,
however, professional contacts are naturally made as people get to
know each other and talk about what they do.

CD: What makes the It Girls of Charleston different from other
female based networking groups?

JS: It Girls fosters close, lasting friendships, not just activity
partners. We are a close-knit group – several smaller groups have
formed based on who clicks with who, of course – but overall the
people who come regularly are good friends with each other. We call
each other when we’ve had a bad day to vent over a glass of wine.
We chipped in to send a member Edible Arrangements when her father
died, and sent another member a spa day when she was stressing about her
sister being diagnosed with cancer. Most meetups and other social
groups (at least in my experience) do not focus on fostering
meaningful friendships, they simply focus on getting people together
to do activities with each other.  We are a lot more active than other groups. We do things multiple
times per week. Not every member comes to every event, of course,
but they have so many options.  I have been told by many members how amazed they are that our group
is not caddy, we don’t gossip behind each other’s backs, and we
are truly supportive of each other. We build each other up instead
of tear each other down. Despite how difficult it is at the beginning
to put ourselves out there with new people, we are all committed to
making genuine and deep connections. We all strongly believe that
having a close-knit group of girlfriends is essential to every
woman’s happiness.

Testimonials

“I’ve worked in predominately female environments all my life.  I’ve never experienced a group atmosphere of women who are so kind, generous, fun and genuine as I have in this group.  Everyone has your back; everyone is so open and you can tell that there is a genuine vibe of wanting to be there for each other.” – Rachel M.

“What you have built is amazing and inspiring.  I look at all these girls who have come together every day and know that you have made a place for all of them to become friends and be themselves.” – Alison G.

“Been feeling down lately wondering if I made the right decision moving far from home, but seeing all the different activities coming up is helping.” – Jami M.

 

From Vision to Reality

With an idea, a passion and a community that thrives on outreach and
relationships, Jamie Sprenger created a place where women in
Charleston can share thoughts, ideas, emotions or just feel a sense
of belonging.  It is that level of passion and innovativeness that has given birth
to the It Girls of Charleston. We expect great thinks from these
ladies.

 

Time Travelers Letter to You (Embrace the Now)

October 17, 2016 by 0 Comments

Dear Present Day Human,

This is a letter from the future to you today. I recently spent some time observing your behavior, interests and patterns of action to understand what went wrong. Let me jump right to the punchline. We are all screwed. At least those that are still human. We still account for 44% of the intelligence beings on this planet, but that number is dwindling. Back to the conversation at hand. What did you all do? Maybe the better question is, what did all not do?

After the last few weeks living among you, I have come to several conclusions:

  • Corn dogs are amazing.  Holy crap are they good.  You all should have like a corn dog eating contest and send the winner on an all expense paid trip to the Lamix Galaxy.  Wait, do you even know where that galaxy system is?  Anyway.
  • That Big Bang Theory is pretty spot on.  Geeks are the sexy ones now.  In high school, I was going to go to the dance with the most beautiful human and then I got a C on my lunar algorithm and advanced space measurement exam and she went will Xanbert.
  • I don’t understand your fear of spiders.  If you saw the size of them now….Moving on.
  • Money is cool.  We don’t have money anymore.  During the last equalizer period.  I believe you all would call that the apocalypse, all social status was destroyed and we had to rebuild from scratch.  Women took the helm because the men had their heads up their arses.  It seems that whole MMA spun off this death cage sports phenomenon which became our form of justice.  The male population slowly dwindled away.  We were pretty much there for sperm in the end.  We are starting to repopulate again though, but we don’t have much control.
  • How do you not see the signs people!  This thing you call social media where anyone can say anything and 10 seconds later it is meaningless.  It is killing you.  All of you.  You don’t know how to feel anymore and this is just the beginning.  Emotions are now something you read about in history books.  When a person says they are depressed, ignoring them is a bad idea.  When a singer talks of rape and killing, you should probably get them help.  Instead of hiding behind those mini electronic things, you may want to start feeling again.  I am not supposed to change history, but if I nudge it along in a better direction, who is to complain.  It sucks in the future.
  • Fast food.  I’ll make it simple.  If you can eat something that is 600 calories and 70 grams of fat in 2 minutes.  Let me make sure I add this up right.  You can eat 18,000 calories and 2100 grams of fat in one hour.  That would be 432,000 calories and 50,400 grams of fat in 24 hours.  I did have to use my brain chip number import device for help.  That is a very very bad.  Let me repeat.  Very very bad.
  • Have more sex.  I don’t know what it is, but it looks insanely awesome.
  • What is the deal with drug use.  Do you even know what you are talking about anymore.  It seems like it would make sense if it made you feel good or healed you, but it seems like if it looks like a pill or in a needle, then its cool to do.  Still don’t get it.  I am not even going to try.
  • The religious wars ended about 300 years from now.  I hate to give you a spoiler, but no one won.  Turns out we were all wrong.  I think the final tally was 5.5 billion killed and one goat.
  • Love your parents.  In a couple of hundreds years, your parents will look something like a test tube.
  • See the world.  We’re gonna destroy it all soon.  Seriously, gone.  All of it.  Pyramids, Grand Canyon, Mayan Temples, Towers, Miley Cyrus, all of it.
  • I saw that show Futurama.  It’s true.  So spot on.  So when you are close to dying, make sure you have a good haircut and moisturize your skin.

Here is the deal:

time2

I see people dying all around in wars, suicide and gangs.  Children and families killed for nonsense reasons.  Senseless death.  We live a long time now because half of our body is mechanical and we are a little numb in the caring department, but we still have some of the things you call emotions.  I have watched those people that tell stories of war instead of helping stop it.  Oh, yes, the news people.

All I notice is people sending messages about how bad it is or how sad they are, but there isn’t any compassion or action to help.  I look at many of you and I see myself.  I don’t like that very much.  I don’t like that at all.

I was born into this.  I was conceived in a lab, mixing body parts and metal to create what I am today.  I have searched through many dimensions to find the point where it all changed.

I’m finally here.  I finally found the moment where compassion began to die.  I don’t know how to stop it.  This is the first time that I’m lost in my journey.

I can’t tell you how to live.  To you, I am just another person among you in a crowd.  A passing face, a nameless being.  I will say this as my parting words:  Think about the future you want for yourself and your children.  If you see what I see everyday, I don’t think you want that future.

As I enter through my time corridor and return, I will go back with what you call “optimism and hope” when I return, things are different.  Things are better.

Sincerely,

Sam (Zerbling)

Lowcountry

In a Charleston Minute – Sangria, Fashion, Art and New Friends

October 14, 2016 by 0 Comments
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“I kinda wish I was cool….Well If you’re looking for an answer it’s gonna be found on your own.  And if you’re looking for disaster you’ll find it not being alone” Johnny Delaware – Charleston Singer/Songwriter

Hidden behind the Southern class, slow spinning fans cooling the hot humid air, historic cobblestone roads and plantation mansions, pleasant palmetto landscape, whispering sails on the harbor and traditional polite demeanor lies a part of Charleston sweating in color and life.  It is a canvas of creativity, individualism and an expressive independence you might find in the urban havens of New York and Los Angeles.  It is a place where fashion reigns high, sangria flows into the soul and social and economic status have no place.  This is the part of Charleston you need to know about.

In a Charleston minute, you will feel something rich and rewarding.  In a Charleston minute, you will find a friend in a corner you never thought to look.  In a Charleston minute, you will share a story with a homeless man and forget they will be sleeping under the stars later on.

This is one of those stories.

It was a perfect autumn Saturday in Charleston. 

Spring Street was alive with its eccentric population.  Still considered taboo by some and a thriving cultural awakening to others, you can always count on a unique sighting at each street corner.  From Wild Flour bakery to Sweet Radish to cans of malt liquor and cigarettes, Spring Street has an iconic feel no matter what side you are on.  On this morning, Red Rose Vintage Clothing, who shares a space with Wine Awesomeness, was hosting a Sangria and Vintage Clothing Sale.  At 9:30 in the morning, what better time to discover yourself in outfits that transcend the ticking clock and indulge in a fruity alcoholic delight.

Several outfits later behind a single black curtain and slimming mirror and a number of toasts to warm weather, wonderful friends and moments you never want to end, we had to depart.  Not without a smile and gracious thank you for the owner Amy Rose.

I returned several hours later, at the request of Amy Rose to share more sangria.  It was refreshing and the sun was still shining.

As I returned, I saw two girls leaning against the brick wall, with their trendy sunglasses, shirts and leggings and a look that screamed, “It will be alright.  It will all be alright.”  Kayleigh, with her tights, short skirt, hat, glasses, short hair and freckles stole the introduction as if she walked straight off the set of Perks of Being a Wallflower.  It didn’t take more than a few minutes to determine we would be BFF’s and eternal intellectual enemies for life.  As the best friend of Amy Rose, the two perpetrated the perfect odd ball relationship with one as the conservative business woman knee deep in business best practice books and the other the self proclaimed wild girl.  The third was a new addition to girls gone wine.  Lucia was found on the street wearing long black leggings and at that point enjoying a number of cocktails.  She was very proud of her boyfriend, local singer/songwriter Johnny Delaware as well as being a talented keyboardist.  After she changed and prettied herself up, she pranced out the door to Spring Street in her 3 inch heels and happily walked home.  We are sure later on she would lay in bed and be serenaded by her boyfriend and an acoustic guitar.

While taking in the sun in the outdoor patio area with a slight elevation made perfect for the setting of a band and dance party, we were greeted by an artist who designs and sketches names in 3D.  Whether he was homeless would not be determined.  We offered the gift of wine and company.  He declined as he had no money, but money would not be accepted here.  While he showed his works to Amy Rose, I examined Elton John vinyl and discussed the virtues of music, clothing and dreams.

Congratulations Bob Dylan on the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature: Words and Images Through the Years

October 13, 2016 by 0 Comments

“A poem is a naked person…Some people say that I am a poet.”

“A person is a success if they get up in the morning and gets to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.”

“All this talk about equality. The only thing people really have in common is that they are all going to die.”

“Being noticed can be a burden. Jesus got himself crucified because he got himself noticed. So I disappear a lot.”

“Democracy don’t rule the world, You’d better get that in your head; This world is ruled by violence, But I guess that’s better left unsaid.”

“Don’t matter how much money you got, there’s only two kinds of people: there’s saved people and there’s lost people.”

“I am against nature. I don’t dig nature at all. I think nature is very unnatural. I think the truly natural things are dreams, which nature can’t touch with decay.”

“I consider myself a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet and I’ll die like a poet.”

“I don’t think the human mind can comprehend the past and the future. They are both just illusions that can manipulate you into thinking there’s some kind of change.”

“How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man ?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand ?
Yes, how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they’re forever banned ?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.”

“I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.”

“No one is free, even the birds are chained to the sky.”

Happy Birthday Paul Simon: Your music transcends time and continues to inspire

October 13, 2016 by 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Many times of in our lives we hit a wall, a moment of weakness and vulnerability or a state of temporary depression or loneliness. Yet somehow we recover. We find something of comfort to take us back to that place of happiness or contentment. It is those non-material values that we lock away in the memory box in our heads that we reserve for those specific moments.

Life moves fast so taking it in can be overwhelming. I have a little habit or game I play when I take a road trip. I bring a pad and write down all the weird, unusual, funny, sad, sentimental or just bizarre things or events during the trip. After I return home, we read the list and reflect on truly how amazing that adventure was instead of summarizing it to ten hours on the road and a few statues and museums. Life is everywhere. It is the farms and cows on the side of the road in Indiana, the amazing homemade chili at a road side diner in Wyoming, it is the first view of the Chicago skyline, it is the desert ride from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and seeing all the things that are on the cover of the Sheryl Crow CD, the hundreds of billboards for “South of the Border” (that end up being more exciting than the site), the over friendly locals in the south, smell of dew on a cold Minnesota morning or a warm rainfall in Seattle.

Wow, I managed to get off on a tangent without actually initially getting to my point. That is impressive.

One of my boxed memories that puts me back in my good place is American Tune. A newly discovered classic by Paul Simon that takes a very personal look at his life and expands it out to the unimaginable depth and magnitude of our being. It is a song that when you close your eyes you feel something very strong and individualized within you.

I want to share one of my simple inspirations with you:

American Tune – By Paul Simon

Many’s the time I’ve been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and I’ve often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
Oh, but I’m all right, I’m all right
I’m just weary to my bones
Still, you don’t expect to be
Bright and bon vivant
So far away from home, so far away from home

And I don’t know a soul who’s not been battered
I don’t have a friend who feels at ease
I don’t know a dream that’s not been shattered
or driven to its knees
but it’s all right, it’s all right
for we lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the
road we’re traveling on
I wonder what’s gone wrong
I can’t help it, I wonder what’s gone wrong

And I dreamed I was dying
I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me
Smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty
Sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was crying

We come on the ship they call the Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the age’s most uncertain hours
and sing an American tune
Oh, and it’s alright, it’s all right, it’s all right
You can’t be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow’s going to be another working day
And I’m trying to get some rest
That’s all I’m trying to get some rest

I continue to think back fondly of the time my two brothers and I secretly stalked Paul Simon as he walked in mid town Manhattan with his tweed jacket and hat.  It was one of the full bonding moments I have shared with my brothers.  It goes without saying that sharing a live performance in Central Park in 1991 with 750,000 friends will stay with me forever.

Happy Birthday Paul Simon.  From all your fans, we thank you for six decades of thought, inspiration and spiritual awakening.

Your music transcends time and will continue to influence for generations to come.

Camp Happy Days Supports Local Children Battling Pediatric Cancer

October 12, 2016 by 0 Comments

Camp Happy Days Supports Local Children Battling Pediatric Cancer

Camp Happy Days assists the Brown family throughout the year.
Charleston, SC – Everyday 43 children are diagnosed with cancer. Camp Happy Days (CHD), a local Charleston nonprofit has devoted its purpose to providing services to children battling cancer and their families throughout the state of South Carolina with cost free year-round programs and activities.

Cherelle Brown and her family have been actively involved with Camp Happy Days since learning of the organization three years ago.  Brown noted that Camp Happy Days has given her family the understanding to know they are not alone. According to Brown, Camp Happy Days has not only helped Adrianna (age 9) come out of her shell but her and her husband find it easier to communicate with others about what Adrianna and their family are going through — stating that CHD has been a tremendous resource for parents to connect with one another and have a weight lifted off their shoulders.

“It’s just safe. You worry when your kids are at school, anytime that they aren’t with you. For the first time, and every year since, when Adrianna is at camp, I can be calm, I don’t worry, I don’t call. When they are at Camp Happy Days, I know they are safe- it’s truly the only time I am not worried about my children when they are away. Camp Happy Days has been a lifeline for my family and is one of the best things to happen to us during this difficult time.” (Brown).

Each year, Adrianna brings her little sister Bentyana 7, to camp with her. Camp Happy Days promotes siblings to attend camp together, as a time to bond and learn that they are not alone. Brown says her daughters’ bonds are unbreakable and that Bentyana is so protective of her big sister, offering help wherever they go.

Camp Happy Days raises all of the funds each year to support families like the Browns. One of Camp Happy Days largest fundraising event for children battling cancer is coming up in November. The Camp Happy Days Heroes of Hope Gala on Friday, November 4th at the Memminger Auditorium is a fundraiser and celebration of the 27th Anniversary of the Cabooty Party which was started by Allan Cabading, a childhood cancer survivor, longtime volunteer and supporter! The event directly benefits children battling cancer and their families. The evening is the biggest fundraiser of the year for CHD, and includes a dinner, open bar, live band, and a silent and live auction. The event begins at 7pm, VIP Early Check-in and Auction Previews are available at 6:30. Tickets will be $100 per person until October 21st. Please go to http://www.camphappydays.org/gala/ for additional details.

Why do we accept the love we think we deserve, not what we truly deserve – Editorial

October 11, 2016 by 0 Comments

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By Mark A. Leon

Do you want to be loved or do you want others around you to find happiness at your expense?
Do you want to settle or define of a life of happiness?

These are loaded questions filled with many options.

The pursuit of love is a passionate ride filled with bumps, obstacles and for some devastation. Too take another life and grant it permission to your heart, the most fragile thing in all existence is one so many of us are hesitant to do. You never want to willingly put yourself in a bad place and if you isolate yourself from emotional vulnerability, you won’t get hurt.

But if you do not live these moments, embrace the beauty in front of your eyes and realize that life is not about infinite happiness, but about individual moments that collectively make us infinite, then you are missing out.

What is it about our inalienable unconscious decision to settle that makes us so damn cliche in our pursuit of unhappiness and boredom that sets in and manifests itself into a slow journey to death?

Do we wake up one day and decide we no longer want to try?
Do we look in the mirror and realize this is the best we will ever be?
Do we accept that time is our deep rooted enemy and no matter how hard we try, they will win?
Do we just say, screw it. You like me, so why not.

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We all deserve better
We all earned better

We are all kings and queens. That doesn’t stop when you turn six and start seeing the harsh realities of life. That little boy and girl on top of the snow hill with the whole world in front of them needs to be you, always.

Ask yourself this: What moments defined you?

  • Was it a song?
  • Was it an event?
  • Was it a movie?
  • Was it a kiss?
  • Was it a tragedy?
  • Was it a success?
  • Was it the first time you felt scared?
  • Was it a quiet moment alone in reflection?
  • Was it when you looked in her eyes?
  • Was it the first touch?
  • Was it a line in a book?

Think very hard and don’t just remember the moment; remember the feelings you had and the thoughts running through your head.  You know what those thoughts were.

They were dreams, ambitions, ideas.  All things that make us great.  You wanted to run through the fields screaming in joy.   You know this.  You can feeling it all rushing back now.

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Find that again.

  • Find the first record that made you cry and cry all over again
  • Find the first boy or girl that helped you discover love and thank them
  • Remember your greatest accomplishment and then make a list of five more better than that and achieve them
  • Make a better tomorrow for yourself
  • Find love; true love; great love; infinite love

That is when you will stop accepting the love you think you deserve and starting loving the way you are meant to.