Don’t Blink Now..Life is happening (You may cry)

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“Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away. Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away”
– Elderly Woman Behind a Counter in a Small Town – Pearl Jam

I was walking the beach one evening. The air was crisp, the waves crashed in the distance and the reflection of the stars off the face of the ocean created a mystical light show reinforcing the wonder that is all around us.
It was in the moment, deep in thought that I reminded myself of the importance of perception. We all have good and bad in our lives. It is those that can soak the positive energy that feel the presence of true happiness. We all have the ability to feel the goodness of a warm breeze and the scent of fresh lilacs. When we are overpowered by the negative, we often fall into an abyss which we cannot return from. I enjoy swimming in the positive.Advertisements

In all the frailty of existence we must continue to take advantage of this gift of life. To often we exhibit behaviors of greed, addiction, laziness, routine and denial instead of embracing the endless path of adventure knocking on our door. 

Each breathe is a miracle.
Every step is the beginning of a new journey.

Life is as fragile as a bird in flight guided by the freedom of the wind but subject to the poisons that surround us. As we grow, we become aware of our senses and capabilities and begin the journey that will create a unique path that will be looked back upon for generations to come. Others will learn from the choices we make. Our pathway is a personal adventure of discovery, one that will force us to make decisions that will shape the next move in the chess game of life.


Our very being is a shelter for mind, body and soul, protected from the elements but aware of the piercing pain the thorns can inflict. This being will be forever etched never to be forgotten. 

How often are you asked the question “What are you skills?” whether that is on a date, an interview, in casual discussion or in a personal moment of reflection. As we are raised, our mental capacities become more aware of our surroundings and capabilities. Like superheroes, we start to see areas of excellence that sets us apart from one another. Once we have discovered these gifts, we have a duty to utilize them for good. No good for ourselves alone but the good we can bestow on others and the legacy we leave as our footsteps are washed away by the oceans powerful waters.

In the blink of an eye, life begins

Crawling across the room, falling and laughing
Building a fort out of a cardboard box
Playing on the swings
Going to camp and leaving your parents for the first time
The innocence and passion of the first kiss
Hitting the game winning shot in the State Championship in front of a thousand screaming fans
Holding up that diploma with pride and seeing your family weep in tears of happiness
Sitting up at 2 AM writing a paper and feeling the pressure of responsibility
Making decisions about your future for the first time
First day on the job
The grief of watching a loved one lowered into the ground
Falling in love
Declaring forever your dedication to the person you will spend all eternity with
Welcoming a new life into this world as you looking into the baby blues of your newborn
Watching your children run around the house
Waving them off to school for the first time
Watching the car pull away as they begin the next phase of their lives
Sitting on the rocking chair, sipping ice tea and remembering why you fell in love in the first place.
Watching the setting sun…

Life is a dream.
It is a series of opportunities to make imagination a reality
It gives you the potential to reach for the stars or lay under them with someone you love

Don’t forget to dance…The music is all around you.

10 Fastest Growing Cities in the United States – New Video

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Travel Planner has created a video around the massive population shift.

Here are the 10 fast growing cities in the United States

Where does Charleston fall on the list?

10 – Charlotte, North Carolina

9 – Phoenix, Arizona

8 – Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas

7 – San Antonio, Texas

6 – Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida

5 – Houston, Texas

4 – Charleston, South Carolina

3 – Orlando, Florida

2 – Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

1 – Austin, Texas

To all the Charleston moms: It was always you; my child, my new hope – Original Poem

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By Mark A. Leon

Let your heart be your guide
Its an unspoken truth led by the power of the soul
It is a journey unexpected; undiscovered
Often unfulfilled

I know you
I always have
A shining light; an evening star

Born to shine
That is what we saw looking into your eyes
A glimmer of wonder
A prayer for the future

You carry us with you in that pouch of rainbows and smiles

As you look behind, I see independence more powerful than the wind
A child no more
The force of a hurricane
The gentleness of a flower showered by a morning mist
As beautiful as a bed of roses in an open field
You are but a natural wonder created from the heavens

We can teach no more; nor have we taught at all
We learned from each other
In sickness and health; tears and laughter; triumph and defeatAdvertisements

We saw a world together from coast to coast, cheek to cheek

I can’t imagine my journey without you
You bore my second chance
Gave me hope when I lost my way

Somehow you knew
Without the ability to walk or talk, you knew

It was always you
Every day; in every way
It was always you

You will always be the rainbow penetrating grey skies
A warm ray energy intensifying this beating heart

Go on now
Go on and don’t look back
Be infinite leaving footprints in the sand

Top National Balloon Company to Open Doors in Prime North Charleston Location – Balloon Therapy Charleston

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Balloon Therapy, the nation’s premier balloon installation and event company, has announced that it will be opening the doors of its newest location in North Charleston, South Carolina, at 3125 Ashley Phosphate Road, Suite 118. The grand opening will begin at 10:00AM on February 1st.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your party or event with a dramatic balloon garland, stand out from the crowd with our signature 5’ tall metal balloon numbers, brighten someone’s day with a fully-customizable unique balloon bouquet, or simply stand out with some of our memorable 36” accent balloons, Balloon Therapy Charleston is sure to quickly become the Lowcountry’s go-to for special events!

“We are so excited to use our fun, different, edgy displays to bring joy and excitement to our customers here in our city. After all, who doesn’t want a unique and memorable badass display at their event or party?”
– Chad Woods, Owner of Balloon Therapy Charleston

That past two years have been challenging for all of us to say the least as we had no choice but to pivot into the land of Zoom meetings, virtual education and FaceTime visits with our loved ones. But there’s a party at the end of the tunnel in the form of fun live events and memorable in-person celebrations. And it’s filled with balloons!

About Balloon Therapy
Balloon Therapy is a Dallas, TX-based company with franchise locations across the country, the newest being in our very own North Charleston. For all inquiries, please visit BalloonTherapyChs.com or contact Chad Woods, owner, directly at chad@balloontherapychs.com.

For all the Charleston Lovers: The Heaven I Found in You – Original Poem

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By Mark A Leon

My love lays silently waiting for my kiss in the darkness

A wind blows the light on the windowsill waking up the moonlight and exposing the silouette of my baby resting; a sight for these sore well traveled eyes

Heavy and old, now light and free at the dim sight the rests before me

I stay hypnotized
Frozen to the beauty by my side
Words void in this moment of reunion
Each one a new beginning

My words and songs are my own reminder of how much I miss her by my side
They are for me
The audience is a humble distraction

Someday others will know the heaven I already found in you

My love
My inspirational force nestled inside

I close these weary eyes to hear the harmony of your breath echo off the satin pillows massaging the wavy hair to your side

I still feel the fire burning inside as I counted the hours, minutes, seconds I’d return and the flames would subside

I’m home now
Under these sheets I’ll slide
The touch of your skin
The longing to be inside

Heaven is warm
Heaven is safe
Heaven is a reminder to thank the moments you are by my side

Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina receives major Growth Grant from National Endowment for the Humanities For Film Series

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Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina will begin free public screening events Sunday, January 30th, at 3:00 pm with a local premiere of their award-winning docudrama, John Laurens’ War, in partnership with the Calhoun County Library. The film series will be free of charge. Following screenings, South Carolina scholars and creators of the films will answer questions from the audience. The series will be on Sundays from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm.   Due to the pandemic, the events will take place in the banquet hall of the Calhoun Hills Golf Complex to allow a larger audience and social distancing.   

The non-profit film and theatre company has received a major Growth Grant from South Carolina Humanities, www.schumanities.org. Funding for the Growth Grants has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the NEH Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) initiative.

Screenings of the award-winning films will take place across the state throughout 2022. Calhoun County dates and films are: 

  • January 30 @ 3:00 pm – John Laurens’ War – young officer fights to outlaw slavery ninety years before it ended
  • February 27 @ 3:00 pm – Frederick Douglass, No Turning Back – former slave becomes major US statesman
  • April 3 @ 3:00 pm  – Calls to Greatness – US History – seven brave heroes tell their stories
  • June 26 @ 3:00 pm – All For Liberty – Swiss freedom fighter and his family discover the cost of freedom 

Clarence Felder, Executive Producer and co-star in the films, is grateful for the support from the Growth Grant. “John Laurens’ War was released this past summer, world-wide, through our distributor, Bridgestone Multimedia Group (BMG Global), This series is a great opportunity to premiere this docudrama locally and share an astounding story of a brave young man from Charleston in the War for Independence.” 

Felder also stars in a previous American Revolutionary War film, All For Liberty, about local hero, Captain Henry Felder, which also won nine international film awards and has been in world-wide distribution with BMG Global for seven years.  

“We’ve screened other projects at the Calhoun County Library, and are thrilled to begin this Great American Heroes Series,” added Chris Weatherhead, Producer/Director of the films. “We’ve found many inspiring stories of people who risked their lives and families to fight for the many freedoms now guaranteed in our US Constitution.”  

“These are phenomenal, quality productions” said Kristen Simensen, Director of Calhoun County Library. “The opportunities that have been afforded to our patrons over the years by Actors’ Theatre and SC Humanities have been truly incredible. We always have very positive feedback from attendees.” 

More information about each film is available on the Calhoun County Library website and Facebook page (calhouncountylibrary.org and @calhounlibrarysc) and on ActorsTheatreOfSC.org. (also Facebook)Although the screenings are free, reservations are required as space is limited.

 In the event of a pandemic challenge, the Library will attempt to notify all audience members of a new date. 

To reserve call 803-874-3389

 Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina is a professional film and theater company celebrating 26 years and dedicated to producing new works by South Carolinians, fine literature and unsung American Revolutionary War heroes from South Carolina. They have won twenty-two international film awards and three national historical awards (SAR & DAR) for their films.

The Calhoun County Library is located in the heart of St. Matthews, South Carolina.  The library is committed to optimizing library services, strengthening community involvement and exemplifying strategic stewardship throughout the various communities in our service area, including St. Matthews, Fort Motte, Sandy Run, Cameron, Lone Star and areas beyond. The library receives county, state, private and grant funding. It is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Calhoun County Council. 

 



Warrior Surf Foundation announces Workout for Warriors

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Warrior Surf Foundation (WSF) is excited to introduce their new Workout for Warriors campaign. For the months of January and February, WSF will partner with local gyms, spin and yoga studios, and a portion of new memberships during these months will go directly towards their surf therapy, yoga and wellness program for local Veterans. Gyms onboard as of now include Chucktown Fitness on Johns Island, Cycle House on Daniel Island and Grit Box Fitness downtown. 

Other gyms will be hosting workout classes and donating a portion of registration fees to WSF. 

Be sure to follow @warriorsurf on Instagram and Facebook for updates, including which gyms are participating and raffle opportunities. 

Other fitness studios and gyms interested in participating should contact avery@charlottebergerpr.com,

For more information about WSF, visit warriorsurf.org

Charleston Nonprofit, Be a Mentor, Partners with National Company, CreatD, To Drive Nationwide Change and Awareness

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JANUARY 20TH, 2021 – NORTH CHARLESTON, SC Be A Mentor (BAM), a non-profit children’s advocacy organization, is excited to announce its partnership with CreatD, a nationwide technology platform that is built to give creators a voice to enact positive change.

Commented Laurie Weisberg, co-CEO of Vocal’s parent company, Creatd, “On a human level as much as a professional one, I have a deep appreciation for Be A Mentor and their vision of drawing upon the strength of community to lift up at-risk youth. On behalf of the entire Creatd team, we are thrilled to team up with Be A Mentor for this Challenge, and support their critical efforts by lending Vocal’s communities, voices and unique storytelling power.”

Be A Mentor, will use the partnership to ignite change throughout communities all across the nation using their reflections on how Mentorship impacted peoples lives. Board Chair, Joe Waring and his wife, Silvia Waring, have generously matched CreatD’s giving of $5,000 to make a $10,000 impact on our local community. A nationwide partnership is Be A Mentor’s first step into reaching more youth and continuing the mission to provide every youth with a caring adult Mentor. 

Currently, Be A Mentor is serving the community through both virtual and in-person mentorships to over 300 children in the Charleston area in 26 of schools. 

For high-resolution photos and media inquiries, please click here (hyperlink to google doc with photo selection)

To help support this initiative, sign up for the CreatD platform to enter your own Mentorship story.

About Be A Mentor:Founded in 2004 as an initiative of the Charleston Leadership Foundation, Be A Mentor (BAM) just completed its first year under 501(c)(3) status and now operates as an independent nonprofit organization. BAM strives to enable youth to develop positive relationships with caring adults to empower them to reach their full potential. With the support and partnership of the City of Charleston and Charleston County School District, BAM mentors work with over 300 students annually across K-12 grade levels in 18 local schools. Since its inception, BAM’s efforts have resulted in recruiting and referring thousands of new mentors to fill programs as well as provide mentors for partner organizations. In addition, BAM has partnered with numerous community and business organizations to recruit and support mentors. For more information, visit www.beamentornow.org

Charleston Housing Market in Review – Trends since 2019

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Median Sale Price

  • 2021 Median Sales Price $406,450
  • 2020 Median Sales Price $337,772
  • 2019 Median Sales Price $297,033

Average Price per Square Foot

  • Dec 2021 Avg Price/SF $224
  • Dec 2020 Avg Price/SF $190
  • Dec 2019 Avg Price/SF $175

Homes Sold

  • 2021 Home Sold – 19,024
  • 2020 Homes Sold – 17,411

Available Supply

  • Dec 2021 Month Supply Homes 1.0
  • Dec 2020 Month Supply Homes 2.6
  • Dec 2019 Month Supply Homes 3.9

Days on the Market

  • Dec 2021 Avg Days on Market 22
  • Dec 2020 Avg Days on Market 48

Source: EXP Realty

Top Places to Live in South Carolina – 2 New videos

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Video #1: In this video, I’m going over the top five places you should consider living in South Carolina. Now, keep in mind this list is not ranked in any particular order, and put together from research and my personal recommendations. Of course, I’m saving the best for last!

Top 5 List Include:

  • Charleston, South Carolina
  • Lexington, South Carolina
  • Rock Hill, South Carolina
  • Greenville, South Carolina
  • Aiken, South Carolina

Video #2

The great state of South Carolina has something for everybody. Having lived there for 20-plus years, I can attest to the number of cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes and incredible people that can be found in the Palmetto State.

  • Charleston
  • Greenville
  • Mount Pleasant
  • Rock Hill
  • Lexington
  • Bluffton
  • Hilton Head
  • Fort Mill
  • Tega Cay
  • Summerville