As I write this, the door bell is ringing and the husband is doing due diligence on the front door. The grand boys are old enough now, to be off doing their own thing, and the littlest of the littles still isn’t walking yet, so I don’t anticipate seeing him in his halloween glory. Would be a nice surprise though.

I will admit that I don’t do much decorating for Halloween. Oh I did get some pumpkins for the front stoop, and worked them into my sad containers, that have been sorrowfully neglected since I found out I have West Nile virus. We have had such beautiful weather here but, not a drop of rain in two months. Until yesterday. I have been very negligent in watering because I haven’t wanted to party with the mosquitoes. We usually have a hard freeze long before now, but not this year. But, I’m done!!!!! And so are my containers.

Three years ago we had the pleasure of walking the streets of Charleston just a few days before Halloween. Whenever I am in a historic city I like to imagine what the stones could tell me. The stories that are hidden in the cracks and crevices, behind the doors and walls, the surprises around the next corner.

Some of the homes were quite elaborately decorated for Halloween. Sadly we were driving in heavy traffic. I wasn’t able to get good images, but it gave me such a thrill and set the tone for our walk about town.

This was my second visit to Charleston and we parked the car at Slightly North of Broad. I loved the sign!!!

Because I had been to Charleston before I felt I had a handle about where we were, and what direction we should go. Nope not so much. I got us soooo turned around and we ended up walking miles out of our way. But come on it’s Charleston, does it really matter. The window boxes, the doors, the iron, all that Charleston brick, and those gas lanterns everywhere. Charm with every step.

These tree roots were just growing up out of the sidewalk. Yes it made it a bit dicey from time to time. But then you turn your head and you say to yourself What’s This? Hmm I wonder where that leads. Well probably not for me because you know, there happens to be a gate between me and the wonderful.

But oh look at that, the little boxwood hedge, and the checkerboard grass, the bricks with the pergola, and that table just waiting for me to come and help myself to some sweet tea. Not really, I don’t even drink sweet tea. I’m sure the owners would have been surprised to find me there. In my dreams! As I longingly step away, it only takes a few more steps for another pleasure for my eyes to behold.

Right there, a foot away from me, an open door. Really, this was the biggest What’s This! Restoration, well hmm, this is right up my alley. I could just walk right in and have a walk about. I could design the whole space and actually spend time in this marvelous home, with its carefully padded staircase and covered treads. I so wanted to shout hello is anyone home? Pick me, let me come and help you turn this into a home. My fantasies were running wild. Of course I had that needle across the record noise, going off in my head when the husband said come on. At that moment I felt like a little kid that wanted to have a tantrum. But wait, NO it’s calling me. It wants me. It picked me! But no I had to leave it behind, and I will never forget that moment.

These three photos were taken from the sidewalk. I didn’t actually enter. Darn!

We found ourselves in an art gallery filled with beautiful local art. The husband plopped himself on the couch, and proceeded to visit with the gallery owner, while I wandered to my hearts content. When I got to the back of the gallery I noticed a patio, there were paintings in the garden and of course, I had to treat myself to that experience. Something about so much vivid art popping off the foliage was so special. I had a similar experience while in Frederick Maryland once, at a tiny gallery. Gotta love these surprises.

Loved this bronze sculpture with the dog. Quite large. Sure would make quite the statement.

Weaving our way down Meeting Street we came upon St Michaels Church built in 1761 and the doors were open! Last time I was here they were locked up, so I was excited to see inside. It didn’t disappoint.

And then of course there is the attached cemetery. How do feel about cemeteries? Do they creep you out, find them fascinating, or do they give you a sense of peace? They definitely don’t creep me out. I find them so fascinating, particularly really old ones. I love to read the old headstones, that time and weather have just about ground to dust. This cemetery was no exception.

My thoughts this week have been more focused on Christmas decorating and thinking about what I might do differently this year. I have a flittering of an idea here and there and we shall see if any of it comes to pass. Hope you had a great Halloween with all the little people.

Thanks for stopping

Shelley