MISTY'S MORNINGS

On our second day in Charleston, we decided to head a few miles out of town to Middleton Place, a former rice plantation which is now a National Historic Landmark. The Middleton family first lived here from around 1705.  The three main houses were terribly burned during the Civil War and then two of the three were reduced to rubble in the Great Earthquake of 1886.  The plantation sits on the Ashley River, a tidal river that rises and falls six feet each day with the tides.  In the early days, the only way to reach Middleton Place was by riverboat. Touring the quiet grounds provided many moments for contemplation and rest. There were swampy areas and we even saw a small crocodile swimming.  We were told they have had one as large as 16 feet long.     We also learned about coots - a bird that is unfriendly to other birds  - thus the saying about being an old coot. Mr. Mark gave us an informative carriage ride through the bamboo forests and a...

Charleston is loaded with both charm and a sense of mystery. There were many secret alleyways.  My romantic imagination had fun creating possible scenarios that might have taken place down these quiet corridors. How many styles of shoes have stepped upon these cobblestones?   How many full length skirts swished by on their way to the evening's entertainment? We came upon this church on Sunday evening while strolling down Church Street.   The wreaths adorning the wrought iron gate caught my eye.    Upon closer inspection, I was amazed to realize that the flowers were real . This gorgeous touch was completely foreign to me.  It was not unheard of to have snow at Easter where I grew up. The floral cross was also made of fresh, fragrant flowers.  Simply stunning in person. Behind this church was an old graveyard.  We toured as respectfully as possible while oohing and ahhing at the impossibly old burial dates on the weather-worn he...

We spent our Easter vacation in   Charleston, South Carolina   this year.  I had never been there before but my husband assured me that I would love it and he was right.   We stayed in the historic downtown area where one can stroll for blocks and blocks just admiring the overflowing flower boxes and flickering lantern lit secret entryways. I kept thinking, "People live here?  Everyday?  In this sheer loveliness?" For someone, this is home. And this... And this... Even this... For Americans, this is an old city.  It became Charleston in 1783 but began as Charles Towne in 1670 in honor of King Charles II of England. *Speaking of England, will you be watching the royal wedding?  I will!* Well, that's it for the tour today.  If you come back tomorrow I'll share the more mysterious aspects of this alluring city in part 2 .  In part 3 I'll take you on a tour of a plantation which includes a 1,000 year old oak tree...

Mark 16:11-14 When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country.   They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. Later, as the eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed  those who saw him after he had been raised. Today, have the courage to soften your heart and believe a bit more than you did yesterday.   Happy Easter! Linking with Elizabeth on courage .

Last week's  entries for Easter  were so much fun for my very first link-up.  Thank you to all who participated!  I hope you will be able to find an image to share this week that says  mercy  to you in some way.  You may include words or simply an image in your post.   Remember to visit the one who linked ahead of you to share an encouraging comment! mercy *  Next week's theme will be "Mom" *

In honor of these three sacred days ~ the Triduum ~ I will not be posting anything new.  Instead, I wanted to share a few photos for silent meditation on the historical events being commemorated.  Again I owe all the photos to my sister who visited Jerusalem and took these images at The Church of the Holy Sepulchre .   Christ is crucified.  Known as the Latin Calvary. Christ is taken off the cross. Christ is anointed and prepared for burial. Christ is placed in the tomb. Venerated location of Christ's crucifixion.  People kneel inside the altar to touch the stone below. The rock believed to be the site of the crucifixion.