GETTING IN CHARACTER WITH MASTER STORY TELLER TIM LOWRY
LEDYARD BBQ: THE NEW PITMASTER ON THE BLOCK / PERSEVERANCE AND A PAINTBRUSH THE JEWELRY OF LIZ FLOYD / SPRING GREENS / ETIQUETTE: SAYING GOODBYE
A young family is authoring its own chapter in the story of a gracious, historic Summerville home. pg. 52
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azalea m ag a z i n e
spring 2021 Telling Tales Storyteller Tim Lowry
51 LIVING HISTORY Unexpectedly drawn back by the lifestyle of the town they left behind, Ashley and Ryan Wishman are at home on Sumter Avenue.
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THE STORY OF A STORY TELLER Azalea Magazine gets into character with Tim Lowry, Summerville's master storyteller
contents spring 2021
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43 23 06 Editor’s Letter 10 Contributors FIELD GUIDE 11 The Pineapple 12 Landscape 14 Etiquette-Funerals 16 Arts & Culture SOUTHERN LIFE 19 Southern Spotlight - Food 23 Southern Spotlight - Art 29 Southern Spotlight - Style
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29 COLUMNS 31 Natural Woman by Susan Frampton 35 Kids These Days by Tara Bailey 39 Life & Faith by Lili Hiser THE GALLERY 43 Spring Green This season’s collection is all about capturing the youthful optimism flaunted by spring’s light shades of green THE VILLAGE POET 64 Every Flower In Spring Has A Story To Tell
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editor's letter
Let There Be Light I haven’t seen the sun in a while. As I write this, we are in our sixth straight day of rain—cold rain. The sky has been a steady mix of dull grays and the earth feels like a saturated sponge beneath my feet. For many of us, the past year has felt much the same—dull, gray, cold. Life is not just about nourishing the body. Our souls need just as much sustenance as the flesh. Yet that hasn’t been very easy to get as of late. We’ve had to interact with others amid plastic barriers, smile behind masks, communicate through zeros and ones—live from a distance. Where is the sun? As much as it feels like it, the sun never left. It’s just a little harder to feel its full effects right now. The same way the clouds have dulled its rays, this virus has taken a dimmer to many of the things that foster our spirit. But this won’t last forever. Eventually the winds blow, the clouds part, and the light shines. As George Harrison said so simply in 1969: Here comes the sun do, do, do Here comes the sun And I say, it’s alright And when that day comes, hopefully we can all shed some of the trivial clutter, and rediscover the simple things that give us light.
Will Rizzo Editor In Chief
REVOLUTIONARY WAR VISITOR CENTER CAMDEN, SC
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Discover how South Carolina’s quest for independence turned the tide of the American Revolution. With the first permanent exhibit of its kind, the Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden tells the powerful story of the Southern Campaign and the valiant patriots with their hearts set on liberty.
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2021
SimplyRevolutionary.com
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Will Rizzo Editor in Chief will@azaleamag.com Dottie Rizzo Managing Editor dottie@azaleamag.com Susan Frampton Senior Editor Sara Frampton Copy Editor
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Jessica Maier Style Editor Contributors Tara Bailey Eliza Chapman Bailey Elizabeth Donehue Lili Hiser Ellen Hyatt Jessy Devereaux Mitcham Advertising Inquiries Susie Wimberly susie@azaleamag.com 843.568.7830
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DONATE TODAY Imagine…a place for all generations, for all occasions, for every season and every reason. Welcome to Stadium Park! Featuring
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contributors
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AZALEAMAG.COM Spring 2021
SUSAN FRAMPTON Writer & Editor
JESSY DEVEREAUX MITCHAM Writer
TARA BAILEY Writer
Never dreaming that anyone would read her ramblings, Susan Frampton scribbled her way through two wildly different careers before accidently becoming a writer. These days, when away from the keyboard, she follows the antics of her accident-prone husband, nurses pine-cone-swallowing wiener dogs, reads late into the night, and counts her many blessings.
Jessy is a writer and veterinary technician that was born and raised in Summerville. She enjoys spending her free time with her two children, Scarlett and Finn, exploring the outdoors, kayaking in the Lowcountry, and takes every opportunity to escape to the mountains with her family.
Tara Bailey lives in Summerville with her husband and three daughters, assuming the one in college comes home to visit. She has worked as a naturalist, a teacher, a writer, and an editor, balancing her love of the outdoors with her compulsion to alter sentences. She enjoys natural history, horror movies, and reads anything in print.
LILI HISER Writer
JESSICA MAIER Style Editor
ELIZA CHAPMAN BAILEY Writer
Lili Gresham Hiser was born in Charleston, SC and raised in both the Lowcountry and Central Florida. She invested more than ten years of service in the nonprofit/higher education sector and many years as Communication Studies adjunct faculty. She and her husband enjoy reexperiencing life in the South through the eyes of their young children.
Jessica Maier, a professional interior designer with a passion for elegantly simple spaces, lives in Summerville with her husband, new baby, and her trusty companion Rabbit the dog. She spends an inordinate amount of time preparing, eating, and talking about food. When she isn't up to her elbows in a new recipe—a daily occurrence—she's outside moving her body and enjoying the sunshine as she either hikes, runs, or paddle boards her way around the Lowcountry.
A Lowcountry Native, Eliza grew up up in Summerville and Mt. Pleasant. She currently resides in Summerville with her husband, two children, three dogs and two cats. An Elementary School Media Specialist in N.Charleston, Eliza has a BS in political Science from the College of Charleston, and a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of SC. In her spare time, she enjoys pretending to be an artist, jewelry maker and furniture refinisher.
A B R I E F L O O K at L O C A L C U L T U R E
The Pineapple
How this sweet fruit became the standard symbol of Southern hospitality According to historical accounts, Christopher Columbus discovered the pineapple on his second trip to the Caribbean, Guadeloupe in 1493. Pineapples became all the rage in high-society Europe. In 16th century Europe, one pineapple could cost as much at $8000 in today’s dollars.
In Colonial Charleston, sailors coming home from long voyages would spear a pineapple to symbolize they had arrived home safely. It was also an open invitation for neighbors to come and enjoy a meal or drink to exchange stories. Served as a dessert, the pineapple symbolized a family's status as an affluent member of society, as well as a symbol of their care for their guests. For those who could not afford to purchase the fruit, shops and merchants would rent pineapples for the day to adorn dining tables.
LANDSCAP E
field guide
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Spring 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM
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Testing the earlymorning-waters of Lake Moultrie in Pinopolis, SC
Dottie Rizzo
Photographed by
Lake Moultrie
Location
field guide
ELIZABETH DONEHUE
“Meet Elizabeth... arbiter of social graces. Passionate volunteer with a heart for hospitality and cultivating community. She lives in Summerville with her husband and three boys."
ETIQUETTE
Saying Goodbye If ever there were a time for decorum to be upheld, it is at a funeral service. Every family is different, and what may be protocol at one funeral may not apply to another. However, certain social guidelines are universal.
Who Should Attend If you knew the deceased, attending is an opportunity for you to remember their life and pay your respects. If you did not know the deceased but are close to the family, then it is a way for you to show them your support. You should not attend a funeral if you feel that your presence will make the family uncomfortable or if it is clearly a private event. Clothing As a general rule, conservative dress is the best choice for funerals. Suits for men and dresses for women are always appropriate. Historically, persons dressed in black to symbolize the period of mourning. While some choose to honor this tradition, it is not required. A good general practice is to stay away from brightly colored or highly decorative patterns. Punctuality Arrive 10-15 minutes early. The first and second rows of seats are typically reserved for members of the immediate family. All other
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attendees should sit in the remaining rows. If you arrive late, quietly take a seat in the back for minimal disruption. Once you are seated, it is important to remain so for the duration of the service.
such as “I’m so sorry for your loss." If you do not have an opportunity to speak directly with the family, you should follow up by sending a card. A sympathy note is also the ideal place to share your favorite memory of the deceased.
Smartphone Use Cell phones and smartphones should be turned off or completely silenced during the service. Do not use them until you have departed the event entirely. Signing The Guestbook Simply write your name and, if you wish, your relationship to the deceased. You may feel inclined to write a note of condolence, but this is not the place to do so.
Flowers, Gifts, and Charitable Donations You should not feel obligated to bring a gift to a funeral service, though sending sympathy flowers can be a nice gesture. If you decide to gift flowers, this should be done in advance. A local florist can help you coordinate the delivery of the flowers accordingly. In some cases, it may be more appropriate to donate money to a charity that the deceased was passionate about. Oftentimes, a list of charities will be included in the obituary or funeral announcement.
Speak To The Family After the service has concluded, express your sympathy and condolences. If you do not know the family, simply introduce yourself and give a brief explanation of how you knew their loved one. Keep your comments brief and sincere,
The rules of etiquette ease us through challenging social situations. Knowing the etiquette guidelines around funerals can help you feel more comfortable and provides an element of order that comforts the loved ones of the deceased. AM
James A. Dyal F U N ERA L H O ME
Full funeral and cremation services. Serving the Lowcountry since 1963. 303 South Main St. Summerville, SC (843) 873-4040 / jamesadyal.com
Dorchester Memory Gardens Mausoleum • Cremation Gardens • Urn Niches Beautifully landscaped and perpetual care.
11000 Dorchester Rd. Summerville, SC (843) 871-8080 / dorchestermemorygardens.com
Lowcountry Monuments Offering a wide variety of marble, stone, and bronze memorials accepted in all area cemeteries. We can also provide many statuary options for private garden or cemetery display. 11000 Dorchester Rd. Summerville, SC (843) 871-2016 / lowcountrymonuments.com
field guide
ART & C ULTURE
Renaissance Woman Alice Ravenel Huger Smith (1876-1958 , a leader of the Charleston Renaissance, immotalized the beauty and history of the Carolina Lowcountry and helped propel the region into important destination for cultural tourism.
The Exhibits Opening on March 1, 2021 and continuing through January 5, 2022 Middleton Place National Historic Landmark and the EdmondstonAlston House in downtown Charleston, SC will jointly mount a special exhibition of works by Alice Ravenel Huger Smith in connection with the launch of a beautiful accompanying book, Alice: Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, Charleston Renaissance Artist.
A Southern Experience "Alice" is a personal account of the artist's life and work that draws on unpunblished papers, letters, and interviews. It is enriched by over 200 illustrations of paintings, prints, sketches, and photographs, many shared for the first time. This hardcover volume about Alice Smith is both an important contribution to Southern art scholarship and a gorgeous addtion to the bookshelves of art and history lovers. Published by Evening Post Books in collabaration with The Middleton Place Foundation, net proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the foundation's mission to inspire, educate, and enact positive change through an understanding of American History. aliceravenelhugersmith.com 18
AZALEAMAG.COM Spring 2021
Works of Heart
Select works from the book and accompanying exhibits
Fields Prepeared for the Planting
Miss Josephine Smith in Oak with Peacock
View Overlooking Butterfly Lake and Mill at Middleton Place
Trees Over Marsh
The Coming of Night at Kecklico
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L I F E & C U L T U R E from O U R L I T T L E S L I C E of T H E S O U T H Finger Lickin' Ledyard Barbecue's award-winning ribs
Ledyard Bar B Que Co. is serving up original, homemade dishes in a beautifully renovated house in Knightsville, SC where the owner prefers everything to be customized; from the smokehouse built to his specifications to the self-taught pitmaster behind the smoker by Jessy Devereaux Mitcham
Featuring Up In Smoke pg. 19 / Perseverance and a Paintbrush pg. 23 / Natural Beauty pg. 29 / Natural Woman pg. 31 / Kids These Days pg. 35 / Life & Faith pg. 39 Spring 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM
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Up In Smoke Continued
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heyenne Ledyard is the definition of a Southern pitmaster, with an emphasis on “master.” Ledyard Bar-B-Que Company (otherwise known as LBC BBQ) all began with a certain disdain towards mustard, of all things. There are specific events and stepping stones in life that will lead an individual to where they are today, and Cheyenne is no exception. When he was still in diapers as a young boy, his innocence brought him to stand in front of the bright lights of the family refrigerator, where his curiosity took over and led him to take a full bottle of yellow mustard and empty all of its contents into his mouth. Yet not completely disastrous, it was an unfortunate event, and from that day, he would never look at condiments the same way again. Despite the obvious drawbacks to eating a whole bottle of mustard, one might say that it sparked a sort of “butterfly effect” towards the life path Cheyenne would take, and that path has proven to be anything but unfortunate. Fast-forward a few years to a good old fashioned pig pickin’ in 1998, Ledyard had been a significant member of the food and beverage industry for some time and was invited to help pull apart the meat after it was done cooking. He was more than happy to oblige, and didn’t mind the subtle benefit of sneaking a taste of the pork as he worked. Once the job was complete and all five of his senses had been engaged by the process, he was ready to reap the benefits of his work. Before he could dish out a single piece of unscathed pulled pork onto his plate, the entirety of what was once a whole hog was slathered in mustard-based barbecue sauce and the meal was, in his eyes, ruined. From one mustard-related incident to the next, Cheyenne had a decision to make: to live life without the joy of true Southern barbecue, or to take matters into his own hands, and he chose the latter. After deciding to forge his own path, Ledyard began to learn everything he could about barbecue. The internet was a fairly new concept at that time, and it was rare to even own a computer. However, being disconnected from the world wide web can prove to have its benefits, and he began to teach himself the old fashioned way--books. After studying the differences in cuts of meat, smoking methods, flavors and fire management, he was soon well-versed in what it took to create the most delicious smoked meats he could. Years of dedication led Cheyenne to an age of enlightenment. In his own words, “Barbecue is like being in a rock band. You have two types of rock bands: one writes and plays their own music, the other is a cover band. I was determined to be the former.” With this in mind, he began to form his unique brand by creating an original dry rub and a signature hickory barbecue sauce. Barbecuing is similar to any artform in that you must learn the proper techniques before mastering 22
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the craft, and Cheyenne is the first to admit that he did things a little backwards when it comes to perfecting his profession. His opinion aligns with many pitmasters that came before him in that there are two sides to proper barbecuing; one being the flavors behind your meat, which are important, but not as imperative as having a full understanding of what can be summed up as “heat management” as it pertains to the actual cooking process. He made his dry rub and barbecue sauce first, but that didn’t hinder him from seeing the importance behind the way the meat is cooked. For example, using gas and electric cooking methods lead not to barbecue, but to “faux-que,” in Ledyard’s words. Where the wood comes from is not a detail to overlook either, as the wood chips from hickory, apple, cherry, or pecan trees will each significantly impact the flavor of the final product in their own way. Another essential factor in the barbecue world is the temperature in which the meat is cooked; keeping the heat consistent is something that is often overlooked, but not by Cheyenne. He has learned, after years of practice, trial and error, that all of these factors combined is the secret to perfection. Perfectionism is not inherent, it is earned, and through years of determination Cheyenne Ledyard has perfected his recipes, smoking methods, and techniques, and his hard work has been paying off. He has custom-built a barbecue trailer to be able to join the competitive world of barbecue, and has taken home multiple first-place awards for just about everything he does, including his signature barbecue sauce, ribs, and burgers. His food has also been a mouth-watering staple at the food court at the North Charleston Coliseum for five years and counting. When the award-winning chef decided to open up a more permanent residence for his barbecue in Knightsville, he opted to completely renovate a house into a restaurant perfectly tailored to his needs as a pitmaster. He designed and helped build the water smokers that the restaurant uses in what is now known as the LBC Smokehouse. Cheyenne has a handful of people on his all-star staff to help serve his growing customer base, but he makes sure to personally oversee all aspects of his restaurant. He takes pride in knowing each ingredient that goes into his menu items, which are all his own original recipes. He confirms that every bit of meat that they serve is exactly what he intended it to be by being the only person to use the smokehouse. As far as what the future holds for Ledyard Bar-B-Que Company, only time will tell. Cheyenne is not willing to compromise the quality of his barbecue in order to expand his business, he would rather stay small and he has no problem in doing so, he is thrilled to be a part of the Knightsville food and beverage community, and plans on staying a while. Reflecting back to the mustard incidents, one thing is for certain: all of their barbecue is served with their homemade sauces on the side. AM Ledyard Bar-B-Que Company is located at 1426 Central Ave. in Summerville, SC Smoke Signals This Page: Cheyenne Ledyard in his custom smokehouse; inspecting the BBQ. Opposite Page Clockwise: the Gillies; the smokehouse; a sample of Ledyard's dishes; the Central Ave. location
Spring 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM
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Transforming Dreams...Into Reality One Coast Design is a custom interior design firm based in Summerville offering one-of-a-kind home furnishings and original framed artwork
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the southern
"Syzygy" Watercolor 22"x30"
SOUTHER N SP OTL I GHT
ART
Perseverance and a Paintbrush With the help of her community, the strength to conquer years of negative critiques, and an undeniable talent that exudes from her paintings, the artistic dreams of Madison Moga are beginning to come true by JJessy Devereaux Mitcham
adison Moga has a kind of natural gift and passion that most people will only ever dream about, yet over the course of her artistic career she has been plagued with her own inhibitions and an outpour of doubt from her peers and mentors. After a lifetime of trials and tribulations, Madison has fought through the skepticism by using her artwork as a visual representation of what can be achieved by believing in yourself.
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As someone who was never given the opportunity to showcase her creativity to the public, Madison jumped at the chance when Summerville’s community-based art hub, Public Works Art Center, put out a statement that they were searching for local artists who were interested in the studio space they had to offer. After the application process, Madison was approved and invited to join other local creative minds to join their collective studio space. Since October of 2020, she has been overwhelmed with support, a far cry from the cards she has been dealt in the past. Born and raised in a small town just outside of Chicago, Madison has long-since marveled at the beauty that life has to offer. Her love for antique architecture and her admiration for all things aesthetically pleasing began at home, with her family. Moga’s Spring 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM
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Perseverance and a Paintbrush Continued
mother and grandmother instilled in her an appreciation for art as early as she can remember. Sadly, her mother passed away when she was at the impressional age of only 12 years old, and while Madison has always enjoyed creating art, she began to use painting as a catharsis to help process her own emotions during such a difficult time in her life. She saw her craftsmanship as a means to soothe her mind and escape her reality. As the young artist grew, her talent continued to blossom, and she began to imagine how wonderful it would be to have her own studio space one day. Despite her passion, she was often secondguessed by various art teachers, professors, and other professionals in the industry, causing her to lose confidence in her own work. She was convinced by those who doubted her that she could never make a living off of her art, and opted to study architecture after graduating high school. Her fascination with design and her admiration of Charleston’s boastful historic district brought her from Illinois to the College 26 AZALEAMAG.COM Spring 2021
of Charleston in 2014 to continue her studies. During her college years, her confidence in her artwork dwindled, and instead of honing her own craft, she focused most of her energy on protecting and respecting the craft of artists and architects that came before her. She didn’t believe she could create her own work, so she instead concentrated on the work of others, and the preservation of historic buildings. Not believing she could create original compositions on her own, she would often take measurements of buildings so she could draw them to scale as an homage to the artists and architects behind the structures. Madison Moga’s world was again turned upside down while she was in her last semester of college, her father passed away. While she tried to focus on completing college, she was also in the middle of planning her own wedding, adding to the emotional stress of the time. Yet, Madison persevered. She graduated college with a 3.97GPA, and married the
State of the Art Madison Moga in her studio at Public Work Art Center; "All Bite, No Bark" Watercolor 9.5x12.5
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Perseverance and a Paintbrush Continued
" As she sketched and painted, she noticed the dwindling of those voices of doubt in her mind that told her that she wasn’t worthy of doing what she loved.
"
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man of her dreams soon after. While she was devastated to have lost both parents by such a young age, the need to release those emotions in a healthy way is what brought her back to her creative side. After graduation, Madison began painting again. It was like a flashback in a movie to when her mother passed away, painting so she could cope with her personal tragedies. As she sketched and painted, she noticed the dwindling of those voices of doubt in her mind that told her that she wasn’t worthy of doing what she loved. She pushed through any uncertainties that she was feeling and continued to create, with her artwork gaining attention from friends, then acquaintances, then to the community around her. Madison began to sell her original artwork as prints, stickers, and even sculptures on her Etsy page, building her fanbase while she built her portfolio. Madison Moga’s talent is indisputable. She
enjoys working with a variety of mediums to bring her own artistic visions to fruition; by utilizing acrylic paints, watercolors, and the occasional gold leaf or two meticulously pressed into perfection, her natural gift knows no bounds. She is a humble artist, yet is ecstatic to be able to prove her abilities to everyone she can, which is a fitting parallel to the juxtapositions of softness versus harshness that you can see in some of her artwork. Her artwork can now be seen at Public Works Art Center, where monthly exhibitions are held to display the talent of their studio artists. While this is just the beginning of her professional artistic career, Madison has finally been given the platform to make her claim in the art world, proving to all who doubted her that she is more than capable of following her dreams. AM Follow Madison on Instagram @neonknife_ Shop her artwork at www.etsy.com/shop/NeonKnife Commissions are always welcome by emailing her at neonknifefight@gmail.com
Animal Instict "Malachite" Watercolor 22'x30"; "Saint" acrylic and gold leaf on wood 10.75"x20"
the southern
Force of Nature Jewelry artist Liz Floyd; earrings made with antlers and feathers
SO U THER N SPO TL I GHT
ST YLE
Natural Beauty Inspired by the wonders of nature, Liz Floyd uses her own distinctive style to create one-of-akind jewelry. by Eliza Bailey
ost of us can remember our first find. It may have been a sand dollar, turtle shell, antler, heartshaped rock, or even bones. Though we may not have realized it, our eyes sought the extraordinary amidst the ordinary – the beauty in something shed or abandoned. Most of us placed our treasure on a shelf or in a box for safekeeping. Few of us had the vision or talent to reclaim these items and give them new life. Jewelry designer Liz Floyd has both.
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I met Liz on a brisk December morning that was not quite sweater weather but too cold for sandals. While Penny, the Jack Russell, enthusiastically greeted me, her two children jumped on the trampoline next to her backyard studio. Her husband, Hunter Floyd, sporting a "Trophy Husband" t-shirt and a twinkle in his eye, provided encouragement from a distance. It was evident that her endeavors were a family affair.
Liz, an artist and naturalist at heart, grew up overlooking Camel Top Mountain in Western Vermont. Her creative soul found balance and harmony in the environment. She was inspired by the imperfection of "organic life," the colors of the sky, the awkward twisting of a tree branch or ripples in a gently flowing brook. Liz found her way to South Carolina via the College of Charleston, where she double majored in Art History and Historic Preservation. One of her earliest memories was of sorting through her grandmother's jewelry box. Combining her education with that fascination, her interest in style, design, and texture, regardless of value, led her to create original designs not found in stores. "I started teaching myself over the years by experimenting with techniques and materials I liked, designs that I wanted to wear." Her signature look is not about fashion, but rather, the accessories. "I want my jewelry to stand Spring 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM
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Natural Beauty Continued
Second Nature A sample a Floyd's work and process
out, to showcase the pieces and not have them lost in the clothes. It's my way of expressing my style and mood." Jewelry is Liz's way of telling the world who she is without words. Self-taught, she designs pieces that speak to and about her in one breath. She aims to give the same voice to those who wear her designs. Marriage to Hunter brought her to Summerville and jobs that allowed her to grow but did not cultivate her artistic side. Encouraged by friends and family, she continued to make jewelry. Looking back, she views this time as a test. "I knew I needed to make a place for my creative side in some part of my life." Between the success she found in selling her pieces and her children's birth, she realized that she could pursue her creative side full time. Marriage also introduced the artist to the world of ethical, sustenance hunting, which takes an animal for nourishment, not for trophies and awards. As her freezer filled, she noticed the discarded remnants of cut
antlers, which she refers to as Deerhorn. She recognized the sliced Deerhorn disks' uniqueness and immediately saw the potential in incorporating them into her designs. "I remember seeing the cut pieces and thinking while she had seen jewelry made with Deerhorn, using the disks offered something new. I thought I could marry them with trendier designs that people were asking me to make." Working with the disks, she became fascinated with the intricacies of each piece. She carefully selects disks for their varying shades of creams and browns, then creates depth and texture by applying different finishes. Once completed, she uses the disks instead of semi-precious stones. They can be found standing alone in her more demure pieces and at the heart of her more elaborate designs. Larger statement pieces are often a combination of Deerhorn, feathers, copper, brass, wood, turquoise, beads, and leather, honoring the animal that graciously feeds her family. The discarded material is repurposed,
keeping her grounded, connected with the traditions rooted in past cultures, and still practiced today. Five years later, she still works at the workstation her husband built for her athome studio and continues to find inspiration in the beauty of nature. Looking toward the future, she is optimistic and encouraged by her business's success and has recently launched her own website. Keeping a manageable rein on growth allows her to spend time with her family without losing sight of why she creates. "My focus is to be able to value the time sitting at my workbench, listening to music, and making things I love." Her pieces are a lot like her—a unique balance of delicacy and strength. They are a subtle homage to Mother Earth and Sister Moon and a tribute to nature and the tranquility it inspires. AM Find e.k designs locally at Fly, Public Works,
Art on the Square, Celedon and Bashful Boutique, and at ekdesign.com.
the southern
Don't Pet My Peeve
N AT U R A L WOMAN
It's the little things that can make you crazy. by Susan Frampton
D
"Don't sweat the small stuff." It's one of the most-used phrases in our culture, the opening chapter title in every self-help book, and the mantra of calming apps on our phones. Given the state of the world, it is undoubtedly good advice. We have lots of things to keep us up at night. Covid, politics, race relations, cancer, global warming, and the economy. They only scratch the surface of the clear and present issues we find on our plates, and they're worthy of deep and profound thought. That's all well and good. But let's all admit it. It's the small stuff that really peeves us. By "us," I mean me. I've turned into a regular cranky-pants. These days, if pet peeves were wild animals, I'd need a zookeeper. Despite
my best efforts, the bars on the cage holding my menagerie of miseries could use some reinforcement. My family is sick of my rants. My dog hides behind the sofa. I don't even like myself very much. So, I've been looking for a way to release the beasts without anyone getting bitten. Recently, when I was too irritable to sleep, I tuned into late night television. Watching Jimmy Fallon write his weekly, tonguein-cheek thank you notes to boneheads gave me an idea. Doing the same might offer an exit route for the perpetrators of pet peeves that make me crazy. It was worth a try, so taking a page from the comedian's playbook, I set out to write my own thank you notes. Thank you, customer service representative at the return desk, for pretending I was invisible when I stepped up to your counter. It can't be easy to act as though someone standing in front of you with a
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bag and a receipt isn't there, but you made it look absolutely easy. I was so happy when you finally acknowledged my presence. It took a moment to realize you weren't giving me a refund because my receipt was from June. I knew that if I reminded you, you'd remember June and the other months you weren't accepting returns. It was so funny when the flames shot out of my ears. What a good laugh we had when you remembered. Way to think on your feet! Keep up the excellent work! Thank you, dude in the giant pickup truck, riding my bumper for five miles. Believe me, I understand! Sometimes, when I drink a lot of coffee, I get in a hurry, too. I'm sure you don't realize that I can't go any faster than the three cars ahead of me, so we're both kind of stuck. Lucky thing that I didn't get irritated and tap my brakes, or you'd be wearing a 2006 Pacifica bumper around your neck. That would have been uncomfortable! By the way, the driver approaching in the other lane when you finally passed all four cars at one time also asked that I give you a shout-out. He said he's sure happy he had that change of clothes in the car and that the nightmares of your giant grill heading toward him have almost stopped. You be careful out there, now. There are some crazy drivers on the road! Thank you, lady at the bank, unable to grasp the concept of lockdown. I'm sure that when you insisted my frail 89-year old father pop into your branch to sign a document that had already been signed, notarized, and mailed to you 2 months ago, you were thinking of "lockdown" as a trendy, longterm care facility word. I get it. This pesky pandemic has given us so many new rules to follow and new terms to learn. No, it was no
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inconvenience at all to drive 2 hours to discover that you had the paperwork all along. No, I was serious when I said, "Close these accounts," and yes, I'd like those funds in a cashier's check. Have a great day! Thank you, mask-less lady in the grocery store, pushing a cart of mask-less children. We're all fascinated by the fact that your kids will only drink organic almond milk, so thanks for loudly shouting it. I'm not sure if that's what they serve in the Critical Care Unit, but you can sure ask when you're admitted. Every time I look back on our chance encounter, I sanitize everything in a 6-foot radius and double up my mask. Thanks to you, I never forget! Love to those adorable, cleaneating kids! Thank you, gas stations offering a 10¢ discount to the .001% of drivers who pay inside with cash, and to those offering a special club price if I spend $25 in their store every month. It's like playing Go Fish when my tank is low, and I have to sort through the 14 loyalty cards and 6 club cards in my wallet to find yours. You're so smart to know that when my receipt doesn't print at the pump, I'll pop inside and spend way more than the $2 my loyalty earned me. I'll think about that while I'm enjoying my medium fountain drink, bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, and share size pack of Peanut Butter M&Ms. You're the loyal one! Whew! I feel better! They say that the art of writing thank you notes has gone out of style, but I beg to differ. From now on, when I feel the pet peeves rattling their cages, I'll know to reach for pen and paper and use a little thank you note therapy to send them on their way. Thanks, Jimmy Fallon! All the small stuff seems smaller already! AM
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More peace. Less pain.
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the southern
K ID S THESE D AY S
Father Still Knows Best by Tara Bailey
A
year or so ago I felt social pressure from people posting their kids’ college acceptances for everyone to admire. My child wanted the world to know that she, too, was no dummy, and would I please publicly announce her acceptance to the schools of her choice. So I did.
I recently recognized that familiar feeling as soon as COVID vaccine appointments opened up for seniors ages 70 and up. It seemed that all of my friends were sharing their joy and relief in getting their parents’ vaccines scheduled. I returned their elation and couldn’t wait to receive word from my own parents that they, too, soon would be getting jabbed. I wanted the date, time, and location of their appointments so I could finally count the days until I could hug them again. Being the intelligent, sophisticated,
internet-savvy people they are, it never crossed my mind that they would need help getting an online appointment. In fact, at nearly fifty, I’m the one who still calls them for help navigating strange waters that seem to get stranger the older I get. So, I waited for their text. And waited. Surely they had gotten up in the wee hours, fingers at the keyboard, ready to claim their time. We had talked the previous day about how excited we were that this was becoming a reality, and I made them promise that they would get online the second their eyes opened. It was comforting to know that my parents, ever-efficient planners, would be among the first in line. A text finally arrived from my dad during my planning period at school. It was inquiring about details of our beach trip at the end of June. See what I mean about planning? I ignored his question
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KIDS THESE D AY S
and went straight for the meat, asking if they had made their appointments. Knowing people were already securing slots far into March, I nearly panicked when he replied: “We just tried to sign up again in person at Ingles and were told we had to go home and do it online. The DHEC website is not very helpful. It says there are no available appointments in our area.” This was not part of the plan. And what in the world was he talking about? Ingles is a grocery chain in the Upstate, not a hospital. So I called him. “So far the vaccine is only being given at hospitals or long-term care facilities. Why didn’t you just immediately go to the DHEC site?” I felt terrible scolding my dad, as I should, but I was frustrated that I was denied my longawaited sigh of relief. As patient as he is organized, my dad explained that people in his age bracket were “well in the know” of where vaccines were being given. I frantically looked up Ingles and saw that it indeed was taking names - for a waiting list. I was still confused, because I had not seen nor heard a thing about Ingles. If I was unaware of it, it obviously could not be true. And I didn’t want them on an interminable waiting list, anyway. I pulled up the DHEC map of red and green dots with all the urgency of Liam Neeson searching for his kidnapped daughter and found some places in neighboring counties that were still taking appointments. I sent him links and, while still on the phone, shouted, “Chester! Lancaster! Columbia! Go, go, go!” By the end of my planning period I had put them on lists in three counties, and he had secured an actual appointment time a few counties away for March. It wasn’t ideal, but It would have to do. My dad texted, “Meanwhile, we’ll wait and see what Ingles says.” 38 AZALEAMAG.COM Spring 2021
Good news. Rates just got lower.
“Dad,” I said. “I really don’t think you qualify for a grocery store vaccine. I’ve never even heard of this.” I couldn’t believe I was at the stage of life where I had to walk my parents through such tasks, explaining them along the way. Had isolation done this to them? Or was it just that I had not seen them in so long? Were they getting…old? At least I had done my part as Dutiful Daughter. I let them know to “expect emails from Prisma and MUSC!” I also instructed them to forward them to me when they arrived - you know, so I could make sure the right steps were taken. Old people, after all. I also sent them a number for DHEC they could call for more information. I would not let my parents down. By the time school wrapped up, I was worn out. As rewarding as teaching is, it’s not exactly a relaxing job, and my emotional energy had been spent searching for the Ark of the Covenant all day. Though I had not yet found it, I was happy to be hot on its trail. It felt strange being at the place in life I thought was a bit further down the road, taking over details for my parents and worrying about their health. I was a bit concerned, but I also knew this day would come. This would be good mental practice for larger issues in the years ahead. I made a note to discuss estate planning with them when we finally got together.
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I closed my laptop and was putting on my jacket when I got another text from my dad. “Cancel the other appointments. We have one for tomorrow morning.” “Wow!” I texted back. “Is it the place in Greenville? Did they finally get in touch with you? I heard they were on top of things there.” “No. At Ingles.” Humbled, I smiled. Maybe not so old, after all. AM Spring 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM
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the southern
Feline Theology
L IF E & F A IT H
by Lili Hiser
S
ince my mom’s home is in a rural part of the Lowcountry, stray animals tend to show up. A couple of cats once decided the barn looked like a nice home, and soon kittens appeared! As fluffy and lovable as these cats looked from a distance, the sad reality was they were born feral, so the sight of humans made them run like wildfire! Home from graduate school, I helped my mom manage these new residents. Becoming overnight owners to dozens of untouchable cats was not the plan, but we saw them as God’s creatures needing care. In this unlikely place, a profound truth was waiting to be revealed.
attempts catching the same plump cats over and over, one morning I saw black-and-white fur in the cage and knew he was finally caught!
As the kitty population quickly grew, my mom and I made a spreadsheet of all the cats with one mission in mind. Our goal was to catch each one, take them to the vet, get them fixed and return them to the barn to enjoy life. Oreo, the most wild-spirited young male in the colony, had little interest in our tuna-baited cage. As the spreadsheet got shorter, my ambition to catch him increased. After multiple failed
Due to Oreo needing extra healing, we placed him in the laundry room of our house, much to his displeasure. He wanted out, and after the traumatic vet experience, I could not blame him. At first he was so skittish when we opened the door that he would hide, making me question if he had escaped. But as the days went on, we started to see more curious peeps of his black-and-white face from the shadows.
We took Oreo to the vet’s office and emphasized that he was a very feral cat. The tech assured us they dealt with animals like him often and he would be fine. Several hours passed, and we returned to pick up the newly neutered Oreo. The tech explained that the operation went well but when removing him from the cage he escaped their grip! Quite a pursuit went down, including him climbing a bird cage that gashed his thigh and required stitches. We were not surprised such an ordeal occurred, but we were surprised at what happened next.
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LIFE & FA I T H
Then something unanticipated happened. Somewhere between the good food and warm place to sleep, Oreo realized we truly were not there to hurt him. Oreo changed. In a short period he was well enough to move out from the laundry room–but not back to the yard. He moved into the rest of the house! It’s rare for feral cats to become tame, but Oreo had transformed into the most loving and affectionate cat any of us had ever witnessed! One of his most notable personality traits was his desire for eye contact. If he was sitting across the room and your eyes met his (even unintentionally), within a blink of his huge yellow eyes, he would run across the room, jump in your lap and bump heads, all while purring-up a storm! To this day, Oreo’s unexpected conversion left an impression that touched my very soul. Some may see feral cats as nuisances or lost causes. Sadly, some see fellow humans the same way- that many cannot change or that they are too far gone. God sees it much differently.
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In the Bible, Saul was a man who hated Christianity and persecuted Christ followers. Amazingly, he was changed by God, renamed Paul, and became one of the most influential followers ever. Another example is Mary of Magdalene who was possessed by seven demons. When Jesus healed and saved her, she became so close to Him that she remained for his crucifixion and was the first person He saw after His resurrection. Prior to their change, both Saul and Mary could have been considered outcasts or viewed as unworthy of love or mercy. But God has the ability to make all things new. Just as He transformed them, He still does this for us today. I believe that God uses animals to reach the places in our hearts that form our perspectives on life. Without ever speaking a word of our language, our fur babies (feral and otherwise!) can still teach us valuable lessons. Every time sweet Oreo locked eyes with me I was reminded we are never so lost or too “feral” that God cannot bring us around. AM Spring 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM
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A R T & S T Y L E for the S O U T H E R N S P I R I T
Spring Green The ushering in of spring has been noted as a celebration of new beginnings since antiquity. Trees bursting with buds, fresh bright blades of grass, and sprouting garden seeds are the hallmarks of new life’s arrival. by Jessica Maier
Let there be light! A brilliant pair of light green lam Laura Jones & Co. ($60)
It seems more poignant now than ever (explanation not needed) to welcome the refreshing new outlook on life that spring inspires in us by donning her lush and delicate greens on our bodies and in our homes. This season’s collection is all about capturing the youthful optimism flaunted by spring’s light shades of green like pistachio, soft mint, and ash green.
Let there be light! A brilliant light green lamp, that is. Laura Jones & Co. ($249)
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the gallery
Refresh your walls by displaying a beautiful collection of bird motif plates encircled by springy green lattice work. Laura Jones & Co. ($59 each)
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If you have to endure spring’s final gasps of cold air, you might as well look good doing it…not to mention feel good (100% cashmere, anyone?) Worthwhile($1,285)
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the gallery
Looks like leather, feels like leather, but it’s definitely not leather. This smart wine tote is made in Tuscany out of washable paper. It even patinas like leather over time. Uashmama ($26)
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This vintage gemstone ring will surely inspire (green) envy in all who behold it. Hanebrink Jewelers ($3,025)
ACCOMMODATIONS
FLOWERTOWN B&B
THE MAGNOLIA
LINWOOD
Built in 1889, the three-story Victorian house features beautiful antiques, artfully decorated rooms, a sitting parlor, gourmet breakfast, and extensive gardens and water features. Extended stays and special events are welcome.
Historic Home and Gardens.
(843) 851-1058 / flowertownbandb.com
stay@linwoodinn.com
SU MME R V I LL E, SC
A blend of modern amenities, spacious private suites featuring 14 foot ceilings and original heart pine floors. Easily walk to Hutchinson Square, shops, and restaurants in the Historic District. SUMMERV ILLE, S C
SUMMERV ILLE, SC
SHORT CENTRAL COTTAGES
COASTAL COFFEE ROASTERS
EVA'S ON MAIN
Located across the street from historic 'Short Central', each cottage features a full kitchen and unique Southern decor, perfect for experiencing Historic Downtown Summerville.
Your local coffee roaster, bakery and community spot. Enjoy select wines, craft beer, music, events and so much more.
Open since 1944, Eva's On Main is located in Downtown Historic Summerville and serves a Southern comfort menu for breakfast & lunch, with brunch on Sat. & Sun. Dine-in | Takeout | Curbside Pickup
SU MME R V I LL E, SC
SUMMERV ILLE, SC
843-212-2865 / StayInSummerville.com
843-376-4559 / coastalcoffeeroasters.com
843-873-5081 / evasonmain.com
SUMMERV ILLE, S C
FIVE LOAVES CAFE
PUBLIC WORKS ART CENTER
SUMMERVILLE COUNTRY CLUB
The cafe is known for daily specials and rotating soups, homemade condiments, & gluten free and vegan options. They have 3 locations that focus on quality, healthy, casual cuisine.
Offering studio spaces for artists, engaging exhibitions, art classes, music events, an outdoor market, a special event rental space, and so much more.
Family owned and operated since 1974. Open seven days a week. 18 hole PUBLIC golf course featuring an outdoor event venue, the Candlelite Pavilion, available for rent.
ARTS & CULTURE
FOOD & DRINK
FOOD & DRINK
ACCOMMODATIONS
843-212-2865 / StayInSummerville.com
SU MME R V I LL E, SC
843-804-9410 / fiveloavescafe.com 50 AZALEAMAG.COM Spring 2021 Y O U R
G U I D E
SUMMERV ILLE, SC
SUMMERV ILLE, S C
843-860-0742 / publicworksartcenter.org
843-873-2210 / summervillecountryclub.com
T O
S H O P,
D I N E ,
P L A Y ,
A N D
S T A Y
ANTIQUES AND ARTISANS VILLAGE
EVERYTHING CHIC
FLY MODERN APPAREL
A Fun Place to Shop! Home to over 150 vendors/consignors. Easy parking at 619 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville. Antiques, Vintage, Gifts, Local Artisans.
Everything Chic is a Southern gift shop full of eclectic home decor, jewelry, candles, furniture, and local specialty items. Our prices are reasonable and our staff is friendly!
Our promise at FLY is to deliver the best quality materials while giving you the comfort, fit, and style you desire. Each season FLY will bring you the newest trends.
SU MMERV I LL E, SC
SUMMERV ILLE, SC
SUMMERV ILLE, S C
843-900-5386 / antiquesandartisansvillage.com
843-879-2099 / everythingchicetc.com
843-225-3661 / flymodernapparel.com
LAURA JONES & COMPANY
LOWCOUNTRY OLIVE OIL
OK FLORIST
A home furnishings and accessories shop. We have a constantly changing showroom featuring beautiful furniture, garden elements, and thoughtful gifts with an acquired look.
Established at the Summerville Farmer's Market in 2011, family-owned Lowcountry Olive Oil now carries over 65 olive oils & vinegars, and dozens of locally made gourmet foods.
OK Florist, located in the heart of historic, downtown Summerville, has been providing beautiful blooms and lasting memories to Summerville and the Lowcountry area since 1947.
SU MME R V I LL E, SC
SUMMERV ILLE, SC
SUMMERV ILLE, S C
843-875-0609 / laurajonesandcompany.com
843-695-8327 / lowcountryoliveoil.com
843-873-3681 okflorist.net / okfloristevents.com
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND QUILTS
SUMMERVILLE ANTIQUE GALLERY
VINTAGE VIBES ON MAIN
110 booths full of antiques and uniques.
"Enter as a Customer, Leave as a Friend"! Over 6000 sqft of vintage treasures, local artisans, fair prices and some of the friendliest smiles in Summerville!!
A premiere fabric and quilting emporium, with books, patterns, beautiful displays, classes, sewing machines, and good times throughout this wonderful store of 6,000 Sqft!
SUMMERV ILLE, SC
843-871-8872 / ppquilts.com Y O U R
SUMMERV ILLE, S C
facebook.com/SummervilleAntiqueGallery 843-873-4926
SU MME R V I LL E, SC
G U I D E
T O
S H O P,
D I N E ,
P L A Y ,
SHOPPING
AZALEA MARKET
www.facebook.com/vintagevibesonmain/ 843-879-9529 A N D
S T A Y Spring 2021 AZALEAMAG.COM
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. THE MOST CHARMING TOWN in the SOUTH .
Summerville is directly positioned at the heart of the most beloved attractions in the Lowcountry. Its small town-atmosphere and proximity to Charleston and the beaches makes Summerville the perfect home base for all your adventures . visitsummerville.com
AT THE HEART of it ALL
®
features azalea m ag a z i n e
spring 2021
Picture Perfect A dining room with a perfect mix of historic and modern adornments
LIVING HISTORY
THE STORY OF A STORY TELLER
pg.52
pg.58
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Coming Home This Page Clockwise: A garden bench; historic plantation shutters; the house in all its glory; the house proudly faces one of Summerville's most historic streets. Opposite Page Clockwise: a warm welcome; gas lanterns illuminate the front porch; a perfect spot for a Spring day; the Wishman children at play
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AZALEAMAG.COM Spring 2021
Unexpectedly drawn back by the lifestyle of the town they left behind, Ashley and Ryan Wishman are at home on Sumter Avenue.
photography by
DOTTIE & WILL RIZZO
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E
ating your words usually provides one with a meal that is hard to swallow. The dining room of the Sumter Avenue home of Ashley and Ryan Wishman is the perfect setting for Ashley to dine on hers – and she couldn't be happier. When they married almost a decade ago, neither had any intention of returning to their hometown of Summerville. "I grew up here, and Ryan moved here when he was fifteen. I had said a long time ago that I would never come back here to live." Then Olivia came along, and four years later, Hunter joined his big sister in their West Ashley home, and Ashley's mother moved in to help out with the children. Jackson and Lily, their notso-little, four-legged babies, rounded out the growing family. In addition to needing more space, the couple realized that they wanted to
Porch Perfect Clockwise: the wraparound porch is perfect for lazy days or neighborhood gatherings; keepsakes on display in the dining room; unlike many historic homes, the steps to the porch are on the side of the house
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Paper Trail Clockwise: The Wishmans; a front yard path; the living room; the home came with a trove of historic records
raise their children in a more familyoriented place. "I started eating my words," Ashley says with a laugh. "You know how it is. You have children, and everything changes." That's not to say that there weren't a few caveats when they began looking at homes in the area. After living West Ashley for a few years, they realized that they wanted to live somewhere more family-centered. It had to be an older home in Downtown Summerville, preferably historic. It had to be a short golf cart ride away from restaurants and the park, and it went without saying that it should be close enough that an ice cream cone wouldn't melt on the way home from Guerin's. A few of the houses they looked at showed promise, but they knew they were home from the minute they walked into the house on Sumter. "We went straight to Oscar's after looking at it," Ryan remembers. "We immediately started to figure out how we could make it happen." The decision was made, and they have not looked back for a moment. The pair had recently renovated a beach house at
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Edisto. Ryan, a hard-core "This Old House" devotee, couldn't wait to put his skills to use on the historic home. He immediately went to work. "It was a jungle," says Ryan. "Our neighbors had to be a little worried about who was moving in, particularly given the big purple dumpster sitting on the street for two months and the Bobcat, chainsaw, and tractor going in the back yard. But the neighborhood kids loved it!" It has been said, "We are all living history, and it's hard to say now what will be important in the future." The profound sentiment makes the words that follow even more profound. "One thing is certain, though: if we throw it away, it's gone." It is a philosophy that the Wishmans are embracing as they continue to work on their home. The home was lovingly cared for by its previous owners, but as with most older homes, there was much to be done. Both Ashley and Ryan want every repair or addition to be done right. Ryan has taken on many projects that contractors weren't willing to touch. Though it makes every project take a little longer, maintaining the house's character and honoring its history is a priority. Ashley worked with luxury interior designer Megan Molten to establish her family's identity within the mid-19th century architecture. Her touches have created a soothing, comfortable ambiance that is modern but beautifully enhances the house's traditional characteristics. Quirky little spaces incorporated to meet a growing family's needs fit as though they were always meant to be. "There are a lot of doors that go to tiny closets or hidden rooms that must be from all the additions that have been added over the years," Ashley reveals. Although they have many original documents that track the property's past, both wish they knew more about the people who lived in the house and the stories it could tell. The Wishman family will one day author its own chapter in the story of a gracious Summerville home. It will be a tale that resounds with the happy laughter of Olivia and Hunter and the contented sighs of belly-rubbed dogs. It will tell of bare feet on age polished floors, of birthdays and anniversaries and the ups and downs of everyday life. It will reveal how it drew two people back home, knowing they were the perfect fit. And it will celebrate the days of a family happy and grateful to be living history on Sumter Avenue. AM
"It was a jungle," says Ryan. " Our neighbors had to be a little worried about who was moving in, particularly given the big purple dumpster sitting on the street for two months and the Bobcat, chainsaw, and tractor going in the back yard. But the neighborhood kids loved it!"
Room with a View This Page Clockwise: Hunter navigating the staircase; the side porch is perfectly equipped for dinner parties. Opposite Page Clockwise from top left: the main hall runs the length of the house; the master bedroom; the home is well appointed with a mix of antiques and modern touches; the family room is bright and welcoming
Form & Function White's work is inspired by the forms, textures, and patterns that are found in nature, with an emphasis on how light interacts with each piece.
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T H E S T O R Y OF A S T O R Y TELLER Azalea Magazine gets into character with Tim Lowry, Summerville's master story teller
by
TARA BAILEY photos by
Dottie Rizzo
Weaving Words Tim Lowry doing what he does best
A combination of theater, folklore, and creative writing, storytelling is both an art and a craft that dates to ancient times. From the epic tales of Homer’s “The Odyssey” to Native American culture thousands of years ago, oral tradition is the common thread that weaves together the human experience, including the tragedy of loss, the adventure of discovery, and the hero’s journey of Everyman.
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You’d be hard-pressed to find a recent graduate of any local school who has not at some point been entranced by renowned storyteller Tim Lowry. A household name in the Summerville community, the former educator and gifted performer has shared his talents with schools across the Lowcountry for a generation. His performances aren’t limited to children, however. People of all ages have lost themselves in the time and place he creates for each story, told on stages throughout the country as he travels with his family to give audiences a unique experience with each telling. A combination of theater, folklore, and creative writing, storytelling is both an art and a craft that dates to ancient times. From the epic tales of Homer’s “The Odyssey” to Native American culture thousands of years ago, oral tradition is the common thread that weaves together the human experience, including the tragedy of loss, the adventure of discovery, and the hero’s journey of Everyman. Br’er Rabbit and Ebenezer Scrooge, Odysseus and The Wide Mouth Frog, Gilgamesh and Enkidu all owe their immortality to prodigious storytellers. Stories are the reason we binge-watch, go - or went—to movie theaters, pay exorbitant ticket prices to see Hamilton, and indulge children for “just one more” before bedtime. They are the reason you picked up this magazine. Stories are
a necessary part of our existence, connecting us with others and even ourselves. Tim Lowry’s job is making those connections. “Professional storyteller” is not a vocation most people think of when planning their futures, and Lowry’s own story arc began at Bob Jones University in Greenville. There he enrolled as a theater major after his family moved to South Carolina from Kentucky in 1988. He became enthralled with an elective class in storytelling that would eventually put him on the path of a career performer. But first, he had to discover that path. As a fine arts major, Lowry was required to also become a certified educator as part of the Bob Jones curriculum. He graduated with a certificate in speech education and then made his way to Charleston, finding employment as a carriage driver. In that role he captivated paying customers who were eager to hear the costumed guide spin tales of the South’s history and mythology to the rhythm of a horse’s gait. Wanting to learn more about storytelling and to spend time with like-minded artists, Lowry called the local library to inquire about local organizations. He learned of two area storytelling clubs and quickly became an active member of one of them, immersing himself in meetings and making connections. Before long, he had auditioned to join the South Carolina Arts Commission and was accepted, where he flourished in his talent while continue to earn his living as a city guide. He later supplemented his income with a parttime teaching job at Goose Creek High School. As his network and reputation grew, he was invited to perform at local schools, including Summerville Elementary. It was there where Lowry forged a lasting friendship with thenprincipal Dr. Gene Sires, who quickly became one of Lowry’s biggest fans. Lowry says that Dr. Sires was the only principal who would stay and listen to his every performance, no matter how many times he had seen his shows. “He even had his favorite story, ‘The Drainjo Man,’ that he would demand I tell before I could leave. He would wave my paycheck over
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his head until I told it,” Lowry said. When Sires died in 2009, Lowry was approached to tell the story at his memorial service, which he did, bringing comic relief to the ceremony. ‘The Drainjo Man’ was a story straight out of Lowry’s imagination, originally told spontaneously to fill a small window of time at one of his shows. It became an instant crowd favorite, eliciting belly laughs from both school children and life-long educators. The tale is now a Lowry classic.
He felt that his gift was a calling, and pursuing a calling is an act of faith. With strong faith in God, Tim’s talent and each other, the Lowrys decided that he would become a professional storyteller full-time on his own accord.
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Dr. Sires was the person responsible for so many Summervillians’ exposure to the storyteller. One day the beloved principal called Lowry into his office, telling him of his plan to ask him to become the school’s artistin-residence thanks to a newly-earned grant. Yet, Sires recognized the effects of Lowry’s stories on children and their desire to hear and read - more. So Sires instead proposed using the grant money for Lowry to perform in local schools across the district, and before you could say, “Jack Robinson,” there wasn’t a child in Summerville who didn’t get excited about a visit from Tim Lowry.
Lowry was soon in high demand in schools beyond the Summerville town limits. But as anyone who has made a living off grants knows, the future was still uncertain. While attending a drama conference with his wife, Bonnie, also an educator, the couple had an epiphany: Lowry had grown in his art to the point where he might no longer have to depend on grants. He felt that his gift was a calling, and pursuing a calling is an act of faith. With strong faith in God, Tim’s talent and each other, the Lowrys decided that he would become a professional storyteller full-time on his own accord. Bonnie had left teaching when their first daughter arrived. With this new decision, she became a full-time wife and homeschooling mother to their two daughters, and the entire family hit the road for performances near and far. Lowry considers the national storytelling community an “extra family,” as members have become close friends at national and regional festivals. The pandemic has temporarily eliminated this part of Lowry’s life, sending him and other storytellers online for virtual performances rather than working with the
energy and reactions of a live audience. When asked the difference between theater and storytelling, Lowry replies, “What is true of theater is truer of storytelling,” meaning that the dynamic between performer and audience is different with each telling, as the audience is a partner in the story. “I avoid Zoom like the coronavirus,” Lowry says of virtual experiences, which relegate his five-dimensional talent to a two-dimensional screen. Yet, the show must go on. After months of figuring out how to adapt his craft to a digital setting, Lowry began creating videos, live streams, and even led a virtual theater camp. He also saw this down time as an opportunity to pursue an idea that had been percolating in his fertile mind: with a publishing goal of February 1, Lowry plans to launch an online periodical called All The Year Round, which he describes as a family magazine based on Charles Dickens’ own publication. The magazine will include everything from stories and writing to games, videos, and more. This project enables him to continue creating while exploring other outlets for his imagination
with hopes of finding his online audience as robust as his live ones. While Lowry can’t wait to resume his live shows, including his monthly performances at the Timrod Library, Lowry is excited and optimistic about his new venture. The present time allows him to employ his teaching skills by working with Bonnie in homeschooling their daughters while contemplating the post-pandemic world of storytelling. Lowry’s oral library ranges from timeless folk tales to original fiction and personal narratives. If you’ve somehow missed his masterful telling of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, then you now have a new goal for the future. No doubt, this past year will inspire new material, similarly to how recent years have been the muse for his popular tale, “Br’er Rabbit for President.” While there hasn’t been much to win applause over the course of a year marked by loss and isolation, if anyone can find a story worth telling imbedded in a time of contagion, it’s Tim Lowry. After all, as his own hero, Dickens, says, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” AM
Lowry’s oral library ranges from timeless folk tales to original fiction and personal narratives. If you’ve somehow missed his masterful telling of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, then you now have a new goal for the future.
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village poet EVERY FLOWER IN SPRING HAS A STORY TO TELL by Ellen E. Hyatt
Someone touches a flower. It's surfinia in a planter on town square covered by a stretch of morning mist. A blossom falls. Someone touches a flower. It's a white rose, lying on a bench at a bus stop. Its color, texture, scent— enough to enliven memory. Someone touches a flower. It's a Panda anemone in the bouquet of a May bride who's crying because pollen from the flowers stains her gown. Someone touches a flower. It's a magnolia on a tree—genteel, in place—while nearby azaleas spill over one another, cutting a shine. Someone touches a flower. It's one of five tulip buds. His plan: tuck a ring in it for her. But she, like tulips, has plans of her own. Someone touches a flower. It's jessamine. A 4-year-old boy doesn't know the risk. He likes the fragrance because it smells nice like his mama. Someone touches a flower. It's one of the dried sunflower heads. What remains of seeds for wildlife in winter, let's plant today for a future.
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NEW KINGS OF HEAVY METAL: MONARCHS OF METAL MAKE ART FROM THE ORDINARY
styled by Margie Sutton makeup by Krista Elam photograph by Taylor Kennedy
SOUTHERN COMFORT: 3 DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN RECIPES / BLAME IT ALL ON MY ROOTS ONE DAY AT A TIME / THE COVID CUT / INSIDE SUMMERVILLE'S HISTORIC WHITE GABLES
