20 minute read
Life & Faith
after many hours of travel. Unable to interpret most of the menu, we were assisted by her fluency and ordered several plates for the table, as familystyle was the the custom there. When the server placed a platter of rice and beans before us, it looked different than I had expected. Taking my first bite, it tased different than I had expected. I took another bite.
“Hmmm. This tastes like organ meat.”
My husband concurred around the same time my mother suspended her lower jaw, mid-bite, unsure of how to gracefully extract its contents. My daughter flagged the waitress and asked if she had brought the right dish, which she had. It’s just that the word for black beans and rice— Moros—was similar to what was on the menu—Morro. Or, pig snouts.
My mom made a sound of distress upon this news. I shrugged. My daughter and husband finished the snouts.
We spent the following week traveling the lower regions of Spain; just a southern American family pointing out the car window at everything older than the Ravenel Bridge. We explored cities, stood in the Mediterranean, toured mosques and Cathedrals, and doublechecked each menu item. Breakfast was always my favorite. I enjoyed a spread of pig jowls and rabbit “parts” on my morning toast, though I admit that drawing a reaction from my mother was part of the pleasure.
Final exams meant my daughter had to leave us in Granada and head back to school. For our remaining days we all relied on my husband’s high school Spanish and our best manners to survive the physical exhaustion, abundance of wine, and each other. We landed in Charlotte on Easter Sunday; I remembered to thank Jesus for forgiving my sins of the previous week, which were visible in my bloated face. We all deboarded the plane, grabbed our luggage, and went our separate ways with minimal goodbyes. After all, our family beach trip was in less than a month. I’ll be watching “The Royal Tenenbaums” until then. AM Mark Ensley, Agent 2301 Bacons Bridge Rd Summerville, SC 29485 Bus: 843-871-9700 www.markensley.com
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LIFE & FAITH A Change In Perspective
by Will Thompson
Spring is extremely busy in the Thompson household. I’m grateful to my wife, Diana, for her calendar management skills because we’re often going in three different directions multiple times a week. It’s dance competition season for our daughter and baseball season for both of our boys. In addition to those primary activities, there is also work, school, school functions and end of the year events, Scouts, church, family obligations, and the occasional birthday party that creeps up often when you have three kids! It’s a crazy season in our lives and I know many people just like us. It can be draining—I get it! A while back, I was beginning to get frustrated with all the stuff. Maybe I even complained a little (every so often I’ll suggest that we move to Montana to live alone on 100 acres of quiet). I’m sure my frustration was a combination of multiple things, but nonetheless, I needed a paradigm shift. I needed to view this busy season of life differently.
On a recent backpacking trip with my son’s Scout group, God gave me my change in perspective. I like to be outdoors and I enjoy backpacking, but this trip was just another stolen weekend in my mind. Leading up to it, I was not excited to do another ac-
tivity when the house “to do” list and my own “wants” were getting pushed off… yet again.
When hiking for multiple days you have plenty of time to think, especially if you are the last guy in the group and you fall back to create a little distance from everyone else. I began thinking about all the things we do—not just my family, but so many of my friends too. It can be a grueling schedule and if I allow myself look at it as such it will definitely feel that way. However, it’s also an opportunity to invest in the lives of others. It’s the chance to have a positive impact on other kids or even other entire families. It became clear to me that the burden of busy is really a blessing.
In Genesis 2:15, God instructs Adam and Eve to “work and keep” Eden. In a nutshell, God says we are going to have things to do… we are going to be busy! In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus reminds us that we are salt and light. Salt adds flavor and light illuminates darkness. The lesson here is that we must accept the fact that we will be busy. Instead of seeing it as a burden, view it as blessing… an opportunity to increase the “flavor” of and shine light into the lives of others.
The backpacking trip was no longer a weekend thief. It was an opportunity to have quality time with some teenagers, including my own. Coaching t-ball and baseball three nights a week is a chance to create a positive experience in the lives of kids and their families. Being a dance mom is about loving, serving, and cheering on others.
When we change our perspective of busy from being a burden to being a blessing, what we do each day becomes driven by purpose. When we live from purpose, we are fulfilled. I’m thankful for my moment of clarity while walking through the forest. With a new perspective, I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and the chance to bless others in the midst of busy. AM
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CAROLINE'S BED AND BREAKFAST
Southern hospitality & elegant charm. Located in historic Summerville. Listed #1 on Trip Advisor 5 years in a row! Extended & corporate stays welcome in the BnB or cottage.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-637-5903 / carolinesbedandbreakfast.com
THE MAGNOLIA
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.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-212-2865 / StayInSummerville.com
FLOWERTOWN B&B
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.
SUMMERVILLE, SC (843) 851-1058 / flowertownbandb.com
SHORT CENTRAL COTTAGES
Located across the street from historic 'Short Central', each cottage features a full kitchen and unique Southern decor, perfect for experiencing Historic Downtown Summerville.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-212-2865 / StayInSummerville.com
LINWOOD
Hospitality, History, Horticulture. Charming, comfortable, convenient short and long term accommodations on the Victorian estate in the heart of town.
SUMMERVILLE, SC stay@linwoodinn.com
THE AZALEA BAR & GARDEN
Inspired by the signature style of Azalea Magazine, with craft cocktails by professional mixologists, specialty curated wines, a selection of local craft beers, and a menu of special Southern favorites.
SUMMERVILLE, SC theazaleabar.com
FOOD & DRINK COASTAL COFFEE ROASTERS
Your local coffee roaster, bakery and community spot. Enjoy select wines, craft beer, music, events and so much more.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-376-4559 / coastalcoffeeroasters.com
EVA'S ON MAIN
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
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-873-5081 / evasonmain.com
FIVE LOAVES CAFE
The cafe is known for daily specials and rotating soups, homemade condiments, & gluten free and vegan options. They have 2 locations that focus on quality, healthy, casual cuisine.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-804-9410 / fiveloavescafe.com
LEDYARD BARBQUE
Award Winning BBQ and homemade sides, indoor / outdoor seating, call ahead/ curbside pick-up. We also offer Catering, Special Event Space Rental, and BBQ /Grilling Classes
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-879-2917 / ledyardbarbque@gmail.com
SUMMERVILLE COUNTRY CLUB
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.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-873-2210 / summervillecountryclub.com
SWEETWATER 123
Located in the heart of Summerville, Sweetwater features Brunch daily, Dinner, a local beverage selection and a retail shop curated with the most unique, local finds! Open at 10am daily. Dine, Sip, Shop Local.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-695-8488 onetwentythree.sc@gmail.com
ANTIQUES AND ARTISANS VILLAGE
A Fun Place to Shop! Home to over 150 vendors/consignors. Easy parking at 619 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville. Antiques, Vintage, Gifts, Local Artisans.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-900-5386 / antiquesandartisansvillage.com
PUBLIC WORKS ART CENTER
A family-friendly nonprofit art center with FREE ADMISSION, Public Works Art Center offers everchanging exhibitions, art classes for all ages, special events, art studios, a gift shop, and so much more.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-900-3225 / publicworksartcenter.org
EVERYTHING CHIC
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!
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-879-2099 / everythingchicetc.com
FLY MODERN APPAREL
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.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-225-3661 / flymodernapparel.com
FRENCH MERCANTILE
European style home decor, gifts & antiques. Located in the beautiful Summerville historic district.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-494-3229 / frenchmercantilehome.com
KATIE MAE'S KLASSY FLEA & ANTIQUE MART
Home decor, antiques, gifts & painted furniture. We are Farmhouse Paint Retailers for the Low Country. Open 7 days a week.
SUMMERVILLE, SC facebook.com/katiemaesklassyflea 843-771-3375
LOWCOUNTRY OLIVE OIL
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.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-695-8327 / lowcountryoliveoil.com
OK FLORIST
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.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-873-3681 okflorist.net / okfloristevents.com
MAGGIE ROSE
Maggie Rose, is a ladies boutique of simple elegance in the historic downtown district of Summerville, South Carolina.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-871-6745 / maggieroseboutique.com
LAURA JONES & COMPANY
A home furnishings and accessories shop. We have a constantly changing showroom featuring beautiful furniture, garden elements, and thoughtful gifts with an acquired look.
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-875-0609 / laurajonesandcompany.com
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND QUILTS SOLE SHOE COMPANY
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!
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-871-8872 / ppquilts.com
Sole Shoe Co. is a modern shoe company, committed to bringing the most modern/chic/comfy/casual shoes and accessories for both men and women.
For information on being a part of the Azalea Market section, contact Azalea at
SUMMERVILLE, SC 843-225-9210 / soleshoeco.com
SUMMERVILLE ANTIQUE GALLERY
110 booths full of antiques and uniques.
SUMMERVILLE, SC facebook.com/SummervilleAntiqueGallery 843-873-4926
VINTAGE VIBES ON MAIN
"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!!
SUMMERVILLE, SC www.facebook.com/vintagevibesonmain/ 843-879-9529
AZALEA MARKET
843.478.7717
58
FLOWER POWER
Natural curiosity, artistic talent, and an insatiable desire to share make Summerville’s Laura Crosby the gift that keeps on giving
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THE URBAN FARM HOUSE
54
HOLY CRAB
Summer dishes deserve some crab. Here are two of our favorites, just in time for salty air,warm nights, and good friends
Blast from the Past An antique screen door adds a touch of nostalgia to the cupboard
ELIZA BAILEY CHAPMAN
By
DOTTIE & WILL RIZZO
Photos by
ouses tell a lot about the people that live in them. Custom homes even more so. They capture both the practical and unique style of their owners. For a builder Michael Castellano, and his wife Carmela, building Azalea Creek Cottage on Marion Ave. is a testimony to their life together. Built with intent, their home in the Historic District, unobtrusively conforms to the surrounding landscape while paying homage to Michael’s skill as a builder and Carmela’s time with her grandmother.
Flanked by a small creek on the left, Azalea Creek Cottage is shaded by hardwood trees and surrounded by azaleas and wisteria. Well positioned, the footprint incorporates the gentle slope and depth of the property. Reminiscent of an old-style farmhouse, each space has a purpose. The tin roof captures the pitter-patter of rain, the 8ft front porch welcomes guests while the stucco wood burning fireplace on the connecting 12ft side porch invites conversation.
A mahogany front door sets the stage for the home. Opening to a foyer, it introduces updated elements of both post-war era and traditional farmhouse features. Repurposed and modern materials highlight a simplistic unencumbered style. Marble basketweave tile in the powder room and the hammered copper patina sink with rubbed bronze fixtures display an air of modern originality and old-world sensibility. Theses features showcase Carmela's acumen for mixing design mediums and Michael’s skill as a craftsman. He reflects that everything he has learned, “the small details, use of materials, tricks and skills encountered through life, influences how I build. Constructing my own house, the application of my knowledge is a culmination of my
Home Sweet Home (This page) The Castellano's enjoy the porch swing; the welcome committee. (Opposite page) Attention to detail transforms this new kitchen into a vision of the past.
Warm and Inviting (This page clockwise from top left) The living room; the cedar planked wall is the perfect contrast to the bright kitchen; fresh flowers warm the kitchen; the Castellanos's chose penny tile and dark, wide-planked wood for the floors. (Opposite page clockwise from top right) The master bedroom is a blast from the past; the soft, warm hues in the master bath create a relaxing space; historic detail.
life’s work, it’s a testimony of my accomplishments to be passed down through the generations.”
Michael's mastery of materials is evident in amber pine floors that play off the red tones of the cedar plank accent walls in the powder room, above the living room fireplace, and dining room. The combined hues of wood create an earth tone ambiance that can be felt throughout the home. Ten-foot ceilings and transom windows above the doors allow light to flow freely. Arched openings subtly define the transition from room to room. A smooth chocolate handrailing melds to your palm as you traverse the steps to the upstairs bedrooms.
Open to the dining room, overlooking the side porch is the kitchen, this heart of the house was designed to capture the spirit of Carmela’s grandmother. A 1930’s inspired ice box refrigerator and stove, drain board ceramic white sink, meticulously laid black and white rosette pattern tile and screened door on the pantry are a nod to timeless aesthetics. Gooseneck hand painted jadeite lighting over a European style long kitchen table
Outdoor Living (This page) The porch was designed for outdoor living. (Opposite page) Every detail of the house points to the architectural and design details of the past.
provides working space for baking and cooking. Deliberate details that pay homage to Carmela’s memories of her grandmother's influence and the time they spent together cooking. She recalls,
“The whole time I was building this house, I kept asking myself, what would my grandmother do? What would she choose? I wanted to give my family the same feeling of love and belonging I had working with her in the kitchen. To create a space to laugh, prepare meals and provide sustenance. A place to gather with family and friends, sharing stories and experiences, creating new memories”.
The Master bedroom at the rear of the house, overlooking the outside living spaces, provides respite and tranquility. In the Master bath, a claw foot spa tub sits on a hand formed mint green rosette tile floor that was laid with precision. Six panel solid doors with reclaimed porcelain knobs reinforce the elements of the kitchen’s deign.
Believing less is more, instead of ornate details, Michael hand routed the edges of the back porch columns to soften the hard nondescript lines. Steps off the back porch beckon to a meandering brick path directing to both a patio and portico perfect for any occasion. A detached garage on the right, gives definition to the yard. The gravel drive in front of the garage and side of the house leads back the front. The Castellano’s vision is complete. They turned a vacant lot into a timeless treasure that reflects what is important to them: a family home reminiscent of the past, built with integrity and full love for future generations to cherish. AM
CR AB SUMMER DISHES DESERVE SOME CRAB. HERE ARE TWO OF OUR FAVORITES, JUST IN TIME FOR SALTY AIR,WARM NIGHTS, AND GOOD FRIENDS Photos by DOTTIE RIZZO Holy
YELLOW CORN CRAB CAKES
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons butter 1 clove garlic, minced 2 teaspoons diced yellow onions 1 pound crab meat 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs 1 egg 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper salt to taste 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup vegetable oil
DIRECTIONS
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and simmer for 2-3 minutes until tender. Pour into large bowl, and add crabmeat, corn, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, parsley, pepper and salt. Mix well. Divide into 12 portions and form into patties. Place on dish and chill for 1 hour. In a large skillet heat remaining butter and oil on medium-high heat. Dredge crab cakes in the cornmeal and sear for 3 minutes per side. Put crab cakes on baking dish and bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with cocktail or tarter sauce.
SKILLET BAKED CRAB DIP
INGREDIENTS
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons diced green onion 1 teaspoon salt 12 ounces fresh crabmeat 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons hot sauce 1/2 tablespoon horseradish 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Paprika, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, green onion, salt, crabmeat, lemon juice, hot sauce, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce. Transfer to a cast iron skillet or baking dish. Garnish with paprika. Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with crackers or pita wedges.
ENJOY!
FLOWER
NATURAL CURIOSITY, ARTISTIC TALENT, AND AN INSATIABLE DESIRE TO SHARE MAKE SUMMERVILLE’S LAURA CROSBY THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
POWER
By SUSAN FRAMPTON
Photos by DOTTIE & WILL RIZZO
Laure Crosby is what one might call a force of nature, or rather a force for nature. And if flowers were fuel, the Summerville artist could loan the space shuttle a tank or two and still circle the earth several times over. Her energy is highly contagious, lighting up the studio where Daisy the dog keeps a watchful eye over the artist as she works. Her encyclopedic knowledge is delivered in the patois of the South Carolina midlands. The delightfully slow drawl is mesmerizing and keeps one hanging on her every word. It’s no wonder that she’s regularly recognized by students from her 28year public school career with vivid memories of their Summerville Elementary teacher, Mrs. Crosby. Summers spent working at a local nursery started her fascination with plants and earned her the qualifications needed to teach horticulture at MacDougall Correctional Institute in Ridgeville. Her face lights up when she describes her time working with inmates. She beams at what she remembers as “the best job I ever had in my life.” Crosby bought the seeds and soil for the prison’s greenhouse out of her own pocket. Those enrolled in the horticulture classes for spring and summer got their own plot of land to grow vegetables. The teacher was amazed at how many inmates fell in love with gardening. “Every day, I gave them a “mystery plant” that they would research in the books I brought to learn the genus and species. I also had them draw and press each plant. Some turned out to be excellent artists.” But she didn’t want their experience to end when they were released, so she encouraged them to use their
