charleston charm and a thanksgiving wish.

for the first time, on a tuesday, i had a reason to get dressed in something slightly (wishfully) fashionable rather than in the usual workout garb i spend most days in.

i had a morning without the kiddos (thank you, awesome Husband!) with my mom, grandma and aunt in downtown Charleston.

a very pretty way to view the historic charm of downtown is in the seat of a carriage from the Red Barn, pulled by a white horse or a few mules.  either will do.  the tour takes you back in time, to peel away the layers of rich southern history, both the good and the bad.  it's exceptionally fun with Justice the horse and a tour guide whose name is Rebel.  she's an author of historical fiction and told every story of the past with perfectly laced words as we cruised the streets in our Palmetto Carriage Company ride.  if you visit this city, it's a must and even worth every dollar of the $21 ish dollars it costs.  only we were so lucky to get to go for free (thank you Nichola!). it's really fun when my west coast family visits and i get to transform into a tourist in my own town.

i took in all the buildings, homes, landscapes, finally figured out where the pink and pastel painted houses came from... in the 17th century, Charleston had a Caribbean flair because people from Barbados flocked here.  they came to escape a draft in the navy or a bout with seminary and to start a new life rice farming on the Southern Peninsula.  how interesting!  i love history. 

oh, and have you ever had a hush puppy? they're big here.  and really delicious.  their roots began as biscuits made to hush the dogs while dinner was being prepared.  and now they're human food.  sounds not as delicious.  but trust me, they are.  

take in the sights ~

my grandma loved the cobblestone streets.

as i sat in that carriage, i got to thinking about all the pretty things the Lord gives us.  they may be small, simple, mundane, or big and large and melt-your-heart sweetness like the gift of children or a make-you-smitten husband.  they are all good gifts.  and all good gifts come from the Lord, indeed!  i'm reminded, as we give thanks for everything, not to settle for the little things instead of the biggest thing of all.  we have been given Christ - He is all we need and deserves our every praise and thanksgiving.

happy Thanksgiving, may you have a wonderful day.