Category: Uncategorized

story by Rebecca Giese / photo by Jill Snyder, Mixed Metaphor Photography

    The other day I was asked, “How do I do it all?” I guess referring to having a retail space, blogging, and design work. Well, the answer is I don’t “do it all.” And if I tried, I would have probably failed.

    My secret, which isn’t much of a secret, is that I have an excellent team behind me, with my MVP player being my mom, Laura Giese. After years of struggling on my own. Whether studying for an exam or taking on a project a little too big, I learned the value of finding and working with a team. As important as it is to know your strength, it is even more important to know your weaknesses.

    The early successes of Southern’spirations (our retail shop & lifestyle brand) are all thanks to my mom. Not only does she help by upcycling furniture and creating our textile goods, but she is my sounding board, cheerleader and there through all the late nights and early mornings.

Everyone needs a Laura Giese on their team, the person that gets things done and asks the questions that make you think and makes you push the creative limits. Having someone that is so passionate and such a hard worker on the team makes me want to push harder, hit new goals, and grow as a business owner and a person. You can’t find that type of drive or success without a team behind you.

    How do you find your team or let go enough to add a team member to your business, dreams, and passions? First, look internally, without being too hard on yourself, figure out your weaknesses and make it a goal to find someone that can fill those gaps. It might be a physical skill, knowledge or a personality trait. The most successful people are not necessarily the most talented or smartest, but what they are good at is creating an All-Star team. I just got lucky that I didn’t have to look far and found my teammate close to home.

 

Back to School Season!

Tips for Studying for the New School Year

• Learn your learning style. Auditory or Visual? Take an online quiz to learn which learning style you gravitate towards
• Find a custom study technique to go with your learning style.
• Pick the right location to study, maybe a coffee shop, library, or kitchen table. Find the best for you.
• Find the best time of day you are alert to study. Are you a morning person or night owl?
• Plan for studying in your day to day schedule, make studying a habit instead of cramming for an exam.
• Youtube can be your best friend, find diagrams and graphics to explain everything from metabolism to fractions.
• Ask for help. Everyone needs help at some point; ask a peer, professor, or parent.
• Be confident. Once you have put in the time and effort, remember to trust your gut and that you got this!

Currently residing in Hartsville, Rebecca Giese enjoys exploring the Pee Dee area, shopping local artisans, trying new restaurants, and finding inspiration from the history and culture surrounding her. When not out on an adventure, she’s telling stories on her blog, Southern’spirations.

story by Zach Hughes | photography provided by Zach Hughes and SCDNR

    One of the things I truly love about traveling in South Carolina is as you travel west from the Pee Dee the landscape slowly changes right before your very eyes. It doesn’t matter which road you take, but with each passing curve, the fields begin to transform into hills. The further west you travel the more dramatic the hills begin to present themselves. Growing up in Florence, which is somewhat flat, the Midlands always had a unique draw to it.

    Of the many roads west that you can see this transformation, one of my favorite drives is to take 151 northwest past Hartsville. I will even admit that I have always been drawn to Hartsville as well because of this. Once you get up around Lake Robinson, the dramatic hills let your eyes see for miles.

    On this particular trip a few weeks ago, we recently found a very interesting and surprising reason to travel right into the Midlands. Located within the east side of Lancaster County, and just outside of Chesterfield and Kershaw Counties, is a place called Forty Acre Rock. Hidden within these hills, the enormous rock covers the top of the tallest surrounding hill and peeks its head through the trees surrounding it.

    Over the years, I have heard friends speak of this rock and thought it was about time I go check it out. As I mentioned before, the drive there was half the fun. Once you have made it past Hartsville, the hills really begin to present themselves as the road begins to rise and fall as if you are navigating a boat over long rolling waves in the ocean.

    Once we got close we decided to take a hike to the rock from the lower parking lot. It just so happens that this was the first day-hike that my wife and I took our newborn son on. Strapped to my chest in a baby carrier, we took off down the trail in search of a big rock.

    Curving through midland hills and luscious green trees the trail took us northward and the path increased in elevation ever so slightly. There was a light drizzle from the overcast sky, but that’s okay, it made the trees seem even greener and more alive. After passing through an opening, cut out for power lines, we found ourselves towing the edge of a small creek that cut through the ground like a snake. In following that creek, it led us to a small waterfall that lay out over a rather large piece of rock cut from the earth. A quick step over the small rocks at the base of the waterfall, and we were faced with a nice steep trail upwards.

    As we hike our way up the edge of the waterfall via roots and jutting rocks, we could tell that the ground was beginning to change. Rocks were becoming even more frequent, and that means we knew we were getting close. The top of the waterfall was merely a small stream that seemed to cut its way through a wall of rock. Around the corner and through more trees we found ourselves at a crossroads. To the right, we could continue to follow the stream and to the left, it looked like it was a trail almost straight up. But through the trees, we could see that at the end of this trail was a clearing. So naturally, we went left. This being the steepest part of the trail we found ourselves some makeshift walking sticks just to help with the climb.

    As we neared the top, the trail was quickly surrounded by rock and the trees came to a sudden end. What we found at the end of the trail was a field of wavy rock slab that seemed to cover acres of land. As we trekked up this patch of rock, our walking sticks scraped against the rock with each step. It almost seemed like an abandoned parking lot that throughout years of wear began to sag and give way to the earth. Small patches of vegetation out of the pools of water and cracks in the rocks told a story of how alive this place was. Near the top, you could see for miles through a clearing in the trees. Although you are not quite on top of the world, you feel like you can see over the Midlands for a fair distance. This patch of rock is also surrounded by a ring of trees and plant life, only to come to an abrupt halt when facing the rock.

    This place is truly unique in the nature of its existence within the Midlands. It is well worth the day trip from wherever you are in our state, even though it is not as well known. It is a decent little hike to the top, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and check the weather before making the trek. All in all, we were pretty well pleased with our experience of the place. As the weather begins to warm up, make sure to take time and go explore this natural wonder. You will be surprised what a place like this may reveal to you.

 

Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis and their newborn son Christopher (pictured above). Zach is a local entrepreneur and has spent most of his time working around the automotive industry. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism

story by Doug Smith

    Summer is almost here and you know what that means…It’s time to fire up the grill and plan some fun! Each summer, my daughter plays as the “party planner” and has all of her friends over to swim in our backyard. It’s funny how it starts off, “Hey dad, can I invite two or three friends over?” That will grow to a number of seven or eight or even more. And then you know what the next question will be: “Hey dad, do you think maybe you could cook us something?” Even though they’re almost grown, I know what will take this group of friends back to their childhood – grilled pineapple. It works every time! It’s so easy, and it’s so good. It is quite honestly one of the easiest summer snacks I know how to make and is a great crowd pleaser.

    The ingredients are minimal and the time to make it is short. Without fail, if I offer to make grilled pineapple, the masses rejoice and that grilled pineapple will be devoured.

    It also makes for a tasty side dish to a summer lunch. Hotdogs or hamburgers go great with grilled pineapple and will add some spark to any party or gathering you throw.

    As a dad, you’re always looking for ways to make memories with your kids. I’m not sure if the grilled pineapple will make the top 10 for our family but the time cooking together sure will.

 

Grilled Pineapple Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple
• 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• Dash of cayenne pepper

Method:

• Cut pineapple into spears.
• Mix brown sugar and spices together. Use a large freezer bag.
• Add the pineapple spears and shake to coat. Set aside.
• Grill the pineapple on medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes turning after about 5 minutes. What you’re looking for is a golden brown on all sides.
• Sprinkle with fresh walnuts and serve it with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Story provided by Doug Smith. Following him on Facebook and Instagram at “Doug the Food Guy”.

Go Red for Women® Fast Facts

story provided by the American Heart Association®

Did you know…

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of one in three women?

• Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined.
• More than one in three women is living with some form of cardiovascular disease.

Physical activity reduces women’s risk for heart disease and stroke?

• Being physically active is an important aspect of overall health for women.
• In the United States, only one in five women are getting the recommended amount of physical activity (both aerobic and strength training) under federal guidelines.

Healthy eating is critical to managing weight and preventing cardiovascular disease in women?

• About one in five female deaths in the world are due to poor nutrition.
• About 45 percent of U.S. deaths caused by heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes are because of poor dietary habits, such as high sodium intake, high sugary drink consumption and low intake of fruits and vegetables.
• More than 66 percent of women are overweight or obese.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the second leading cause of preventable heart disease and stroke death — second only to smoking?

• Hypertension rates are expected to double among women under age 45. About 50 million women have hypertension in the US.
• More than 30 percent of cardiovascular events in women are due to hypertension.

Women are grossly underrepresented in research?

• Clinical trials have not always adequately enrolled women or analyzed sex-specific differences in the data.
• Female heart attack patients may have better outcomes when treated by female physicians.

© Copyright 2018 American Heart Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. All rights reserved. Go Red for Women is a registered trademark of AHA. The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS Unauthorized use prohibited.

    “Have you ever believed that you aren’t good enough? That you’re not thin enough? That you’re unlovable? That you’re a bad mom? Have you ever believed that you deserve to be treated badly? That you’ll never amount to anything? All lies.” 

    The beginning of the year is a great time to begin working on ourselves. This month, Burry Bookstore suggested Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. With wry wit and hard-earned wisdom, popular online personality and founder of TheChicSite.com Rachel Hollis helps readers break free from the lies keeping them from the joy-filled and exuberant lives they are meant to live. (www.girlwashyourface.com)

---

    Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable, or to dare greatly. Whether the arena is a new relationship, an important meeting, our creative process, or a difficult family conversation, we must find the courage to walk into vulnerability and engage with our whole hearts.

    In Daring Greatly, Dr. Brown challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability. Based on twelve years of research, she argues that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection. The book that Dr. Brown’s many fans have been waiting for, Daring Greatly will spark a new spirit of truth—and trust—in our organizations, families, schools, and communities. (www.goodreads.com)

---

RECOMMENDED BY Burry Bookstore Walls of Books

“Where Dreams Grow Wings” | 130 W Carolina Ave • Hartsville, SC | 843-332-2511

Mercy Medicine Free Clinic Celebrates 25 Years!

story by John Elwood Owens, MD, JD

    Throughout the entire world, but particularly in the Western Hemisphere, the approaching end of the calendar year usually means three things to most people: firstly, a Thanksgiving feast with family and friends to reflect on our many blessings from God. Secondly, we celebrate a most serious time of reflection and giving with our wonderful and beautiful Christmas season, remembering God’s greatest gift to the world, that being His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. And, to wrap things up, we enjoy a New Year’s celebration making resolutions which we seldom keep past the first month or two in the new year. But all in all, it is a wonderful time to thank God for our many blessings, reaffirm our Christian beliefs, and prepare for a new year of hope, love, and prosperity.  

    As 2018 comes to a close, and 2019 is knocking at the door, we at Mercy Medicine Free Clinic (MMFC) are preparing to celebrate our silver anniversary (25 years) of giving free health care to the needy people of Florence and Williamsburg county. Many patients who have come to MMFC for their health care needs give thanks for its existence in the greater Florence community, learn and appreciate the act of Christian love, and find hope and promise to better health in the ensuing year.  

    In 1994, a group of devoted Christian doctors, nurses, and health care professionals saw the unselfish need to care for people in the community who had no reliable health care due to lack of status, funds, mobility, indifference, and perhaps discrimination. Dr’s. H. Allen, Jr, N.B. Baroody, J. Thomson, M. Hicks, and J. Owen, along with several excellent nursing staff, formulated the beginnings of the MMFC with the avowed purpose of “free health care (and pharmaceuticals) given under the guidance and devotion to Christian principles.” Over the last (soon-to-be) 25 years, the location, the providers, and the structure have undergone inevitable change, while the basic principles and by-laws have remained the same. Those people who qualify include the poor, the working poor, the uninsured, the homeless, and the law offenders who are soon to be released. While they are at MMFC, they are our patients and get prompt medical attention, diagnosis, additional testing from allied community health providers/hospitals and medical facilities, and life saving medications. MMFC works very closely with McLeod Regional Medical Center and Carolina Hospital System, and is involved with Francis Marion University’s Department of Nursing to help train future health care professionals. 

    MMFC is guided by a dedicated Board of community professionals who help steer its course to the ever-changing demands of health care in the United States. MMFC has an administrative staff for business purposes and eligibility requirements; an office staff who organizes patient visits and follow ups; a nursing staff who register and work up the patients for their visits, and a health care provider staff who makes diagnoses and prescribes healing medications. The common denominator of all these personnel is that they all help deliver excellent health care with Christian love. They all work for reduced salaries, often without benefits, because they love to help and serve the poor. It is a part of their Christian principles and duties.

    As we at MMFC get ready to celebrate our Silver Anniversary in 2019, our staff believes in giving to our patients and our community. 2018 is ending on a proverbial high note of excellent health care and a big dose of Christian love. In the famous movie Mary Poppins there was a song entitled: A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down. I would like to borrow that phrase from the movie, and say – relative to Mercy Medicine Free Clinic – a generous spoonful of Christian love helps patients at MMFC achieve better health. It has been and will continue to be our unselfish mission at MMFC to dispense excellent health care to our needy patients with a generous serving of Christian love and caring.