Last year during the summer I struggled with finding content. It seemed as if everyone in Florence packed up and left for three months. This summer hasn’t been as difficult, there has been a good bit going on. It is still slower than the fall, winter, and spring.

It has been nice in some ways. For a while I was trying to capture EVERY event in Florence and be on top of everything. That is pretty ridiculous for me to attempt. I have a job, a family…. and a lot going on. This is an unpaid hobby and I have to remember the word “Hobby” sometimes. I am not a reporter, a full time writer, or a taxi driver that is always cruising town. So, I have been getting back to my original mission. That is to spotlight certain events and encourage people to step outside of the box and do something different. I also will review local businesses and restaurants and help you to discover new places right here in Florence (and the Pee Dee). I ask for and LOVE your emails with events and things to do. I apologize in advance that I can’t post about everything. Sometimes it just doesn’t fit in with my personal goals and wishes for this site. Sometimes it does– there is never any way to tell. I may post about a garage sale, a jewelry sale, or a car wreck holding up traffic. If you email me and I don’t send you an answer? Feel free to email me again. However! Sometimes? I am out of town, just not around, or spending time with my family. (My email is “theflossip@gmail.com”) I especially want any “Flossip Success Stories.” Did you go to the Black Creek Kayak Festival because you read about it here? Did you try out a new store and score big? (Also, if you tell me NOT to use your name I will protect your identity.)

Since I started the Flossip, I have challenged myself, attended events that I normally would not have, and entered businesses I had driven past and wondered about. I have learned about hyperlocal blogging and expanded my knowledge of social media marketing (which I can use in my day job). I am copied on PRESS RELEASES (LOVE THIS) and people send me wonderful emails about their lives and experiences.

I was at a party the other night with some big wig types and I heard about lots of exciting things coming to Florence. People there were EXCITED about opportunities and possibilities. It was one of the first times I remember a large group saying “Its GREAT to live in Florence”! There was no complaining about a lack of things to do– because there isn’t a lack of things to do. You may have to look around a little, but I am here to help you with that.

I LOVE this hobby, I love talking to people about Florence, and I THANK ALL OF YOU for continuing to read! Hopefully we can make Florence a better place to live!

(You may follow me on twitter and I will be maintaining some time with AIM online chat, username: theflossip)

…but keep the old; one is silver and the other is gold.

Years and years ago, I was a Girl Scout. Our little troop started out together as brownies, and then became girl scouts together. I have the best memories of those meetings. Making crafts, playing with my friends, learning about girl scouts. We met at the Lutheran Church and had the whole church to ourselves. I can even remember the layout of the church. When we had a few minutes free we would explore the nooks and crannies of the church. Sometimes we played games outside on the lawn.

We entered in the side door. I can still remember my mom picking me up in her Dodge Caravan.

Happy, fun memories. We even got to spend the night at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. The best part is that I am still friends with most of those girls today.

(This church used to be St. Luke Lutheran church. The Lutheran church moved to Cherokee Road, and this church is now called The Church at King Avenue.)

So one day last week I was out and about in Florence and decided to stop into Stitch It & More. I had been in there before and lets just say I was just as pleased as I was the first time!

They have tons of precious things! Such a large variety, too, which is awesome. Anything from baby gifts, purses, jewlery, tumblers, monogrammed binders (how awesome?!), dresses, koozies, wallets, and MORE. Also, if you have stuff lying around your house that you’ve just been meaning to go get monogrammed, well Flossette is telling you to take it to Stitch It and More and they will monogram it for you!

Graduation season is approaching and Stitch It and More is the place to go to find graduation presents for ALL of the graduates on your list!

I’m still upset that monogrammed binders (the zip-up kind!!) weren’t around when I was in lower and middle school. Shoot, I keep debating as to whether or not to go get the polka dot one for college. Is that weird? What can I say, I love monograms!

In other news (not really), my spring break started today! I am not going to reveal my plans because some of you may be friends with the real me on Facebook and figure it out! But I may have another post for you before I leave on my trip but if not…you all have a great week and I will see you when I get back!

-Flossette

Stitch It & More
912 S Cashua Dr
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 665-6755?

I have spent way too much time tonight in the Facebook group “Our Roots are in the Pee Dee.”  I absolutely LOVE this group, the pictures, the commentary.  I don’t remember all that this group remembers, what about you?  See how many you and I have in common.  Here are some of my memories, do you remember/have you ever:

1.  The Florence Mall before it was turned inside out?

2.  Eating at Carrie Nations?

3.  When they put up the florescent signs at Magnolia Mall?

4.  The Sky View?

5.  When “SHAG” was filmed at the Sky View?

6.  When “Days of Thunder” was in town?

7.  When Constan car wash was in 5 points?

8.  Piece Goods Shop?

9.  Going to Shoneys on Irby Street after a ball game?

10.  Petes Restaraunt on Irby Street?

11.  Graham and Tripp?

12.  Bonneaus?

13.  P.A.’s?

14.  Putting coins on the train tracks outside of Roneys?

15.  The Capri when it was a) standing and b) Not disgusting?

16.  The Plitt (?) at the Mall?

17.  Pizza Inn in front of the Julia?

18.  Milligans?

19.  Linda Vaughans Shag Connection?

20.  That Cellular One commercial sung to the tune of “Breaking up is hard to do”?  (“Its time to call Cellllllular One…)

21.   The Booty Brothers throwing shoes?

22.  You knew where the dirt hills were?

23.  Shopping at Brendles?

24.  Partied at Swinks cabin?

25.  Shopped in the Eckerds at Magnolia Mall?  (Speaking of which, why isn’t there a drug store there?)

26.  Going to the fair at the Farmers Market?

27.  That there was a Mr. Donut?

28.  Seeing the soldiers off at Magnolia Mall for Desert Storm?

29.  Bought Cliffs notes at Rays?

30.  Shopped at Kroger?

31.  When they built the Florence Commons?

32.  Going to find Bingham’s Light?

33.  Bought a footlocker for camp at the Army/Navy store?

34.  Eating at Qunicy’s on Irby Street?

35.  Took your tv to Matney tv?

36.  Went to Finkleas to rent movies?

37.  Eaten at the Gangplank?

38.  Shopped at the Greenbax stamp store?

39.  Eaten at the old Bentons?    (I want some broccoli soup! )

40.  You played soccer at L-tec?

41.  You went to Florence General?

42.  You went to Bruce Hospital?

I am so enjoying this day after Christmas.  I have my new velour track suit on (sounds awful but is quite comfy), the Christmas tree is still lit, and the kids are in a pot-Christmas day coma.  Charlie and Lola seem to be entertaining them sufficiently.  They need some zoning-out time after the craze that was yesterday.

I do not plan on shopping today.  I shopped this day only one time– and I did the whole thing, including get up at 6 am– but I am older and wiser now.  Plus, 2009 is the year of the budget and I may as well start on that now.