Prior to “The Fantasticks”, there was a special performance by Kelley’s Fine Arts. The performance was wonderful. While I was impressed with their dancing ability, I was more impressed with the huge smiles that were present on every child’s face. They looked like they were having the time of their life.

What I didn’t know was that these young women had all put on a happy face after dealing with a terrible tragedy. KelbeyAnn Kelley, the infant daughter of the Kelley’s that own KFA, died last Saturday. I don’t know the Kelley’s but my prayers go out to them. As you can see by the members of this facebook page, Kelley’s Fine Arts is an important part of the Florence Community.

To all of the dancers that performed this week, you did an excellent job. Keep on dancing!

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I actually participated in the Live Nativity at First Presbyterian one year. I have been trying to remember what part I played and I can not remember for the life of me. I am guessing I was a shepard or something. I was pretty awkward and ungainly and that would have been something that I could hide behind.

The truth is that it didn’t matter what part I played because the live nativity is just absolutely breathtaking. Somewhere along the way I forgot about this event. After seeing the pictures on Aron and Collin Smith’s blog, I will be in attendance next year.

Click here to see their entry about the live nativity at First Presbyterian. (Scroll down a little)

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

All That To Go first advertised on the Flossip last month. I went to check them out and had a great experience. Unfortunately, I received some sad news today that they are closing indefinately while their family prepares to fight a battle against cancer.

From their website:

The week of November 16 was not a good one for our family. My son, Josh was diagnosed with leukemia and admitted into the hospital for treaments.

We appreciate the business we’ve received so far and are sorry to abruptly close, but due to the commitments needed at home it is unavoidable. We hope in the future to be able to try this again, but until then thanks for your support and prayers.

We will continue to prepare group orders for sandwiches and baked good including; homemade loaves, rolls, pumpkin rolls, and red velvet cakes. For orders or more information please call 803-460-6923.

Thanks,
Kelly Miles

If everyone that reads this blog would please add Josh to their prayers as well as his family.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Come on, fess up… who decided to go for a quick hang gliding ultralight trip this afternoon?  Local photographer Phillip Guyton snapped this shot on his way home from work.  This might be my favorite picture since I started the Flossip.

Shot taken: “Right near acs/target i went under 95 heading away and there he was!”

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

A while ago, I asked a friend of mine to go on a local shopping excursion. I do believe that our first stop of the day convinced her that I was on the right path.

The owner of Harvest Moon Soapworks, Patrick Showalter, is also an avid twitter user. I have been following him on twitter for some time, and decided I really needed to see what his shop was all about.

Harvest Moon Soapworks is in the Leatherman building at the Florence Farmers Market.  Patrick makes handmade soap “using Cold and Hot process methods and has received certification from the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild. I am also a member of the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail.”  He tells me in an email, “I generally use essential oils for fragrance and pigments for coloring, as well as some herbs and spices. The soaps are very moisturizing and gentle on the skin. I started making bath salts and soap for family and friends and then started selling at trade shows. I opened Harvest Moon Soapworks in Florence in March of 2006 and in November of 2008 moved my business to the new building at the Pee Dee State Farmer’s Market.”

I have to admit I was intriged about a soap store. I had NO IDEA how amazing his store would be. I generally HATE stores with strong smells. I do not enter Bath and Body Works or Crabtree & Evelyn as I know it means instant migraine. However, I am happy to report that when you walk in to Harvest Moon Soapworks, you are greeted with a very light, pleasant aroma. It smells more like a spa. All of the soaps have a light scent and don’t overwhelm. I bought some for my children, and they are soft and gentle on their skin.

I was also able to pick up some gifts for friends. Locally made bath salts? Score! The packaging is all very well done and it all looks very nice.

The owner, Patrick, was very helpful and with a perfect balance of hospitality and education. He didn’t push us to buy anything, and I get the impression he would have been just as happy to chat with us had we not purchased anything.

(I thought this garden spade and gardener soap combination was adorable and only ten dollars, what a deal!)

You definately need to add Harvest Moon Soapworks to your list of local “Must shops!”

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I received an email that today is the anniversary of the death of Joey Rodgers. Those of you that are not familiar with Deputy Rodgers, he

“Paid the Ultimate Sacrifice on 4-9-97 Deputy Rodgers was shot and killed by a murder suspect after he responded to a call that the suspect had been sighted. The suspect, who had committed a double-murder two days prior, shot and killed Deputy Rodgers when he arrived on the scene. The suspect then stole his cruiser and began to leave the scene but was stopped at the end of the road by another deputy and a state trooper. As the suspect jumped out of the cruiser the two officers opened fire, killing him. Both officers received awards for their heroism. Deputy Rodgers leaves behind his fiancee, parents, brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and many dear family, friends, and devoted co-workers.”

Everyone thank your local law enforcement officers today, they put their life on the line every day to make Florence County a better place to live.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

The houses on Cherokee Road are so pretty in the Spring.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I read about a St. Patricks Day Parade earlier today. I wasn’t planning on going, but we passed by and my oldest daughter wanted to stop and check it out. My little Toyota barely fit down the street it was so packed! What fun this was! Tons of kids were assembled behind a fire truck. Some were walking, some riding, some in golf carts– you name it. We joined right in. Everyone had on their St. Patrick’s Day green! (Updated: Collin Smith’s blog also has coverage… and far better pictures!)

(Faces are blurred)

As I was leaving I passed two little old ladies. “What in the world is happening?” they asked. I could tell they were irate, so I politely replied that it was a St. Patricks Day Parade. They both “tsked, tsked”. “They ALLOW parades in residential areas now?” they asked (as if I am an expert). I politely responded, “Yes ma’am. Its for the children. They are all out walking and riding in the parade and enjoying the fresh air.”

“Oh. Well… in that case…”

Heh.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Right now a two hour delay has been posted for tomorrow. Voters in the poll are leaning toward cancellation– 15 to 3. The poll will stay open until school is canceled or I get in my car to head towards the kids school!

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Recently someone asked me the best way to meet people and become a member of the Florence community. That is a pretty loaded question, and many different areas. My first response is usually that you join a church. That is actually a standard answer for many towns, join a church, meet people, get involved. However, not everyone is looking for a church, or maybe they have a church in Columbia, or they don’t like the people at their church…whatever. There are certainly other ways to meet people.

I think that then you look to other avenues where you can meet a lot of people at once. Honestly, it is hard to make new friends when you are an adult. Interests differ, politics differ, religions differ, and it is harder to sort through all that and find out if you are compatible friends. With childhood friends, friendship comes first. We then figure out who we are and we generally still like each other regardless of politics and religion.

Reach out to those advertising to help: One place to start is the Florence Welcoming Club. This group appears to offer a lot of different options for getting to know one another. They also have a book club that was featured in Jill Smolinski’s blog. Here is a list of 19 Florence meet up groups. These groups vary greatly, but there might be something there that strikes your interest. I know it is difficult to make that first call, so send an email if possible… it paves the way to an easier conversation. Here is a Florence Kids Playgroup for Christian moms.

Volunteer: Right now, the economy is in turmoil and groups everywhere are laying off workers. Even if you work, you can volunteer at night and on weekends. Too tired? Well, don’t you want to meet people? You can join an organization like the Florence Junior League, Pee Dee Area Big Brothers Association, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Lions Club, the Pee Dee Business and Professional Women’s Network, and a long list of others. I have personally been a guest at many of those clubs. I didn’t join all of them, of course, but at each one I met people, made contacts, shook hands. Every one of those clubs? WANTS NEW MEMBERS!! They WANT you to join them! It is a win/win situation, you just have to find the proper fit for you.

Get outside: You should also assess what you are interested in. Do you like biking? Hiking? Head out to Naturally Outdoors and Bicycle World. Check out their websites for events, ask the folks working there if they know of any hikes. Check out the Pedal Pack (though these are not people on three speeds and beach cruisers).

Work it Out: Join a gym. Florence has some great options, you just have to find the right one for you. Mcleod Health & Fitness, the Fitness Forum, Curves, and others. The Florence YMCA is a gym, but has lots of other things you may be interested in as well. I meet other moms at tee-ball, soccer, basketball… you share a lot while your kids are running around on the court.

Get on facebook and check out all of the groups related to Florence, SC. Join mine or friend me while you are there.

It isn’t easy to move to a new town. I know that at times Florence can seem small and closed… but it isn’t. We have so many new people in town that it is amazing. I used to go out to eat and know everyone in the restaurant. Now, I am surprised when I see a few people that I know.

So, get out there! Life anywhere is only what you make of it.

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.