Artisphere 2017

Pictured with one of my besties at Liberty Bridge

By Laurie Bower Epps

Since 2005, folks have flocked from all over the upstate to Artisphere in downtown Greenville. Although my middle daughter, Ellen had performed in it for Carolina Ballet Theatre, it wasn't until this year that I was able to go to see it. Artists from all over the country rent booths for this arts & culture festival. Throughout its brief 12 year history, it's become recognized as a premier cultural event both regionally and nationally. Usually on Mother's Day weekend, I decided to head out with my youngest and 2 friends.

Hagood Mill

By Laurie Bower Epps

Something about an old mill just evokes for me fall images of golden, burnt sienna, and rich sangria red leaves framing it off in the distance. My dear friend and I set off with our young daughters on an adventure into the past. 

Hoping to avoid their "fall festival" so to miss the crowds and additional cost, we set out on a beautiful autumn day with our picnic basket and cooler in tow. However, we got it perfectly wrong, but with magnificent results. Not only was there a storytelling competition going on, there were also plenty of arts and crafts to keep the kids busy.

Astabula Historic Plantation Home

Astabula Historic Plantation Home

By Laurie Epps

Astabula is sort of the "grand dame" of the Pendleton/Clemson area. I pass it taking my daughter to her college or visiting friends in Seneca, it wasn't until I started this blog that I looked into actually going there. Driving up, I even took a video mimicking the Grey Poupon commercial only with alternative music in the background.

Astabula is set back from the main part of the historic downtown area but well worth the trip. There is also an inn & tavern in back of this historic home, and worthy of visiting all by themselves.

The Hagood-Mauldin House

Pickens, SC Square

By Laurie Epps

Something about the town of Pickens just spoke to me, and my curiosity of this place led me to the historic home called The Hagood-Mauldin House. Since I gave my friend a ride out there, she graciously indulged my girlish whim of following my call to my first walk back in time.

Fashion:

Dress -- Lane Bryant
Earrings -- TJMaxx
Watch & Purse -- New York & Co.
Walking Sandals by Sketchers -- Rack Room Shoes

A Tourist in Your Own Town

Me and My Middle Daughter, Ellen

By Laurie Epps

We all have that moment in middle age where we realize that our kids are growing up, that our time with them is limited. This is the case for me and my 17 year old daughter, Ellen. I'm proud of my daughter, but I know my time with her has changed drastically, and will continue to do so. I've got anywhere from one to four years of her clanking around the house in her gym T-shirts and pajama bottoms.

Naturally, being a college senior, my Spring Break doesn't line up with my kids. Mine was the second week of March, Ellen's the third, and my youngest's is the week before Easter in April. Since my middle daughter needed her haircut, I seized the opportunity to turn it into a mother & daughter day date. It also gave us a chance to get out into the beautiful sunshine after a pretty dreary winter for us. I know, it's nothing compared to other parts of the country, but for around here, it was pretty bad.

Scout Sunday

Scout Sunday, February 23, 2014

Every two weeks, kids from all over the upstate descend upon the little Presbyterian church on Whitner Street in Anderson. On behalf of Troop #724, I'd like to thank the First Presbyterian Church of Anderson, SC for use of their facilities for our children. As a former Girl Scout myself, I know they are making a sacrifice for the betterment of today's youth. They are the future generation, and learning skills that will not only help prepare them for the future, but also train these children to be better citizens in society.

Also, it's Girl Scout cookie time again. If you live in the Anderson, SC area, you can visit our booths at Bi-Lo across from the Anderson Mall on Saturday, or in front of WalMart off Liberty on Sunday to purchase cookies. If you don't live here locally, you can simply go to the Girl Scout website to find Girl Scout cookie vendors near you.