Daniel Island Taphophile Talk

 

My “Tales of a Taphophile” presentation went well on May 21 to members of the Daniel Island Historical Society. The room was full in the parish hall of the Church of the Holy Spirit. What a great turnout! 

My spirits were high to finally take the stage (or the altar as it were) for this event set up maybe six months ago. 

The members were very attentive and many questions followed my approximately 40-minute PowerPoint titled “Tales of a Taphophile: From Magnolia Cemetery to the Churchyards of Charleston.”

The talk is based on these two books: 
"In the Arms of Angels: Magnolia Cemetery- Charleston's Treasure of History, Mystery and Artistry." 

And "Stories from the Underground: The Churchyards of Charleston." (both are available from Amazon). 

“Taphophile” as I have come to know from my talks is a word many people do not know. A taphophile is someone who is passionate about cemeteries, gravestones, funeral customs and rituals. 

Fellow taphophile, the Crypt Chick, gives her "Tombstone Tourist" story on her blog.

So, yes, I’m a taphophile! Nice photo taken by Alesia. My mother says I look "presidential" lol.

It was great having Alesia with me. She looked stunning in her new dress. 

I signed and sold a number of books too, and it was great meeting many kindred spirits who also appreciate history. 

Many thanks to Beth Bush who invited me to speak to her organization. Beth was out of the country so Lee Ann Bain, a top Charleston tour guide, helped coordinate things and also introduced me. 

My thanks also go to Angela Williams whom I met last summer (see my blog post here). She told me about the Daniel Island Historical Society (she was a speaker a few years ago) and suggested I contact the group. 

Alesia and I celebrated afterward at Macs, a fun sports bar on the island. 

I have more book events in June and July that I’m sure to post about. 🥂 

Silversun Pickups Perform in…Charleston!

 

Wednesday, May 1 was a much anticipated day this year. My SC State classes concluded the day before so the end of the school year is near with final exams and final grading left to wrap up another year teaching college and college students- something I take great pride in doing and being part of a faculty. 

This band is one of my top five of all time! See my post here. 

May 1 this year was doubly special because that was the date for us to go to a concert at Charleston Music Hall by a band we both love, Silversun Pickups. 

The show was announced…when? Back in January maybe. I bought tickets right away and the date was circled on my calendar, you know, one of those dates you think will never arrive! Felt that way anyway.  

New Bird on the Block: Gray Catbird

 

The thrill of Baltimore Orioles at my feeders is no more. They’ve flown north for the spring, to Canada, according to my birding friend Richard. 

But then a new visitor with a sweet tooth began to frequent the grape jelly tray. 

What a handsome species is the Gray catbird! 

The All About Birds website says Gray Catbirds are related to Mockingbirds and Thrashers, sharing their skill at mimicking other bird calls. The name Catbird comes from a call that sounds like a meow. I did hear that myself once when on my back porch. I read that this bird can also imitate the croak of a frog! 

Click here to hear the Gray Catbird kind of sounding like a cat.  (credit to the Cornell Lab)