Pat and Patrick Side-by-Side!

I was pleased to see my book is keeping such good company on the shelves of Tomlinson's Warehouse in Summerville! This posting is also a chance to thank store manager Rod Ellison for his support of local authors and artisans. The same appreciation goes to the owners and managers of the other shops that carry my and other local authors' books.

Magnolia Cemetery History and Artistry Presentation Opportunities

I have what I feel is a very interesting and colorful 60-90 minute photographic and oral presentation about my Magnolia Cemetery research and books. Please contact me if I can give a talk to your

"In the Arms" Now In the Arms of the Governor!

What a thrill it was when I saw this photo shared by Magnolia Cemetery Superintendent Beverly Donald! Beverly was in Columbia on June 11 to receive an award as part of the 2014 South Carolina Historic Preservation Awards held in the state Capitol.

"In the Arms" Interest Sparks Second Printing

At Magnolia Cemetery on April 12 with
Superintendent Beverly Donald.
It was a beautiful day and a great turnout
for the first book signing!

Sales have been brisk of my new book, "In the Arms of Angels: Magnolia Cemetery- Charleston's Treasure of History, Mystery and Artistry." In April, the first two book signings, at Magnolia Cemetery and the College of Charleston, were very successful.

New Book Examines History and Artistry of Charleston's Magnolia Cemetery

Nearly two years in the making, I'm very excited to announce the publication of "In the Arms of Angels: Magnolia Cemetery- Charleston's Treasure of History, Mystery and Artistry" (see the book news release, my WCIV-TV "Lowcountry Live" interview, this Charleston City Paper review of the book), and a feature in the Fall 2014 College of Charleston Portico magazine!

Marching into March at Donnelley Wildlife Area

I took advantage of the beautiful weather on Sunday, March 2 to drive down to the ACE Basin for a visit to the Donnelley Wildlife Management Area. The WMA site is located about 40 miles south of Charleston off Highway 17. The ACE Basin is one of the Lowcountry's true treasures- tens of thousands (at least) of acres of protected lands in a region named for the confluence of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto rivers, hence the ACE acronym.

Sunday Morning Pileated Woodpecker Treat!

Last Sunday morning was a bit chilly but clear outside so I decided to read the newspaper on my back porch. I was soon rewarded with an unexpected birding adventure when I started hearing the unmistakable sounds of a woodpecker at work.

Hilton Head Island Delights!

My family and I spent Thanksgiving on Hilton Head Island. During our short stay we saw some area attractions we had not visited before. They included the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse.

Shoulder-to-Shoulder Red-Shouldered Hawks

What a surprise it was yesterday morning to spot a beautiful pair of Red-shouldered Hawks in my backyard- though I'm sure it wasn't such a happy sight to the small birds at my feeders, which made themselves scarce when the predators appeared...

First Light: Sunrise at Magnolia Cemetery

The Ravenel Bridge that connects Charleston and Mount Pleasant over the Cooper River

Being up and on the road extra early this fall to be at Charleston's Magnolia Cemetery by 8 a.m. for my parttime job there, I admired many glorious sunrises before the time changed recently.