Did we drag out the silver trays for a homecoming picture party for three dozen teenagers? Yes, definitely. Did we serve Costco chicken nuggets, frozen mini tacos and @hebrewnational_ mini pigs in a blanket—along with Mols’ secret recipe chocolate chip cookies? Yes ma’am. But did we use disposable plates & cups? Yep. The kids could probably care less about the silver, but it’s all estate sale finds and it makes my heart happy to display it and use it. Because we’re not savages…#partytime #usethegoodstuff #silverstyle

Last week while we were at Tybee. I received two very special, very personal gifts of original art. When we arrived at Ebbtide, I found this portrait of me painted on a chippy wooden drawer by folk artist @panhandle_slim_ whose work I admire, but whom I’ve never met! Then, on Saturday, during my book signing at @seasidesisterstybee I finally met @dianemotherofdragons. D and I both formerly worked at @ajcnews, although I was long gone by the time she joined the staff. But I’ve admired her creativity that she demonstrates with social media posts, and I’ve shared her grief at losing her son. It’s a club nobody wants to join. She’d posted this tiny study of my favorite Tybee scene, the tiny toy-like shrimp boat anchored in nearby Lazaretto Creek on her FB post, and I commented that my grandchildren and I have always wanted to write a children’s book about that book. I was thrilled when D stopped in at the store during my signing & gifted me with her painting. It brought me to tears & reminded me of the power of art—to heal, to bring joy, to bring light. I’m so grateful that during this dark time in our country, creatives still manage to make art! #artatheheart #ebbtidetybeeisland