If at First You Don't Succeed,

paint,

paint again.

When I first moved into my apartment, the bathroom was white.

Someone suggested that, if I was bold enough (which I was!), I should paint it chocolate brown.

I loved the chocolate brown.

But, a couple of years later came "the flood".

So, I repainted.

It was spring, and I thought I wanted something lighter.

I was wrong.

I said at the time that I didn't love it.

And, when in doubt...

You know.

But now, everything is back as is should be.

When in Doubt...

DON'T!

That's my (new) motto.

Here's why...

These bags are full (full!) of clothes, shoes, and accessories, all going to Goodwill.

The worst part?

And that's just the beginning...

Adding up only those items with price tags, it's over $1000 (not telling how much over...).

I wasn't in love with any of these things when I bought them - I was on vacation, and had to make a decision, or they were on sale, so (I thought) a good deal.

And they will be!

For someone shopping at Goodwill.

I Tried

I had hoped that going to Charleston in the middle of July would break the spell.

But, no.

First, the weather was unseasonably cool - highs in the 80's, rather than the usual oppressive 90's.

Second, Charleston is Charleston...

This time, I stayed at the Andrew Pinckney Inn, in the historic district.

Complementary Breakfast

Friday night, we walked along Waterfront Park,

then had dinner at Poogan's Porch.

Saturday, we shopped on King Street,

and stopped in the Unitarian Church Graveyard, allegedly one of the most haunted in Charleston.

Legend is, the inspiration for Edgar Allen Poe's poem Annabel Lee is based on a young woman from Charleston ("... a kingdom by the sea"), who is buried in this graveyard, and whose ghost can be seen searching for her lost love.

Later, after a quick seafood dinner, and a piece of the famous coconut cake at the Peninsula Grill, we ended up at the rooftop bar at the Market Pavilion Hotel for a couple of drinks and an impressive view of the city.

We spent the day Sunday at the beach on Sullivan's Island, before having some Carolina barbeque for dinner and meeting up with a friend for trivia at the Mellow Mushroom (we came in 2nd), then cocktails at the Belmont Lounge.

Since our flight wasn't until 7pm, we had time to do more shopping along Upper King Street the next day.

Blue Bicycle Books

At one point, my friend & I agreed that this should be an annual event. But, by the end of the trip, we were already discussing going back in the fall.

That's Charleston!

New Year's Resolution

It's that time again.

Every year, on my birthday, I make my own new year's resolutions.

This year, I'm really only making one: Stop being so lazy and do something!

It would've been really easy to just stay home today and read a book, but I decided to meet up with a friend at the Alliance Francaise Bastille Day celebration instead.

Wine, cheese, crepes...

Wine!

It was awful.

SO crowded!

And I remembered why I hate this town sometimes.

But, I would not be deterred!

We walked until we found a cute little restaurant serving brunch. We were seated right away, at a corner table by an open window.

It was perfect!

But...

We waited.

And waited.

Eventually, we left.

But, still, I refused to quit!

I realized we were "only" about a mile away from Penelope.

I love Penelope! It's really cute, and the food is delicious!

So, off we went!

After brunch, and a mimosa (ok, two), we started walking downtown towards our trains.

Suddenly, I realized we were right across the street from Gramercy Park - a small, private park on the east side of the city.

Since December 31, 1831, only people living across from the park have a key.

View from the outside

I've been walking by this park for years, saying "someday...".

Well, today was that day!

A friend recently moved into #4 Gramercy Park West .

And he was home!

I'm in!

It was worth the wait...

And I remembered why I love this town sometimes.

Next year...

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We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

- Declaration of Independence