Dear Reader:

Yesterday I did find “Peace like a river in my soul.” My long-time friend, Alston Middle School colleague, and neighbor, “Miss Janie” is about to celebrate her 90th birthday! (Her official birthday is December 21 and her calendar is almost completely full up to and even after her birthday. I knew I had to jump in or lose a slot!)

I thought about a peaceful place I could take her for her birthday to escape the Christmas rush and immediately I saw it in my mind…my vision of peace- Mepkin Abbey!

First I took Miss Janie to the Barony House in Moncks Corner for lunch…the waitress was all decked up for Christmas and so sweet…she told us that Bubba (owner and cook) only made fried oysters about three times a year but we had come on a very lucky day…they were out of this world. She was right!

When she found out it was Jane’s birthday she brought her a big slice of coconut cake with a candle in it. So sweet!

Then it was on to Mepkin Abbey…where the Trappist Monks live and farm. It was an absolutely beautiful (almost winter) day in the high fifties with the sun out and shining. The welcome sign says it all:

I think the garden of Mepkin Abbey is how I picture Heaven…words and/or photos  don’t do it justice. One has to use all the senses to absorb the beauty and simplicity of these surroundings. I will however, share a few of my snapshots and the exquisite wooden sculptures carved from fallen trees that line the road leading into the gardens.

So until tomorrow…Let us all find a special place of peace where we can go physically or mentally to escape the hubbub of Christmas frenzy and find the inner peace of the real Christmas…

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh