Stars and Illusions

Goodbyes are always bittersweet, especially the second time around, even when you’re headed off to someplace warm.

Gloriously back on the pavement (and gravel!) roads, we continue once more with our journey…



…and asking our question: Why do you get up in the morning?

 "Everyday is a chance to get it right! Jesus is all to me, and if He allows me to wake up each morning, I owe Him a praise and I have to tell of His goodness."

 "I wake up every morning because of God. I suffer from depression. Sometimes it's hard for me to motivate. I think about God and to show Him gratitude, I get up and put on my boxing gloves!"

"When I get up in the morning, because I am a believer in God, the reason is I have faith in God that He is the one that gives me the strength to get up and do the things I have to do because I have a lot to live for. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and great grandmother. So because He (God) lives, I can face tomorrow."

Thanks to the lovely ladies at the Columbia Visitor’s Center we started our exploration of South Carolina’s capital city with lots of laughter and stories! They also directed us to the Sally the Salamander tour around historical Columbia.



Each stop on the tour was marked by a bronze salamander (the state’s amphibian!).



From the visitor’s center we traveled over to the Statehouse and walked around the grounds before going inside. The South Carolina State House is a medley of history and stories about the war.

"Because I love to walk my dog Ginger 1st thing in the morning."



On February 19th, 1865, artillery was fired from the south side of the Congaree River and the State House was hit. Rather than to repair the places that the State House was damaged by the cannon fire, six bronze stars were embedded into the walls where the shots had hit.
If you look closely between the last two columns you are able to see one of those stars.

"Because I have to. Go Colts!"



It was a beautiful blend of sunshine and the holidays as we stepped out to the front of the State House and captured the iconic palm trees of South Carolina and the splashy, decorated pine tree of Christmas!



George Washington’s bronze statue out front on the steps of the capitol became the object for Yankees to cast stones, brick bats, and sharp shooters. The cane held in bronze Washington’s hand still remains broken to this day by these foul acts.



It took fifty three years and six different architects to complete the construction of the South Carolina State House which is made out of granite that was quarried from the nearby Congaree River.




"To work in this beautiful State House! Go Tigers!"


"To enjoy another day!"



In the late 1800’s a visitor came to the State House and spoke that she found it to be the “most imposing building and most interesting archive of history (which) like all people, bears it’s scars and hides it’s skeleton”.



Added during the 1900’s, the State House dome is constructed of two separate pieces: the exterior (covered with 44,000 pounds of copper), and the interior (made for aesthetic purposes and slightly offset from the exterior to be located directly in the center of the lobby).
What many people do not know is that there is actually a “dome room” between the exterior and the interior domes, mainly used for the purposes of caring for the United States and South Carolina flags that fly proudly high above the outside dome.



Built not by producers, directors, nor actors, the Town Theatre was established by several families who wanted to create a community where not only they could enjoy play productions, but also to experience them firsthand by acting in them! Constructed in 1924, the Town Theatre in Columbia is the oldest community theatre building in continuous use in the United States.

"I have a job."

“Even sober drivers blink and often screech to a halt as the familiar old Federal Land Bank in downtown Colombia…comes into view. There before astonished eyes is a veritable mirage: a Tunnel hewn out of mountain rock, through which a clearly marked highway curves off to a brilliant orange sunset…”
                                People, February 9, 1976

Muralist Blue Sky’s impeccable work throughout South Carolina is most spectacularly known for the unreal, life-like painting he calls “Tunnelvision”. Whether you’re into art or not, the side of this building is definitely something to search for before you leave Colombia!

"Because I hope each is better than the last---than the last."

Making our way back to the car by route of the Lincoln Street Bridge, if you didn’t know better, Stephanie & Jeanette practically look like twins!

Ain’t a better end to the day than some good ole Rush’s milkshakes!



"I wake up each morning thankful for each day. I get to see my family's smiling faces. My sweet husband always has coffee ready. The pup (Lilly) won't let me sleep in. During the school year, I get to spend my days with wonderful first graders. I don't consider my job 'work' because I love what I do and I am able to help provide for my family. I look forward to each new day!"


"Time for school, I also love to be up and ready to start each day."

"I wake up in the morning so I have something other than sleeping to do, also I get up because Lilly will lick my face or will be whining to get out."

Thank you to our incredible South Carolina family. It was so amazing to be able to see you all again and catch up during our stay!

To remarkable people, milkshakes, and tunnels that lead to nowhere,
Love,
The Crew