Sunday, August 29, 2010

Sunday Salon - A Day of Travel and Rest

The Sunday Salon.com

This Sunday finds me home after a fantastic week in South Carolina visiting family. Yes, a post about the bookstores is forthcoming, but for today I'm unpacking and unraveling after a busy week running around to beaches, cities and tourist attractions.

I read several books this week, starting with Dorothea Benton Frank's Bulls Island. Set in the Charleston area, it was a fun way to start off the week. It was also a quick read and from there I moved on to Massimo Carlotto's heart-pounding thriller Death's Dark Abyss and the tragically funny Wish Her Safe at Home, by Stephen Benatar. Today I'm relaxing with Avner Mandelman's The Debba and putting away the books I bought in South Carolina.

We stayed in the Beaufort area and got to see lots of different things. The highlights for me were the city of Charleston and the incredible Edisto Island. We went to cute bookstore there, a beautiful beach and an attraction called The Serpentarium, featuring reptiles large and small. So fun.

We saw this little beauty near the beach at Hunting Island, a relatively isolated but incredibly gorgeous stretch of sand. Our friend here was lounging in a pond a short distance away from the beach. What a cutie, right?

So anyway I'm home now and will post about the bookstores later this week. What are you reading today?

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18 comments:

Clare - The Super Mommy Club said...

Great photograph - I'm always nervous around reptiles with such sharp teeth!

I'm forcing myself to take a day off from reading today and instead I need to write copious reviews. I really must start reviewing them before I pick up the next one!

Clare

Col (Col Reads) said...

Great shot! When I woke up this morning I had A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson on the top of my TBR pile. But now you have me thinking about book two: Lisa Moore's Alligator! Your picture looks just like the cover.

Suzanne Yester said...

Great shot! Lucky you saw him first! As for reading, I have Bulls Island on my Kindle waiting to be read. I look forward to your thoughts. This will be my first novel by the author, but her settings sound wonderful.

Have a nice relaxing day!

Tasha said...

Cool photo.

Pam said...

Kittens and bunnies are cute. Reptiles are creepy. Just saying....

Sounds like you had a great trip. I've never been to Charleston (or SC, for that matter), but I'd love to go. I will stay away from the wildlife, though. Not a big reptile fan (in case you couldn't tell. LOL!)

Frances said...

Lucky you! I just love the Charleston area and all the possibilities including the quick trip to Savannah which is also very charming. Can't wait for your book shop finds that I can use for next time I am in the area.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

Sounds like a great time Marie. I have only been to Hilton Head and Charleston, but enjoyed both a lot.

Anonymous said...

Great photo! I'm glad you had a nice time. I look forward to reading more about your book journeys.

wisteria said...

Nice area. My ex is from South Carolina and we shared some great times there. Don't you love the Spanish Moss hanging. That's what always impressed me. It reminded me of books I had read with southern settings. I hope you enjoy your stay.

I'm reading For the King's Favor by Elizabeth Chadwick.

Don't go swimming with the crocs.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

I'm planning to work on Mockingjay and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang today.

Enjoy your trip! Watch out for critters.

Booksnyc said...

Charleston is such a charming city - it has been a while since I have been there but your post makes me want to return! have a great week!

Zibilee said...

What a lovely picture! He looks like he's hiding out amongst all that greenery! I am anxious to hear what you thought of Wish Her Safe at Home! I loved that book and thought that Benetar did a really great job with Rachel and her slow decline. Hopefully you loved it too! Have an awesome week, Marie!

Kathleen said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip, welcome back!

Alexia561 said...

Great picture, but I'd be nervous being so close to this guy!

Charleston is supposed to be lovely, so looking forward to hearing more about your visit. And about all of the bookstores you found as well! :)

Unknown said...

Oh, Marie, I wish I knew you were in SC, I have always wanted to meet other bloggers. next time you are in my neck of the woods maybe we can connect. Charleston is such a great place rich with history and architecture.
Terrible things, those alligators are. Especially when someone I know, her dog met up with the alligator in my neck of the woods. I won't tell you a few incidences, but I am sure you can guess. Can't wait to hear about your adventures in the book stores in SC.

Marie Cloutier said...

Clare, I hope you got lots of writing done!I'm so far behind on reviews I'll never catch up!

Connolly, A WALK IN THE WOODS is one of my all time favorites! Enjoy!

Suzanne- Bulls Island, not so much. I'll put my review up soon but I was disappointed.

Susan, I know, I wish I'd had time to say hi. It was a family trip so there really wasn't time for a lot else. I would have loved to meet you!

Michelle (Red Headed Book Child) said...

That's a great photo. I'm glad you had a good time.
I'm reading a cozy mystery by Laura Childs. a little fluff after some serious books.

Michelle said...

I haven't seen one of these sweet creatures since I moved back North from Florida. Gotta say I don't miss seeing them meandering along the grass near the ponds. LOL

Glad you had a lovely time, I've always been interested to go to Charleston, I hear it's quite beautiful.