The Moveable Feast for Winter 2012

The perfect stocking stuffer or girlfriend gift: A gift certificate for one or more feasts in this popular series of literary luncheons! Each features an exciting author at different Waccamaw Neck restaurants and is held every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Paid reservations are requested by the Wednesday prior to the feast; each feast is $25. The 2012 winter schedule through March is available onsite at Art Works inside the Chocolate & Coffee House at the Litchfield Exchange, online at ClassAtPawleys.com or by phone, 843-235-9600.

Jan. 13 – Sean Keefer (“The Trust”) at Nosh. Set in Charleston, Keefer’s debut novel features probate attorney Noah Parks. While the probate of a will should be straightforward, the Last Will and Testament of Leonardo Xavier Cross is anything but simple. After the body count begins to rise, the otherwise basic task of probating the will becomes more complicated as each day passes.

Jan. 20 – Kim Edwards (“The Lake of Dreams”) at Tara Ballroom, Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort. The much anticipated second novel by the author of the bestseller, “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter,” is the story of a woman’s homecoming to the lake of her childhood and the discovery of a secret past that will alter her understanding of her heritage, and herself, forever. A powerful family narrative and a story of love lost and found, “The Lake of Dreams” is an arresting novel in which every vibrant detail emerges as an organic piece of a puzzle. With her signature gifts for lyricism, suspense, and masterly storytelling, Edwards will delight her millions of fans.

Jessica Speart will present her true eco-thriller at Kimbels, Jan. 27.

Jan. 27 – Jessica Speart (“Winged Obsession”) at Kimbels, Wachesaw. Subtitled “The Pursuit of the World’s Most Notorious Butterfly Smuggler,” the book is a true thriller about an undercover U.S. Fish & Wildlife agent hunting down Yoshi Kojima, the Hannibal Lecter of the conservation world.

Feb. 3 – Mary Preston Foster (“Charleston: A Historic Walking Tour”) at Carefree Catering. Natives and visitors alike will appreciate the history and residents of this beautiful city. With its architecture, palm trees and cobblestone streets, Charleston is one of the South’s great cultural destinations. But don’t let the city’s beauty hide its turbulent history. The horrors of bombardment and occupation by conquering armies have left their marks. The city has experienced bleak times and disasters, including fires, a devastating earthquake and hurricanes, not to mention the challenges of Reconstruction.

The Waccamaw Neck and Hendersonville both claim Rose Senehi as a "local author."

Feb. 10 – Rose Senehi (“Render Unto the Valley”) at Inlet Affairs. A breathless tale of three generations of a star-crossed family struggling to mend itself and preserve something of its rightful heritage. In the midst of this tempestuous story stands Travis Whitfield, as stony-hearted a bad hat as you are ever likely to meet. But the female forces arrayed against him are formidable. Are they strong enough to prevail?

Feb. 17 – Nicole Seitz (“Beyond Molasses Creek”) at Ocean One. Three lives are bound by a single book … and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek. One a world traveler – home to bury her father as well as her past; one who stayed at home with their broken friendship; and one who escapes a life of slavery in Nepal to follow the truth wherever it leads her. A deep current intertwines the lives of these three, and a destiny of freedom, faith and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.

Feb. 24 – Margaret Baroody (“The Unexpected Visitor”) at Nosh. A stunning collection of black and white photographs and inspirational passages that takes the reader on a journey of discovery, surprise and faith. The photographs were taken over a period of more than half a century by physician N.B. Baroody, who traveled the world in recent years with his wife Margaret doing medical mission work. The book shares moments of their life journey together, their bond of connection and love that is both personal and universal.

Day two of the Gloria Perkins' workshop tackles this landscape with water reflection.

Gloria Perkins Oil Painting Workshop

Atlanta-based artist and teacher Gloria Perkins returns for her annual winter CLASS workshop at the Litchfield Exchange, Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 12-14. During the three-day oil intensive (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day), students will complete three canvases: Monet Waterlily Abstract, Landscape with Water Reflection and Hon Fleur. The workshop fee of $275 includes the paints used in the three works. Whether beginning or experienced artists, Gloria’s students return year after year to learn new techniques. Held in the Litchfield Exchange, two miles south of Brookgreen Gardens, behind Applewood House of Pancakes. To register, call 843-235-9600, stop by the CLASS office in the Chocolate & Coffee House, or visit online www.ClassAtPawleys.com.

Shop Small and Local!

Our annual plea to shop with small local businesses is extended to our readers in this fiercely competitive world of online ease, big box selection and the exotic appeal of “off.” Small businesses up and down the Waccamaw Neck (art galleries, book stores, family-owned restaurants, the new art show house, local charities) depend on your loyalty and all need a good finale to this grindingly recessed year. You can’t get much smaller or more local than Art Works in the Litchfield Exchange! Sharing space with The Chocolate & Coffee House (now there’s an outstanding gift idea!), the 20 local artists represented have delivered charming new works for the holiday season. Stop by and take a look, and enjoy a free chocolate to whet your appetite for more! While you’re there, you can pick up a gift certificate for the Moveable Feast. Good through 2012, a literary lunch is always a welcome treat! Art Works is located two miles south of Brookgreen Gardens on U.S. 17, behind Applewood House of Pancakes. For more information, call 843-235-9600 or ClassAt Pawleys.com.