What a great–as in really good–surprise to wake up Monday morning to the blog My Design Chic post about my recent visit to Greenville, NC, where I spoke to a room full of wonderful women. It was an honor to be in MDC and a privilege to be back to where my roots are.

No not those roots. The other ones, from whence I grew up.

It’s been a while since I’ve said “whence.”

One of the day’s many highlights was meeting fellow blogger Kristy Woodson Harvey. Kristy and her darlin’ mama Beth Woodson are the brains (and beauty) behind My Design Chic. I know many of you would enjoy it if you don’t already.

Honestly My Design Chic’s post (HERE) about my talk is better than the talk itself (and certainly not as long). It is mainly a preview of my next book, working title Just Bee, about Bee Cottage and moi. Working sub-title is How I made a complete muddle of things and found my way back to happiness and fulfillment through decorating. Do you think that is too long?

Whilst you ponder that question, you may also be asking yourself what’s up with the table settings? Well I’ll tell you: Other highlights of the day were the beautiful table settings.

Now we have “whence” and “whilst.” On a roll here, people.

I fainted over these silver goblets.

I posted a shot of the above on Instagram. Aren’t you crazy about Instagram? Come see me there (HERE) It is so much fun and does not give you hives like some other social media.

This is one magnificent epergne:

The occasion last Wednesday, May 7, was the “Power of the Purse” luncheon benefit for Women for Women of Pitt County. It was a sell-out crowd of 1,000+, and yes I was moderately terrified. If it is possible to be moderately terrified–in manner of Jack Bauer, for eg. But as bear no resemblance to Jack Bauer, I can only credit my composure to the benefits of meditating, which I do every day.

Ommmmmm. 

But most importantly, the day raised a bucket of money for many great causes. The Women for Women group totally rocks with all the good they do. So inspiring in the #thinkglobalactlocal department, you know?

Speaking of rocking, what a fun surprise to see one of the tables, done by the inimitable Danny Taylor, decorated with a photo of my Mama, taken with Danny, right, in 1989 at my sister’s wedding. You know it is 1989 by the hair and the Scaasi. The necklace was a loaner from Danny’s friend, at left, who as a favor to Mom dressed as a man that night and therefore could spare the necklace.

Love Danny’s mix of patterns here.

There was a v nice write-up about the day in the Greenville Daily Reflector (HERE) by Jane Hudson. You may find this hard to believe, but I have seen better  pictures of myself.

When I went to the beauty parlor before I left, I said to cut my hair just like Scout’s in To Kill a Mockingbird, and  she did. That scarf wrapped around my hand is covering up an ugly brace thing for a thumb boo-boo. That’s me boy,  just one big fashion statement.

And then after all that His Grace (aka my husband, for new readers) and I went on to my nearby hometown of Tarboro where my precious aunt gave the prettiest dinner in her garden.

So that’s this month’s installment from the Dept of Shameless Self-Promotion. Thank you again all you fabulous ladies (and gents!) in Eastern North Carolina, Kristy and Design Chic, and Ms. Jane Hudson. Thanks for reading. Heart you ALL, and see you soon. I’ll leave you with another  Instagram shot from Auntie’s garden in Eastern NC…