Bluffton S.C. Artist Amiri Farris is known for his dynamic, powerful artwork. His fine art combines an alluring blend of vivid colors and layered textures that evoke images of Sea Island Gullah culture. His artistic vision introduces us to uplifting moments and insight into his contemporary view of culture, capturing the essence of a people who have preserved their African traditions of net making, basket weaving, quilting and bateaux building.

I have been working out on the beach lately. I’m talking about more than just a powerwalk or run. My workout includes push-ups, crunches, planks and burpees, all which require getting down and dirty. At first, I took an exercise mat to avoid lying directly on the beach becoming covered in sand. However, in doing set after set, I realized I was going to get sandy—extremely sandy—no matter what.

Last month I promised to review a few books for you. I hesitate to use the term diet books because many so-called diet books currently on the market are not really about weight loss, but are more a collection of charts and recipes. Not that it’s bad. Other so-called diet books are actually exercise manuals and food charts. That's not bad either. You will also find the healthy lifestyle type of diet books that can be very good. Books like Wheat Belly (Rodale Press Inc.) are a whole different genre and are meant to be warnings about avoidance and should only be taken as such.

Meet Alison Meeks:
A delight to be around, Alison Meeks is bubbly. Her personality and smile has a way of brightening a room just based upon her entering. She is open to life and adventure, and she is sincere and kind. With all of these exuberant qualities, there was one thing weighing Alison down. “I feel so much younger on the inside than I look on the outside,” Alison commented. Alison knew her main problem area—her eyes. “They make me look tired and older. In fact, I have gotten to the point where I avoid mirrors and cameras. I don’t like what I see,” she explained.

Get ready for Superheros, Sequels and Wild Comedies

"Begin doing what you want to do NOW. We are not living in eternity. We only have this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake."

The holiday shopping madness had not even started. However, when I think about it, I guess the crazy, fanatical parkers are crazy year round. You know the ones I'm referring to-those who would sell their soul to the devil to get the closest parking space possible.