As a photographer and fan of sunsets, I’m often drawn to the day’s last glow. Even my kids were talking about the gorgeous sky as the sun fell over the Wando River during our swim at Hobcaw pool Saturday night. Cidney commented on the wispy clouds and how it was “purplish” in the east and “pink and orange combo” in the west.

When I learned one of my fave writers of all things lowcountry was promoting her new book, “Last Light Over Carolina,” I reserved my spot at the shrimp ‘n’ grits lunch at Fish. Not only did I enjoy her talk about crafting this novel, I was treated to Nathalie Dupree sharing about the recipes she collected for her Shrimp and Grits cookbook. After a taste of local shrimp over cheddar grits, we walked down the street to Blue Bicycle Books for some sparkling vino, yummy confections and personalized reading before the afternoon thunderstorm consumed King Street.

When I worked at the aquarium, I wrote an article for “Edible Lowcountry” about the challenges shrimpers face as questionable pond-raised shrimp from across the globe flood the market at ridiculously low prices. Until then, I didn’t know that majority of the shrimp served in our state — even in waterfront cities like Charleston — comes from Cambodia and Thailand. Such info makes you want to rally for the home team even more and spread the word against imported shrimp (or “shrimports” as I like the call them). I knew Mary Alice had gotten to know some of the same folks I did in various fishing villages throughout South Carolina, so I was eager to indulge in her book, based in McClellanville.

Speaking of that quiet spot up the road, I had the pleasure of photographing my first wedding there last spring. So I’ll throw in a few semi-related shots of a shrimp boat named for my friend Georgia — at the docks, and across the creek from daughter Katie.

Takeaways from this random hodgepodge of a post: 1) Monroe has a heart for the SC coast and spins fine tales; 2) Blue Bicycle Books is a charming sliver of a shop, perfectly located across from Cupcake; 3) Always ask for local seafood – stay away from shrimports! And 4) Yes, I shoot weddings.