This world is filled with interesting, creative people | Island Packet

My niece Sarah was in Bluffton for a week's visit. She and her husband, Topaz Wong, live in New Jersey. They are a hop and a skip away from New York City. Sarah teaches the seventh grade at a school nearby, and Topaz works in New York.

Topaz has a really interesting occupation. He helps design and build window treatments for designers all over the country. He is friends with many leading designers, including Alexa Hampton, whose father, the late Mark Hampton, helped design interiors all over the world.

Topaz has always wanted to go back to school to hone his craft. Thanks to the advice of many of his clients he applied and was accepted to the New York School of Interior Design. He starts his new path in the fall. We are all so excited for him and know he will do well -- after all, how could anyone named Topaz fail?

Have you ever heard of Dr. Benjamin Carson? I had not until several weeks ago. His name was in the news because he had given a talk at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. The president was in attendance, and it was reported Dr. Carson criticized his taxation and health care policies, ruffling some feathers. I thought nothing more about him until last week.

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I was watching talk show on television and saw that the next person on was none other than Dr. Carson. I expected someone who was not worth watching so I had thought of changing the channel. Well, I did not. I could not believe what a wonderful presence he had. If you know Stephen Loper, you know what a kind voice is. Dr. Carson's kind demeanor and wise words got me hooked. He was charming and very well informed.

Dr. Carson is director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University. He has so many awards and honors to his credit they are too many of them to name. The Wall Street Journal has suggested he should run for president in 2016. He is an independent, so I think that is interesting. If Dr. Carson is anywhere near here to talk, I will be there.

Margaret Anthony's sister Liz Clark and her husband Xavi have moved back from Spain to be near family. Liz is a wonderful artist, and Xavi is a civil engineer. The couple met and married in Spain, where Xavi lived and Liz was studying.

Liz has a fabulous job as a web designer in Charleston, but Xavi was having trouble finding work. Well, necessity is the mother of invention. Xavi, being the engineer and artist he is, found some pieces of pipe and started tinkering. He has designed lighting that is very unique.

The marketing of his creations was a bit daunting. The couple decided to try putting the lights on Etsy.com. At first, Xavi only sold one or two a month. Then suddenly orders started pouring in. He is overjoyed at the response. Now the designer is busy hand making his creations in the couple's living room. The name of his endeavor is La Rosa Lighting, in case you would like to see what they look like.

* Habersham Marketplace is presenting Artisans and Antiques from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at Habersham in Beaufort. Bobbi Rice and her daughter have gathered a wonderful group of artists and a great selection of goodies to tempt you. Call 843-644-1864 or 440-503-8414 for directions and information.

Babbie Guscio is the social columnist for The Bluffton Packet. She can be reached at The Store on Calhoun Street.

SPRING PIE

1 Keebler Shortbread Ready Crust

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

2 3.4-ounce packages instant lemon pudding mix

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 1/2 cups milk

1 container Cool Whip

Prepare crust. Beat cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice together. Spread over pie crust. Whisk pudding mix and milk until well blended. Spread over the cheese layer. Put in icebox to chill. Spread Cool Whip over the top before serving. Garnish with mint sprigs. Makes: 8-10 slices.

Babbie Guscio is the social columnist for The Bluffton Packet. She can be reached at The Store on Calhoun Street.