Thursday, June 30, 2011

Early morning photo....


 
I went out to the beach early this morning before the sun came up to walk upon the cool damp sand after yesterday's rain and storms. It was perfect for making castles, but I was the only one there for miles, so it seemed. I took several photos of the early sun, the sea oats, but on my way back I caught a glimpse of this seagull and photographed him in midair.

My Uncle Dean, who is my writing and photography mentor, always tells me that it is the unexpected which makes the great pictures or the great stories. We head out the door expecting and looking for one thing, but waiting in the shadows (or in the sun) is what we really want or need.

Just a bit of artistic wisdom from my island to you.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Mad Mag's Studio

I took these photos early this morning of Mad Mag's Studio. As I said before, it is a restored old summer kitchen and washhouse. It is definitely a work in progress...as is my writing. After an early morning beach walk, great coffee and some household chores in the cottage, it is nice to retreat to my studio and write away the morning hours!



Mad Mag's Studio




View from one of the side windows!





Work in progress!!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Poetry for our photos...

There were so many photos taken during our week on Ocracoke that I don't know how to involve all the photos...maybe a few at a time. In the meanwhile, I put together this poem to describe our magical week!


Photos

Turquoise edges of liquid sea

Splash into the faces of children.

Sun-kissed warm cheeks

Tell flashlight stories as the sun hides behind the sea.

Families pose, fish are caught, dreams are discussed

As we bring our souls to the table.

Pirates whisper under the sea

As we shout on the top of salt and waves.

The glasses are raised, the children sleep

And we lock elbows and hearts to the island’s swaying.

Ahhhh, our family vacation.

Arriving back at Ocracoke with family!

Summer at Sea with the Family!

This is my first column since I have returned to Ocracoke...yes, I know time has lapsed between the greatest party of the century and this family vacation...but time does get away. Let's move on, shall we???
Lou Ann

Saturday, June 04, 2011

This is it....

This day is here, one of the happiest days of my life! I can't describe the emotions I have over all of the responses, cards, notes, calls and now the BIGGEST RETIREMENT PARTY EVER. I just came back from Elton and Carolyns' Frank Lloyd Wright house on the prairie. We scrubbed chairs and tables, drank coffee, told stories, set up the food room, the performing stage. All the people I love are coming except Abe and Kristin as they are moving to Arizona today.

This is my graduation, wedding, birthdays all rolled into this day. Thank you all for everything. Oh, how fun Carolyn got balloons from her friend in Australia, and a necklace handmade from her son's girlfriend from Bangladesh.

We are over the top with happiness and excitement. See you all there, thank you everyone for all you have done. (including all my musician friends who are spending the day with us!!) Pictures will follow as well as a film clip. Oh, and I am now on U-tube. Wow, what a day.

Alright, to the garden to pick peonies and then in my new sundress with bangles and beads and let the party begin!!

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Delightful weekend...

My mom stayed with me all weekend which was so much fun. Mom lives in Texas and so our get togethers, or round abouts, are few and far between.

I loved letting her peak into my world here in Northern Indiana. We, of course, ate at all the local restaurants, The Deli, Coachlight, The Hatchery, Village Kitchen...had lunch with my editor, met the mayor among many other folks.

We had pot lucks and suppers with Karen and Aaron and the boys, Kathy, Lee, Elton, Carolyn.

We had quiet time too when we sat late into the night, listening to the rain on the rooftop, sipping wine telling stories....crying, laughing.

She has gone back to Fort Wayne for a bit until the big weekend...it is quiet in the old house!

Although Jim is back, and several of my 'single' girlfriends came over last night to drink beer under the stars. We sat out late contemplating life...really, it wasn't serious at all. Birds sang, dusk came and stories filled the night.

Spring break in St. Pete...

  Adam and his pups! The late-night flight is full. Everyone is heading out for spring break. Students and teachers, moms and dads, kids and...