Friday, July 29, 2011

Just another day at the grocery!



I have to admit I do not miss driving a car here on Ocracoke. I ride my bike everywhere I go, along with my hobo bag slung over my shoulder. My camera is often in that bag as well. I usually frequent the Community Store every day for grocery shopping, finding out the news and gossip and just spending some time at the harbor. Sundae and Rob have a shop on the water and I often sit around and visit on their porch as well. I prop my bike up on the old fence as I meander around. I thought it looked beautiful in the morning light one day this week, so here is my means of transportation. Should I just sell the old Jeep???

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

"Caleb's Crossing"

NPR interview with Geraldine Brooks

I just finished reading Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. It took me a few reads to actually get into the story, but once I crossed the line, there was no turning back.

I loved the research and the history surrounding the story. It is based on facts that Geraldine uncovered and the motivation for this story.

My book club, and my hometown, read "March" for which Ms. Brooks won a Pulitzer prize.

The above interview was excellent. I would love to hear any comments on the book as well. If you have read either book, please drop me a note.

Monday, July 25, 2011

This week's column on Alice Bell, an Ocracoke treasure!

Alice Bell, an Ocracoke treasure! (just click on the link!)

A writer friend of mine in England recently posted that she does not even open her computer on the weekends. I have tried this for a few weekends in a row now, and I find it very refreshing  I hope I can continue this habit. It makes getting back to work on Monday morning busy, but fun to catch up on all the news, yet letting my weekend speak of reading and friends and enjoying each moment of life!!

Enjoy this week's article on Ocracoke's Alice Bell. I loved meeting her!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Birthday morning at the radio station!


This photo was taken this morning at the radio station during my shift! Clayton, my boss, took the photo. Notice I am sitting at the recording board, but I am not recording. I am getting a little closer though! Come on it and say 'hi' if you are drifting about Ocracoke this morning or afternoon. Oh, and don't forget Bawdy stories tonight at the Deep Water Theatre with Sundae and Marcy. The show starts at 9:00...certainly a busy birthday day!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The Ocracoke Lighthouse



Yesterday was my first day to open up the Ocracoke Lighthouse. Last year it was closed for repair, but this year we are once again open to visitors. I am honored to be part of the staff telling stories and regaling tales of shipwrecks and hurricanes as tourists (and locals) stand inside the cool base. The Ocracoke Lighthouse was built in 1823 for $11,359 dollars which also included the Lighthouse keepers cottage. The keeper did more than light the lamps, he was also responsible for the repair and painting of the lighthouse (whitewashed outside walls), the cottage, and the garden and livestock. The job was physically exhausting, but the keeper must have known all his life how important the job was to all the ships that pass in the night.

When there are no visitors in the lighthouse I love singing as the music echoes off the brick walls. I also feel great reverence for those who have come before me and the heroic jobs that were done.

So, if you are on Ocracoke on Wednesday afternoon, stop on in, and I will answer questions and share stories of the Ocracoke Lighthouse.

The above art is by Philip. It is an original watercolor of the lighthouse. This summer he has been painting and selling his art. His small stand is set up next to the clam-filled sandy lane. He also has artwork of Howard Street, the Aleta (the mail boat from long ago), ships and scenes of the sea!

Thanks for checking in on the blog. I appreciate your interest and comments!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Early morning Scud


The morning was so beautiful and calm before the waves of Tropical Storm Bret swing around, that we decided to take Philip's boat out into the sound, Blackbeard's decapitating area! I said it would be great to take a 'spin' around the harbor, but was nicely corrected into saying that it would be a 'scud' around the harbor.

The morning was lovely with barely a breeze. Philip's boat is an old Ocracoke tradition and one of the last surviving wooden Carolina skiffs. He has restored it and the boat waits patiently tied up at the dock waiting for the Captain or other family members to take a scud!

It was a beautiful morning leaving all the chores behind us.

Monday, July 18, 2011

This week's column on the blooming Cereus!

The weather here has been so gorgeous with doors and windows wide open and fresh salty air just flows through the cottage.

The weekend was lazy after a full week of performances and writing. We lazed about on the front porch reading, spent time with family and friends, enjoy Sunday supper at the Jolly Roger listening to Molasses Creek with the sun glinting and gleaming off of Silver Lake. It was a sweet stroll home down Howard Street just as dusk was appearing.

Today, back to work, somewhat. Laundry to hang out, volunteering at OPS, posters around the village for the Bawdy Show on Friday night!

Attached is this week's column about the night-blooming Cereus! I just loved that evening. Just click on the link.

Hope all is well in your part of the world, in mine the sun is shining in and out.



http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11259

Friday, July 15, 2011

July's full moon rising on Ocracoke Island



Last night was the rising of the full July moon, actually it was in the wee hours of today, but last night was close enough. We took Philip's children and grandchildren, who are visiting, out to the beach to celebrate this beautiful night. The July moon is also known as the Thunder Moon, because of the many summer storms, and as the Deer Moon, as the deer begin to grow antlers during this month. It was a wonderful evening as we all celebrated in the beauty of the earth.


The rising July moon over the Atlantic.



Moonstruck!


Philip carrying the moon on his shoulders.



Philip and Amy playing catch with the moon.




A stunning view of the sun setting while the moon was rising!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

An Ocracoke Sunset


I usually work in the evenings telling stories through haunted graveyards, Bawdy Stories, and the Opry so it is a rare night that I am able to enjoy an evening off. Such was the case on Monday night. I spun out onto the sandy lane with my bike to enjoy the salty night air and to photograph some sunset photos. I was able to enjoy early evening kayakers and the sounds of the night. There was one couple that was trying to take photos of each other against the darkening sky. I asked if I could take their photo for them, and here they are. I don't know their names, but if you recognize them from vacationing here, let them know about this lovely photo from Ocracoke Island!


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Night Blooming Cereus



Last night I was invited to a Night Blooming Cereus Party. The evening's event did not start until after 10:00 to make sure this gorgeous flower would begin blooming.

This night blooming plant only sends off a few blooms (after waiting seven years for the first bloom!) and it should not be missed. A friend of mine, Jude, called to say that last night would be the night. Everyone scurried with evening work. I had a ghost walk, there were other events on Ocracoke as well. I wore a white sundress to celebrate this occasion.

When Philip and I arrived, the plant was still just in bud. Everyone was disappointed, but sat out on the patio with a nice cold white wine and chatted until the midnight hour. As we began to leave, we noticed the three blooms were beginning to open. We stood literally watching as each petal opened up before our eyes. I took this photo in the wee hours. I understand that by daybreak, the bud would close never to be opened again. None of us stayed around that long, but what a wonderful event.

Friday, July 08, 2011

This past week's column and by the way, still not on the radio!!

This week's article, enjoy! (P.S. I am at the radio station right now getting ready to sweep the floor!!)

 http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10201

Premiere of Bawdy Stories!



Tonight is the premiere of Bawdy Stories and Songs with my friends, Sundae Horn and Marcy Brenner. The show will be held at the Deep Water Theater here on Ocracoke Island every Friday night at 9:00. Adults Only! Tickets are $10.00 at the door. Hope to see you one of these Friday nights!



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...