Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Find peace and joy outside your back door...



Here is the link to this week's column. Enjoy and thank
you for reading as always! Just click on the above link!


I took this photo through the trees as we hiked.

 
Marie took this photo at the Spring Shelter.

Sunday, December 27, 2015

My winter garden...

This is a photo of my winter garden.

Robert L. Stevenson once wrote the following poem:

"To make this Earth our hermitage
A cheerful and a changeful page
God's bright and intricate device
Of days and season doth suffice."

Even in the midst of the bleakest of Decembers (yes, no snow to speak of), my
garden gives great beauty. It is always there...just waiting for us.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas!!

This is one of my favorite photos of Matthew and Jonah! It is the epitome of childhood.

Merry Christmas to all my faithful readers!

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Seinfeld - The Full Story Of Festivus [HD]



f you are a Seinfeld fan, you will love this. Needless to say, I still think Seinfeld was the most brilliant TV series ever produced!

Happy Festivus Everyone!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Santa Claus is coming to town!!


Last night Santa Claus came to Cahoots Coffee Cafe. We (Crystal from Cahoots and Mrs. Claus) planned an evening for families, but we had no idea how many would actually show up! We had wall to wall babies, children, and families. There were no chairs or beanbags left by 7:00. It was a wonderful evening for all. I told stories for half an hour with babies crawling all around and nine year old boys snickering. 

On the last line of Twas the Night Before Christmas when I said, "But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,...." Santa appeared with a Ho,Ho Ho and the last line of the famous poem.

Oh my! The children did squeal with delight. It was quite wonderful. There were cookies (4 cases donated by the Girl Scouts!) and milk for all the children. I think it is these kinds of events that make us all believe in Christmas. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

At the end of the evening, Jonah and I finally had our turn to see Santa. 

I want to thank Ken and Karen Shelton for being the best Mr. and Mrs. Claus on this side of the globe. I am sure at the end of last night they were glad to head back up to the North Pole and get to work and have a much longed for rest!

Happy Christmas to all!!


Monday, December 21, 2015

Solstice


solstice morning dawns
between the dark and the light
balancing the earth



Today is one of my favorite days as the northern hemisphere begins its descent back to summer. I am one of the unusual folks who love long winter nights. Maybe it is because it is the only time I feel it is okay to curl up with a great book or a good movie. In the summer we are out and about working the garden...the earth.

On Saturday evening friends gathered in this old house to celebrate this festive event. We recited poetry, drummed about out thoughts, lit candles on the Christmas tree, sang old songs, sat around the campfire, and ate each other's cooking. It was a night of celebrating, of holding hands and hearts thinking about what really is important in this life.

So today, take a few minutes from your busy day to reflect on this spectacular world we live in and light a candle for peace.

Lou Ann

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Visitor shares life of homelessness at holidays...


Dear Friends,

Here is the link to this week's column. I hope you enjoy it. It was a labor of love to write this one.
All you have to do is click on the above KPC link and there it is.

I was also fortunate enough to be able to do a video interview with Tim. We talked for a long time before I asked, and he was more than willing. I made it into a youtube video. I hope you like the video as well. 

As always,
Lou Ann



Friday, December 04, 2015

Stopping by a woods on a snowy evening...


Enjoy this reading by Robert Frost himself!

I took this photo last year during a horse-drawn wagon ride in my hometown.
Tonight there are rides from 5:30-8...don't miss it!



Wednesday, December 02, 2015

Our Town...


This photo was taken by Tonya Lonsbury a few days ago on her way out of town. She stopped to snap the photo and to reflect on growing up in this town. I love the photo and I loved her reflections about childhood.

I guess it doesn't matter where we grow up...home is home. 

It always makes me think of Thornton Wilder's words from Our Town. I am sure you know the play well, but in case you have forgotten, here are a few words from the last scene.

Being grateful is important wherever we are and whatever we do. On this third day of December, I take time to reflect...

Lou Ann



“EMILY: "Does anyone ever realize life while they live it...every, every minute?"

STAGE MANAGER: "No. Saints and poets maybe...they do some.” 

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...