Saturday, June 25, 2016

‘Wouldn’t it be great’ is a great number...

‘Wouldn’t it be great’ is a great number: The words “music” and “northern Indiana” appear to be one and the same this summer. As soon as the calendar turned over to announce summer nights, campfires and fireflies, someone shouted from the heavens, “Get on your mark, get set, go!”

John Getz starts off the event with his marvelous playing!

It was a beautiful day to stroll around the park.



Here is the link to this week's column. It was a marvelous event and a beautiful day. There is so much more music yet to come this summer. Why don't you join us for the next one?

Just click on the above link and there you have it. As always, thank you for reading!

Lou Ann

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Sara Teasdale



I thought I had forgotten, 
But it all came back again 
To-night with the first spring thunder 
In a rush of rain.


I remembered a darkened doorway 
Where we stood while the storm swept by, 
Thunder gripping the earth 
And lightning scrawled on the sky.



The passing motor busses swayed, 
For the street was a river of rain, 
Lashed into little golden waves 
In the lamp light's stain.



With the wild spring rain and thunder 
My heart was wild and gay; 
Your eyes said more to me that night 
Than your lips would ever say. . . .



I thought I had forgotten, 
But it all came back again 
To-night with the first spring thunder 
In a rush of rain. 


Paris Street: Rainy Day
Gustave Caillebotte 1877


Last night's storm was something to take your breath away. I slept with my door open to my balcony and my room was flooded with light. The night before it also was flooded with moonlight. The storm cracked and raged so that I would not have been surprised to find King Lear stomping out my back door wanting in.

I have guests from the Netherlands who slept right through the storm. They also got home before I did and they shut off the air-conditioning and left me a note. They said they hoped I didn't mind. Oh, I loved them for that. I only turn on the air when guests are here.

So with the air off, the bedrooms full, and a storm raging, it was a great night for dreaming. And, oh, we needed the rain. My gardens were bone dry. Lucky for us there are clouds in the sky again today. Blissful rain, fall upon my gardens!

The poem is from Sara Teasdale.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Moon-Man

Ahhh...here we are...my favorite day of the year! (Today and winter solstice!)

This Solstice is even more beautiful because it is the full moon in June, also known as the Strawberry Moon.

The term "moon-man" is an English term associating a madman with the moon because the moon has a great domination over the bodies of frantic persons.
(According too Thomas Dekker's Lanthorn and Candlelight, 1608.)

This June moon is also known as the Rose Moon and the Midsummer Moon.

So, now you know. Enjoy this day to the fullest.




Sunday, June 19, 2016

Pennies for memories of Dad

Pennies for memories of Dad: I carry the laundry outside to be hung up and kissed by the June sunshine when I hear a clink on the ground.

This photo was from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette from the show "The Madwoman of Chaillot."
My dad is in the center. He loved theatre, and it was my favorite thing to do
to go watch the rehearsals and the show.

Here is the link to this week's column honoring my dad. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing. Always, always, thank you for reading. Just click on the title or the first line.

Share one of your own memories if you would like!

Until tomorrow...

Lou Ann



Friday, June 17, 2016

Gather ye rosebuds...

In the 17th Century, the poet Robert Herrick penned these words:

Gather ye rosebuds, while ye may
Old time is still a flying.
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying.

Ah, yes, the poem to the virgins to make the most of the day. So, once in a while something magnificent comes along to help Herrick along the way.

On Monday, June 20, we will be celebrating the Summer Solstice and the full moon in June (also known as the Strawberry Moon). Most of the folks who know me recognize the fact that I love the celebration of the Solstice whether it be summer or winter. I usually have a gathering or a campfire, and this year I am celebrating with both.

On Monday evening I will be having a solstice fire in my back yard. The event starts at 8:30 and runs until...well, until the faeries come out to play. Everyone is welcome as my garden gate swings wide.

Please bring a poem or a song or bring friendship. (It would also be handy to bring a chair as my supply is quite limited.) If you have rose petals, well, all the better! See you Monday evening at the House of the White Picket Gardens.

My campfire this past week!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Indiana artist T.C. Steele comes to life

Indiana artist T.C. Steele comes to life: The call came a year ago. “Hello, Lou Ann?”

And thus began a year long love affair for me. Here is the link to this week's column. I hope you enjoy it. Just click on the above first line or the title of the blog and it will take you right to the site!

This was the artist studio of T.C. Steele built in 1916.
My performance was in this space.
Here are a few photos from that great weekend...enjoy and, as always, thank you for reading!


Here are the four of us checking out the casita!

The afternoon also showcased the music of Amanda Biggs and Krista Detor

It was a beautiful day for a show.


Here I am locking up the casita after spending the night!

I took this photo on my Sunday morning walk around the property.



Monday, June 06, 2016

Open our eyes, hearts: today is the day...

Open our eyes, hearts: today is the day: It is graduation season. My mailboxes (both tangible and electronic) are full each day with invitations to parties and ceremonies. Each one, in turn, makes me think of my own graduating days.

Here is my great-nephew, Jake, at his graduation party!

My friend, Neriman, went for the both of us to Hailee's party!

Here is Brooklyn right after the awards program.     



Here is the link to this week's column. I think it is my commencement address. Enjoy, and thank you for reading! Just click on the above link.

Lou Ann


Friday, June 03, 2016

T.C. Steele

News from The Friends of T.C. Steele State Historic Site
The Studio Centennial Party Is Tomorrow!
Saturday, June 4, 2016, 12:00-4:00pm
Rain or shine! Come celebrate the 100th birthday of Steele's Dream Studio! All programs will take place INSIDE the Large Studio. Regular tours of the House and Studio included in admission price but available on a special schedule: 9:15am, 10:15am, 11:15am, and 4:15pm.

Free to Friends of T.C. Steele State Historic Site and members of Indiana State Museum. All programs included with regular site admission for the general public.

Here's the schedule for the day:

12-1 pm, Storyteller Lou Ann Homan from Storytelling Arts of Indiana, sponsored by Indiana Historical Society, will share an original story about Steele, appropriate for all ages
1-2 pm, Cake and ice cream will be served
2-2:45 pm, Rachel Berenson Perry reads from and discusses her new introduction to The House of the Singing Winds
2:45-3:30 pm, Book signing and light reception for Rachel
3:30-4:00 pm, Amanda Biggs and Krista Detor perform songs from “The Breeze Bends the Grass,” sponsored by the Brown County Playhouse, the Duke Energy Foundation, and the Indiana Arts Commission and Brown County Community Foundation.

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...