Stories from a small town...

Art Out My Window

2012-01-30T07:00:00.003-04:00

This Monday the Art Out My Window is the window looking out from Philip's shower on Ocracoke. This is definitely my choice of shower...outside under the cedars and yaupons. I have to admit that I only use it in summer, but Philip showers every morning, even in winter, outside mixing steam and frost in the early morning air.

One morning I was looking out the window in the kitchen and the sun was streaming in the beautiful stained glass window through the outside shower, and I knew this would be my favorite picture of the week. Enjoy!

Farewell to Ocracoke

2012-01-29T07:00:00.008-04:00

Today my suitcase is packed, my laptop and camera are securely in place in their bags, and today I say Farewell. A long journey by ferry, car, and eventually the train in Virginia to carry me back to the Midwest.

This January has been my first winter month to be here on Ocracoke. It was much more wonderful than even I had expected. I will miss the beauty of winter on this island, my friends, activities, and I will miss Philip. This photo was taken on our beach walk last night at Southpoint. It was brilliant.

Farewell until Spring.

Edgar Allan Poe party on Ocracoke!

2012-01-28T16:09:00.000-04:00

Click here for this week's column on the Edgar Allan Poe party!

My annual Edgar Allan Poe party was held on Ocracoke this year. I hope you enjoy the article! We had such a great time. Here are just a few photos from the evening!!

Thanks to my Ocracoke friends for coming to the party, wearing black and participating in the discussion and readings. Thank you are well for making me feel so welcome during this winter month.

Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore!"

Lida and Sundae

Bill, David and someone else?

Gary and Leonard

Don, Betty, Chris

Philip and I

Philip, Merle and Jim

Emmet with his dad, Rob

Robert Frost Reads "The Road Not Taken"

2012-01-27T07:00:00.001-04:00

I have been studying Robert Frost with my on-line Yale class. I found this wonderful video of Frost reading his poem, The Road Not Taken. It is truly a treasure that has been saved. I have moved on to Yeats, but couldn't help published this video of Frost.

I am sure you are wondering how the class is going? I love doing the homework and taking the class. I am always on-time and prepared. I am, however, having a difficult time with the professor as he never calls on me! I wave my hand, I shout out, "I know the answer!" He continues to look around the room and no one responds. "Please, please, please call on me!"

We also broke up into discussion groups last week. I was left out of that as well. Could it be because my class was recorded in 2007??

Hmmm...contemplation.

101 Things I Learned While Sailing

2012-01-25T11:39:00.001-04:00

The other day Philip received a packet in the mail. Inside was a mini-manuscript from a fellow he met on Ocracoke. This man and his wife were sailing through and stopped here to visit. Quickly he and Philip became friends and actually went clamming.

The mini-manuscript was titled, 101 Things I Think I Learned While Sailing. There was a bit more, but I will leave all names out of this piece!! (I didn't really ask for permission.)

I found this fascinating to read, as well as thinking...hmmm...we should all write down the 101 Things I Think I Learned While.....you fill in the blanks!

Here are a few of theirs, just enjoy them! (Don't worry, I did not copy all 101 things!)

3. Your dinghy is your car and becomes your lifeline to civilization.

11. When in question whether or not to stay put, and you are in a safe harbor, stay put.

15. James Michener bought a house on San Domingo Creek in Maryland and lived there for two years while he wrote his epic novel, "Chesapeake."

18. Piracy is alive and well!

33. Meltdowns happen.

37. Everything tastes better on the boat.

46. Boats leak.

51. Attitude IS the difference between an ordeal and an adventure. It's all up to you!

58. Always have a spare everything. Everything.

60. Listen to Elvis.

65. If you don't have what you need, make something else work.

88. Nine-and-a-half million bricks were used to build Fort Macon, North Carolina.

89. I feel comfortable in my sarong.

98. Dreams do come true and miracles do happen every day.

100. "And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." Friedrich Nietsche.

101. Blackbeard the Pirate left behind no buried treasure.

Thanks to the Mullen family for taking the time to write up what they have learned...now it is our turn!

Poetry Passage

2012-01-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Here is another poem from my collection:

Knocking on a Glass Table

Canopied over earth

Sat wings of darkness

Hovering

Dipping

Escaping

But not really.

The wings beat on each door...

One by one

Pulsating out each candle

Pulling the vapor northward

And then returning for the unflamed.

Art Out my Window....

2012-01-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

Philip and I went on an Ocracoke cottage tour this weekend. We strolled the old pathways, climbed over tree roots, and found ourselves peering out of dusty windows. All of the photos are from inside these old cottages. All are similar to Philip's cottage and were built between 1860 and 1880.

The quietness and beauty spoke volumes as we gingerly walked where those have walked before. In that dusty placidness, we listened to the echo of their voices and once-upon-a-time music upon the hearth.

Early morning walk on Howard Street....

2012-01-22T11:30:00.000-04:00

It is chilly here today with a brisk wind, nonetheless, nothing like northern Indiana. My early morning walk down Howard Street on Ocracoke produced these lovely photos. There was a slight mist in the air, and no one was about as I strolled down this old historic street with camera in hand. Enjoy this early morning beauty. You can almost smell cedar!

Winter on Ocracoke...this week's column, enjoy!

2012-01-21T09:50:00.001-04:00

Just click here for this week's column! Thanks so much for reading!

The Joy of Books!

2012-01-20T08:49:00.002-04:00

This video has been circulating this past week, but I really love it.

If you love books, you will too. I can't imagine how much time

went into this project. Credits are given below!

After organizing our bookshelf almost a year ago (http://youtu.be/zhRT-PM7vpA), my wife and I (Sean Ohlenkamp) decided to take it to the next level. We spent many sleepless nights moving, stacking, and animating books at Type bookstore in Toronto (883 Queen Street West, (416) 366-8973).

Farewell to the Poe Toaster....

2012-01-19T12:24:00.000-04:00

Ah dear readers,

Here we are on Edgar Allen Poe's birthday without the toaster. How can that be?

For three years in a row now the toaster did not appear. Is this the new mystery? Where is the toaster, will there be a new one? I have often thought this is something I must secretly do (please don't tell). I have a long cape, a wide brimmed hat and I can always buy roses and a bottle of Cognac. I think I look the part, don't you agree?

So, on this day when the sun does not shine in Baltimore and all the world is saying 'nevermore', may we remember Poe and all his stories he has left us.

Oh, and by the way, Philip and I are hosting the annual Poe party on Ocracoke on Wednesday, January 25 at 6:00. It is a potluck dinner and please wear black as we will be celebrating the life of Poe.

Do you suspiciously think that the Poe toaster might show up? The only way to find out is to take a ferry out to the party next week.

Lifting my glass of Cognac to Poe!

This photo was taken when I was teaching Poe in school.

I think first person is the only way to teach! It is indeed a stuffed raven!

(OK, really it is a crow, but ahhh...enjoy!)

Rain falls on the Mad Mag Studio as I daydream...

2012-01-18T13:03:00.000-04:00

It is one of the loveliest of days here on Ocracoke Island as the raindrops fall and cascade down through the trees surrounding my studio. I found an old umbrella that would just barely open to cover me while I trekked my few steps into the studio. It didn't work so well as I was still covered with the cold winter raindrops.

The small heater purrs, the twinkle lights dance and cast shadows onto my work space and a trunk of dress up clothes wait for an occasion. My guitar is propped up against the wall, small lamps adorn wooden trunks and my old blue table is covered with work. This old wash house space is good.

Working alone in a studio is a new experience for me. Without the structure of school, I find I own my discipline, whether I use it correctly or not. I do often find myself daydreaming, which is probably good. It reminds me of my elementary school days as well.

Oh, in case you are wondering, I am on my third class at Yale University...I am just waiting for my water soaked, marked up textbook to arrive by post before I go to the next class. Robert Frost is the first poet we have studied in class. Yesterday the professor put us into small groups for discussion. Unfortunately the class I am taking was taped in the spring of 2007 so I missed out on the discussion as well as the in-class worksheet!

Is it possible that I will just discuss this poetry with myself on this rainy day in my Mad Mag Studio?

So, wherever you are, hopefully your work is good and important to you.

Thanks for reading.
Lou Ann

The entrance to my Mad Mag Studio in the rain...notice umbrella!

One of my bookshelves!

This is the old blue table I rescued...great for working and drinking coffee!!

Dress up clothes whenever I need or want them!

Poetry Passage...

2012-01-17T12:10:00.001-04:00

As I work on my collections of poetry this winter, I have decided to publish one each Tuesday. Hopefully you will enjoy and gain something from this piece. Thanks again for reading.

Diamonds feel.

He took her hand and led the way

Across the frozen creek.

They skated alone together,

She began to spin

And he let go of her hand.

He laughed and turned his back to her.

She did not know the ice was thin

Until she fell through in darkness.

Cold seeped into the twilight

Burying her in the frozen grave

As he led another to the ice.

They skated together.

Diamonds fell.

Art Out my Window...

2012-01-16T10:57:00.001-04:00

This photo was taken out my back door last year in January. I hear it looks very much like this currently! It makes me cold just looking at this photo. I do love the quiet and lonely sound of winter. It is different here on Ocracoke as the chilly winter air does not stop anyone as there is, of course, no snow. A little bundling up and it is a delight to share in this brisk air here. So, wherever you are...snow or not...enjoy this lovely January and my art out my window!

I am a Yale student after all!

2012-01-15T11:22:00.001-04:00

I hope you enjoy this week's column as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Just click here for this week's column!

Friday thoughts...

2012-01-13T14:37:00.000-04:00

The blizzard comes to Indiana as a mini blizzard, as I understand it. Schools are delayed, the traffic crawling along on the interstates, and folks are digging out. Even though the snowfall was just a few inches, those winds carry it into the unknown corners of barns and houses and old wooden gates.

Matthew and Jonah will shovel for me after school. Hopefully they will return the shovel to its rightful place on the porch as, on occasion ,it is found a block or two away.

As for here on Ocracoke, the wind pounds upon the summer rockers still out on the pizer looking as if ghostly beings have taken control of my favorite summer reading spot. The ferries to Swan Quarter and Cedar Island are idly sitting in the harbor waiting for the wind to abate. The cedars and yaupons bend with each howl of the wind.

It is an interesting feeling to know that here we are on this fragile piece of sand with nary a way to get to the Mainland. Isolated, but not deserted. No, life continues on as school children go off to learn their sums, postal clerks and bank tellers break for lunch, and homes are full of conversation and warm fires.

It is a good place to be on a cold windy afternoon by the sea.

Sunset on Ocracoke Island

2012-01-12T10:53:00.001-04:00

Here are a few photos from the Sunset on Ocracoke Island. We went just at dusk to take a walk, and saw dozens of dolphins playing in the waves. A Simple Life.

Poetry Tuesday

2012-01-10T17:19:00.000-04:00

This is from my collection of poems,

Knocking on a Glass Table

Behind each picture is time lost-

Open it up for flesh and blood and bones.

Unseal the frame for the past to spill out naked and raw

Burdened like a bride, except the new is gone.

Old and blue weave memory tales lost in wood and glass.

Seal it back up with a whisper and a sly look.

No one will know as we reset the nail.

Art out my Window

2012-01-09T13:01:00.002-04:00

Here is a view out the cottage front window. I took this after a rain this morning. I love the winter colors here on Ocracoke. I think this looks more like a painting than a photo, probably because it is through the glass. It also is a bit crooked.

I am finally settling into the winter life at Ocracoke. We have already had lots of activites and places to go. Last night was the Twelfth Night party held at the Meeker's. Philip did such a great job writing about it that I am just going to refer you to his blog.

So, here I am writing away in my studio, catching up on work and getting back into the swing of things. I love being a gypsy and a writer. Thanks so much for sharing with me as well. Lou Ann

http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/

This week's column...I saw three ships come sailing in...

2012-01-08T11:30:00.000-04:00

Click here for this week's column! Enjoy!

Traveling up the Eastern seaboard was an enriching experience. Please enjoy the article and the photos that follow! Lou Ann

The Battleship North Carolina, notice I couldn't get the entire

ship in the photo!

Another view of the North Carolina.

The Town Clock in Beaufort.

Sailing ships in the harbor at Beaufort.

Coming home on the Cedar Island ferry.

Happy Birthday Carl Sandburg!

2012-01-06T17:10:00.002-04:00

Several years ago I received a grant to follow the footprints of Carl Sandburg. I flew to Oregon, boarded a train and spent the next ten days traveling by rail.

What began as a journey to study the works of Sandburg turned into a plethera of literary giants to study.

As I traveled from place to place, how could I not study Steinbeck, Fitzgerald and Hemmingway? I still am immersed in these authors and that time period.

On winter nights I can quietly sit and read the poetry and works of these great men.

So, happy birthday to Sandburg. Here is just a small sample of his work, this one is from a collection of his Chicago poems.

NIGHT from a railroad car window

Is a great, dark, soft thing

Broken across with slashes of light.

New Year's Blessing

2012-01-02T11:42:00.002-04:00

Click here for New Year's column!

Art out my window...

2012-01-02T11:39:00.000-04:00

Driving to Charleston last week, we passed a beautiful Airstream Trailer. It was so reminiscent of my grandparents that I couldn't help but take a photo. My grandpa used to park these at the rallies all the while my grandma collected blue ribbons for her cakes and pies. Many a night I stayed over sleeping in their Airstream. I do not know where these folks are headed, but wish them a safe and wonderful journey.

A Child's Christmas in Wales

2011-12-27T08:18:00.000-04:00

Today I am posting the full text of A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas.

Thomas was born in Wales in 1914 and died in 1953. He left a body of work behind him of stories and poetry. Several years ago I began reading this every Christmas...to students, to children, to adults. I had several small paperback versions that have all but disappeared from my library shelves as I have given them all away.

I had attached the full copy of the story in print, but there are also versions on utube in which you can enjoy the strong Welsh voice of Dylan Thomas.

In the meantime, I am leaving the mountains of North Carolina to journey on to Charleston.

Enjoy a cozy read on this rainy day in the Carolinas!

A Child's Christmas in Wales

Art out my window...

2011-12-26T11:05:00.001-04:00

Philip and I are spending the Christmas season in North Carolina with his son and family. They live outside of Asheville in the mountains and it is certainly beautiful.

We spent Christmas Day with Snee's family (his wife), and so we traveled deeper into the mountains for a huge family celebration.

The scenery was lovely as we traveled. As always, I keep my camera ready. Philip graciously stopped the car so I could take this great photo in the mountains.

This really caught my eye. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. There are many stories to be told from this one photo!

Merry Christmas to my circle of family and friends!

2011-12-25T10:58:00.000-04:00

Merry Christmas to all...enjoy this week's column!

Click here for my Christmas column!

In the Bleak Mid-Winter

2011-12-24T09:58:00.000-04:00

With coffee and camera in hand, I waited for the morning sunrise in the mountains outside of Asheville. It was so quiet a peaceful, a perfect Christmas Eve morning.

I couldn't help but think of the song, "In the bleak mid-Winter". Please click on the link to hear the song.

Join me tomorrow morning on Christmas to watch the sun come up wherever you are on the holiest of mornings.

Click here for text and music!

To Librarians Everywhere!!

2011-12-18T16:55:00.000-04:00

Click here for this week's column!

This week's column is dedicated to librarians everywhere! Enjoy!

"Date a girl who reads..."

2011-12-14T14:36:00.000-04:00

Date a girl who reads...(click here)

So here I am directing you to another blog site and wondering why I didn't take the time to write this myself.

It is a brilliant piece of writing so I thought you must read it as well.

By the way, I am writing this as I await reading on this rainy day in December where the snow should be flying instead of raindrops. Alas, the lights are lovely against the windowpanes and the birds still share their own gossip at my bird feeders.

Out of my own curiosity, what are you reading right now?

This week's article...enjoy!

2011-12-11T13:44:00.000-04:00

Click here for Christmas in my home town.

This week's article features the events of last Sunday. It was one of those whirlwind days enjoying each and every event in my hometown.

It was, however, not the least or the last of these events. As you all know, each town, city, village or rural areas take great pride in their own traditions.

I would love to hear from you about something wonderful in your hometown a well.
Thank you all for the comments on the blog or on Facebook. You give me encouragement in this life as an artist that I pursue.

Some of the musicians at Wing Haven.

Just folks enjoying the sing!

Here are the three new musicians that have joined the group:

John Boyd, Steve Eyrich and Kevin Burnell.

Maybe next year I will be in this photo with my guitar!

This is Art Eberhardt!

Here is Matthew and Jonah warming up by the pot belly stove. I can't

tell if this is pre or post cookie consumption!

Here are a few members of the Trine choir accompanied

by the multi-talented Lyn Syler.

Girl's Potluck!

2011-12-06T12:06:00.001-04:00

Girl's Potluck was started a few years ago in my house, although none of us can really remember exactly when. I know it was after a recent visit to Ocracoke where community is the main focus of the Island, and I love and long for community.

There are no rules for the potluck, you bring whatever you like; somehow it always works out. Once in a while there are all salads, and once there were all desserts, which was fine by all. But usually it all works out. New girls often ask what to bring, but I just tell them anything.

The numbers always vary due to busy lives. We spend time celebrating milestones in our lives. We also had quiet moments as we did last night as we remember Linda, who died this past year. Our thoughts went to Jeri as well as she sits by her sister's bedside just waiting.

We tell lots of stories too, and most stay as long as the candles are lit!

The potluck will meet again on February 6th, please join us. If you live in a different community, which you probably do, then start your own. It is always fun to see who comes in the back door!

Thanksgiving is over...now moving on to Christmas!

2011-12-05T17:44:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I always appreciate you reading and commenting on my blog. I do try to get to it...but seriously life just gets in the way for writing every day. New Year's Resolution #1. Write daily. #2. Work out daily. #3. Write on my blog why I couldn't write or work out.

Click here for this week's column!!

The title says it all!!!

Jack Frost of Robert Frost?

2011-12-01T08:10:00.000-04:00

The first snow of winter, and it was definitely a winter wonderland! The storm was predicted a couple of days earlier and the snowfall count continued to grow. It was one of the most beautiful snows I have ever known. Warm, soft snow clinging to each tree and bush.

The first photo is of the boys shoveling. They shoveled my walk and every other walk in the neighborhood. They are too young to know that someday they could make money doing this! The second photo is from my front porch and the last photo is taken from my living room window. As you can see, I fill my windows with prisms!

The porch windows were frosted over enough to actually etch your name in the glass. I love always telling the window sales folks that, "No, thank you, I love my old windows!" Where would Jack Frost do his work if I had new porch windows?

I couldn't help but think ofRobert Frost as well in his poem,Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening.

So, the first of winter is here, let it snow and let the earth gently be covered letting the world rest until Spring.

Walking the 5K!

2011-11-28T08:39:00.000-04:00

Click here for this week's column!

Hi Folks,

Hope you enjoy this column on walking the 5K!! It was fun and my first big walk for a while!!

Thanks for reading, always a pleasure!

Lou Ann

Girl's Night Out

2011-11-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

Every Thanksgiving vacation I take my three daughter-in-laws out to the Hatchery for an evening for dinner.

The Hatchery is a locally owned restaurant just down the street and make the best appletinis!! It is fun to have dinner, chat, catch up with these young ladies.

From left to right: Karen Homan married to Aaron (they live here in town), Kristin Homan married to Abe (they live in Phoenix), and Tonya Homan married to Adam (they live in St. Pete, Florida).

We had a wonderful time leaving the men with their own dinne and the kids!

The Hatchery always has a special table saved just for us!

We had a great time!

Family Story Night

2011-11-22T10:28:00.000-04:00

Last night was family story night at my house. It was actually a planned event because of so many activities during this week.

My sons and their families are here for 10 days. It makes life very interesting and busy with children and their wives and personalities!

Each night is a different activity and I love all of it. I made a chore list this year so that everyone could help out with the work. (It is not quite working out as well as expected, however, it is a big help!)

I have been writing for NaNoWriMo. I have over 67 pages. These stories are all from the farm from which we all 'grew up'.

I made copies for the boys in notebooks and they read the stories before story night.

There were hundreds of stories I had forgotten or details. We set the tape recorder in the middle of the room. For two and a half hours the stories just poured out. We laughed, we cried. I took notes. Stories of which I had never heard about the farm....growing up, hunting, all of their activities on the farm.

I could only think that it is a wonder that all three survived those years.

I was oblivious to some of these stories as I lived in my wonderful world of writing, and romance and my own imagination.

So, what a great night of story. This is an important event for all families; turn off the cell phones, the TV and anything else that plugs in and tell those stories!

Lou Ann

So, bring on the free lunch!

2011-11-21T09:09:00.000-04:00

This week's column!

Working the polls...

2011-11-14T10:15:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks,

It is a cool and rainy day here in the Midwest...a great day for hitting that 25,000 mark for my NanNoWri project!

I have the coffee brewing, the candle lit and my writing shirt on as well. (I will take a celebration picture of me in my studio when I hit 50,000!)

In the meantime, here is this week's article on working the polls on Tuesday. It was such a wonderful experience for me.

Just click on for the article!

Working the election polls.

Happy Birthday to my Dad!

2011-11-10T17:39:00.000-04:00

My dad would have been 82 years old today. I could tell so many stories, but this one I just recently came across.

My mom has been cleaning and re-organizing her life as well as nicks and crannies in her house. Every once in a while she sends me a box of wonderful treasures. The last one arrived with a pink boa, flashlight, candles, my dad's tape measure...well you get the picture.

In that box was also a copy of a poem my dad wrote for me years ago when I lived on the farm with Bob and the boys. I had a small cookstove that I used for cooking, but oh, I so wanted a bigger one (which I eventually got!)

My mom and dad came to visit and my dad wrote this poem for me. There is a picture of the two of us holding the poem and I pasted the original copy of his own handwriting on the back.

We were both so young then!

Here is the poem my dad wrote for his homesteading daughter!

Lou Ann

The world around her kitchen turns

With lots of love and sometimes burns

But nothing is so downright purty

As my daughter with her apron dirty.

I see her in the pantry spicy

With all those things that smell so nicy

But I declare, it's hard to take

An apron black - as chocolate cake.

The old wood stove with the whistling kettle

Is hard to work and tests her mettle

But you know she has that special knack

When she ties on that old black sack.

I guess she wants a stove much bigger

Why she does I don't much figger

But black as tar that apron shows

A labor of love from spring to snows.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Out my Window..

2011-11-07T10:03:00.000-04:00

This morning I was up early getting ready for my day. After a weekend in Indy with Ellen and all our activities, it was good to be back into my routine. My studio has become my favorite place to be, to write, read, think. I am up to 10,000 words on my writer's project, but need to gather many more on this day.

But days will filll up with activities...tonight all the girls come over to talk and gossip and share our potluck, breaking bread together as friends.

This photo was out my front porch. As you can see, the reds are not firey red yet, hopefully soon. There is a forecast of the first flakes of snow of winter, but just a hint or a tease of things to come.

Anyway, its Monday, let's all get to work and do our part

Tomorrow I won't be blogging or facebooking as i am working the polls in my town. This will be a new experience for me, and I am looking forward to it.

So, until Wednesday.

Bob Seger!

2011-11-06T08:20:00.001-04:00

Click here for this week's article!

We had such a great time at the Bob Seger concert. I hope it brings back memories while reading!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:15:00.000-03:00

This is a perfectly wonderful book to read this Halloween. The story takes place during the Salem Witch Trials, and if you have never studied that time period in our country, then this is the book for you. Fascinating. Insightful. Gruesome.

My book club gave it five stars out of five!

Here is some other very interesting information for your Halloween enjoyment. Enjoy, and keep watching over your shoulder!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/holydays/halloween_1.shtml

Winning entries for, "I have a pumpkin growing in my tree."

2011-10-30T10:11:00.000-03:00

Click here for this week's column!

Ghost Stories!!

2011-10-29T10:30:00.000-03:00

Ghost Stories Tonight!

Featuring Lou Ann Homan

and Steve Etheridege

Pokagon State Park,

Angola, Indiana

6:30 for children

8:00 for adults

Popcorn and cider served!

Come early to get a seat,

and dress warmly!!

It will be cold and the goblins will

be flying tonight!

Tonight's Hoedown!

2011-10-28T08:08:00.000-03:00

A Gift

2011-10-26T16:19:00.000-03:00

Last night was my last night of teaching dance in preparation for the Big Hoedown this Friday night at Fremont Library. I have hosted these dance classes every Tuesday night this month teaching traditional square, Virginia reel and Appalachian circle dances.

By the way, it is not necessary to have taken the classes to attend the party! I have loved teaching these dances and enjoyed my 'grown up' students so much.

I was presented with the above book last night as a thank you from Ellen Romans. She said she just knew that I would love it, and I do. I also do not have this in library!

The book is full of photographs and stories of just sitting on the front porches of America whiling away the afternoon or evening in the heat of the day.

I love this book and thank Ellen so much for her thoughtfulness.

In case you need to order, yes I checked it is in print, here is the necessary information:

Out on the Porch, and evocation in words and pictures with an introduction by Reynolds Price, 1992.

Yes, winter is coming and probably not the best of time to sit out on the porch, but Halloween is just around the corner and what better place to watch for ghost and goblins that on your front porch!

Family weekend

2011-10-25T10:12:00.000-03:00

Sunday was the perfect family day. We started out early having brunch at Coney Island in Fort Wayne. I think the coney island hot dogs and cokes in bottles are the perfect breakfast foods. Coney Island is such an icon in Fort Wayne. I kept handing out quarters to the boys too play the Juke Box! They are especially fond of the Beatles!

We traveled next to the Museum of Art for their display of the Day of the Dead. There were several exhibits of which were commissioned by local artitists. My friend, Ellen Sauer, had her own table as well honoring her family. It was interesting explaining this custom to the boys. The work was stunning by all of the exhibitors. By the way, there is no entrance fee on Sunday.

Our next stop was a Spooktacular performance by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Before the show, artists were available to help children try their hand at the instruments. Jonah seemed to take a liking for the violin.

The orchestra was all decked out in costumes as well and shared great pieces with children, including my personal favorite, The Phantom of the Opera.

The day ended with a trip to Atz's Ice Cream Parlor, bringing back memories of my childhood. We always ended the day at Atz's after the philharmonic or days at the museum.
It was a perfect family day, I am so honored to have been a part of their day!

This week's column!

2011-10-23T10:01:00.000-03:00

This weeks column! Click here!

Autumn in Indiana...stories and memories.

2011-10-17T10:10:00.000-03:00

This week's column!

Just click the link and enjoy!

Carl Sandburg Morning

2011-10-13T10:00:00.000-03:00

Last night I sat out in my garden with a friend. It was late. I lit candles on the table and we finished up a bottle of red wine while we talked into the night hours.

I could feel the mist coming down...not like rain...but like a heavy dew. The lights of the neighbors became brighter with rings around them.

This early morning the fog was heavy. This is a photo out my front door down my street. I do think there is a spot on my lens, but it seem metaphoric today.

Enjoy the fog, my friends.

Snapshots from Jonesboro

2011-10-12T15:00:00.002-03:00

Voice of Kathryn Tucker Windham (Click here to hear the voice of Kathryn)

Images of Jonesboro (Jonesborough) still fill my heart and mind as I settle back into my house at White Picket Gardens to do all the catch up work. I don't know how long I have been attending the National Storytelling Festival, but I do know it has been for many years. Next year will be the 40th celebration, so the art of storytelling is beginning to leave a legacy behind and a future to look forward to. I am so honored to be proud of this group of friends of mine that I call 'storytellers'.

The photos are just snapshots to give you an idea of the brilliance of the town. Everyone decks out for this, including alley ways. Folks stay at B and B's, if they can get in. Others (like me and Ellen) drive from Johnson City back and forth each day. Some camp, some stay in their airstream trailers.

Jonesboro, to me, is the heart of story. It is where I began years ago at the old Chester Inn when I took a week long workshop with Kathryn Tucker Windham, may her soul rest in peace; Donald Davis; Doc McConnell, whose voice is still as well; and Ray Hicks, direct from the mountains. He, too, is now gone from us.

Years have passed since that first experience, but I have had opportunities to meet folks, research, travel, write and become even more passionate about my work. Isn't that what our lives are all about? Passion.

So, enjoy these few photos.

Until tomorrow,
Lou Ann

Moon rising over Jonesboro.

2011-10-09T09:58:00.000-03:00

This week's column!

2011-10-08T09:45:00.000-03:00

Click here for this week's column!

The annual trip to Jonesboro with Ellen to the National Storytelling Festival!!

Snapshot

2011-09-26T10:58:00.000-03:00

It is a rainy morning here in Indiana. I took this photo out my back kitchen window (through the screen and glass), thinking it was a lovely site for a Monday morning.

My garden is small, but large enough for folks to gather to have dinner or tea or wine late at night by candlelight. Flowers, red raspberries, and leaves adorn the yard as does the pumpkin growing in the tree. (See yesterday's post!)

The garden is quiet this morning with the cool rain. It is a good day to light candles and work in the studio all day answering emails and writing small missives to publish or to not.

"The Silence of Autumn comes so gradually that we are scarcely aware of it until we hear one lone katydid scratching at the evening, and not a tree cricket making a sound. There is no denying that we are on the verge of October and November."

Hill Country Harvest

Hal Borland

This week's column is a writing contest for kids...wherever you live!

2011-09-25T09:14:00.000-03:00

Pumpking Writing Contest (Click on the left for the column!)

This week's column with photos from Arizona!

2011-09-19T12:10:00.000-03:00

This week's column! (Click on the link on the left!)

Early morning sunrise.

Enjoying the cupcakes!

Mountains behind Abe and Kristin's house.

We walked over to see the ponies every day!

Another view from their house.

"Ring around the rosy"....lots of pool games with the girls!

Under the big sun, we spent lots of time learning about

our shadows!

Next stop...Arizona!

2011-09-14T10:19:00.000-03:00

A late night flight brought me into Arizona on Friday to visit Abe and Kristin and to care for the girls during his conference.

It is my first time to Arizona since I was a little girl, and I really wasn't prepared for this stark beauty. (And I am visiting at the end of a very hot, dry summer.)

The mountain ranges surround this Mesa Valley which includes a sprawling new area of homes and families. From all directions of their house, I can see the mountain ranges, yet a clear big sky overhead! (Except I brought the monsoon season!)

Abe and Kristin left the cool, damp climate of Portland to experience something new. My kids have always had the wanderlust...traveling, moving...so here we go again.

The house is lovely with a pool to cool away the summer heat.

When Abe lost his job a few years ago, he decided the only thing he could really do would be to start his own company, and that he did.

He is his own President and CEO of the Machaon Company. He hosts two technology conferences a year, at least for now. One is in Phoenix and the other, in the spring, in Houston.

This week is his Phoenix conference. Abe and Kristin were at the convention center yesterday setting up, and today is the big event. I am watching Channel 12 early morning TV here in Phoenix as they are covering the conference.

As to my antics with the girls? That will come tomorrow!!

Abe and Kristin at 4:00 a.m. this morning getting ready to leave.

I got up early to make coffee and send them off! My apologies to Kristin as she didn't want her picture taken without her make-up! (It was too early and she

was going to put it on in the car!)

Chopping down one tree isn't really about chopping down one tree!

2011-09-13T01:04:00.000-03:00

This week's article is for all of us...but the challenge to become a better friend, neighbor and American is up to me!

This week's column!

Kendallville Blue Grass Festival

2011-09-08T08:37:00.000-03:00

Westbound Rangers!

Kathy and I spent Sunday at the 35th annual Tri-State Bluegrass Festival. The day was perfect with temperatures in the high 60's with scattered clouds giving way to a shower or two.

Folks were encouraged to bring their own chairs, but we became squatters and found seats down front to enjoy the day. We never actually left our seats except to buy popcorn or take a stroll through the booths set up by the artists.

The featured musicians were absolutely the best in the world: The Stockdale Family Band, the Wolfe Brothers, Art Stevenson and High Water, Mississippi Sawyers, and Monroe Crossing.

Our favorite for this year was the Westbound Rangers from Tennessee. The Rangers are a group of 'just out of college musicians' who built this band while at Belmont College in Tennessee. They were funny and talented and received great approval from the audience!

They ended with the song 'Gentle on my Mind' which was made famous by Glen Campbell. A spell, a hush, a sweetness fell on the audience as they sang and the rain actually poured down upon the metal roof. That alone was worth the price of the admission.

I am glad I was able to attend, even if just for a day, as the memories will linger on into the fall season.

Thanks to the town of Kendallville for hosting this tradition for 35 years!

Farewell to a good man...

2011-09-07T08:52:00.000-03:00

My mom's good friend, Stan, died on Monday. She was able to spend time with him in the early afternoon of that day.

Stan and his wife, Eunice, were friends of my parents for years. We always visited when we went to Texas.

When Eunice died, my mom and dad included Stan on all their events and took care of him through his grief. He did the same for my mom when my dad died.

No, Stan was not a relative, nor was someone I saw every day or even every month for that matter; but he was a good man who fought to live. One day he wrote my mom a song and played it for her on the guitar.

She can't remember it now. I wish I had the song.

I don't understand life and death...how can we?

This is all I know...each day is incredibly important...what we do, who we see, whose life we influence and being with those we love. Time is short.

Farewell Stan, thank you for being friends with my family.

Texas and Back Again....

2011-09-05T17:01:00.000-03:00

Here are a few photos and my weekly column on traveling to Texas with my mom! It was a quick trip, but it was good to share this experience with her!

Crossing the Mississippi River!

Another view of the bridge!

Crop dusting in Texas!

Stopping for lunch for a ten inch barbecue!!

(Really I got Cole slaw!)

Click here for the weekly column! Enjoy!

This week's column on a quick road trip to Texas!

Morning News

2011-08-30T07:59:00.000-03:00

Good Morning Friends,

On my way to Texas with my mom as she needs to visit an ill friend. For the moment, just click on Philip's blog! I have been writing for him since the hurricane.

What a whirlwind these past few weeks have been!

Will try and post photos and summary of the Fringe from wherever the wind blows tonight!

Lou Ann

Philip's Blog

Irene and the Fringe!

2011-08-29T15:16:00.000-03:00

Dear Folks,

Wow, what a week this has been! I spent the past 11 days in Indianapolis at the Fringe Festival with my new show! I loved it, although I can see there is always much work to do on a production. (More on that later!!)

Of course, Hurricane Irene came into play and when I was not Fringing, I was being updated on Ocracoke and writing Philip's blog to keep folks informed.

Thanks for your patience with my blog, perhaps you checked in on his.

So, I am back in Northern Indiana where the weather is stunning. The chores ahead of me are big, as always....the unpacking, the Studio work for new shows, gardening, and catching up with family and friends.

Here is this week's article. Enjoy. Tomorrow I will put photos in of the Fringe as well as my thoughts.

Lou Ann

Click on the site!!

This week's column!

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-24T14:28:00.000-03:00

Hi Folks,

I have been asked by several people to keep them updated on Hurricane Irene. I decided to just post Philip's blog. He will keep everyone updated for as long as he can. Tourists left today and many local families with children will be leaving tomorrow. Philip will not be leaving. I am in the middle of the IndyFringe, but I am thinking of Philip and Ocracoke. I know this sounds strange, but I wish I could be there with him now. Thanks for all your thoughts. Please check his blog for the most current information.

Ocracoke has become a wonderful place for me and for my readers as well.

Thank you.

Lou Ann

Just click on here: Philip's Blog for Hurricane Updates

IndyFringe...A Performer's Perspective

2011-08-23T11:29:00.000-03:00

Dear Folks,

So we are halfway through the IndyFringe 2011. I am still in awe of the talent, the creativity of these performers and the gusto of which all are performed.

Mass Ave in Indianapolis is the spotlight for the performing arts this week. Within walking distance, one can go to seven venues for different shows. There are shows for children such as with Eric Wolf with his 'larger than life' stories. Could this be a modern day Paul Bunyon? I watched a youngster in his show last night enjoy the show thoroughly!

I was also able to attend School House Wrong. Everyone is raving about this show, as well they should. It was hilarious and so politically incorrect. It is the perfect Fringe show. It was almost sold out last night, and it was Monday! Get your tickets early for this great show! Don't miss it!

Mary Hamilton shares her story of Around the World with Cinderella. I was fascinated by all the story creation that is typical of Mary's work. Her husband, Charles, is her biggest fan standing out on street corners handing out her cards.

It is during those moments that I realize I have no #1 fan to do this for me.
So I hand out my own cards, see them displayed on the racks on the street, in the cafes, on tables. Sometimes I am taken back when I see my card sitting on a piano somewhere.

I am caught up in the glamour of this Fringe. I am caught up in the magic of performing, the magic of the audiences who come to sit a little on the edge of their chair. I love sharing a glass of wine or dinner after the show as well. Thanks to all who send me offers of dinner...Elton, Ken.

Don't worry about that in my show, I Was A Virgin Nudist, no one is naked! (But don't let that stop you from coming!!) I have loved working on this piece, making it a show that will delight you and take you into another world, if only for an hour.

I have three shows left: tonight at 6:00, tomorrow at 7:30 and closing show is Saturday at 3:00. Would love to have you in the audience!!

Make sure you come for the evening on the weekend to catch the other shows. I reviewed a few others on the blog Sunday so check that out as well. Buy your button, support the arts, and let your hair down for the IndyFringe 2011.

Lou Ann

Becoming a Hoosier Gypsy!

2011-08-22T11:19:00.000-03:00

This week's column! (Just click on the site!)

Enjoy this week's column published on Saturday by KPC publishing company!

Indy Fringe!

2011-08-20T12:12:00.000-03:00

I drove down to Ellen's on Thursday for the opening evening. Each performer had two minutes on stage. My heart was actually in my throat, but it well despite.

Friday morning, we loaded Ellen's car with all of her supplies as well as mine. I had a tech rehearsal at 1:00 with a great young man by the name of Anthony. We spent an hour on theatre lights, and how I want to have the stage for entering and exiting.

I had forgotten my watch so Ellen and I walk up and down Mass. Avenue just looking for a watch. We finally found one in a kid's store.

The excitement was high around downtown Indy yesterday as the first performances began last night. The streets were full of musicians and magicians. The cafes were full of folks sharing stories, discussing shows and having a great time.

The Phoenix Theatre is a perfect place for my show....small, intimate.

I have five more performances and would love to see you there! Tonight at 6:00, tomorrow night at 9:00. I will post others as the week progresses. Well, as you can see the buzz continues...see you at the Fringe!!

The Studio

2011-08-17T09:06:00.000-03:00

My mom spent the last three days with me here at White Picket Gardens. She was here for the 'retirement festival' and then spent the rest of the summer with my sister's family in Fort Wayne. I was glad to have her to myself for just a few days.

We were extremely busy gallavanting around to parties and get-togethers. It is nice to know that I can pick up exactly where I left off in the early summer.

I left the door to my studio closed, even though I have work to do. The truth is, with all the events of the spring, it became a catchall. The studio was full of well wishing cards, unpacked clothes from Ocracoke, supplies to take to the Fringe, Matthew and Jonah's last day of school papers! OK, you get the picture.

Wow, I thought, this is my new place of employment and I never let it get like this messy! I also thought it needed a quick, cheap make-over to start me off in my gypsy life.

I brought over Lee's sister, Ellen, who gave me some advice. She is an artist and I really appreciated her thoughts. So, yesterday morning, my mom and I tore into the studio...moving furniture, sorting out stuff, changing curtains. My mom was really into this as she tied Mardi Gras beads on the new red satin curtains. Most of the items on the desks remain...a photo of my dad when he was an actor in Fort Wayne, a jar of marbles, a jar of sea glass, notebooks, baskets of pens and pencils. The walls are blue/gray, the art is all black and white. Bookshelves are brimming with poetry, references, Harry Potter, children's literature books, book club books...well you get the picture on that one.

The studio, with just a few hours of work, has been transformed into my new gypsy space. I am fortunate to have two spaces...one here and Mad Mag's on Ocracoke.

I, however, do not know what to name this space. The Scarlet Library, Ex Libris,

the Sacred Space, The Gypsy Room, The Studio.

I am hoping you bloggers and readers might have some ideas. You know me well by now, what ideas do you have? I think names are important and I want to get this one right.

So, be bold bloggers. Share some ideas!

Lou Ann

Hear the lonely call of the train whistle...going home.

2011-08-15T11:31:00.000-03:00

Julie and I at the train station. I thought it would be fun to

smoke so my friend Jude, from Ocracoke, gave me

candy cigarettes. Don't we look like girls of the 30's?

Clock tower in Fredricksburg, Maryland, from my train window.

I love this photo outside the train station in Washington, D.C.

You can buy a newspaper from anywhere in the world here.

This is inside the train station in Washington, D.C.

The dome is painted with gold.

I believe this to be an old station in Pennsylvania. Also taken from my

window. It is so lonely and desolate, what stories it could tell!

This is a photo in the dining car. I love how the sun slants

on the table.

Here is the column from the trip, enjoy!!

Click here for article!!

Farewell to Ocracoke...

2011-08-10T07:43:00.000-03:00

Yesterday I took my last early morning walk on the beach.

These photos were all taken before the sun rose .

This is a photo of the sea oats in the dawn.

When I was taking this photo of the beach there was no one, nothing

on any side of me. It was completely void of human life or human

misgivings. I am always in awe, but on this morning I was

humbled.

Some child must have left this on the beach the night before.

It was all alone, tipped as it appears. I couldn't resist

to capture this innocence of child's play.

This sand castle was still intact from the flowing of the

tide. My walk was at low tide yesterday something I

watch carefully here...the tides, the moon phases,

the joy of life.

I leave this afternoon and will board a train in Newport

News tomorrow taking me back to the Midwest where

work calls me home.

Until then, farewell to my beloved Island and a thank you

to Philip for making the summer enchanting as always.

Getting ready to say goodbye...

2011-08-08T12:16:00.000-03:00

Click here for article.

The time has come to start saying goodbye and packing up, yet I am still enjoying each one of these last few days. The weekend was for reading and friends.

This morning was an early morning scud out in Philip's boat. It was beautiful in the harbor as the sun was coming up and still cool breezes before the heat of the day.
We had breakfast with Jude at the Castle as her guests and a tour as well. The history of the Castle is colorful built by an eccentric man, Sam Jones.

My studio finally looks like 'home'. There are books and notes and bracelets and electronic cords strung all over. I have loved working in Mad Mag's studio all summer...I think she is my muse, at least while I am here.

So my next two posts might be a bit sad as I pull away from my Ocracoke life to resume the other.

Enjoy the article and build community wherever you are.

Looking up!

2011-08-04T11:06:00.000-03:00

Taking a shower outdoors is one of the many pleasures of living on Ocracoke. When I first visited years ago, I shared a rental house with several girlfriends. With the heat and the humidity, the bathroom was always steamy and damp. I found the outdoor shower a few days later and moved into it. I couldn't get anyone to do so, but that was great as I had it all to myself. There was a small shelf for shampoo and conditioner and a bar of soap.

Philip has the best outdoor shower of all. It is large and roomy with a stained glass window so showering at night is like being in a fairy land. The picture is the view looking up for the morning shower.

This is one of the hardest adjustments of moving back to Indiana. I do so miss this shower. However, building an outdoor shower in Indiana would probably be impractical with six months of snow!

I found this quote earlier this week in my readings and wanted to share it as well! In the meantime, happy showering!

Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education.
- David Polis

Who are we really?

2011-08-03T11:24:00.000-03:00

Dear Friends,

Early this morning a friend of mine from Indiana sent me a sampling of her new Blog. It is an inside look of her thoughts, activities and how she is moving through life.

I wrote back and told her that it really got me thinking about my Blog and where i go with it and how I want you, the reader, to experience it with me.

I don't think of my Blog as a diary, although I do think of my columns as such. My Blog is a brief glimpse into my soul or even my recipe book. I find it comforting, amusing, and quite bold on my part that folks want to read these inner thoughts. But then again, on Facebook, we share the minutest details of our daily life including grams of fiber for our breakfast (OK, really stretching on that one) to serious topics of illness and death.

I find that each day, when available, I need this daily fix of comedy, drama and soapbox material from Facebook.

I also think that sharing the color of life, in small pieces, is what my Blog is all about as well. I have the good fortune of traveling and living different life styles along the way. It is fun for me to share outdoor showers, biking through villages when on Ocracoke as well as snowstorms in Indiana or moonlight on the moors of England and Ireland.

So, I will continue to write about observing small vignettes of life, while once in a while trumpeting the views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower.

Thank you for listening, for reading, for finding my blog an integral part of your journey.

Lou Ann

Happy Birthday, Philip

2011-08-02T12:57:00.000-03:00

Birthdays are magical days and today I wish Philip a Happy Birthday. We stayed out late last night out in the yard on the sleeping bag watching for shooting stars. It was even cool enough for me to wrap the sleeping bag around me. The sky was crystal clear as we watched the Big Dipper take a bow for the evening and Cassiopeia rise to glory.

There is something so enchanting about just watching the stars late at night. It is humbling and magnificent all at the same time. We shared stories of birthdays come and gone. I love telling about my children's birthdays on the farm and watching the stars there as well for the summer birthdays of Adam and Aaron. We would all fall asleep out on the blankets as the shooting stars canopied our dreams.

Abe's birthday comes in the heart of winter for skating and sledding and playing cards into the wee hours of the morning.

So, happy birthday, Philip, may all your wishes come true.

This week's column...Sittin' on the Pizer...

2011-08-01T08:51:00.000-03:00

Just click on the link: Sittin' on the Pizer...

Just another day at the grocery!

2011-07-29T12:20:00.000-03:00

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???

"Caleb's Crossing"

2011-07-26T13:54:00.000-03:00

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.

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

2011-07-25T12:30:00.000-03:00

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!

Birthday morning at the radio station!

2011-07-22T13:03:00.000-03:00

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!

The Ocracoke Lighthouse

2011-07-21T11:54:00.000-03:00

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!

Early morning Scud

2011-07-19T14:42:00.000-03:00

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.

This week's column on the blooming Cereus!

2011-07-18T08:41:00.000-03:00

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

July's full moon rising on Ocracoke Island

2011-07-15T14:00:00.000-03:00

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!

An Ocracoke Sunset

2011-07-14T11:33:00.000-03:00

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!

Night Blooming Cereus

2011-07-13T14:08:00.000-03:00

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.

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

2011-07-08T13:38:00.000-03:00

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!

2011-07-08T13:19:00.000-03:00

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!

Early morning photo....

2011-06-30T12:58:00.000-03:00

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.

Mad Mag's Studio

2011-06-28T10:41:00.000-03:00

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!!

Poetry for our photos...

2011-06-26T16:41:00.000-03:00

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!

2011-06-26T16:33:00.001-03:00

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

This is it....

2011-06-04T13:04:00.000-03:00

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!!

Delightful weekend...

2011-06-01T08:02:00.000-03:00

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.

Here is this week's farewell column to Hamilton! Moving on!

2011-05-28T19:08:00.000-03:00

Just click on the link at the bottom! Enjoy!

Farewell column!

Planning by the Hour

2011-05-24T09:10:00.000-03:00

So, here we are in the deepest heart of spring and I cannot keep myself inside (except for work.) I almost have to tie myself to my library to write and then I keep going to the back porch to have a peek to see if anything new has grown within the last hour. With the spring rains this year, the gardens are lush. The herbs are striking with their colors and scents; the basils, feverfew, lavender, rosemary, cilantro, thyme, chives...and so many others

The ever-winding perennial beds are in color with Lady's Mantle, peonies, irises, and lilacs with a few left over snowdrops.

For the garden, I have painted an old table lavender and decorated the edges with poetry from great poets; Dickinson, Poe, Frost, Thoreau, Longfellow, Riley....It is almost ready to put into the garden with lime green chairs. The perfect place for early morning coffee and the paper, or a late night candlelight supper with friends and family.

So, I work a little, tend the garden a little, make tea for friends as they walk by and then do it again the next day! (OK, I am leaving out the part of finishing up school, paying bills, filling our forms, and gathering work for next year!)

As for now...the garden calls, the coffee brews and the day begins.

Cleaning out the bookshelves...

2011-05-17T17:48:00.000-03:00

With the end of my teaching career (well, at least that of Hamilton Elementary School), my bookshelves are stacked with books of all sorts. Today the process of picking and choosing those books began; those that come home with me or go to the kids. The process is difficult. I love my books, all books.

The fifth grade class and I labeled boxes with teams working at each box station; Civil War, Revolutionary War, Science, Planets, Indiana History, Poetry, Children's books, novels...well you get my picture. I took book after book off the shelf, one at a time.

I know when and where I received each and every book. I know what town, state or even country where it was purchased or given as a gift. I have autographed books by Bill Martin, Jr., Steven Kellogg, Valiska Gregory, Robert Newton Peck, Syd Hoff...

I can smell each book and know how long I have had the book, when and where I read it last. I also began to panic thinking of all the books and stories and poems that I have not yet shared.

I used to think that as well as my kids were growing up. Where will I tell these stories, poems...who will be my audience? For years it has been my school kids, now it will become my traveling audience, college classrooms and even my blog site.

This I do know. Most of the books went into my storage boxes. I could not part with them. They are friends, old and new, and we go out together.

A day in my small town..

2011-05-15T11:22:00.000-03:00

It was a small town day yesterday. I was planning on biking around, but rumbling thunder and the promise of rain took me back to the old Jeep.

At the baseball field, I watched nine year old Matthew catch his first fly ball. My heart stopped as the ball bounced, but landed in his mitt. It was as exciting as if we were watching the world series.

In the meantime, the younger kids, Jonah and his buddies, collected rocks and sticks and set up a store on the top row of the bleachers. They began selling these treasures. It was a great activity for six year olds; settling up a store, valuing each piece, collecting money and giving change. I was their best customer coming home with four twigs and and a large rotten log.

It made me think of Roxaboxin, a children's story by Barbara Cooney. Jonah, of course, knows the story. I asked all the little boys if they knew the story, and they did not. Do I dare take a story book to the next game? Will they sit in the grass and listen to me read this wonderful story?? Ah, it is worth a try.

The day continued with stories at the Praisathon, a special event at the new Furth Theatre, martinis at the Hatchery with friends and then the Moveable Feast film series.

We watched The Architect in the Wells Theatre at Trine. It was directed by Nathaniel Kahn in search of his father, Louis Kahn. I had heard the name but did not know the story of the man and the magnitude of his work. It was a wonderful film, thought provoking and given to conversation. Following this film, we had wine and a late night salon supper. No one smoked, of course, but had we added the blue wisps of smoke, I think I could have been carried into another time of Kahn and Hemingway and Wright.

I had to think about my lack of knowledge of Kahn and the little boys at the field's lack of knowledge about Barbara Cooney. How can we know it all...how can we know all that we don't know exists?

The rain was pelting down as we left. When I arrived home (the three blocks) my twinkle lights glistened in the rain and welcomed me home.

All in my small town.

Rainy day garden...

2011-05-14T10:49:00.000-03:00

The rain started in the early morning hours and by morning the garden was watered and cooled off from the previous heat. Ahh, sweatshirt morning once again. I took this photo as the birds were taking a break from their bath and there was a lull in the rain.

In my small town there are activities from morning til night. My purple bike is ready to make the rounds and my stories are tucked into my back pocket for the work I need to do today. Stories from a small town are the flavor of the day!

A walk in the woods...

2011-05-10T19:03:00.000-03:00

My two favorite guys, Matthew and Jonah, and I took a walk through the woods at Pokagon. We were joined by Fred Wooley, the naturalist at Pokagon State Park. He took us over to the area where the bluebells are blooming. There were patches and patches of bluebells.

I could almost see and hear fairies dancing in the middle of the day. I can only wander what it is like when the pale Moon slides overhead at Midnight.

The boys and I took photos, made lists of birds, and just enjoyed spring enjoying each other's company.

It is not often one gets to set foot on fairy ground. Shhh......

Rupert Brooke

2011-05-07T18:06:00.000-03:00

I found this lovely old poem in a book given to me by Adam years ago. Inside the cover of the book is inscribed: To Mommy, From Adam, Christmas 1987.

I have loved this book, Stillmeadow Daybook by Gladys Taber all these years. This afternoon through slight sprinkles of dawdling spring, I pulled this book off the shelf. Ahh, sweet spring, taking your time, but patience is a virtue for you and for me.

"All things are written in the mind.

There the sure hills have station;

And the wind blows in that placeless air.

And there the white and golden birds go flying;

And the stars wheel and shine; and the woods are fair."

Rupert Brooke

The photos were taken in my garden as the winter winds are finally giving way to the wedding march of spring.