Meandering down Indiana roads takes longer in August as I want to stop at all the small produce stands set up along the way.
It seems as if they are every mile or so..each one boasting with a homemade sign that something wonderful has been grown there.
The stands are as varied as the folks who grow the gardens. Some are quite lovely with tablecloths and umbrellas and the produce displayed in old baskets. Others have drug out the old enamel table from the barn and just set the produce down upon it.
Some are attended by the gardening folks..others just provide a metal box in which to place the coffers.
Yesterday afternoon while meandering, I came across a pick up truck just sitting in the August sun full of Indiana sweet corn. The farmer was asleep in a lawn chair with his John Deere hat slung down over his eyes.
He awoke in an instant when my Jeep pulled in and began to help me fill the bag with fine, sweet corn. The air was pungeant with earth and corn and waves of August heat. After twelve ears were stuffed into the bag, he proceeded to give me one more, a baker's dozen.
I thanked him for growing the corn..selling the corn. I know how much work it is!!
Last night Karen, Aaron, and the boys shared the sweet corn with me. Matthew and Jonah ate it right off the cob (as all Indiana children do!) with corn dripping down their chins.
As for me, today I think I will go looking for peaches!
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, a teacher, and a storyteller. When she isn't meandering Indiana roads, she can be found in the small town of Angola where she shares The House at White Picket Gardens with her books and gathered treasures. She is available for storytelling and writing seminars! Please check out her website at www.louannhoman.com.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
One wedding and two birthdays...
Yesterday, August 13, was just one of those beautiful days. My friend, Kimberly, and her sweetheart, Aaron, were married in the smallest of ceremonies with 75 of their closest friends in attendance.
Her wedding was actually pretty informal...still wasn't sure which dress of wear as of last Thursday...didn't have shoes on Saturday...but by Sunday all was well.
We had decided to have the wedding party here at White Picket Gardens (that was decided a long time ago) so I spent the week end getting ready for the event....borrowing chairs from neighbors, arranging roses and plates and the wine bar.
It was a beautiful day with the perfect temperature....not a cloud in the sky. The house was jam-packed with folks...babies...old folks...from one end to the other just sharing in their happiness.
By the time all was picked up Aaron and Karen came over to share in his birthday (and Adam's, although Adam is in Florida)...my twins are now very old (can't bring myself to give their ages!!)
All in all...it was a friend and family day...I love days like that. Let's just hope they all live happily ever after.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
posted by Annie @ 7:49 AM 0 comments
Her wedding was actually pretty informal...still wasn't sure which dress of wear as of last Thursday...didn't have shoes on Saturday...but by Sunday all was well.
We had decided to have the wedding party here at White Picket Gardens (that was decided a long time ago) so I spent the week end getting ready for the event....borrowing chairs from neighbors, arranging roses and plates and the wine bar.
It was a beautiful day with the perfect temperature....not a cloud in the sky. The house was jam-packed with folks...babies...old folks...from one end to the other just sharing in their happiness.
By the time all was picked up Aaron and Karen came over to share in his birthday (and Adam's, although Adam is in Florida)...my twins are now very old (can't bring myself to give their ages!!)
All in all...it was a friend and family day...I love days like that. Let's just hope they all live happily ever after.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
posted by Annie @ 7:49 AM 0 comments
Friday, August 11, 2006
Reflecting...
It is a lovely morning in northeast Indiana...the night temperatures dropped into the 50's. I could feel the chill in the night as I reached for an extra blanket...
When I return from my summers with Philip, I notice the change in geography. My neighborhood is green with trees and flourishing gardens..my own garden, well tended by Aaron, is in good shape with black eyed Susies blooming and lilies. New raspberry buds have formed giving me the impression that October will bring a healthy crop.
The old house is aired out...it welcomed me home with my stores of treasures gathered from my own travels..my own own.
Neighborhood friends, school friends, family have welcomed me back as the prodigal daughter..just gone for a while.
But, oh, how I miss Him. I miss our conversations...I miss touching his shoulder as we pass...I miss breakfast and late nights on the Pizer.
But for now...I'll wrap up in my sweatshirt with my hot coffee in hand..sit on my own pizer and just think.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
When I return from my summers with Philip, I notice the change in geography. My neighborhood is green with trees and flourishing gardens..my own garden, well tended by Aaron, is in good shape with black eyed Susies blooming and lilies. New raspberry buds have formed giving me the impression that October will bring a healthy crop.
The old house is aired out...it welcomed me home with my stores of treasures gathered from my own travels..my own own.
Neighborhood friends, school friends, family have welcomed me back as the prodigal daughter..just gone for a while.
But, oh, how I miss Him. I miss our conversations...I miss touching his shoulder as we pass...I miss breakfast and late nights on the Pizer.
But for now...I'll wrap up in my sweatshirt with my hot coffee in hand..sit on my own pizer and just think.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Five nieces and a sister-in-law...
I arrived home two days ago from Ocracoke...I stood in the airport in Norfolk and watched Philip walk away...My heart was absolutely in a dulled state of pain. This summer was so wonderful. It was a long day of flying (and thinking, I might add). Karen picked me up at 12:30 in the morning in Fort Wayne and we made our way back to the House at White Picket Gardens. The air was cool..the moonlight made pathways for us on the highway and shrouded my house in shadows as we pulled in.
The last couple of days I have spent acclimating myself to life inland...filling the larder...renewing acquaintances...spending time with Jonah and Matthew.
This morning I was visited by five nieces and a sister-in-law of the woman, Daisy Garman McCane who lived in my house in the 40's, 50's and 60's. She was married for a couple of months and with an early death to her husband she opened up a boarding house here at my Picket Gardens. She slept downstairs (in what is now my library) and rented out the four rooms upstairs. Well, we have determined that she rented out three and her live-in boyfriend (posing as a renter) took the last bedroom by the large tree. (That room is now my child's bedroom complete with tea sets.) He died in this house on Christmas Day. The rooms were rented for $5.00 per month. She did not cook for them, but she did clean and ironed for a nickel a piece (shirt, etc.)
They described in detail the house and her furniture and regaled stories of visiting. They all signed the guest wall..wiped tears from their eyes and hugged me good bye. It was a great morning for all of us...I like knowing who came before me.
After a bit they all climbed back into their van and went on with the rest of their activities.
They said Daisy would have like what I have done with the house.
Somehow I knew that.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
The last couple of days I have spent acclimating myself to life inland...filling the larder...renewing acquaintances...spending time with Jonah and Matthew.
This morning I was visited by five nieces and a sister-in-law of the woman, Daisy Garman McCane who lived in my house in the 40's, 50's and 60's. She was married for a couple of months and with an early death to her husband she opened up a boarding house here at my Picket Gardens. She slept downstairs (in what is now my library) and rented out the four rooms upstairs. Well, we have determined that she rented out three and her live-in boyfriend (posing as a renter) took the last bedroom by the large tree. (That room is now my child's bedroom complete with tea sets.) He died in this house on Christmas Day. The rooms were rented for $5.00 per month. She did not cook for them, but she did clean and ironed for a nickel a piece (shirt, etc.)
They described in detail the house and her furniture and regaled stories of visiting. They all signed the guest wall..wiped tears from their eyes and hugged me good bye. It was a great morning for all of us...I like knowing who came before me.
After a bit they all climbed back into their van and went on with the rest of their activities.
They said Daisy would have like what I have done with the house.
Somehow I knew that.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Friday, July 28, 2006
Beach Days..
Philip and I do not get to the beach as much as some of you might think! We like to go a couple of timse a week, but that is on the high end.
Yesterday (we always have Thursdays off!) we spent the day just for ourselves. Well, Philip had a dance workshop in the morning at the Historical Museum. It was lovely out under the cedars. I have been dancing the Ocracoke dance with him for a long time now..so we had a great time demonstrating and then dancing with all of the folks.
We then went home to lunch and packed up for the beach. It was an exceedingly beautiful day...the waves were perfect (except the one that tumbled us in a somersault!) and the breeze was gorgeous. We have our own swimming spot...occasionally we see a couple of folks, but usually we don't see anyone.
We went to dinner last night (it was our date night)...and strolled home arm in arm....
Tonight we have history and ghost tours...even one at the bewitching hour when the village is dark and quiet.
Sally, thank you for finding the blog. My laptop will not support my extensive Sunday Passage note from here. So, for the summer, the blog will do!!
My days with Philip have begun to be numbered...but I try not to think about it...today is what matters.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Yesterday (we always have Thursdays off!) we spent the day just for ourselves. Well, Philip had a dance workshop in the morning at the Historical Museum. It was lovely out under the cedars. I have been dancing the Ocracoke dance with him for a long time now..so we had a great time demonstrating and then dancing with all of the folks.
We then went home to lunch and packed up for the beach. It was an exceedingly beautiful day...the waves were perfect (except the one that tumbled us in a somersault!) and the breeze was gorgeous. We have our own swimming spot...occasionally we see a couple of folks, but usually we don't see anyone.
We went to dinner last night (it was our date night)...and strolled home arm in arm....
Tonight we have history and ghost tours...even one at the bewitching hour when the village is dark and quiet.
Sally, thank you for finding the blog. My laptop will not support my extensive Sunday Passage note from here. So, for the summer, the blog will do!!
My days with Philip have begun to be numbered...but I try not to think about it...today is what matters.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Monday, July 24, 2006
The days of our lives...
Ah, yes, the days of our lives, although I think that title has already been used!
Where did the week go, and is this my Sunday Passage now?
The July birthday party potluck was even more wonderful than I thought it would be. The house was overflowing with over fifty folks (did we invite that many??)...after a groaning table of food was consumed, the musicians took all the instruments out of their cases and commenced to playing. They set up on the pizer and the rest of us took to dancing in the yard. It was a wonderful celebration.
We had ghost tours on Tuesday and Friday nights and added a moonless tour on Friday evening late into the night. Yes, it was a bit scarier than usual. Philip and I led that tour together.
We did our old time radio show at the Opry....which everyone has come to love and expect. I delight in the writing of it and the performing as well.
Saturday night (my birthday) we spent the evening at Dallie's with family and friends to celebrate an old Ocracoke custom of having Old Drum. It is a wonderful dish that I had never had up until that evening. It consists of boiled drum (fish), boiled potatoes, boiled eggs, fried salt pork and onions. It is all mixed together on the plate as one huge dish. It is fabulous. Following platefuls of Old Drum, we devoured Dallie's homemade blackberry cobbler. When we were finished, we put out the lights and told ghost stories.
How can life get better than this?
We are busy, we are together, and I am happy.
I love not wearing shoes or riding in a car.....I love spending my days with Philip and the life on this Island. I guess I am in a state of bliss. Sigh.
Where did the week go, and is this my Sunday Passage now?
The July birthday party potluck was even more wonderful than I thought it would be. The house was overflowing with over fifty folks (did we invite that many??)...after a groaning table of food was consumed, the musicians took all the instruments out of their cases and commenced to playing. They set up on the pizer and the rest of us took to dancing in the yard. It was a wonderful celebration.
We had ghost tours on Tuesday and Friday nights and added a moonless tour on Friday evening late into the night. Yes, it was a bit scarier than usual. Philip and I led that tour together.
We did our old time radio show at the Opry....which everyone has come to love and expect. I delight in the writing of it and the performing as well.
Saturday night (my birthday) we spent the evening at Dallie's with family and friends to celebrate an old Ocracoke custom of having Old Drum. It is a wonderful dish that I had never had up until that evening. It consists of boiled drum (fish), boiled potatoes, boiled eggs, fried salt pork and onions. It is all mixed together on the plate as one huge dish. It is fabulous. Following platefuls of Old Drum, we devoured Dallie's homemade blackberry cobbler. When we were finished, we put out the lights and told ghost stories.
How can life get better than this?
We are busy, we are together, and I am happy.
I love not wearing shoes or riding in a car.....I love spending my days with Philip and the life on this Island. I guess I am in a state of bliss. Sigh.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Getting to the post...
Getting around to writing a daily blog has definitely become a chore. The library hours are few...sometimes I am working and get can't here or something else has come up...like life?
The week is a blur of activities...ghost walks...the Opry.
My sweet daughter in law, Karen, (Aaron's wife, Jonah and Matthew's Mama) came for a four day visit. It was such great fun to meet her on the ferry on Thursday evening. Philip and I were both barefoot and riding our bikes. We had a summer supper and then whisked her off to hear Molasses Creek. Afterwards Gary and David came over for late night snacks and Sunset on the Pizer.
The next evening David and Amy brought shrimp to boil. A wonderful dish for living on an island...Again we whisked Karen off to the ghost and history walk.
The rest of the week end were hours at the beach, a pirate tour around Pamlico Sound on the Windfall (Rob's schooner), dinner at the Back Porch...late nights on the pizer just talking...music at the Jolly Roger.....and shopping, of course.
She left on the early ferry this morning and Philip and I stood on the dock and waved until out of sight. It is a long journey home for her. Sigh.
Tonight we host the July birthday parties on the island, including mine! We have invited 35 folks to come for the pot luck. We are boiling shrimp and deviled eggs as well. It will be a wonderful evening.
Until my next bike ride to the library...as ever....
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
The week is a blur of activities...ghost walks...the Opry.
My sweet daughter in law, Karen, (Aaron's wife, Jonah and Matthew's Mama) came for a four day visit. It was such great fun to meet her on the ferry on Thursday evening. Philip and I were both barefoot and riding our bikes. We had a summer supper and then whisked her off to hear Molasses Creek. Afterwards Gary and David came over for late night snacks and Sunset on the Pizer.
The next evening David and Amy brought shrimp to boil. A wonderful dish for living on an island...Again we whisked Karen off to the ghost and history walk.
The rest of the week end were hours at the beach, a pirate tour around Pamlico Sound on the Windfall (Rob's schooner), dinner at the Back Porch...late nights on the pizer just talking...music at the Jolly Roger.....and shopping, of course.
She left on the early ferry this morning and Philip and I stood on the dock and waved until out of sight. It is a long journey home for her. Sigh.
Tonight we host the July birthday parties on the island, including mine! We have invited 35 folks to come for the pot luck. We are boiling shrimp and deviled eggs as well. It will be a wonderful evening.
Until my next bike ride to the library...as ever....
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
My Summer Job
I never set my alarm clock. I just wake up to swaying cedars and the smell of heat.
Breakfast is relaxed and easy in Philip's kitchen. We have a large old table that is pitted and scarred from years of service. I love that table. It is adorned by a single lantern (which serves it's purpose during evenings of cribbage and letter writing).
We share toast ( I always bake bread on Mondays) and strawberry jam and, for me, a pot of coffee with real cream!
The morning shower is outside under the morning sapphire sky and the cacophony of birds. (We have a pair of nesting egrets right on the premise).
My second cup of brew is gently sipped on the pizer as I wait for the church bells. As they begin ringing at 9:00, I put down my cup and walk to the shop. (No shoes necessary, I don't even know where they are!)
I love opening the shop. Sometimes I feel as if I am in a movie...unlocking the door, hanging out the open sign...sweep the porch...put on the music. (Always I play Sundae and Rob's CD, Home is an Island....)
From the front door of the shop is the Howard cemetery. It is actually a comforting thought and lovely to look at with it's white picket fence.
I breathe in the scents of the shop...cedar..soap..
Folks from all over arrive...happy, barefooted to browse...to shop...to talk. (We love to talk!)
When my lunch hour comes I stroll home...it takes a minute and a half if I dawdle...walking on the planks...picking up a clam shell...waving to friends and visitors.
Lunch is on the pizer...tuna or boiled eggs..or leftovers from the night before. Philip reads at lunch, but I just sit outside and absorb life.
An hour late I stroll back (maybe take the shortcut through the woods!)...and spend the rest of the day chatting with folks, ringing up sales, dreaming out of the window.
And for all of this, I actually get paid. Life is wonderful.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Breakfast is relaxed and easy in Philip's kitchen. We have a large old table that is pitted and scarred from years of service. I love that table. It is adorned by a single lantern (which serves it's purpose during evenings of cribbage and letter writing).
We share toast ( I always bake bread on Mondays) and strawberry jam and, for me, a pot of coffee with real cream!
The morning shower is outside under the morning sapphire sky and the cacophony of birds. (We have a pair of nesting egrets right on the premise).
My second cup of brew is gently sipped on the pizer as I wait for the church bells. As they begin ringing at 9:00, I put down my cup and walk to the shop. (No shoes necessary, I don't even know where they are!)
I love opening the shop. Sometimes I feel as if I am in a movie...unlocking the door, hanging out the open sign...sweep the porch...put on the music. (Always I play Sundae and Rob's CD, Home is an Island....)
From the front door of the shop is the Howard cemetery. It is actually a comforting thought and lovely to look at with it's white picket fence.
I breathe in the scents of the shop...cedar..soap..
Folks from all over arrive...happy, barefooted to browse...to shop...to talk. (We love to talk!)
When my lunch hour comes I stroll home...it takes a minute and a half if I dawdle...walking on the planks...picking up a clam shell...waving to friends and visitors.
Lunch is on the pizer...tuna or boiled eggs..or leftovers from the night before. Philip reads at lunch, but I just sit outside and absorb life.
An hour late I stroll back (maybe take the shortcut through the woods!)...and spend the rest of the day chatting with folks, ringing up sales, dreaming out of the window.
And for all of this, I actually get paid. Life is wonderful.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Saturday, July 08, 2006
All in a week...
It is a cool Saturday morning as I sit in the small Ocracoke Library sending out the notes for the week. There are four small computers at one table and as I sit here I can see all of the library as it surrounds me. It is nice for me to have this access as my own computer, as you know, does not appreciate Island life.
Missing a day on my blog, on my journey is actually disastrous...there are so many events each day.
We worked part of the day on the fourth of July, then Philip closed the shop for the parade and all of the events. Our friend, Jim, came and stayed with us for all the events. He is a great house guest as he brings homemade cookies and fresh peaches and great conversation. (He is a potter in Manteo.) We attended a cookout and then enjoyed the fireworks on The Windfall. I love watching the fireworks over the water and the resounding echo. Folowing the display we stand close together on the boat as Sundae leads us all in singing The Star Spangled Banner. We followed pathways to her house late into the night for cake and wine, then rode home through the shadows.
Wednesday night was the Opry and again we had our old fashioned radio show. It is becoming quite popular and I love spending time writing it. I love performing it with Philip, he is a great actor and we have so much fun with the show.
Jim Goodwin, the ships in a bottle artist, was here this week and had dinner with us Thursday evening. He was demonstrating his technique under his artist's tent for a few days this week. He knows the stories as well as the craft so it was a great night to share shipwreck theories and nautical technology.
Last night, under ominous skies with a three quarter moon, Amy and I had the ghost walks. It was cool and breezy and one of those perfect evenings to listen to ghost stories as we ventured out on our hour and a half. Friends came back to sit on the pizer, wrapped in jackets and sweaters as the first gliimpse of fall made it's way to our Island.
The week was good. I am happy.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Missing a day on my blog, on my journey is actually disastrous...there are so many events each day.
We worked part of the day on the fourth of July, then Philip closed the shop for the parade and all of the events. Our friend, Jim, came and stayed with us for all the events. He is a great house guest as he brings homemade cookies and fresh peaches and great conversation. (He is a potter in Manteo.) We attended a cookout and then enjoyed the fireworks on The Windfall. I love watching the fireworks over the water and the resounding echo. Folowing the display we stand close together on the boat as Sundae leads us all in singing The Star Spangled Banner. We followed pathways to her house late into the night for cake and wine, then rode home through the shadows.
Wednesday night was the Opry and again we had our old fashioned radio show. It is becoming quite popular and I love spending time writing it. I love performing it with Philip, he is a great actor and we have so much fun with the show.
Jim Goodwin, the ships in a bottle artist, was here this week and had dinner with us Thursday evening. He was demonstrating his technique under his artist's tent for a few days this week. He knows the stories as well as the craft so it was a great night to share shipwreck theories and nautical technology.
Last night, under ominous skies with a three quarter moon, Amy and I had the ghost walks. It was cool and breezy and one of those perfect evenings to listen to ghost stories as we ventured out on our hour and a half. Friends came back to sit on the pizer, wrapped in jackets and sweaters as the first gliimpse of fall made it's way to our Island.
The week was good. I am happy.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Monday, July 03, 2006
The Jolly Roger
Since I am using my blog as a personal journal, at least I think so. Is there anyone out there reading this? Whether or not you are out there, it is great for me to write everyday...putting thoughts down and recording my life as I live it.
I love Sunday nights.
Philip and I always got the Jolly Roger. It is an open restaurant on the water. No, that isn't what I mean to say at all....it is a dive, really...right on Silver Lake (also known as the Creek) that leads out to the Pamlico Sound. It is the harbor and full of all kinds of boats including the Windfall (Rob's schooner).
On Sunday night Martin and friends play music in the corner sweating away as we listen to folk and blue grass and original pieces. There is a glass tip jar on the table next to them for our coffers of thanksgiving to them.
The sides are all open so folks can linger on the porches, watch the boats, sing loudly.
We always start off with a small table, but end of continually putting tables together as the crowd of friends grow larger. We hunt for more chairs sit closer to one another except when we go visiting other folks ourselves. We order crab sandwiches, coconut cake, pitchers of beer...we all share the rounds of beer.
We laugh, tell stories, sing, watch the sun go down over the sound, watch the Windfall to come in with it's great sails, wait for Rob to anchor and come on down.
I think it is my favorite night of the week. I love being there with Philip. Sometimes Martin even plays our Song.
The Jolly Roger has become a tradition for me. I am home there. I am welcome there.
Yes, home is an island.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
I love Sunday nights.
Philip and I always got the Jolly Roger. It is an open restaurant on the water. No, that isn't what I mean to say at all....it is a dive, really...right on Silver Lake (also known as the Creek) that leads out to the Pamlico Sound. It is the harbor and full of all kinds of boats including the Windfall (Rob's schooner).
On Sunday night Martin and friends play music in the corner sweating away as we listen to folk and blue grass and original pieces. There is a glass tip jar on the table next to them for our coffers of thanksgiving to them.
The sides are all open so folks can linger on the porches, watch the boats, sing loudly.
We always start off with a small table, but end of continually putting tables together as the crowd of friends grow larger. We hunt for more chairs sit closer to one another except when we go visiting other folks ourselves. We order crab sandwiches, coconut cake, pitchers of beer...we all share the rounds of beer.
We laugh, tell stories, sing, watch the sun go down over the sound, watch the Windfall to come in with it's great sails, wait for Rob to anchor and come on down.
I think it is my favorite night of the week. I love being there with Philip. Sometimes Martin even plays our Song.
The Jolly Roger has become a tradition for me. I am home there. I am welcome there.
Yes, home is an island.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Sunday, July 02, 2006
The Fourth of July Crowds.....
The tourists are here...bicyling on the wrong side of the road...crisscrossing the streets....and filling up the beach (well, a little anyway!)
We do have our own hide-away beach area...no umbrellas, no folks..but this morning as we went for our early Sunday morning beach walk...there were actually people on our beach. It was definitely unusual.
We tried a little swimming, but the ocean current was strong, and we were unable to get out past the first waves.
It is lovely walking early in the morning after a breakfast of fresh peaches and hot coffee...
We spent the afternoon at a memorial service at the Methodist Church for a woman who had lived here years ago. Her husband and family all flew in for this service...she was an intricate part of Ocracoke by the testimonies that were all given about her life. Sitting in church with Philip listening to the old hymns, feeling the breeze swirling down from the ceiling fans, listening to their stories was serendipitous.
Life is short, sweet, and sometimes very confusing.
I felt hot tears on my own face...for the family of the lovely woman whom I had never met...for the love story between her and her husband and for the fragility of life itself.
Carpe Diem.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
We do have our own hide-away beach area...no umbrellas, no folks..but this morning as we went for our early Sunday morning beach walk...there were actually people on our beach. It was definitely unusual.
We tried a little swimming, but the ocean current was strong, and we were unable to get out past the first waves.
It is lovely walking early in the morning after a breakfast of fresh peaches and hot coffee...
We spent the afternoon at a memorial service at the Methodist Church for a woman who had lived here years ago. Her husband and family all flew in for this service...she was an intricate part of Ocracoke by the testimonies that were all given about her life. Sitting in church with Philip listening to the old hymns, feeling the breeze swirling down from the ceiling fans, listening to their stories was serendipitous.
Life is short, sweet, and sometimes very confusing.
I felt hot tears on my own face...for the family of the lovely woman whom I had never met...for the love story between her and her husband and for the fragility of life itself.
Carpe Diem.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Hot Summer Days..
July
Hot. Running across the sand Hot. Dry your hair in the sun Hot. Steamy windows in the cottage Hot.
Fresh. Sweet corn Fresh. Mornings of warm dew Fresh. Shrimp boats arriving in the harbor Fresh.
Lazy. Sleeping in the hammock Lazy. Watching sunsets on the Pizer Lazy. Watching the clouds roll by Lazy
Fourth of July
First Firefly
My Birthday
Brown as a Berry
Freckled Noses
July
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Hot. Running across the sand Hot. Dry your hair in the sun Hot. Steamy windows in the cottage Hot.
Fresh. Sweet corn Fresh. Mornings of warm dew Fresh. Shrimp boats arriving in the harbor Fresh.
Lazy. Sleeping in the hammock Lazy. Watching sunsets on the Pizer Lazy. Watching the clouds roll by Lazy
Fourth of July
First Firefly
My Birthday
Brown as a Berry
Freckled Noses
July
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
Friday, June 30, 2006
An Island Girl?
Yesterday morning we took the 6:00 a.m. ferry heading towards Norfolk for a Dr.'s appointment for Philip. We arrived back home at 6:00 p.m. It was a twelve hour day for the one appointment...part of living on an island.
We had thought of all kinds of wonderful activities we could do...go to the movies...eat dinner out in a lovely restaurant...maybe shop..... In actuality, by the time we (Philip) dealt with the traffic in Norfolk and Nags Head and the heat and humidity, we just decided to go on home.
It was so refreshing to get away from all of that as we got on the ferry. The breezes were cool coming off the Pamlico Sound..seagulls overhead were trying to snatch pieces of homemade bread that we nibbled on.
When we arrived home we packed away the few purchases...blackberries as big as half dollars and ripe peaches. We invited neighbors, John and Chris, over for our Sunset on the Pizer and watched the dripping red ball of sun go down over the island. When they left, John said stay out for a while and I will serenade you on my fiddle.
We lit the old oil lamp on the pizer, sat on the swing and listenied to fiddle tunes drifting across and over the youpans and cedars. Lightning flashed in the dark sky as the day ended.
Yes, it is good to be home, even after twelve hours!
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends all of her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
We had thought of all kinds of wonderful activities we could do...go to the movies...eat dinner out in a lovely restaurant...maybe shop..... In actuality, by the time we (Philip) dealt with the traffic in Norfolk and Nags Head and the heat and humidity, we just decided to go on home.
It was so refreshing to get away from all of that as we got on the ferry. The breezes were cool coming off the Pamlico Sound..seagulls overhead were trying to snatch pieces of homemade bread that we nibbled on.
When we arrived home we packed away the few purchases...blackberries as big as half dollars and ripe peaches. We invited neighbors, John and Chris, over for our Sunset on the Pizer and watched the dripping red ball of sun go down over the island. When they left, John said stay out for a while and I will serenade you on my fiddle.
We lit the old oil lamp on the pizer, sat on the swing and listenied to fiddle tunes drifting across and over the youpans and cedars. Lightning flashed in the dark sky as the day ended.
Yes, it is good to be home, even after twelve hours!
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends all of her summers on Ocracoke Island. She is available for writing seminars, storytelling, and speaking engagements. She can be contacted at locketoftime@aol.com. You can read more at www.louannhoman.com
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