We have been waiting for months for Winter..I mean, that is why we live in the Northern country. We love the smell of snow...the silence of night..the hum of the heater..the extra quilt on the bed. Well, it has arrived.
My thermometer is in the single digits this morning with new fresh snow adding to what already fell this past week end. It looks like a birthday cake outside my windows. It is breathtaking. It also allows for a two hour delay...no one ever complains about that!
So a cheer to Winter and it's late arrival!
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Pale, wintry sunrises....
My commute to school is a very rural affair...usually I encounter pheasant or wild turkeys and, of course, the prolific Indiana deer, but today the drive was so stunning it actually took my breath away. The thumbnail of a moon was gently sliding into the Western sky as the sun began it's morning journey in the East. The trees were still covered with ice from the storm two nights ago and the clouds were deep feathered blue. As the sun rays began to warm the earth, the light was caught in the trees with the most eerie, shimmering sight. I do not believe I have ever seen a sunrise such as today. I wanted to stop and just let it's beauty sink into my soul. As it was, I needed to continue the journey, but this sunrise will not be forgotten.
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Auditions for Vagina Monologues
Yes, I am back at it...directing the Vagina Monologues in Angola, Indiana. I really didn't think it would happen again, how could we top last year's show. But it will again be wonderful, albeit different.
I always worry about women showing up for the auditions...will they come.....will they be strong enough to be in the show....will be be successful? But they did come, they were strong and we will be successful.
The board arrived at the community theatre a couple of hours early to have lunch and just talk about the show. Following the auditions, we were able to place the cast, make the calls (no one can wait!) and just talk non-stop about the show.
So, if you aren't busy on Friday and Saturday night, February 16 and 17, come on down to Steuben County to the Community Theatre for a wonderful show!
I'll be there.
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
I always worry about women showing up for the auditions...will they come.....will they be strong enough to be in the show....will be be successful? But they did come, they were strong and we will be successful.
The board arrived at the community theatre a couple of hours early to have lunch and just talk about the show. Following the auditions, we were able to place the cast, make the calls (no one can wait!) and just talk non-stop about the show.
So, if you aren't busy on Friday and Saturday night, February 16 and 17, come on down to Steuben County to the Community Theatre for a wonderful show!
I'll be there.
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
Friday, January 12, 2007
Guitar pickin'
I have been talking for months about getting a guitar...I have looked in shops..on-line, in pawn shops. Has my talking turned to bragging? Oh, yes, I'm getting a guitar and will be playing real soon...so for Christmas I recieved a guitar book. Hmmm....a hint? So, yesterday I bought my guitar.
Philip and I walked down to town to Rhon's shop. He is a local artist who lives in the artist district (that would be where I live!!) and has opened up a small guitar shop. It is quaint. One wall hosts guitars for sale. There are several to choose from, but it is not overwhelming. In the back is a glass window where Rhon is conducting his class. It is easy to watch his protegies struggling with chords and Rhon's calm demeanor as he teaches.
I bought my guitar and a case. I walked home with it. Actually it was pretty heavy, Philip ended up carrying it up the hill to the house. Last night I learned two chords, C and G7. I am very bad at thsi guitar playing, and my fingers are sore already! But...today is my first real lesson. I will carry it back down to town and put the student behind the glass.
Anyone for Kum Ba Ya?
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
Philip and I walked down to town to Rhon's shop. He is a local artist who lives in the artist district (that would be where I live!!) and has opened up a small guitar shop. It is quaint. One wall hosts guitars for sale. There are several to choose from, but it is not overwhelming. In the back is a glass window where Rhon is conducting his class. It is easy to watch his protegies struggling with chords and Rhon's calm demeanor as he teaches.
I bought my guitar and a case. I walked home with it. Actually it was pretty heavy, Philip ended up carrying it up the hill to the house. Last night I learned two chords, C and G7. I am very bad at thsi guitar playing, and my fingers are sore already! But...today is my first real lesson. I will carry it back down to town and put the student behind the glass.
Anyone for Kum Ba Ya?
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Let the show begin....
Last night the core Vagina Monologue board met...as we have been doing once a month for several months. However, this time it was with great expectation as the show is ready to get under way. Auditions will be Sunday in our local community theatre auditorium. Needless to say, the excitement is building as we change up our show with new actresses, a bit of music, a silent auction and a two evening performance.
The work is great, but there is magic in working with a talented group of women on this show...it will be good.
Why not show up on Sunday afternoon and give it a read?
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
The work is great, but there is magic in working with a talented group of women on this show...it will be good.
Why not show up on Sunday afternoon and give it a read?
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
Monday, January 08, 2007
A bit of snow and ebony shadows...
Sunday afternoon. The sky turns gray and fat, heavy snowflakes begin to fall. I open my shutters and hope. For Northern Indiana (as well as most other northern points) the snow has abated us this winter. I want snow. I live in this part of the country because of snow. The afternoon is lovely as I pour tea, snuggle on the couch with a great book, still hoping for a great snowfall. Is it to be?
Lou Ann
Lou Ann
Friday, January 05, 2007
Twelfth Night
Just a quick overview of the week...Philip and I arrived home to Indiana on New Year's Day. Aaron and Karen had dinner ready for us which was wonderful after traveling a thousand miles. It was,however, a fast journey as we keep each other great company.
It was back to school for me while Philip has been pouring over his writing. My library is set up so that the two of can work and spread out all of our papers. He gets more writing done here as there are fewer interruptions...actually he has quiet days unless he goes to town to visit with Zach or Rachael.
Tonight we are hosting our Twelfth Night Party, complete with choosing a queen, the reading of poems and stories, the singing of the Twelve Days of Christmas and to finish the evening, Auld Lang Syne. It is a wonderful old custom of which very few celebrate these days.
So, we are busy cooking and baking this afternoon.
Happy Twelfth Night to you.
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
It was back to school for me while Philip has been pouring over his writing. My library is set up so that the two of can work and spread out all of our papers. He gets more writing done here as there are fewer interruptions...actually he has quiet days unless he goes to town to visit with Zach or Rachael.
Tonight we are hosting our Twelfth Night Party, complete with choosing a queen, the reading of poems and stories, the singing of the Twelve Days of Christmas and to finish the evening, Auld Lang Syne. It is a wonderful old custom of which very few celebrate these days.
So, we are busy cooking and baking this afternoon.
Happy Twelfth Night to you.
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
Saturday, December 30, 2006
New Year's Eve Eve
It is so beautiful here today on Ocracoke. The winds are balmy, the sky is blue, the temperatures are just cool enough for a jacket and just warm enough for a jacket.
It is a busy day here as there is an all you can eat oyster fest to benefit the Fish House. Tonight is a storytelling performance by Donald Davis at the Community Center. Everyone is abuzz over these activities. In between we are cleaning and packing as we leave for Indiana in the morning. Philip is driving me back and staying a couple of weeks. The shop is closed. I am glad that he wants to spend his vacation in my little town in Indiana. He can write during the day...evenings we can read or walk or go to the movies or the coffee house. If we are lucky we will have a blizzard and he can shovel!!
Until back home again, Happy New Year's Day!
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
It is a busy day here as there is an all you can eat oyster fest to benefit the Fish House. Tonight is a storytelling performance by Donald Davis at the Community Center. Everyone is abuzz over these activities. In between we are cleaning and packing as we leave for Indiana in the morning. Philip is driving me back and staying a couple of weeks. The shop is closed. I am glad that he wants to spend his vacation in my little town in Indiana. He can write during the day...evenings we can read or walk or go to the movies or the coffee house. If we are lucky we will have a blizzard and he can shovel!!
Until back home again, Happy New Year's Day!
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Pumpkin soup and family ties....
Last night we spend the evening with Amy and David. (Philip's daughter and son in law.) He cooked down the Halloween pumpkin (I don't think it was the one that was lit on the front porch!, added leftover Christmas ham, sprinkled toasted pecans on top and pumpkin soup was born. All the family gathered as we sat around their small table knocking knees together sharing homemade bread, drinking wine. At one point Philip said we looked like a European family all sharing around the table.
We played games til the wee hours, then traveled home through the dark streets of the island. It was a wonderful night!
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
We played games til the wee hours, then traveled home through the dark streets of the island. It was a wonderful night!
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
A Sand Angel...
Yesterday afternoon, Philip and I bundled up for the beach. We wore scarves and winter jackets, although it was not quite that cold and not as windy as the day before. Philip commented on how crowded the beach was, but I did not seem to mind the two folks we passed as we strolled our half hour walk. The water was smooth and inviting with the winter colors of gray and dark blue clearly evident.
We talked about shadows as we walked, they were so prominent in the late afternoon. As we were about to leave and ascend the ramp, we noticed a sand angel. She was perfectly formed and looked as if a friend had helped her up so that she wouldn't smear. It was a nice ending to a lovely walk, and a little like home.
As an added note, we stopped by the Post Office on the way home to gather mail. We were there close to 45 minutes as neighbors just visited on the steps sharing local gossip!
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
We talked about shadows as we walked, they were so prominent in the late afternoon. As we were about to leave and ascend the ramp, we noticed a sand angel. She was perfectly formed and looked as if a friend had helped her up so that she wouldn't smear. It was a nice ending to a lovely walk, and a little like home.
As an added note, we stopped by the Post Office on the way home to gather mail. We were there close to 45 minutes as neighbors just visited on the steps sharing local gossip!
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Boxing Day
Actually it is post Boxing Day, but nonetheless it is still being celebrated here at Ocracoke. This morning a steaming tray of sticky buns arrived on our doorstep compliments of Al and Linda. I invited them in to share as I would be on fresh pot of coffee, but they had baskets of treats and still places to go.
What a lovely old custom. There are many theories for the origin of Boxing Day. Most say it is from the United Kingdom and was the day after Christmas that the boss, or the King gave gifts to those who worked for him or to the serfs. There are even wonderful old songs which celebrate this day. One such song talks about putting a wren in a box on boxing day as well! This is from Old England.
Where are you going ? said Milder to Malder,
Oh where are you going ? said Fessel to Foe,
I'm going to hunt the cutty wren said Milder to Malder,
I'm going to hunt the cutty wren said John the Rednose.
And what will you do wi' it ? said Milder to Malder,
And what will you do wi' it ? said Fessel to Foe,
I'll put it in a box said Milder to Malder,
I'll put it in a box said John the Rednose.
A beautiful day and a walk on the beach will compose the rest of our post Boxing Day. It is actually cool enough to sit by the fire this evening with hot chocolate, and oh yes, a plate of sticky buns!
Wish you a Merry Boxing Day!
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
What a lovely old custom. There are many theories for the origin of Boxing Day. Most say it is from the United Kingdom and was the day after Christmas that the boss, or the King gave gifts to those who worked for him or to the serfs. There are even wonderful old songs which celebrate this day. One such song talks about putting a wren in a box on boxing day as well! This is from Old England.
Where are you going ? said Milder to Malder,
Oh where are you going ? said Fessel to Foe,
I'm going to hunt the cutty wren said Milder to Malder,
I'm going to hunt the cutty wren said John the Rednose.
And what will you do wi' it ? said Milder to Malder,
And what will you do wi' it ? said Fessel to Foe,
I'll put it in a box said Milder to Malder,
I'll put it in a box said John the Rednose.
A beautiful day and a walk on the beach will compose the rest of our post Boxing Day. It is actually cool enough to sit by the fire this evening with hot chocolate, and oh yes, a plate of sticky buns!
Wish you a Merry Boxing Day!
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
The scent of cedar...
Just a few hours on a plane and life changes for me...from gray and cold and rain to live oaks and cedars with air smelling like a cedar closet. It is intoxicating to step out into the sunshine as well.
Christmas with Philip is a lovely place to be...family, friends, a house full at any given moment. I like the winter here...it is quieter and dark...but not desolate or lonely. There is much more time for pot lucks and card games and just visiting.
Philip's house was so beautiful the night we drove in. (His brother, Buddy, met me at the Norfolk airport driving throught the dark and fog, we arrived just before midnight on Christmas Eve, Eve.) Candles were in all of the windows, the wreath on the door, and a right fine, scrubby tree in the corner adorned with lights. It was like stepping into a different century.
On Christmas Eve, Philip hosted a pot luck dinner with his house overflowing with family and friend. Late that same evening, he again hosted an open house for Christmas Eve egg nog. Christmas Day found us hosting lunch for family and friends as well. Gift unwrapping was progressive as we meandered through the village.
To you and yours a very Merry Christmas, one day late!
Merry Christmas, one day late!!
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
Christmas with Philip is a lovely place to be...family, friends, a house full at any given moment. I like the winter here...it is quieter and dark...but not desolate or lonely. There is much more time for pot lucks and card games and just visiting.
Philip's house was so beautiful the night we drove in. (His brother, Buddy, met me at the Norfolk airport driving throught the dark and fog, we arrived just before midnight on Christmas Eve, Eve.) Candles were in all of the windows, the wreath on the door, and a right fine, scrubby tree in the corner adorned with lights. It was like stepping into a different century.
On Christmas Eve, Philip hosted a pot luck dinner with his house overflowing with family and friend. Late that same evening, he again hosted an open house for Christmas Eve egg nog. Christmas Day found us hosting lunch for family and friends as well. Gift unwrapping was progressive as we meandered through the village.
To you and yours a very Merry Christmas, one day late!
Merry Christmas, one day late!!
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan-Saylor lives in Angola, Indiana which is nestled in the hills of Northern Indiana. When she is home at the White Picket Gardens you can find her gardening or writing late into the night under the light of her frayed scarlet lamp. She is a storyteller, a teacher, a writer, an actress and a collector of front porch stories.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Two Nights...two stories.
Last night Aaron and Karen, Jonah and Matthew came for our annual Christmas party. Yes, it is a few days early, but I will be leaving to visit Philip over Christmas so we needed to carve the turkey, share in the cookies, and open gifts before I went.
The house was indeed filled with the scent of evergreen and peppermint (along with the turkey and trimmings) as we all gathered in my dining room. How blessed I am to have Aaron and his family in my life. Karen has become my good friend as well as daughter in law. (She also is amazingly gifted in the gifting department.) Matthew and Jonah were happy over trucks and tractors and things that bump in the night. I was thrilled over the artistically designed tea kettle for my kitchen..a striking black and white retro design with a red wooden top. We all had a wonderful evening.
Today, after a full day of school and rehearsals for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, I found myself (along with the V-Day committee) at the home of the Women in Transition. This organization will become the recipient of our work at the end of February. Already we have worked a couple of months putting together our V-Day celebration here in Angola. The women at the house cooked dinner for us. We sat around the kitchen table all evening talking about the home...what caused to women to come there...how they are recovering. I left knowing that we had chosen the right recipient for all of our hard work.
Two nights..two stories.
The house was indeed filled with the scent of evergreen and peppermint (along with the turkey and trimmings) as we all gathered in my dining room. How blessed I am to have Aaron and his family in my life. Karen has become my good friend as well as daughter in law. (She also is amazingly gifted in the gifting department.) Matthew and Jonah were happy over trucks and tractors and things that bump in the night. I was thrilled over the artistically designed tea kettle for my kitchen..a striking black and white retro design with a red wooden top. We all had a wonderful evening.
Today, after a full day of school and rehearsals for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, I found myself (along with the V-Day committee) at the home of the Women in Transition. This organization will become the recipient of our work at the end of February. Already we have worked a couple of months putting together our V-Day celebration here in Angola. The women at the house cooked dinner for us. We sat around the kitchen table all evening talking about the home...what caused to women to come there...how they are recovering. I left knowing that we had chosen the right recipient for all of our hard work.
Two nights..two stories.
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