Sun Setting on Ocracoke Island

Last night I was walking around the harbor. It had been cloudy all day, actually it has been cloudy and a bit rainy since I arrived. All of a sudden the sky parted and we were able to watch this splendid sunset.

Ocracoke is one of the few places where you can watch the sun come up over the Atlantic and set over the Sound. Notice the marshy areas and smooth stillness of the water.

During the day there was a funeral on the Island. Frankie O'Neal was just a young man of 43 who loved this Island so much. He did not live here as his profession took him off into the world to seek his fortune, but he always intended to retire here.

The Methodist Church was full of family and folks who loved him. The O'Neal family name is prominent here along with many others. This sunset seemed to be a tribute to this young man who who used to walk the sandy lanes while reading a book.

I am also adding a photo for those of you unable to see the video. As always thank you for enjoying this blog.

Video Blogging on Ocracoke Island with Philip and Bill

Dear Friends, After a very busy spring and summer, I have made it to Ocracoke Island. It was an easy trip this time...a drive to Fort Wayne, two quick flights (oh, and thanks to Karen or I would still be in Fort Wayne), a long ferry ride, and as if by magic my other life begins. Many of my friends and acquaintances (and brothers and sisters) have not visited Ocracoke Island. Therefore I thought it would be fun this summer to do a daily video blog of life here on the Island. My first video is in one of the many cemeteries on the island. This one is off of historic Howard Street. I am joined by Philip Howard and Bill Jones. Let's have a listen in to what they are saying! As always, thanks for reading and watching! Lou Ann

A Love Story

 Click on for the link to this week's story: This week's story.

Good Morning Everyone! Today's blog is dedicated to Bill and Shirley Lonsbury who celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Sunday. They were married here in Angola, Indiana at the Marriage Mill.

They truly have a love story so enjoy the photos, videos and story!

Lou Ann

What else is there to say?

Out and about with my neighbor Mike!

Enjoy the video and a look at the Grand Lakes canoe. I love Mike's story which you can read on the previous blog site! As always, thanks for reading and viewing!

My neighborhood boat builder, Michael Byers

Click here for this week's column.

This week's column is about my neighbor, an extraordinary man. As always, thanks for reading!

Interview with a squirrel

"Writing from the Center" with Scott Russell Sanders

This summer my life has centered around my own garden with daily jaunts (on my bike) to town, storytelling performances, and community events.

I guess I could say that my garden was my artist pallett for the summer along with creating and finding new outlets for my work in my studio.

Recently (Monday evening) one of my writing books was returned to me after it circulated around my neighborhood.

As soon as I held this book in my hands, I felt compelled to open it immediately. My pencil notations were all over the book with phrases underlined, and notes to self evident in margins.

This book is "Writing from the Center" by Scott Russell Sanders. The book was written in 1995 and dedicated to Wendell Berry.

If you are a serious writer or want to feel more connected to your own home place I highly recommend this book. It may be out of print, but you can always go to Abe books!

I noticed that I made several notes to myself speaking of my pursuit of holiness and questions about who I am, how I write, and how going home can put peace into my soul.

For this summer, my soul belongs to the above garden, my House at White Picket Gardens and my community in northern Indiana.

So, where can you find your soul this summer? Just things to think about while watching fireflies or swinging at the park, or sitting outside at midnight watching the waxing moon slide against the summer sky.

As always, thanks for reading.

Out and about at The Strand Theater

Hi Folks,

Once again I am out and about in my small town of Angola, Indiana. This time it is date night with my favorite two young men, Matthew and Jonah.

Here we are at The Strand Theater on the square getting ready to see the new Disney movie, Brave. I actually was able to get a brief interview with the owner, but as you can see, it is brief.

I support my local theaters as often as I can keeping alive our downtown. Please support your local theatre as well!

By the way, my brief movie is not upside down, so don't worry! As for Brave, I really loved it. I think Disney brought back some of its magic for this show. The little red headed heroine, now she is definitely a star!

As always, enjoy and thanks for checking in to see what is going on in my small town!

Lou Ann



       “Tea and a Story”, a feature new to the Arts Fest this year, is at 2 p.m. Sunday in the ballroom at Charley Creek Inn. Lou Ann Homan is a professional storyteller who will relate the history of the hotel, which was built in 1920 and recently renovated. Those in the audience will enjoy an afternoon tea while they here tales of the old hotel.

Hi folks,

Here I am again inviting you to a fun afternoon of "Tea and a Story". This is my Charley Creek Inn story that I showcased in March in Indianapolis. This time the show will be where it belongs and that is at the Charley Creek Inn. I am so delighted to be telling the stories where they took place!

This entire week is the Charley Creek Arts Festival in Wabash. I will be heading out on Saturday and staying over at the Inn, of course.

I would love to see you there because we will have a great time, support the arts, and enjoy this wonderful community.

This event is sponsored by Indiana Landmarks and Storytelling Arts of Indiana.

Here are a few photos to entice you to visit! Oh, the tickets for the tea are $10.00. I believe that is mostly for tea and crumpets, but you get a story as well!!

You should book a room and come on Saturday as well. We can celebrate all evening at the lovely Charley Creek Inn!

The Angola Farmer's Market

So here is another story with my video camera and a new series...Out and about in my small town.

Today's feature presentation is the Angola Farmer's Market.

As always, enjoy the show!

Castle Invasion!

Here is our film/video/commercial!

I think it is wonderful and I loved being a part of this. I had to watch it a couple of times to see if I was actually in the film! Alas, alas, there I was. Not sure Hollywood can find me!!

Summer Solstice in my small town...

At the moment of the solstice celebration (7:09) I was sitting in my garden with eight other members of my book club. It was my turn to host, and indeed I did so. The night was warm, as they have been this June, but with a fresh pitcher of Sangria (I do have the best recipe) and lively conversation, we barely noticed.

The talk is always of books, of course, but as the time drew near, we took a moment to reflect in the lives we lead, and how we are choosing to lead these lives.

We passed the candle around the circle for reflecting, I shared my favorite Solstice chant, and then we gave thanks for this world of beauty.

When dinner was over and the dessert plates were empty the women began to leave one by one gathering their books and thoughts and meander back into the world.

My friend Susan stayed to chat and visit. We sat back out in the garden under the inky sky and shared thoughts on everything, like girls do.

We watched the fireflies light up the night sky, listened to the neighborhood children saying good night to friends, and talked until the candles burned low.

In the morning I received this lovely video from her on email. I want to share it with you are we begin the rites of summer.

As always, thanks for reading, please share the video with all who will watch and give thanks and a prayer for this magical world we live in.