Thoughts on the morning after.

Dear Folks,

Somehow it seems to be the right moment to publish this blog as we are all reflecting on the tragedy in Denver. We are not immune to this behavior and violence no matter where we live.

I do believe, however, that we do not lock our doors and stay inside. These stories need to make us stronger and tie us more boldly to our community.

I live in two communities in which I accept the beauty of this life and the goodness that it does offer, one in Northern Indiana and one here on Ocracoke Island.

Last night Philip and I were walking home from dinner. It was dark and we were using our flashlight to light the way. A group of young people (there were four of them) hollered from across the street, "Do you all want a hug?" At first I was taken back wondering what this was about. My silence did not mean no, I was just surprised. I then quickly answered, "Sure." All four came across the road and hugged us both. They went on their merry way as did we.

This event was about trust. They trusted us to become recipients in a kind way, we trusted them without any thoughts of maliciousness.

It was a great way to end the evening with much to talk about.

During the day it was also my pleasure to attend the Homegrown Market at the Community Square.

Mariah and Caroline are two Island children who were born and raised on Ocracoke. They set up their booth to sell their wares and spent the morning visiting with folks, selling items, and contributing to the beauty of the Island. Their booth was a reflection of the life that is lived here.

We need to honor those who died or were wounded in Denver, but in the meantime we also need to boldly make a stand in our own communities.

Here is a short clip of Mariah and Caroine at the market. Enjoy!

Come on inside the Ocracoke Lighthouse

The Ocracoke Lighthouse

Looking up inside the Ocracoke Lighthouse



This is the view from the front door of the Lighthouse looking

toward the Keepers House. Today the Lighthouse, the grounds, and the

Keepers House are owned by the National Park Service.

The operational light at the top of the Lighthouse is owned

by the United States Coast Guard.

I took these photos yesterday after my first shift in opening the Lighthouse for public viewing. I had 217 visitors yesterday and 267 today. I love this volunteer position where I get to open the Lighthouse, share interesting facts and always, always tell the stories.

If you are coming to Ocracoke, stop on by in the afternoons from 1-3. It is open every weekday afternoon. I am there on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please give a 'hey' if you stop by.

I also took this video yesterday so that, if you can't get to Ocracoke, you can get a feel for the inside of the Lighthouse. When no one is in there with me, I sing. So come on in and take a peek!

Speaking of chatting...

Today's Video Blog features chatting on the porch of the Village Craftsmen. Each day Philip Howard chats with folks from 1-2 on the front porch. These chats are a resemblance to the time when everyone sat outside on those hot summer afternoons enjoying each other's company.

I took the above photo early this morning of the Village Craftsmen (the sign says closed, but don't worry about that!)

Oh, and speaking of chatting, today is my first day to "chat" at the Ocracoke Lighthouse. I will be opening up the historic doors to the lighthouse on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 1-3. (I chat a little longer than Philip!) Please stop by for a glimpse into the past and listen to a story or two!

Tomorrow's video blog will feature the inside of the Ocracoke Lighthouse.

As always thanks for reading, watching, listening and taking a look at all I see as I am out and about!



Playing like children...

Today is my Poetry Passage day, and I have chosen e.e. cummings. I love this poem and it is so good to always remember to view the world from the eyes of a child. I also just finished Ray Bradbury's "Farewell Summer" which typically has the same message.

Last night Bill and Lida and Philip and I went back to the beach searching for the Aurea Borealis. I think the night was even more brilliant than the night before. We couldn't help but go down to the water to kick up the waves which were twinkling with the phosphorescence.

We played like children.

maggie and milly and molly and may

went down to the beach(to play one day)

and maggie discovered a shell that sang

so sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles,and

milly befriended a stranded star

whose rays five languid fingers were;

and molly was chased by a horrible thing

which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:and

may came home with a smooth round stone

as small as a world and as large as alone.

For whatever we lose(like a you or a me)

it's always ourselves we find in the sea

e.e.cummings

I took this photo while walking on the early morning beach.

This week's column, arriving on Ocracoke and much more!

Please click here for this week's column! Enjoy.


Dear Friends,

Yesterday was a full day as I settle back into my Ocracoke life. It is as if I snap my fingers and I am an Island girl.

The Mad Mag Studio is all set up and ready for work. It is a lovely work space with twinkle lights and other small lamps and treasures from the sea. It also has all the necessary tools of any writer...laptop, camera, phone, printer, pens, pencils, tablets....

It was our first adventure out in Philip's boat as well and great swimming in Teach's Hole. No, we did not find gold, but had a great time.

We spent the late night hours out at the beach with Bill and Lida looking for the Northern Lights. We did not see the lights, but the stars were magnificent. The constellations were clear and Philip and Lida saw shooting stars as well.

The Milky Way was in clear view last night as well. I guess you could say it was a magical, poetic evening. I was the most reluctant to go home, but there will be other nights.

Today's video features a little scud in the harbor in Philip's boat. Enjoy.

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.