Raindrops
sapphire damp
pelting blinding stinging
frigid moist
Teardrops
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, January 30, 2006
Cinquin for a rainy Monday
Raindrops
sapphire damp
pelting blinding stinging
frigid moist
Teardrops
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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
sapphire damp
pelting blinding stinging
frigid moist
Teardrops
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, January 21, 2006
The Missionary
I have spent the last few days meandering my way down to Indianapolis "preaching" along the way. Really, sometimes that is how I feel....a group of teachers...students...parents, it doesn't matter the message is the same: turn off the TV, read to your kids, tell stories, sing, dance...watch cardinals out the window, bake cookies.
I travel around planting seeds of wisdom..pack my satchel and move on to the next destination.
Today I am in Indy with Ellen and Nancy Donaval. They are out and about with Nancy telling stories (she flew in from Minnesota yesterday) while I am home in Ellen's kitchen making cookies, reading, and watching the cardinals out the window.
A girl's got to practice what she preaches!!
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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 travel around planting seeds of wisdom..pack my satchel and move on to the next destination.
Today I am in Indy with Ellen and Nancy Donaval. They are out and about with Nancy telling stories (she flew in from Minnesota yesterday) while I am home in Ellen's kitchen making cookies, reading, and watching the cardinals out the window.
A girl's got to practice what she preaches!!
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, January 19, 2006
Jane Austen's Book Club
Last night my book club met. I am involved with a wonderful group of women who take reading and authors seriously!! We always spend an hour on the specific book, fiften minutes on other books and authors...then have dinner. Dinner is cooked by the hostess.
Our hostess, Luanne (not this Lou Ann!) did an outstanding job of making us feel welcome. Her home is warm and inviting with windows overlooking a world of woods and streams...last night it was exceptionally beautiful with the new snowfall...we were able to catch a glimpse of winter color as the last of the day's birds were having their own feast.
Candles and wine made the darkness settle in upon us like a warm quilt and the nine of us discussed Pride and Prejudice by jane Austin. We talked about the practices of marriage and money during her day. It was unanimous that the group of us "working" women were glad to be living now.....but there is something romantic about the Austen books.
Our conversation turned toward all other topics as we dined elbow to elbow.
It was a good night. We bundled up when we left to brace the freezing temperatures and gingerly made our way back home...to homes that allow us to be the women we have become. I think Jane Austen would approve of us.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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
Our hostess, Luanne (not this Lou Ann!) did an outstanding job of making us feel welcome. Her home is warm and inviting with windows overlooking a world of woods and streams...last night it was exceptionally beautiful with the new snowfall...we were able to catch a glimpse of winter color as the last of the day's birds were having their own feast.
Candles and wine made the darkness settle in upon us like a warm quilt and the nine of us discussed Pride and Prejudice by jane Austin. We talked about the practices of marriage and money during her day. It was unanimous that the group of us "working" women were glad to be living now.....but there is something romantic about the Austen books.
Our conversation turned toward all other topics as we dined elbow to elbow.
It was a good night. We bundled up when we left to brace the freezing temperatures and gingerly made our way back home...to homes that allow us to be the women we have become. I think Jane Austen would approve of us.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Chocolate Cookies and Snow Plows
When I was a child the clank of the snow plow going by early in the morning meant no school...chocolate chip cookies, soggy mittens, and a long game of Monolopoly!
Early this morning I heard the familiar clank, jumping out of bed, I opened my curtains to find a winter wonderland. What a welcome sight after all of that rain!
The lights on the plow were blinking...clanging along, and I could only imagine all the children on the street were jumping out of bed wishing for the snow day as well.
It is just a delay, but enough time for a second cup of coffee, answer emails, and enjoy the feeling of going "late" to school.
Don't we just love snow plows?
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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
Early this morning I heard the familiar clank, jumping out of bed, I opened my curtains to find a winter wonderland. What a welcome sight after all of that rain!
The lights on the plow were blinking...clanging along, and I could only imagine all the children on the street were jumping out of bed wishing for the snow day as well.
It is just a delay, but enough time for a second cup of coffee, answer emails, and enjoy the feeling of going "late" to school.
Don't we just love snow plows?
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, January 16, 2006
Early morning drive..
This morning I was driving to a school district in Kokomo. It was early morning and dark except for the moon on the roadway. It was so stunning I wanted to pull off to watch the shadows (but there really wasn't any place to pull off and it was a lonely single lane road), but still I noticed the beauty and couldn't help but thinking of this wonderful poem:
"The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,
And the highwayman came riding..riding...riding..
The highwayman came riding up to the old inn door."
Alfred Noyes 1880-1958
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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 road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,
And the highwayman came riding..riding...riding..
The highwayman came riding up to the old inn door."
Alfred Noyes 1880-1958
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, January 15, 2006
Full moon and Halogen lights.,,
This week end I am entertaining "girlfriends" from Indy. It has been a great week end..all without the car. I wanted to show them all of the wonderful sites of town with benefit of gasoline!
We spent the day meandering through small shops, looking at antique wagons..candles..second hand clothes. We lunched at the deli, had hot chocolate at Rachaels, enjoyed the smells of the "hippie" shop. By nightfall we went to the movies (they couldn't believe the cheap tickets and popcorn, we could even buy a large!!), a beer at Skip's and strolled home down the street lit by the full moon and street lights of a city.
Smalltown USA. Ahhhh.......
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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 spent the day meandering through small shops, looking at antique wagons..candles..second hand clothes. We lunched at the deli, had hot chocolate at Rachaels, enjoyed the smells of the "hippie" shop. By nightfall we went to the movies (they couldn't believe the cheap tickets and popcorn, we could even buy a large!!), a beer at Skip's and strolled home down the street lit by the full moon and street lights of a city.
Smalltown USA. Ahhhh.......
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, January 13, 2006
January Blues
In December I was dreaming of ice skating (and I am so good at that!), snowshoeing (my new hobby that I meant to start this winter!) and maybe even ice fishing (OK, well, probably not!) But, alas, alas....the topsy turvy weather of January has put a halt on all of the above. I am slushing about in sopping puddles. I left my new boots with Philip in Ocracoke, we have snow, I said, I won't need those boots in Northern Indiana!
Today the rain is a torrent, I am home working on storyteller office details with all the lights on and candles burning listening to the drumming of the rain.
On the lighter side, my heating bill will be low, the salt has been washed off of my car, and I still love splashing in puddles!
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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
Today the rain is a torrent, I am home working on storyteller office details with all the lights on and candles burning listening to the drumming of the rain.
On the lighter side, my heating bill will be low, the salt has been washed off of my car, and I still love splashing in puddles!
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who
lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, December 27, 2005
An Island Christmas
Matthew and I arrived about forty minutes late in Raleigh...but to a welcoming crowd! Philip had driven from Ocracoke to pick me up and Sherrie and David (Matthew's Grandparents from Atlanta) had come to pick him up. We exchanged greetings, picked up our luggage and all took to the road in different directions.
We had a non-stop trip as we wanted to get back before dark and before the pot luck (which was held at Philip's) was over. As always with traveling, I am amazed at the geographical changes. I left freezing temperatures with inches of snow on the ground and not a leaf in sight and arrived to blue skies of about 55 degrees, dry roads and the scent of pines.
When we arrived home to Miss Aliph's, there were no parking spaces left so we parked down by the shop and came a'callin (we actually knocked on the door!) The house was full of friends and relatives...what a nice home coming.
After the pot luck everyone scrambled into jackets and scarves and walked down the dark, clam filled street to the Methodist Church for the Christmas Eve service. There were, of course, wise men and shepherds and Mary and Joseph....there also was every person on the island in attendance. The service ended with candlelight and wishing each other Merry Christmas.
Christmas Day started with brunch at our house for family....the opening of gifts which took several hours. Most of it revolved around Philip's Grandchild, Lachlan. Dinner was later in the afternoon at Julie and Gary's.
The post Christmas activites are dinners at friend's homes each evening...games of cards, jigsaw puzzles and Werewolf...the pouring of conversation and wine.
The weather is crisp and sunny and fresh and clean.
It is nice to spend this week with Philip...to read and relax..sit by the fire...drink eggnog...and be appreciative for all life's blessings.
We had a non-stop trip as we wanted to get back before dark and before the pot luck (which was held at Philip's) was over. As always with traveling, I am amazed at the geographical changes. I left freezing temperatures with inches of snow on the ground and not a leaf in sight and arrived to blue skies of about 55 degrees, dry roads and the scent of pines.
When we arrived home to Miss Aliph's, there were no parking spaces left so we parked down by the shop and came a'callin (we actually knocked on the door!) The house was full of friends and relatives...what a nice home coming.
After the pot luck everyone scrambled into jackets and scarves and walked down the dark, clam filled street to the Methodist Church for the Christmas Eve service. There were, of course, wise men and shepherds and Mary and Joseph....there also was every person on the island in attendance. The service ended with candlelight and wishing each other Merry Christmas.
Christmas Day started with brunch at our house for family....the opening of gifts which took several hours. Most of it revolved around Philip's Grandchild, Lachlan. Dinner was later in the afternoon at Julie and Gary's.
The post Christmas activites are dinners at friend's homes each evening...games of cards, jigsaw puzzles and Werewolf...the pouring of conversation and wine.
The weather is crisp and sunny and fresh and clean.
It is nice to spend this week with Philip...to read and relax..sit by the fire...drink eggnog...and be appreciative for all life's blessings.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Winter Solstice
Today is the Winter Solstice...the first day of winter...the beginning of the longer days to weave ourselves back to summer days.
I have been celebrating the Solstice for years, often in the company of myself. I have been known to chant around old Oak trees surrounded by drifts of snow...or building small bonfires (sometimes in the grill!) and tossing in eulogies of my past.
A few years ago I celebrated Solstice on an airplane. I told my seatmate at the exact moment of Solstice. He had never met anyone who celebrated it before. He reached into his wallet and pulled out a $100 dollar bill and handed it to me. I was, of course, reluctant to take it. He said to just consider it a gift. When I arrived home, I stuffed it in one of my favorite books.
Last Solstice Philip was here so we celebrated with sparklers out on the front stoop...then had cookies and cocoa.
Tonight I will be with my book club...but tucked into my briefcase are a couple packages of sparklers. Hopefully I will get a few takers!
Here is one of my favorite Solstice greetings. Tonight after dark, go outside, circle around a special tree in the yard and recite it!
"Root to root,
Seed to seed,
May all that we have,
Be all that we need."
Happy Solstice.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Angola, Indiana. 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 have been celebrating the Solstice for years, often in the company of myself. I have been known to chant around old Oak trees surrounded by drifts of snow...or building small bonfires (sometimes in the grill!) and tossing in eulogies of my past.
A few years ago I celebrated Solstice on an airplane. I told my seatmate at the exact moment of Solstice. He had never met anyone who celebrated it before. He reached into his wallet and pulled out a $100 dollar bill and handed it to me. I was, of course, reluctant to take it. He said to just consider it a gift. When I arrived home, I stuffed it in one of my favorite books.
Last Solstice Philip was here so we celebrated with sparklers out on the front stoop...then had cookies and cocoa.
Tonight I will be with my book club...but tucked into my briefcase are a couple packages of sparklers. Hopefully I will get a few takers!
Here is one of my favorite Solstice greetings. Tonight after dark, go outside, circle around a special tree in the yard and recite it!
"Root to root,
Seed to seed,
May all that we have,
Be all that we need."
Happy Solstice.
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, December 19, 2005
One degree...
Arriving home late from a Christmas Party, I drove around the circle. I often do that...especially at Christmas enjoying the Christmas lights, checking to see how many folks are at Rachael's Coffee Shop...were there enough folks to show the movies at the two small theatres...or check the temperature. Actually I think I was sorry for the temperature check...it was one degree.
One degree. I drove around the circle, came home to my driveway and fumbled for my housekey (before getting out of the car.) As I was unlocking the back door, I couldn't help but notice the icicles..some more than three feet long..smooth, sharp, pointy, clear, twisted. I just stood and watched (for a very short time).
There is something magical about icicles. I remember breaking them off and licking them as a kid. I like to tell a story about a great, great Uncle who was killed by an icicle on his way out to the barn to do the milking (I think I made that one up)!
But no matter what the stories, three foot long icicles on a porch roof means One Degree. Now where did I put that electric blanket????
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Angola, Indiana. 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
One degree. I drove around the circle, came home to my driveway and fumbled for my housekey (before getting out of the car.) As I was unlocking the back door, I couldn't help but notice the icicles..some more than three feet long..smooth, sharp, pointy, clear, twisted. I just stood and watched (for a very short time).
There is something magical about icicles. I remember breaking them off and licking them as a kid. I like to tell a story about a great, great Uncle who was killed by an icicle on his way out to the barn to do the milking (I think I made that one up)!
But no matter what the stories, three foot long icicles on a porch roof means One Degree. Now where did I put that electric blanket????
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, December 17, 2005
Living in a snow globe...
Dear Friends in Angola (or of Angola),
You just gotta love it....cold and more cold. Snow and more cold.
The Farmer's Almanac predicted a heavy snow year. I will believe them the rest of my life.
We are already a half of what the entire winter should be...so keep the snow shovels by the back door (mine is) and the salt handy.
I spent some of my snow in days reading the old clasic, A Raisin in the Sun and The Historian. At least our Carnegie Library has stayed open. If you haven't been to the new library, then you are definitely missing out. It is beautiful, fully stocked with just about any book (or periodical) that you might want and a courteous staff to visit with.
Aaron and I took the boys on a field trip there on Friday. It was Jonah's first visit...he definitely was a celebrity and even picked out his own book. In fact he wasn't going home without it!!
Tonight is a Christmas dinner at a neighbor's house...I have books for the girls wrapped and ready, a freshly made cole slaw and a bottle of red wine for the dinner conversation.
So, let's toast the beginning of winter.
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Angola, Indiana. 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
You just gotta love it....cold and more cold. Snow and more cold.
The Farmer's Almanac predicted a heavy snow year. I will believe them the rest of my life.
We are already a half of what the entire winter should be...so keep the snow shovels by the back door (mine is) and the salt handy.
I spent some of my snow in days reading the old clasic, A Raisin in the Sun and The Historian. At least our Carnegie Library has stayed open. If you haven't been to the new library, then you are definitely missing out. It is beautiful, fully stocked with just about any book (or periodical) that you might want and a courteous staff to visit with.
Aaron and I took the boys on a field trip there on Friday. It was Jonah's first visit...he definitely was a celebrity and even picked out his own book. In fact he wasn't going home without it!!
Tonight is a Christmas dinner at a neighbor's house...I have books for the girls wrapped and ready, a freshly made cole slaw and a bottle of red wine for the dinner conversation.
So, let's toast the beginning of winter.
Lou Ann
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Angola, Indiana. 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, December 12, 2005
Artist District
My small corner of the world is home to artists. All kinds. Painters, graphic artists, cartoonists, storytellers and others inhabit the streets where I live.
We have decided to call ourselves The Second Sunday Artists and get together once a month. When? The Second Sunday of each month, of course.
We meet at my house and discuss our work and marketing strategies as well as consume large amounts of brownies and hot chocolate. (Yesterday was cut out sugar cookies!)
Anyone who has an interest in becoming an artist is welcome, of course. You will get lots of good ideas, make goals for yourself, and network with folks from my small town. Oh, and the cookies are great as well!
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Angola, Indiana. 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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We have decided to call ourselves The Second Sunday Artists and get together once a month. When? The Second Sunday of each month, of course.
We meet at my house and discuss our work and marketing strategies as well as consume large amounts of brownies and hot chocolate. (Yesterday was cut out sugar cookies!)
Anyone who has an interest in becoming an artist is welcome, of course. You will get lots of good ideas, make goals for yourself, and network with folks from my small town. Oh, and the cookies are great as well!
Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Angola, Indiana. 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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