And the rain came....

Like Rain it sounded till it curved by Emily Dickinson

Like Rain it sounded till it curved
And then I new 'twas Wind --
It walked as wet as any Wave
But swept as dry as sand --
When it had pushed itself away
To some remotest Plain
A coming as of Hosts was heard
It filled the Wells, it pleased the Pools
It warbled in the Road --
It pulled the spigot from the Hills
And let the Floods abroad --
It loosened acres, lifted seas
The sites of Centres stirred
Then like Elijah rode away
Upon a Wheel of Cloud.

All in an afternoon...

When I was a young teenager my parents bought me a bowling ball for Christmas. I think I was actually a fairly good bowler although it only lasted through the early dating years.

I found it in my garage this early spring while cleaning and thought it would be great fun to use it as an ornamental in my garden. I put it on a sturdy rebarb  metal stick and there it was. However, it was just a dull color in the garden without any personality to talk about. So one day last week when the heat was high in the Midwest, I thought it was time I decorated it.

I pulled out the little tub of sequins and other fun "things" and spent some quiet time decorating my bowling ball by myself. It actually was a nice couple of hours...no where to go, nothing better to do than just sit around thinking and decorating my bowling ball.

I think life should be full of those moments where the momentum stops and a small, insignificant activity takes over the active brain.

There are still small cobwebs of hot glue  strung about which I think might disappear with the coming rain. Or it might not. Either way, I really love my bowling ball.



First attempts with the video camera...

For a long time now I have been wanting to use videos on my blog. I bought a small Kodak camera for this purpose. I am so surprised it actually worked, although the video is poor in color, construction, etc.

Thank you for being patient. This does not show the beauty of my gardens, I have much to learn, but I am going to enjoy this process.

Will the Circle Be Unbroken...

Dear Friends,

I know we shouldn't be shocked by the death of Doc Watson. He was 89. He was ill. But he was our hero in so many ways.

When the news spread across Facebook tonight I was deeply moved and saddened to lose this man who rose to the top despite his childhood blindness.

I saw him perform one time at the National Storytelling Conference in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He might have been with David Holt at that time, I am not sure.

Tonight those of you who know his work mourn for this pioneer of folk music.
I barely play my guitar, but it sits in my dining room and the music on the stand? Let the Circle Be Unbroken.

This is a great recording of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band featuring Alison Krauss and Doc Watson.

Rest in peace, thank you for the toe-tapping as well as the soulful music you have brought into our lives.

Lou Ann

Back home again in Indiana....

This week's column arriving back home again in Indiana..

Hi Folks,

Here I am back home again with many thoughts, images and blogs that are far overdue.

Enjoy the story!!

Lou Ann

Art Out My Window

Last week was my field trip week with the boys. I attended the zoo with Jonah, Sauders Museum with Matthew and the Tin Caps baseball game in Fort Wayne. It was a wonderful experience to be able to have the time to attend these events and share in them. It was nice to quietly watch them interact with their peers and see the possibilities of one day being grown up men.

In the meantime, let childhood rule their young lives. Innocence and sweetness still is their game.

The top two photos were taken through the bus window as we traveled. Yes, they are good photos, and no, I did not take them. Matthew borrowed my camera for the trip. I think he may one day be an excellent photographer.

The bottom photo was taken at the one room schoolhouse after our lesson!

Wise words from Wendell Berry

The Peace of Wild Things




When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.





— Wendell Berry





This was sent to me by a friend. Perfect for a day where it seems as if so many things have gone wrong, yet here we are. Enjoy.