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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Please check Macy's....

The other evening I was strolling about town picking up a few more odds and ends for Christmas...you know my car pool buddy, Alia...Mary, my 'what would I do without my hairdresser Mary'.....

I like to pride myself in doing all of my shopping (OK, as much as possible) in my town...so I opened the door to Calico's and Collectibles. I have been a long time patron of Traceys's shop. However, on this particular evening, she didn't have exactly what I wanted in the way of candles. Much to my delight she substituted something equally wonderful at a 10 per cent discount...

Ahh...life in a small town.

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 13, 2006

How many V-Day women does it take????

On Monday evening the new V-Day board, Jamie and Erin and I, set out to find our recipient, Women in Transition.

We have already been meeting for a couple of months on Monday evenings for coffee and planning at Rachael's coffee shop...but this was the night to speak to the board of our recipient.

We needed to be professional, we needed to be passionate, we needed to be straight forward, we needed to be knowledgeable, we needed to be on time.

We were all of the above, well, almost...we were late.

We started out leaving my house ten minutes early (ten til six.) It's a small town, what can I say? However, we could not find the meeting...we had an address, but it was on the other side of town (again five minuts away!) We found a vacant lot. It should make a nice home some day...but on this rainy, foggy night we weren't impressed. We continued our journey...where was this meeting? We called Jamie's husband, he knew, of course, he and Jamie both write for the newspaper. Wrong. He sent us on another chase...now we were now two blocks from my house. We did meet a very nice young man and his dog, however. We continued on. Yes, this is it...we were sure. We knocked and knocked. Curiously I looked at the mail..is that illegal? We didn't open anything, just wanted to know if it was addressed to Women in Transition. Wrong again. It was from the prosecuting atorney. Oops. We left quickly. Next I met a nice couple smoking on their porch..I got out of the car and chatted a while. (OK, a good long while!) However, found out that we were on the right street just the wrong side of town...again five minutes away.

This will be our last stop, we said, if we can't find it we are going back to my house for supper and a bottle or two of nice wine.

An hour later, we were there..on the doorstop of the meeting. They were glad to see us. They thought we had forgotten. Forgotten? Not us. We are passionate, straight forward, knowledgeable...just not on time.

Everything went well..we found our way home to my house in the dark fog. (We were actually only a few blocks away.)

We did our job, and ended up with a great story as well!!

Monday, December 11, 2006

Drizzle...

After days of record breaking cold...the warmer winds have begun to blow...what little snow we had has now melted off and a cold drizzle has replaced the early hopes of ice fishing and skating.

The gray dawn of morning combined with drizzle made for a slow start on a Monday morning. I feel like I am in a cocoon in my warm house with Christmas lights and the fog and drizzle encasing it...but alas, alas...meetings and luncheons and work to be done awaits for me in the grayness.

I am so reminded of Carl Sandburg's poem this morning.

The fog comes
on little cat feet.

It sits looking over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

Fog

Carl Sandburg 1878-1967

Friday, December 08, 2006

The Cold of December....

I do think about this blog every day...it doesn't appear that way through the failure of writing...maybe after this one?

It is cold here in Northern Indiana as it is in most of the country. The snow is dry and as lacy as a grandmother's tablecloth. With the coming of Winter so many programs are taking place in my little town. Programs at the library.... at Wing Haven... at the University. I have gone to most of the them..and most of them I just put on my winter boots and everything warm I can find and walk.

I met a couple the other night who had just moved to Angola. They actually chose it to retire to. They were impressed with all that we have to offer so such a small community.

But my community is slow moving today...cars are creaky and the woolen blankets have not just come out of the cedar chests, but are spread across the beds. I still needed one more last night, but was too cold to get up to get one!!

So, with The Nutcracker on the CD player, candles lit, and snowflakes still powdering the earth, it is a lovely day for me to do "office" work in my p.j.'s with no where to go...except to the ktichen to refill my coffee cup!


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, November 18, 2006

The Page Turners

The deluge of rain on Wednesday did not keep any members of the Pate Turners away from our monthly book talk. One by one we ran up the drive way through the rain, and without knocking or ringing the bell, we opened the door and were met by hearth and home.

Shaking the rain off of our raincoats and umbrellas we greeted each other with the usual barrage of conversation.

Once we entered the dining room, we declared our spot, and stayed for the duration of the evening.

We decided to have dinner first as we were chilled and most were hungry. We dined on chicken and wild rice accompanied by pumpkin muffins. By the time coffee and pumpkin pie were served, we were mellow and ready to begin our book talk.
Our book, Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman, was our monthly read.

Mrs. Mike is the story, set in the beginning of the twentieth century, of Katherine Mary O'Fallon, a sixteen-year-old girl from Boston, who is sent to her uncle in Calgary, Alberta, because she suffers from pleurisy. Soon, she falls in love with Mike Flannigan, a tall and handsome man from the Mounted Police, marries him and follows him North, into the great wilderness. The trip, first by train and then as part of a dog-sled caravan, is almost too much for Katherine and her lungs. But as she decides to follow Mike no matter what, she also begins a relationship of love and hate with a pitiless and beautiful country...

At first glance and possibly at first read, the book seems to be an enchanting love story, but it is more. It is about adventure and passion. It is about building a life even though extenuating circumstances make it seem, at times, impossible. Drawing these themes into our own lives is the essence of our book club. Our own adventures, passions, choices, and conflict.

The discussion was bit more lackadaisical than most. We awarded the book three pages out of five.

By the time the fire had burned low and the pumpkin pie was reduced to crumbs, it was time to bid our farewells. We have chosen Chocolat by Joanna Harris for next month. Why not read along with us?

Maggie Mae for the Page Turners

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.

Classical Guitars and Serenading...

Last night seventy folks or more gathered at Wells Theatre at Tri-State University for a concert of classical guitar. The musicians were students in Fort Wayne all minoring in classical guitar. The staging and performance was professional in every way as the students were decked in suits and ties with bowing before and after each piece as the protocal.

Following the concert Liat Peters of Caruso's shared a reception of 17th century food. The crowd gathered around the syllabub table (whipped cream, sherry, and beaten egg whites poured, or rather ladeled into wine glasses) with much interest!
There was also lavender cakes, lemon curd, fig preserves, pumpkin bread and spinach cookies! It was elegant and lovely.

I told one of the performers, Matt Lovell, that he could play outside my window any night he would choose.

When the last of the syllabub was gone, I put my black cape about my shoulders and walked back home to The House at White Picket Gardens. It was an enchanting evening.

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, November 11, 2006

Dark Clouds of November...

I drove down to Indy yesterday for elementary storytelling shows...always my favorite. Finishing up the shows, I drove to Ellen's for the week end as Kathryn Windham arrived last night to share her stories this week end also. Kathryn is an icon in the storytelling world from Selma, Alabama. My children all met her when they were in their young teens. She promptly fell in love with them and bought them moon pies. I think that is their favorite memory of her. We had dinner with friends, and it was good to share stories over meatloaf and a light red wine.

Today I shared my love of stories with teachers at a luncheon and off again tonight to another dinner party. I know it will be more of the same...howling November winds, spitting snow...and stories...always stories.

Happy Birthday to my Dad yesterday! He was going out with "the boys" when I talked with him!

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.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

After the fact...

We voted well yesterday in Steuben County...the stats show that the voters were out and turn out was higher than usual. Well, that is a good thing. Yes, it can always be better, but the day was accompanied by cold, dreary rain. It was the kind of day that I like to curl up with a good book by a warm fire. (The good book I have..now if I just had a fireplace!)

I want to commend the folks who worked the polls yesterday. It was late afternoon before I could vote....but the mood was still cheery and quite festive. Of course, in a small town you know everyone...you chat going in..you chat up to the MOMENT of voting...and then you chat again. It was strange to show my driver's license to someone who has known me for over twenty years!

I noticed many cold cups of coffee....half eated pizza slices...and Krispy Kreme doughnut boxes. (I didn't check to see if they were empty or not!)

I guess I am even old enough to like listening to the election coverage on NPR.

Anyway, thanks to all who voted and worked the 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.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Saturday afternoon...

I love Saturday afternoons...after spending the morning at the gym (so the cardio is done!), I can cozy up with my new book, The Last Season by Eric Blehm, take a walk down to the town to have coffee and chat with Rachael, rake leaves, take a nap, and listen to NPR.

With no evening plans as well(!) I can settle down with my book, let the last of the leaves swirl past my darkened window and drink hot chocolate.

Yes, there is something lovely about a late fall day with nothing on the schedule!

Ahhhhhhhh.

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, November 03, 2006

Closing out of October...

Halloween night was the perfect night here in Northern Indiana. A cool front came in late morning ending the rain and bringing brisk cold air. By the time the trick or treaters were wandering the streets, darkness prevailed and the sky was marbled with black clouds covering the three-quarters moon.

I had bags and bags of candy which was all given out to ghosts and pirates and vampires and such. I dressed as Pippi Longstocking. The neighbors are always curious to see what I come up with!

Later in the evening Karen and Aaron brought the little guys over..Matthew was Jack Sparrow and Jonah was a large candy corn. (He was supposed to be a dinosaur, but wouldn't put th costume on!) We had cookies and cocoa and chocolate, of course.

November came in with snow..the ground is covered this morning. It is cold at The House at White Picket Gardens. I am trying to keep the heat at 65 degrees, but at night, I send it down to 60.

Welcome November.

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, October 30, 2006

Halloween Eve...

It is the perfect evening to prepare for goblins and haints. The day was warm and sunny, but by the time I arrived home from school, dark thick clouds had rolled in and the north wind had picked up. It was eerie, enough so that I looked over my shoulder onece, twice before carrying my briefcase and such into the garden gate.

My voice mail was full of young voices looking for extra pieces to costumes for tomorrow night...I think I must be known as the costume lady for the neighborhood.

Last night was our town celebration of Steuben County Read. Julia Meek, NIPR radio personality, was our guest speaker. She shared Haitian folkloric traditions as well as stories. I, of course, spent the evening sharing stories with her as we enjoyed the Haitian dinner provided by the Read committee. Our book is Mountain Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder.

It was a wonderful evening. I love living in town so that I can walk to enjoy these programs. When the evening came to a close, I gathered up my black cape and made my way home enjoying the Halloween sights and sounds in the neighborhood.

Tomorrow night I will come home to light pumpkins and be ready for greeting the trick or treaters that will permeate the darkened streets of Angola.

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, October 28, 2006

Haunting tales

I love the week prior to Halloween, although my car and microphone do get their work out! I often think of myself as the Queen of Haunting tales..I guess I have lots of reasons for that..my Mom was born on Halloween (oh, why wasn't I)...I was born on a full moon in July (wasn't I, Mom?)..and I love capes.

I often rehearse my stories in the quiet of The House At White Picket Gardens. I have also been known to rehearse my stories in cemeteries and the like...

Today I have three shows to finish out the season. It is a haunting day...windy and cold. Leaves are twirling and spilling around my cozy house. But alas, alas, time to gather the cape (I'll leave the broomstick behind for this one!) and head out to Ohio.

Tonight is my 15th year show at Pokagon State Park with my friend, Steve Etheridge. We share one show together each year, and this is it. It promises to be another spooky, bat flying evening.

And a haunted Halloween week end to you and yours.

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, October 24, 2006

Masquerade Ball!!

Last night Roy, our phys ed teacher, and I hosted a Masquerade Ball...actually it was sponsored by the Student Council, but we are in charge of the student council!!

It was a great evening for all...by 3:00 the gym had been transformed into a replica of a haunted house...lights, pumpkins, a blow up spider (a parent brought that in!), cobwebs, balloons, and my DJ stand decorated for announcements and music.

The food was ready as well...the typical fare..hot dogs, cider, candy, pop...we were ready just in time as ghost and goblins, actually pirates and witches and soda fountain gals and twin Scarlet O'Hare's descended upon us with their dollar.

We danced, played wrap the mummy, judged costumes, and let them be fifth and sixth graders away from state standards and guided reading...

They had a wonderful time..so did we. After we bid them farewell, we picked up the pieces, decided it was a good time, and then scrubbed the tables.

Today will be back to normal...but last night was their Masquerade Ball, and mine too!!

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, October 22, 2006

October's Book Club

With a chill in the air and an extra sweater draped over our shoulders, our book club shared a warm campfire on Snow Lake. All nine of us were present as we pulled our chairs closer to the fire as the sun set in a sapphire blue sky over the water.

We had intended to eat dinner in the house and then follow the path to the campfire, but the day's end was too lovely, and we all knew that snow and winter will soon be upon us. We balanced books and a delicious white bean chili with homemade crusted bread and steaming cups of hot cider as we first told the stories and the events of the past months. (With nine women, there are many stories and events!)

Alas, alas, we finally were on to the book, The Color Purple, by Alice Walker. The book was published in 1982 with Ms. Walker receiving a Pulitzer Prize for her work. The book was a controversial piece of literature of 1982, especially for a woman writer. We tried to imagine reading it for the first time and yet no one could remember the movie, although we knew there was one. Several of the members found the book blandly written without the flowery language we all adore, but we took an in depth look into the history of the book and the author and realized, of course, the reasons for this type of writing. When it came time to give the book (five pages being the top score), the vote settled on four. I gave it a perfect five, but was out voted!

Our conversation turned towards other books we had read during the month and book events taking place within out county.

The inky black sky brought our breathes in wisps as we toasted marshmallows for s'mores and again resumed our idle conversation. It was late when we pulled our chairs back up to the patio and warmed our hands once more by the campfire knowing that it would be the last for many months.

Next month our read is Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman, why not join us?

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

A Storyteller's Mecca

It is late, and I am still at school finishing up for my short week. I love the quiet hours of school when everyone is gone, and I can work quietly. My day was long starting with 7:00 spell bowl and ending with after school arts, but now I sip tea and watch the sun set on the corn field out my window.

After I close down my room with lights and pumpkins all off and umplugged, I will journey down to Ellen's as we get ready to leave for Tennessee early in the morning for the National Storytelling Festival.

It is a mecca, a journey, a quest, a place to renew stories and soul and friendships.

I missed last year, and I so I am anxious to smell the mountain air...walk the old streets of Jonesboro...move from tent to tent listening to the best of the best storytellers...and renew friendships.

So, until next Monday, let the stories be told!!

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, October 02, 2006

Welcome October!

October Haiku

laboring cricket
tucked behind kitchen cupboard
Autumn's lullaby

drifting russet leaves
canopy on shadows
tears of Autumn's dusk

traveling spinners
swirl towards their destiny
solitude once more

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, October 01, 2006

Lap tops and things in the back seat...

With an ailing laptop I tried to get this blog out until it absolutely refused to give me one more piece of writing....but really I just can't complain. My laptop was 8 years old, and had given me more service than I had ever expected. That old laptop has traveled with me everywhere I have journeyed to...and more!!

When I delivered it to Staples and purchased my new one....it was like leaving a member of my family in the hospital or something like that. Of course, I retrieved it along with the new one as I left a week later after all my files had been transferred.Yes, I so love my old laptop..I mean, when we were kids we used to lock ourselves in the car when my parents tried to sell it...but I must confess. I brought the new one in and was immediately hooked on it.

The old one? Still in the back seat of my car...OK, I'll get it tomorrow.So, we are back in business.

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, September 18, 2006

Saying Good Bye

I know most of you who read this also read the Sunday Passage...so I won't go into details of the entire week end...However, if you did not subscribe, let me know and I will send a copy to you.

Philip left this morning. We said good bye in the yard under the twinkle lights of the trellis before dawn. The rain was falling soft and gentle and the only sounds were that of the early morning crickets.

It was dark and quiet in the house when I went back in...I wiped off the rain from my eyes..or maybe they were tears.


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, September 12, 2006

Mackinac Island

It was a lovely week end...sigh.

Philip and I left Angola Thursday evening after school and headed toward the upper peninsula. It was a step back in time for me as we visited places I haven't been to in years.

We traveled up to White Fish Point to view Lake Superior at it's finest. It was the perfect day as it was cool and rainy and the wind was whipping off of White Fish Bay. Of course, once there we had to visit the Shipwreck museum which held much of the same equipment that was used on the Outer Banks.

Mackinac Island. (Pronounced Mackinaw), a French mistake. I visited every year as a child, but now I was with Philip, and I loved it.

We toured and hiked and climbed and viewed everything possible including the carriage ride.

We found a great pub with Irish music for evenings. The skies were clear and the air clear by the time we reached the Island so it was just great for us. It was fun for Philip to be The Tourist.

We drove home Sunday through the mist.

Lovely.

Lou Ann

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

The Fringe Festival

The days just fly by...I think I have time to do a blog..or have done a blog..and then new events just pop up.

I spent the week end in Indy with Ellen. It was a great time visiting...having dinner with friends and attending the Indy Fringe Festival.

I loved every moment of it. The theatre pieces were short, one hour in duration. Many were definitely on the edge or should I say on the fringe.

That is such a great word..the fringe..on the fringe..on the edge. A good place to be.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Do-Si-Do with your partner...

This week my friend, Mackenzie (she is 11), and I took our first Western Square Dance class.

We looked forward to it for days. Mackenzie is always up for adventure (remember she is 11), and my grown up married friends just go home from work and go to bed early. (Being a single gal in northern Indiana is sometimes a stretch!)

The dance was held in a local elementary school in the cafeteria. The tables were pushed aside and snacks were set up in the corner. That immediately caught Mackenzie's eye as she filled a cup with M&M's. I decided to pass, I mean I was there for the workout!

Everyone was friendly. They all belong to the Magic Squares, a Western Square dancing club. They had nametags and were very oficial. The caller used a small microphone and played small 45's on a turntable. I was amazed at that. Most of the songs he sung along with.

We danced for two hours never lacking a partner as those Magic Square folks wanted us to learn!! We caught on pretty fast. Mackenzie is young and smart. I have to excuse to catch on fast, except I know the old hoe down!!

During a break I asked Mackenzie what she thought. "Well," she said, "for one thing, I thought we would be outside under a tent."

"That would be fun," I said. "Anything else?"

"Yea, they are all older than us!"

I looked around, she wasn't quite correct in that...how old does she think I am. But not wanting to burst her bubble, I simply agreed.

As for next week? If we show up agian, we have to bring $50. Of course, there are those M&M's.......


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, August 29, 2006

Rainy Night Conversation...

Yesterday was just one of those lovely days.

By late afternoon my porch was full of neighbors and folks getting in and out of the rain that had begun to fall. I put the coffeepot on and set out cups and saucers as the crowd grew larger and the rain fell harder. Raincoats and umbrellas were tossed about on the porch and the conversation flowed. Reluctantly folks went home for dinner and as Aaron and Karen were leaving I was invited to share supper with them and other Michelle and Quinton.

I picked up a few things, shut off the coffee pot and headed over in my bright yellow slicker and umbrella.

It was one of those evenings for conversation. We poured wine. We talked about Civil War re-enactors and books and commentaries. Finally I pulled myself away to walk in the rain for my evening walk.

With my umbrella just barely over my head to keep the rain out, I walked through puddles of water and listened to the drumming of it overhead.

As I said, it was a lovely way to spend the evening.


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, August 25, 2006

Demoting a Perfectly Good Planet...

I have causes. Yes, I do. In college with my long hippie hair and short skirts I had firey speeches on campus about the Vietnam War. I plunked out tunes on my guitar (not very well, I might add) but made my point.

I have marched for establishing rules and regulations for gun control...drilling in the Arctic (against!)...and wrote letters against selling the Indiana toll road. (lost again!)

But this one is over the line. My telescope and I are rebelling.

While I have been dutifully doing my jobs organizing my school year...planning all my theatre events...the world has gone awry.

In Prague this week 424 astronomers have debated for days (?) on whether or not Pluto is a planet. They voted this week and demoted it. Pluto demoted? Rise up and speak folks of the world.

For one thing, the 424 astronomers represent only 5% of the world's astronomers. What do the other 95% have to say? Their decision was to place Pluto as a dwarf planet by the new definition, part of the sea of other objects that occupy the same region of space.

I represent other objects that occupty the same region of space. Will I be next? Will I be demoted? Will you? Where will it end?

1930. The year Pluto was discovered. Oh, be still my heart, what other events happened then? Elm Farm Ollie became the first cow to fly in an airplane and the first cow to be milked. First frozen foods. Hostess twinkies were invented. First night game in baseball. The Shadow aired on radio stations. Construction began on the Hoover Dam and the Empire State Building. Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood were born.

Think of all the changes? Think of all the textbooks and toys and science fair projects? What about the sale of all of those really small Styrofoam balls (used for Pluto) that will sit quiet and lonely on craft shop shelves.

They (the other 95% astronomers who didn't show for the debate or the vote) say this will be challenged.

What can you do? Write to your local astronomer...beg, plead..come on, we are talking about Pluto here. Quietly she sits in space oblivious to all of this hullabaloo.

Remain silent if you will. As for me...Pluto will remain a planet..the loveliest of all on children's artwork...the smallest planet hanging from the ceiling in the science room.

I vote Pluto remains.


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, August 24, 2006

The first day of school...

In the small town of Angola, today was the first day of school for the students. What a buzz around my neighborhood in which we house many children. (There are five boys in the house next door to me!)

Last night while walking and visiting with folks, it was the main topic of conversation. Everyone wishing the "wee" ones good luck and reminiscing on their own school days. (You know the stories...walking five miles uphill both directions from school after milking a herd of dairy cows!)

Matthew went to kindergarten today...that was certainly a milestone! Karen even snuck through the door (no parents allowed the first week!) and took his photo!

When I arrived home tonight one of the little neighbor boys was sitting out on the swing at his house. (He and his twin brother went to first grade today!)

"I can tell you something," he said, "school sure is hard."

I know alot of teachers who feel exactly the same way!!

Sunday, August 20, 2006

The Page Turners

After a summer hiatus, the Page Turners once again gathered to discuss books, authors, and a little local gossip!

There are still nine of us in the group, and we trade off locations each month so as to share the responsibility of cooking and cleaning! This month found us at the small upstairs apartment at one of our youngest members. The apartment was small but decorated with a combination of shabby chic and 1800 French art. It was a delightful setting with the early evening sun filtering through large windows and the scent of summer candles. We gathered on chairs and threw pillows onto the floor. (I took a seat away from the pet rats as the cage door was wide open and they had free range of the table they were resting upon!)

After a brief (OK, not so brief) how was your summer motif, we settled into the work set upon us. We pulled out our dog eared copies of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. The book was copyrighted 1943, but takes place in Brooklyn beginning in 1912. What a charming book! I was in love with it from the first page. Betty Smith had a style of writing that drew the reader into the past...part history...part story...part, "oh, I wish I could have been there!"

One of our favorite quotes from the book was at the beginning of WW1 when the heroine knows that war is coming. She writes, "Let me be something every minute of every hour of my life. Let me be gay; let me be sad. let me be cold; let me be warm. Let me be hungry..have too much to eat. Let me be ragged or well dressed. Let ms be sincere-be deceitful. Let me be truthful; let me be a liar. Let me be honorable and let me sin. Only let me be something every blessed minute."

We compared the book greatly to The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells, another book of strength and overcoming great difficulties.

We, The Page Turners, gave the book four pages.

Dinner of pork sandwiches and fruit and pasta and cream puffs was served and we ate as we had been sitting sharing the coffee table.

As darkness prevailed, we gathered our books and notes, and bid farewell until the next time when we will be reading Peace Like a River by Leif Enger.

Until next time, this is Maggie Mae. Remember, books take us where we cannot go except in our imaginations.


Lou Ann Homan is a writer, a teacher, and a storyteller. When she isn't meandering Indiana roads, she can be found in the small town of Angola where she shares The House at White Picket Gardens with her books and gathered treasures. She is available for storytelling and writing seminars! Please check out her website at www.louannhoman.com

Fresh produce stands....

Meandering down Indiana roads takes longer in August as I want to stop at all the small produce stands set up along the way.

It seems as if they are every mile or so..each one boasting with a homemade sign that something wonderful has been grown there.

The stands are as varied as the folks who grow the gardens. Some are quite lovely with tablecloths and umbrellas and the produce displayed in old baskets. Others have drug out the old enamel table from the barn and just set the produce down upon it.
Some are attended by the gardening folks..others just provide a metal box in which to place the coffers.

Yesterday afternoon while meandering, I came across a pick up truck just sitting in the August sun full of Indiana sweet corn. The farmer was asleep in a lawn chair with his John Deere hat slung down over his eyes.

He awoke in an instant when my Jeep pulled in and began to help me fill the bag with fine, sweet corn. The air was pungeant with earth and corn and waves of August heat. After twelve ears were stuffed into the bag, he proceeded to give me one more, a baker's dozen.

I thanked him for growing the corn..selling the corn. I know how much work it is!!

Last night Karen, Aaron, and the boys shared the sweet corn with me. Matthew and Jonah ate it right off the cob (as all Indiana children do!) with corn dripping down their chins.

As for me, today I think I will go looking for peaches!


Lou Ann Homan is a writer, a teacher, and a storyteller. When she isn't meandering Indiana roads, she can be found in the small town of Angola where she shares The House at White Picket Gardens with her books and gathered treasures. She is available for storytelling and writing seminars! Please check out her website at www.louannhoman.com.

Monday, August 14, 2006

One wedding and two birthdays...

Yesterday, August 13, was just one of those beautiful days. My friend, Kimberly, and her sweetheart, Aaron, were married in the smallest of ceremonies with 75 of their closest friends in attendance.

Her wedding was actually pretty informal...still wasn't sure which dress of wear as of last Thursday...didn't have shoes on Saturday...but by Sunday all was well.

We had decided to have the wedding party here at White Picket Gardens (that was decided a long time ago) so I spent the week end getting ready for the event....borrowing chairs from neighbors, arranging roses and plates and the wine bar.

It was a beautiful day with the perfect temperature....not a cloud in the sky. The house was jam-packed with folks...babies...old folks...from one end to the other just sharing in their happiness.

By the time all was picked up Aaron and Karen came over to share in his birthday (and Adam's, although Adam is in Florida)...my twins are now very old (can't bring myself to give their ages!!)

All in all...it was a friend and family day...I love days like that. Let's just hope they all live happily ever after.


Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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


posted by Annie @ 7:49 AM 0 comments

Friday, August 11, 2006

Reflecting...

It is a lovely morning in northeast Indiana...the night temperatures dropped into the 50's. I could feel the chill in the night as I reached for an extra blanket...

When I return from my summers with Philip, I notice the change in geography. My neighborhood is green with trees and flourishing gardens..my own garden, well tended by Aaron, is in good shape with black eyed Susies blooming and lilies. New raspberry buds have formed giving me the impression that October will bring a healthy crop.

The old house is aired out...it welcomed me home with my stores of treasures gathered from my own travels..my own own.

Neighborhood friends, school friends, family have welcomed me back as the prodigal daughter..just gone for a while.

But, oh, how I miss Him. I miss our conversations...I miss touching his shoulder as we pass...I miss breakfast and late nights on the Pizer.

But for now...I'll wrap up in my sweatshirt with my hot coffee in hand..sit on my own pizer and just think.


Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, August 10, 2006

Five nieces and a sister-in-law...

I arrived home two days ago from Ocracoke...I stood in the airport in Norfolk and watched Philip walk away...My heart was absolutely in a dulled state of pain. This summer was so wonderful. It was a long day of flying (and thinking, I might add). Karen picked me up at 12:30 in the morning in Fort Wayne and we made our way back to the House at White Picket Gardens. The air was cool..the moonlight made pathways for us on the highway and shrouded my house in shadows as we pulled in.

The last couple of days I have spent acclimating myself to life inland...filling the larder...renewing acquaintances...spending time with Jonah and Matthew.

This morning I was visited by five nieces and a sister-in-law of the woman, Daisy Garman McCane who lived in my house in the 40's, 50's and 60's. She was married for a couple of months and with an early death to her husband she opened up a boarding house here at my Picket Gardens. She slept downstairs (in what is now my library) and rented out the four rooms upstairs. Well, we have determined that she rented out three and her live-in boyfriend (posing as a renter) took the last bedroom by the large tree. (That room is now my child's bedroom complete with tea sets.) He died in this house on Christmas Day. The rooms were rented for $5.00 per month. She did not cook for them, but she did clean and ironed for a nickel a piece (shirt, etc.)

They described in detail the house and her furniture and regaled stories of visiting. They all signed the guest wall..wiped tears from their eyes and hugged me good bye. It was a great morning for all of us...I like knowing who came before me.

After a bit they all climbed back into their van and went on with the rest of their activities.

They said Daisy would have like what I have done with the house.
Somehow I knew that.

Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, July 28, 2006

Beach Days..

Philip and I do not get to the beach as much as some of you might think! We like to go a couple of timse a week, but that is on the high end.

Yesterday (we always have Thursdays off!) we spent the day just for ourselves. Well, Philip had a dance workshop in the morning at the Historical Museum. It was lovely out under the cedars. I have been dancing the Ocracoke dance with him for a long time now..so we had a great time demonstrating and then dancing with all of the folks.

We then went home to lunch and packed up for the beach. It was an exceedingly beautiful day...the waves were perfect (except the one that tumbled us in a somersault!) and the breeze was gorgeous. We have our own swimming spot...occasionally we see a couple of folks, but usually we don't see anyone.

We went to dinner last night (it was our date night)...and strolled home arm in arm....

Tonight we have history and ghost tours...even one at the bewitching hour when the village is dark and quiet.

Sally, thank you for finding the blog. My laptop will not support my extensive Sunday Passage note from here. So, for the summer, the blog will do!!

My days with Philip have begun to be numbered...but I try not to think about it...today is what matters.


Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, July 24, 2006

The days of our lives...

Ah, yes, the days of our lives, although I think that title has already been used!

Where did the week go, and is this my Sunday Passage now?

The July birthday party potluck was even more wonderful than I thought it would be. The house was overflowing with over fifty folks (did we invite that many??)...after a groaning table of food was consumed, the musicians took all the instruments out of their cases and commenced to playing. They set up on the pizer and the rest of us took to dancing in the yard. It was a wonderful celebration.

We had ghost tours on Tuesday and Friday nights and added a moonless tour on Friday evening late into the night. Yes, it was a bit scarier than usual. Philip and I led that tour together.

We did our old time radio show at the Opry....which everyone has come to love and expect. I delight in the writing of it and the performing as well.

Saturday night (my birthday) we spent the evening at Dallie's with family and friends to celebrate an old Ocracoke custom of having Old Drum. It is a wonderful dish that I had never had up until that evening. It consists of boiled drum (fish), boiled potatoes, boiled eggs, fried salt pork and onions. It is all mixed together on the plate as one huge dish. It is fabulous. Following platefuls of Old Drum, we devoured Dallie's homemade blackberry cobbler. When we were finished, we put out the lights and told ghost stories.

How can life get better than this?

We are busy, we are together, and I am happy.

I love not wearing shoes or riding in a car.....I love spending my days with Philip and the life on this Island. I guess I am in a state of bliss. Sigh.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Getting to the post...

Getting around to writing a daily blog has definitely become a chore. The library hours are few...sometimes I am working and get can't here or something else has come up...like life?

The week is a blur of activities...ghost walks...the Opry.

My sweet daughter in law, Karen, (Aaron's wife, Jonah and Matthew's Mama) came for a four day visit. It was such great fun to meet her on the ferry on Thursday evening. Philip and I were both barefoot and riding our bikes. We had a summer supper and then whisked her off to hear Molasses Creek. Afterwards Gary and David came over for late night snacks and Sunset on the Pizer.

The next evening David and Amy brought shrimp to boil. A wonderful dish for living on an island...Again we whisked Karen off to the ghost and history walk.

The rest of the week end were hours at the beach, a pirate tour around Pamlico Sound on the Windfall (Rob's schooner), dinner at the Back Porch...late nights on the pizer just talking...music at the Jolly Roger.....and shopping, of course.

She left on the early ferry this morning and Philip and I stood on the dock and waved until out of sight. It is a long journey home for her. Sigh.

Tonight we host the July birthday parties on the island, including mine! We have invited 35 folks to come for the pot luck. We are boiling shrimp and deviled eggs as well. It will be a wonderful evening.

Until my next bike ride to the library...as ever....

Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, July 11, 2006

My Summer Job

I never set my alarm clock. I just wake up to swaying cedars and the smell of heat.

Breakfast is relaxed and easy in Philip's kitchen. We have a large old table that is pitted and scarred from years of service. I love that table. It is adorned by a single lantern (which serves it's purpose during evenings of cribbage and letter writing).

We share toast ( I always bake bread on Mondays) and strawberry jam and, for me, a pot of coffee with real cream!

The morning shower is outside under the morning sapphire sky and the cacophony of birds. (We have a pair of nesting egrets right on the premise).

My second cup of brew is gently sipped on the pizer as I wait for the church bells. As they begin ringing at 9:00, I put down my cup and walk to the shop. (No shoes necessary, I don't even know where they are!)

I love opening the shop. Sometimes I feel as if I am in a movie...unlocking the door, hanging out the open sign...sweep the porch...put on the music. (Always I play Sundae and Rob's CD, Home is an Island....)

From the front door of the shop is the Howard cemetery. It is actually a comforting thought and lovely to look at with it's white picket fence.

I breathe in the scents of the shop...cedar..soap..

Folks from all over arrive...happy, barefooted to browse...to shop...to talk. (We love to talk!)

When my lunch hour comes I stroll home...it takes a minute and a half if I dawdle...walking on the planks...picking up a clam shell...waving to friends and visitors.

Lunch is on the pizer...tuna or boiled eggs..or leftovers from the night before. Philip reads at lunch, but I just sit outside and absorb life.

An hour late I stroll back (maybe take the shortcut through the woods!)...and spend the rest of the day chatting with folks, ringing up sales, dreaming out of the window.

And for all of this, I actually get paid. Life is wonderful.


Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, July 08, 2006

All in a week...

It is a cool Saturday morning as I sit in the small Ocracoke Library sending out the notes for the week. There are four small computers at one table and as I sit here I can see all of the library as it surrounds me. It is nice for me to have this access as my own computer, as you know, does not appreciate Island life.

Missing a day on my blog, on my journey is actually disastrous...there are so many events each day.

We worked part of the day on the fourth of July, then Philip closed the shop for the parade and all of the events. Our friend, Jim, came and stayed with us for all the events. He is a great house guest as he brings homemade cookies and fresh peaches and great conversation. (He is a potter in Manteo.) We attended a cookout and then enjoyed the fireworks on The Windfall. I love watching the fireworks over the water and the resounding echo. Folowing the display we stand close together on the boat as Sundae leads us all in singing The Star Spangled Banner. We followed pathways to her house late into the night for cake and wine, then rode home through the shadows.

Wednesday night was the Opry and again we had our old fashioned radio show. It is becoming quite popular and I love spending time writing it. I love performing it with Philip, he is a great actor and we have so much fun with the show.

Jim Goodwin, the ships in a bottle artist, was here this week and had dinner with us Thursday evening. He was demonstrating his technique under his artist's tent for a few days this week. He knows the stories as well as the craft so it was a great night to share shipwreck theories and nautical technology.

Last night, under ominous skies with a three quarter moon, Amy and I had the ghost walks. It was cool and breezy and one of those perfect evenings to listen to ghost stories as we ventured out on our hour and a half. Friends came back to sit on the pizer, wrapped in jackets and sweaters as the first gliimpse of fall made it's way to our Island.

The week was good. I am happy.

Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, July 03, 2006

The Jolly Roger

Since I am using my blog as a personal journal, at least I think so. Is there anyone out there reading this? Whether or not you are out there, it is great for me to write everyday...putting thoughts down and recording my life as I live it.

I love Sunday nights.

Philip and I always got the Jolly Roger. It is an open restaurant on the water. No, that isn't what I mean to say at all....it is a dive, really...right on Silver Lake (also known as the Creek) that leads out to the Pamlico Sound. It is the harbor and full of all kinds of boats including the Windfall (Rob's schooner).

On Sunday night Martin and friends play music in the corner sweating away as we listen to folk and blue grass and original pieces. There is a glass tip jar on the table next to them for our coffers of thanksgiving to them.

The sides are all open so folks can linger on the porches, watch the boats, sing loudly.

We always start off with a small table, but end of continually putting tables together as the crowd of friends grow larger. We hunt for more chairs sit closer to one another except when we go visiting other folks ourselves. We order crab sandwiches, coconut cake, pitchers of beer...we all share the rounds of beer.

We laugh, tell stories, sing, watch the sun go down over the sound, watch the Windfall to come in with it's great sails, wait for Rob to anchor and come on down.

I think it is my favorite night of the week. I love being there with Philip. Sometimes Martin even plays our Song.

The Jolly Roger has become a tradition for me. I am home there. I am welcome there.

Yes, home is an island.

Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, July 02, 2006

The Fourth of July Crowds.....

The tourists are here...bicyling on the wrong side of the road...crisscrossing the streets....and filling up the beach (well, a little anyway!)

We do have our own hide-away beach area...no umbrellas, no folks..but this morning as we went for our early Sunday morning beach walk...there were actually people on our beach. It was definitely unusual.

We tried a little swimming, but the ocean current was strong, and we were unable to get out past the first waves.

It is lovely walking early in the morning after a breakfast of fresh peaches and hot coffee...

We spent the afternoon at a memorial service at the Methodist Church for a woman who had lived here years ago. Her husband and family all flew in for this service...she was an intricate part of Ocracoke by the testimonies that were all given about her life. Sitting in church with Philip listening to the old hymns, feeling the breeze swirling down from the ceiling fans, listening to their stories was serendipitous.

Life is short, sweet, and sometimes very confusing.

I felt hot tears on my own face...for the family of the lovely woman whom I had never met...for the love story between her and her husband and for the fragility of life itself.

Carpe Diem.

Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, July 01, 2006

Hot Summer Days..

July

Hot. Running across the sand Hot. Dry your hair in the sun Hot. Steamy windows in the cottage Hot.

Fresh. Sweet corn Fresh. Mornings of warm dew Fresh. Shrimp boats arriving in the harbor Fresh.

Lazy. Sleeping in the hammock Lazy. Watching sunsets on the Pizer Lazy. Watching the clouds roll by Lazy

Fourth of July
First Firefly
My Birthday
Brown as a Berry
Freckled Noses

July

Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, June 30, 2006

An Island Girl?

Yesterday morning we took the 6:00 a.m. ferry heading towards Norfolk for a Dr.'s appointment for Philip. We arrived back home at 6:00 p.m. It was a twelve hour day for the one appointment...part of living on an island.

We had thought of all kinds of wonderful activities we could do...go to the movies...eat dinner out in a lovely restaurant...maybe shop..... In actuality, by the time we (Philip) dealt with the traffic in Norfolk and Nags Head and the heat and humidity, we just decided to go on home.

It was so refreshing to get away from all of that as we got on the ferry. The breezes were cool coming off the Pamlico Sound..seagulls overhead were trying to snatch pieces of homemade bread that we nibbled on.

When we arrived home we packed away the few purchases...blackberries as big as half dollars and ripe peaches. We invited neighbors, John and Chris, over for our Sunset on the Pizer and watched the dripping red ball of sun go down over the island. When they left, John said stay out for a while and I will serenade you on my fiddle.

We lit the old oil lamp on the pizer, sat on the swing and listenied to fiddle tunes drifting across and over the youpans and cedars. Lightning flashed in the dark sky as the day ended.

Yes, it is good to be home, even after twelve hours!

Lou Ann Homan is a writer, teacher, and storyteller who lives in Northern Indiana, but spends all of her summers on Ocracoke Island. 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, June 28, 2006

An Island Schedule....

As you have probably noticed from the television news (I would imagine) we have been surrounded with rain since Sunday evening. A tropical storm has meandered up the coast line leaving us all using our bright yellow rain apparall and boots.

It doesn't stop our activities, however!

Yesterday morning, Susan Sullie, a writer and photographer spent her day on Ocracoke looking for a charming, quaint cottage to put in her new book of Southern Coastal Cottages. The moment she walked into Philip's, she knew that she would choose his. Well, it is wonderful, old quaint, charming, full of history. (See this week's passage on the Sunday Passage site.) She and her husband, Tom, are photographing there all day today.

We invited them to join us in a celebatory pot luck supper for a local woman who just received her PhD. It was to be held out on the lawn, but because of the weather, we all trekked over to the Community Center. As we spread out the food boasting of everything from pasta salads to Ocracoke fig cake (Philip made that!) we all held hands and each, in turn, gave thanks for blessings in our lives.

Following the pot luck we meandered back through puddles and humidity to the house where we gave our ghost and history walk....indoors. We told the stories together with just candle light and the light gusting of the wind through the trees. It was a magical evening. Susan and Tom joined us there as well.

Oh, we are working in the shop as well!

Tonight Philip and I are performing together at the Opry...we are doing an old time radio show using the news of Ocracoke in the 40's.

Tomorrow we are off to Norfolk for the day!


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, June 23, 2006

A Day Off

Thursday is our official day off (OK, we have a couple of other days too!!)...but it is the day we try to plan nothing!

We began the day by having breakfast with author, Audrey Penn and her friend, Pierre! The talk ranged from book editing to a body's electrical system. Several hours later, we found ourselves on the front pizer sizzling in the summer sun and wondering how to spend that lovely afternoon. Philip appeared to be coming down with a cold so he chose napping in the hammock on the back porch. I, feeling quite well and energetic, took to the beach for several miles of sand walking. I soon left the life guard beach and had miles of sand and water all to myself.

By dusk we were both revived and cooked out late in the back yard. A friend stopped over, shared dinner with us, a bottle of wine and lovely conversation.

It was a wonderful day off.

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, June 21, 2006

First Day of Summer

If the calendar didn't boast the first day of summer, I would have known it anyway. We awoke to deep, heavy muggy skies and temperature. But...still we resist the air conditioning. We have had cool northern breezes all summer and the windows wide open during the night time.

The night time skies are filled with soft scented cedar and the occasional rustle of tree boughs.
I think that might be come to an end this evening as the hum of cool air will make sleeping a possibility.

Tonight Philip tells stories at the Opry and I take tickets.
Afterwards we are heading to the beach for a late night (11:00) walk to celebrate the Solstice.

When my children were home with me, we always had wonderful celebrations on the farm with fairy princesses (and princes)...stories...rose petals...and candles afloat on the pond.

Wherever you are light a candle...a sparkler...sing a song...dance by the light of the moon..or walk hand in hand on the beach.

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

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

A Promise Is a Promise is a Promise....

Solstice resolutionss (Yes, I know it starts tomorrow, not today, but be prepared is my first resolution!

1. Be prepared.

2. Take yoga class (twice a week!)

3. Swim or walk every day

4. Write a thousand words a day

5. Write my blog every day

There is more, but that is all I intend to make public!! I'll let you know my Solstice plans later...although it looks like Philip and I will be making a late night trek to the beach to watch the stars and planets on my favorite day of the year.

The Solstice begins at 8:29 tomorrow morning...take a moment to make your own resolutions or just bask in the glory of life.

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

Friday, May 05, 2006

Four boys and a trimmer...

My old trimmer is broken. I tried to fix it...I tried to find a part to replace the broken part...but parts are impossible to find. So, a new trimmer came home with me tonight...after school, even on time. (Well, I did have to coach a skit for a 4-H club skit......)

I was so excited to have my new trimmer. I changed into my work clothes...got my tool box ready, but just could not put it together. (There was only one small screw!) My new neighbor boys (of which there are 4) sent the middle child over. (He is 13) and he knew just how to fix it! A miracle, I said, truly a child wonder.

I mowed and trimmed...took down the protest sign put up by all of my neighbors. OK, just kidding there, but I could see all the binoculars in the other houses on West Street watching me work. Who says a girl can't run her own house????


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, May 04, 2006

Fifth grade boys and interpretative dance????

This is my first year in teaching theatre as a requirment. Oh, it has been a great year...fraught with delight and,other thoughts of you've got to be kidding floating in my head!

So, to end this school year and huge Sonnet-a-thon has been planned by my fourth graders. You know, community leaders coming in to the school to read sonnets (even our state representative), reception, and a very ceremonious literary day. I love days like that. This one is, like all others, student directed (by the fourth graders) with a little help from their teacher/director!! Of course, the reception is out of my hands...we may have cookies, but no napkins...punch and no cups or vice versa!!! Teaching them hand shaking is another gift lots of children are void of.....a whole class on hand shaking???

I thought how fun (&^%$$#) to involve the fifth grade students in interpretive dance to Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. By now, (you knew this was coming) I am about to re-evaluate all of my teaching and directing methods. I vetoed socks after yesterday's rehearsal as the boys (notice I said the boys) slid across the gym floor and bounced off the gym floors...allst the while the lovely young ladies are flitting and dancing and freezing on cue. "Stomping," I say is not dancing. "I do not want to hear body parts slapping the floor."

All right, there is still a week to go. How many sick days do I have left?????

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, May 02, 2006

Pearl Drops of Spring

Tonight sitting out on the old stoop of my lovely old house I was surrounded by a canopy of pale pink petals from my crabapple trees.

We had severe rain all day and tonight by dusk, the clouds parted and streams of sunlight lit up the tangled masses of damp grass. As the wind picked up the petals fell cascaded on my hair, on my shoulders...on my soul.

Aaron and Jonah stopped over on their nightly stroll for some "bubbles" as Jonah says. We pulled out the container and as I blew the bubbles mixed with the pearl drops of spring.

Ahh...joy and wonder.

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, April 18, 2006

Smell of chalk dust and fresh grass...

It is late afternoon in my classroom. My room is in disarray with costumes and props and scripts as varied as Little Red Riding Hood and Hamlet all tossed into the cacophony of the echoes of a day's work.

The night custodian is locking up other classrooms, tidying up hallsway and bathrooms. With my windows wide open on this April afternoon, I can smell the newly cut grass and it blends in with my chalk dust. I should go home, but I just sit here thinking.

Sometimes I wonder how it ends? Will my students attend the Philharmonic when they are grown...get library cards...study Degas's dancers...read to their own children with passion?

All a teacher can do is try...my Dad once said to me if I reach one child it will all be worth it....

Tonight I speak at a banquet to other teachers...telling them how wonderful they are...how important they are.

Yes, I believe it, we are important.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Sixth annual Diabetes walk...

Today our county walked for diabetes...and what a beautiful day for a five mile stroll (or the few that were running!) The high school was filled with vendors promoting the local newspaper, various booths giving out free information and pencils...and, of course, diabetes testing along with blood pressure.

By 10:15 we gathered out back of the high school, a prayer was said, the ribbon cut and we were on our way. The day was stunning...we walked five miles in the most scenic of areas..farm fields, ponds, small lakes...the sky was an amazing blue. It was so warm that no one even thought of taking jackets.

We were rewarded with the Lion's Club famous chicken and potato salad when we were finished.

Best of all, we raised a good bit of cash and brought diabetes awareness one step closer to our small town.

In case you are wondering, I finished in the top ten percent!!

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, April 13, 2006

All in a week....

Last night was one of those great neighborhood evenings in Angola. It was such a beautiful day and everyone was out milling around...biking...walking. Aaron and Jonah came over, and we all just sat out on the stoop for the longest time. Everyone stopped by to chat as we sat there...puppies, babies, old folks, young'uns (as Philip would say!). Jonah loved them all!

As we sat the full moon began to rise in the East..shrouded with bare treetops and wispy clouds, it was a stunning moment.

As darkness fell, the streets became quiet as we all attended our own households...supper on the table...homework to be done...stories to be read.

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, April 11, 2006

Steuben County Artists

Tonight the artists of Steuben County join forces to establish a long-awaited and long-needed artist guild. Several of us have been struggling with the Second Sunday Artists but have decided to put our ideas together.

Hopefully there will be a great turn out tonight at the library as we begin to see our purpose and place in Steuben County and set as our mission statement to be more visible.

In other news, Jonah and his parents have arrived home (but it was late last night!) so I haven't seen them yet. I understand from emails that Jonah has had a wonderful time the past couple of weeks of Florida...swimming, running on the beach, learning to march (from my Uncle Dean)...has been charming and full of his usual charisma. I'll stop by tonight on my way to the guild meeting to get an overdue "Nannie" hug.

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, April 10, 2006

Daffodils and paint choices...

Arriving home from school by 5:30, I was greeted with splendid sunshine and waving daffodils...neighbors were out walking dogs..riding bikes...painting basketball backboards.

I spent the last hour looking at paint samples for this old house of mine. There are so many choices...my house is white...just white...so I am thinking maybe I should jazz it up a bit...purple...brown..rose...anyone have any ideas for an old house?

I also got the bike out of the garage, wiped down the winter's dirt, and tonight I take it for a spin...

Ahhhh...spring.

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Signing off for a few days...

Just a note for my faithful blog readers...I will be traveling to Portland, Oregon to spend time with Abe and Kristin. Philip also will be joining us on Monday evening...so I'll close out the blog for a bit. Lots new stories when I return!

Thursday, March 23, 2006

The Week in Review

I vow to write everyday...I vow to work out every day...and here it is Thursday.

The night after do-si-do..it was donning the grass skirt and fake flowers in my hair for the Student Council Hawaiian Luau. This is our first year for a student council. It has, needless to say, been interesting. We go day by day figuring it out...the kids are excited about projects and ideas and my good friend and colleague, Erin, and I just raise our eyebrows. But the luau was a great idea..we earned lots of money, gave the kids a great social experience. The gym was transformed into seashells and beach balls and music by the Beach Boys (they wanted Destiny's Child, but who is THAT?)

The fact is, I love teaching and spending time with the kids...yes I get home late every day, check messages, plan for the next day and slip under the covers for eight hours (yea, right) and start all over.

Today's schedule? Auditions for Romeo and Juliet (they are fifth graders, no kissing please, they asked!)...a full day of classes, an after school Cinema Film Festival and then on the road for stories of another kind to another audience tomorrow.

So, I'll grab my overnight bag, turn off the heat, smile knowing I have the best job in the world.

Lou Ann

Monday, March 20, 2006

Cowboy hats and a do-si-do!

It seems as if I wear a number of hats (it is a good thing this is a metaphoric term as my house would not hold them all)...

Tonight is no exception as I have become the square dance and line dance caller for our mother/son hoe down...OK, I have taught a few dances, so I guess I was a natural to ask...or is it because I always stay late anyway...or because I never say no. I would like to hope that I have been asked because who else calls all of these dances in these here parts!!

So, with jeans and flannel shirt...bandanna in hair...I have the beginnings of a new career..or maybe just an entertaining way to spend a Monday night.

Whatever the case...grab your favorite honey and promenade her all the way home!!


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, March 18, 2006

Dracula on a winter's night...

The wind howled through the late dark winter trees as wispy shadows crossed the remnants of the full moon as we sat around a roaring fire discussing Dracula.

We spent the first part of the evening having dinner at the Potawattami Inn at Pokagon State Park, a new venue for us. The dining room was quiet except for the eight of our voices often speaking at the same time...gossip, authors...other books. (We were forbidden to speak of THE BOOK until we finished coffee and were cozily sitting around the fire). Finally we could wait no longer and retreated to the foyer. With dim lights we curled up into large leather chairs which we had pulled close to the fire and opened up our dog-eared copies of The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.

The premise of the book is the hunt for Dracula and his grave. Of course believing in Vampires and things that go bump in the night would help the imagination of this tale. The story is woven between time periods and different lives....from the time of Dracula to the present time. In between the story line was a great deal of culture and history of Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria. While discussing this book in the darkness of night in front of a roaring fire, it was difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction. But then again, maybe there is no difference. The book was fascinating although there were a few places (about two-thirds through) that you just wanted it to be over, find and kill Dracula and move on!!

I'll not give away the ending in case you will be reading it yourself...but let's say, we all saw the ending in a new light and we left looking over our shoulders. Events actually happened on the drive home to several of our members. You read the book for yourself! We ended up giving the book four stars out of five (quite a disagreement over that one as well!!)

Our next read is the controversial, A Million Little Pieces, by James Frey. OK, so it didn't all happen to him, but what a great imagination. Why not read along with us?

Until next time,
This is Maggie Mae from the Page Turners


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, March 08, 2006

Haiku for a late winter's day...

falling, pelting rain
match the beating of my heart
dripping small droplets

cloudbursts of glitter
drifts into the tallest treees
I so want to fly

I come and I go
from deepest winter to spring
Metamorphosis


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, March 05, 2006

Of Beads and Thread and Things that are Nice...

This afternoon I sauntered down to the small, tucked in-out-of-the-way "hippie shop." (Or so I call it!)

I love visiting this shop...it is full of hemp dresses...patchouli soaps....lavender incense...bumper stickers...sandals...and beads...hundreds of kinds of beads. If you were to walk into Sticks and Stones, you would know the owner, Sandy, right away. She blends into the shop with her long dresses, jewelry, hair pulled back with a silk band and her knowledge.

On Sunday afternoons she gives lessons on making jewelry with her beads. Today was the day that I decided to give it a try. Alright, I chose an easy project. I wanted to replace the wrap around bracelet that I have worn for six years ago. It was given to me by a gentleman. He bought it in Brazil and left it in a velvet pouch on my doorknob. I fell in love with the bracelet right away and have never taken it off! I have to admit though that wearing something for six years on your wrist does tend to get a little ratty! So, today I made a wonderful new bracelet with lots of colorful glass beads.

There were six of us in the class all working diligently on our own projects...braclets, necklaces, earrings...coffee brewed and was served in china cups and saucers (hippie girls DO NOT use styrofoam!) We were of all ages getting to know one another and by the time my bracelet was done, I felt I had new friends! I had to cut off the old bracelet and I asked for a toast and a drumroll (I mean, I did wear it for six years!!!) and ceremoniously I cut it off and wove the new shiny one around my wrist. We all applauded my efforts.

I paid for my beads, gave a farewell to my new friends and walked home just as the sun was setting. I took off my gloves a few times just to let the light catch the color fo the beads.

New beads. New friends. How much nicer can a day get?

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, February 28, 2006

Closing the Curtain....

I am not a person who likes ending...when I get to the end of a book I usually slow way down...or a visit or trip or the ending of a school year....So you can only imagine how I felt when the curtain closed on Saturday night on our show of The Vagina Monologues.

Even though I am a person of words, I am not sure there are enough of them to describe the night...the hype...the thrill...the groundbreaking work that we accomplished on Saturday night.

To an almost sold out crowd, we performed as absolute confidence....the standing ovation was a roar to my ears as the clapping and cheering continued.

I was presented with a dozen roses on the stage and thanked over and over. It was a golden night, one that will not come again, and one that I will never, ever forget.

We (my 12 actresses and myself) made history on Saturday night here in Steuben County. The newspapers are still filled with praise for the show.

We raised over $4,000.00 for CAVA.

We partied til after 3 a.m. back at my house...the entire cast.

Where do we go from here? I don't know the answer to that. But I do know that I already miss the rehearsals...the deadlines...the friendships.

I guess tonight I will work on my scrapbook for the show....put away the script and spend a nice quiet evening with Philip. How glad I am that he was here for this monumental time in my life!

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, February 25, 2006

Lights, Camera, Action....

We are down to under twelve hours to production. Two late night dress rehearsals with lights and sounds...a bit ranting and raving (at least no one quit the show) and we are just about ready to take to the stage.

The planning and work has been more than even I expected...but oh, what a great evening is planned for everyone attending. We are even featuring a reception in the intermission time for all of the actresses. And at last count it looks like we might be close to a sell out!

The women in the cast have become sisters to each other...taking care of each other...encouraging each other...pushing each other.

I feel so honored and proud and a bit of the pioneer spirit to bring Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues to Steuben County.

So, without further adieu...let's open the curtains...let the show begin!

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, February 23, 2006

A Thousand Miles...

Tonight Philip is in a hotel room about 500 miles from here....he is usually a thousand miles away, but he is on his way to visit me. We haven't spent any time together since Christmas, or as I casually would say, seven weeks and three days, but whose counting???

He should be here tomorrow night just in time for the first dress rehearsal and then for the big week end. How wonderful it is that he has traveled so far to share in the Vagina Monologue week end...it is going to be a whirlwind.

So, tonight I spent baking cookies, arranging fresh flowers, and ironing his pillowcases with lavender water...maybe that's why he comes for a visit???

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, February 21, 2006

Tying up loose ends...

Tonight was our last Vagina Monologue meeting...we have been meeting since the first Tuesday in December at Rachael's coffeeshop...These have not been the rehearsals, but the core committee dedicated in putting this show together. Our last job tonight was to proof the program...Bert bought a round of pappermint lattes for everyone and we just sort of sat there stunned. We did it. Well, we will have done it on Saturday. The work has been large...but I will miss it so much and the wonderful women that have come into my life.

So, tonight as I reflect on what has been and what is yet to come...I say raise the coffee cups a little higher, and a toast to V-Day in Angola, Indiana!!

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, February 18, 2006

The Way It Was....

It has been a busy week with rehearsals and shows...so many things I could talk about, but I want to share just one small event.

Two nights ago I had a show on the poetry of James Whitcomb Riley woven with my own Indiana stories. It was literally a "dark and stormy night" with wind and rain and tornado warnings. In the small town in which I would be sharing my stories I was stopped by a freight train. I put my car in park and watched the trains pass...felt the rumble up through the ground...all the lights of red and yellow and car lights were all woven into streaks as my windshield wipers could hardly keep up with the rain. But...I noticed movement to the right of my car. I noticed a young boy on a bike..no jacket, no helmet or adult supervision..just a young boy racing to a hill of gravel next to the railroad yard. In the pouring rain, he tossed down his bike, climbed up on the gravel hill and watched the railroad cars speed by into the night...into the rain..into oblivion. When the train passed, he hopped back onto his bike and returned...home? I had to smile as I watched him watch the trains. So many rules for kids these days...how nice to see a boy dreaming a top a gravel hill on a rainy night...Ernest Hemingway? Carl Sandburg? One never knows.

It made my whole evening worthwhile to think about the future writer and storyteller...maybe some day in years to come he will take my place on the stage and share stories of his childhood sitting on a gravel hill listening and watching the roar of the freight train during a rainstorm.


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, February 13, 2006

The Page Turners

Welcome to The Page Turners. This is a new column which will discuss literature, informally, as seen from the eyes of a Book Club Guru.

The Page Turners have been in existence for four years studying books the third Wednesday evening of every month. To date we have 47 book titles under our belt (or on our bookshelf!) I don't know what happened to the 48th book? Anyway, this space will be dedicated to the reviewing of our book and maybe a word or two of the delicious dinner that our hostess has provided! (We really just go for the books!)

This month we read The Rock Orchard by Paula Wall, copyright 2005 printed by Washington Square Press.

It was a delightful book and we all loved the book, that does not always happen. The book is centered on the lives of a family of rich, independent, free thinking women of which you immediately admire and perhaps even covet!

The characters are clearly defined and as the plot thickens more characters are introduced. It does not, however, become cluttered with folks!

The story takes place in a small town. The main attraction is gossip and there is plenty to gossip about. In the end, all live happily ever after, although we go in circles getting there! I would definitely call this a romance novel. (Lest you worry that we divulge ourselves in this type of writing, we have also read The Grapes of Wrath, The Kite Runner, The Scarlet Letter, etc.)

We gave the book four pages our of five and have moved on to the next read. Why not read along with us as we discover the first works of Elizabeth Kostova in her new book, The Historian.

In case you are interested, we had a great chicken casserole, garlic bread, salad, and a luscious lemon dessert!

Until next month, happy reading!

Maggie Mae

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, February 08, 2006

VDay in Angola

It has been two months now that I began the project of organizing and directing The Vagina Monologues in my town. There have been countless hours of meetings, auditions, rehearsals, planning, and stepping out on the edge.

Tickets are now on sale and posters announcing this upcoming event are scattered all over the county. Wherever I go I am stopped, once, twice, no three times with questions about the event. Over a hundred tickets have been sold within the first 24 hours! I am expecting a sell out...groups of women are planning pot lucks, dinner parties around the event. I heard that the Red Hat Society will be there along with a group of teen age girls...as well as University students and the Methodist.

We have just begun. I feel honored and proud that my town in stepping out on the edge.

Come join us, Saturday evening, February 25th. Tickets can be reserved at the CAVA office or purchased at Rachael's Coffee House. Donations are $20 and all proceeds go to our local CAVA chapter and the national organization of VDay!


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, February 06, 2006

My heart belongs to Jonah...

This week end Aaron and Karen took a well deserved week end trip to Chicago. They had been planning for weeks and could hardly wait to board that train.

My job as Nannie was to be in charge of 16 month old Jonah. Now I must confess, really this was my first chance to have him to myself for a whole week end. I had dreams every night leading up to the event that I would go off and forget him or something else disastrous would happen. As it was, we had a wonderful week end. We spent time in town at the library and the coffee shop and even a little shopping in the downtown.

We played in the snow...read books, watched birds, danced and had serious talks, of course.

My house is not full of baby toys...I guess I'm just not into that....but never fear, I have plenty of colorful items...mardi gras beads, wine corks, prisms, a piano, musical instruments...and lots of books. Jonah was quite well entertained.

I cooked ahead and fed him the best I could find (alright he wasn't crazy about baked salmon so I did bring out the peanut butter on that meal!) but he humored me well with all my other good intentions. So between bubble baths and rocking to sleep, it was a wonderful week end.

I almost cried when his mommy and daddy took him home.

Almost.


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

Spring break in St. Pete...

  Adam and his pups! The late-night flight is full. Everyone is heading out for spring break. Students and teachers, moms and dads, kids and...