Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Five boys and a shovel...

Does it help being a writer when you live next to five boys? My column last week was about the five boys living next to me and how they, like theives in the night, plywooded my snow for their fort. As I said, the fort was scrawny, the snow non-impressive. Ahhhh, but how those things change. We have been given the promised January with snow and ice and frigid temperatures (dipping into the zeros this week end!) As if on cue, the boys were here tonight shoveling my drive way and walks. I provided another shovel so the plywood could take a break. What do they want for their efforts? Money? Cookies? Cocoa? No, they just want the snow. So, who is the winner here? My snow is removed (into their yard), and I end up being the nice neighbor that let them have it....for free!

Life is sweet.

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, January 30, 2007

Winter

We have been waiting for months for Winter..I mean, that is why we live in the Northern country. We love the smell of snow...the silence of night..the hum of the heater..the extra quilt on the bed. Well, it has arrived.

My thermometer is in the single digits this morning with new fresh snow adding to what already fell this past week end. It looks like a birthday cake outside my windows. It is breathtaking. It also allows for a two hour delay...no one ever complains about that!

So a cheer to Winter and it's late arrival!

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, January 16, 2007

Pale, wintry sunrises....

My commute to school is a very rural affair...usually I encounter pheasant or wild turkeys and, of course, the prolific Indiana deer, but today the drive was so stunning it actually took my breath away. The thumbnail of a moon was gently sliding into the Western sky as the sun began it's morning journey in the East. The trees were still covered with ice from the storm two nights ago and the clouds were deep feathered blue. As the sun rays began to warm the earth, the light was caught in the trees with the most eerie, shimmering sight. I do not believe I have ever seen a sunrise such as today. I wanted to stop and just let it's beauty sink into my soul. As it was, I needed to continue the journey, but this sunrise will not be forgotten.

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, January 14, 2007

Auditions for Vagina Monologues

Yes, I am back at it...directing the Vagina Monologues in Angola, Indiana. I really didn't think it would happen again, how could we top last year's show. But it will again be wonderful, albeit different.

I always worry about women showing up for the auditions...will they come.....will they be strong enough to be in the show....will be be successful? But they did come, they were strong and we will be successful.

The board arrived at the community theatre a couple of hours early to have lunch and just talk about the show. Following the auditions, we were able to place the cast, make the calls (no one can wait!) and just talk non-stop about the show.

So, if you aren't busy on Friday and Saturday night, February 16 and 17, come on down to Steuben County to the Community Theatre for a wonderful show!

I'll be there.

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, January 12, 2007

Guitar pickin'

I have been talking for months about getting a guitar...I have looked in shops..on-line, in pawn shops. Has my talking turned to bragging? Oh, yes, I'm getting a guitar and will be playing real soon...so for Christmas I recieved a guitar book. Hmmm....a hint? So, yesterday I bought my guitar.

Philip and I walked down to town to Rhon's shop. He is a local artist who lives in the artist district (that would be where I live!!) and has opened up a small guitar shop. It is quaint. One wall hosts guitars for sale. There are several to choose from, but it is not overwhelming. In the back is a glass window where Rhon is conducting his class. It is easy to watch his protegies struggling with chords and Rhon's calm demeanor as he teaches.

I bought my guitar and a case. I walked home with it. Actually it was pretty heavy, Philip ended up carrying it up the hill to the house. Last night I learned two chords, C and G7. I am very bad at thsi guitar playing, and my fingers are sore already! But...today is my first real lesson. I will carry it back down to town and put the student behind the glass.

Anyone for Kum Ba Ya?

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, January 09, 2007

Let the show begin....

Last night the core Vagina Monologue board met...as we have been doing once a month for several months. However, this time it was with great expectation as the show is ready to get under way. Auditions will be Sunday in our local community theatre auditorium. Needless to say, the excitement is building as we change up our show with new actresses, a bit of music, a silent auction and a two evening performance.
The work is great, but there is magic in working with a talented group of women on this show...it will be good.

Why not show up on Sunday afternoon and give it a read?

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, January 08, 2007

A bit of snow and ebony shadows...

Sunday afternoon. The sky turns gray and fat, heavy snowflakes begin to fall. I open my shutters and hope. For Northern Indiana (as well as most other northern points) the snow has abated us this winter. I want snow. I live in this part of the country because of snow. The afternoon is lovely as I pour tea, snuggle on the couch with a great book, still hoping for a great snowfall. Is it to be?

Lou Ann

Friday, January 05, 2007

Twelfth Night

Just a quick overview of the week...Philip and I arrived home to Indiana on New Year's Day. Aaron and Karen had dinner ready for us which was wonderful after traveling a thousand miles. It was,however, a fast journey as we keep each other great company.

It was back to school for me while Philip has been pouring over his writing. My library is set up so that the two of can work and spread out all of our papers. He gets more writing done here as there are fewer interruptions...actually he has quiet days unless he goes to town to visit with Zach or Rachael.

Tonight we are hosting our Twelfth Night Party, complete with choosing a queen, the reading of poems and stories, the singing of the Twelve Days of Christmas and to finish the evening, Auld Lang Syne. It is a wonderful old custom of which very few celebrate these days.

So, we are busy cooking and baking this afternoon.

Happy Twelfth Night to you.

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

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