Wednesday, May 30, 2012

All in an afternoon...


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

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

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

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

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




First attempts with the video camera...

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

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

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Will the Circle Be Unbroken...


Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lou Ann

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Back home again in Indiana....

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

Hi Folks,

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

Enjoy the story!!

Lou Ann

Monday, May 21, 2012

Art Out My Window








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

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

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

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

Wise words from Wendell Berry




The Peace of Wild Things




When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

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

I go and lie down where the wood drake

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

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

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

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

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





— Wendell Berry





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

This week's column...

Click here for this week's column!!


Here is the link for this week's column...sports writing is really not for me!!

Enjoy, and as always, thanks for reading!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Mothers Day in my small town...



I am a person who gets up early, however on this Sunday morning no alarm was set. Actually the clock was even missing as the boy's had borrowed it, but then again I usually don't need the clock.

Perhaps it was because a bunch of us went to the 9:30 showing of Dark Shadows last night at our local downtown theatre. It was fun as we were all together enjoying the late night show, but honestly the movie should be rated no higher than a three!

As we left the theatre almost at the midnight hour, Carolyn's car did not start so we had to jump it there on the square. Luckily we had driven down and I carry jumper cables all the time. So, there we were with shadows lurking, the town clock looming toward the midnight hour pushing her car out to the middle of the parking lot and starting it back up.

I slept with the balcony doors wide open as this late spring air is permeated with the scent of my French lilacs when I was awakened by the voice of Aaron, Matthew and Jonah hollering up at my window. Because I never sleep in, I believe they thought I was dead, but alas, I wasn't.

I jumped up and went out to the balcony where they all shouted, "Happy Mother's Day." In a flash I was dressed and downstairs. Aaron presented me with a bouquet of poppies from his garden and Matthew had written me a lovely letter. We all went to breakfast then as well.

It was a great way to start the morning. My table is adorned with cards and a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Abe and Kristin. Life is definitely very sweet.

To all you moms out there, Happy Mothers Day...enjoy this day, and well every day!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Bringing together Bayh and Sendak...

Click here for this week's story.

I hope you enjoy this week's article. It definitely is a heartwarming story of the school I have loved over the years.

Friday, May 11, 2012

A special pet funeral....

Last week's column...

Hi Everyone, here is last week's column. My friend Kathy lived with her dog, Eddy, for 14 years. The column is about the funeral and feelings about life. We can never have enough of those feelings.

Thanks again for reading!

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Great Sendak cartoon...

The New Yorker and Sendak

Here is where I stand on this day...

Mengting graduated with honors.
We spent all week celebrating with nary a free moment.
The Chinese Moon Festival was spectacular.
She is now back in China missing her American family.
We miss her too.

Jonah had his first little league game and was 3/3.
I saw the first hit and just about came off the bleachers.
Aaron is in Phoenix with Abe and Kristin.
Karen is getting ready to leave for Atlanta for her little sister's Prom.
My children come and go like the spring flowers.

I finished my volunteer job, ABC Literacy in the Hendry Park Kindergartens.
Between all of this, I have stories on the road and back home again.

Maurice Sendak died leaving us with memories, stories, dusty books on the shelves and a deep sadness in our hearts.

Dick Lugar lost the election in Indiana. It was time for him to go. I wish he would have left on his own at the beginning of his last term so he could go out with honor.

My garden blooms beautifully.
Mengting's room is clean.
I am once again writing.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

This book reads like poetry, Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland

I heard of this book from my eye Doctor's nurse, Jean. As soon as I walked into the office, she said, "Do I have a book for you." She wrote it down on a post-it, and I slipped it into my catch all along with a hundred other slips of paper.

Three weeks ago the paper slipped out. I went right to the library and found the book, Clara and Mr. Tiffany. It was my read to Arizona and back and a bit in between.

It is a fascinating read, and those who are interested in historical fiction, information, and a great story, please go get it from your library. I have bragged about it to everyone I know in person, now it is time to share with you! Let me know how you like it!

Here is a link to Susan's website about the book:

http://www.svreeland.com/tiff.html



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...