Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The Salt Marsh on Ocracoke Island







Dear Friends,

I think the Salt Marsh on Ocracoke Island is a surprise, a mystery, and perhaps a forgotten gift from the Island.



Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a short easy walk through towering pines, sandy foothills, and the scent of the sea.

At the end of the nature trail is a boardwalk for viewing, bird watching and just thinking. The water on the Sound side is peaceful and calm.

Please check it out next time you are here visiting, or just come along with me for a glimpse as I am out and about.


As always,
Lou Ann

Monday, July 30, 2012

Come visit Blanche Jolliff Howard!

Dear Folks,

So the labor of love continues...my video blog.

Today's blog has two features, first of all please enjoy my column on Blanche. This was published at KPC where I have written a weekly column for several years. As of right now, it is published in four newspapers.

Click on the link here to enjoy: 

This week's column featuring Blanche from Ocracoke Island!

Secondly here is my video blog. I had experimented a little with this one splicing two together. You will see where I did that. I also mention the word
"garden" more times than needed! I do love to say that word with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Well, just enjoy the video. It is lovely. Blanche is lovely.

As always, thanks for reading and watching this summer!

Lou Ann






Saturday, July 28, 2012

A video glimpse of the Carolina Terrapins from Frank and Jude's porch

The other evening Philip and I were invited over to Frank and Jude's house on the Old Slough (pronounced slew).

It was a lovely Ocracoke evening...cool with just a slight breeze. When we arrived we were treated to a wonderful glimpse into Frank and Jude's life. Every morning and evening they feed the Carolina Terrapin turtles. I watched as Jude reached into her canister full of cat food and then tossed it into the water. She knows each one, she knows their personalities, she has followed their lives for twenty years.

Here is a short video clip for you to enjoy!

Thanks to Frank and Jude for enjoying nature as they do and helping to protect these turtles.




Wednesday, July 25, 2012

No blog today!

Hi Folks,

Wow, no blog today! Today was supposed to be Blanche and her story, but it just didn't happen.

I told stories to 275 folks at the Ocracoke Lighthouse today...and could barely get out! (How can I lock the door when more are coming??)

Tonight is the Ocracoke Music and Storytelling Show! I have loved putting this together and working with the community.

Come on out to Deep Water Theater tonight and have a listen. Get there early or you won't get a seat! I am sure, really sure, that we will sell out!
I'll let you know tomorrow.

If you can be here in person, just sit in your front yard listening to crickets, watching lightening bugs and telling your own tales til darkness calls you all to bed.

As always, thanks for participating in the moments of my life.

Lou Ann

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Deep Water Theater....news and video!


Dear Folks,

So here I am out and about at the Deepwater Theater. This is home to many shows here on the Island. There is the Opry on Wednesday nights, Molasses Creek on Thursday night, Philip and his daughter Amy, have a show on Monday night...and the list goes on.

This week Molasses Creek has been called away to a large festival and will probably win the hearts and souls of all who come to hear them.

In the meantime, we are left with a dark, story-less and music-less evening. Alas, alas, I decided we just can't do that.

Therefore on Wednesday evening a group of us are having a show at the Deepwater. I expect it to be lots of fun, and we want you all to come on out! Wait til you see the door prize!

Tickets are $10 for adults (16 and over), and $5 for kids.

If you have never attended, just drive, bike or walk on down School Street and you will find us.

Check out the video as well! The filming was all done outside, later I will show you a glimpse into the actual performing area!

As always, thanks for reading and watching!





Monday, July 23, 2012

The Birthday Weekend...


Dear Folks,

So the birthday weekend was a long celebration. On Saturday night Philip and I hosted the potluck for the July birthdays!

Starting from the left (I will just use first names here): Mary, Me, Sundae, Lida, Gary, Marcy, Karen and J.R. Missing from the evening activities were Tom and Susan!

As you can tell from the video we definitely are a noisy bunch!

I always love my birthday...wearing the crown, bouquets of flowers, breakfast at the Pony Island, evening at the Jolly Roger listening to Molasses Creek and celebrating with the friends I love on Ocracoke Island.

Enjoy this short clip, maybe you will know a few of us, some might know all the island folks (except for J.R., he was just visiting!!)

As always, thanks for reading and for all the birthday greetings! You made my day so special.

Lou Ann




Saturday, July 21, 2012

A glimpse into WOVV, Ocracoke's own radio station!

Hi Folks,

Today I had the great honor of being interviewed on WOVV, Ocracoke's radio station. Some of you might remember the article I wrote last year on trying to get a job at the station...still no job, but a fun interview.

Molly Lovejoy and Al Scarborough host the Saturday morning show, "The Word."

The time flew by so quickly! Afterwards, I gave my camera to Molly to do the 'out and about.' Molly will be traveling soon to Boston to Emerson College to study stage management. She will do great!

As always, enjoy, and here is another glimpse into the life on Ocracoke Island.


 Lou Ann

Friday, July 20, 2012

Thoughts on the morning after.

Dear Folks,

Somehow it seems to be the right moment to publish this blog as we are all reflecting on the tragedy in Denver. We are not immune to this behavior and violence no matter where we live.

I do believe, however, that we do not lock our doors and stay inside. These stories need to make us stronger and tie us more boldly to our community.

I live in two communities in which I accept the beauty of this life and the goodness that it does offer, one in Northern Indiana and one here on Ocracoke Island.

Last night Philip and I were walking home from dinner. It was dark and we were using our flashlight to light the way. A group of young people (there were four of them) hollered from across the street, "Do you all want a hug?" At first I was taken back wondering what this was about. My silence did not mean no, I was just surprised. I then quickly answered, "Sure." All four came across the road and hugged us both. They went on their merry way as did we.

This event was about trust. They trusted us to become recipients in a kind way, we trusted them without any thoughts of maliciousness.

It was a great way to end the evening with much to talk about.

During the day it was also my pleasure to attend the Homegrown Market at the Community Square.

Mariah and Caroline are two Island children who were born and raised on Ocracoke. They set up their booth to sell their wares and spent the morning visiting with folks, selling items, and contributing to the beauty of the Island. Their booth was a reflection of the life that is lived here.

We need to honor those who died or were wounded in Denver, but in the meantime we also need to boldly make a stand in our own communities.

Here is a short clip of Mariah and Caroine at the market. Enjoy!



Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Come on inside the Ocracoke Lighthouse


The Ocracoke Lighthouse


Looking up inside the Ocracoke Lighthouse


This is the view from the front door of the Lighthouse looking
toward the Keepers House. Today the Lighthouse, the grounds, and the
Keepers House are owned by the National Park Service.
The operational light at the top of the Lighthouse is owned
by the United States Coast Guard.

I took these photos yesterday after my first shift in opening the Lighthouse for public viewing. I had 217 visitors yesterday and 267 today. I love this volunteer position where I get to open the Lighthouse, share interesting facts and always, always tell the stories.

If you are coming to Ocracoke, stop on by in the afternoons from 1-3. It is open every weekday afternoon. I am there on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please give a 'hey' if you stop by.

I also took this video yesterday so that, if you can't get to Ocracoke, you can get a feel for the inside of the Lighthouse. When no one is in there with me, I sing. So come on in and take a peek!



Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Speaking of chatting...



Today's Video Blog features chatting on the porch of the Village Craftsmen. Each day Philip Howard chats with folks from 1-2 on the front porch. These chats are a resemblance to the time when everyone sat outside on those hot summer afternoons enjoying each other's company.

I took the above photo early this morning of the Village Craftsmen (the sign says closed, but don't worry about that!)

Oh, and speaking of chatting, today is my first day to "chat" at the Ocracoke Lighthouse. I will be opening up the historic doors to the lighthouse on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 1-3. (I chat a little longer than Philip!) Please stop by for a glimpse into the past and listen to a story or two!

Tomorrow's video blog will feature the inside of the Ocracoke Lighthouse.

As always thanks for reading, watching, listening and taking a look at all I see as I am out and about!





Monday, July 16, 2012

Playing like children...

Today is my Poetry Passage day, and I have chosen e.e. cummings. I love this poem and it is so good to always remember to view the world from the eyes of a child. I also just finished Ray Bradbury's "Farewell Summer" which typically has the same message.

Last night Bill and Lida and Philip and I went back to the beach searching for the Aurea Borealis. I think the night was even more brilliant than the night before. We couldn't help but go down to the water to kick up the waves which were twinkling with the phosphorescence.
We played like children.

maggie and milly and molly and may

went down to the beach(to play one day)


and maggie discovered a shell that sang

so sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles,and


milly befriended a stranded star

whose rays five languid fingers were;


and molly was chased by a horrible thing

which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:and


may came home with a smooth round stone

as small as a world and as large as alone.


For whatever we lose(like a you or a me)

it's always ourselves we find in the sea

e.e.cummings




I took this photo while walking on the early morning beach.















Sunday, July 15, 2012

This week's column, arriving on Ocracoke and much more!

Please click here for this week's column! Enjoy.


Dear Friends,

Yesterday was a full day as I settle back into my Ocracoke life. It is as if I snap my fingers and I am an Island girl.

The Mad Mag Studio is all set up and ready for work. It is a lovely work space with twinkle lights and other small lamps and treasures from the sea. It also has all the necessary tools of any writer...laptop, camera, phone, printer, pens, pencils, tablets....

It was our first adventure out in Philip's boat as well and great swimming in Teach's Hole. No, we did not find gold, but had a great time.

We spent the late night hours out at the beach with Bill and Lida looking for the Northern Lights. We did not see the lights, but the stars were magnificent. The constellations were clear and Philip and Lida saw shooting stars as well.

The Milky Way was in clear view last night as well. I guess you could say it was a magical, poetic evening. I was the most reluctant to go home, but there will be other nights.

Today's video features a little scud in the harbor in Philip's boat. Enjoy.


Saturday, July 14, 2012

Sun Setting on Ocracoke Island

Last night I was walking around the harbor. It had been cloudy all day, actually it has been cloudy and a bit rainy since I arrived. All of a sudden the sky parted and we were able to watch this splendid sunset.
Ocracoke is one of the few places where you can watch the sun come up over the Atlantic and set over the Sound. Notice the marshy areas and smooth stillness of the water.
During the day there was a funeral on the Island. Frankie O'Neal was just a young man of 43 who loved this Island so much. He did not live here as his profession took him off into the world to seek his fortune, but he always intended to retire here.
The Methodist Church was full of family and folks who loved him. The O'Neal family name is prominent here along with many others. This sunset seemed to be a tribute to this young man who who used to walk the sandy lanes while reading a book.
I am also adding a photo for those of you unable to see the video. As always thank you for enjoying this blog.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Video Blogging on Ocracoke Island with Philip and Bill

Dear Friends, After a very busy spring and summer, I have made it to Ocracoke Island. It was an easy trip this time...a drive to Fort Wayne, two quick flights (oh, and thanks to Karen or I would still be in Fort Wayne), a long ferry ride, and as if by magic my other life begins. Many of my friends and acquaintances (and brothers and sisters) have not visited Ocracoke Island. Therefore I thought it would be fun this summer to do a daily video blog of life here on the Island. My first video is in one of the many cemeteries on the island. This one is off of historic Howard Street. I am joined by Philip Howard and Bill Jones. Let's have a listen in to what they are saying! As always, thanks for reading and watching! Lou Ann

Thursday, July 12, 2012

A Love Story

 Click on for the link to this week's story: This week's story.

Good Morning Everyone! Today's blog is dedicated to Bill and Shirley Lonsbury who celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Sunday. They were married here in Angola, Indiana at the Marriage Mill.

They truly have a love story so enjoy the photos, videos and story!

Lou Ann




Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Out and about with my neighbor Mike!

Enjoy the video and a look at the Grand Lakes canoe. I love Mike's story which you can read on the previous blog site! As always, thanks for reading and viewing!

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...