Sunday, December 28, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Christmas Eve Walker
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Relating Christmas miracles never grows old...
The above is the link to this week's Christmas column. Enjoy and, as always, thank you for reading.
Here is the youtube version of John McCutcheon's song, "Christmas in the Trenches."
Monday, December 15, 2014
Don’t miss a moment of this joyous season...
Dear Readers,
It has been a while...a long while. Let's hope I am back on track and you will come back reading! Sorry for the delay, sometimes life just gets in the way!
The above link is this week's story. I love that you read my columns. Thank you so much. The photo is from the horse drawn wagon rides in my home town. These are every Friday night in December. When we came around the mound I just had to take this photo in the fog. I wasn't sure how it would come out, but later on that night in my studio, I found it was beautiful. Hope you love it as well.
Until tomorrow.
Lou Ann
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Shopping for holiday memories is the easy part...
Here is the link to this week's column! Just click on the above site. Also I have included my grandmother's famous sugar cookies. That is part of our Thanksgiving tradition! As always thank you for reading. I hope your Thanksgiving Holiday was as rich and wonderful as mine!
Grandma's Sugar Cookies
2 cups flour
1 and 1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
6 T. butter
1/3 c. shortening
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 T. milk
1 t. vanilla
Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter and shortening for 30 seconds; add sugar and beat till fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture, beating till well blended. Cover and chill at least 3 hours. Working with 12 of the dough at a time, on a lightly floured surface, roll to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes or till done. Makes 3-4 dozen.
I make my own icing out of confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and cream. I make several pots of colors for the kids. I also spread newspapers (not my column) on the table before they start!
I love sharing this recipe from my grandmother. It is always an opportunity to tell them about their great-grandmother Louella.
Bon appetit!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
The 10 days of Thanksgiving are upon us!
The 10 days of Thanksgiving are upon us! - KPCNews: Kpcnews
Please click on the above link for this week's Thanksgiving story!
Please click on the above link for this week's Thanksgiving story!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
A Cinderella Tale
Sunday, November 16, 2014
An invitation to Brookside Mansion in Fort Wayne, Indiana...
Brookside Mansion in Fort Wayne, Indiana
You are cordially invited to my show, Sandstone and Scholars, at St. Francis University on Friday evening, November 21st at 6:00. This commissioned piece is a collaboration of Storytelling Arts of Indiana, Indiana Landmarks, and St. Francis College about the history of Brookside Mansion, also known as the Bass Mansion.
I told the story in Indianapolis last March at Indiana Landmarks, and this week I get to tell the story at the home of all the characters...Brookside.
There is no cost to the event which is held in the North Campus Auditorium. This also is the night that Fort Wayne lights the lights for the holidays, so make an entire evening of it and come on out. I would love to see you in the audience!
Lou Ann
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Memories...
My dad's birthday slides into my own life this week. My dad would have been 85 on Monday. I miss him every day as you know from my writings.
I turn on the lovely red lamp over my piano to play a tune or two, and I think of him. I pick up my Edgar Allan Poe book, and I think of him. I hear Tchaikovsky, and I think of him. I teach a class, and I think of him.
My amazement at these memories grows stronger as I grow older. How is it that his influence still nurtures my life? And, for the most part, we spent our grown up lives apart from one another.
It gives me great cause to think of my own children and wondering what they will remember five years after my own death? Will poems and stories surface for them? Will something catch their eye such as a sunset or a sunrise, and they will think of me?
Well, it is something to ponder for all of us. How is it for you? How do your memories hold up from those you have loved and lost?
Until tomorrow.
Lou Ann
I turn on the lovely red lamp over my piano to play a tune or two, and I think of him. I pick up my Edgar Allan Poe book, and I think of him. I hear Tchaikovsky, and I think of him. I teach a class, and I think of him.
My amazement at these memories grows stronger as I grow older. How is it that his influence still nurtures my life? And, for the most part, we spent our grown up lives apart from one another.
It gives me great cause to think of my own children and wondering what they will remember five years after my own death? Will poems and stories surface for them? Will something catch their eye such as a sunset or a sunrise, and they will think of me?
Well, it is something to ponder for all of us. How is it for you? How do your memories hold up from those you have loved and lost?
Until tomorrow.
Lou Ann
Matthew and Jonah listening to my stories by lantern light. |
Monday, November 10, 2014
You can feel the AHS band show down to your belly...
The beauty of living in a small town is that you know most of the folks...the kids...the events.
This past weekend our Angola High School Marching Band went to state competition. On Saturday morning our mound was full of those wishing them well. Today's blog features this week's column about our band, a short video, and a couple of photos.
As always, enjoy, and just click on the above link.
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Extra, extra read all about it...fan mail just arrived!
I love to get mail...the old-fashioned kind...actually in the mail! The other day I received two letters in an envelope with no return address or name. The postmark said Cincinnati, but there were no other hints.
I would like to thank both Braydon and Michael for their letters. If you are related to them, please thank them for me.
In case you can't read Braydon's letter, I will translate it here!
Dear Lou Ann Homan,
Thank you for telling us those stories. It was an honor for you. I like those stories. Thank you. I like your stories. I think your last one was the best.
from Braydon Archer
I think Braydon is right, it is an honor for me to tell stories!
Until tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
Once upon a time there was a lovely old purple house....
This past Autumn was quite fun on my little Homestead. I decided this old house needed an update in the paint department.
A few years ago I had the siding all taken off. I can't tell you what it was exactly, but it was something like a compressed cardboard. I wanted to showcase the original siding. Most of it was still in good shape with only a few repairs. It was then painted a sweet lavender with yellow and pink trim. I did love the colors, although time was not kind to the old house. The paint began to peel, the colors began to fade so something needed to be done.
When I performed in the IndyFringe last August, I noticed a lovely house next door to the Phoenix Theatre. I loved the colors and took photos sending them to my friend, neighbor, artist colleague, and house restorer, Lee. He kept getting these cryptic messages with a partial from porch or a window. I thought he knew exactly what I meant, but he did not.
When I returned home this fall we headed to the paint store to match up the little photos. We had the most trouble with the turquoise having to change it many times. Gutters also had to be purchased and some new windows.
But now here we are with a lovely bold house in my neighborhood. Did anyone say artistic??
Enjoy the photos. I do love the house.
A few years ago I had the siding all taken off. I can't tell you what it was exactly, but it was something like a compressed cardboard. I wanted to showcase the original siding. Most of it was still in good shape with only a few repairs. It was then painted a sweet lavender with yellow and pink trim. I did love the colors, although time was not kind to the old house. The paint began to peel, the colors began to fade so something needed to be done.
When I performed in the IndyFringe last August, I noticed a lovely house next door to the Phoenix Theatre. I loved the colors and took photos sending them to my friend, neighbor, artist colleague, and house restorer, Lee. He kept getting these cryptic messages with a partial from porch or a window. I thought he knew exactly what I meant, but he did not.
When I returned home this fall we headed to the paint store to match up the little photos. We had the most trouble with the turquoise having to change it many times. Gutters also had to be purchased and some new windows.
But now here we are with a lovely bold house in my neighborhood. Did anyone say artistic??
Enjoy the photos. I do love the house.
The House at White Picket Gardens
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Don't forget to vote!!
Dear Friends,
Here we are at voting day? It seems as if the campaigns have been long, but for those of us who have been working at HQ, campaigning for friends, and listening to dialog, it has come too quickly.
Please take time to vote today, and if you are hesitant, please read this week's column that I published on Sunday. Voting is our right, our responsibility, and our duty.
Good luck to all my friends who are running for office. It has been quite the whirlwind this year. I have loved it all!
Now off to the polls and then to HQ for all the last minute details!
Lou Ann
Monday, November 03, 2014
Poe Night at Trine University
My students were wonderful last week at Poe Night. It was great fun watching them rehearse, getting on their make-up, and taking to the stage. I promised them a blog full of photos so here they are. I think all of you will enjoy them as well!
My speech class only has two girls that is why you will notice so many young men. My daughter-in-law, Karen, did all the make up. All the students were good sports over that! So, I will just post some photos for you to peruse. We had a full night and had to turn some folks away!!
Enjoy.
My speech class only has two girls that is why you will notice so many young men. My daughter-in-law, Karen, did all the make up. All the students were good sports over that! So, I will just post some photos for you to peruse. We had a full night and had to turn some folks away!!
Enjoy.
Poe Night at Trine University
Photo by Justin Young |
Photo by Justin Young |
Sunday, November 02, 2014
Women fought long, hard for right to vote...
Friday, October 31, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Poe Night!
Tonight is my third annual Edgar Allan Poe Night concert at Trine University. It started as a small event in just one of my classes. Now it is a Chat event (which means the students get credit for attending a cultural event). Tonight we will have a make up artist coming in early for our make up, refreshments following the show, and specific stage lighting. The students have many special effects as well inside the performance.
We will feature "Annabelle Lee", "The Raven", and "The Masquerade of the Red Death" just to name a few.
If you are around our area, please stop by. The show begins at 7 bells in the Wells Theatre in Taylor Hall. It will be entertaining and beguiling. Hope to see everyone there for Poe Night!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Happy haunting: A witch, brooms, herbs...
Finally I am getting around to posting this week's column.
It was great fun to write, and I hope it is great fun to read as well!! Just click on the above link and it will take you right to the story!
The photos are of my back porch and my front stoop. They will make perfect sense after you read the story.
As always, thank you for supporting my work. I appreciate you.
Back porch...notice broom. |
Front stoop,..notice broom. |
Happy Hauntings!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
A bit of Shakespeare and Storytelling
This weekend is going to be great weather and the perfect weekend for Autumn events. On Friday, the Fremont Public Library will be hosting their annual Pumpkin Trail from 3:30-6:30. I will be inside telling stories by the fire. This event is for your young children, and make sure they go in costumes!
On Saturday evening Steve Etheridge and I will be sharing our ghost tails at Pokagon State Park. The event begins with children's stories at 6:30 and then adult stories at 8:00. This will be held in the pavilion so dress warmly!
Here is a photo of me telling stories at Crown Hill a couple weeks ago, compliments of Storytelling Arts of Indiana.
This is at Crown Hill Cemetery in the tent. |
I just had to add this bit from William Shakespeare. I mean, what is Halloween without the witch's chant? See you this weekend!
1 WITCH. Round about the caldron go;
Toad, that under cold stone,
In the poisoned entrails throw.—
Days and nights has thirty-one;
Swelter'd venom sleeping got,
Boil thou first i' the charmed pot!
ALL. Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
2 WITCH. Fillet of a fenny snake,
In the caldron boil and bake;
Eye of newt, and toe of frog,
Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,
Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,
Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing,—
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.
ALL. Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
Shakespeare
Act IV Scene I
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Scuffling along in the leaves with Rose Fyleman.
My back yard at the White Picket Gardens. |
Here we are in the deepest part of October. On this days of bright blue sky and sunshine, I can hardly stay inside, although there are tasks to do.
My bike and the trails call me, almost by my name, as I wander around this town and local farms. I think October makes us feel alive in every way. I love waking up to the early morning darkness, putting on wool socks, and tumbling my way downstairs to hot coffee and the beginning of the day.
When my children were young I always read this poem to them during October. Now I read it to the grandchildren. They must have a poem in their pocket as well.
This is one of my favorites, October, by Rose Fyleman.
Fyleman was an English writer and poet. She published her first poem at the age of nine, but pursued her love of music until she was in her forties. She then went verses from There are fairies in the bottom of the garden to Punch magazine and a star was born. Perhaps her name does not surface as does Elizabeth Barrett Browning, but nonetheless, when October comes, her name is whispered in the early morning frost.
October
The summer is over,
The trees are all bare,
There is mist in the garden
And frost in the air.
The meadows are empty
And gathered the sheaves--
But isn't it lovely
Kicking up leaves!
John from the garden
Has taken the chairs;
It's dark in the evening
And cold on the stairs.
Winter is coming
And everyone grieves--
But isn't it lovely
Kicking up leaves!
by Rose Fyleman
The trees are all bare,
There is mist in the garden
And frost in the air.
The meadows are empty
And gathered the sheaves--
But isn't it lovely
Kicking up leaves!
John from the garden
Has taken the chairs;
It's dark in the evening
And cold on the stairs.
Winter is coming
And everyone grieves--
But isn't it lovely
Kicking up leaves!
by Rose Fyleman
Monday, October 20, 2014
This is a fun time of year to study our town - KPCNews: Kpcnews
Friday, October 17, 2014
Architectural Tour in my Hometown!
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
A Short Story
I was invited to a party following the ghost stories at Crown Hill Cemetery last week. I am not one to turn down an event, even if it starts at 11:00!
I was one of the last to leave the storytelling tent as I was chatting away with friends and other storytellers. Finally I picked up all my things (bag, blanket, cape, etc.) and meandered back to my Jeep. Most of the cars were gone by then which made it a bit eerie, but there were a few folks leaving late like me. The lights in the tent were still on as the sound man was wrapping things up.
I put the new address into the GPS, situated myself in the Jeep, and followed the clear instructions. "Turn left. Take a right. Turn left. Turn left.") etc.
I trust my GPS. I need my GPS, but on that night I don't believe it knew it was nearing the midnight hour as my Jeep continued weaving around the curvy roads of the cemetery. I reached a gate, however, it was chained and locked.
Now I know there are several entrances to the cemetery as it is so large. There are over thirty miles of roads with the 200,000 folks calling it "home".
I started over and ended up at the same gate. Now I began to panic. I locked the doors (?) and started to look for the storytelling tent. It was as if it vanished. I drove around with headlights glaring on tombstones and old trees. Where was that tent? How will I get out of here?
After 15 minutes I finally found the storytelling tent and there was one last truck beginning to leave. Quickly I followed that vehicle and made my way to the front entrance and out on to the streets.
I was thinking if I didn't find my way out, I would have to call 911. But how to explain that one? Hmmm... I got to the party a bit late.
All in all, I now have another good story to tell.
I was one of the last to leave the storytelling tent as I was chatting away with friends and other storytellers. Finally I picked up all my things (bag, blanket, cape, etc.) and meandered back to my Jeep. Most of the cars were gone by then which made it a bit eerie, but there were a few folks leaving late like me. The lights in the tent were still on as the sound man was wrapping things up.
I put the new address into the GPS, situated myself in the Jeep, and followed the clear instructions. "Turn left. Take a right. Turn left. Turn left.") etc.
I trust my GPS. I need my GPS, but on that night I don't believe it knew it was nearing the midnight hour as my Jeep continued weaving around the curvy roads of the cemetery. I reached a gate, however, it was chained and locked.
Now I know there are several entrances to the cemetery as it is so large. There are over thirty miles of roads with the 200,000 folks calling it "home".
I started over and ended up at the same gate. Now I began to panic. I locked the doors (?) and started to look for the storytelling tent. It was as if it vanished. I drove around with headlights glaring on tombstones and old trees. Where was that tent? How will I get out of here?
After 15 minutes I finally found the storytelling tent and there was one last truck beginning to leave. Quickly I followed that vehicle and made my way to the front entrance and out on to the streets.
I was thinking if I didn't find my way out, I would have to call 911. But how to explain that one? Hmmm... I got to the party a bit late.
All in all, I now have another good story to tell.
Monday, October 13, 2014
In search of the poetry of the Great Pumpkin - KPCNews: Kpcnews
Here is the link to this week's column. As always, thank you for reading! Just click on the above link.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Coming Home!
After a lovely weekend in Indy, I drove home this morning following a trail of color. It really can't be more beautiful in Northern Indiana than it is right now. After I left the interstate, I took the back road into town. I took a short hike and this short video.
The falling leaves seemed to whisper....welcome home.
The falling leaves seemed to whisper....welcome home.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Storytelling at Crown Hill Cemetery
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