An Ocracoke Sunset

I usually work in the evenings telling stories through haunted graveyards, Bawdy Stories, and the Opry so it is a rare night that I am able to enjoy an evening off. Such was the case on Monday night. I spun out onto the sandy lane with my bike to enjoy the salty night air and to photograph some sunset photos. I was able to enjoy early evening kayakers and the sounds of the night. There was one couple that was trying to take photos of each other against the darkening sky. I asked if I could take their photo for them, and here they are. I don't know their names, but if you recognize them from vacationing here, let them know about this lovely photo from Ocracoke Island!

Night Blooming Cereus

Last night I was invited to a Night Blooming Cereus Party. The evening's event did not start until after 10:00 to make sure this gorgeous flower would begin blooming.

This night blooming plant only sends off a few blooms (after waiting seven years for the first bloom!) and it should not be missed. A friend of mine, Jude, called to say that last night would be the night. Everyone scurried with evening work. I had a ghost walk, there were other events on Ocracoke as well. I wore a white sundress to celebrate this occasion.

When Philip and I arrived, the plant was still just in bud. Everyone was disappointed, but sat out on the patio with a nice cold white wine and chatted until the midnight hour. As we began to leave, we noticed the three blooms were beginning to open. We stood literally watching as each petal opened up before our eyes. I took this photo in the wee hours. I understand that by daybreak, the bud would close never to be opened again. None of us stayed around that long, but what a wonderful event.

This past week's column and by the way, still not on the radio!!

This week's article, enjoy! (P.S. I am at the radio station right now getting ready to sweep the floor!!)

 http://www.kpcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10201

Premiere of Bawdy Stories!

Tonight is the premiere of Bawdy Stories and Songs with my friends, Sundae Horn and Marcy Brenner. The show will be held at the Deep Water Theater here on Ocracoke Island every Friday night at 9:00. Adults Only! Tickets are $10.00 at the door. Hope to see you one of these Friday nights!



Early morning photo....

 

I went out to the beach early this morning before the sun came up to walk upon the cool damp sand after yesterday's rain and storms. It was perfect for making castles, but I was the only one there for miles, so it seemed. I took several photos of the early sun, the sea oats, but on my way back I caught a glimpse of this seagull and photographed him in midair.

My Uncle Dean, who is my writing and photography mentor, always tells me that it is the unexpected which makes the great pictures or the great stories. We head out the door expecting and looking for one thing, but waiting in the shadows (or in the sun) is what we really want or need.

Just a bit of artistic wisdom from my island to you.

Mad Mag's Studio

I took these photos early this morning of Mad Mag's Studio. As I said before, it is a restored old summer kitchen and washhouse. It is definitely a work in progress...as is my writing. After an early morning beach walk, great coffee and some household chores in the cottage, it is nice to retreat to my studio and write away the morning hours!

Mad Mag's Studio



View from one of the side windows!





Work in progress!!

Poetry for our photos...

There were so many photos taken during our week on Ocracoke that I don't know how to involve all the photos...maybe a few at a time. In the meanwhile, I put together this poem to describe our magical week!

Photos

Turquoise edges of liquid sea

Splash into the faces of children.

Sun-kissed warm cheeks

Tell flashlight stories as the sun hides behind the sea.

Families pose, fish are caught, dreams are discussed

As we bring our souls to the table.

Pirates whisper under the sea

As we shout on the top of salt and waves.

The glasses are raised, the children sleep

And we lock elbows and hearts to the island’s swaying.

Ahhhh, our family vacation.