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

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

What else is there to say?

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!

My neighborhood boat builder, Michael Byers

Click here for this week's column.

This week's column is about my neighbor, an extraordinary man. As always, thanks for reading!

Interview with a squirrel

"Writing from the Center" with Scott Russell Sanders

This summer my life has centered around my own garden with daily jaunts (on my bike) to town, storytelling performances, and community events.

I guess I could say that my garden was my artist pallett for the summer along with creating and finding new outlets for my work in my studio.

Recently (Monday evening) one of my writing books was returned to me after it circulated around my neighborhood.

As soon as I held this book in my hands, I felt compelled to open it immediately. My pencil notations were all over the book with phrases underlined, and notes to self evident in margins.

This book is "Writing from the Center" by Scott Russell Sanders. The book was written in 1995 and dedicated to Wendell Berry.

If you are a serious writer or want to feel more connected to your own home place I highly recommend this book. It may be out of print, but you can always go to Abe books!

I noticed that I made several notes to myself speaking of my pursuit of holiness and questions about who I am, how I write, and how going home can put peace into my soul.

For this summer, my soul belongs to the above garden, my House at White Picket Gardens and my community in northern Indiana.

So, where can you find your soul this summer? Just things to think about while watching fireflies or swinging at the park, or sitting outside at midnight watching the waxing moon slide against the summer sky.

As always, thanks for reading.