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.



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

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!





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



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

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!

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!