Missoula Children's Theatre Descends on Angola once again!!

This was Jonah a few years ago when he was in the Tortoise and the Hare!

Hendry Park Elementary School once again has brought the Missoula Children's Theatre to our town. This is the 11th year for this wonderful adventure for our elementary students.

It is always my great honor to house and host the directors. This year the directors are Vicki Pace and C.J. Bonde. 

The show is "Aladdin" and it is full of singing, suspense and the hunt of Ali Baba. Jonah is playing the part of Ali Baba in this production.

If you are in the area, please come on out to the show. Showtimes are Friday night (tonight) at 7:00 and tomorrow at noon. Both shows are at the Angola High School (the new high school) and there is no charge so bring the whole family.

Who knows? Maybe next year you will have some kids of your own take part in this wonderful adventure.

See you at the show!

Local couple taking lights, camera and action to save historic buildings in Angola -- and here, too - News-Sentinel.com

Local couple taking lights, camera and action to save historic buildings in Angola -- and here, too - News-Sentinel.com

We are so honored and delighted to have this historic restoration happening in our town. Last night the Angola Historic Preservation Commission gave the OK to begin the restoration of the facade to the original 1931 look. I don't have an opening date yet, but I will certainly announce it when I do. You can also follow the restoration on Facebook: Brokaw 1 & 2 Theatre. The Facebook page is full of videos and photos and objects found in the dark of night. The News-Sentinel in Fort Wayne did a wonderful story as well. Please just click on the above link for the full story!

I have always been proud to live in my town, but I am especially happy for this lovely piece of history coming back to life.

Easter is about rebirth and forgiveness...

Easter is about rebirth and forgiveness - KPCNews: Kpcnews

This week's column is about so much that you will just have to read it for yourself! Just click on the above link.  I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and a Happy Easter to all of you. This photo is from my dear friend's garden. Jake and Steve Wahlig have one of the most beautiful gardens in town. You can actually see it from the library and often their flowers grace the check out areas. Thank you to Jake and Steve for making a town just a little more beautiful!  Lou Ann

"In The Quiet" by Rhon Van Erman

I would like to share this piece of music with you. It was written and performed by my neighbor and friend, Rhon Van Erman. He is a very talented musician as you will see.

Rhon wrote this piece for Good Friday so I used it today in lieu of a church service. There are many more selections on his youtube channel. 

Thank you, Rhon, for such a beautiful piece.

The First Spring Rain...

Rainstorm in Union Square by Childe Hassam, 1890

This morning was the first rain storm of Spring. I heard it begin to rumble in the West and within minutes rain was pouring down on this old house of mine. It was such a lovely sound with the pelting rain and the thunder. I used this poem last night at the Cherry Blossom Festival so I wanted to share it with you tonight as well. Enjoy. 

Spring Rain by Sara Teasdale

I thought I had forgotten, 

But it all came back again 

To-night with the first spring thunder 

In a rush of rain.

I remembered a darkened doorway 

Where we stood while the storm swept by, 

Thunder gripping the earth 

And lightning scrawled on the sky.

The passing motor busses swayed, 

For the street was a river of rain, 

Lashed into little golden waves 

In the lamp light's stain.

With the wild spring rain and thunder 

My heart was wild and gay; 

Your eyes said more to me that night 

Than your lips would ever say. . . .

I thought I had forgotten, 

But it all came back again 

To-night with the first spring thunder 

In a rush of rain. 

Cherry Blossom Festival...

Wednesday evening, April 1, one of my effective speaking classes will be hosting Cherry Blossom Festival. This evening will provide beautiful spring poetry accompanied by harpist, Sarah Davenport.

I think what will make this festival even more charming is the fact that I have several international students in this class, and they will be sharing poetry in their native language.

The event begins at 7:00 in Wells Theatre on the lovely Trine campus. Come early to get a seat. There is no admission fee.

April brings us a month filled with poetry...

April brings us a month filled with poetry - KPCNews: Kpcnews

One small shelf in my studio!!

April is National Poetry Month so here is my weekly column celebrating it! As always, thank you for reading, and what is your favorite poem? Just click on the above link for the story!