I don't generally wear t-shirts with writing on them (especially ones with corporate logos -- why would I want to pay money to advertize for a huge company??). But one of my favorite island t-shirts from years ago was solid black except for two words printed across the chest: "Ocracoke University."
Just the other day Jennifer Kidwell & I were talking about the things we like about Ocracoke. You know, you've heard me wax poetical about them many times. Things like realizing you don't have any money while you're standing in line at the store, but knowing it's OK because someone else in line will loan you the money, or the clerk will just "put it on a tab." Or folks behind the counters inviting Lachlan back into their storerooms to show him around. Or catching up on all the island news at the Post Office. Or hashing out solutions to community issues sitting around a table in the church rec. hall. Or neighbors piling your tables full of food after a death in the family.
Jennifer commented that it was "like living on a college campus." In many ways it is like being in college. Life is rather flexible here. And relaxed. Not too many schedules. We look after one another. And we're constantly learning about life and living.
We're happy we're enrolled.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter chronicles the story of commercial fishing on Ocracoke, and tells of the efforts of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association to save the island's last remeining fish house. Click here to read the entire newsletter....and learn how to make a donation.
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I agree about the t-shirts. I'd rather wear a college or school t-shirt, then to put more money into a big company's mouth. :)
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