July 4th Schedule

Red, white, & blue banners are popping up around the village, as islanders and visitors prepare for Independence Day celebrations. If you will be on the island for the 4th of July you will probably want to know what we have in store for you. Here is the schedule:

9 am -- Flag Raising at the school
9:30 - Noon -- Sand Sculpture Contest at Lifeguard Beach
10 - Noon -- Ocracoke Ponies at the OPS Museum
10 -2 -- Classic Car Display at the Pony Island Motel
10 - 2 -- Ocracoke Lighthouse is open to the public. Although no one is permitted to climb the stairs, the ground floor is open, and two native islanders will be there to answer your questions.
10 - 10:30 -- Sky Diving by "The Herd," landing on the lawn at the Pony Island Motel
3 pm -- Traditional old-time island parade through the village
9 pm -- Fireworks Display from the NCCAT campus (the former US Coast Guard Station)

Hope to see you there!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the second half of my father's short journal. I call it Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke. You can read it here.

Newsletter

I've published another Ocracoke Newsletter. This month I share the second half of my father's short journal. I call it Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke. You can read it here.

More About Friends

The book I am currently reading is The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. Kirkus Reviews had this to say: "This wise, witty ramble reads like Paul Theroux channeling David Sedaris on a particularly good day."

On Thursday night, when the "three young gypsies" (that's what we call Kyle, Paige, & Ben, the three college students who are working on Ocracoke this summer, and are staying in the gypsy wagon) stopped by to chat, talk turned to friends, and the unique sense of community we enjoy here on the island. I was reminded of a paragraph in The Geography of Bliss that I had just read, so I got out my book and read it aloud for them. I share it with our readers for reflection:

"...[T]he greatest source of happiness is other people--and what does money do? It isolates us from other people. It enables us to build walls, literal and figurative, around ourselves. We move from a teeming college dorm to an apartment to a house and, if we're really wealthy, to an estate. We think we're moving up, but really we're walling off ourselves."

Like most assertive statements like that, it is not entirely or always true, but it is certainly food for thought.

I know our summer has been enriched by having the three young gypsies as neighbors.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Friends

Life is never entirely predictable, especially on Ocracoke Island. Family & friends are frequently stopping by to chat and visit. We were sitting on the porch swing, enjoying the evening breeze, last night when college students, Ben, Paige, & Kyle, came over with stuffed olives and wine. We shared stories and world views until nearly midnight. What a fun time! This morning, as Lou Ann & I were cleaning and organizing the house, a friend from college stopped by. H.B. and I hadn't seen each other for quite some time, so Lou Ann and I put down our brooms and mops and enjoyed an hour of catching up. Maybe H.B. will join us for a Ghost Walk tonight, or even a few hands of poker later on. And we'll be sure to wander down to the docks this weekend and spend some time on his sailboat.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Storytelling

Yesterday morning and today, at 10:30 am, participants in Donald Davis' storytelling workshop entertain folks in the side yard of the Ocracoke Preservation Society museum. Typically, every seat is taken as three tellers share often humorous tales (frequently of growing up in the south).

Last night at the Ocrafolk Opry Donald himself shared a hilarious story about his experience as a second grader in the mountains of North Carolina.

If you are on the island be sure to come out to Deepwater Theater Friday night for more storytelling (or maybe you'll want to join Amy, Lou Ann, or me for a ghost & history walk...we have a few good tales also -- just sign up at Village Craftsmen).

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Early Morning Rain

We've been getting a good soaking this morning. And we can use it. The sandy soil has been so dry. But it shouldn't last long. The radar shows just two small patches of precipitation -- one directly over the village, the other over Hatteras Inlet. Otherwise eastern North Carolina looks clear. The clouds parted briefly about a half hour ago, and we were treated with another rainbow...but it didn't last long.

Nevertheless, right now it feels like the perfect day to curl up with a good book. I'm guessing that's how many of our island visitors are feeling as they watch the rain cascading down their windows. At the moment anyway, this is not the perfect beach day. But soon it may turn out to be.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Sunset

Last evening Lou Ann and I biked down to the sound shore to enjoy the sunset. A fishing trawler was working out in the sound as the setting sun turned the sky a rich, golden hue.



As the sun hid behind a bank of low lying clouds two kayakers paddled by.



Thanks to Lou Ann (who, unlike me, almost always brings her camera along).

You can click on either photo to see a larger image.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Dolphins

The ocean was so gentle this morning. Languorous waves rolled in and seemed to caress the beach. We walked for a couple of miles enjoying the Caribbean-like colors, and looking for seashells. Then, suddenly, the dolphins appeared. There were only a few of them, but they were so close to shore that Lou Ann was able to get several good photos. We hope you enjoy this one.



Click on the photo to view a larger image.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Happy Father's Day!

Lachlan stopped over this morning and told me he and his daddy were going to the Coffee Company for a smoothie. I gave him ten dollars and helped him stuff it down in the very bottom of his pants pocket. "This is a secret," I told him. "When you get to the cashier, pull out the ten dollars, hand it to the person behind the counter, and say, 'It's my treat today...Happy Father's Day Daddy!'"

It was a good idea...but he forgot. I guess he was too excited about getting a smoothie. Or maybe something else was going on. David says that about half way home Lachlan commented that he had some money...and was thinking about what he could spend it on!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

The Beach

I just realized that I haven't mentioned the beach in a while. But it's not for want of going there. Lou Ann & I have been making a point of enjoying a morning walk down by the surf. It's not so hot, and we often have the whole beach to ourselves. It's a great way to start the day. A short dip in the water makes it all the more fun. Today the waves were moderate, with no rip currents or undertow. It is so refreshing. Maybe we'll even go back soon with a couple of beach chairs and books. Wave if you see us there.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

New Bike

Lou Ann and I were off island yesterday. We had a few errands to run "up the beach," as we say. We stopped and picked up a new, bright red beach cruiser (it was an early birthday present for Lou Ann). For the last seven years she's just had one old junker after another. Her last bike was so rusted that the handlebars just gave way and collapsed a few days ago. She said she was happier yesterday, than she was at ten years old, when she got her first new bike.

Oh yes, she also got a brand new pink cell phone! She's like a little kid who just got a pez dispenser.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Beware

A number of years ago my daughter's boyfriend (who had a great sense of humor) decided to immortalize Amy's male relatives. At the time my dad was a widower, my son Stefen was young and unmarried, and I was without a girlfriend. Marty lettered a wooden sign and hung it in a tree over Howard Street. It became an instant focus of attention and amusement.



After some months I decided that the sign might be seen as a perfect complement to a dorm room somewhere, and I removed it. It has been in storage for years. Just a few days ago I hung it up on my front porch. Maybe we'll keep it there!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Sunrise, by Lou Ann

(Click on photo to view larger image.)

I rise early as the scent of the sea and the cacophony of the early morning birds spreads through the open windows. I make a pot of coffee and make sure my camera is charged for this early morning journey toward the sunrise over the sea. I toss my camera over my shoulder, fill the cup with coffee and head out.

There are a few bikers and walkers. We nod as we pass. A pink hue begins to form in the East so I know I must hurry to catch this wild beauty on Ocracoke Island. I toss my cup down among the sea oats and my breath catches in my throat. It is the solitude of watching this magnificent event with not a soul in sight. The sun and sky, sand and water weave their morning dance. I take a few shots, then just put the camera back over my shoulder , pick up my cup, and let morning begin on its own as I meander down the beach. Another day arrives on this tiny ribbon of sand out to sea.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Congratulations...

...to our nine Ocracoke High School graduates. Yesterday evening the school gymnasium was crowded with parents, grandparents, other relatives, and members of the community for commencement exercises. With only nine seniors everything was personalized, including the principal's comments, the salutatory and valedictory addresses, and the commencement address.

We wish all the best to our graduates:

• Tristan Bennink
• Michelle Cartwright
• Robert Chestnut
• Seth Huppert
• Rebecca Jones
• Emma Lovejoy
• Sandra Lukefahr
• Ansley Robinson
• Dellanira Romero

In addition to honoring our graduating seniors, the school recognized Janey & Dick Jacoby with the Community Service Award for their volunteer contributions to Ocracoke Preservation Society, the Ocracoke Fire Department, and the Ocracoke Methodist Church.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Flag Day

A reader recently reminded me that today is Flag Day. On this date in 1777 the Second Continental Congress adopted the stars and stripes as our national flag. President Woodrow Wilson issued the first proclamation (in 1916) that officially established June 14 as Flag Day. Congress followed suit in August, 1949 to set aside today as National Flag Day.



Click on photo to view larger image.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Thunderstorm

What a dazzling display of lightning last night about 7:15! The sky darkened as storm clouds rolled in, and sand danced down the lane as if trying to outrun the wind and rain. Kyle and Paige joined us on the pizer to watch the spectacle. It was quite a show.

But the storm passed by as quickly as it appeared. By 8:00 the skies were clearing, and we walked down the lane to enjoy the fresh scent of damp sand and cedars. And there, up above my house, was a stunning double rainbow.

Lou Ann took the photo, but the second rainbow was fading by then.



(Click on photo to view larger image.)

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Festival Images

Well...these pictures are actually from the Sunday night jam session at our house. I didn't take any photos during the festival itself. I didn't even take these pictures. Lou Ann did. But I hope you enjoy seeing a few of the performers winding down after a weekend full of excitement and high energy.

Click on any photo to view a larger image.

Mandolin Orange (Emily & Andrew, with Michael in the background):



Lewis cutting up:



Andrew playing an original number:



Bob Zentz enjoying watching Lachlan "playing" his harmonica:



Bob on his squeeze box:



Rick Lee performing "Follow the Heron Home":



35 Folks crowded on my back porch:



Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Wydge

Our good friend Jim spent this past weekend with us, as did my brother and his friend Jamie. Jim came from Manteo, and Bud & Jamie drove down from Chesapeake, so I suppose you could say they each were on a short wydge or woidge.

Some years ago it was typical for some O'cockers to replace initial Vs with Ws. "Village" became "willage," "visitor" became "wisitor," and "voyage" became "woyage" (or "wydge," ...typically pronounced "woidge").

Now everyone has returned home, and it's time to catch up on life's details after an exciting weekend of family, friends, music, and good times.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Mandolin Orange

Monday night & Tuesday night the Jolly Roger restaurant was fortunate to have one of the newest additions to the OcraFolk festival provide evening music on the dock. Mandolin Orange, an acoustic duo consisting of Emily Frantz and Andrew Marlin, entertained diners with a melodic assortment of original and well-known tunes on fiddle, guitar, and, of course, mandolin.

Mandolin Orange was so popular at the festival that they sold out of CDs long before the weekend was over. You can listen to a bit of their music on line at
http://www.myspace.com/mandolinorange

We're looking forward to having them back on the island sometime soon!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

More About The Festival

This past weekend was simply packed with good things. The school gym was overflowing (with people & tasty dishes) for Friday night's pot luck dinner which began at 6:00 pm. From 7:30 to 9:00 pm we auctioned off art work, hand crafts, island memorabilia, dinners, lodging, antiques, and more. All proceeds went to help fund the festival.

Nationally known storyteller, Bil Lepp, entertained the crowd with one of his famous tall tales.

Saturday morning began overcast with a slight drizzle, but the skies soon cleared. The rest of the weekend was near perfect with low temperatures and low humidity. Artisan booths filled with pottery, paintings, woodwork, stained glass, carvings, needlework, photography, and much more lined School Road and Howard Street.

Musicians and storytellers performed on two stages, one on Howard Street and the other on School Road. There was jazz, blues, rock, bluegrass, and folk...and even a funky "British Invasion" band. Deepwater Theater hosted children's activities and Clyde Jones created one of his distinctive chainsaw sculptures.

At the festival information booth you could purchase CDs, t-shirts, and books. Some performers sold out long before the festival was over.

I almost forgot! -- The Green Grass Cloggers entertained folks with fancy footwork...and everyone had a chance to learn the Ocracoke square dance as well as a contra dance or two.

Sunday activities included the popular gospel sing in the morning, and more music, storytelling, food, and crafts in the afternoon.

One of the year's highlights for me is Sunday night when Lou Ann and I invite the musicians to gather on my back porch to wind down with pizza, beer, wine, and an informal jam session. This year about 35 folks showed up with fiddles, guitars, mandolins, and other instruments -- keyboard, ukulele, dobrow, flute, penny whistle, and squeeze box, to name a few. Lachlan brought out his harmonica, pulled a chair up to the musicians' circle and blew some notes along with the best of them. He said he liked being a part of the band. When it was time for bed he waved to everyone and said, "I'll see you all at Deep Water Theater the next time we play!"

I hope to have a few pictures in a couple of days. In the meanwhile, if you were here for the festival and want to add anything, please leave a comment.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Festival

This weekend's OcraFolk Festival has been a huge success...and just plain wonderful. But it's been a whirlwind of music, storytelling, dancing, miming, craft displays, family, friends, food, and last minute responsibilities. Thus, no journal entries for the last couple of days. There's more to do even now, so I'll leave you with a promise to write more about the festival in the next day or two.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Beach Walk

There weren't many people in the water yesterday. The ocean was rough, and it was a bit windy. Nevertheless, folks were out on the beach, sitting in folding chairs reading, lying on towels in the lee of a large beach umbrella, fishing, or walking along the tide line searching for shells. I didn't even see any kites.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Shackly

Before WWII Silver Lake Harbor was a shallow tidal creek. Islanders still use the traditional name, Cockle Creek (or just "the Creek"), to refer to the harbor. Although it was shallow (only 3-4 feet deep) it was as wide as it is today. Then, as now, the harbor was connected with the sound at the "Ditch" (the narrow inlet adjacent to the old Coast Guard Station).

Two narrow streams (or "guts" as islanders called them) flowed from the Creek toward the bald beach. These streams (the big gut, and the little gut) effectively divided Ocracoke village into two main sections (Down Point, the area that included the lighthouse; and Around Creek, the area that included the present-day Methodist Church). A friendly rivalry developed between creekers and pointers that continues to this day.

Eventually simple foot bridges were built across the guts in several places. Blanche has told me often that the bridges were shackly (shaky or rickety). I know this word is sometimes used elsewhere, but it is not common, and I suspect that Ocracoke is one of the few communities where it still survives.

Bridge over one of the guts:



(Click on photo to view larger image.)

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

This Coming Weekend...

...Ocracoke will host the tenth annual Music and Storytelling Festival. We call it the OcraFolk Festival. Posters and banners have been put up all over the village. If you are on the island, or planning to be, this Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday, be sure to wander down School Road and Howard Street. Two stages will be set up for performances (one next to Books to be Red, the other next to Village Craftsmen), and artisans' booths will line the roads.

In addition to music, stories, and crafts there will be a pot luck dinner & auction (Friday evening), a square dance (Saturday evening), food vendors, kids' activities, chainsaw sculpture demonstrations, and a wandering mime.

You can read more about the festival here. Hope to see you this weekend.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.

Givvy

Not much is givvy on the island today, unless there are clothes out on the line. This is another beautiful spring day. Low humidity, and no rain in sight. What wonderful sleeping weather it has been. A refreshing breeze was wafting through the open windows last night. This is the perfect day to put that second coat of paint on the porch and porch swing.

"Givvy" in island speak, means damp or moist. It is often used about wash that is hanging on the clothesline. Some time ago I was using a sponge, and thought to myself that it only "gave" when it was wet. I think that's where the word "givvy" comes from.

If you're on the island be sure to spend some time outdoors (on the beach??) to soak up the sunshine.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is "Remembering Growing up on Ocracoke" by Lawton Howard. You can read it here.