Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter has just been published. It is entitled "Late Night can be Bathed in a Beautiful Light" by Lou Ann. It is her reflective account of a late night gathering of island friends to celebrate the midnight blooming of a Cereus cactus.
You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072111.htm.
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Charming, well-written story, Lou Ann, and uniquely Ocracoke Island.....from beginning to end.
ReplyDeleteThe night-blooming Cereus cactus is breathtaking and the story is lovely. What makes it so meaningful to me is that seeing this lovely cactus bloom past midnight is an "event" and folks take the time to enjoy a flower blooming. This is what makes experiencing and embracing Ocracoke Island so special! People notice...simple as that....people notice the simpliest joys whether it's convenient to do so in the daylight hours, or well past midnight!
And, your story, Lou Ann, makes me ponder about that hard life that Miss Aliph and others had to endure way back when on Ocracoke. The simpliest enjoyment as drinking fresh water required much effort and diligence. No one had time to ponder a chore. The days were filled with many tasks which were necessary just for survival. The spunk these women exhibited was no different than what pioneering women displayed in the wild west!
Ocracoke Island is precious because it is delicate & oh so fragile....just like a lovely night blooming flowering cactus. Jude's rare cactus is beautiful....just like Ocracoke!
Thanks so much for sharing! This NC mainlander really enjoyed seeing Jude's cactus and reading your story!
A fascinating read Lou Ann-it's good to get a different perspective from time to time. I don't think my ancestors KNEW they were living in "Paradise". I did not know Philip's house was not built by a Howard-must have been a very sad story. Curious-why do you call your space the Mad Mag Studio? Interesting cactus story-did not get pic for whatever reason. Your photos are always enjoyed & appreciated. THANKS.
ReplyDeleteA google search of night booming Cereus catus-- reveals that many a writer have been inspired by this plant. A poet Robert Hayden is mentioned . That photo of the house-- that house is only 1000 sq ft, even as a two story structure? To think a woman raised 11 children in such a small house and she didn't go stir crazy makes me think that a great deal of her day was spent out side or else where. Honestly, now a days people seem to cocoon-- as Faith Popcorn coined the phrase no more square dances or barn raising in the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteOff topic, but do you have any more info about the child bitten by a shark yesterday? I hope she's going to be okay.
ReplyDeleteYou can read about Mad Mag here -- http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2009/01/mad-mag.html
ReplyDeleteI have heard conficting unofficial reports re. the recent shark attack. Some indicate that it was a serious injury...others suggest that it was relatively minor...at least as these things go. I will post more when I have reliable information. The attack did occur about 5:30 pm. Sharks are most active at night, and at dawn & dusk. It is best to stay out of the water at those times.
ReplyDeletePhilip-read about Mad Mag-how creepy! Thanks ...I guess.
ReplyDeleteJust heard on WRAL-TV in Raleigh that the little girl who was bitten by the shark @ Ocracoke is doing well @ Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville and she was quoted as saying she did NOT like sharks! Thankful that her injuries were not more serious. From the story I heard @ 6 p.m., she will be fine. Close call, though!
ReplyDeleteThe 6 year old girl's family has released the following statement: "Our daughter is in good condition after receiving a shark bite to the right leg. The shark attack occurred in two feet of water on Ocracoke Island. Mom was ten feet away and witnessed the event. Paramedics arrived promptly and she received excellent medical attention from EMS personnel, life-flight crew, and Pitt County Memorial Hospital medical staff in Greenville. She is in good spirits, declaring this morning that, 'I hate sharks. I like dolphins way better.'
ReplyDeleteFrom this point forward, we will not be releasing any additional information about her condition. Also, we will not be granting any media interviews. Thank you for respecting our privacy."
Ocracoke Park Ranger, Kenny Ballance, added this information: "Late afternoon and early morning are the most common times of day to see these sharks so close to shore." He says the last shark attack on Ocracoke was more than 35 years ago.
what about the house. so sorry for little girl, she lives- wants to go back to anonymity--the house , the house, what about the house-- so small, is it????
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