Monday, April 18, 2011

"O" is for Ocracoke Island...

A to Z Challenge...
ABC's of My Life~
the Ocracoke Lighthouse...
Ocracoke is an island on the Outer Banks that is a mile wide and 15 miles long. It has ranked within the last five years of top beaches to visit. You can only get there by ferry so it’s not a place you ‘happen upon’ but a destination you have a strong desire to travel.



My husband and I vacationed there frequently residing at a Bed and Breakfast, biking around the island, basking in the sun on the pristine beaches, and living as part of the local community.


We’d play Bingo with the locals on Saturday night and cash our winnings at the one bank on the island. This is historical location that memorializes Blackbeard, the pirate.


Whenever I hear the mention of Ocracoke, my heart melts with recognition of memories as she has always held a special significant place in my heart. Furthermore, in May of last year I attended NCCAT which is North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. It was here in the former Coast Guard Station that I brought into being my writing voice through a seminar entitled Writing Powerful Stories.


It was five days of writing, sharing, learning, offering and critiquing that my voice was nurtured and fostered. While the confidence wanes from time to time I continue to recognize that it is MY voice, regardless of the outcomes. Inscribing is my right to be heard and the tool to project what is not only in my head but in my heart as well as the observations of life around me.


So I honor this special place, Ocracoke Island that has directed my life into newfound territory of writing and publishing, of risk-taking and venture-making.


“Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish.”

By John Jakes

31 comments:

Out on the prairie said...

What a lovely area to share. It has been a number of years since I was in this area, but I too was amazed at the beauty.

Nancy said...

I'm a big fan of John Jakes, so the quote was awesome. And I like saying "Ocracoke." It's fun -- is it a Native American name?

It's true -- everyone's voice is unique and special. I'm so glad I found you and your voice. :)

From the Kitchen said...

I was there as a child but remember it well. Your photos are wonderful. Nice memories for me.

Best,
Bonnie

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Didn't even know it existed. Thank you letting us know. We'll have to keep our eyes open the next time we're in that area.

TexWisGirl said...

what a beautiful place to give you inspiration and a push in the right direction!

Anonymous said...

Our daughter went to Ocracoke Island for vacation several years ago and just loved it. I've never been, but it's someplace I'd like to go. I love the name. It's fun to say. Enjoyed your photos! The sunset is beautiful and the water so blue!!...debbie

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Gorgeous place, Tracy. We'll be on the NC beaches in a couple of weeks (April 30-May 7).. We always go to Ocean Isle Beach (north of Myrtle)---and I cannot wait!!!!

I've never been to the Outer Banks --but would love to go there sometime. Looks fabulous.

I love lighthouses. IF I had time (which I don't) --I would travel and collect lighthouse pictures... Guess I'll stick to waterfalls for now.

Hugs,
Betsy

Bossy Betty said...

Looks like a lovely place! I like that first picture and the framing of the steeple in the distance.

Bossy Betty said...

Sorry. I was thinking steeple, but meant lighthouse.

Sylvia K said...

What a gorgeous place! I do love the beaches and the lighthouse! Definitely a place I would enjoy visiting, but your photos are the next best thing! I do relate to what you have to say regarding writing as I've written ever since I was a child. I've sold a few things, but I mainly wrote because it was an escape for me during some of the darker days. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Sylvia

KathyA said...

As many times as we've been to the NC shore, we've never been to Ocracoke. It's time we go there!

Did I ever tell you our daughter was married on Holden Beach?

Corine Moore said...

Gorgeous area! And gorgeous quote... "Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish."
By John Jakes
(you always share such great quotes!)

Thank you for being YOURSELF. You are awesome. :)

John Teal said...

Looks like the sort of places to add to a wish list of places to visit. thanks for sharing.

RJRDaydreamer

Arlee Bird said...

This sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I've spent much time throughout North Carolina, but never had the occasion to go to Ocracoke Island. Enjoyed reading your account.

Lee
Tossing It Out
Twitter hashtag: #atozchallenge

Ginny Hartzler said...

It looks like such a beautiful place. And the sand is so white!!! Love the sunset ending! You really are letting your light shine, and it's a talented one, too!

Old Kitty said...

You know it's quite tricky for me to read and pronounce this word Okracoke - Okra-coke! LOL!!

Awww but it looks so lovely and has such a wonderful place in your heart!!! Yay!!! Take care
x

Lorena G. Sims said...

That's sounds a good place to come visit. Love the pictures.

Pat Tillett said...

Great photos of what looks to be a fantastic place. I'd like to go there sometime!

Donnie said...

We loved it there many, many years ago. I'd love to go back again.

Anonymous said...

I visited and loved Ocracoke in my 20's. It was one of the hottest summers ever and the ferry ride made me a little "sea sick!" Even so, I loved that place - it was like stepping back in time!

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Oh wow I love that you shared this with us. Would love to visit here someday. I grew up on the Texas coast but our beaches are a long way from the beauty of Ocracoke.
So special that you found your voice here. Wish I could find mine.
Just ordered your book. Can't wait to read it.
Love ya
Maggie

Author Joshua Hoyt said...

What a wonderful experience. It is amazing at how much we can learn in so little time.

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Thanks for sharing beautiful pictures and your wonderful experiences. I am going to talk my husband into visiting the island some day.

Manzanita said...

What a gorgeous spot for a vacation. Days of sun and exploring and nights of bingo and winnings. :) What fun. Thank you for sharing your memory and photos.
Manzanita

mamahasspoken said...

What a beautiful place to be! It looks and sounds so peaceful. I'll have to look into going there some day.

The Words Crafter said...

MMMmmmm, I would love to visit there one day. It's been on my list for years!

septembermom said...

Looks like a beautiful place to explore and just enjoy. Thanks for sharing your memories and pictures. The quote is great too!

Connie said...

I love the beach photo, Tracy. This looks like such a lovely place to visit. :)

Robyn Campbell said...

Great pics! I've been there. Isn't it wonderful? I would love to go there this summer, BUT I'M GOING TO IRELAND. Can anyone say, "SQUEEEEEEEEEE :-)

Tiggeriffic said...

What a beautiful place this island is and a great place to sink your thoughts onto paper. Oh how I wish I could write like you girls do that challenge your minds and go to a writing seminar. WOW~! I think that is so cool.
I wrote down this Island and plan on doing a little researching as I go see my sis and brother in S.C. every March. Maybe next year we will take a visit to this island. I love your blog and so glad I found it...Have a Tiggeriffic Day and ta ta for now from Iowa:)

Sarah Anderson said...

Looks like a beautiful place to explore and just enjoy. Thanks for sharing your memories and pictures. The quote is great too!