Why is My Life So Difficult?

This is what I have to look at everyday...
...and this is what I do on the weekends, carve birds out of wood and strategically place them on book shelves. Maia's bird is on the right mine is on the left.

OBX v IBX

So, having now been to the Outer Banks twice now, and at the Inner Banks for a week, I can pretty much say I'm a major authority on the area. Well, the Outer Banks are alright especially if you're into the ocean, seaside house rentals, and fried seafoods. Oh, and also all sorts of "first in flight" fanfare. Coming from Dayton I'm not that impressed. You can't swing a cat without hitting something named after the Wrights or some sculpture dedicated to them. I would probably give the OBX about a B. Now, the Inner Banks that's where the excitement is. You still get your seafood (fried of course), the terrain is pretty sweet...swampy but in a really pretty way, and there are quaint little towns like Columbia and Edenton to explore. Nag's Head is not what you would call quaint. I give the IBX an -A to an A. Check it out for your next travel destination.

Cabin Fever

One of the best things about Pocosin is that it has some amazing collections. Among those collections are a rack of handmade dresses and some flashy hats. Sometimes when everyone goes home for the day and the work is done and there's not much else to do the spirit moves you and pushes you to your creative limits. I think Maia and I have only just scratched the surface of those limits.

It feels like spring here but you can tell it's fall because of the desserts

Nekkid People

So, from what I gather if you are not originally from Columbia you stick out like a sore thumb and people notice and that is not always a good thing. Even if you are from another part of the state you are still considered a bit of an outsider. It is a small town and apparently everyone knows everyone and their business. People have their set ways and aren't always receptive to new things. The ladies who run Pocosin Arts Center were talking today how some people in town are a little put off by the place stating that "That's where the nekkid people are". It's true, folk artists do prefer to work in the nude...potters, blacksmiths, weavers...all naked.
Although, everyone I've met in town has been very nice and Pocosin does do a lot for the community especially with the school...who doesn't love community building?

Day 2

Today was our second day off so Maia and I decided to explore some of the surrounding locations. We first went to a nature preserve that was way out in the countryside. Driving to it was kind of like driving in Namibia. Lots of gravel roads that turned into dirt roads with pot holes. Not so fun. The park was ok. It was right on the Albamarle and seemed more like a place to launch boats and kayaks than hike. Also there were a lot of mosquitoes...not fun at all. So we left and went to the OBX...that's the Outer Banks. We went to the ocean and hung out there watching some guys try to surf. It was a really warm day and we probably could have gone swimming...well I wouldn't, but one could. So we checked out Nag's Head a little bit and then decided it was too touristy, not as touristy as Gatlinburg, but I really appreciate the low key, relaxed feel of Columbia.
Also, I have had the...experience...of trying Scuppernong wine.

Columbia! Columbia!

Here are some pictures of Columbia, North Carolina for you to enjoy. You can hold a salt shaker in front of your nose when you look at them so you get the full experience, 'cause that's what it smells like here.

Here is the room I am staying in. Where I am standing is where the big bed is. You may notice the cot on the floor...that is also a sleeping option.

This is what most of Main St. looks like. This is not directly across the street from Pocosin, but pretty close. Everything is pretty much walkable.

Here is a really nice festive window decoration in one of the stores.This is on the board walk on the Scuppernong River. Lots of wetlands around here. In fact Pocosin is the Algonquin word for "Swamp on the Hill".

The Next Big Thing

So, I have left the mountains of Tennessee for the swamp lands of North Carolina. I am currently in the the town of Columbia, NC at the Pocosin Arts Center where I will be helping to set up a metals studio that I will later be using. It's actually very beautiful here. It's not totally swamp, but there is a place not too far from me called Dismal Swamp. There are still black bears here though, so watch out. There is lots of sea food and scuppernong wine. Two of my favorites. But really, everything is very historic looking and the room I am staying in is all brick walls and wood floors and probably haunted by some swamp bear. I am really looking forward to my time here.