Author: Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin

Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin grew up in Evanston, IL. and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. She is an author of two novels: The Greening of a Heart and Facing East. She lives, writes and gardens in NC. Visit her: Stephenyhoughtlin.com

Rocky Mount, NC: To Pause At The Threshold of 2024

To Pause at the Threshold is a slim volume written by Esther de Waal. She writes about a traditional ancient wisdom that says, "A threshold is a sacred thing." It marks the end of one thing and the beginning of another, the places in between, the points of transition. Pausing after Christmas, I wonder what … Continue reading Rocky Mount, NC: To Pause At The Threshold of 2024 →

Part 3: Costly RM Downtown Plans Are Unnecessary-Ask Stepheny At No Charge

Stepheny's Free Plan calls for a sexy black book that, among other things, has the names and contact info of every out of town owner of Main Street commercial architecture. I would send them a collective weekly e-mail about anything that is positive, any progress being made around their investment with the intent of bridging … Continue reading Part 3: Costly RM Downtown Plans Are Unnecessary-Ask Stepheny At No Charge →

Part 2: Costly RM Downtown Plans Are Unnecessary-Ask Stepheny At No Charge

The empty building, 146 SW Main, next door to Virginia's is owned by New Yorker, Robbie Hothan. He also owns the Coco-Cola building in town. The renovation is on hold after encountering mildew and taking flooring out that has not been replaced. The board over the broken window is a deep bruise that vandals caused. … Continue reading Part 2: Costly RM Downtown Plans Are Unnecessary-Ask Stepheny At No Charge →

PART 1 – Costly RM Downtown Plans Are Unnecessary-Ask Stepheny At No Charge

Project by project, Rocky Mount is building anew, and preserving, restoring, and repurposing its historical commercial architecture. The by-line on this blog is honoring the past, building a future. It is amazing that wonderful things are happening in spite of how often we shoot ourselves in the foot. It is no secret that I can … Continue reading PART 1 – Costly RM Downtown Plans Are Unnecessary-Ask Stepheny At No Charge →

Rocky Mount, NC – The Houses Are Beginning to Blink and Sparkle

Each year when I return from a mountain Thanksgiving, I anticipate my neighbors on either side to have worked their magic. Once again the hours of work produced a beautiful sight. I will enjoy this gift of light each evening. Below I'm sharing my tree with you from last year because this year it's going … Continue reading Rocky Mount, NC – The Houses Are Beginning to Blink and Sparkle →