Honoring the Past, Building a Future
I hope you’ve spent time with Yalem, either at The Prime Smokehouse or at NABS Deli and Coffee Shop. She has now released a new cookbook. Part of Yalem’s worldview is that we are all tied to something larger. Her culinary journey, from Ethiopia to everywhere life has taken her, has taught her that no … Continue reading Rocky Mount’s Beautiful Lady: Yalem Kiros’s New Cook Book
A few years back, I bookmarked an article about David Zinn, a street artist known for his delightful chalk creatures. His whimsical drawings, reminiscent of children's book illustrations, feature friendly animals interacting with their surroundings in clever ways. Using optical illusions, he creates the illusion of bottomless chasms, hidden tunnels, or playful creatures peeking out … Continue reading Drawing Attention: A Playful Vision for Street Art in Rocky Mount, NC
I read another book! And as always, it got me thinking. This time, it was about how America has a long history of calling on experts outside of politics to help solve big problems. Yet today, when Elon Musk is asked to lend his expertise, the response is pure politics. If one president asks him … Continue reading Elon Musk and the American Tradition of Calling on Experts
I am excited to announce the publication of my 3rd novel, Repairers of the Breach. On Amazon you will find an E-book version and paperback. Part of the book is dedicated to the Repairers of the breach in Rocky Mount, NC and to the Prisms of Light who are involved in the revitalization of Main … Continue reading Publication of New Novel By Stepheny Houghtlin
The backstory to this post is The Robert E. Lee Monument; the historic statue dedicated to Confederate General Robert E. Lee by noted American sculptor Alexander Doyle. It was removed (intact) by official order and moved to an unknown location on May 19, 2017. The monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places … Continue reading Another Reason To Save Rocky Mount’s Boarded Homes
I'm always interested in watercolor sketches of architecture. I want you to see these prints of several familiar North Carolina cities that are available on Etsy. Soon enough Rocky Mount will warrant a poster. This is a call to our local artists to envision a future exhibit featuring our architecture. We could link the exhibit with … Continue reading The Artist’s Eye Upon The Emerging Main Street Scene
Main Street Rocky Mount 