July 2010

The Day My World Changed.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."- Anais Nin


The moment that will change your life forever doesn't march in carrying a banner that says "THIS IS IT". When you are in the moment, it just seems like a normal moment in your life. It is only through time that we realize, wow, if I hadn't done (fill in the blank) then (fill in the blank) would never have happened, and how totally different my life would have been.


Exactly 33 years ago today I met my BFF at CMU freshmen orientation. I was entering a lecture room in Anspach Hall and saw her sitting alone. It was a chance glance (bright, white legs) to the left that would change our lives forever. 


I don't even remember what Jeanee and I talked about that first day, I just remember how engaging and cheerful she was. How she made me laugh and how she accepted me for me. And the only thing I knew about our future, was that we would be great friends. (Especially after meeting up with her and her mother, Jeanette, at The Cabin for Jeanee's 18th birthday celebration later that evening! That sealed the deal.)


Our lives wouldn't always be spent by each other's side, but we knew we were always there. Life would send each of us in different directions, but our connection always kept us in touch and many times pulled us together again. As a bridesmaid in her wedding I would meet my future husband, her brother. My best friend would be my children's aunt. Our families were forever connected. See what I mean by life changing? If I hadn't met her, who would I have been married to now? Would I have children? The world WOULD have been a different and incomplete place for me without her. 


During these 33 years there has never been anyone else in my life that has shared with me what she has, our life stories are intertwined, sometimes bittersweet, but always full of memories of laughter and love. And, most importantly, understanding and forgiveness. 

Happy 51st birthday girlfriend.

Jinxed It.

Last week I was lamenting for my fellow Americans in the Gulf Coast, and pondering the impact that such a disaster could have on Michigan. Looks like I jinxed it. We're about to find out. Right now 800,000+ gallons of oil have flowed into the Kalamazoo River. The Kalamazoo River flows into Lake Michigan.

When are we going to come together and put greed aside and think about the future of our planet?

Americans talk about how hard it is to break our addiction to oil, it can't be done. I understand it is difficult. A lot of things in life have been. America was built on a history of hard.

History proves THAT is when Americans rose to the occassion. We've crossed formidable oceans to start new lives, we've stopped incurable diseases, we stepped foot on the moon. People said it couldn't be done, but we proved them wrong.

Now we are at a crucial turning point in our survival as a human race. Have we given up on that can do spirit? Have we lost our ability to innovate? Have we lost our desire to care about a better life for our future generations?

Right now, I'm hanging my head in sorrow.

Follow the story here.

Just Another Day In Paradise!

These are my roots and this is what I love

Cause everybody knows me and I know them

And I believe that's the way we were supposed to live

Wouldn't trade one single day in small town USA

-Justin Moore, Small Town USA

Living in rural Michigan, we are surrounded by dozens of small communities who love to celebrate "special" days or weekends. From July 1 through Labor Day weekend, one is never surprised to find the roads blocked and traffic halted or re-routed to accommodate a parade. 

We celebrate Founders and Heritage Days. We also love our Cherry, Blueberry, Potato, and Sunflower festivals. We worship Hummingbirds, Trout, Lumberjacks and Baby Food, too. Every day we wake up breathing is another day to be thankful!

So, we pull out the horses and the tractors, grab our candy bags and head into town. We wait to wave to our friends and neighbors. We wouldn't trade one single moment of this. 

And after the parade, it is time for truck pulls (I admit, this makes no sense to me, but, I guess it's like weightlifting, only it costs more when you blow up the truck, and that seems like a perfectly good waste of shopping money). But, hey, it makes all these folks happy. 

And at the end of the day, we top it off with a good oldies or country band (in the beer tent, of course) and a fireworks display.

And, most importantly, laughter with old friends. Life is good. 

What if it were Lake Michigan?

"...It was summertime in Northern Michigan
Splashing through the sand bar, talking by the campfire
It's the simple things in life like when and where...
...Catching walleye from the dock
Watching the waves roll off the rocks...
...We'd blister in the sun, we couldn't wait for night to come
To hit that sand and play some rock 'n' roll..."
-Kid Rock, All Summer Long

July and August are the months that really heat up here in Michigan. I definitely look forward to visiting beautiful Lake Michigan each summer. There is no doubt that I take it for granted, it has always been a constant in my life. And, there is no doubt that Lake Michigan, along with the other 4 lakes that comprise the Great Lakes, are an important part of the livelihood of our state. 


Maybe that is why I feel such empathy for the residents of the Gulf of Louisiana, and what are they are going through now. You take for granted that you will wake up each morning to a beautiful sunrise (or sunset) on the water, get in your boat and fish, or go down to the beach for a quick dip. And then one day that is gone. The water is poison, the fish and wildlife are dying, and your way of life is ruined for maybe the rest of your adult life.

After the last three months you would think this would have been an important lesson to all of us. To set new goals, find new ways and try to make it right. What is this generation leaving to future generations?  While politicians, family and friends bicker about money and power, who is right and who is wrong, who is a true American and who isn't, we are forgetting one basic thing.


Without a healthy planet Earth, it is all irrelevant. For all the wealth and all the kingdoms one may possess, it can't get bring you fresh air, clean water and the basic necessities of life. 


So when I hear things like THIS my head spins violently! I really have to wonder why are we not LEARNING anything? How can you look at the beauty of the world we've been given, and even suggest that drilling in any of the Great Lakes is even an option? 


I would like Lake Michigan to be here for my children to take their children, and their children to take their children, and so on, and so on, and so on. I long for them to have the same experiences on the beaches of Michigan, fishing and swimming by day, campfires by night.


Is it too much to ask to leave the place the way we found it?

Related Links:
Natural Gas Gold Rush also threatens our inland lakes, rivers, streams and wells.

Junkyard Blues.

On a recent trip back from Iron Mountain, I discovered this trio along Highway 2 in Rapid River. I did not notice any signs, street numbers or anything on the building. But there were all of these wonderful sculptures around it.

It also was an early Sunday morning, and the only sign of life was people like me passing through. So, I had no one to ask all the questions that were swimming around in my head: What is the name of this shop? Who is the artist? Why the middle of nowhere? Etc. 
But then I remembered this wonderful invention called the Internet.


When I got home, I downloaded my images and started searching.  Questions answered.
The name of the shop?: AdhocWORKshop
Who is the artist?: Ritch Branstrom
Why the middle of nowhere?: Because like all good SE Michiganders, he and his family have been coming to the UP since the 60s.

There actually has been quite a bit written about his work, and he has a very creative and informative website. Check out "How It Started". The pictures alone tell the story. 
And for a chuckle, you can Build Your Own Beer Can Fish. Only in Michigan!

For the rest of his story, I'll let those who have actually had the pleasure of meeting him tell you more.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeymud/3938332005/in/photostream/

http://www.cathiet.com/category/blog/

http://www.northernexpress.com/editorial/art.asp?id=3783

http://michigantravelideas.coverleaf.com/michigantravelideas/2010guide?pg=20#pg20

Fauchie, NOT Hank

Remember that little guy I fondly referred to as Hank? You know, short for Francis Henry Smith. Seemed safe, and cute. 


Well, I was just sent a picture of him later in life. He is the one in the center. And his family called him, Fauchie. 


Now I don't know what that meant, but if this was the 1920's, and I was a girl on that beach, well, I think you know what I'm saying.


Time to take a quick dip in the cold ocean ladies.

RockA"Bill"y

So sometimes I can be a little bratty (like HERE) when it comes to my sister Karol. I would have to admit it is a case of sibling rivalry. I mean, isn't it enough that she is an amazing watercolor artist? See HERE. 


She has always had a good eye for photography too, but has always let me be the one behind the camera. Well, that's all over now. She is working with costumes and mood, and well, she just puts me to shame. 


Above is how she spent her 4th of July weekend. Luckily she has a husband who is always willing to play along. (oh, gosh, one of those).


Kind of an Idlewild state of mind? I don't think it is just coincidental that their cabin is just a few miles west of the home of The Flamingo and Paradise Clubs. Can't you just feel him channeling the greats who played there back in the 50's?  Move over Louis, B.B and Fats, cuz', Billy, he gots da bluez.  


p.s. I hear Billy does a mean KISS impression too! I'll leave that to your imagination until I can steal the photo for a later post!

Crazy Woman's Daily Affirmation.

 

I purchased this medallion at Crazy Woman Trading Company in Big Timber, Montana a couple years ago, on a previously mentioned trip.  

It has hung from my rearview window ever since. It is my daily reminder that only I can make it happen. I control my happiness, my fulfillment, my destiny.

So, darn it, crazy woman - LIVE your LIFE!

Something good is happening.

While we lost our cherries to an early April heat wave followed by a late frost, the grapes and some pears made it through the crazy Michigan spring. 

Looking forward to the jellies, juices and other goodness from our upcoming harvest.

Small Town, Big Celebration

Good fortune landed our family in a small community that believes in a BIG fourth of July celebration.

While cities much larger are cutting fireworks from their budgets, our little township saves their pennies, and NEVER disappoints. 

Sure, we could use a lot of new things around here, but small town folks remember it is function over form. 

EXCEPT for the 4th of July. Then it is ALL FORM! Forty-five minutes of eye-poppin', ear-blastin', just as good as big city - FORM! 

And all from the comfort of our lawn chair in the back of our old pick up trucks. 

Life is good.

I wish you could smell these.

The aroma still lingers in the kitchen, and on my fingertips. 
This was dinner AND breakfast.
I love Michigan in June.