Northport Knots

Sometimes when I have the camera around my neck I feel like I see things in a way my Dad might, or at least I am hopeful that I will. The lines at the Northport Boatyard caught me eye and I had to grab a few shots. I know almost nothing about boating, but there is beauty in the mundane, no? Enjoy.

I overheard a couple of the boaters talking as I was grabbing a couple shots. “What is she taking pictures of, the lines?” Funny looks were exchanged. A chuckle. I felt a bit smug that I was enjoying a tiny bit of the beauty that they walk by fifty times a day. Sometimes it takes an outsider’s eye to draw our attention to what’s right in front of us.

May your day bring you beauty in the mundane day-to-day routine. Enjoy!

Don’t forget the beauty in the messes…

Empire in April

Everyone is always talking about “Paris in April,” blah blah blah. They obviously have never spent any friend and nature-filled April afternoons in our dear Empire, flying kites, chasing butterflies, playing at the water’s edge, looking for jack-in-the-pulpits and dutchman’s breeches (“pants flowers”), enjoying picnics in the sun… We were lucky enough to have spent two beautiful April afternoons in Empire recently. So good for our spirits and for the strength of our family ties. It makes such a big difference to spend the day outside, wandering around at a toddler’s pace. Nothing hurried. Just enjoying the renewal of spring and letting it fill our wells after the cold and darkness of winter. Aaah, welcome spring. We are so very grateful for you.

37 weeks and still at the beach

It’s been unseasonably warm and sunny here for the past week (!) in northern Michigan. We are trying to soak up as much bare toe time as we can before late fall kicks in and we pull out our scarves again. We spent Saturday evening on the shores of Lake Michigan in Empire. While the air was warm, the water reminded us that it was October after all. Brrrrr. Chris bravely jumped in, but the little birdie and I decided to just play near the water’s edge and cool off our toes. We ended the evening with a sunset, pizza picnic, bonfire and clear glimpses of the Big Dipper and Casseopeia‘s showy “W” for Wren. All that and a reasonable bedtime for all. That’s what you get when the sun sets by 7:30 on the western shores of a timezone… thank you, summer in October.

How was your weekend, lovelies? Did you get all sweaty and hot at the pumpkin patch?

{this moment} first beach day 2011

{this moment} inspired by Soule Mama. A moment to pause, savor and remember.

Earlier this week, we couldn’t take the mid-90s anymore and we headed to the beach for an evening swim. First beach day of 2011, woot woot! Hard to believe it even happened because–I kid you not–I am in wool, jeans and a scarf today. It dropped 45 degrees in about twelve hours after that steamy evening. Northern Michigan, you don’t fail to keep me on my toes.

Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies!