Best of all Worlds

nature. art. family. friends.  you have to admit – these are some of the finest elements of life here on planet earth.  what if you could mix them in a perfect combination?  what would that look like?

Brother Bob photographing "Silkwaves on the Grand" at ArtPrize

Downtown Grand Rapids

 well, likely it would look like the week i just returned from in michigan.  because all those things were there, in just the right doses.  it took a fair amount of planning… but the end result was so worth the effort.

 lake michigan is a place that draws me in.  it’s vast and constantly changing.  it’s powerful and serene all at the same time.  the sunsets are a spiritual experience.  to be staying there, just 82 steps (!) above the lake and the beach…. well, it's hard to describe what it’s like. 

and the art.  i’ve shared about artprize  2 other times here and here.  i don’t know of another event like it.  the energy and excitement generated by all this art (1,524 pieces -most of them, BIG) in one place is so amazing.  i am hooked and hope i can continue to visit at this time of year.  in addition, i brought my own little art supplies and had fun with that!

Nieces & Nephews

Fun on the Beach

then there’s family and friends.  there are a lot of them.  it’s hard to schedule around everyone’s busy lives and see them, but i did pretty well!  ( i think it helps to have a cottage on the lake to invite people to).  i saw most of the nieces and nephews and their kiddos, who are all growing up so fast!  sweet times. 

Sisters

Classmates

we had our (somewhat) annual sisters sleep-over at the lake. and  i was able to attend a classmates get-together and spend time reminiscing with some high school pals. 

Playing tourist at Windmill Island in Holland

there is also the element of history and “pieces of my younger self” which are very prevalent in this area, and brought to the forefront as my sister pulls out old photo albums,  newspaper clippings, etc. it adds another element to the experience...

so now already it’s back to bills, medical issues, traffic school (ugh!), laundry, blah, blah, blah.  life goes on.  and i’m ever so GRATEFUL for each experience and connection. 

still hoping to get this retreat off the ground!