June 28, 2015
I spent a short 24 hours, 4 hours north, in northern Michigan.
Northern MIchigan is rugged in winter, but when winter finally recedes, the quaint villages and lovely beaches are popular summer havens.
sunset over Lake Charlevoix in Boyne City
Nestled among a grove of mature white birch, this cottage on the shore of Lake Charlevoix has been passed down from generation to generation in my husband’s family.
I’m no poet, but this is such a lovely spot, a poem came out of nowhere.
I guess since I bravely shared that with you all, I am now, forevermore, a poet.
There’s nothing like blogging for immediate gratification.
We spent the wee morning hours watching my son and stepdaughter run a marathon in the village of Charlevoix.
So proud of them.
And grateful to get up to this spectacular sunrise.
The lovely Charlevoix is decorated with petunia-lined streets and pansy-filled window boxes.
It is home to a group of architecturally unique homes known as mushroom houses.
Though modernized homes, their hobbit-like appearance seems other-worldly.
Near the marina sits a Charlevoix hot spot. . .
a lively bouncing fountain. . .
which draws giggly children. . .
like the Pied Piper of Hamelin.
If you ever get the chance, northern Michigan is a great place to visit.
Sorry, no peacocks on the lake, so I give you this. Thanks for visiting.
Peacock Prairie 
Loved your photos as always, they are so wonderful! And now, my dear Julie, you are a poet! Loved it!
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One never knows where life is heading– just keep following your bliss. Thanks, dear Lynne.
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I love those mushroom houses! We don’t have enough rocks around here, or I’d be wanting one.
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Aren’t they the cutest things? Thanks for your visit, Aggie. Blessings to you.
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Blessings to you, Julie.
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One of your best ones yet!
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Seems like you say that a lot, but I’ll take it! Thanks Becky.
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Another lovely record of a lovely trip
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Thanks Derrick. It was nice to get away and nice to come home. Life is good.
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’tis
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Poetry… In words and images! Bravo, dear Julie! 🙂
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Another bravo? This is really FUN!! Thanks for your encouragement.
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Well deserved, Julie! 🙂
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Fantastic! Your images are beautiful. Those mushroom houses look very interesting. I do hope I can visit this area of the US one day.
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You would love it. Lots of beautiful hiking trails in remote areas. Right up your alley.
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I love the photo of the outstretched hands and the droplets of water. The cottage IS like a hobbit home. The place must surely feel magical.
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I generally don’t resonate with poetry but I liked your little one. Your pictures make me feel like taking a road trip up north.
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Forgive my late response. I thought I responded earlier but must have missed the ‘send’ button. Thank you for liking my little one.
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OH, Julie, how I enjoyed this post and your images!!! Those cottages are truly magical looking as are every single one of your photographs. How I yearned to step into your sunrise shots …. oh wow, just incredible, and the sense of wonder and peace overcame me. My Life is just in a phase I am not able to travel, but someday that shall change. I travelled through your post, and for this I really really thank you. It looks to me you had a truly wonderful time!!!! Good for you! Love, Amy ❤
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You definitely get it. “It’ being beauty. Yes, that sunrise had me buzzing with serene joy. I hope your circumstances change and you can travel soon. I imagine your lens and you could do spectacular things on a trip.
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And your poem ….. beautiful!!! YES! Your deep ability to connect to your emotions and to Mother are very evident in your words. Keep writing, I encourage you!!! ❤ (I was editing my comment above when it posted. LOL Go figure!)
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You liked my poem?! Thanks Amy for your kind words and encouragement.
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Why do you sound so surprised? Of course I liked your poem. You are really a talented poet. Do you not know this? ❤ ❤ ❤
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I had no idea, but I’m starting to think I might be. Why is it so hard to write that?
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(((HUGS))) Because we as artists on the whole have not a whole lot of self confidence and we are so hard on ourselves regarding perfection. When we begin to believe in oursleves, that is when true magic happens. I believe in you, Julie. Saying that brought tears to my eyes. I believe in YOU! ❤
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It brought tears to my eyes as well.
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Keep strong, Julie, and believe in you. You really are talented. I look at my work now and I am in awe of me. And yes, I totally believe in me. Totally!!!! ❤
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