Pedaling through the slumbering town of Mackinac Island, the smell of bubbling fudge drifts on the breeze.
I brake for a muscly team of work horses clip-clopping toward the ferry. “Morning,” nods the driver looking like a slice of antiquity.
“Morning,” I reply, the sound of my voice reassuring me this is not a dream.
Waves of purple potted pansies bloom upon a gabled porch adorned with seafoam walls and creamy white rockers. Above a picket fence, gnarly limbs of lilacs intoxicate me with their fragrant scent.
Pedaling out of town, along the perimeter of the island, Lake Huron appears honey gold in the morning sun. The screech of a solitary gull interrupts the rhythmic lapping of the waves. Silhouettes of rock cairns dot the shore.
To my left, craggy cliffs soar into a pastel pink sky, a gentle breeze whispers through pine-scented boughs, and wild trilliums blanket the forest floor.
Around a turn, a winding lane appears, leading up into the center of the island. It beckons me to explore. Switching gears to low, I turn and determinedly pedal, hoping to make it to the top without stopping.
I struggle but finally reach the peak of the island. Propping my bike, I rest on a boulder. and unwrap my morning purchase– a freshly baked cherry scone dripping in almond glaze. Slowly, I savor each buttery bite.
A barge looms in the distance. Faraway, an eagle soars. Solitude reigns.
Refreshed, I point my bike down and coast effortlessly all the way back into town.
Clip-clop. Clip-clop. Town bursts with activity. Tourists scurry into souvenir shops, hoping to capture the heart of the island. Few will succeed, for the island’s heart lies not in the activity but in the solitude.
****
While writing, I choose where I want to go, what I want to create, how I want to feel. With the thermometer resting at 5 degrees, I can choose to smell lilacs, hear the lapping of the waves, feel a sunrise. Burdened, with a new to me gluten-free diet, I can even choose to enjoy a cherry scone.
Thanks for reading my words from the prairie.
Peacock Prairie 
Your site is making me yearn for spring so much with all the beautiful flowers and birds!! We’re deep into winter in Virginia.
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Still in winter here as well, but tomorrow promises a high of 56!! Can’t wait.
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très joli….Bonne soirée…Bises
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Je vous remercie. Quelle belle photo! La vôtre est une belle campagne. Bénédictions.
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What a beautiful scene you painted. I felt like I was there. “…a freshly baked cherry scone dripping in almond glaze..” Mmm…love this sentence. I must be hungry. I’ve never been to Mackinac Island, though I was supposed to go there, once, back in 1967. I was in a group called “Up With People.” You may have heard of them. We were in New York, getting ready to travel to Mackinac Island. I took a quick time-off and flew back home to California. But I never rejoined the group. So it was fun to read your description of the heart of the island. Thanks for the lovely view.
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The island is a favorite place of mine. Something about the energy lifts me up and the scenery is amazing. I think you would love it. Though sounds like you have it pretty nice right where you are. Thanks for reading.
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I smiled when I saw the lilac – I enjoyed joining you on your summery bike ride. Dreams of warm days do get us there.
It must be amazing to have a handsomely iridescent peacock strolling your zinnias!
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Yes, Eliza. It is amazing. I especially love those zinnias. I grow them from saved seeds each year. Not only do they attract peacocks, but the butterflies love them as well.
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Beautifully written
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Thank you kind Derrick.
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You are a very good writer! That scene came to life…
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Thank you Ann for your encouraging words.
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Gorgeous, vibrant colors and lovely words!
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Cheater! I wanted to see a picture of that scone.
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Hah! I plan on a visit to the island this summer. If the bakery is still there, and you are still following, you’ll get your picture.
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A wonderful sensory journey. Thanks for the summery ride.
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Thank you Dee. Your authory praise carries so much weight with me. 🙂
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Oh I loved your words from the prairie. Love love the last image ..😀
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Hey, Julie. I, too, love love that last image. That is why you will probably see it many more times in future posts. I love to revisit special memories by reposting old favorite photos. Happy day to you.
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Good idea .. Happy day to you lovely 😀
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