Nothing to See Here

Nothing to see here. Just two people, who have never met in real life, meeting in the Fort Michilimackinac parking lot.

What, you ask, could bring two complete strangers together in a northern Michigan parking lot? Why chickens, of course!

She had too many, and I didn't have enough, so it was a match made in heaven; and the best part - she was willing to take partial payment in the form of homemade jams and jellies. Thank you Tori!

Party

As I was walking home the other day I passed by these two Island workers. I'm not sure where they work, but I have no doubt the party is at their place tonight...

The Little Things

When I am out walking I try to notice things. Today it was this hawkweed. It grows wild on Mackinac, and at at the end of June / the beginning of July it lines many of Mackinac Island's interior roads. 

There was just something about this one little plant, growing near a birch log that made me smile as I walked past. Plus, noticing things helps me not to dwell upon the things I cannot change.

The Road Less Traveled

Over the past few days my life has gone all kinds of sideways. Things zigged when they should have zagged and I'm not even sure which way is up today. There's absolutely nothing I can do to change things so I am trying to practice "radical acceptance." That and being grateful for what is going right. Today I am thankful for Mackinac's quiet side; a place that always seems to lift my spirits.

Little Float of Horrors

A few of us from the Little Shop cast created Mackinac Island Community Theater's first Lilac Parade float. We had a blast singing our hearts out through town, and somehow managed to win the award for Best Musical Group. Hooray! Next up for our little community theater is a musical concert - Disney's Beauty and the Beast. One guess which part I plan to audition for...

A Lilac a Day, Day Twenty-one

The 2023 lilacs are looking a bit bedraggled, but that's OK as we've had three weeks full weeks to enjoy them. They're actually not completely done; some of the later blooming varieties are just starting to open. It's actually perfect timing as the Lilac Festival wraps up tomorrow after the parade.

A Lilac a Day, Day Twenty

On rainy days, the lilacs tend to droop and they just seem a little sad. Maybe they just know Lilac Festival is almost over.

A Lilac a Day, Day Ninteen

We've gotten some much needed rain this week. Most of the flowers are loving it, but the lilacs are getting a little waterlogged.

A Lilac a Day, Day Eighteen

 Lilacs,

the Lake Huron shoreline,

and a seagull -

Pure Mackinac.

A Lilac a Day, Day Seventeen

I think my favorite lilac pictures are the ones where I get multiple shades of lilacs in the same image.

A Lilac a Day, Day Sixteen

There's just something about lilacs and a bright blue sky that puts me in a good mood. Well, it might also have something to do with not having to get up for school this morning.

That's right - the Mackinac Island Public School is officially on summer vacation!

A Lilac a Day, Day Fifteen

Literally, almost everywhere you look on Mackinac right now, there are lilacs. I was worried they'd all be gone before the Lilac Festival started, but I was wrong. Lilac Festival started yesterday and they are beautiful!

A Lilac a Day, Day Fourteen

Last night we crowned the 2023 Lilac Queen. (Her name is everywhere on the web and in the newspaper,  but since she is a former student of mine I agreed to not publish her name on my blog.)  It is always wonderful when the lilacs are at their peak for the festival!

 

A Lilac a Day, Day Thirteen

This time of year it's hard to find a spot on Mackinac Island that isn't picturesque... 

A Lilac a Day, Day Twelve

The Mackinac Island Public Library is a pretty building, but it's even prettier when the lilacs are in bloom.

A Lilac a Day, Day Eleven

Sadly, I don't have any lilacs growing next to my house. Our yard just doesn't get enough sun. Luckily I can enjoy them at other people's houses...

 

A Lilac a Day, Day Ten

Lilac time is one of the prettiest times to visit Mackinac. Everywhere you look there are views like these.

A Lilac a Day, Day Nine

There are so many lilacs in Marquette Park. If you want to get pictures of them, the park is a great place to capture many different varieties in one place.

A Lilac a Day, Day Eight

These white laced lilacs are some of my favorites. This little bush is located right on the corner of Fort Street and Main Street, in Marquette Park.

A Lilac a Day, Day Seven

The weather on Mackinac Island this spring has been just glorious. It has been warm and sunny for days...