Mosaic Monday: Mackinac Island - A Perfect Getaway

Looking for a weekend getaway - or to spend a leisurely day? I have a wonderful recommendation. Pack your comfortable shoes, your camera and be prepared to spend a day or weekend taking it all in.

Did I mention you have to take the ferry across as there are no vehicles allowed on the island? Yes, everyone who lives there does their shopping, etc. via boat. The ferries do allow visitors to take their bikes on the ferry, or there are bikes available to rent on the island.

My hubby and I rented a bicycle built for 2 (I always thought that was so romantic!) and rode round around the island - it's only an eight mile trip. (Let's just say that was probably the ONLY time he has been totally in charge - I spent the entire time staring at his back!)
Okay, that was an exaggeration!

There are so many beautiful homes, cottages, gardens, specialty shops, Ft. Mackinac, churches, rock formations, scenic views, the infamous Grand Hotel and many, many shops for the tourist - including some of the best home-made fudge around.

We were there in the summer and are planning on going back once the leaves start to change....I can't wait to get pictures since fall is my absolute favorite time of the year.


Please visit Mary at Little Red House for more lovely mosaics!

Remembering...

Saturday was another rainy day - so we decided to jump in the car and
take a ride. About an hour or so away, nestled in the country, is this amazing
treasure, a true step back in time, coke in the glass bottle (I STILL think it
tastes better that way), mile high apple pie, the waitresses in old -fashioned
blue uniforms, blue tiles lining the wall and best of all - no rain! A bit
breezy and overcast, but a wonderful day nontheless.

A neat step back in time!!

What I've Learned Today

That smiles, hugs and gentle touches warm the heart.

That life is exciting through the eyes of a child.

That days with these babies are never long enough

and most importantly...

That Grandbabies are truly bits of stardust blown from the hand of God!

Blue Monday Mosaic

Sorting through pictures for these posts have brought back some wonderful memories...
of places we 've been fortunate enough to visit, wonderful people we've met, and so many
things in life that we take for granted.

I have truly been blessed in so many ways and am a very thankful gal!
Life is too short and we all need to live each day to the fullest and leave nothing unsaid. We never know what tomorrow will bring and a lifetime is a long time to life with regrets.


Check out other Blue Monday posts at Smiling Sally
and
Mosaic Mondays at Little Red House

Thanks to these lovely ladies for hosting the fun events!!

Beauty in a Touch Pool

Ahhh, so relaxing!! And pretty!!

Life is good!!

What does this say to you?

There's nothing like a warm, humid day to make one find something to occupy their time. As far as I'm concerned, one can never go wrong in wandering through a local museum, garden, or unique place that captures your heart.

This statue is a favorite - it seems like it says so much about life. All these letters forming words, things I need to do, some I've forgotten to do, and lists of things that need
to be done in the near future.

What does it say to you?

Sunflowers Make Me Smile

"You may know that the peony is Jeannin's,
the hollyhock belongs to Quost,
but the sunflower is mine in a way."

Vincent van Gogh (to Theo)

THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF sunflower

While their distinctive and brilliant appearance makes it easy to see why sunflowers have long held our fascination, when they were first grown in Central and South America, it was more for their usefulness (providing oil and food) than beauty. And perhaps this unique combination of striking beauty and utility is, in part, why sunflowers have appeared as such revered symbols throughout the ages.

It’s said that the natives of the Inca Empire worshipped a giant sunflower, and that Incan priestesses wore large sunflower disks made of gold on their garments. Images of sunflowers were found in the temples of the Andes mountains, and Native American Indians placed bowls of sunflower seeds on the graves of their dead. The Impressionist period of art is famous for its fascination with the sunflower, and this striking flower remains today a commonly photographed and painted icon of uncommon beauty.

The 3rd wedding anniversary flower and the state flower of Kansas, sunflowers turn to follow the sun. Their open faces symbolize the sun itself, conveying warmth and happiness, adoration and longevity.

(From Teleflora.com)

Desert Beauty

I'm always fascinated at the beauty that surrounds us and the places we find it without putting forth any effort. These photos were taken in a desert in New Mexico. The desert scenery is amazing.

Outdoor Wednesday - Butterfly

At first glance I thought this was just another oddly misplaced leaf - after several glances, I realized it was a butterfly. Nature is amazing!





Susan at A Southern Daydreamer is introducing Outdoor Wednesday. Details on participation can be found on her blog.

A Marvelous Giveaway!!

Florida Sue at Luxe Lanai has just reached her 100th follower and is giving away a marvelous bracelet to celebrate accomplishing this milestone. You may enter to win by visiting her blog and leaving a message. Good Luck!

Serenity

I ran out of room on my Monday Mosaic and this is one of my favorites, so thought I would add it separately. This was a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Yes, I do have a fondness for water related photos!

Mosaic Monday - Lighthouses

After more than a few computer glitches, I think we are on a roll again! And just in time for Mosaic Monday. To view more beautiful mosaics, visit Mary at Little Red House.

We're not all perfect...

We all have those days
when things don't go as planned

And this has been one

Early morning spent setting up a lovely garage sale
to make room for the treasures that are yet to be found.
Signs posted, change ready, coffee made, and now we wait.

Winds pick up
big gusts now - blowing down the signs (unknown to me).
Neighbors come to checks things out, bringing fresh beans and cukes,
putting my signs back up before coming up the lane to visit.

Rain starts - ducks are happy
I don't have to water the new fruit trees and flowers in the field
Nor sweep the driveway as winds have taken care of that.

People continue to stop by and chat
we now have a "coffee clutch" table going.
Being new to the area, it's nice to hear what is going on locally.

Idle chatter, lots of laughs and introductions
and a few good sales along the way.
Rains are coming harder and wind is stronger.
Garage sale will be continued to another day.

The best comment of the day came from a total stranger,
who commented on this flower in the garden, saying,

"Look - it's not perfect, like us, but is beautiful in its own way."

How nice and how true.