We're Off!

We are packed and ready to leave early in the morning for what I am calling the "Rags to Riches" tour. We are spending the first 5 days camping in a tent near Taquamenon Falls, just enjoying nature and campfires and the water. We are taking only the necessities that can fit in my husband's pick-up truck...so a true upper-peninsula camping experience is in our near future. We borrowed a fishing boat to take along, so I am hoping for fresh fish dinners cooked on the open flame each night for dinner. Then, we are going to spend 3 days on Mackinac Island at a very nice resort right on the water with manicured lawns, chocolate turn-down service, butlers, etc. For those of you non-Michiganders, Mackinac Island is an island between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan that boasts itself as a "step back in time". There are no motorized vehicles on the island (except for an ambulance, I believe), and there are horses and bicycles everywhere. The island is gorgeous and quaint and so, so charming--wonderful colorful cottages, lush natural habitat, historical sights, the clip-clop of horses, quaint little shops.....definitely a lot of eye candy for me and my camera! I have visited Mackinac Island many times both growing up and after getting married, but this is our very first time to stay overnight on the island. I love the contrast of these two experiences, and we are all awaiting this adventure with anticipation.

Some of my goals for this little getaway:

Re-read "The Artist's Way"--a book about reconnecting with and nurturing your creative energy;
Memorize Psalm 139 and meditate on what it really means to be "fearfully and wonderfully made";
Re-establish a regular walking routine--should be easy with the gorgeous Lake Superior terrain we will be staying within;
Help my kids with their "Summer Memory" books--made with photos, markers, and a few simple stickers only (back to the basics)!;
Roam the island spending time with only my camera and my art journal and a black art pencil;
Lots of quality play time with my kids and husband.

So, you will not hear from my again until probably after the Fourth of July. So be sure to find a fun and playful way to honor and celebrate this great country.....and don't forget to take lots of pictures along the way! I'll spend the week after we return sharing photos of our little Rags to Riches adventure......Bon Voyage!