Class At Jenny's

This was a class I could not pass up. How adorable! We made the box first, and then made 4 cards that match inside the box including 4 envelopes. This was so much fun. Thank you for having us over, Jenny! Take time to be creative. :)

Big Sable Lighthouse, State Park and Back To Ludington's Harbor Lighthouse

I know I have said this before, but I take so much for granted here in my little town of Ludington. The population of about 9,000 people and where wal mart does put us on the "map". I had company this past week and when you entertain, you think of things to see and do. I was a tour guide and I took the time to explore my own area. I don't get to do this often. I'm an Innkeeper and usually I am working 16 hour days through the summer. I pout because so many get to enjoy the beautiful summers and I'm working. This past week I have learned to appreciate the beauty of the area. There is nothing more peaceful than a walk on our lighthouse, watching the sun set, hearing the faint voices on the carferry saying "bye" as those on the pier wave them bon voyage and the sounds of the waves splashing against the rocks. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse was built in 1867. A lot of history and stories are kept here. It is a 1.8 mile hike out to this historical landmarker. 3 days a year, the state park allows a bus to run out to the lighthouse for a small fee and makes it easier to visitors to explore this beautiful untouched area. I decided not to go to the top - as I have done this before. 130 steps this time around didnt sound too pleasurable with the high humidity.. but the view is spectacular on clear days. After the adventure to the Big Sable, we then explored the State Park quickly.. the river, the dam.. and a trail. Yesterday, we ventured to the city lighthouse just one more time. I was hoping for some clouds here n there.. it would have made for some extra fabulous pictures. :) I hope you enjoy the pictures that follow...

Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington State Park:

Back into the State Park and Dam... 

Yesterday's adventure back to the lighthouse.....

20/20 Workshop With Todd & Brad Reed

I totally enjoy taking classes with Todd and Brad. They are amazing people in general. They are talented as well. Todd and Brad Reed and local photographers and they rock. I could spend time daily with them and always absorb some great information from them.. and learn so much. I want to be like them with my photography when i grow up. Tonight after a short break for dinner we all met up at the end of Ludington Avenue and walked the break wall. I have to say, the fall class I took I was more on the ball.. and took some great pics.. this time I wasnt so crazy with my skills. I was off and just didnt seem to get too many "wow" factor shots. However.. here are a couple that are okay.. thank you Todd & Brad for sharing your passion.

This was interesting!....... I think it was a lower laker making a visit to Dow Chemical...

'

This was cool.. it was the reflection of the sun into the water....

This was the break wall rocks....

I wont take credit for this.. and this is my favorite of the night.. Todd coached me on this one..

I want to get into night photography a bit more.. and its killin me that I'm still having problems grasping getting my photos to look great in darker conditions.. but this one Im okay with.. its not wowing me tho..

Always take time for you.. and be creative! :-)

Being a tourist.. again! Yay!

So, this is the year of catching up on sightseeing my area. I love it! I have a friend visiting from New Zealand. Yes.. that tiny little island the other side of the world. He (Neill) is here in the states for 6 weeks and Michgian has been his first stop. We went for a "tiki tour" as kiwi's call it.. venturing down the backroads. We ended up in Silver Lake which is about 30 miles or so south of Ludington. We found the state park and also the Little Sauble Point Lighthouse. We then went the back roads thru Pentwater and to the South Pier on the penninsula just outside of Crosswinds and took a long walk there. We walked a few miles today. I thought I'd share some of the scenery. Ludington and the surrounding area is so pretty.. and I take for granted the beautiful scenery that is here. I hope you enjoy! Tomorrow.. we are taking a 20/20 Photography class with Brad & Todd Reed. I'm looking forward to this.. it should be a lot of fun!