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!

25th Class Reunion!

 Wow.. where has 25 years gone? It seems (sometimes) like just yesterday we were all roaming the halls of Ludington High School - our clicks and groups all hanging out.. and being how kids can be. It was interesting to see everyone, and lots of fun. Neat to see what everyone is doing now. Some people change, some don't. I tried to be outgoing and say hi to as many classmates as I could. My class was right around 200 kids (I think) and wish more would have been able to make it but not too bad of a turnout considering. It was a lot of fun and Cartier Mansion did a great job hosting our crazy bunch. Here's to the class of 1985. Next reunion I request bigger names on the tags or ill have to bring my reading glasses along! Tee Hee!

August Stamp Club

I almost forgot to post these.. super cute projects once again. The newsprint is a double bag.. gift bag like.. isnt it cute? You could put packets of hot cocoa in there.. or other lil gifty things. Think of the posibilities.. with Halloween and Christmas coming up! The pinwheel actually moves.. and the "invite" or a greeting.. pulls out (we used an envelope for this one. The other cards.. just simply cute.. one being a little more of a masculine feeling card.. can always use a few of those. Jenny, thank you for some more awesome projects! I can't wait til stamp club order is here. Yippee!!! Happy Crafting!

Much Needed Rain!

As lovely as it has been.. the rain was due.. in fact, over due! Speaking of due and doo's.. I got me a new doo today! Woohoo! Ever have your eyebrows waxed after leaving them for 6 weeks?... just a FYI.. Dont! Ouchie! Oh and the lip wax.. double ouchie! Why is it as we get older we get hair everywhere we dont want it? LOL. Ellen, thank you for making me feel better.. my 25th class reunion is this saturday and she is going to make me presentable.. this was the first part of the "magic".  Have a great day.. be creative!

Happy Monday!

Here are some neon flowers just for you!

I actually scrapbooked!

It was week 4 and I finally put in a few pages for some points. Camp Hey N So with Club Scrap has had me motivated to get back into the scrapbooking groove.. here is what I finally accomplished last week. The challenge was "fiber" (ribbon, string.. etc). This week is mixed kit week.. and the final week of camp. I have to admit.. I am not a fan of mixing kits.. in fact it freaks me out.. (I guess this is showing my quarky personality huh?). So, Im diggin thru my CS closet to find some OLD kits that I dont mind mixing and tryin to get past this weird phobia I have! LOL.. Happy Crafting!

Taking yet another drive....

I've been feeling ancy (can you tell?). I went again this afternoon for a ride along the backroads.. and I found some gems.. along the road.. stopping and clicking.... this is the backroads of Ludington. It seems so early yet we know fall is coming soon.. check out the apples on the trees and the pumpkin field I found, too!

The Forest Through The Trees.........

I was out on some country road.. a dirt road.. and these trees just looked so cool.. they were thick.. and the sun was bright.. and it just looked so peaceful.. I had to get a picture.