Happy Valentines Day, Michigan!

Duckie Love

Duckie Love, photo by suesue2.

This was the first picture that I saw this morning. Then I went wandering around for an hour or so looking for a picture that would somehow capture the essence of Valentines Day as it relates to Michigan.

Then I looked again and realized that all it is really about is having and showing a little more love, whenever and wherever possible.

Happy Valentines Day, Michigan!

Michigan Christmas Wishes

Fishtown Christmas

Fishtown Christmas, photo by farlane.

I’m wishing for…

snow
blue skies
more snow
the time and wisdom to get out and play in all that snow
music
beauty
laughter
a bit more snow
and, if it’s not too terribly much trouble, peace on earth.

Hope the season, the year, your life or the fat guy in the red suit brings you what you’re wanting, needing and hoping for.

The Sugar House

The Sugar House

The Sugar House, photo by grodapictures.

Melissa writes “My Dad built this so he could make Maple Syrup every spring. My Mom “loves” making maple syrup.”

This photo is from somewhere around Iron River. Check out Melissa’s films at Groda Pictures.

(Michpics feature on maple syrup)

Happy Thanksgiving, Michigan

Becky's New Art Medium

Becky’s New Art Medium, photo by dailyinvention.

Stefan says Becky actually constructed the apple out of dough herself. She’s a fairly talented illustrator and a great cook.

Indeed. I’d like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that the holiday finds you with family and friends and food and good cheer.

All of us involved in the Michigan in Pictures / Absolute Michigan project are truly thankful for all you wonderful folks who help us serve up a big Michigan feast by providing photos, thoughts and support to our efforts.

Frankenmuth

2006.07.08 - Frankenmuth - 014

Frankenmuth , photo by ercy.

The photographer writes:

Frankenmuth, MI. You can read more about Frankenmuth, MI – a place best known for its chicken and year-round Christmas store (Bronners) – here.

From the the official Frankenmuth website:

Frankenmuth, “Michigan’s Little Bavaria”, delights over 3 million visitors annually. Come Experience Another World with unique attractionsshopping, restaurants, hotels & campingfestivals, and family fun!  Information on what is happening next in Frankenmuth is only a click away.

Regardless of the time of year, the festivities are always in full bloom.  Whether you come for a chicken dinner, to buy a special ornament, attend one of Frankenmuth’s many festivals or to simply see what’s new, Frankenmuth welcomes you with its flower-lined streets and Bavarian hospitality.  Frankenmuth is where memories are made and traditions begin ~ Come rediscover Frankenmuth! 

Wikipedia: Frankenmuth, MI
Wikipedia: Echinacea (aka Purple Cone Flower)

Central Lake, Michigan … all week long in 1973

1976_july_001

1976_july_001, photo by kbreenbo.

I guess we’ll continue yesterday’s “when we were younger than we are now” theme with today’s pic.

The photo is one of a large set that reminded me of a recent conversation with a friend who told me we can’t have any fun anymore – the world moves too fast and our work and free time are all tied together with email and cell phones and beeping reminders (or something like that). I don’t know if he’s right or not and I’m curious to know what you think so feel free to comment! (or just skip the comment and head out to do something fun and unwired). Click the Dune Ride picture to view Central Lake, MI 1970s … and some other parts of northern Michigan.

view dunemobile photo

Watch the Fords Go By

Watch the Fords Go By

Watch the Fords Go By, photo by Maia C.

A billboard on the side of the Model T barn at Greenfield Village.

This is one of several photos by Maia in Destination: Michigan’s visit to The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Check it out!!

Orange & black

Orange & black

Orange & black, originally uploaded by aricee.

Aricee writes: That flash of bright orange stripes were something amazing when he was flying. From my visit to the botanical garden.

From March 1 to April 30, Frederick Meijer Garden in Grand Rapids is hosting Butterflies are Blooming featuring 6000 tropical butterflies from Asia and South and Central America flying amongst the plants. Can you say “Cabin Fever Cure”??

Full disclosure: Aricee took my all time favorite butterfly photo. Be sure to view the above photo large.

Then Again He Could Have Called It Walking Together Across the Sunset of Generations

A Time For Family Reflection

A Time For Family Reflection, originally uploaded by Rhino and Bird.

The photographer called this “A Time For Family Reflection” and then wrote: just kidding, that’s a terrible title for this picture.

Today’s mission (should you choose to accept it) is to come up with a better one! Post below…

The Michigan Heart Gallery

Billy, 12

Billy, 12 Photo by Deborah Jacques for Michigan Heart Gallery.

Today’s photo is from an amazing project called the Michigan Heart Gallery. From the Gallery:

Billy is a talkative and friendly child who likes to play all types of games, but is especially fond of video games. He likes to tell a good joke and is helpful and caring to others. Billy also enjoys building things and figuring out how things work. He would like to be an FBI Agent when he grows up.

The Heart Gallery is a photographic exhibit of children in the foster care system who are waiting for a permanent family of their own through adoption. The Gallery is a traveling exhibit and photos from the gallery are available at miheart.org. More information about adopting Michigan’s waiting children can be found through the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange.

Also see The Michigan Heart Gallery needs your love on Absolute Michigan.