Hello 2010!

Posted on by Michigan in Pictures

molly in snow 006

molly in snow 006, photo by northern_latitudes.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you’re waking up relatively unharmed and eager to dive into 2010.

In no particular order, I’m hoping for snow, sun, a lot of trips to Michigan’s parks, more time on my bike, a championship by the Pistons, Tigers, Red Wings or (hold your laughter please) Lions, more pictures of ducks, continuing rebirth in Detroit and other Michigan cities and many, many more amazing pictures of the Great Lakes State.

How about you?

Check this out bigger in Tim’s Harbor Springs slideshow.

into the 10s

Posted on by Michigan in Pictures

Mulligans Hollow

Mulligans Hollow, photo by GH Patriot.

I had originally thought about a more sober and reflective photo as we head into 2010, but when I saw this one in the Absolute Michigan pool this morning, I changed my mind.

I don’t think that anyone can deny that the first decade of the 21st century has been a brutal one for Michigan. We’ve lost a staggering amount of jobs, countless public services and tens of thousands of residents.

While we probably have farther to fall, it feels to me like we’re reaching the point where we’ll have to readjust to the world as it is and make some changes in what we do and the way we do it in Michigan.

My mood as we head into 2010? Happy. Hopeful. Ready for some hard work.

How about you?

View this photo bigger or check out his whole Mulligans Hollow slideshow for more big air.

PS: If you’re looking for something to do tonight, here’s Absolute Michigan’s New Year’s Eve Happenings.

PPS: Governor Granholm has proclaimed January as Michigan Snow Sports Month. I hear that Absolute Michigan will be doing something with that.

Happy Birthday, Michigan in Pictures

Posted on by Michigan in Pictures

Happy Birthday by thecolorbill

Happy Birthday, photo by Bill Streicher.

Michigan in Pictures turns four today.

When I started this blog on December 30, 2005, I had no idea that it would be so warmly received and enjoy such success.

I also had no idea that I would love it so much.

I’d like to thank all the photographers and everyone who’s been involved over the years for being so supportive of Michigan in Pictures.

You all rock. Thanks.

See this photo in Bill’s Self Shots set (slideshow).

winter on lake michigan

Posted on by Michigan in Pictures

winter on lake michigan

winter on lake michigan, photo by haglundc.

Cathy says she didn’t get in the water this time. Here’s a shot of Kirk Park in warmer times (and info about the beach including a map).

Check this out background big or in the Michigan Woods, Water & Nature group slideshow.

Sunset Boulevard: Michigan Avenue version

Posted on by Michigan in Pictures

Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard, photo by Derek Farr ( DetroitDerek ).

This last week of December always feels like you’re waiting at the light for it to change so you can cruise into the next year. As you wait, if there’s anything you’re hoping for Michigan or yourself for 2010 (or anything you’d prefer to leave in 2009), why don’t you post it as a comment below?

View this bigger in Derek’s Explored slideshow (view the set).

Happy Holidays, Michigan

Posted on by farlane

Untitled, photo by caterpillars

Hope you’re warm, dry and with the ones you love, whatever holiday you are or are not celebrating.

See this bigger in Laura’s slideshow.

A pocket full of sunshine

Posted on by farlane

A pocket full of sunshine
A pocket full of sunshine, photo by cae3 – Anita

The other day Anita wrote:

It is freezing cold here in Michigan, and I was going through my summer archives and found this one. Ah…how I really miss summer right about now.

However much I love winter, I feel the same way some days. Hope you’re staying warm & sunny. See this bigger in her slideshow.

Night Moves: Homeless in Michigan

Posted on by Michigan in Pictures

Night Moves

Night Moves, photo by SGallagh.

At this time of year, the thought of all the people without homes weighs heavily on me. The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness is a nonprofit association of emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, nonprofit housing and service programs, government programs and concerned citizens from across the state. Visit their web site for information about organizations & events across Michigan where your money or time can make a huge difference.

While reading some of the articles on their web site, I found it surprising that families make up more than half the homeless in Michigan. 77% of families are homeless due to a lack of affordable housing, and one out of every 3 homeless persons is a child. Here’s a Michigan Radio series on homeless teens in Michigan and a Free Press feature on first-time homelessness in MIchigan that I think are worth your time.

Check out this photo from Bay City bigger or in Sean’s Street set (slideshow).

Speaking of streets, Sean is the photo of the day editor for a cool new site for Saginaw/Bay City/Midland and beyond called 360 Main Street.

Winter lies through that door

Posted on by Michigan in Pictures

quiet

quiet, photo by artsy_T.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
~Anne Bradstreet

The Winter solstice happens today at 12:47 PM (if I’ve done my math right). It’s the shortest day of the year and the official start of the season of winter.

Windows to the Universe, a cool astronomy site from the University of Michigan, has a diagram of how the sun moves through the sky today. Hint: short & south handles it in two words.

See this bigger in Tina’s michigan – misc set (slideshow).

I hope you stay warm this winter and that Michigan’s season of adversity gives way to prosperity before too long.

Michigan farming and other success stories

Posted on by Michigan in Pictures

Leelanau County Farmland

Leelanau County Farmland, photo by kuku4manitou.

The Center for Michigan has a feature on the growth of Michigan agriculture in recent years. It’s the latest in their series of Michigan success stories and like the other stories in the series, it makes for inspiring reading in these days when all we seem to hear is what’s broken in Michigan.

Check this out bigger and check out more photos from Joe’s June flight over Leelanau County.

Here’s many more Michigan farms from the Absolute Michigan pool.