Boats, Boys and a Buoy

Here's a few photos from our walk on the little pier in Bayfield and one pic of my two boys.

Where Else can you see a Fish Getting Coffee

We headed to Bayfield, WI today. Temps. teased the 50s and we wanted to venture someplace different. We've never been to Bayfield and had no idea what it was like, what shops would be open, and what would be happening (if anything). To our surprise, this Lake Superior town was a little like South Haven, minus the lighthouse and the larger population. A good number of shops were open including our first stop at a used book store called "What Goes 'Round" with as much character as the number of books in the shop. We even found a copy of the Golden Book, "Tootle", for our little train fan.

We walked the block a couple of times, walked the pier a couple of times, and walked down a marina street.

We stopped at a little coffee house/lunchery called Big Water and got chips and sandwiches (Mike-turkey BLT, I and Bits-Wisconsin grilled cheese w/ bacon) and added a last minute double chocolate cookie. Who should step inside to grab a warm drink? A man in a fish suit. Today was Bayfield's Polar Bear Plunge. We strolled to the pier and caught sight of a few brave, crazed ladies and fellows jumping willingly into the frigid Big Lake.

Before we headed home, Mike insisted on a repeat stop at Big Water for a cup of coffee. After tiredly piling into the jeep, we decided to drive over to the ice road that takes cars from shore to Madeline Island via the frozen lake. When we rounded the bend overlooking the stretch of road, I backed out on this bragging rights opportunity. Conveniently, they had closed the ice road (either for the night, or for the season). We witnessed a few returning cars driving through the partially exposed lake with standing water at the shoreline. Probably a good idea we didn't take this little adventure drive.

Warm day. Long day. Good day.

I'm Feelin' the Burn, and Then Some

Why does Michigan have to have so many lighthouses? Why did I set a goal to visit them all, one by one, photograph images for references, and then tell myself I should do at least one painting of each.

I have so many yet to see and too many yet to paint. I'm getting a tad bit burnt out. My creative energies are just about tapped. Where's a protein shake when I need one?

Four done out of the current 10 images I want to complete. Other non-lighthouse art endeavors are shelved for now, and boy, do I have some nifty ideas waiting.

*as always you can see this piece and others at my new site: www.michiganlighthouseart.com

It's True, I've Fallen in Love with Rust and Cement

My newest completed painting for my lighthouse series.

Rust, cement, rivets and peeling paint. Need I say more.

Nothing like the effects of the natural elements on man made structures.

*click on image for larger pic.

In the Land of Ice Fairies

Waking up this morning, between rubbing my eyes into focus and inwardly debating between coffee or tea for my morning caffeine, I peeked out the kitchen window to see an amazing show thanks to the play between frosty tree tips and the rising sun. All of the landscape seemed taken out of a classically illustrated children's book. Elegantly detailed.

With pajama pants on, hoodie zipped, and hat pulled down over my ears, I ran out to click here and there. These mornings are worth the winter cold, and seemingly never ending season. I won't get to see frost like this on a July morning, even here in the U.P. (at least I think so).

I'm not Sure if I'm Ready for my Sandals Quite Yet

The sun is staying up later and later into the evening and the temperature is warming up ever so slightly. Here we go again, bundling up and getting our walk on.

We've braved the chill here and there on evenings, but nothing like the regular amounts of walking we had been doing in the summer and fall. This evening it almost felt like we were getting the bounce back in our step and can sense spring is on its way.

We walked a little further than normally we do on these cold evenings, and I snapped a pic. made available from a hidden woodpecker.

My mind is jumping to summer by the lake as I look at these beach-esque snowy surfaces. The slow thaw is making some textured forms out of the built up ice and snow. A couple of these remind me of those rocks you can break open and find quartz hidden inside.

Again, what incredible sights awaiting to be seen if only we take the time to do so (including the sight of one bundled toddler with rosy cheeks and nose).

Mini Icicles are a Beautiful Thing

I don't want to jinx the mild weather we've been having here in the U.P., but spring is a coming! With melting snow, the edges of the flower beds are starting to reveal themselves once again. I'm not quite sure if I remember how everything looks at ground level under all of this snow.

I'm sharing a photo reminding us all to take in the little views (think toddler eye level). There's alot to see out there, even along the sidewalk we've walked on hundreds if not thousands of times.