The past few weeks have been rough and I don't feel like blogging about it. So instead I wanted to show that amongst the trials and tribulations of life I made efforts to have some fun! But the news I will share is that I am moving back to the Northwoods and I am so thrilled. Southern Michigan is not my home and I feel this in my heart. My heart is connected to the land and the land is connected to my heart. I appreciate the simplicity of northern Michigan, the old time feel, the pace of life, Lake Michigan and the land. I also really appreciate that as a Native woman I am visible because of a larger Native population and the presence that the tribes have. Whereas in southern Michigan I feel invisible because Native people are an invisible minority amongst the other minority populations. I recently stumbled upon 2000 census data that showed the minority group with the highest percentage of county population. In Michigan the counties in which the Native population had the highest percentage of county population included: Benzie, Leelanau (Grand Traverse Band), Charlevoix, Emmet (Little Traverse Bay Band), Isabella (Saginaw Chippewa), Cheyboygan, Chippewa (Sault Tribe and Bay Mills Indian Community), Mackinac, Schoolcraft, Delta (Hannaville Indian Community), Baraga (Keweenaw Bay Indian Community - my family and relatives), Marquette, Menominee and Gogebic (Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa). It will be interesting to see what the 2010 census data will report for the minority group with the highest percentage of county population.
I was at the beach with some friends on October 10th and YES I went swimming in da big lake! As many of my blog readers know I love Lake Michigan! My records for swimming in Lake Michigan this year are May 20th and October 10th. Its actually very warm today for Fall so if I wanted to go for a swim I could do that. The air temperature at noon is 63 degrees. I hope to set new records next year and swim in the lake earlier. Now I could really break my records if I participate in the
polar bear dip at the Empire Winterfest in early February! Yup, I am a true Michigander and love swimming in our cold but refreshing waters.
Photo: Me and my two friends at da beach!
Photo: My friend and me being silly and dancing around on the shore.
Photo: Striking a pose!
Photo: Beautiful sunset and moi!
Photo: Me and my two friends at da beach!
Photo: My friend and me being silly and dancing around on the shore.
Photo: Striking a pose!
Photo: Beautiful sunset and moi!
7 voices speak:
I'm so happy you are listening to the calls of your heart to go home Dear One! It's never fun to be a stranger in a strange place, is it?
I loved your photos and seeing you smile!
Blessings on Your Journey!!!
A day at the beach is always good, any season--sometimes better "out of season" than in summer. Glad you're going to be able to move back north, too. Sounds like it will be good for you.
I'd be interested to know what you would think of the book I reviewed on my blog today:
http://booksinnorthport.blogspot.com/2010/10/story-from-other-side-of-bay-another.html
Best wishes for an easy, happy move!
AkasaWolfSong - Yes, I am listening to the calls of my heart! It is not fun to be a stranger in a strange place especially since this place does not feel like home. I am really excited to be back in the north country.
P.J. Grath - Yes and sometimes being at the beach out of season is the best time because of less tourists. Cool, I will check out the book review on your blog.
Cool pics. Was there a few weeks ago.
PK: I have directed your post to someone I know who writes extensively in his blog about portrayals of Natives in fiction, movies, and other popular culture.
dmarks - Cool, thanks for making the connection and forwarding my information to that other blogger.
Hi there!
My name is Shawn Richison and I stumbled across your blog in an attempt to find more people blogging about ojibway culture. I am a cartoonist in Northern Ontario and I'm working on a graphic novel called "Legend of the Sunset People", which is a historical fantasy detailing the myths and legends of the Ojibway who live in the region. I'm currently in the crowdfunding stage and would love your input as to what you think of the project and indeed if you were inclined, to share the story with the readers of your blog. I hop this doesn't come off as too spammy or anything, that's not my intent. Just thought i'd share something with you that youmight have an interest in.
Thanks again,
Shawn Richison
indiegogo.com/Legend-of-the-Sunset-People
wonderealm@gmail.com
Hi ~ So the land is calling you again , just listen with your heart and you'll be were you need to be.
The photos are wonderful , so serene. I don't like crowded beaches.
~ Peaceful Autumn Blessings ~
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