About

I am an artist.

I live on an island in northern Lake Michigan, USA.

I was raised in a large, boisterous and loving family; I cherish the memories and their presence in my life today.

I have two (beautiful, strong and resourceful) grown daughters, four strong, smart and handsome grandsons and one charming, intelligent and beautiful granddaughter.

I live with two spoiled dogs.

I love walking the wooded trails around my home, gardening in the summer, reading always.

30 responses »

    • Me too! My father was raised here, and we vacationed here as children. I was always the one hanging off the end of the ferry boat, sobbing, when we had to leave. I was thrilled to be able to move here as an adult and (though I have plenty of friends and family who think I’m crazy for living here year ’round) it continues to make me happy.

      Reply ↓

  3. I had not read it, Kathy, but I have now…thanks for pointing it out! I’m fairly new to this blogging world, and am finding so many wonderful people writing about interesting things, I’m sorry to say I’ve done little reading in their archives. I would have hated to miss this one! I’ve also bookmarked the “Creative Potager” so that I can check it out when I have time. You’re right, there is something very special about island living. I think it’s possible – though I have never been successful at it – to recreate that elsewhere. If we are only able to figure out what it is…

    Reply ↓

    • My gosh, Cindy, just think how crazy we’d be if we went back and read the archives of our blogging friends. I have trouble keeping up as it is. Do check out Terrill’s blog. It is a lot about her life as an artist.

      Reply ↓

  4. I have a friend from high school who also lives on an island in Michigan – small world! I love your collages!

    Reply ↓

    • Thank you! You do lovely photography. Yes, it is a small world…I think there are only three: Drummond, Mackinac, and Beaver Island that are habitable any more. The rest, I think, are now the property of either the state or federal government.

      Reply ↓

      • Well, thank YOU! I thought she said the name of hers was Sugar Island but I could be wrong. I can’t remember what I forgot yesterday….. 🙂

  5. Read your about and got your name from Lou Ann’s blog or Kathy’s blog. What ever. I like your blog and all that it entails. I am fascinated by your island life. I think it is ideal if you do not have health issues and your animals stay well and never in need of a vet. Is an ice breaker used in the winter to get to the mainland?

    Yvonne

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Yvonne! I’m so glad you found me, through whatever route, and that you took time to let me know.
      We are fortunate to have a good health center here, with a doctor here one day a week and two physician’s assistants staffing it the rest of the week. In our small community (about 400 year-round residents) we also have at least two paramedics, about twenty-five well trained EMTs and several nurses. We have a good dentist living here on the island, who has offices in the Medical Building. We have a physical therapist, a chiropractor, two eye doctors, a therapist and (I could hardly believe it!) a plastic surgeon that come from the mainland and keep somewhat regular hours here (from once a month to once every six months, depending).
      We have a good veterinarian here as well. He balances vet appointments with his other obligations as owner of our hardware store. He’s set up to do surgeries, and can certainly handle any day-to-day problems.
      The ice-breaker has come through for emergencies in past winters. Twice in recent years to allow tugs and barges bringing us fuel to get in, and once to allow the Coast Guard to get here for a medical emergency that couldn’t be handled here. Most days, though, our planes fly in and out bringing mail and supplies, and getting us to and from the mainland if we need to go.
      So, not as remote or isolated as it seems!
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply ↓

      • I began a reply early this am and then all h— broke loose when my dogs all began barkking at appaently something only they could hear. (the reply went away of its own accord) Then my helper arrived to take 3 garbage cans to the street via a 2 wheel cart that is hooked up to my little electric golf cart. My property is one acre of semi woods with lots of native and other shrubs that I planted.

        Anyhow I can not believe you have such wonderful medical services plus the veterinarian. I am totally in awe of your island. I would choose that as well if I had been born in the north, a lot younger, and did not have so many pets. I just live vicariously through a lot of the bloggers who live these wonderful and fullfilling lives in such exotic and far away places ( to me they are). I have never wanted to travel and I am content to live as I do. I am a weird one. My children think that I live a dull life and peahps I do- but this is the life that I know and where I am comfortable.

        I shall be following your blog. and

    • This has been a big accomplishment for me, in starting something and sticking with it. It is also great fun getting to know so many others around the world. Thanks for stopping by, Dedy, and for your kind comments!

      Reply ↓

  8. I used to visit Engadine in the UP when I was a kid. I left part of my heart in Michigan, where my dad is from. I want to bring my kids there one day. Love your blog and your art!

    Reply ↓

  9. Hi Cindy! Have never been to Michigan, but wanted to thank you for liking my post, You Are More Beautiful Than You Think, on my WildlyFreeWoman blog! Feels like I have made a great connection with another creative, soulful, nature loving Wild Woman!

    Reply ↓

  12. Hi there! I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger award because 1) you’re very inspiring and 2) I’m paying forward an award that has been bestowed unto me. If you’d like to pass on the award please feel free, but I give it to you expecting nothing on your part. Put it on your sidebar if you’d like, and shine on. You’ve inspired me.

    Reply ↓

  13. HI CINDY, MY NAME IS LAURA AND WITH MY FAMILY, MOM,DAD, AND SIX MONSTER AGES 11. 10, 9, 8, 7 AND 4. WE LIVED IN UNIVERSITY VILLAGE 1301,C UNIVERSITY VILLAGE THE ADDRESS. 5 YEARS 1962 TO SEPT. 1967 ARE LIVES FOR EVER CHANGED ANYWAY IF YOU EVER NEED PHOTOS A HAVE A TON THAT MY FATHER TOOK OF US IN THOSE, YEARS, HE GOT HIS MASTER AND PH.D IN ECONOMIC AGRICULTURE BUT HIS HOBY WAS TAKING PICTURES OF US. IT’D BE FUN TO SHARE SOME OF THOSE STORIES, EIGHT PERSONS IN A TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT AND ONE BATHROOM. FIVE YEARS! BUT I STILL HAVE THE FONDEST MEMORIES, HOW COULD I NOT THE WHOLE UNIVERSITY WAS OUR PLAYGROUND. WHEN PARENTS WOULD SEND YOU OUTSIDE TO PLAY. BUT GET HOME BEFORE DARK, WAS THE ONLY PRECAUTION TAKEN, L.

    Reply ↓

    • I also have such fond memories of living on campus at Michigan State! It was so beautiful, like living in a park! I can hardly believe all those married housing units are gone now. They seemed like such an important part of university living!

      Reply ↓

Leave a comment