My Muskegon Daydream…

An excellent escape from reality...

"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams." –Ashley Smith 

So, Muskegon, today I set out for my first training run of three miles for the Spring Lake marathon … and the running part was actually no problem (one of those wonderful times where you have just the right amount of energy and enthusiasm for your trip), but I had to keep stopping to gaze at, and capture, the breathtaking views. Also, the amazing clouds (yes, the clouds) led me down a different path than usual, through Bluffton on my way to the beach … I completely understand why Buster Keaton favored this area. After a series of postcard views of adorable houses, gorgeous yards, and lake scenes, I ended up running past a sweeping weeping willow into the dunes between Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake … 

Have you been there, Muskegon? There’s much more to it than I thought. A series of grassy, sandy dunes; a long, narrow beach; assorted colorful wildflowers; paths through beautiful, wild plants; peculiar trees and bushes … A rustic wonderland nestled between the two beautiful lakes.

Following my otherworldly time here, I then, of course, ran down to the Big Lake to see the kiteboarders – and they did not disappoint. Swishes of bright color blanketed the entire horizon as the men and women rode the water and the air.

I bet you want to actually see what I saw, Muskegon. It was such a beautiful journey that I’ve got plenty to show you. The only things missing are the wildflowers, as it was too windy for my Droid to freeze them in time. Best to leave something to the imagination, though…

I’ll make you a deal, Muskegon. You see my pictures, then you go and find some of those wildflowers. Sound good? If you can’t get to the wildflowers, just find something of beauty around you. It’s there – I promise.

Thanks for sharing in the dream of today. Here’s to many more enchanted days…

--Imaginer

Patriotism and peace...

Picket fences...

Muskegon Lake dreaming...

So many options for relaxation here...

Don't you want to find what's at the end of the road?

This is a part of it...

And this ... notice the distinguished colors adorning the path...

And this...

Meanwhile, back at the beach ... Look at all of that equipment!

Told ya they'd be out, Skee-Town, and told ya it'd be pretty ;)

Let yourself be inspired, Muskegon...

The ingredients of an inspirational poster...

"Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant. There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks." --Johann Gottfried Von Herder 

So, Muskegon, the weather calls for a high of 63 degrees today and some strong wind: 15-20 mph, with gusts of up to 30 mph. So, there's one thing you really ought to do: Get to the beach. Yes, I'm serious. Get thee to a beach ... You don't have to stay for long, and you might not want to venture outside your car (though maybe you will want to feel the natural breeze), but windy days at the beach are some of the best (until it's warm enough to swim).

Yes, the answer has to do with the picture up there^. When the wind comes, it brings the kiteboarders. And the kiteboarders bring their beautiful parachutes. And their amazing athletic skills. And their inspiration ... Seriously, have you ever taken the time to watch them participate in their sport? I mean, really observe them? Because, I'll tell ya, it's pretty phenomenal. How could it not be? They ride the waves and the wind! You think basketball players jump high? Watch these guys and gals. Ever seen a long-jumper? Now watch the equivalent on water.

Not only is kiteboarding colorful and interesting to watch, it's highly inspiring, and not just because these folks are out there in wetsuits for hours when many of us have a hard time walking on the beach for 15 minutes. The sport is extremely challenging. It takes a great degree of skill, strength, and agility. I mean, you're battling the wind and the waves ... 

Whatever I'm doing when I see the kiteboarders at the beach, I always get inspired. If I'm running or walking against the wind, it suddenly doesn't seem so bad. If I'm thinking about what a gray day it is, it's instantly brightened by the colorful kites. And if I take some time to watch the incredible wave rides and high jumps, I start wondering what else is possible...

Check it out, Muskegon. And if you can't get to the beach, look for the inspiration around you. Guaranteed, someone is showing great strength in some area, mastering some skill, practicing great discipline in something...

See you on the other side of inspired.

--Imaginer

You know, just dancing on the water...

Some thoughts on these guys later ...

Inspirational...

For now, off to the Getty 4 Drive-in! Bargain night! Whoo-hoo!

A letter to the Port City on this day of ceremony and recognition

Celebration and introspection ... Notice the observers on the balconies...

“Without community, there is no liberation.” --Audre Lorde 


Dear Muskegon,


I just had to write to you and tell you how proud I am to be a part of this community. From the waving flags precisely planted along Seaway Drive to the planes flying in formation over the community, from the professional signs to the homemade sentiments, from the the somber tributes to the boisterous celebrations ... You know how to show your appreciation both for decorated heroes and regular neighbors. The soldiers have made this holiday possible, yes, but it is up to us to appreciate it and celebrate what we have - and you're doing a fine job, Muskegon. I've already witnessed a variety of close-knit community scenes, into which I've been warmly welcomed as if I'd lived here my whole life - and the day is still young. I am grateful not only for the bravery this whole country is celebrating today, but for the peace and hope that abounds ... and I'm thankful for you, Muskegon. Thought you might like to know.


Happy Memorial Day,
Imaginer

In memoriam...

Hope and remembrance...

Civic pride.

Happy Sun(set)day/Memorial Day, Muskegon...

Can't wait to swim in this painting...

Where will you watch the sunset tonight, Muskegon? I'll be at the Lake House Waterfront Grille ... 

Whatever you're doing, don't forget to:

Why, thank you, Pere Marquette picnic bench! I do believe I'll do just that.

It might help to focus on the immense gratitude owed to the men and women who make this possible for us every day ... both those who've made the ultimate sacrifice, the reason for Memorial Day, and those actively protecting our freedom.

Gratitude makes every sunset prettier, every relaxing moment more fulfilling, every fun time with friends more amusing, every bit of solitude more meaningful...

To the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, and anyone who's fought to make this world a better place:

Soon ... and now.

Thank you.

--Imaginer

Movie! Beach! Sunset! Community! Muskegon!

How can it get better? Add a sunset. Check. (Photo courtesy of Movies on the Beach Muskegon.)

Can you tell I'm excited, Muskegon? Very, very excited? Not only do I have an upcoming event with amazing elements to tell you about, this fabulous idea sprung from the imagination of some Muskegonites...

Three weeks from now, the Port City community will come together, plop down on the unparalleled Pere Marquette beach, take in a breathtaking sunset, then watch Back to the Future ... (I wish I had a DeLorean ... I'd go now...)

You, me, the Port City ... and Marty McFly. On the beach. At dusk. What could be better, Muskegon? You wanna have a picnic? Bring the food! You wanna get to know your neighbors? Come early and reach out. Don't have much spare cash? It's free, Muskegon! Free! Though a donation would be very much appreciated by the organizers.

I'll give you the background, after the details:

Who: Muskegon community; anyone interested in a unique, interesting experience

What: Inaugural Movies on the Beach Muskegon event

When: Evening of June 15; get there by 9:30 p.m.

Where: Pere Marquette beach, between the main bath house and Lake Michigan

Why: Building community; fun!

How: 120-inch screen from organizer; projector and speakers loaned from the Frauenthal Center

Cost: Free, but donations are encouraged

Movies are fun. Drive-in movies are more fun. Movies in the park with your community transcend fun and become bonding experiences. Movies on the beach as the sun sets ... I can only imagine.

So can Kerry Halloran, Movies on the Beach Muskegon lead organizer: "It's something I saw in a movie a long time ago. I know a lot of places have movies in the park, and a friend suggested we do it on the beach ... I figured, why not, we have this beautiful shoreline that most places don't have..."

Kerry's idea of movies on the beach won a $500 grant from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County back in August. Since then, she and her family and friends have worked tirelessly to get the event off the ground and onto the beach. The driving force is a desire to bring the community together - and the community has proved enthusiastic and encouraging.

"We're working with the Frauenthal Center for the equipment - that'll be a way to get different types of people involved," Kerry said. "We really want to make it a community event.

"It's been quite the undertaking, but people have been so helpful."

Community members voted for Back to the Future and they've promoted the event.

Kerry hopes for a minimum of 100 people; she recommends moviegoers come by 9:30 to get a good spot.

"That way, people can get to know some of the people around them, too," she said.

"The great thing about it being where it's at is, when you come around the corner there, you can see where it's at," so even if someone just happens upon it, he or she can join, Kerry said. "You can bring a picnic basket and watch the sunset with the people around you."

People in your community, or, if you're visiting, in an inviting West Michigan community.

Where we're going we don't need roads ... or buildings ...

See you on the beach, Muskegon.

--Imaginer

They're not what you think, Muskegon...

Quite possibly, the strangest plant I've ever seen ... in Michigan, at least.

"The secret of ugliness consists not in irregularity, but in being uninteresting. " --Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, Muskegon, when I go walking or running, no matter how gorgeous the path or trail is, I get tired of it after awhile. Same with driving: It can be a postcard-worthy scene, but if I see it every day, it might as well be some smelly back alley ...

Which, in several Port City cases, is the opposite of a bad thing. The back roads and alleys around here have many hidden gems and, especially now with all of the blooming, smell sweeter than many of the more traversed thoroughfares.

You know how every once in awhile you have one of those moments where you realize life is just writing itself, and you could never have chosen that path or alley? That was my experience running down a grassy alley in the rain a month or so ago. It was gorgeous. It smelled wonderful. It was oddly comforting.

I had to go back and take it at a slower pace. And then, of course, I had to explore other alleys in the area and later around the city. No, I'm not telling you they're all pretty and sweet-smelling and inviting. A few are downright scary, and I usually avoid those, always when alone. Some are just unattractive in the classical sense, but still boast interesting sights or a momentary different view ... But many offer a literal path to discovery of new beauty.

Still skeptical, Muskegon? I understand. That's why I've got some more snapshots for ya. And the best part? These are just my discoveries on some of the alleys I've taken. Who knows what you might find?

See you on the unbeaten paths...

--Imaginer

A whole new meaning of "back alley."

Just as pretty as anything you'll find at the store ... or on the perfectly planned road.

You're not the one fenced in while in the alley...

In the middle of the road ... Nice change from yellow, or white, lines.

Scenes of a unique city...

Nature's pinwheel.