Love. Muskegon. 

Been thinking about you, Muskegon, along with the rest of the state, the country, the world ... Seems as though you've entered into others' thoughts, as well, as we've had visitors here recently from Egypt, Malaysia, Brazil, Poland...

While I'm still processing the major news events of last week - horrific shootings in both Connecticut and Oregon - I'm also still trying to imagine a better world. What can we do? What can I do? 

I just don't know. The other night, I gave a homeless man $3. I said, "Merry Christmas. Enjoy the season." I think he said, "God bless you." I had been thinking about the week's tragedies all the way home from work, then, stopped at a light where I usually look the other way - not because I don't have compassion, but because I think there are better ways to help - I got the urge to give the man on the side of the road with the homemade cardboard sign some money. Did I help anything? I don't know. Did he spend it wisely? I don't know. Did I contribute to keeping him from finding a solution to his problems? I hope not. Logic dictates there are better ways to give money, to solve problems, to help. But this wasn't about any of that. This was about showing some kindness to someone who, for whatever reason, is in a worse situation than I am. 

Thinking about it, I hope that kindness radiated out, that he passed it on, but even if he didn't, that's okay. Because if we all just do some small thing every once in awhile, something to reach out to another human who may or may not be lonely, I believe the world will become a better place. 

But is this why I did it? I honestly don't know. All I can tell you is that I felt a strong urge to do it, and afterward, I started remembering kindnesses that were shown to me throughout my life. People who reached out when they didn't have to. People who made my day, my week, and, ultimately, my life better, for no discernible reason...

And then I got to thinking about places. Communities. People. Connections. I checked the ol' blog, and found people around the country, and the world, were still checking in. What were they finding? Hopefully, a positive representation of a beautiful and inspiring place.

I believe the world is still a beautiful and inspiring place, Muskegon. And I believe the old lumber town on the shores of Lake Michigan plays an important role, just like we all do. I can't wait to go to the beach on Christmas - and seriously, how many people can say that? And in a place that actually has seasons and the chance of a white Christmas? Not too many, that's for sure.

So, Muskegon, don't forget what an amazing place you, and the world, are. Today, think of a time when someone reached out to you in kindness, let it fill you with happiness, then either try to do something small for someone else, or, when you feel yourself getting angry or retaliatory, just remember the pain of loneliness, isolation, or frustration so many deal with during the holidays. The small things add up to making the world a better place - and sometimes, they aren't even things, but words better left unsaid or actions avoided.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Muskegon. Much love.

--Imaginer

Participate - and Celebrate! - Muskegon

How can you Not love Muskegon?

So, Muskegon, there's some really, really cool stuff going on here this week. I'll start with right now: Your neighbors are participating in a grant contest - with some very interesting ideas - put on by your community foundation to create fun and exciting events in your community. The best part? You get to help decide winners of the contest. Right now. Just go to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County's Facebook page, "like" it, then click on the "Love Notes" album. Here, you can vote for projects you like by "liking" them. Vote for as many as you want - I chose several of them - or just pick one and read about the rest. They're all innovative, thoughtful ideas...

One of last year's grant-contest winners ... Movies on the Beach Muskegon.

And if you'd like to participate in an idea that's already come to fruition, uniting nature, German traditions, and Michigan-made (and German-made) food and drink, you  need not wait any longer than Saturday: That's when The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex will host its inaugural "Oktoberfest." You thought the luge was just for winter fun? Think again. Pumpkins will tumble down the track as part of the "Pumpkin Roll,"  just one of the traditional German games planned for the whole family from noon-4 p.m. Then, from 4-8 p.m., the Muskegon State Park trails will come alive with music, bonfires, and libations ... Wander the trails and visit the various food and drink stations. What better way to enjoy the beauty of fall? The colors are out in their full magnificence, and you can wonder among them in awe ... Of course, the fun doesn't stop at 8 - there will be a beer garden until midnight with live music and more German and Michigan libations and comestibles...

Just add beer, or food...

If you'd rather head to the heart of the city as night falls, the Frauenthal Center will host the annual Buster Keaton Film Festival at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7...

Whatever you're doing this week, don't forget to take in all of your surroundings: The kaleidoscope of colors, the gentle falling of the leaves, the crunch underfoot ... and go get some cider, apples, or fall donuts while you're at it! So much fun...

See ya out in the beauty, enjoying all the fruits of autumn...

--Imaginer

Show Your Love (We're All Waiting...)

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little. ~ Edmund Burke

Okay, Muskegon, we've all been imagining and loving our beloved area - now it's time to make some of our dreams reality. To push Muskegon forward. To make that first step...

Got an idea, big or small, to make your city better? A community-focused event you'd like to see happen in the Port City? Something you've always thought would be fun? Well, you've got three days - until Friday, the 21st, at 5 p.m. - to get your idea down on paper and submit it to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County for the chance to receive one of six $500 "Love Your Community" grants.

Here's the deal: Get a picture and a 300-character description onto the application from http://www.cffmc.org/blog. The community foundation will post all of the projects on its Facebook page Oct. 1, and by Oct. 12, the six with the most votes will receive grants.

It's that easy, Muskegon. Just get something submitted. Last year, these grants funded a series of movies on the beach, a benefit concert for the Snurfer sculpture, and a White Lake photography class and exhibit - all of which were well-received. All of these ideas sprang from the minds of community members just like you.

ArtPrize, which starts today in downtown Grand Rapids? (And is totally worth a trip...) Started as an idea in a GR community member's mind. The Snurfer? Same deal, but from the famous Muskegonite Sherm Poppen. You get the drill...

Share your idea with your neighbors, Muskegon. Too big? Break it down. Too small? Beef it up a bit. Too weird? Doubt it. The weirder, the better sometimes. Too "normal?" Doubt that, too. Some of the best memories I have growing up are from block parties on my street. Some great memories as an adult in big cities are from street parties. Get the picture? Just get it out there.

Truly can't wait to see what's submitted. 

See ya on the other side of your idea...

--Imaginer

Love and Embrace - and Imagine! - Muskegon

“The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success.” --Hamilton Wright Mabie

So, Muskegon, there are a lot of Port City imaginers, and hard-workers, out there, moving the area forward. Countless individuals and groups give their time, effort, and energy in their own ways to improve the community and help out their neighbors. I'll list some of the visionary Skee-Towners here, and hopefully, one or more of 'em will inspire you to picture the city you'd like to see (and to appreciate the pretty impressive one that's already here)...

These guys have the imagining thing down: http://www.facebook.com/LakeHarborTrail.

I've imagined a bike trail along Lake Harbor, and one connecting to the Spring Lake/Ferrysburg trail, for years ... So glad I'm not the only one.

Also, Love Muskegon and I found this on an adventure about town recently:

This is more than a cool name; this organization's got some awesome initiatives going. Check it out: embracemuskegon.org.
 

And don't forget Love Muskegon's family, the Love Muskegon group.

And for some already-realized fruits (flowers) of community members' imagination: the Monet Garden of Muskegon. Beautiful year-round, and it really does look like its counterpart in France!

As for other forms of art - and culture - the Muskegon Area Arts Council promotes and conceptualizes arts opportunities in the area. 

Read Muskegon is working hard to increase the opportunities for a good chunk of area residents. The organization has quite a lofty goal: "To exist until every adult in Muskegon can read at a functional level." Read Muskegon estimates that between 22-33,000 adults can't read in Muskegon County. Check out its website to see how you can help, or just to find out what inspiring work your fellow community members are up to: readmuskegon.org.

As for individuals, like I mentioned, there are many forward-thinking and hard-working Muskegon-lovers. One of the most innovative ones is Lake Effect Boat Time. Lake Effect does a lot of imagining and dreaming about Muskegon - and promoting it! Check out his website: lakeeffectboating.com.

As for myself, I've been imagining a brewery, more public transit options, and a more compact, walkable downtown, among other things ... The brewery is on its way, which will hopefully spur more walking downtown - along with the new flats project - and hopefully, eventually, more transportation. I'd also LOVE to see a coffeehouse downtown, and a bakery, a wine bar, some upscale restaurants ... The Depot area is perfect for creating a brewery cluster, or a combination like coffeehouse-ice cream shop-bakery ... 

The possibilities are endless, Muskegon. The renaissance has already begun. Let's keep it going.

See ya in the ever-evolving Muskegon...

--Imaginer

So much to do, see, be proud of - Right. Now.

They get it.

Muskegon! There's so much going on this weekend! Downtown, along the shoreline, on the water ... First things first: That picture up there. That's of a destination wedding. In Skee-Town...

Take that in a minute. 

Sunk in yet? Some New Yorkers wanted a beach wedding ... They gathered their guests from all over the East Coast, some states out West (Colorado, Nebraska, etc.), and some in the Midwest (Ohio, Illinois, Indiana...) ... and headed to Muskegon.

Yep, Muskegon. Not Mexico, not the Caribbean, not Florida or California ... Muskegon.

Not long before this matrimonial celebration, hundreds of your neighbors gathered downtown for the Muskegon LipDub, part of a Michigan LipDub that Rob Bliss, creator of the famous Grand Rapids LipDub, is putting together...

But back to the wedding. They couldn't have picked a better day, background, or location, really. As you can see, kiteboarders in all their bright-colored glory continually painted the background, and sailboats, catamarans, and even a big ship of myriad hues swept by at various points ... 

You just never know what you're going to find at the channel ... or the beach...

Speaking of that big ship, its name is BBC Lousiana and it was on its way out of Muskegon after delivering some huge wind turbine blades headed for Ithaca ... and it was really something. Drew people out to harbor walls and out of their cars, to get as close as possible and to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of it. The wind blades themselves were also quite the sight, and lured many Skee-Towners down to Heritage Landing while the Louisiana was docked there:

Those huge water slides? Yeah, they're parts of wind turbine blades.

So, the big ship's gone, and what now? How about an awesome movie aboard another large ship? That's right, the LST's got a really good film for its final "Movies on Deck" showing of the summer: Batman. As always, it's free, but donations are appreciated - and bring chairs, snacks, and drinks. The movie starts after the time of day often used to refer to the west side of Michigan: Sunset.

Last night's preview of sunset time.

If you can't make it out to Batman, there's an equally novel and exciting screening event tomorrow night: Movies on the Beach Muskegon will show How to Train Your Dragon. Also free, with donations appreciated. Also at dusk, with the chance to bring chairs, drinks, and snacks. Also the final offering of the MOTBM 2012 series. And with the chance to catch something like this beforehand:

Yes, this is where you live.

If you're more jazzed for something like, well, jazz, the inaugural Lakeshore Jazz Festival will start at 5 p.m. at Heritage Landing. The fest will feature a handful of performers, and ticket prices range from $16.50 to $34.50.

During the day, Roosevelt Park Day will start off with a 5K run and a pancake breakfast (though you probably will need to pick just one of the above) at 8 a.m. A parade will commence at 10 a.m., and at 11 a.m., a "food row", an entertainment tent, and a game area for kids will open. Downtown, Club Envy will hold a Summer Street Party and local business will host "Back to School Days - Friday and Saturday Sales," which will include bargains on much more than back-to-school items...

Back at the beach, the Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan is holding its annual Muskegon Regatta through Sunday. Along with all the colorful kites and sails, the kaleidoscopic catamarans make for a very picturesque scene...

A constantly changing, colorful painting...

Also, Lake Michigan has warmed up again, and is good to go for swimming. Who knows if that'll happen again when the weather turns, so might as well make use of it...

See ya around, sooner than later...

--Imaginer

Awe-inspiring work of nature And Man (and Woman)

It's always a treat to see a large ship come through the channel. And, of course, watching the sunset over the water is always sweet. Combine the two and it's extra magical. Sunday, people from all across the state and the country watched the sunset over the beach and the channel, and observed the "Integrity," a LaFarge ship, come in ... Not only are these always beautiful sights, they inspire feelings of togetherness and connectedness, as we ooh and ahh over the magnificent work of both nature and people.

Where was everybody from? Well, I stood along the channel with people from Ontario, North Carolina, Illinois, Florida, and other parts of Michigan ... Earlier in the day, in one sweep of the beach, I spotted license plates from Vermont, Colorado, South Carolina, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Georgia, Minnesota, and Virginia. And, of course, the Michigan plates probably included some out-of-towners...

Seems people are discovering our little corner of the world. And it's about time, wouldn't you say? Makes me smile every time I think about it...

Here are some shots from last night's awe-inspiring display. Enjoy. See ya out there with our neighbors from near and far...

--Imaginer

Jammin' on the boat, the beach, and with the Moose...

Makes ya wanna grab a boat, no?

Well, Muskegon, it may feel like fall already, but the abundance of fests going on this weekend prove summer is still going Strong in the Port City...

Lake Effect Boat Time 2012, a celebration of maritime activities, starts today off with a "Community Paddle" event at 10 a.m. Bring your boat, unload at 9:30 a.m. and depart at 10 ... 

Throughout the day, LEBT will host several boat-themed activities, including a Historic Ship Tour Package. Later on, at 7-10 p.m., LEBT's signature activity, the "Sunset Boat Jam," will bring live, Jimmy Buffet-style music to the LST 393 for a rockin' time in the cove by the Mart Dock. The LST deck opens at 6 p.m. for the free celebration. Bring your own beverage, chairs, and food to the LST - or bring your own boat to the cove...

"We want to get a bunch of boaters down in that cove. It's not just a musical jam, but a way to show Muskegon residents and boaters that this is their community," organizer Roger Zuidema said.

Lake Effect  Boat Time will continue on Sunday with events such as a Boat Bash Meetup at 1 p.m.

If spending time on the beach is more what floats your boat, the Muskegon Multicultural Beach Festival will include music, dancing, a beach walk, and a sand-sculpting contest, among many other events ... The festival, which will include vendors and exhibitors, is free, with some events costing a small fee. If you participate in the MMBF, you'll be part of something much bigger than a day at the beach. Check this out: "MMBF is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that celebrates the land, lakes, rich diversity and culture that exist in Muskegon, while promoting the ideals of Healthy Lifestyles, Sustainability, Economic Development, Diversity, and Lifelong Learning. Our hope is to Educate, Empower and Entertain." Wow, now that's a mission statement...

Add some culture to this natural beauty: Perfection.

The Muskegon Multicultural Beach Festival also will extend into Sunday, with activities such as a "Gospel Explosion."

So, what else could possibly be going on, you ask? How about Moose Fest, an all-day country music bash at Heritage Landing? With artists like Rodney Atkins, Randy Houser, and Jessie James? It's happening, and you can hear it - with a slight catch: If you don't have tickets, you can't get into the concert venue, but you CAN bring a boat as part of LEBT's Raft-Up, or you can hear some tunes from the bike path that goes right by...

There's always the sky over Heritage Landing, too...

All of these events came out of the imagination, dedication, and hard work of community members. They're all unique to Muskegon, and they've all got distinctive characteristics ... Check 'em out. You never know where you'll find some inspiration...

See ya out jammin'.

--Imaginer

Muskegon. You must get to the beach. Now. And you don't want to miss these events...

Come on in...

Well, Muskegon, I have a confession for you - well, actually, two confessions: 1. I haven't been writing too much lately because I've been spending my free time outdoors, most of it at the beach, and 2. I realized I had only been swimming a few times up until this week. 

Number 2 is a tragedy, Muskegon. There truly is nothing better than a summer day at a West Michigan beach, and Pere Marquette is the best of the best. Muskegon State Park ain't bad, either. Or Hoffmaster. Or any of 'em around here. For four years, I sorely missed Lake Michigan and the gorgeous shoreline throughout the summer - and I didn't even grow up here. I remember, the first summer I got here, going to the beach every single day, even if I only had an hour before it got dark. My roommate, also from another place, and I would leave parties to go swimming at the beach, then come back...

We just could not understand people here who didn't bother to get to the beach at least a few times a week. Then we met people who hadn't been there yet well into July ... and then August. This was dumbfounding. So, you can imagine my shock at realizing July was getting ready to wrap up and I hadn't been swimming more than a few times - and I hadn't even made it to the beach every day, or every other day sometimes...

Muskegon, I'm here to implore you: Spend more time at the beach. Treasure it. Build sandcastles (still on my list). Play volleyball. Wrestle the waves. Throw a Frisbee. Walk out on the pier. Or just lay out on your towel, soaking up the sun, listening to the breeze, and watching kids of all ages play. Just get down there. Feel the inspiration of this awe-inspiring place. Go as the sun starts its journey into the horizon and you'll be completely in awe...

Don't let August happen without getting to the beach, Muskegon. You'll regret it. Trust me. Take it from someone who's gone without for several years, or take it from someone who grew up playing sand volleyball in front of the bowling alley and swimming in the community pool (both fun enough, but nothing like here, and both not free): It's a one-of-a-kind experience you shouldn't take for granted...

Saturday night at dusk, you can watch the classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off right on Pere Marquette beach, put on by Movies on the Beach Muskegon. For free (with donations appreciated). This was an awesome experience last month, and it'll be bigger and better, literally - with a bigger screen and better sound - this time around.

If you'd rather watch a movie on a boat, you can do that here in Muskegon, too. Friday night, the LST's "Movies on Deck" program will feature Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest. Also at dusk. Also free with donations appreciated. Both events offer the chance to catch a magnificent sunset before enjoying the fruits of Tinseltown. If you're not a movie person, you can enjoy one of the patios of the restaurants around town, or build a bonfire, or check out the farmer's market, or ... go to the beach.

See ya in the waves or on the sand.

--Imaginer

The beach is always inviting, no matter what time of day...

Rolling hills...

You can enter this painting...

Prefer Muskegon Lake?

How about somewhere more secluded?

Even better than the movies.

Happy Sun(set)/Last Bike Time Day, Muskegon...

There is no better track...

Or romantic backdrop.

Clouds dancing and coloring.

Bike Time!

That's right: Snowboarding started here - only it was called snurfing.

Let this breathtaking and unique place inspire you. See ya around...

--Imaginer

Bike Time! And Movie Time ... And Roller Derby Time...

 

So, Skee-Town, Muskegon Bike Time begins today - it's so popular and so fun, there's an extra day this year! It's such a fun time when all the gorgeous motorcycles descend upon downtown and ride out through the area...

For those who prefer two wheels - and want to try out something new and unique - the Lakeshore Misfits, the area's new roller derby team, is looking for new skaters. Adults and children. No experience necessary, and they have skates and helmets you can use. The next practice is at 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday. The group practices every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Roller Fox and every Saturday at 10-noon at Central Park in Spring Lake. Cost is $5 per practice ... There are four coaches, and they're getting the members ready for competitions starting in the beginning of the new year. It's great exercise, lots of fun, and a great way to meet new people ... and almost none of the 12 current members knew each other before joining, so no worries about being the newbie!

If you're looking to kick back and enjoy yourself outside in this summer weather, the White River Light Station is hosting "Up" on the lawn at dusk Friday night. Like Movies on the Beach Muskegon next week, this event is free and a wonderful way to have fun with your neighbors...

See ya out enjoying another beautiful weekend...

--Imaginer

Happy Sun(set)/Freighter Day, Muskegon ... Breathtaking week behind ... BIG week ahead...

It just doesn't get better than this.

So, Muskegon, there's heaps of fun and interesting stuff going on this week, which I'll tell you about throughout the week - but first, some pics from yet another spectacular week of sunsets, and a freighter against the painted sky backdrop...

The Muskegon sky sure knows how to paint...

and the land (and water) offer a perfect foundation.

Big boat, big sky.

A fiery canvas in Grand Haven...

...and one in Ann Arbor...

...and in the Port City.

A more relaxed Skee-Town scene...

And another with the clouds on fire.

An otherworldly display...

...and one shining a light on our Heritage (Landing).

Have a wonderful evening and week, Muskegon.

--Imaginer