On that group of people cheersing the sky...

Here's to some of the best sunsets anywhere...

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." --Mother Teresa

Well, Muskegon, on this absolutely gorgeous longest day of the year, I joined just over 100 other people to toast ... the sunset. I know, I know, you thought I was going to say you ... and partly, we were toasting you, and all you have to offer, including the stunning, immense, soft, sugar-sand beaches that work amazingly well as sunset-viewing platforms. We were also toasting the community, the ideas that have sprouted from interesting and forward-thinking people, and all of the natural beauty and human goodness surrounding us...

There's a lot of all of that, Muskegon - here in the city, across West Michigan, across Lake Michigan ... everywhere the sun sets. This event itself just goes to show it: One person in one town appreciates something that happens every day. She wants to show her gratitude and share the experience with her community. She reaches out to others, who pass the word along, and within just over a week, in a place that's often overlooked for the more-hyped areas, more than 100 people show up to toast the sun going down.

This is what life is all about, Muskegon. The real moments of connecting with your neighbors, appreciating your surroundings, and getting excited about what's happening around you. As for what was happening tonight, just in that one little spot on Pere Marquette beach: The waves were melodically crashing against the shore, the birds were flying and chirping overhead, the trees were swaying in the breeze, kids were laughing and playing, and people were talking about how far Muskegon has come and dreams of the future ... All as the sun set to the west.

Just imagine all of the good things that were happening along the rest of the beach and throughout the city and beyond. I know of at least one: Just a bit south of the group at Pere Marquette, at the Dog Beach (another great Muskegon offering), a canine-loving group inspired by the Toast the Sunset idea held its own celebration ... A great example of the ripple effect of doing something positive for the community.

Now that the sun's down, I toast you, Muskegon, for bringing to life yet another awesome thing that started in one person's imagination. Cheers!

See ya out enjoying the ripple effect...

--Imaginer

Another view...

And a nice surprise following the sunset.