Last week I attended the Cherry Festival in Traverse City. I am starting to get acclimated to living in Michigan and finding my way around. Super fun being in a new space and having to learn all the greatest hotspots. Every day is a new adventure waiting to be had.
Vanessa and I had planned on attending the festival together and actually made it to Traverse City, but with other appointments running us over on time, we opted to return home. SO…I went back the following day by myself.
The festival was in Traverse City right along Lake Michigan. I found it odd because I wasn’t enamored by the Lake as I have been before. This time, I stood there and went…yep…that is Lake Michigan. Looks the same as it did the last time I saw it. 🤣
Maybe too many trips to Chicago and the surrounding area?? Unsure.
I noticed as I drove to Michigan…I kept thinking everything looked the same as something I had seen before. The Midwest seems to be a blur to me now. It is like all the colors have blended together into that same dull color. Very odd.
I have been telling Father…I need something new. Something exciting. My life needs changed. Give me something that is going to satisfy me now. I am tired of all the old foods. Getting bored. I need NEW. NEWNESS OF LIFE! Freshwater!!!!
Cherries!!!
The cherries were delicious! I bought myself a cup…the featured image above is my cup of cherries. 😍
Years ago, Father removed a ton of items from my diet. Mainly items that man considers and defines as food but Father did not create as food. For example…if it is manufactured in a factory somewhere…it is made up of chemicals. That is not what He defines as food. He did not create our bodies to be nourished by man-made chemicals. Chemicals are poisons that kill. And then we blame Him for our illnesses??? 😳 🤔
Also, He removed foods from my diet that are not healing… adding fuel to the fire of inflammation instead of water to douse the inflammation. 😏
That means…Maraschino Cherries had to be cut out of my diet. 🥺 I was sad. I love those things…especially topping ice cream with them. Then pour some of the juice on top…oh my goodness!!! So tasty. 🤗
The Air Dogs
A favorite of mine is watching the Air Dogs. They look like they are having the time of their lives running and leaping into the air for that toy. Then they merrily swim back to the steps with the prize…their toy…in their mouth. It is like they accomplished something wonderful.
Dogs are such funny animals. I am completely amazed at how loyal my pupper dog Tonto is. He hates it when I leave his sight. If I go, he feels like he needs to go with me. Before I left for Michigan, he saw I was packing boxes. The boy has watched me move a number of times and he KNEW I was packing to leave. He had diarrhea for two days before we left.
I believe…and so did the rest of the family, he was concerned I was leaving without him. Throughout the packing time, I reassured him…he was going too. 🥰
Traverse City Chippewa Indians
For years now, the Native American Indians have had a special place in my heart. Father has a special place in His heart for them. My heart aches for the plight of their people.
While at the Cherry Festival, the Chippewa Indians were there. I videotaped this procession of them. So much to love about their culture. My favorite is the artwork in their dress and the colors they use. A close second is the rhythms in their music and chants. A huge fan of their use of the drums.
I am an avid reader of Louis Lamour and many of his western books include experiences with the Native American people. They fascinate me.
Geography Experientially
One of the perks of traveling so often is that I get to learn geography experientially. WAY more fun than just reading about a city, a state, a country, a people group, culture, etc…from a textbook. I think festivals celebrating the local culture are brilliant. As I was driving through the country into the city, I saw the cherry tree orchards loaded with cherries. It reminded me of being in California and driving past all the orchards…and being in New York state on the way to Niagara Falls and driving past miles of grapes.
This world is full of opportunities to learn. I am so thankful I get to experience life instead of sitting at home watching it on TV or reading about it in a book.
One of the things I love about my oldest son Donovan is his hunger to explore…yet he wants to settle down…yet he wants to see more. Since moving to Michigan, Donovan and Vanessa are thinking their next move is to Texas. LOVE the state of Texas. Been all over that state and the people there are super friendly. I have always said…I can live in Texas. Super nice roads down there. They sure do take pride in their state.
Home Education
Back to Donovan. He gets a notion in his head to move, then he starts researching everything about the state. The man can tell you the population of deer in each state, what the state produces, the crime rate, the housing market situation, etc. It is geography! It makes me a super proud retired homeschooling mom. I feel like I did something right, you know? I instilled in my kids the love of learning and the ability to learn. My children never cease to amaze me with their appetites for learning. JUST WHAT I WAS GOING FOR! 😂 It worked!!! 😍