Evening music at the park is my favorite summer activity, but I have seen few outdoor concerts in the past 15 months. Earlier this week, we learned that our favorite local band was playing again, and had a gig Tuesday night. Sitting in my folding chair at the park where the band played, I was … Continue reading Music in the Park
Stargazing and Meteor-Watching – Three things to bring with you to Headlands Dark Sky Park
I went to Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City last night on a whim to catch the last of the Perseid meteor showers. The drive was almost four hours, which meant I had time to check into my motel, pick up a veggie sub from Mama Mia's Pizza, and get to the park … Continue reading Stargazing and Meteor-Watching – Three things to bring with you to Headlands Dark Sky Park
Bookish Kids – Aesop’s Fables Free Resource
I do some volunteer ESL tutoring, and today as my learner and I were exploring some online resources I came across a charming (and slightly animated and sound-enhanced) online version of Aesop's Fables, suitable for children. The typeface is pleasant and the vintage illustrations and animations are charming. It's free; check it out by clicking … Continue reading Bookish Kids – Aesop’s Fables Free Resource
Off Topic: The Musical Edition
Music speaks to me more intensely and immediately than any other medium. Once not long ago, when I felt far from home and anxious about getting back there, the opening notes of "Life in a Northern Town" reached across three thousand miles through the overhead music of the cafe where I waited for my drink, … Continue reading Off Topic: The Musical Edition
Michigan Monday (two days early) – Introducing Sheila Solomon Shotwell
Cover images used with author's permission. In recent years, through the magic of Facebook, I have met several aunts and cousins from my maternal grandfather's family. One of those cousins is Sheila Solomon Shotwell, author of books, short stories, and essays. Two of her works, Gone Before Spring and No Doubt in My Mind, are … Continue reading Michigan Monday (two days early) – Introducing Sheila Solomon Shotwell
Another Michigan Author: Holling C. Holling
It's hard to maintain one's interest and motivation in hobbies and interests during these bizarre times; for me, a curious mind is the best defense against defeat. Today's discovery has helped . You may recall an episode of the 1990's series "Northern Exposure" in which laid-back local DJ Chris, played by John Corbett, reads a … Continue reading Another Michigan Author: Holling C. Holling
Michigan Poet Philip Levine
On my sister website, Your Book Group, I published a reading by Detroit native and former Poet Laureate Philip Levine. You can read the post here: National Poetry Month #13 - Philip Levine.
Lake Michigan waves at sunset, and a poem
It was a windy sunset last night . . . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y81Y17CfGzQ Poem courtesy of The Academy of American Poets - poets.org. Click HERE to see the website. O Sea, That Knowest Thy Strength Effie Lee Newsome - 1885-1978 Hast thou been known to sing, O sea, that knowest thy strength?Hast thou been known … Continue reading Lake Michigan waves at sunset, and a poem
Michigan Monday – Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie
The verse below is the first stanza of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem “Evangeline.” I’ve mentioned before that I have an affinity for Longfellow, I think because we read his poetry in elementary school and because his “Song of Hiawatha” is set in the Pictured Rocks area of Michigan on the southern shore of Lake … Continue reading Michigan Monday – Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie
Perelandra and a Recipe
I published a review of C.S. Lewis' Perelandra, which is the second book in his Space Trilogy. HERE is the link, on my sister site which is dedicated strictly to books. You can also find the review to the first book in the series as well; click on All Reviewed Titles in the red menu … Continue reading Perelandra and a Recipe
