As a born and bred Michigander, I love our glorious state, and I often wax poetic about it. I am so incredibly lucky to be a native of such a beautiful and inspirational part of our country.
The UP is lush and remote... so perfect.
There is nothing in the world like a sunset on Lake Michigan. We are so very blessed to be surrounded by miles and miles of gorgeous and nurturing water. For you Non-Michiganders, did you know that our state touches 4 of the five Great Lakes? Standing anywhere in Michigan, you are never more than 85 miles from the world’s second largest supply of pure, fresh water!
Sunset on Lake Superior
Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice… Translated into english, our state motto means “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, looks about you.” Truth be told, we’ve got two! There are few places left in the country contain the range of character that Michiganders sport. You can go to Detroit for dubstep or urban farming, to Grand Rapids for city life, and to Traverse City for cherries (we are the cherry capitol of the nation!). You can escape modern transportation by ferrying to Mackinaw Island, and venture to the Upper Peninsula to surf on Lake Superior and live in the beautiful remote wilderness…
Dan and I, wading off of Mackinaw Island
We also have incredible diversity! From agriculture (we are one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the US) to culture (music, art, and social movements galore), we Michiganders pride our selves on mixing it up!
"Community Garden" by Ed Wong-Ligda, local artist... visit him at http://www.edwong-ligda.com/index.html
Microbreweries! I happen to be a grand lover of Beer, with a capitol B…
Mmmmmm, Founders, Bells, Shorts, oh my! We are on the forefront of the micro-brew craze, you can’t seem to turn around in Michigan these days without another delicious microbrewery popping up! Even if you aren’t a fan of hops, you’re still in luck! We are home to some incredible wineries and meaderies too!
"The Michigan Beer Dude", my friend Ben, pitcherizing at Founders Brewing
Did you know that Michigan was the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment of public libraries? That warms my soul greatly, considering that I am a life-long voracious devourer of books… and that, by day, I am a SUPER CLERICAL AIDE at the Grand Rapids Public Library!
Me in my handmade "Max" costume, at work on Halloween!
MUSIC! As a musician and a music-loving fiend, I feel so lucky to live in a state with such a fantastic music scene. Dan and I are both friends and fellows of the folk scene, and, through it, have met some of the most incredible and beautiful-souled folks in the world. There is no better way to spend your summers than laughing, dancing, drinking, playing, and singing at Michigan’s many folk music festivals!
...or napping in the sun, at Harvest Gathering..
To sum it all up, Michigan rocks! Lets all take a moment give one another a Michigan hand hug, pull on our Mittens, and go on an adventure, Michigan-style!
MittenFolk 