Fishing Village:Seaside Decor at Michaels Highlights Leland

You know that I have spent my summers in the little resort town of Leland, Michigan, just like my mother. Well, imagine our surprise when we rounded the corner in Michaels Craft store (on the East-side of Seattle, no less) and saw this stack of crates! 

Our only explanation is that the designers must have Googled fishing village and found my favorite little town! My mom bought one of these cute crates. It corrals her magazines and reminds her of where she will be in a matter of weeks. Isn't it a wonderful coincidence?

Fishtown: The Perfect Place to Visit on your drive Around the Peninsula

I caved and took a selfie on the bridge over the waterfall in historic Fishtown. Dan was in Seattle and I wanted him to see the gorgeous day I was experiencing a million miles away in Leland, Michigan. It came out so well, I've decided to share it. The photo above was taken from the footbridge over the dam.

The Carp River flows from Lake Leelanau over the dam and out to Lake Michigan. The public can walk the docks of fishtown, peek inside the working area of Carlson's Fish and smell the fresh catch being smoked in the smokehouse next door. I always buy a container of whitefish pate (to be served with wine and white crackers) from the storefront. The Fishtown Preservation Society strives to protect and preserve the historic fishing shanties, fishing nets and tugs (low body fishing vessels - seen above with a green base). I've walked these docks every summer for the last 40 years, the first 13 with my maternal grandmother, so the preservation of fishtown is real to me too.  

This image shows a sailboat tied up at The Cove, a local restaurant that is famous for it's large outdoor deck. A lovely place for drinks and dinner, as trumpeted by chef Mario Batali. I took the photo from the docks looking back at the dam. The footbridge is just above the water, connecting the buildings.

The perfect place for a summer vacation, no?

Lake Michigan Magic

It has been a summer of adjustments and this view helped. I have spent most of the summer in Leland with my mom. Thank you for being patient and allowing me time to get my bearings. 

I am about to make a permanent move to Seattle, Washington! I will finally be living in that cute apartment that I started to show you back in March.

I will still have a few responsibilities in Michigan, but essentially I am starting a new life with Dan in the Pacific Northwest. It's a big deal.

P.S. After a hard winter of pounding waves, the "beach" at the cottage has disappeared. On clear days we can see where it went! There is a brand new expansive sand bar out front - can you see the sandy stripe in the water?

Blue Boat: A Coffee Bar in Leland

My days in Leland have gotten a little brighter. One of the new businesses that opened in our little resort town is called Blue Boat and it's a coffee bar! This is an action shot (above) of a pour over coffee brewing. There were 4 choices of beans for pour over that day and since I am not an expert in knowing which region I like my beans from, they allowed me to make my choice by scent.

I noticed on the Blue Boat Facebook Page that their barista, Kent, participated in a latte art competition in Traverse City last month. How cool. I would love to go to an event like that, proving that Seattle is going to be a great new home for me. My friend loved her pour over and I thought that my latte was delicious. It was rich and smooth and divine and it wasn't just because I detected whole milk.

My extended family loves this new coffee bar and we had Blue Boat logo-ed paper cups all over the house during the July 4th holiday. Some even saw actor, comedian and summer resident, Tim Allen in line for a cup. I had a chance to meet Tim Allen and welcome him to the area a few years ago. I plan to frequent Blue Boat coffee and expect that someday soon I will the voice of "Pure Michigan" order a latte. 

Leland: The Blue Bird Patio

A new twist on a classic.  When you start talking about your upcoming trip to Leland, Michigan, it won't be long before some insists that you eat at The Blue Bird.  They are right; The Blue Bird's whitefish dinner (broiled, with lemon) is not to be missed.

The twist is that for the past two Summers, they have opened a patio on the Leland River.  They have a limited menu, but you can still have their famous whitefish, just hot off the grill!  It is the perfect place to have an easy dinner in the open air.  A vacation dinner without the reservation.  Bravo!

Leelanau Peninsula: Go for a beach walk

Everyone can benefit from some time on their own.  The cottage life can be a noisy life and a 30 minute walk on the beach can reset the calm and energize you for the next bit of fun.

When you are on the shore of Lake Michigan in the Leelanau peninsula, your walk might take you past a few petoskey stones, if you're lucky.  The petoskey stone is a rock composed of fossilized coral and it can only be found in the upper peninsula and certain areas of the northwestern lower peninsula of Michigan.  The stone has tiny circular lines of coral that are most apparent when wet.  There is a even a Petoskey Stone Festival that is now in its eighth year - I bet you could find a lot of jewelry in the artist booths there.

Petoskey stones are beautiful when polished and many local artisans polish and drill them to create jewelry, a bit like a regional flag.  If you recognize this as a petoskey stone (Michigan's State Stone), then you know where I come from.  As a child, we rubbed petoskey stones with Vaseline to make the pattern appear and the sheen would keep the pattern visible for days.

So keep your eyes out on your beach walk.  You never know when you'll find a little piece of Michigan's history.

Leelanau Lavender Breezes in Leelanau County

The Lavender is blooming on the Leelanau Peninsula!  Leelanau Lavender Breezes is a lavender-based business that has opened a farm stand selling their lavender products and fresh cut bouquets every Friday and Saturday from 10-3 in July.  You'll know they're open by the white sign they put out on the road where Kilwy Road meets County Road 651 (Good Harbor Trail) in Cedar, Michigan.

Leelanau Lavender Breezes sells their products at the Glen Arbor and Leland farmer's market, as well as in a few local shops. While I own a few of their culinary products, I had never been to their beautiful lavender farm.  I didn't even know that they were planning on opening a stand at the farm, but when I mentioned lavender to my mom she immediately referred to the sign that was just put out on County Rd 651.  Moms know everything, right?  

Since the stand was open for another hour, we hopped in the car and went in hopes of finding lavender that was ready to harvest into bouquets.  When I opened the car door, the scent of lavender was everywhere.  I didn't need the sign to confirm that I had found the right barn.  

We were greeted by owner, Penny Spencer's darling daughter and spent the next little while admiring their beautiful selection of culinary lavender, formal bath soaps and drawer/dryer sachets at the farm stand they have set up in their barn.  I have a container of their Chef's Finishing Essence in my cupboard at home and I like to sprinkle it on grilled chicken or steamed green beans.  

When it was time to cut the bouquets, we followed our young charge into the lavender field and took photos while she expertly cut our bouquets.  She was just wonderful. 

Two varieties of lavender are in bloom right now (more are expected to open in the coming weeks) and we bought bouquets of each.  Another darling daughter packaged our purchases with care in purple tissue and a bag; she's too young for the clippers, but she handled the gift wrapping with ease.

I was able to meet Penny in the lower level of the barn where she was distilling fresh lavender into a spray called hydrosol.  This family is committed to a life of delight - bringing the visual, edible and aromatic benefit of lavender to their customers in northern Michigan and beyond.  I feel relaxed already.

Leelanau Peninsula: Painted Furniture Artist Dona Kelly

I have long admired northern Michigan artist Dona Kelly and this is the perfect time to put her in the spotlight.  Her signature style is blending uplifting phrases with locally-inspired illustrations on furniture and mirrors.  She was recently commissioned to make a "Leland" piece for the entrance to the newly remodeled Leland Lodge.  In a word, it is spectacular.

She has brought a map of Leland to life on a beautiful sideboard with drawers (Psst...open the drawers to see more images inside!).  If you have ever walked the streets of this charming town on the shores of Lake Michigan, you will feel right at home.

She has the Leland River winding past the Riverside Inn, the library, the Merc and over the dam to into historic Fishtown, just like you remember.  

I feel like this will become "the art to visit" for generations to come - a trip wouldn't be the same without spending a few minutes studying the map.  I know that young and old will enjoy finding their favorite stores, locating where their cottage is or pointing out where they had a picnic.  This is art reflecting life in the best possible way.

If you love this piece like I do, you can contact Dona Kelly to get something for yourself!  Her email is kellygirlart@yahoo.com  She will also be selling her upbeat collection at the Leland Artist Market at the Old Art Building on July 13, 2013 from 10-5pm.

Martha Stewart Spotlights Leelanau Peninsula

Martha Stewart Living magazine is touting what we've known for years...the Leelanau Peninsula is the place to be in the summertime.  Have you noticed that many of Martha's picks have already been spotlighted in my blog?

I've written about:

• visiting The Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Northport
• the endless inspiration for photographers at the Sleeping Bear Dunes
• reflections on the Leland Harbor
• the satisfaction of eating fresh pastries by 9 Bean Rows
• a taste of raclette by the Leelanau Cheese Company
• visiting historic Fishtown and making "tug" cookies
• buying and grilling fresh whitefish from Carlson's
• a girl's lunch at Martha's Leelanau Table

Good times!  Martha Stewart has directed everyone to some great spots - but she barely scratched the surface!  I am looking forward to another wonderful summer here on the Leelanau Peninsula.  Stay tuned for photographs and stories highlighting the best of the best.  And look in my "City Series" section in the right hand sidebar - I have my "Leland" and "Leelanau Peninsula" posts there.  

To see Martha's list, look at this online article (a companion to the July issue of Martha Stewart Living). 

Northern Michigan Girl

If you are a northern Michigan girl in the summer, this is the scene you long to see after a long winter in the suburbs.  A sandy cut in the landscape that leads to a public beach.  Ahead lies swimming, sunbathing, picnics, beach walks, Petoskey stone searches and ever-changing sunsets.  This is where we northern Michigan girls live in the summertime...on the shores of Lake Michigan.

My favorite sandwich to take on a picnic?
Crusty French bread spread with softened cream cheese.  Press chopped green olives into the cream cheese.  Layer thin sliced turkey, slices of tomato and fresh spinach onto bread.  Wrap in Saran Wrap/cling wrap and take to the beach (or outdoor concert!)

2013 Leland Plein Air Painting Event

Painting by Brenda J. Clark

I was "up north" in Leland, Michigan when the Leelanau Community Cultural Center (at The Old Art Building) hosted their first Plein Air Painting Event.  

Artists were to register online and then on the day of the event, they were to bring their canvas to the Old Art Building between 9-10 am to be stamped (on the back) by the Plein Air committee to complete the registration process.  Then the artists were free to chose a spot somewhere in and around Leland to paint or draw.  The art was to be completed by 4 pm and submitted with a frame to the committee.  At 6:30 that night, the artists and public were invited to a reception at the Old Art Building.  The paintings and drawings were on display for the guests to admire and purchase.  A portion of each sale went to support the Leelanau Community Cultural Center.

What a success!  I was jealous of the talent and amazed at the landscapes that these artists were able to create in just one day.  I was fascinated by the entire process.

While Dan and I were out and about that day, I noticed several painters next to streams or on bluffs throughout the bright and chilly day, painting from their chosen perspective.  We noticed so many, that I felt that I was pointing out rare birds. "Look! There's another one!"

When we walked down toward Fishtown, I ran into Brenda J Clark.  I had stopped to admire her work - her painting of Fishtown is shown on the easel above - and as we chatted, I realized that I had met her before.  She taught my best friend, Kim in an art class at Michigan State University and they have remained friends.  A few years ago, Kim had taken me into Brenda's art gallery, which is now located in Suttons Bay, Michigan.  

I absolutely love Brenda's bold use of color.  Her work table reminds me of so many of my projects mid-stream - you can instantly tell that big things are going on.      

Viva la Plein Air!  Bravo, Leelanau Community Cultural Center for bringing such a wonderful event to Leland!  

Memorial Day Party at The Cove in Leland

The famous "Here Comes The Sun" Party on Memorial Day at The Cove in Leland, Michigan could be heard for blocks.  The live music and shoulder-to-shoulder crowd proves that this party tradition is here to stay.  Mild mannered me was heading into the local grocery store (The Merc!) when I heard the commotion and was reminded of the annual fun.  I walked out on the bridge over the waterfall in Fishtown to take some pictures and admire the fun.

If I'd had a Diet Coke with me, I would have leaned on the bridge and stayed awhile to enjoy the music.  The walkway was full of onlookers and it felt so good to stand in the sun enjoying the view.  Here comes the sun, indeed.

The Cove restaurant is such a favorite of chef Mario Batali, that he has it named it (along with loving the Traverse City area in general) in his top 10 Foodie Destinations in-the-world.  Imagine!

Leland Fishtown Tug Cookies

This fishing tug has long been the symbol of Fishtown and represents the charm and history of Leland, Michigan.  The town has been a fishing village since the late 1800's and this particular model of fishtown tug has been a working fishing vessel in the waters of Lake Michigan for more than fifty years.

For years there have been tug window decals, t-shirts and jewelry to help those that love Leland trumpet their affection for the town.  The Tug Stuff shop in Fishtown has the largest collection.  My favorite tug item is a 3-D silver charm for a necklace that I found in the Leelanau Historical Society gift shop.

Recently, a local bakery Sisson's started making tug cookies!  I highly recommend them for afternoon tea.  They make such a darling conversation piece.  As a baker, I wanted to have an entire fleet of tugs and I asked Dan to make me a tug cookie cutter (yes, I have a "make your own cookie cutter kit") to my specifications.

Tah-dah!  I love them!  We tried different variations (with a window "dent" and with a window completely "cut out") and on the cuteness scale, I still can't decide which one I like better.  Most of my first batch (shown above) had just a window dent.  For the next batch I make, I'll do some of each.  Aren't they cute?  

Now I have a cookie cutter to use for the rest of my life when I am up north and in the mood to bake and entertain.  These are certainly the perfect cookies for the Land of Delight.  

Leelanau Peninsula: Glass Buoys

I want these!  I was walking through Fishtown in Leland when I noticed this open container of aquamarine glass buoys that hold fishing nets afloat.  You heard me, aquamarine fishnet floats.  They. are. gorgeous.  

I thought that taking a photograph would be enough, but now that I am back at the cottage writing about them, I really want them even more.  I know that they would look beautiful on display in a bowl in my aqua family room.  I think I need to head back to Fishtown...

*Update - I got some and they look beautiful on a plate in my family room.

Moments of Delight: Finding Delight in Everyday Life

I am leading a summer seminar on Delight!  I was asked to participate in a continuing education program in northern Michigan and the more I think about it, the more I am looking forward to it.  And isn't that delight in a nutshell?

I will be leading a 2-part session (July 11, 18 from 10-12 noon at the Leland High School library in Leland, Michigan) and this is my class description:

Author, Photographer and Blogger, Anne Held Reeves, will lead a discussion celebrating the delights of life. A look at how visual images, tasty treats and simple story telling can enhance the human experience. The impact of flowers; the joy of friendship; the satisfaction of collecting – these ideas are the foundation of Anne’s book and blog, MomentsOfDelight.com that celebrate the beauty of everyday life.

You can read an article about the entire series in the Grand Traverse Insider.  This link takes you to the 2012 Leelanau Summinars Catalog.  Care to join me?  

Leelanau Peninsula: A Classic Summer Moment

I brought a friend up north to Leland with me for a few days and while we were there we made 3 batches of homemade strawberry jam.  Yum!  We had barely started our 5-hour drive back home when we came upon a farm stand on County Road 651 with a van idling in front.  Strawberries!

A flat of strawberries instantly became the perfect souvenir from our time up north.  I pulled over and we shouted greetings to the girl delivering boxes of strawberries right from the field.  As my friend grabbed her purse and climbed out of the car, the girl in the van drove away.  "Where is she going? I really wanted strawberries," my friend said with dismay.

I showed her the cash box and the price sheet.  The look on her face told me that she hadn't seen a farm stand with the honor system ever.  It was a great moment, really, because coming from the hustle-bustle of a city, it shows that people are good and can be trusted.  Chose your box of berries, consult the price sheet, pull out the right amount of money, drop it in the cash box. 

That feeling you get is called satisfied customer.

Reflecting on Summer

As funny as it sounds, this moment made me wish that I had a canoe.  Paddling down a river when the water is flat like glass has to be the most relaxing thing in the world.

I was having dinner on a patio by the river when the early evening light started to change and I noticed that the entire landscape was reflecting in the water.  The blues and greens blended back and forth and I felt very lucky that I was there to capture it.

I feel the same way about the blur that I call June-July-August.  This has be a wonderful Summer packed with fun.  We've had long stretches at the cottage, friends in from out of town, family parties and long phone conversations that have left me feeling more connected than ever - and I've got the photos to keep these memories fresh in my mind.  As you reflect on your Summer and the conversations and connections that made it special, look through your photographs (are they still trapped on your camera?) and print a few of the special ones. 

Whether you magnet them to the fridge or frame them grandly on the piano, the glimpse back to your Summer will do you a world of good. 

Bluebird Whitefish Dinner on the Terrace

What a night!  A beautiful whitefish dinner cooked on the grill and served on a riverside patio.  To me, this kind of meal is the epitome of Summer.  I was thrilled when the famous Bluebird restaurant opened an outdoor patio to offer vacationers another option for dinner.  Don't you love to eat outside?

If you would like to cook whitefish on the grill, you can follow my recipe here.  It is delicious!  Bon appetit!

Cherry-Studded Coffeecake

One of our groomsmen (my husband's friend from college) has a layover in Detroit (he's flying in from his home/job in Kazakhstan) and we are scooping him up for a few days to visit and show him Michigan. 

Even though our guest room at home in the suburbs is ready, we've decided that he would really enjoy the "Americana" of a weekend at the cottage.

I hope he gets some sleep on the plane because, so far, we have decided that he should have a chance to:

• swim in Lake Michigan
• go for a boat ride
• eat a nice fish dinner at The Bluebird in Leland
• watch the sun set
• have a beach fire
• eat cherry pie

Our region of northern Michigan is called "Cherry Country."  We are on the 45th parallel (which is known around the globe for producing the best stone fruit) so "something cherry" is a must. 

In fact, I am making a simple coffee cake tomorrow studded with dried cherries to eat on Saturday morning.  Nothing beats going out on the deck with a hunk of coffee cake and a enamelware mug of coffee.  It's camp for grown ups! 

Simply take 2 boxes of Pillsbury Cinnamon Swirl quick bread mix and follow the instructions on the box (note the "when using 2 boxes" instructions) to bake a Bundt-size coffeecake.  When you add the cinnamon layer in the center, include a cup of dried cherries.  It is easy and delicious!

Vacation Pictures

How's this for capturing a quintessential Fourth of July moment?

Taking great vacation photographs often means removing yourself from the heart of the action.  Instead of sitting on the blanket, I chose to sit above and behind my friend's children so that I could get a few vacation pictures for her.  You may miss a few minutes of interaction, but in the end you'll be glad to have photographs that will last a lifetime.

You can read my thought-process below for this photograph, and perhaps consider these tips when taking your own vacation pictures:

• Light - By staying in the shade, I let the "spotlight" of natural sun be on my subjects
• Angle - Timing is everything when taking a picture.  When I arrived at the parade, I could see that capturing the boys waving at the floats would be darling.  By keeping myself at an angle to my subjects (instead of sitting directly behind them) I had more chances to get this firetruck as it approached.  I was able to take 3 photos just like this, with the only difference being where the firetruck is in the frame.  Later (when the parade was over and I had time to evaluate) I could choose to keep the picture where all the elements looked the best.
• Secrecy - Once the boys realized that I was taking their picture, they turned around a lot to see what I was up to.  If you decide what photo you want (first lick of an ice cream cone, kids jumping off the dock), don't announce your intention.  You might miss out on capturing a perfectly natural moment.
• Determination - Just do it! Bring your camera along and grab pictures when you can.  If you think about constructing the perfect shot too much, you'll miss out on some really good ones.  Just always take your camera with you and enjoy!