The Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan in the northwestern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is a national treasure. Majestic clouds swirling about provided a special opportunity to share their natural beauty.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Steep Climb up the Sleeping Bear Dunes
Windswept Dunes
Climbing to the Top of the Sleeping Bear Dunes
Dancing Clouds
Farm Nestled in the Dunes
Layers of Beauty
Glen Lake
The western coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along Lake Michigan’s dune area makes a great microclimate for farming. Oceana and Grand Traverse counties are known for their many varieties of cherries. I had the privilege of visiting there in July to see tart cherry orchards at harvest time. I also bought quarts of black sweet cherries at a road-side stand of a farm owned by the same family for over a century.
In June of 2015 the beautiful, eight-acre DeVos Japanese Garden was opened at the Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I visited in mid-July after a day of refreshing rain.
in appreciation of all who contributed to this contemplative space
the streaming water flows into the rock carved water basin as an opportunity for purification
this tree spirals like a wave reminding me of the ocean
the smoothness of the stones and basin contrasts with the rough texture of the surrounding rocks
the hydrangea and lantern accent the path
the island in the pond reachable by boat takes our minds to a serene place
as water pours over the rocks the sound removes the need to talk only listen
a Japanese thread-leaf maple tree beside a waterfall tumbling over rocks gives us a sense of timeless beauty
a long view across the pond reveals the tea house, bridge and sculpture as the water reflects the tranquil rocks, trees and sky
contemplation of near and far, solid and reflection
elegant lotus blossoms
baby and great grandfather
inside the garden a zen garden provides a stark contrast of minimalism
zen garden seating of stone harmonizes with the garden and provides a place to be quiet and mindful
contrast the fleeting beauty of flowers with the old stones and flowing water of time