The Fall issue of Michigan BLUE never lacks for the excitement of the season or colorful, artful photography. Contributors and staff take readers on that journey when colors, hiking trails and festivities beckon us to the outdoors.
State of Mind is a personal favorite this month, particularly for the vivid imagery the writer’s words evoke. Author Robert M. Weir is possessed by an unmistakable lust and love for the body and personalities of “lady” Lake Michigan. His words, remarking on a return sail from Wisconsin to Michigan: “As day becomes evening the lady dons a black gown capped with fringes of white and pink lightning.”
If readers’ mind’s eyes need an assist for Weir’s imagery of words, they are given opportunity in the artful photography by Steven Huyser-Honig. His photograph of the Saint Joseph Lighthouse, shot in gale force winds as the sun paints the sky, is on page 45. Huyser-Honig said that while his photo journeys begin with dedicated places in mind, “… what I really hope for is something else to capture my attention. I hope to be surprised along the way; those are often the best.” That’s good advice in any season, and its promise is a world of exploration.
Take note: Michigan celebrates the 100th anniversary of the reintroduction of elk, now amidst their mating season punctuated by male bugling. (Ahh, the sounds of fall!) The Michigan elk was extinct in 1908 and reintroduced with elk brought from Yellowstone National Park in 1918. It is by every definition a conservation success story. Brian Mastenbrook, wildlife field operations manager for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, comments in the story, “What we’re doing is for us but also future generations. I want people to value our wildlife, and when they’re here, to look out and think their life is better because of all this.”
Fall is filled with festivals and celebrations from apples and beers to Thanksgiving parades. This month, Michigan Top 5 focuses on community art tours across the state and along color tour routes. Travel writer and Michigan BLUE contributor Kim Schneider offers the reason to get to every corner of the state for celebration of art inspired by fall. The craft ranges from paintings and boat builders to pottery and metal arts. Some of her picks also include farm-to-table stops or visits with heritage pigs and llamas, among others.
Cabin fever season is just down the road; take heed to all that beckons for your witness.
Carole Valade, Editor, Michigan BLUE
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