Another picture perfect day on Island No. 8. Nora spent much of the day dozing off and on under the pine and birch trees with Nana down by the lake. When she was awake she was whimsically entertained by the birch leaves blowing in the wind above her. The contrast of the white bark against the azure sky demanded a lingering gaze from me as well!
One of the things I love about this area is that there is no hustle and bustle. No one is in a hurry, everything is laid back and you go about life at your own leisurely pace (aka “Yooper time”). Which would explain why I was just getting around to showering at almost 1:00 in the afternoon. Of course while I was in the shower, and Nora was napping we had a visitor! When I got out, my Mom explained to me with tears in her eyes that someone had stopped by to meet Nora. Someone we’d never met before who has been following the blog!! Imagine you are following a blog and you see a landmark relatively close to your home featured on the blog (Mackinac Bridge). From that point the blogger (me, in this case) could have been headed in any given direction. Imagine your surprise when you get to the next post and realize they are literally right down the street from your house!! How incredible and cool is that!!?? I’m sorry I was in the shower, Susan! Please, please stop back– we would love to meet you! (I’m smiling as I type this!)
We were invited to dinner this evening at the cottage that my Great Grandmother purchased back in 1951. This is the place that we used to stay when I was a little girl. It is now occupied by my grandmother’s youngest sister, my Aunt Jane and her husband, my Uncle Jack and their extended family. It was so so nice to see everyone! Thank you so much for having us over!! I got a lump in my throat as we turned onto Fox Lane. The sound of the gravel crunching beneath the car tires evoked memories of wild, impetuous excitement. The same great pines that heralded the arrival of our mint green station wagon all those years ago stood firm and taller, having endured the divergence of weather through the ages. This set of geographic coordinates has absorbed a whole compilation of beautiful memories. In my mind it has always been my “happy place”. It unknowingly even served as my focal point during painful labor contractions on more than one occasion. This is a place that represents a much simpler time – my beautiful childhood neatly wrapped up with a bow on top. How could I have known then all that would unfold over the next 39 years… That someday I would be back, all grown up with a husband, two kids, and a miracle of a baby in tow. As I ambled down to the boathouse deck, walked the length of the dock and stared out at the expanse of familiar cool blue water I was reminded of all that I am thankful for and how truly short our time on this earth is.
My Great Grandmother (taken from a photo on the wall)
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
(James 4:14 NIV)
Already the above pictures are but treasured memories!
iwillcarryyou 
Your words and pictures almost make me feel like I am there, enjoying a peaceful respite from a busy life. Beautiful post!
Aleisa- this post is absolutely beautiful. Not only the pictures, but the words. I am so glad to get up in the morning and read your posts and to see you all enjoying an amazing vacation makes me smile. The peace that comes across in this post is so exciting!
Thank you for allowing us to peek in on the moments of your life.
And I’ve been dying to ask- what sort of filter do you use on your photos- I love the vintage look! It fits so very well with your post today too.
Alesia~ you have such a gift with words. I think of Nora Rose often and lift you all in prayer frequently. Different seasons in my life I have been strong in my walk with Christ and at times chasing to find my stride once again. I wanted you to know that your post and reference to different scriptures has kept me on the path. I am not jogging down it as I have at times, but walking and slowly kicking a rock. The holy spirit is definitely working through you and touching many, many lives. Thank you for being so real, raw, and transparent in your blogs. You, Nora and your family are a blessing. Hugs~~~SDH
I love going back to a more simple time in life! Im retro by nature. This post is fabulous, you simply must write a book someday! =)
The pictures are absolutely beautiful as well as little Miss Nora Grace. She looks so at peace and content with the world and those around her. She radiates the love of God and the love her family and the rest of us reading her blog daily. I agree with Amy – you must write a book complete with your photos. So glad for you to have this time with your family to rest and relax from the hustle and businessness of every day life. Soak it all into your body and come home rested and at peace. My prayers are with you.
You are an amazing mom and I love reading your blog. It is inspiring and I love seeing your little girl grow. Your choice to let her stay inutero and give her the best chance at enjoying life made me so happy. I admire your strength. Thank you for sharing.
Great pics. Sounds so simple and peaceful. Enjoy the rest of your time. Would love to come by next week or the week after!
Perfect! Love the photos and the childhood memories that you have and are now giving your little ones. That place is beautiful!
ALEISA, ONCE AGAIN YOUR MESSAGE AND ALL THE WONDERFUL PICTURES HAVE BRIGHTENED MY DAY. I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOUR WHOLE FAMILY WERE ABLE TO TAKE YOUR YEARLY TRIP. EVERYTHING LOOKS SO BEAUTIFUL AND PEACEFUL. I LOVE THE PICTURE OF YOUR GREAT GRANDMA’S HOUSE WHERE YOU USED TO STAY. THE KIDS PLAYING IN THE YARD, AND LITTLE MISS NORA TAKING IN THE SUNSHINE. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MEMORY. NORA LOOKS SO SWEET IN HER LITTLE PINK HAT. SHE IS A DOLL BABY!! THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME OUT OF YOU TRIP TO STILL REMEMBER ALL OF US AND MAKING US PART OF YOUR DAY. YOU ARE TRULY A WONDERFUL MOMMY, WIFE AND LADY. YOU HAVE BLESSED SO MANY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD, NOT JUST THE UNITED STATES. LITTLE NORA IS REALLY A TRUE PROPHET. I AGREE WITH AMY, AND I HAVE ALREADY SAID THIS, BUT WORTH REPEATING. PLEASE, PLEASE CONSIDER WRITING A BOOK. IT WOULD BE RIGHT BESIDE MY BIBLE, I WOULD CHERISH IT THAT MUCH!!! LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. ENJOY EACH AND EVERY MOMENT, AND COME HOME RESTED. THIS IS JUST WHAT YOU AND WILLIAM NEEDED, AND I AM SO GLAD GOD BLESSED YOU WITH THIS TRIP. I WILL CHECK BACK IN TOMORROW. UNTIL THEN MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY.GOD BLESS.
Beautifully written, poetry from the heart! ❤
Lisa
Thank you Aleisa for sharing your beautiful family and beautiful gift of writing through this blog! So glad that you all are having such a wonderful time and making more happy memories in a place that is so special and dear to you. Enjoy the rest of your time!
I wanted to tell you that you are a beautiful writer! Your descriptions are amazing and I can see your green station wagon driving down the lane. Even without all of the beautiful pictures I can imagine myself there. Thank you letting all of us share in your happy place. And congrats on the road trip and vacation with Nora!