There’s one thing I think most people can agree on. It’s been a long, tough year, one like no other. But bad times don’t last forever and things are about to change for the better. Hang in there for this last little bit, stay healthy and get ready for the best summer of your life, because after the year we’ve had, normal is going to feel glorious. Why all this hopefulness? Read on.

The FDA Advisory Board has recommended approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, and it’s likely the FDA will authorize emergency use within days. Anticipating this, 1,000s of UPS and FedEx airplanes and trucks are on standby with ultracold freezers to start deliveries across the United States.

Pfizer is manufacturing these vaccines in Portage, Michigan. And it sure feels good to see Michigan in the news as part of the solution to one of the world’s greatest problems.

Of those vaccinated during clinical trials, 95% are protected from COVID-19, with no severe side effects. The reported temporary side effects include achy muscles, arm pain, headache, fever and fatigue for about a day. People with a history of severe allergic reactions need to be aware that they could have one with this vaccine, although that is rare.

Who is first in line? Healthcare workers, most likely followed by front line workers and people at high risk, in descending order of vulnerability to the virus. Once about 70% of the population has immunity through the vaccine or a COVID-19 infection that has passed, it’s predicted that we will be able to return to our lives of hugging friends, visiting indoors without worry and getting on with our lives in a less restricted way. For those who have lost loved ones; become ill and still not recovered; or lost their homes, careers or financial security, they will need more than a vaccine to feel whole again. I hope we can all pull together and work as one to help put the pieces back together for everyone the best we can.

Personally, I see this as the beginning of the end of the pandemic and am going to use the space between now and a busier life as a time to reset, make progress in areas of my life that I have neglected and tackle projects I normally wouldn’t have time for. First up is my art, which is shown above, with more to be seen and purchased at anntopia.com.

In the meantime, for your protection, here is a link to Clinical Supplies USA to buy USA made N-95 masks. I’ve purchased masks from them several times now and have been happy with the timeliness of delivery and quality of the masks.

I discovered this unique barn driving on the backroads in Arcadia, MI.
It would be easy to pass by the Onekama / Arcadia, MI area – but that would be missing out big time. Online searches reveal very little about the place, perhaps that’s because being there feels like you are going back to a time when electronic devices took a back seat to nature and being a human at peace with the world. I took these photos driving around the back roads near Lake Michigan.

The landscape is dotted with historic barns, vineyards, and rolling hills. You’ll also discover golf courses and a beautiful. Here places to stay: Here are some place to check out when you visit.

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course: This course is open to the public and resembles a seaside links course with rolling terrain and a windswept landscape with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Lodging and cottages are also available.

Artesian Wells: Some of the purest water in the country is located at these public wells, where folks have been known to travel for miles to bottle it up and take some home. Here are links Old Facefull (GPS 44.427615, -86.247132) Portage Point Well (GPS: 44.376511, -86.227881).

Portage Point Inn: I’ve never had a chance to stay here but have always wanted to. This historic inn was established in 1903, yet features a boutique gift shop, pub, fitness center, lake access, movie nights on the lawn, kayak and paddle board rentals, boating, fishing and much more.

Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook: This is one of the best overlooks I’ve been to in my entire life. It’s just off the Scenic Highway and you can see for miles and miles. Trust me, and be sure to lug your camera along with you for this one, all 120 steps to the top of the overlook!

Arcadia Marsh: This 273-acre marsh nature preserve has a short trail and is especially popular for birding.

Area Preserves and Trails: While I was researching this project, I found a link to this map with a bunch of preserves and trails that I didn’t even know existed in this region.

This is a great time to start planning your Michigan summer vacation. These are just a few of the great places to discover in the area.

 

Solomon's Seal and Flowering Plum Trees

I took this photo around a month ago when my flowering plum tree dropped it’s petals after a storm. This is my happy place to relax and smell the fresh Michigan air.

Another one of my happy places is the Frederik Meijer Gardens, which is celebrating their 15th anniversary this year. I’m planning on going there soon and taking photos of the Chihuly: A New Eden Exhibit, it’s truly amazing with his work at 15 sites.

Beautiful HDR photo of Milham Park in Kalamazoo MI
One fine spring day in Milham Park.

Kalamazoo is the home to lots of special places and Milham Park is way up there on the list. My friend Jill told me about historic Milham Park and I’m sure glad she did. It’s 49 acres of creeks, stone bridges and hedges, geese, paths and just a serene, beautiful place.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens at Christmas

No one does Christmas quite like the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Their Christmas & Holiday Traditions from Around the World exhibition features over 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, and more than 40 international trees and displays. Create some memories and check it out with someone you enjoy!

Michigan Playground
Michigan Playground
I’m kicking off the first day of summer in Michigan with a nice long walk in the Michigan woods, which are pretty easy to find here. Sometimes it’s easy to take the woods for granted in Michigan because they are everywhere. Even if you live in one of the cities, I’d venture to say that you can find a sight like this within 15 – 20 minutes of your home.

On another note, I wanted to thank everyone who stopped by to see me at the Reed’s Lake Art Fair yesterday, it was a great show!

Oval Beach In Saugatuck, MI
Oval Beach In Saugatuck, MI

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer as far as most Michiganders are concerned. This is what we’ve been waiting for all winter long, the sugar sand beaches, beautiful cloudy skies, warm wind blowing off the water and clean air that feels and smells like it does when you live on a peninsula surrounded by fresh water. Today I feel like I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Point Betsie Lighthouse Near Frankfurt, Michigan
Point Betsie Lighthouse Near Frankfurt, Michigan

Located near Frankfurt, Michigan, Point Betsy Lighthouse is a spot worth visiting. The beach is breathtakingly beautiful and the area surrounding it is just a great place to see. If you go there, travel north a bit to Glen Arbor and check out the Synchronicity Art Gallery and ask to see Ann Teliczan’s work. I was there dropping off my paintings this weekend and shot this photo on the way back.

Downtown Grand Rapids from the Rooftop at Sunset
Downtown Grand Rapids from the Rooftop at Sunset

So, this is where I was the other evening. I took this photo from the new helipad at Spectrum Health at sunset. I felt a little like Mary Poppins overlooking the city, only not quite as brave. I love heights but feel a little quesy until I get used to it, so I guess I’ll have to get more experience in high places!

He thinks he's cool.
He thinks he's cool.

The Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition will be winding down pretty soon, so if you want to see it, this would be the time to act. The event is over on April 30th. The butterflies are at their best on sunny days, they go crazy and are everywhere.

I appreciate having the Frederik Meijer Gardens here in West Michigan. We’re lucky to have so many philanthropists who care about making their hometown special. It’s not unusual to see Fred Meijer at the gardens he and his wife Lena so generously gave to this community. And the gardens continue to grow and give. Each year I’m amazed at the new exhibits and changes that make them even better.

Popular coming attractions are the Michigan All-State Bonsai Show May 16 – 17 and the Jonathan Borofsky exhibition, now underway through May 10.