Chihuly's A New Eden Exhibit at the Frederik Meijer Gardens
This is my favorite of the 25 Chihuly exhibits at the Frederik Meijer Gardens

Ever since the Chihuly exhibit came to the Frederik Meijer Gardens, I’ve noticed that it seems to eventually come up in conversation with my friends and business associates. The reason everyone is talking about this exhibit is that it’s unique, stunning and beautiful. The exhibit was to end in September and is now being held over until October 31, 2010.

The Chihuly exhibit, titled A New Eden, features 15 sculpture sites with most of them outside and a continuously playing presentation about Chihuly in the Hoffman Family Theater. Dale Chihuly is said to be the most sought after artist in the world, working primarily in glass. This is his 2nd exhibition at the Gardens.

It was hard to pick my favorite from all the sites, but if I had to pick, it would be of the area shown in this HDR photo that I took during my 3rd visit (and I’ll be back for more!).

Frederik Meijer Garden’s hours are:

Mon and Tues: 9 am–9 pm
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 9 am–5 pm
Sun: 12 pm–5 pm

You can learn more at their website by clicking here.

If you can make it, I’d highly recommend this exhibit (just in case you can’t already figure that out!)

Post & HDR photo by Ann Teliczan

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Lotus in the Sky with Diamonds

Did you know that you can grow lotus flowers in Michigan? I grew this lotus in my backyard lotus bog. In fact, this is what I woke up to on my birthday. Happy Day!

I got this at Apols Landscaping. It’s well worth the drive to Caledonia. Here’s a link to their website, it doesn’t come close to doing them justice though. The place is incredible with tons of water lily’s, koi, goldfish, and lots of other things that will make your yard a sanctuary.

Big Wabasis Lake Campground
Big Wabasis Lake Campground in Greenville, MI

Wow! What a summer this has been. Other than a few days that were over the top hot, I can’t remember a more beautiful or fun summer. I took this while visiting my son Paul and his family on a camping outing at Big Wabasis Lake. It’s quite a nice place to visit, especially if you love camping. Here’s some helpful links:

Wabasis Facebook link

Wabasis Lake Details and Campsite Map

Google Map Link to Location

In addition to camping, you’ll find  a boat launch, enclosed shelter, baseball diamonds, fishing, hiking/walking, picnicking, a playground, swimming, a bathhouse, basketball, restrooms and a springhouse (which is VERY cool).

Driving along in the Michigan back country.

I took this photo driving through farmland in the Belmont, Michigan area. For those who think of Michigan as a washed up rust belt state, think again. The majority of the state sports lush farmland, lakes ripe for fishing and trees everywhere.

I just got back from visiting gorgeous Steamboat Springs. While I love the mountains and big, huge sky, I missed the variety of trees and “green” that Michigan offers.

Now for the favor… my son Paul is getting married on August 21. He’s having trouble finding a rustic cabin or cottage in the Upper Peninsula to rent from August 23 – August 30. Any suggestions or places you know of with availabilities? If so, could you please make a comment about it? I would greatly appreciate it!

Backyard farming in Michigan

A couple of weeks ago my new iPhone4 came in and I decided to get it in spite of the reception problems. Truth be told, I have been using Mac products for my entire career and have yet to be disappointed with the company. I LOVE the iPhone4, it is a huge upgrade from the original iPhone, which is what I had. Here’s why:

– The optics are amazing, result, everything is easier to read and a joy to look at.

– I love the movie camera on the phone, it takes great video and is so convenient. I won’t be dragging around my movie camera any more.

– The still camera. Okay, it’s not as good as my SLR, but for crying out loud, it takes great photos and again, it’s convenient.

– All the apps. The scope of truly helpful apps that are free or just $1.99 boggle my mind. Everything from making expense reports easier, to tracking my workout program.

I just thought you might find it interesting that I took this photo with my iPhone. After taking it, I processed it with Topaz Labs software.

About the photo… more and more Michigan residents are raising chickens in their backyard. That would include my friend Ruth, these are her “Chickapees.” They follow her around everywhere and are so cute, she even tolerates them tearing up her amazing flower gardens (at least until recently!) Grand Rapids is considering and ordinance to allow homeowners to keep up to 5 chickens in their backyards. A similar ordinance has been effect in Ann Arbor since 2008. I love visiting her and watching her chickens, they make me laugh.

A sampling of my latest work that will be on exhibit at the show.

I’ll be participating in the Spirit of Summer Show at the Grand Gallery in Ada, MI. The show features the work of Lou Heiser, Julie Quinn and me, Ann Teliczan. We’ll all be at the artist reception showing off our latest works. There will be refreshments and music by the Village Jazz Quartet. Here’s the details:

Date: Friday, July 16, 2010

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: The Grand Gallery

Address: 596 Ada Drive, Ada, MI  49301

I hope you can make it!

The sails come down after a day on the water

There’s boat harbors everywhere in Michigan that look just like this as the sun sets. I took this photo in Muskegon after a relaxing day of sailing. Being able to escape like this makes every day feel like a vacation. Post & HDR photo by Ann Teliczan

Michigan in the Summer, it's the Best!

No Rothbury in 2010, so that means I was on the water today like  the rest of the Michigan population this year.

This is my favorite holiday. There’s no obligations to coordinate my holiday with everyone else, and I get to experience the glory of over the top fireworks blasting in the sky with a crowd of celebrating strangers.

Some of my favorite Michigan things to do on the 4th of July include:

– Going to the beach at Grand Haven and walking the boardwalk

– Going to Saugatuck and shopping (especially at the Timmel Collection) and then heading over to Oval Beach

– Heading up north to Pentwater and enjoying the quaint little seaside village

– The Traverse City Cherry Festival

– Visiting the Upper Peninsula and getting lost in nature

– Grand Rapids fireworks

– Jamming to music at the Rothbury Music Festival (I hope it comes back next year)

– But my very favorite is heading out on a boat with friends on Lake Michigan and totally relaxing.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the fourth of July in Michigan? Happy Fourth of July! Have a safe, and of course fun time!

stairs to Lake Michigan beach
96 stairs to pure heaven, the Lake Michigan sugar sand shoreline.

Oh yeah! This is the sight that lots and lots of lucky Michigan vacationers will enjoy this summer. This particular photo was taken in Manistee, Michigan however, this is a common sight at beach houses along the shoreline. An infinity of stairs leading to and infinity of luxurious Michigan beach. Gotta love it!

I had to run up these same stairs after taking this scary photo of a huge storm before it hit the shoreline.

On another note, I’ve got to comment on Tom Izzo deciding to stick with Michigan State University tonight. Yeah! The man has integrity and I’m sure glad that we still have him on our side. Thanks Tom for sticking around!