fallsburgpark3mss.jpgI had a hard time deciding which Fallasburg Park photo to do first because I like them both so much. There were magical teeny little bubbles floating on the water when I took this. By the way, there is a tremendous arts show here in the fall, the Fallasburg Fall Festival that is sponsored by the Lowell Area Arts Council. This year the show will be held on September 29 and 30. Here’s a google map link to the park.

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I had intended to post this sooner, but was delayed due to my business trip to Chicago yesterday. Yep, yesterday when I encountered tornadoes and straight line winds, it was very interesting driving. That was one mighty looking storm that packed a powerful punch. I grew up over there and never saw anything like this before.

Anyhoo, this is another view from that pretty little spot along the river in Lowell.

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It was a really gloomy overcast day and I was racking my brain to think of where I could get a nice photo and suddenly it came to me, Fallasburg Park in Lowell! (google map link here). And, Bingo! I was right! This place is serene and beautiful. Except for when I was pulling into the park, two gigantua wild turkeys blasted by me and gave me a dirty look. Too bad I didn’t get a record of that.

One more thing, I just want to thank everyone who keeps coming back to see my blog. And I want to thank all the places that have written nice things about my blog and linked to it. I’ll save that for another post, since I want to make sure I don’t leave anyone out and give links. I’m noticing that my visitors keep growing and growing and I appreciate all of you who enjoy making this part of your day. Thank you!

 

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Here’s a peaceful hidden spot along the water in Lowell. Little stairs lead down to a small sitting area along the river at this spot right here (click for google map.)

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I happened upon this tree house while visiting the Frederik Meijer Gardens. I don’t know Fred and Lena Meijer, but would have to guess they must love children based on the thoughtful detail that has gone into making the Meijer Gardens a special place for kids too.

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I’ll tell you where, right into the beautiful Blandford Nature Center (please see previous post for google map link and more information.) The whole nature center is filled with lush, peaceful woods.

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So today I’m just sitting outside minding my own business and this most incredible butterfly flutters on by. I wound up chasing it all over the place trying to get a perfect picture of it. Anyone know what kind of butterfly this is?

By the way, I’ll be showing you another of my Blandford shots soon. Tomorrow night I’ll be at Art Attack in Lowell thanks to my friend Sue. Maybe I’ll get some good pictures there too… I’m bringing my camera!

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One thing I love about nature is that just a slight change of an angle can give an interestingly different perspective. Like this photo of the same log in the post before this one.

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I took this photo on one of the nature trails in the Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids. The other day a friend commented to me that most of the places on my website are free. The Blandford Nature Center is another of those free sweet spots. I remember the first time I went to Blandford, I was blown away that such a nice place was free and so accessible.

I’ve spent a lot of time there and what I treasure about it, is the ability to get in touch with nature and yet be in the city. I used to try to go to Blandford a few times a month when my boys were little. We’d walk along the nearly 5 miles of nature trails, talk and get a workout all at once. Here’s a google link, the nature center gate closes at 5:00pm, but you can still enjoy it in the evening. Just park in the little lot at the entrance in front of the gate and walk on into the park.

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As if you couldn’t tell by the photos, I really love the Frederik Meijer Gardens. I took this photo behind the amphitheater. The amphitheater is the best open air venue I’ve ever been to, it hosts summer concerts that are probably one of the best kept secrets in west Michigan.

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