26 Comments

Beautiful story....

Expand full comment

Thank you so very much! Glad you enjoyed it.

Expand full comment

Growing up in MN, we often visited the UP, including several fall camping trips, so this piece brought back wonderful family memories for me, as well. Thanks!

Expand full comment

Beautifully written, Shell. Stirring up memories of my Dad🩷.

Expand full comment

Thank you. I like stirring up memories.

Expand full comment

You said Paradise which is town on Whitefish Bay in Lake Superior. So U.P not the top of the mitten. So I'm curious where you were. Love the Tunnel of Trees!

Expand full comment

Oh yeah, not the real Paradise, MI, but my own version of Paradise—all those northern beautiful towns.

Expand full comment

Shelly, enjoyed this story immensely. 🍁. Just curious, what unique city did you visit in the Mitten? I’m sure Amy has mentioned to you that we all go to Leland, Michigan every September and stay at the Falling Waters Lodge. It reminds me of a Thomas Kincaid little town. So enjoying your stories. 💕

Expand full comment

Tunnel of Trees is in Harbor Springs. 😊

Expand full comment

I love this metaphor … “the trees changed clothes and did a little fashion show across the lake.”

Expand full comment

🍂💃

Expand full comment

Beautifully written!

Expand full comment

Thank you very much! 😊

Expand full comment

Shell, I loved this piece! So well written, and so vividly descriptive! Thanks too for sharing about your dad. After 99.5 years I lost my mom on the 25th of last month. While I'm ecstatic for her - she's finally home, we know where she is and look forward to seeing her again soon, I hope, a loss like your father's obviously stays with you a long time. I know I've got it to do. Blessings my friend, and keep writing!

Expand full comment

Thank you for taking a moment and inhaling my little story. I am so sorry for your loss. No matter how old, it is still a profound loss when a mother goes. But also a gain when you are at peace about her resting in the presence of Our Lord.

Expand full comment

I love getting out into nature and manage to do it most days. But there’s nothing like mountain air. I love how your unplanned stop caused you to think of your Dad. Lovely memories.

Expand full comment

Thank you for your nice comment.

Expand full comment

"...inhaling that peaceful breeze where my dad speaks to me." So well-written. Again, you have me there with you. With the windows down.

Expand full comment

Aw love it! Breathe it in.

Expand full comment

I love this. I love Michigan for the beauty of all the season. In the 2nd week of October, my friends and I went to Marquette for a weekend. 2 of us left Plymouth, we picked up 2 friends in Michigan State, and the last was picked up in Central Mich. 5 of us is an little yellow opal. So many things happened. The most was ... We stopped for dinner on the South Side of the Bridge. We had our dinner and then we found out we didn't have first gear. One of us would have to get out, push, and hopped back in. Repeat in Central and Michigan State. Luckily it was late, we had the expressway. My friend dropped me off and I pushed her and the car. No traffic, no stoplight, she arrived home and stopped the car. The next day, her dad asked how our trip was and she told him. He said, "that's okay. I will fix it." And he did.

Expand full comment

How cute! Wonderful memory. 🍂

Expand full comment

The memories of your dad are very comforting to you, I know. I am also enjoying the moments with you and I can totally visualize while you explain them. Very nice Shell!!!

Expand full comment

I love having you along for the ride!

Expand full comment

Great read

Expand full comment

Outstanding, as usual

Expand full comment

You are so kind! 💗

Expand full comment