Sunset on Elk Lake

[Elk Rapids, MI]

this is the first time i've returned to a house i can truly call my parents' house.  a home that was never my own in a town i do not know.  at some point while i was busy romping around the southern hemisphere my family relocated from a coastal Carolinian island to the northern corner of a certain mitten shaped state.  

water surrounds the charming village of Elk Rapids, Michigan bringing approximately 110 feet of lake effect snow annually.  the locals make the most of the harsh winter by embracing outdoor activities including snow mobile-ing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, and hunting.  summer season brings a heap of tourists from around the world to vacation on Torch Lake (rated 3rd most beautiful in the world by National Geographic Magazine.) the lakes are crystal clear like the waters of the Caribbean... it is not unusual to spot a sand dune or even sea oats along its' beaches.

after a hearty Thanksgiving meal we sat at the table sipping coffee and discussing a few things we were grateful for.  in a years time, blessings tend to pile up.  at least five of seven guests spoke with tears in their eyes.  myself included.  i'm determined there's nothing better for one's wellbeing than thankfulness.  it just feels so darn good to focus on the positive.  don't roll your eyes. or do...

after the meal we took a walk to the lake just as the sun began to slip below the cherry orchard... the water began to reflect the sunset the same way it would every evening of our childhood and for a short moment Elk Rapids felt like home.  i still don't know a single street name, have never been to the grocery store, post office, or gas station.  i don't even know the address. but today this is where my heart found rest.  for that reason (perhaps just four days a year) the little yellow house tucked in the cherry orchard will be synonymous with home.