Thirty-second thing: One of the things that makes me happy takes place a mere ten minute drive from our home and is one of the most fun things to do in Michigan. The Michigan Renaissance Festival is held in nearby Holly Michigan and is an experience unlike any other. Each weekend, encompassing seven weeks, thousands of people flock to this festival. Here’s a bit of history, courtesy of http://www.michrenfest.com:
History For 37 years, the Michigan Renaissance Festival has provided Holly with a unique venue that regularly attracts more than 250,000 visitors from Michigan, surrounding states and Canada. When the Festival first began back in 1979 on the grounds of Columbiere in Clarkston, Michigan, the Renaissance Festival attracted 11,000 patrons during its 5 weekend event. Years later the Festival found a more permanent home where it currently stands, just 12 miles south of Flint on Dixie Highway.
Spence and I have attended this event for nearly thirty years and though at least 65% or more of attendees dress in Renaissance garments, we do not. That doesn’t deter us from the sheer joy of people watching. Yesterday was a perfect autumn day – sunny and in the 60’s with a light breeze as opposed to those weekends we’ve attended when it’s been in the nineties – hot and dusty. We arrived at 10:00 (when the gates open) and departed around 3:00. The festival grows every year with more beautiful landscaping and permanent structures. There are shows, rides (man-powered as in Renaissance times) jousting, a parade (see video at the end of this post), camel rides and petting zoos and endless food choices (I favor the Scotch Egg, others wait in line for grilled turkey drumsticks to name a few) plus beer and wine for the adults. People bring their dogs – often in costumes. If you’re in Michigan from August-early October, I recommend this event!
I’m a Michigan girl, born and raised, proud of it. Here’s a shout-out for one of our great crops. Looking forward to Autumn, visiting orchards, making apple crisps, pies, apple sauce….🍎
What’s your favorite?
Check out my delicious Apple Crisp recipe by clicking on this link:
After strolling through the gardens at the Japanese Cultural Center yesterday, my Mom, sister and I proceeded to the Tea House to take part in the Tea Ceremony.
Awa SaginawAn was designed by renowned architect Mr. Tsutomu Takenaka and constructed in 1985 as a collaborative effort between the City of Saginaw and its sister city Tokushima, Japan. Its foundation rests part on American soil and part on Japanese soil. It is treasured as one of the most authentic tea houses in North America.
Designed by a Japanese architect, the exterior was built by a local contractor. The interior was finished by four Japanese contractors working directly with the architect. A few interesting facts:
There were no nails used anywhere in the interior. Everything was planed and fitted.
No paint was used. The material of the walls is natural and has a sandy, stucco type feel to the surface.
The ceiling of the Tea House is hand-woven cedar.
All the wood is natural and unfinished and includes trees that were fitted into the walls, brought from Japan.
The Tea House, notice the benches and the handwoven cedar ceiling
Tatami Mats
A Japanese Doll
A collection of Geisha Dolls
The table where the tea is prepared by the hostess, notice the tree to the right.
We took our seats shortly before the ceremony was to begin after first being encouraged to take photos, that included a few selfies. (Girl’s Day Out documentation)
Selfie of me, Mom & Sis
Selfie with Mom
Mom & Sister, ready for the Tea Ceremony
Our hostess came in at 2:00 beginning with a brief yet fascinating history of Tea Houses (this one and Tea Houses in Japan) and Tea Ceremonies. The type of Tea Ceremony we were attending was established only 400 years ago by the 11th Grand Tea Master in 1872 for the World Fair in Kyoto Japan. To introduce the world to Tea Ceremonies, it was determined that the traditional kneeling on Tatami Mats would be too painful and awkward so they provided benches. This is how we were seated. Traditional Tea Ceremonies in Japan, in Tea Houses or Tea Huts, go back many years and the number of Tatami Mats are descriptive of the size of the Tea House (2 Tatami Mats, by example would be a small Tea Hut) and participants would kneel throughout the duration of the ceremony.
Our lovely hostess was a wealth of knowledgeBorn in Japan, she came to the US in 1957 when she married her husband, a Saginaw Michigan native.
The Tea Ceremony is based on four principles, Harmony, Respect, Purity and Tranquility. Tea leaves are picked by hand in May, steamed, dried and ground into powder for Tea Ceremonies (not brewed as the type of tea you’d drink daily).
There is a hot water pot with a bamboo ladle and a cold water pot should the temperature of the water need to be adjusted. There is a lovely process of cleaning and preparing the tea bowl before the guests. Then using a long implement, tea is measured into the tea bowl and whisked into the steaming water. The whisk is fashioned from a single piece of bamboo.
Hot Water Pot
Cold Water Pot
Measuring the tea
The Whisk
The Tea
Each movement was slow, deliberate, silent and reverent. Our hostess was assisted in the ceremony by two ladies in Kimonos, one who served the other. The Tea Bowl in which the tea is prepared is highly prized. With a lovely design on one side only, the bowl is turned as it is served so that the guest may admire the design. The guest then turns the bowl and slurps the tea from the plain side of the bowl. The “slurping” is considered a sign appreciation indicating “it was good to the last drop”.
Historically, Tea Bowls were so revered that a Shogun was known to take it as his only possession upon retirement and the value was such that often a Tea Bowl was given in place of land.
Serving
Admiring the Tea Bowl
Our Tea Ceremony ladies
The ladies served each of us, delivering the sweets first, one person at a time. Then bringing our tea, one at a time.
The sweet on the left, Yokan, is made from a sweetened red bean paste, the consistency like a firm gelatin. (I thought it tasted like dates) The one on the right had a much more complex name and is made of a cookie type crust over a sweetened white bean paste. I thought it tasted a bit like shortbread.
For more information about the Japanese Cultural Center, visit their website at:
The Japanese Cultural Center in Saginaw Michigan is less than an hour’s drive from home. There are gardens and by reservation they do a Tea Ceremony one Saturday per month.
My sister called. “Girl’s Day Out?” Absolutely.
Mom, my sister and I drove north, arriving at 1:00. The Tea Ceremony commences at 2:00 giving us time to enjoy the gardens which border water across from Ojibway Island along Lake Linton.
The Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House, and Gardens resides within the town of Saginaw, MI to promote intercultural understanding and peace through a bowl of tea.
It was a most enjoyable day, mid 80’s and a soft breeze. First we strolled through the “strolling garden”.
“It is a quiet, safe haven to view weeping cherry trees, authentic stone lanterns, hand crafted bamboo gates, an Asian-inspired gazebo, and an arching vermilion bridge over a winding stream.
Vermillion Bridge (left) & Gazebo (right)
Vermillion Bridge
My Mom & Sister
Little Waterfall, very peaceful
Authentic Stone Lantern
Another Stone Lantern
Lake Linton
The Lake
Lots o’ geese
“Watch out where you’re walking”
As I mentioned, lots o’ geese – more than a few land mines. Flashbacks to “Twister” & praying not to fall!
Its gate opened in 1971 as designed by Mr. Yataro Suzue and Lori Barber. He stated then: “beauty is not trickery, not illusion … but arranging elements like trees, water and rocks in a way that there is no crowding, no competition for attention.
All italicized quotes are directly from the Japanese Cultural Center’s website:
For those who follow my blog, you’ve seen references to my lifelong BFF who has been integral in injecting fun into my retirement life.
Yesterday, she gathered a group of family and friends for a painting party which is a new trend but the first time I’ve attended one. Held at Picasso’s Grapevine, the hostess brings in wine and snacks, the venue provides ice buckets, cups, corkscrews and the like. As we signed in we were given our own easel and canvas. She’d pre-selected our subject for painting which was on display – a kind of Van Gogh-esque Sunflower scene. In front of each easel were smocks, a large, medium and small brush, a cup of water (to clean our brushes) and a paper plate palate of acrylic paints in white, black, royal blue, burnt sienna, yellow, orange, red, green and purple. Our instructor, Heather, started us off with a toast and as we raised our glasses, she explained the process. At first we were all very quiet as we gripped our brushes with precision, getting the feel of painting. As time went on and wine was consumed, we loosened up. The painting became more intricate and the laughter ratcheted up as our group walked around to look at how others were interpreting the same instruction.
Our group, lifelong BFF and I are far left.
Over all, it was a blast and even though I don’t think I’m ready to start selling my art, I felt a sense of accomplishment by doing something outside of my comfort zone. It was fun, relaxing and I have a memento of our painting party as a bonus.
This story captivated me. It’s not far from where I live in Michigan. Make sure to click below to see the whole blog post, complete with photos of the most creative artistry and the story behind this inspired artist. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I will be making the trip to Ann Arbor to find these treasures as soon as spring arrives!
“Halotherapy is widely used in Europe as an all-natural, drug-free therapy that complements traditional medical treatment for a variety of respiratory and skin conditions, such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, common colds, congestion, sleep disorders and more.” from Salinas Salt Room Spa
The Salt Room in Rochester Michigan and yes, the floor is all salt, as are the ceilings and walls.
I first heard about the salt room from my yoga guru, Jules. I was intrigued and thought “I’d like to do that”. Then the holidays came and went as did my intent to follow through. Enter my lifelong BFF who has been instrumental in my post-retirement exploration of new experiences. She texted me suggesting a date to do it, had found a Groupon coupon and set the appointment for our Girl’s Day Out. Game on!
Intrigued and not sure what to expect, we helped ourselves to a complimentary cup of tea, took off our shoes and were quietly ushered into “the Salt Room”. With six comfy, ivory leather recliners, we took our seats along with a mother and daughter who joined us in the room. The lighting was subtle, the atmosphere – ethereal. Shortly after the doors were closed, soft music started. My BFF suggested we use the time to meditate, which was perfect. The room was a bit cool but soft blankets were provided. As I meditated, I breathed deeply, using the mindful breathing I’ve been taught in yoga. Our session was 45 minutes in length and we left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Prior to this day, I owned a lovely Himalayan Salt Lamp. (from Isabella.com) When heated by the 15 watt bulb, the salt rocks emit negative ions, adding healthier air and beauty.
My lovely salt lamp. Both the “bowl” and the rocks are salt.
In the days since my visit, I also bought a Himalayan Salt votive holder.
On my hearth
And up close!
I even did some searching an found a Himalayan Salt Inhaler which was delivered an hour ago!
And in my new enthusiasm for Himalayan Sea Salt, I’m even using it in my cooking.
As I look out my window on a snowy, frigid Wednesday in Michigan, I fondly recalled a warmer day from this summer. My favorite Canadian and former co-worker Jess, invited us again this summer to the Port Huron Floatdown. An annual “unofficial” event spanning 30 years, we’d missed it in 2013 due to our vacation but this year I was in. Bucket list – right?
It was a hot, sunny day. This was good as dependent on currents, it takes hours to complete. A tube was graciously provided for me complete with drink holders and head rest. There was a flurry of activity to load up the tubes, kayaks, coolers, ginormous floats and rafts. We were told it’s “a bit crazy” to get to the launch site. Reality check: your designated driver gets as close as possible, stops in the middle of the street and you unload your stuff post-haste and hoof it to the beach then shoreline beyond. I don’t recall how many were in our group – 30 or so? So we’d all arrive, then tie up and off we’d go. Right?
It was a bit more involved. Traffic and multiple arteries to get to the beach. Bedlam. Chaos. A veritable parade of colorful floating vessels, life vests, coolers transported by thousands of swimsuited minions, teeming and careening through the shifting, soft sand towards the shoreline. I hung out with Bams, Jess’s grandma (one of the coolest ladies I’ve ever met, love her). We found a spot by a fence and offered to “watch the stuff ” (I’m good at that type of task) while the rest of our team ran back to work as spotters for the remainder of our flotilla, who arrived over the next 20-30 minutes blending into the throngs of floaters. Once reunited, we quickly tied our stuff together. In tandem, we pushed off the beach and into the water, leapt into our vessels (maybe gilding the lily about leaping – in my case flopping) launching at the same time as every other group who was ready to float. And then we were off, starting our float just south of the magnificent Blue Water Bridge, which spans from Port Huron to Sarnia, Ontario in Canada.
Shipping lanes were closed so the typical freighter traffic was not an issue. Suddenly we realized we were missing some of our gang. Leaving no man behind, Jess and her mom turned their kayaks around. No mean feat with our flotilla in tow, paddling against the current, passing other floaters shouting “hey you’re going the wrong way“. Undeterred, we spotted our lost friends and in short order, attached them and now floated en masse towards St Clair.
We snacked, drank cold beverages, had our share of a variety of delicious jello and pudding shots. And floated along this spectacular waterway, a bunch of friends having fun.
Spence’s Girl chillin’
Bams and I, floating along
Fun friends
Fun friends
Yeah baby!
More of our flotilla
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. With one modification, sunscreen on my thighs (which have rarely been exposed to that much sun in recent years).
You might be asking yourself, “where was Spence?” Age 70 at the time of the float, Spence is a Viet Nam veteran with shrapnel and war injuries that have left him in constant pain. I wanted the decision to be his. Ultimately, he decided that floating in the cold water for hours wasn’t going to make sense for him. Always game for a day by the water and hanging out with these friends, he enjoyed the sun while relaxing on the deck with his cooler of beer at our finish line.
Good times for sure. Adventures in retirement continue. And on this cold day, it’s fun to flashback to that balmy summer day.
Everyday in retirement holds infinite possibilities for experiencing new things, traveling new places. And I’ve been one busy young retiree. Immediately after I retired my lifelong BFF found a 3 day Primordial Meditation Workshop – was I in? Abso-freaking-lutely! I knew meditation would be good for me but was always too stressed, too tired or too fill-in-the-blank to commit to it. Fast forward to now. I’ve rarely missed a day, sometimes meditating twice a day. Using a free smart phone app called Insight Timer, I’m up to 221 days, 87 hours of meditation and that doesn’t count the meditation done in my private yoga class. I began working with an awesome yoga instructor/life coach/spiritual guide every other week, leaving each class feeling more zen, younger and flexible.
So when my sister gave me a brochure to Great Lakes Floatation and asked me if I’d be interested in going, I thought “but of course”. I deduced that being in such a great mental place, I could easily handle being inside a sensory deprivation tank for an hour. Just me floating in a mega-salt water bath, in the dark. My sister by contrast, approached our girls-day-out in the midst of a catastrophic, money-hemmoraging home repair nightmare that for two days prior to the float included jackhammering her basement floor. I knew that she desperately needed this but wondered if she could “let it all go” and just float.
I needn’t have worried. There is something magical about the silky, tepid salt water. About the dark and total absence of sound. I repeated my meditation mantra for awhile, I think I dozed off a few times. I stretched and floated in a state of nirvana. I liken it to transporting back to the safety of the womb. (too much?)
When we emerged from our private tank and after a shower, we met up in the after-floatation lounge. I felt fantastic but the transformation in my sister was remarkable. All the frustration and stress that she carried in with her, had “floated” away.
My tank
My sister’s tank
Great Lakes Flotation LLC
5232 South Morrish Road, Swartz Creek, Michigan 48473 – in case you’re interested
