One of my habits in life has always been being observant to things around me. I like window shopping to put it bluntly.

During my recent trip to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island I found myself doing much the same. But this time I was noticing things that reminded me of friends, relationships and memories of days gone by.

I thought I’d share a few of those sights and who they reminded me of with a brief explanation. After all, each of you, in one way or another, are reason for this journey called life I’m leading.

Bigfoot said, ‘that way’ and that’s where I headed!

Following the creatures’ lead, it led me here. Straight to these escape rooms and there I recalled a story Real Mom of San Fernando Valley had posted on Instagram some time ago. Jennifer, her real name, is quite the blogger and has an adventurous soul. I wondered if my friend could escape the grasps of Bigfoot in one of these rooms. Knowing her, I bet she could.

I knew it, soon as I seen it. These are so, Tara, my bestie. I have no reason as to why I thought of her when I saw ‘Kermit‘ doing a one handed, handstand. Perhaps it’s the smiles she brings me.

And no, I didn’t grab them and ship them her way. However, the thought did cross my mind. They’re much better looking than any Christmas Gnomes and would be an instant talking piece. Bet her daughter would’ve love them too!

One thing about both the city and the island is that there are bicycles everywhere. Especially the island where the only motor vehicles allowed are emergency ones.

Once I spied this cool bicycle crafted rack, it reminded me of one of the sweetest people on the planet. My dear friend Loren. Although she has never learned to ride a bicycle this would be the perfect start. Stationary. Doesn’t move. Doesn’t peddle. Just a means to sit on it and feel the highs of what could exhilarate her spirts into believing all things are possible.

One giant Nutcracker is all it took for me to think of my favorite musician, Ines. Actually, it didn’t take that, as she knows she’s on my mind constantly. A couple years back, in the heights of my cancer therapy, she chose one similar as an ornament for my Christmas Tree. Yet much, much smaller. If she had chosen this one, I laughed, I’d be hanging ornaments on it.

The ‘Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse‘ is a story in and of itself for another day. Yet, while climbing the fifty-one steps to the top with lighthouse keeper, Lawson, my mind drifted to my grandparents. Especially my grandfather.

They had come from Finland long before the thought of any grandchildren had even entered their mind. As they were children themselves when they arrived.

However, twelve children later, including my mother, they were thrust with the responsibilities of raising their ‘Lucky 13.’ Me.

My grandfather would recall friendships with men who worked on the bridge. ‘The Mighty Mack‘ as many of the old timers still refer to the ‘Mackinac Bridge‘ today and their bravery. He himself, worked in the auto industry. But his father, Jacob (my great-grandfather), had settled the family in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula not far from Marquette before his son moved to the Southeast corner of the state for employment.

While looking out of the lighthouse, I recalled his and my excitement of seeing the massive structure when we’d cross it. Along with his pride of those friends that helped construct it. It was the best of feelings reflecting on my youth as I peered out the windows high above.

I have crossed the five-mile suspension bridge too many times to count throughout my years. However, I had never ventured to Mackinac Island itself.

That’s where my next friend stepped in without even knowing my family’s deep-rooted history with Michigan.

There have been many places I’ve been in life and greater many sights have gone unseen. But when I ran a poll and seen Kristyn‘s reply, I knew my friend was right.

Mackinac Island was to be that destination. With her simple suggestion that’s how this all began and honestly, I probably won’t have chosen it myself. You know how us humans are. We overlook what’s right in front of us and I’m sure I would’ve done that once again.

Stay tuned as my island adventure is coming soon!

If you enjoy my website, please consider a small donation to help me keep it afloat at paypal.me/justmeric. Thank You.

You can find my sites on Linktree.