We live one-quarter mile from the shores of Lake Superior. In the autumn, when the leaves fall from our poplar and maple and birch trees, we can glimpse the blue waters of the Huron Bay from our kitchen window.
I like to say we live in a “Little House in the Big Woods”. Like Laura Wilder Ingalls, our nearest neighbors are deer, squirrels, coyote and an ocassional bear.
The area where we live is called “Aura”. Once, our neighbors visited a post office on this jutting peninsula which culminates at Point Abbaye. Now our mail is delivered in L’Anse and a nice postal driver named Bob delivers our mail at the end of our driveway.
We raised two children here in the Big Woods. They flew to opposite sides of our country. Kiah lives in New York City, and Christopher in San Diego. They both carry memories of trees, chickadees, the two-room elementary school where they learned their ABC’s. (And where I still work as the Business Manager.)
Prepare for the unexpected if you visit this blog! Sometimes it shows photos of Lake Superior. Sometimes it talks about the Upper Peninsula. Other times it shares my personal opinions about Facebook, WordPress, blogging or spirituality. Who knows what comes next?
I welcome you to our little cedar house in the woods. I welcome you to the sound of cold waves lapping against the shore. Please linger awhile. Let’s sip tea together and share our stories. All are welcome here…
I also like to take natural photographs. But the problem is, I don’t own a camera.
I can’t even buy one at this moment. However, I believe soon I will be able to buy one and keep my photography blog up.
By the way, I was searching for your name but it’s not mentioned anywhere (or did I miss it?). I’d like to have a chat with you over Gtalk or Yahoo. Would you accept if I send a request?
Good luck on getting a camera some day, Sajib. I know you’ll be able to get one someday… Some day I hope to afford a more expensive camera, but so far am using a simple inexpensive Sony Cybershot. As for chatting…I don’t usually do this. Not very much of an on-line chatter. I will visit your blog from time to time though. Thank you for visiting.
Sony Cybershot is a good camera. I wish I could at least own one piece of that.
What!!! Are you sure you take all those photographs on this blog were taken using Sony Cybershot digital camera? :O
Absolutely sure, Sajib!
“the spruce children waved as i passed by…” Wow, I’ve got to get back to the yoop. it’s like reading “Alice in Winter Wonderland”.
I’ve spent a few hours reading through your blog after reading about it in the Grand Rapids Press. It’s wonderfully done. Thank you for sharing your gift this way.
Chuck, yeah, I think I got a little carried away with “the spruce children waved as I passed by”. That’s what happens when you live in a place with winter for seven months of the year! OK, maybe six months. So excited to hear about the blog being featured in a column in the Grand Rapids Press. Can’t wait to see what it says! Thank you for reading and commenting.
Hi, Kathy. I live down south in Charlevoix. Love your site, thanks. Rae
Rae, I have loved visiting Charlevoix. That is a beautiful area. Thank you for visiting this blog site!
Hey there Kathy,
Just stumbled upon your blog via a search engine for upper peninsula blogs. Great pics., great thoughts. I have an artsy, outdoor U.P. exploration blogsite as well. You should check it out : http://www.lifeandartintheup.blogspot.com/
I look forward to viewing regular posts, especially the photography! Keep blogging!
Amy, I am so glad you found Lake Superior Spirit. And I am delighted to find another UP blog. Love your art work and pictures. I added you to my blogroll, as well. Nice to meet you.
Kathy
Thanks for the visit and the lovely comment at Happily Retired Gal. I love your photos and am delighted to have found you in this virtual world. In response to your question, I’m located about an hour and a half NORTH of San Diego in Orange County
Hugs and blessings,
Our happiness is mutual, then! I think I mentioned that our son lives in San Diego. I went out to visit him in November and had such a fun time. Here is the first day’s post (from last year’s blog): http://centria.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/coming-to-you-live-from-san-diego/
There are four days worth of pictures. Although (laughing) maybe you’ve seen enough southern California photos.
Blessings to you! And we will see you again around the cyber-streets!
Thanks Kathy
I like specially the number 8
Thank you. For future readers of this “about” I think GLedgard is talking about the blogging tips in this blog: http://upwoods.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/how-to-write-a-wordpress-blog-get-a-zillion-hits/
Good luck with your own blogging!
Good Blog. I’ll try to visit your blog regularly.
I’m a fan
I’d “like” you on facebook, but that would be entering a whole other realm of complication!
Good blog. I’ll be back!
Oasiss
Thank you, Rony! I look forward to future visits.
Hi Oasiss! Good to see you here…
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Thank you for the blogging award! It is much appreciated.
I found you in the WP forum, fussing about those silly bouncing-ball stats. I’ve had them, too, but have decided at the end of the day they work themselves out, so I’ve put them in the “don’t worry” column of my daily ledger.
The wonder is that I found your blog. I blog on WordPress of course, but Weather Underground, too, and am going to give you a little publicity there later tonight. There are a lot of folks on that sitewho enjoy the outdoors and appreciate good writing. Some may come over, and even comment. I hope so.
I’m looking forward to a bit more exploring here, myself.
I am happy to meet you, shoreacres! I’m really not too fussed about the stats going up and down any more either. Will do as you suggest and put them in the “don’t worry” ledger. I like that phrase!
Thank you so much for sharing about Lake Superior Spirit. It would be lovely to meet some more folks. Do come back and visit!
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Hi dearie,
by now I quite know what lake superior spirit s all about (complete fascination). your blog serves as a dreamland to me as I dream about far away places. thanks for sharing the marvelous pictures and also, the beautiful thoughts! It makes my day happier and it has become a routine now to get updates from you while its my bed time here
god bless ya ……
Hi there Sonali! I am so glad you are fascinated by far-away places. Me, too. They have so much to share with us. Thank you for loving Lake Superior Spirit. Bless you, too!
Hi Kathy,
Did I send you an advance copy of my book, A 1000-MILE WALK ON THE BEACH? If not (and if you’d like one), please e-mail me your address and I’ll mail one out!
Stay warm!
-Loreen Niewenhuis
LakeTrek@comcast.net
I sent you an email, Loreen. In admiration of your trek!
Kathy, I’m trying got find the post where you mention an on-line source for printing photos – I think I remember you saying you used it for photos you were hanging in a gallery. Could you E-mail me the name or web address?( writebreck@gmail) Thanks, Barb
I just emailed you, Barb. however, for any one else who is interested–mpix.com is a great on-line photo resource.
Little House on the Prairie was my favourite series of books as a child! Funnily enough I now live in a house in the middle of a field of grass – not a prairie, but it has the big sky views!
I look forward to reading and seeing more as i visit back here again.
Kel, it’s good to meet you in the blogging world! I hope to read more about your house in the middle of a field of grass. I am thinking you probably have fewer mosquitoes than we do at this time of year… smile…
I can’t remember the path that brought me to your blog, but I don’t suppose it matters now that I’m here. I enjoy it very much. It’s interesting, isn’t it? People from great distances using technology to share spirituality. I look forward to your future posts.
Nice to meet you, Sean. Thanks for stopping by the blog and pausing to leave a comment. I really appreciate it!
A fantastic name, ‘Aura’ … sounds a heavenly place to live , Kathy. life I find is something to experience with an open mind, and open arms… You never know where your next {{{hug}}} will come from…
… ( and I do love the name Kiah, I don’t think I’ve come across it before. ) I hope your day is a good one… xPenx
penpusherpen, I am so delighted that you stopped by Aura and opened your mind and arms and blogging fingers. **grin** Thank you for sharing your world of stories…and visiting the stories Lake Superior (oh, and I) like to tell.
Hello from Duluth, MN
Judy
Hi, Judy! Barry and I have sure enjoyed our trips to Duluth (I’m sure there is at least one in this blog.) Hope you enjoyed the color season and that you’re ready for winter. Thanks for stopping by the blog.
I was researching the history of Pequaming today when I came across your blogs. As I read, I realized that I know you–or at least I know your husband Barry. I was an intern at the L’Anse Sentinel many years ago. (My last name was Perrow back then.)I’m very excited to have found your blog and look forward to reading it!
Dana, I am so happy that you found my blogs! I remember you–and so does Barry. He says he still gets copies of that newspaper from the college where you worked. Wondering if you have a blog anywhere…I know you are a great writer. If you ever start one, be sure to let me know!
Lovely photos on your blog. I’m not sure I could stand living up where it is so cold, but I have visited your area in the summer. Copper Harbor, and Houghton-Hancock areas is beautiful, but such a darn long drive from home.
Once a long long time ago, Huffygirl, I thought the same thing. It would be way too cold up here! (Of course, at the time we were thinking of moving to Alaska. That changed my perception of “cold” really quickly.) Wondering where your home might be? Glad you’ve visited this beautiful area–and my blog.
Hi there, I saw your photos and I really like it… I’m also fun of getting photos of the nature specially when there is a beautiful views of the sky but like Sajib I don’t have the camera. I’m only using my cellphone camera with 1.3 megapixel.. very poor… I dream to have the good camera.. I envy you…
I hope you can get a good camera some day, Jay. I used a small digital camera for a couple of years before getting a Canon Rebel. Sending you good wishes that you get the camera of your dreams some day… Thanks for visiting my blog.
Some of my very best photography has been conducted in the UP–much of it in the area around Munising (the Hiawatha National Forest, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, et al), some of it in the Porkies…and all of it in the autumn. There is little to compare with the North Woods for beauty.
Kerry, that is a really beautiful area! You are lucky to have paused by those shores and photographed. I wouldn’t mind traveling over thatta way one of these months and basking in its beauty, as well. With camera, of course! Thank you for visiting my blog.
Just nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger award
Enjoy!
Kreativ Blogger thanks you! Three cheers for the creativity in us all!
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What a lovely description of your home, and your blog. I’m glad Kathy brought me here.
Lisa, I am delighted that you are visiting Lake Superior Spirit! Looking forward to getting to know you better.
hi Kathy!
i was born in Detroit but spent most of my younger years in The Soo! i absolutely treasure the UP
Always happy to meet a fellow Michigander, especially a fellow lover of the U.P. Wondering where you are living now…
I’ve given you a blog award!
http://cbwentworth.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/now-youre-all-just-spoiling-me/
CB, thank you for the award–how very cool!–and congratulations on your own. Isn’t it so fun to blog? Thank you again!
I think you must live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I’ve only been to Lake Superior once but it was love at first sight. That was last summer and we plan to make it an annual trip. We just couldn’t get enough. Happy blogging.
Janet, how wonderful that you were able to visit the Lake Superior shore! I hope you can come back and splash in our icy cold waters another time. (Hey, maybe next summer the lake will warm up. That does happen some times.) Thank you for the good blogging wishes!
Just found your blog. Lake Superior: mighty big and awfully cold, but it is beautiful UP there. Ive visited just a few times, hiked and camped a bit with fam, even did the Isle Royale ferry once (well, twice, or I’d still be there, right?)
Went winter camping once years ago and enjoyed that too but just for a few nights.
What are your long nights like, in January?? Internet must be super-valuable at those times.
It is beautiful up here. My husband was happy to learn that you visited Isle Royale. He fishes over there almost every summer and loves it. Let me see if I can find the guest blog he wrote about it. You might enjoy reading: http://upwoods.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/isle-royale-our-guest-bloggers-favorite-place-on-earth/
(And, yes, long January nights…now you know about part of my blogging passion…)
great meeting you lake-superior-spirit (;)) . . I’ll be keeping an eye on you and keep visiting!
Glad to meet you, too! (It’s always good to wake up and meet a new blogging friend.)
I wanted to let you know that I got your message… thank you for taking the time contact me. I am so sorry for this late response, My Mother just passed away and it has been a long couple of weeks. I love your blog and look forward to it and getting to know you. As a child I lived up in your neck of the woods, so to speak. It was very cold, lots of snow. We lived right on the big Lake Superior, so many good memories. I will be adding more hummingbird pictures, they are my favorite through my lens. I will get caught up one of these days. Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it. RaeDi
RaeDi, I am sorry to hear about your mother. I can’t even imagine losing a mother…how you must feel. Glad you have winter memories of the Big Lake from your childhood. Blessings, Kathy
Looking forward to tea and sharing stories
Wondering what kind of tea you like! And sharing stories is always lovely. Thank you for visiting and do come again. **grin**
Hi Kathy. I have just awarded you the ‘Kreative Blogger’ award. I think your blog is great please see http://kerrydwyer.net/2012/03/02/kreativ-blogger-award/
Thank you, dear Kerry. You’re the best! Kreatively yours, Kathy.
I spent a week on Isle Royale…. I dream of a visit to the cold Superior waters again someday…
My husband loves Isle Royale and goes there every summer. Here is a link to the blog he wrote about it last summer: http://upwoods.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/isle-royale-our-guest-bloggers-favorite-place-on-earth/
Hope you get to go there again soon!
you are so kind
i’d think if i lived closer i would call you for tea and chat about life….
thanks for being so “open” and giving of your experiences and perspective….
that’s what’s it all about–
I just shared with you on the other post that I love your name. “Open Life.” To be able to share without too many masks obstructing our sharing. It’s something we can both aim for, yes? Along with that possible eventual cup of tea and honest chat. Thank you for visiting.
yes
eventually
you never know
thanks!
my name came from a lot of contemplation and loving everything at the end
Your home sounds beautiful and peaceful! You have a lovely way with words.
Thank you, Janyaa. It is beautiful and peaceful. It’s taken me many years to realize this. And I love sharing words and pictures. Blessings!
Hi Kathy – you had me at “Lake Superior”, but now I see your blog is enjoyable anyway! I look forward to more fun.
Some people wish I would write more about Lake Superior and the woods, Sid. But I write about whatever the heart thinks and feels in the moment. Nice to meet you! Always feel free to add your two cents to the fun. Then we’re all at least two cents richer!
Thanks for the interesting blog, Kathy. With the extreme heat here in Ohio, a cool visit and a cup of tea sound pretty good right now.
I am glad you like it, Chris. I love having you visit! (I know I’m not supposed to be responding to comments in July, but you posted under my main explanatory page, so decided to make an exception.) Happy summer day to you.
Would you be interested in contributing an article on “A tryst with nature” this week’s theme on BBOOKS?
Here are more details http://roohi21.wordpress.com/.
Should you be interesed just send the link to your post along with a short bio to ver.akanksha@gmail.com
Thanks for inviting me, keerthiasingaravel. There is certainly a lot of nature around here with which to tyrst! I will consider this and let you know soon if it works out. Good luck to all your participants!
Thank You.
I read this story Kathy about a man who swims with his dog each night in Lake Superior. The dog has arthritis and it is the only way he can sleep – supported by the water. I thought of you on this same lake. If I were more technical I could put a link here. Do you know this man and his dog?
Kerry, I think this man and his dog live over Minnesota. That’s about 4-5 hours west and north of us. Not quite sure exactly where they live, but here was one link: http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/221107/14/Photo-of-man–dog-in-Lake-Superior-goes-viral-online
What a sweet story! So very tender.
Yes, that is the picture. I saw it on facebook so thanks for the link to the story. It is very sweet. I am glad he is now getting donations for his dog’s care. – Not the same lake then – ah well, you live and learn.
Oh yes, Kerry, it IS the same lake! (That’s how big Lake Superior is. It takes a LONG time to drive around it.) I am glad he is getting donations, too.
wow – that is some Lake. Thanks for putting me right on that
Kathy ~ From one Lake Superior-ite to another — I have nominated you for the ‘Reader Appreciation’ Award. Congratulations! Do not feel obligated to pass it on, but know that you are appreciated! If you want to pay it forward to some of the blogs you appreciate, however, the “rules” of the award are contained in my post: http://travelgardeneat.com/2012/09/25/being-appreciated-the-reader-appreciation-award/ — I always look forward to your posts! ~ Kat
Thank you so much for the nomination, Kat! I just visited your blog to say “thank you, thank you and thank you again.” It feels so good to be appreciated. Much love and looking forward to getting to know you better as the leaves fly and the snow swirls. (Sorry, didn’t mean to mention the “s” word…)
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Hello Kathy!
I’m Harsha and I come from the tiny but gorgeous beach state of Goa in India, currently living in Mumbai.
I always wanted to live in one of those myself, but coming from India and it’s burgeoning population…woods are in short supply! I do identify with the waves lapping the shore though…being from a beach state, the Sea just takes on a whole new meaning…
I found you through Munira’s guest post and am so glad I did…because the first thing I read about you was that you refer to your home as ‘The Little House in the Big Woods’…a favorite of mine
I have a 4-yr-old and so understandably my trips to the blogosphere have not been as frequent recently…but I’ll be sure to drop by and visit your neck of the woods as often as possible! I’m hooked
Cheers,
Harsha.
Harsha, I am glad you found your way to Lake Superior Spirit! Welcome… Glad you are another fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Loved reading her books! I, too, love the sea and like visiting with my parents in Florida when we leave our local waves. Can imagine how challenging it must be to visit the blogosphere with a four-year-old. Remembering those days now… also remembering when our 4-year old decided to “paint” glue all around our living room when mama took a brief nap once. Ah, yes. Four year olds…
Hahahahaha…now that is an unforgettable story if ever there was one
And yet so often I wish I could freeze time and keep him the way he is now forever…
sigh…
There is absolutely no doubt your blog is beautiful and I’m so glad I found you. I have also nominated you for The Beautiful Blogger Award. See details at http://countryliving4beginners.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/on-beauty-and-blogging-awards/
Thank you so very much! I am glad you’ve enjoyed reading. I hopped, skipped and jumped over to your site to thank you and have a looksee. Hope to see you more after this blogging retreat.
Hi Kathy, I came across your previous blog by googling “Do beavers hibernate” and found your post on that exact same subject! Of course they don’t hibernate, but I’d read online that they spend the winter submerged below the ice and wanted to find out if they were able to leave their lodge once the ice developed. Perhaps I should have googled “the beaver’s strategy for surviving in winter” instead!
Anyway, I have a Sony Cybershot too, live in the north (in this case Ottawa, Ontario) and love nature. I go out to the woods and fields to get away from the noise and pressure of society and find peace and simplicity. I love meeting like-minded people, and will be following your blog with interest!
Gillian
Hi Gillian, I am very happy to meet you! I remember writing that post about beavers hibernating.
Glad you found it. I love seeing beavers. OK, love seeing almost ANY animals! But must admit that I don’t have the Sony Cybershot anymore. Bit the bullet (weird saying, huh?) and bought a used Canon Rebel awhile back. In some ways it’s much nicer, and in other ways it’s less convenient. Glad you are another person who likes nature and the gifts it offers. Will visit your blog, too!
Kathy, you have been nominated at http://cjvl.wordpress.com/2012/12/01/you-are-so-kind/
My friend, Carol, you are so kind to nominate me for this honor. I so appreciate YOU! Thank you.
I just moved to Wisconsin near lake michigan and it’s spectacular. I love your blog! I think our two lakes should toast to each other!
Hi, Jasmine Neighbor! Toasting you from Lake Superior to Lake Michigan and all the points in between! How far south are you? North or south of Milwaukee? P.S. Enjoyed visiting your blog just now.
Just Old Plain OLD Milwaukee… It’s BEAUTIFUL here I’m originally from Iowa! I have not seen lake superior. Your in Canada right?
Nope, we’re in the US of A. We’re along the south shore of Lake Superior, probably about six hours north of you.
I hear its beautiful up there! I have been thinking about buying some farm land up there or On LM I’m not sure yet! It’s a few years off so I don’t really have to research just yet!
Kathy, how are you?
Good news, I would like to personally hand you the “BEST MOMENT AWARD“. Congratulations and enjoy the rest of the day!
Thank you so much, Moment Matters! I totally agree with you that the Moment Matters–even ordinary moments–and feel totally honored that you gifted Lake Superior Spirit with this award. Don’t usually “play awards on” but will allow the glow of this moment to fill this heart. Much appreciation…
I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger award: http://cjvl.wordpress.com/2013/03/25/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you for the award, Carol. I scurried over to your blog and smiled mightily! (However it took until today to properly thank you.) Thank you!