Last week I crossed Lake Michigan three times. ( But who’s keeping track?) Twice on a ferry and once on a plane. Here are some pics and notes from the crossings. I think it’s a good idea to jot stuff down while it’s fresh in your mind.
I. In the daytime, on the ferry from Michigan to Wisconsin. There I am, there is the shadow of me leaning on the railing, looking down at the lacy feathers of froth that form on the waves. They are only there for a moment, but then it happens again on another wave. Over and over and over and over. Good thing the railing here was high enough to keep me from falling overboard due to wave froth hypnosis.
II. We got on the return ferry a few days later, at 1 a.m. We had a little room to sleep in. There I am, in paisley pajamas that exist only in this drawing. (a big advantage of drawing your memories vs. photographing what actually happened.) It was the night of the “super-moon.” We looked at it while waiting for the ferry, but it looked like the regular moon to us. Pretty sure it glimmered and glittered extravagantly on the night-black waters all night long. Cool breezes blew into our small window and lifted the blue curtains.
III. On an airplane to Chicago, where I got on another airplane to somewhere else. I had a window seat. My shadow is somewhere within the tiny shadow of the airplane moving across Lake Michigan so far below. I am also in the plane, looking out the window. My shadow so far away and hidden, like Peter Pan’s.
Tagged: ferry, Lake Michigan, postcards, self-portraits, shadows
Thank you for that delightful, refreshing vacation of the mind. Significantly more interesting than whatever I’ll do this summer! God, my life is dull – never let someone you love get exiled to Texas. Of course, we have Wendy Davis, but then, we do need her, don’t we?
yes, and I think we could use her here in Michigan, too!
By counting trips, I concluded that you are not at present in Michigan. Love the pictures, Lynne, and the news from your life.
Pamela, you counted correctly, but I flew to DC via Chicago and returned via Grand Rapids, so . . . I’m back!
Lovely to see all the ways water fills your world…..the sketches are delightul, as was your presentation at the Suttons Bay Library last month!
thanks, Alexis – it was nice to see you there!
Beautiful! Your post is like a little vacation itself!
thanks, Gigi! (and thanks for reading it)