More Armchair Travel (because there is no such thing as “enough”)

But first, a Northern Michigan fall sunrise --
 

And then, oh, the advantages of armchair travel! Let me name a few of its wonderful features: You don’t need reservations, the weather is always fine, there are no layovers or long delays in airports, and whatever you’re wearing – sweatpants, pj’s, a shirt with half the buttons missing – you are properly dressed for the occasion. Costs are minimal, schedule super-flexible, hardships nonexistent. So curl up and get cozy. You can do it because others have made the trip for you. 

 

We are going to Ireland.

Two Leslie Lee books to start you off on your trip

Leslie Lee did the actual transatlantic travel with her sisters, while I only had to drive as far as Traverse City to visit her studio -- and actually I wouldn’t have had to go to town to pick up the books, but by making the trip I had the chance to see her wonderful space and can now share a few glimpses with you.

Where future magic will take place --

A different angle --

 

Possibly a pop-up retail space? She will let us know.

There is even a Betty Beeby room!

(This is why Betty Beeby's name sounds familiar to you.)

Leslie’s research into Irish prehistory and the DNA strains of Irish peoples is deep, but she also has light-hearted tales of inns and pubs, castles and ruins, and accounts of meeting Irish relatives she and her sisters never knew they had, all of her stories (as well as the little guidebook) illustrated with quick sketches made on the scene, watercolor added in later. Like the books of artist Frederick Franck (whose book The Zen of Seeing has never been out of print), Leslie’s illustrations are enchanting, and I am happy to have added her books to my bookstore offerings. You don’t have to be Irish to appreciate them, either, but if you are you’ll find them irresistible!

This week's front table focus

As you can see, Leslie’s books are sharing table space with the poetry of Richard Gilmore Loftus. The time of year prompted me to showcase copies of his collection entitled “Autumn,” and no sooner had I done that (before UnCaged, which was September 30 this year) when a message came from Rick about a new book, so here are signed copies of that book, too. In his new collection, “Canvas,” the poet’s focus is on the journey, not the destination, so we can travel with him, also – by boat, by car, and never far from water.

Rick's new poetry collection

We are never far from water with either Leslie Lee or Richard Gilmore Loftus, as we are never far from water here in Leelanau County, and if you are not physically here right now, you are here virtually if you are reading these words and perusing these images. Berries bright and red (haws) have set on the hawthorns, milkweeds are beginning to release their first seeds, and on the cloudiest day there is light somewhere in the sky, often over Lake Michigan for a few moments at day’s end. Thanks for coming to see me.

They Come From Near and Far!

Saturday evening and Sunday morning I was busy getting ready for the annual visit from my mother and sisters.  Living in Illinois, they look forward to the cooler temperatures of northern Michigan for their July getaway and the chance to dip their toes into Lake Michigan. They stay at Sunrise Landing, and we spend evenings at the farmhouse, so I had had floors to sweep, grass to mow, groceries to buy, and meals to plan. Italian sodas, smoked trout paté, a big pan of burritos; vanilla ice cream, brownies, strawberries; brioche buns from 9 Bean Rows for our hamburger night. That much seemed like a good start. I’m so glad the weather is neither punishingly hot nor disappointingly cold and rainy for my family’s time in Leelanau, yoo. We’ll enjoy our mornings and evenings together before and after my bookshop days! And my delphinium blooms are certainly ready for company.

Too bad my family has to leave on Thursday morning and will have to miss the Dog Ears Books TEA with poet Richard Gilmore Loftus. Richard’s new book, Dress Whites, received a review from Kirkus that must have put him over the moon! Read it here. While living in New York City a while ago, he published chapbooks of poetry, was published in literary magazines, and gave a few readings which I for one will be eager to ask him about. (Where in Manhattan did he read? When? What kind of audiences did he have?) I know he has New York stories to share, including some about famous neighbors. And how many guys do you know who dated a candy cane in Balanchine’s “Nutcracker”?

Before Manhattan, this poet lived in iconic Greenwich Village (the dream of my adolescent years!), and he has also lived and traveled in Ireland, Spain, Mexico, South Africa, and Rwanda, doing volunteer teaching in the last two countries. He worked as IT manager for Delta Dental (he calls Delta his Medici), has built wooden boats, and is presently making his first violin. 

Loftus has Up North bona fides, too. Having noted that my blog often stresses authors’ northern Michigan roots and connections, he assures me that he has “spent much time, much of my life - winter, summer, spring, and fall - in the Manistee, Glen Arbor, and Traverse City environs. In that regard, I am pretty sure my credentials are in order.” 

So you see that at the same time I’ve been getting ready for a family visit, I’ve also been gearing up for my next TEA guest, because every week has a Thursday in it and thus another guest to Thursday Evening Authors. 

Richard Loftus will be with us this coming Thursday, July 12, beginning at 7 p.m. I like his poetry, and I think you will, too. So now, in anticipation, I’ll tantalize you with one of the poet’s own statements about his writing:

“I have a desire to convey well in words the beauty I've been privileged to witness. We shall see. So far, it's been an interesting and rewarding journey.” 

An interesting life and gratitude for it. Great combination! I am grateful for and enjoying every day this week and also looking forward to Thursday.