To Michigan on it's 175th Birthday

Dear Michigan,

Given your name comes from a Native American word meaning "turtle", it's probably no coincidence my first pet was a turtle. Maybe it was your way of instilling a sense of place within me during my formative years. You raised me and the majority of my family. You welcomed my father and grandparents, who came from the South. I was blessed to walk through the hallowed halls of your University in Ann Arbor for four years. You put the world on wheels. You have birthed a plethora of figures who have impacted the country and the world. Recent years have been rough for you, however. Many have left you and others negatively comment about you. Despite this, you are always home to those who have resided within your borders. From Ann Arbor to Zeeland, there is no other place quite like you. May you be blessed this and many years to come

With love,
Rana Dianne Irby
A Michigander born and raised.

On Traveling

So it looks like your humble blogger has been initiated into the world of the traveler. It began this past September with my first stay at a B&B. Today's adventure includes a stay at the Chicago Parthenon Hostel (310 S. Halsted) in the Windy City. So far, so good. Clean, fancy, no frills-good bang for the buck at $40 a night for a private room. There are some common-sense rules that have to be abided by here, but it goes to show the extent to which the hostel goes to keep the place nice, spiffy, and safe. On a related note: the staff-quite friendly and down-to-earth! It seems like one can truly call themselves a traveler until they've experienced stays at hostels and B&Bs. Until next time!

"...and we PAINT!" cont'd

It wasn't my intention for this to be my first blog post of the year, but the paintings said it was time. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting "The Metropolis Series"


The Metropolitan



and

Lead Us All Back to One

Each of these have very layered meanings. Hope they bless you, everyone!