Mackinaw Sunset
Sunset over the Straits of Mackinaw
Of the many place that I have witnessed sunsets, one of the most spectacular is over the Straits of Mackinaw. Through the hard work and dedication of my in-laws, we are able to spend many summer weekends at their cottage “up north,” looking out over the straits and enjoying campfires at sunset. They have worked hard over the course of decades to provide a comfortable space, a way to escape the every day pressures of life, and to simply enjoy time in a semi-solitary space with family.
This place holds special memories for my wife, who spent nearly every moment of her childhood summers up here. Now, we come to this place with a slightly different mindset, considering all that is going on in our lives. So, as I think about this picture, and the idea of a place to relax, a place of sanctuary, I am hoping that you all might address a few questions that I have to further my writing.
1. What kind of story would make the most sense to tell? I am interested in talking to my wife about a particular moment that she remembers growing up (a campfire, a hike, playing with friends). What would you most want to know about?
2. Would it make sense to focus in just on the idea of sunset, the changing of days, the passing of time? I don’t know if I can do that (emotionally and mentally) in a skillful manner, but if it seems like something that isn’t cliché and overdone, I would be interested in trying it.
Thanks in advance for your feedback and for continuing to work on this digital writing marathon. As we move into the second week, we will begin thinking about collaborative writing spaces where we can read, respond to, and revise one piece that you want to bring to publication, all together in one program. I am looking forward to working more with all of you.
Of the many place that I have witnessed sunsets, one of the most spectacular is over the Straits of Mackinaw. Through the hard work and dedication of my in-laws, we are able to spend many summer weekends at their cottage “up north,” looking out over the straits and enjoying campfires at sunset. They have worked hard over the course of decades to provide a comfortable space, a way to escape the every day pressures of life, and to simply enjoy time in a semi-solitary space with family.
This place holds special memories for my wife, who spent nearly every moment of her childhood summers up here. Now, we come to this place with a slightly different mindset, considering all that is going on in our lives. So, as I think about this picture, and the idea of a place to relax, a place of sanctuary, I am hoping that you all might address a few questions that I have to further my writing.
1. What kind of story would make the most sense to tell? I am interested in talking to my wife about a particular moment that she remembers growing up (a campfire, a hike, playing with friends). What would you most want to know about?
2. Would it make sense to focus in just on the idea of sunset, the changing of days, the passing of time? I don’t know if I can do that (emotionally and mentally) in a skillful manner, but if it seems like something that isn’t cliché and overdone, I would be interested in trying it.
Thanks in advance for your feedback and for continuing to work on this digital writing marathon. As we move into the second week, we will begin thinking about collaborative writing spaces where we can read, respond to, and revise one piece that you want to bring to publication, all together in one program. I am looking forward to working more with all of you.
posted by hickstro | 8:46 AM
3 Comments:
I think this is a good idea, Troy. I would be interested in emphasizing all things "Michigan" because I've always been frustrated by other people's view of Michigan as Detroit. (Or one everlasting suburb of Bennigans and TGIFridays like it's becoming.) This is not the Michigan I grew up in, not by a long shot. Anyway, don't know if that helps, but if I saw a story about a cottage near Mackinaw, that's what I would hope for having grown up here myself.
Hi, Troy,
As I read your post, it reminded me of an essay I read in Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones yesterday. She told this story about a woman who wrote about her husband's family, and Goldberg commented that she couldn't quite trust the story until she could hear about the woman's family too. Here's my point. I guess I would be interested in your stories of this place, and then maybe your perceptions of your wife's stories.
I loved the picture as well. I have never been to Michigan. I wondered what the cottage looked like, and I wondered how close the neighbors were. I have many questions.
Keri
Could you somehow capture your wife's changing view of this special place throughout her life.. the smells, the sights, the excitement and comfort of being there... how that is different as an adult as it was when she was 6, 10, 16?
I love the picture of the sunset! Awesome shot...
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