Lake Reflections: Summer Gift to Self
By Rhonda Sheehan
Newly single, I was preparing for a lot of transitions this summer; such as interviewing for jobs and looking for a new place to live. With all of the changes in tow, I knew I needed to forgo a real vacation. However, I love summer and knew I did not want to give up its beauty and restorative healing power.
A native of Michigan, I grew up with outings along the shores of Lake Michigan. This year I vowed to treat myself to two summer passes to local beaches (they charge entrance fees to hire park workers to keep the beaches groomed and safe). So I determined that this minimal expense would help me to enjoy summer.
I chose Weco Beach in Bridgman, Michigan. It’s a great location to find lots of beach glass and Indian beads due to the Potawatomi and Iroquois Indian tribes that used to live there. I also selected Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan; a favorite of mine since childhood. It’s known for its singing sand. Singing sand produces sounds of high or low frequency under pressure and can sound like it is whistling when you walk on it. The singing sand grains must be round and tiny, (about .1 to .5 mm in diameter) contain silica, and be at a specific humidity. I like the feel of it because the grains of sand are so small and smooth.
Some days I took my son and a friend or two with me to the water front. Other times my nieces or other family members would call me to meet them after work and head to the beach. We would walk the pier, jump in the lake, throw a football or Frisbee, or listen to an outdoor summer concert. Whenever I had errands to do near one of the beaches I made time for a quick walk on the beach. I watched countless breathtaking sunsets. I think I collected close to 200 pieces of beach glass and probably a hundred Indian beads. Since I bead, I am planning to make a man's bracelet and a couple of necklaces. My small investment of $65 for both passes paid off handsomely! Literally, I had a few men ask me out for impromptu dinner dates, which I accepted.
I like what Loren Eiseley wrote in the Immense Journey, "If there is magic on the planet it is contained in water." I agree. This summer I reveled in being in, on, or near the water. It has been a magical summer indeed!
Rhonda Sheehan writes from Watervliet, Michigan. She has an extensive background in fundraising, professionally and on a volunteer basis. She is currently working with at risk teens.
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