@ Division
I took these photos on Weston Street facing Division Ave. Division used to have a bad reputation. When I used to tell people I lived downtown they’d say to me, ‘OH, stay away from Division.’ I realized after a while that the people who used to say this to me were all from the suburbs.
If they had taken the time to visit this street in recent years they would have realized the charm of this area. Numerous shops and galleries line this street and all of them are locally owned. This area has a special vibe. It is very down to earth, with shop owners accepting the old buildings for what they are and working with that, instead of feeling the need to tear them down and destroy the city’s history in the name of commercialism.
Grand Rapids Public Library
My number one most favorite building in downtown Grand Rapids is the Public Library. I recently made the move to the suburbs, but lived downtown for many years. I have fond memories of my Saturday walks to this library. It is a beautiful building inside and out. It was built in 1904. I think around the late 1960′s the main enterance was moved from the front to the side of the building, and the original Ryerson wing of the library was closed to the public. Thank goodness in the late 1990′s a renovation took place, and this entrance and wing was once again made public. Pictured below is an image taken from the second floor. The window in the background is the large arched window front and center in this picture.
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In Memoriam
When I was a child, Memorial Day was about the official beginning of boating season. As I have grown older, I have began to appreciate the true intent of this day. I decided to take a drive over to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and Veterans Cemetery. I haven’t visited my facility since my dad’s memorial service back in 2007. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam war.
I had forgotten about this absolutely huge flag that hangs at the entrance to the buildings.
The cemetery was pretty busy today with visitors. It is overwhelming to see the number of gravestones at the site.
It was a good Memorial Day for me. I left feeling good about taking the time to visit where my dad had lived for the last year and a half of his life. He had a kind soul, and I will dedicate this day to my memories of him from now on. It all comes full circle–me choosing this day in memory of my dad. When I was little, it was my dad who was most excited about the official beginning of boating season.
Our boat, circa 1988. I’m pretty sure I took this photo.
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Americana
We spent the afternoon at the Whitecaps game today. We lost, but it was still fun.
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Away from the City
For most summer holidays my husband’s family visits their cottage at Silver Lake. It is a beautiful place that is just so ‘Michigan’–beautiful sand dunes as far as you can see and the smell of pine trees as you walk through the State Park.
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One Crazy Creature
The Sock Bandit. Beware. She loves anything she can carry in her mouth. This includes wedding rings. (We found it under the stove.)
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LaGrave Avenue Church
I am pretty obsessed with the beauty of this church. It’s neo-gothic cathedral was built in the 1950′s. I used to live in an old carriage house that overlooked it, and now my office building faces it. You have seen its steeple in many of my photographs. See the steeple from one of my past blog posts by clicking here.
And the Venue is…
A special thank you to the owners of the Ledyard Building for hosting me in this year’s ArtPrize which begins September 19 in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. The contract is signed and I am locked in. I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful space to hang my photographs (pictured above). It is the perfect fit!
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