Sunday Sip
Sipping Through the Unpredictable: A Journey from Eyeliner Insights to Global Adventures
Hello, 2024! Welcome to the Sunday Sip, where the unexpected is just another part of our journey! This week, we're diving into a kaleidoscope of experiences that remind us of the beauty and unpredictability of life.
Random Encounters
“My mom does that too,” said the 20-something sitting on the grass in front of me. She was referring to my eyeliner. I remember blinking, fully aware of my eyelids and uncertain how to reply. It was hot, and we were sitting inches apart in a sliver of shade near the BMI stage, waiting for the next performer at the Austin City Limits Festival in Texas.
The grass beneath us was more like a bed of itchy straw. I was no longer capable of perspiring. The empty water bottle was limp in my hand, and I wanted to be away from this young thing, still talking about my eyeliner. “It makes your eyes look blue,” she said. “Funny,” I thought, “Maybe because my eyes are blue.”
I shifted topics, “Are you here with friends?” She looked away and said, “Sort of.” My inner mom's voice wanted to launch into a lecture about safety, but before I could, she shifted topics.
“Do you see that person with the hula hoop,” she asked.
I could indeed see a group of adults gyrating with hula hoops. Just then, a woman sauntered by wearing a gauzy, translucent cover-up over just her birthday suit. The hula hoopers were forgotten. Even my new 20-something companion was reeling from the impromptu fashion show.
Whatever she was going to share about the hula hooper was lost, and the dead grass was still itching the back of my legs. And now we were sitting in the sun. “Do you mind holding my spot? I want to check out that stage.” She said and pointed to the Miller Lite stage, where thousands of excited fans were singing a song I didn’t recognize.
And like that, she was gone. I’m still thinking about the eyeliner comment and, if I’m honest, my decision to attend the ACL festival.
The comment sent me down the internet rabbit hole researching eyeliner trends. Did you know there are hundreds, if not thousands, of sites dedicated to Amy Winehouse’s eyeliner ethos? I’m not kidding.
And yes, my eyeliner choice unwittingly datestamps me FOREVER. Decades ago, I got permanent eyeliner from a tattoo artist in Buckeye, Arizona. Now, I bet you didn’t see that coming. I sort of wish I’d mentioned that to my 20-something companion.
My serendipitous encounter at the ACL Festival is a charming reminder that every person we meet, no matter how briefly, can leave a lasting imprint on our lives, just like a permanent eyeliner tattoo.
Hallelujah!!!
We finally finished our recap of our Italy trip. Warning! It is more of a short novella than a travel article, but please don’t let that stop you from reading it.
It’s Chuck’s travel planning masterclass, jam-packed with juicy tips, handy-dandy guides, and secret sauce resources, that made our trip an epic experience. Plus, the sprinkling of hilariously entertaining tales adds a dash of color to this adventure!
We’ve tossed in our full itinerary at the end of the article.
And Rural Innovation Exchange published our article, “The life of a modern shepherdess: Bridging tradition and innovation in farming in rural Michigan.”
Love was in the air! All you animal lovers out there shouldn’t miss this one.
Next week our editor promised they would publish our article about Manchester Underground Music and Art.
Busy Bees
We hung out with Amy and John from Behind the Mitten while they recorded a segment for their show featuring Ann Arbor’s Restaurant Week. It will air January 20-21.
We attended the Michigan Great Beer State Annual Conference and Trade Show on January 10-12, 2024. We will publish a recap of it on Life in Michigan soon.
Reading Nook
This story is set in a cabin in the New England woods that sees more drama than a soap opera! From young lovers escaping a Puritan colony (because who wouldn't?) to an English soldier who ditches the battlefield for the thrilling life of apple farming (watch out, Johnny Appleseed!), and even a pair of spinster twins navigating the rollercoaster of war, famine, envy, and desire.
But wait, there's more! A crime reporter looks for a scoop, but the earth says, "Nope, not telling!" Then, a painter, a con man, a panther (yes, a real panther), and a lusty beetle with a zest for life add to the mix. (Laugh out loud funny!) It's like a historical nature documentary meets a supernatural thriller with a sprinkle of comedy.
So, Daniel Mason's "North Woods" isn't just a novel; it's a time-traveling, genre-bending party with a guest list spanning centuries. Love, madness, humor, hope – it's got it all. And it asks that deep question: "How do we live on, even after we're gone?"
Is it good? Well, it is not for everyone. I loved it.
What are you reading? You are probably afraid to ask what I’m reading next.
Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss
Hey, if you’ve got something you’d like us to list, let us know. If it fits within our wheelhouse, as they say, we’ll try to list it.
Guided Snowshoe Hike at Harkwick Pines this Winter (dates vary)
Enjoy a guided snowshoe hike through the Old Growth Forest with the Park Interpreter and Historian. This hike goes off-trail into the midst of some of Michigan's oldest and largest pine trees. To reserve your spot, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/.../60B0F45AFAE22A2FE3...
Call the Visitor Center with questions at 989-348-2537.
2024 Goal Accountability Report
I promise not to drone on and on…
Operation Fungus Gnat Eviction: The anti-gnat gadgets arrived. The tiny invaders have taken cover. I fear they are plotting a takeover. Stay tuned.
Bird Whisperer Ambitions: I’m still dreaming about a chickadee nibbling from my hand and have yet to spot a Snowy Owl.
Treehouse Slumber: There is nothing new here, but we are looking forward to our hobbit house retreat in February.
Pushup Challenge: Twenty consecutive push-ups – that's the goal. I squeaked out five sets of 10 from my knees and needed Advil the next day.
The Thrift Store Jackpot: I'm still on a mission to find something under $10 at a Goodwill-like store and flip it for $200.
What about you? Are you making progress on your goals?
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, folks! Another whirlwind edition of Sunday Sip is coming to a close. From the serendipitous moments at the ACL Festival that gave us a deep dive into eyeliner history to the bustling streets of Italy, and from the pastoral charm of Michigan's modern shepherdess to the quirky realms of the New England woods in "North Woods,” we've covered a kaleidoscope of experiences.
P.S. Keep those goal updates coming – we love hearing about your adventures, big and small!