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| Mackinac Island Harbor, View from the Fort |
Seasons of Change
by Carrie Fancett Pagels
It's that time of year again--Summer's end! Here around the Straits of Mackinac, tourists are still flocking to see the beauty of the area. But there are fewer and fewer families, fewer children. Many, you see, are preparing to go back to school. Some students have even begun their studies, again. Meanwhile, in Virginia, temperatures still hover around 90 degrees. Yikes! We've had an unusually warm (frequent days in the 80's) here in upper Michigan and quite dry, triggering concern throughout the state for this excessive dry spell.
Like the seasons of the year, seasons in our life evolve. For some people, the season of end-of-life brings many things to the forefront, particularly family and possible regrets and also the focus on joys previously experienced. Entering the "Golden Years" of life also brings its many issues -- loss of friends who have died, loss of physical strength yet also the wisdom that comes from having experienced many things in life and also the joy of an expanding family with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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| Mackinac Island's beautiful Arch Rock -- from the Road |
For first time kindergarteners, first year in middle school, that big freshman year of high school, and entry to college -- all are major stepping stones in life. Very exciting yet also potentially stressful, especially for students with special needs.
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| Fort Michilimackinac's late summer garden -- Mackinaw City, Michigan |
I'm working on my first Women's Fiction in over a decade and I've been focusing on the changes women face in their lives. This has been a summer season of coping with health challenges and trying to get in book signings, author speaking engagements, and find placement for books as well as doing research for this current Work-in-Progress and other stories I've been working on. It's been an exciting time and a very different type of lifestyle than I normally have!
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| Entrance to Mackinac Bridge, Sunset over Lake Michigan, from Michilimackinac's Park in Mackinaw City, Michigan |
I'll be gone from Michigan before the beautiful autumn leaves begin to change, but I'll have enjoyed this gorgeous summer season. How about you? Have you enjoyed your summer or this particular season of life?
My Christy Lumber Camp Series' covers have gotten an update! Change is everywhere isn't it?
Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a set of these books (one long novella and two short novels!) set around the Straits of Mackinac in the 1890's -- in Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, and Newberry, Michigan!
*No Entry needed* My summer has been full of challenges. I'm looking forward to a calm Autumn.
ReplyDeleteI pray you have a fantastic Autumn that is peaceful and calm, Andrea!
DeleteI have had an extraordinary summer. A summer filled with beauty, excitement, new experiences and new friends..definitely summer I will never forget. mauback55 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI am so delighted that I got to be part of your summer, Melanie! Cassandra and I enjoyed hanging out with you and your hubs in July!!! Blessings!
DeleteThanks for sharing the beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeletemindyhoungATmsnDOTcom
Hi, Mindy! Glad to provide some pics from beautiful Mackinac! Blessings!
DeleteThis has not been a stellar summer for me. Your new book sounds like it might kind of fit my summer. As I have gone through the some of the passages of change that at some time we will all go through unless the Lord returns.
ReplyDeleteIt's not been an easy summer or for that matter last eight months, but I have found the Lord to be true and faithful and never left my side.
I have a blog post planned for in the morning based on the last few months. So glad the Lord walks through it all with me.
To sum up just a tiny portion.My precious father was diagnosed with cancer the kind that usually doesn't kill, but at his age the surgeries brought complications and I became a caregiver and then the Lord mercifully quickly took him to heaven. Now dealing with grief and a shocking fact that since I lost my mom a year and a half ago it is like I'm loosing her all over again. I wouldn't trade the last few months for anything even though they have been the hardest I have ever gone through.
Oh and on top of it all, I had a bad asthma attack that sent me to the ER and then this week I ended up with bronchitis from it.
Yes, I can rejoice through it all.
Love your books and love being one of your PALS
My prayers are with you. I was a caregiver for my mother the past year. She passed away in April. My trip to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island this summer was my father's way of thanking me for helping to keep her at home. It has not been easy watching my father change these past months.
DeleteWilani, I am so sorry that you are going through all this. What a shock that must have been to have lost your father so quickly. You've now joined me in the ranks of the "adult orphans" and it is a difficult group to join, when both of our parents are gone on to heaven. Praying for you and I do understand your rejoicing in God through all -- you know where they are. Hugs and love to you my friend!
DeleteKATHY, God bless you for caring for your mother. So sorry for your loss! That was really kind of your dad to send you on a trip to refresh you. Praying for you and your dad.
DeleteWe've had a lovely summer. Also, we're enjoying retirement...a most wonderful season in life. Thanks for sharing with us Carrie! rw620 AT aol DOT com
ReplyDeleteI am so glad, Robin, that you've had a great summer and are enjoying retirement. Many of my friends are approaching retirement and some have already gone ahead and made that transition. Be blessed!
DeleteI love that area of Michigan. It has been years since I was there.
ReplyDeleteTime to come back and re-visit, Nancy!
DeleteThank you for sharing your pictures. I would love to see that area sometime. Thank you for the chance to win these books.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn for com
I hope you get to come visit in the Straits, Susan! I think you'd love it! Blessings!
DeleteThose covers are beautiful! I was privileged enough to visit Michigan with my father and sister this summer. We spent three days and two nights at Mackinaw City. It was beautiful. I was surprised to learn there was a school on the island since I thought no one lived on the island in the winter. The stables were beautiful. I really enjoyed sitting on the porch of the Grand Hotel. The interior of the hotel was stunning. I felt underdressed walking the halls.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your pictures. I hope your health concerns have improved.
I look forward to reading your books set in Michigan since I have seen the sights on Mackinaw Island and around Mackinaw City.
Hi Kathy! Thanks! I'm glad you got to visit some of the sites up North! Now that you've seen the sights around the area, my books might really resonate with you. Blessings!
DeleteMy email is phoneticpanda(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWe had plans this summer to go visit family but the water pump broke and their went our vacation $$$.
ReplyDeleteAlso, 2 weeks ago I was in a car accident, not my fault. I sustained a strained neck, back, and whiplash. Needless to say, I can't go anywhere until all of this is over.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Yikes, Janet! That's rough! Praying for you! Praying for your recovery.
DeleteOur summer has been different, particularly with healing from surgery in May. We all know how much we use our hands, and thumbs in particular, but until one is incapacitated we really don't understand how much we depend on them. The pain is lessening and the healing is expected to take about a year. Needless to say, doctor appointments and a lack of funds, have kept us close to home. I have vacationed vicariously through your pictures, Carrie, since we visited that area a number of years ago and hope to return sometime soon. Reading has also brought me to many different places. Thanks for the giveaway. I love all your books!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a challenging season, but one that we have managed. God has been good to us. We are truly blessed. Seasons are all about changing and I see it as a chance to grow with God, no matter what we are going through. I am looking forward to Autumn and the cooler weather though. This heat has been rough this summer! Blessings! :)
ReplyDeleteWould love to read these books as I like historical fiction. Thanks for the giveaway! Vivian Furbay jtandviv(at)q(dot)com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Carrie! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've had a summer of finding my new normal and I've overcome my post retirement depression. I made a new friend at church who needs encouragement. I can encourage her and I receive the blessing! I am blessed to have children and grandchildren who need help and feel free to ask and include me. I met you, Carrie, in person and you are a lovely lady! I really enjoy reading your books and I'd love to win the Christy Lumber Camp Series!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being my winner, Freda! The series has gone out in the mail to you. So lovely meeting you in person! Yes, retirement can be a huge adjustment that's for sure. When I had to cease working as a psychologist, because of my RA and being disabled from it, I had to lean on God to get me through. And He had me write. Many blessings to you!
DeleteI've had an enjoyable summer and being able to assist family members, spending more time outside and reading more. Seasons of change will happen to each one but thankful we have God to lean upon. I am looking forward to fall and the changes it surrounds us with in nature.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Carrie. Love the new covers for Christy Lumber Camp series. Definitely will be worthwhile books to have and read.