Reflection

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These pictures were taken during a trip to my Aunt and Uncle in Law’s cottage on the lake. Β I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I dearly love the “lake life” culture here in the upper Midwest. Β There is truly nothing like it. Β One of my happiest places ever is Grand Marais in Northern Minnesota. Β It’s this tiny little town right on the edge of the boundary watersΒ and it is so incredibly secluded. Β It’s amazing the stars you can see when you are there. Β The first time I went, I had no idea the night sky actually looks the way it does when it’s not diluted by pollution and lights. Β A few years ago, David and I hiked to the highest point in Minnesota, Eagle Mountain, which is really close to Grand Marais. Β I remember getting to the top and looking for miles around me and seeing no sign of civilization. Β It was one of those moments in life you don’t forget. I felt such… peace. Β Nature does that for me, but especially water. Β I see a body of water and I just turn all contemplative. Β I crave spending time around it because it helps my thoughts to come into focus and I leave with so much more clarity. I need that space for reflection from time to time. Β We haven’t been in a few years because of pregnancy and newborns, but I’m hoping we’ll get back soon. To tide me over, I thought I would share a few pictures with you:

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These pictures are from two different years, thus the change in hair color. πŸ™‚

Beautiful right? One last fun fact before I leave you: my hubby is in a band called the Shillelagh Lads, an Irish Folk band (and no, in case you are wondering, he’s Norwegian… not Irish). Β We were on our way to go see them play in the photos above. It was the first time Kit had heard her daddy play and she loved it!! It seriously melted my heart.

Reflection

*Photo borrowed from the Shillelagh Lad Facebook Page

I feel like you know me a lot better after this post! So many things that are dear to my heart. Β I’d love to hear where you go when you need a bit of reflection. Β Are you an outdoors kind of girl like me? Or do you prefer a comfy chair with a cup of coffee? Let me know in the comments below! And last, but not least, don’t forget to subscribe if you want to receive my free capsule planning guide!

Until next time,

*Photos in this post were taken by Chris Rambo of Passion Pursenality

Leave a Comment

17 Comments

  1. 9.16.15
    Rebecca N said:

    I’m not big on water, but I love to hike, although I don’t do it as much as I would like. I totally understand the need for the solitude and peacefulness nature brings! You’d think living in Virginia I would hike often with all the mountains and trails around. The weather here is too muggy in the summer to hike, so it needs to be done in the fall or spring….which of course is our busy time with both my husband and son in school! Hopefully we can get a good couple hikes in this fall though to see the beautiful fall colors!

    Your husbands band looks interesting! I love folk music…I’ll be creeping on their facebook page. Love your outfit above, too! My kind of style! πŸ™‚

    • 9.16.15
      Karin said:

      I love hiking as well! Especially when it’s near water. πŸ™‚ I use to work near some really great hiking trails and I would lace up my hiking shoes on my lunch break, put in my headphones and have the most glorious alone time. That hasn’t happened in a while. πŸ™‚ I’m really proud of his music. They used to play a lot more, but most of the guys are married now/have kids so it’s hard to find time. They do have a couple of CD’s though! And thanks for your compliment about my outfit! I’m kind of digging hats this fall even though I still feel kind of funny wearing them!

  2. 9.16.15

    Loved it. Great piks – all of them. You look great in those jeans:))

  3. 9.16.15
    Susannah said:

    For me, it doesn’t matter where I am as long as it’s peaceful. I love sitting at home with a cup of coffee and I love walking on the beach… It’s the spirit more than the location that revives me!

    • 9.16.15
      Karin said:

      Amen to that! I think it’s just that I can more easily find peace when I’m in certain places. πŸ˜‰

  4. 9.16.15

    I’m not really outdoorsy, but I definitely gravitate to water. The ocean, lakes, rivers. I’d love to live by the ocean, but since I don’t (and am happy where I am right now) it’s a good thing I live in MN, since there are an abundance of lakes around! πŸ™‚ I also seek out cathedrals. I don’t know why, but there’s something about a cathedral that puts me in a reflective mood.

    I love these photos! Grand Marais is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing the photos and your thoughts. πŸ™‚

    • 9.16.15
      Karin said:

      Living by the ocean would be a dream! But then I always tell myself that I enjoy the four seasons too much. πŸ™‚ Cathedrals are also great! I remember when we trecked around Italy I always found so much peace in the different Duomos we visited. And thanks! Grand Marais kind of speaks for itself doesn’t it? πŸ™‚

  5. 9.16.15
    andi said:

    beautiful shots – all of them! πŸ˜€

  6. 9.17.15
    Ashley said:

    I think nature in general brings clarity. Especially when you take away all the noise of the busy and cluttery city!

    • 9.17.15
      Karin said:

      Oh absolutely! Especially when there is no cell service! ????

  7. 9.21.15
    Kelly said:

    I think nature really helps to center us and make us reflect on things. Every time I’m in the ocean I’m always astounded by its beauty and how calm it is. This was a beautiful post love! xo

    • 9.21.15
      Karin said:

      Thank you! Yes! The ocean is so calming. It just takes your breath away and forces you to be contemplative!

  8. 5.12.16

    How kind and generous you are in your praise! These are all great blogs and you may just go ahead and add yours to the list, too, thank you. πŸ™‚

  9. 5.15.16

    Ya learn something new everyday. It’s true I guess!

  10. 6.4.16

    Germans and French playing beggar-thy-neighbor hardball with smaller “allies”? I’m shocked. Shocked, I tell you. But at least they don’t blame the Irish for poisoning the wells or for Islamist terrorism.

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