Category: 2011

Justin tells me that South Lyon was once the horse capital of the world – home to more horses than humans. His family even contributed to the statistic, they raised and raced standardbreds throughout his teenage years. The equine days are over now on the family farm and nature has reclaimed the pastures. And even during the dullest days of winter, the landscape is just stunning and inspiring. So for the first week of January, I took a few minutes to brave the elements each day and capture the scenes outside. It was cold, but it was worth it. I got a good sample of weather and lighting, some sunny and overcast skies and before and after the some snowfall. Here’s what the acres had to offer:

The wooden fence divides the side yard from the marsh which borders the woods on the back of the property, and the clothesline still sees use on warm summer days.

The shed has fallen into a state of disrepair, but that only gives it character.

The neighbors’ horses always heard me roaming about. They would wander over to the fence to see if the clicking box I was carrying might contain any food for them. They seemed to enjoy being the center of attention and showing off. The final shot is of a spectacular sunset.

Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne?

I found myself pondering that thought on New Year’s Eve, and not just because it’s the traditional song of the new year. I welcomed 2011 with my amazing boyfriend, Justin, and a few flutes of Tosti Asti at the hometown party celebrating the recent Caribbean wedding of Milan, one of my college housemates. Ironically enough, I hadn’t seen him since New Year’s Eve seven years prior in Chicago. We had a blast recalling stories and sharing memories of our junior year at the University of Michigan for his new bride Angelique. It struck me how we really were living the spirit of the new year’s song at the hour of the new year’s dawn.

So on New Year’s Day, after a brisk walk in the woods at Kensington Metropark followed by a latte, a panini and a game of Trivial Pursuit at Java House in South Lyon, Justin and I wandered around Ann Arbor because I felt inspired. I made it my new year’s resolution to honor the days gone by, the auld lang syne.

That’s what this blog is for… For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne! This is the place to bring old acquaintance to mind and recall the days gone by. And I’m delighted to have you along for the journey!

It begins in Nickels Arcade in Ann Arbor, still decorated for the holidays.

We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne! These reindeer painted on the window of Comet Coffee have the right idea!

Most of the shop windows had festive murals celebrating the season. The Arcade Barbers window caught my eye because it was purely adorable. The little chimp proudly displays his King Kong snow-gorilla while the snow-bunnies look on. The scene is topped off by a quote below the bunnies which reads, “Winter is a-comin’ in…”

The Santas in the window of the Caravan Shop keep an eye on the activity of the Arcade. A new year has begun in shadow of the holiday happiness of the past.