“Rest is not idleness,
and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees,
listening to the murmur of the water,
or watching the clouds float across the sky,
is by no means a waste of time.”
-John Lubbock
It goes without saying, I think, that when you live in the South, and you find yourself traveling through Wisconsin in October, you absolutely must brake for produce and cheese.
White garlic & dill cheese curds, “peanut” pumpkins, fresh honey- extracted from a wildflower field right up the road- you absolutely must make room for these types of things in car and/or your cooler.
And/or your belly.
Ahem. 😉
And I’m sure there must be a rule about braking for the beauty of birch bark, too…right?
I just can’t imagine there’s not.
I think it came to be around the same time the one about halting for hammocks…didn’t it?
That is most definitely a rule.
100%.
Pretty sure it’s on the same page as the one about stopping for settler’s cabins and swings of any kind…isn’t that right?
99.9 percent sure that’s right.
And if you come across a treehouse on said travels, in said state, in said month, well, then I’m certain you’re also required (by law) to spend some time up in that, too.
I’m sure it has something to do with putting a little space between you and the earth every now and then…
…about spending some creative time on a Higher level.
And right around a quarter til 6, you absolutely have to find yourself a front row seat to watch the sunset…
You just have to.
That I know for sure.
After all- (and like Mr. Lubbock once said) rest is not idleness, and watching clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.
Dawna
Oct 19, 2014 at 10:43 pmahhh..perfection in every way! What a beautiful spot you found to take a break, and regroup! Love it!!
Tante Nika
Oct 20, 2014 at 7:19 amAlways wish I could snag you up to our little farm when you are out this way 🙂 hope your time is happy!!!!!
blessings to you!
Heather
Oct 20, 2014 at 7:34 amWhat lovely pictures! What true words 🙂 hope you found rest and healing during your time away. God bless
Kay
Oct 20, 2014 at 7:34 amI like the way you write — I think that the word ‘said’, as you used it, needs to be ‘said’ more — pun intended. Re: birch trees. We recently drove from Chicagoland to Minneapolis, for the fab Junk Bonanza — + we saw so many beautiful birch trees! I hope you don’t mind if I share a shower curtain with said-same ;-): http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=30170641&parentid=A_FURN_CURTAINS#/
Yum! I think we will order one for our bathroom, to remind us of pleasant journeys!
Karen
Oct 20, 2014 at 8:20 amI live in the South, but also grew up in Minnesota. Looking at the photos from your trip made me feel right at home. Yes, if you are in Wisconsin and don’t stop for cheese curds that would just be sad. 😉 Between you and Kevin you both have such a great eye for looking at things and capturing them in photography. Thanks for sharing that gift so well with everyone.
kristin
Oct 20, 2014 at 8:30 amI subscribe to Midwest Living and Southern Living (among others) and always read about how it’s done in the south. I am intrigued. However, hailing from Northern Michigan, I can’t help but yearn for the beauty of my home state. Layla–You have seen the beauty and wonder of the area through your travels. I encourage everyone to pick up a Midwest Living Magazine sometime and you will be planning a trip of your own! The Great Lakes are AMAZING, the sunsets, the fall color, the summer activities, and even skiing for those who want in the winter. Just yesterday I was sucked into a Michigan Pinterest board. The Upper Peninsula’s beauty is spectacular! Thanks for bringing the joy of the Northern Midwestern states to readers attention.
Cecilia
Oct 20, 2014 at 8:43 amI agree! I agree! Not idleness at all! Love your photos…felt like I was on a mini vacation!
Robbin
Oct 20, 2014 at 9:14 amI agree. Rest is a good thing, for the body AND for the soul. The Bible says “Be still and know that I am God.” Sometimes we (I) get so caught up in my busyness that I forgot to STOP and enjoy the smell of the leaves, the chill of fall air, the chirping of the birds, the feel of a breeze. All gifts from God. This Camp Wandawega is a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing with us!! Praying for you and your little Sweet P!
Bobbi
Oct 20, 2014 at 9:18 amYour photography is AMAZING!
heather
Oct 20, 2014 at 9:21 amAhh…you’re up in my neck of the woods! I love Fall here (although we do relish summer weather) as it is just so beautiful. I haven’t been to that “camp” but I’ve seen so many write-ups about how awesome it is. Very jealous!
Iryna
Oct 20, 2014 at 10:07 amLove your photos!
Laura
Oct 20, 2014 at 11:36 am3 of my uncles have lake places in the north woods of Wisconsin. We went every summer when I was growing up, but it’s been nearly 20 years since I’ve been back. Your pictures make me yearn for the beauty of the sunrise over Middle Eau Claire Lake and for the peeliness of the birch trees! Beautiful memories of childhood!
[email protected]
Oct 20, 2014 at 12:13 pmBeautiful photos….practically in my backyard!! We have amazing fall seasons in southeast Wisconsin! Were you here during the Elkhorn flea market?
Betsy Derr
Oct 20, 2014 at 8:51 pmI think that camp is going to have to build more cabins after this free advertising!
Bonnie Morgan
Oct 21, 2014 at 8:44 amBeautifully written and illustrated. Thank you for the reminder to rest and marvel at God’s creation.
Sunny
Oct 21, 2014 at 10:49 amLayla,
He leads us beside still waters and restoreth our souls…how could that ever be wrong?
Thanks for taking us with you…Just looking at the photos and reading your humorous blog brought a relaxation to my heart.
Janine @ RusticKitchen
Nov 18, 2014 at 4:15 pmLayla, I’m a little late chiming in here. I’m friendly with the good people behind Camp Wandawega and I must say that I’ve never seen it looking more beautiful. Lovely work.