Author: GreatLakesWoman
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“Today was the most fun I’ve ever had on the water! Ever! When I’ve sailed with men, they just pushed me out of the way and I never really learned! I want to keep sailing and I always want to sail with all women!” The woman speaking to me has been married to a sailor…
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Grateful for Women in Michigan’s Thumb
Women are the nicest, kindest people. And, apparently, they have been just waiting for someone to ask them, “Who are the women in your community who are making a difference? I’d like to write a magazine story about them.” Ask and ye shall receive. Recap: 24 Hours in the Thumb. Yesterday afternoon I drove west…
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Strong Oak Tree Sprinkles Nutlings
Well, much to the surprise of all of the little Nutlings in attendance last night, that’s a wrap. For 26 years, my wonderful adopted mom, Donna Schwartz of Port Huron, has hosted the annual barbecue dinner for her self-established Golden Nut Club. Donna began the Golden Nut Club decades ago when she began inviting women,…
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We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby…Or Have We?
One household, one vote. If some radical, right wing Christian Nationalists had it their way, that would be the law of the land. Right here in 2026, thanks to their roadmap, Project 2025. Not sure what that would mean for single person households, iffen that single person was a woman, but I can only guess:…
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Mouse in the House: Part 1
So, I was sitting on the toilet. At 6:30 am this morning. (Now, that’s a vision you can’t get out of your head, isn’t it???) Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a movement on the floor. A mouse. Scurrying, following the wall line. Headed right for the toilet. And me. Internally, I…
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Marriage is Hard
Marriage is hard. At least, my marriage is hard. At least, my marriage is hard for me. My marriage is probably not as hard for my husband because, well, he gets to be married to Moi. (Swoons like Miss Piggy). My marriage is harder for me because, well, I am an introvert who is married…
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Made of Medal(s)
Staring. The little girl, all of 11 years old, was absolutely staring at Pamela Wall. I wasn’t sure why until I followed her gaze. It was the necklace. Pam was wearing her necklace with all 10 Bayview Mackinac first place medals on it. “Where did you get all of those?” the girl asked, sounding a…
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Set Sail for Autism
So, there’s always a back story, you know? Below is the back story to Sunday’s Set Sail for Autism Race. I was so inspired by Kori Manley, our student sailor: Ya gotta dream of having goals. Ya gotta set goals. Ya gotta put in the work to meet those goals. Port Huron Northern High School…
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Happy 250th Birthday, USA
Back in 1976, when I was 12 years old, the nation celebrated its 200th anniversary in so many amazing ways. I remember my parents telling me, early in the year, that it would be a “year long party” and that this was a pretty big deal. And it was. Bigger parades. Celebrations in communities across…
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The Kids Are Alright
A participation prize??? All I won was a lousy participation prize??? I believe I was the only adult who participated in the July 4 sandcastle building contest on our beach today. For sure, I can tell you I had not built a sandcastle in decades. Many decades. But for about 20 glorious minutes, I played…
