I M Perfect lady

Category: WIND GOES

Unconditional Love Grew in WIND

This was in October of 2016 – WIND began doing overnight adventures in Ontonagon.

My friend who lives there invited us – and our friends began meeting each other.

We stayed in a cottage and planned a few hikes.

The second year we stayed at a new friend's place along the shores of Lake Superior and we did a class on glass blowing – another new friend was our teacher.

This was much harder than it appeared – but fun and a great teacher.

We then stayed at the Township park and had a wonderful spot right on the shores.

We hiked on trails in the Porky's and rode our bikes – and swam. Familiar faces on our Ontonagon camping trips.

And then we added boats – which was a great idea – since we were camping on the shores of Lake Superior.

In 2021 we began staying at a special place, hosted by this wonderful woman.

It was the year we couldn't reserve a spot at the local Township Campground – and she generously opened her home to us. And, we gladly accepted.

This was our 5th time staying there.

It has become an annual place for us to retreat – on the shores of Lake Superior – West Campground.

Over the years we all have gotten closer, shared laughs and sorrows. We have become soul sisters.

My friend – she is the conduit to WIND girls to form new friendships in Ontonagon.

Our groups have mingled and jelled together nicely – we even commented this past trip how there has not been any drama – we are all so wonderfully meshed together – in a loving kind friendship.

Our times together have laughter, wisdom and life experiences shared.

We blend so well – it is pure joy when we meet.

Oh and we love doing projects – or so I think.

Each year we do a few and they have become some of my prized pieces.

I treasure this time of year when we haul out tents and boats to her place.

We feel right at home – and love returning each year.

How lucky am I – to have friends who have friends who become friends!

WIND turned 13 years old this summer.

The women I have met and the adventures we have been on – and the friendships who feel like family – overwhelm me.

What is so heartwarming – is for all that I have lost – more have I gained.

These women have filled my heart –

I have volumes of memories of all that we have done over the years.

The ways in which we have grown and explored new things.

Revisited old actives and added new ones.

Who I am and how I see myself has changed over these many years.

I am better because of the women who call me friend.

Even if WIND ends – I believe we will still enjoy many adventures together.

We came together as women in new directions – some of our lives were swiftly changed into a direction we were unfamiliar with – and yet we have overcome.

We have leaned into our direction and have grown because of it.

What I love about WIND is the women I have gotten to know.

How they each brought to me a stronger part of myself.

I learned from them.

And have become a lot more self assured.

All of our adventures, whether weekly meetings or when we camp – have given me back a whole self.

It is so interesting. In the early conception of WIND. My intentions were to join together women who feel lost with women who were further down the path and could shed some light on life. I kinda believed I was the one leading – only to figure out many years later, they were leading me.

My heart loves our group and I have found peace and a space to grow and be me.

Unconditional love grew in WIND.

I love you all!

July 19, 2025
Enriched My Life Beautifully.

Ten years ago when I co-founded WIND, I saw myself as a leader and envisioned the kind of woman it would serve. Sitting here today, it is I who have benefitted the most by WIND. Instead of being the teacher – if you will – I was the student.

WIND has given me so much over the years, from friendship to adventures and art in between.

It is hard to imagine my life now without the connections I have made and the different activities I now enjoy. Let alone to how much I have grown in confidence and become a much more well rounded person.

WIND itself isn't the magic. The magic comes when we gather, we share, we learn, we dare, we try, we fail, we succeed and we reach new heights etc. Each time we are adding a new facet to who we are. It has enriched me on so many levels. Like adding color to a black and white routine life.

It has been a women's club and ladies night out each week. We have been more active through the Covid years and I hope we can soon return to the artful part of WIND.

The art encourages our imaginations and the physical moves our bodies – both challenging us to new levels.

There certainly have been Wednesdays where I am tired and wanted to just stay home – but have gone and returned home renewed. The very thing I knew could happen – does. I wanted to help women fill up – to gain new skills and learn and grow – and I have.

I guess what I am here to report is my vision has worked on me. It has helped me as I grew in a new direction. It has helped define my life in ways that I wouldn't have imagined. Just learning new things and incorporating them into my life.

The fullness of my world has been improved over the last 10 years.

Bit by bit.

Friendship by Friendship.

Activity by activity.

I now have so much more in my life; compared to the early days.

Women In New Directions – I am one and it has helped me define my direction and what I want to spend my time doing – even who I am.

The intention of WIND was to help ladies who found themselves in a new direction. Help them traverse new territory and perhaps even redefine them. Help them feel less alone on a new journey. What I didn't know is that I would end up helping me the most.

My heart and soul will always hold dearly to all that WIND has done and will continue to do.

Each week, I arrive.

I have set aside Wednesdays evenings for me.

One night a week – for the past 6 years – (the first 4 years was just two Wednesdays a month) and little by little I have changed.

Often we hold change in a negative way and that somehow staying the same is a good thing.

But, life and living stuff always change.

I think becoming friendly with change is helpful in life.

The more bending we are the less stress we have in our lives.

Embracing our lives as they change and as we change is not often easy – but once you let go of the old you – a new you can emerge.

There are so many pieces of the new me that came by showing up most Wednesdays. By trying new things and saying Yes way more often than sometimes comfortable. The experiences were so enriching even if I failed.

I am humbled and proud of what WIND has done over these many Wednesdays. I am in awe of so many of the woman I have come to know and love – and in all the ways they have gracefully accepted changes in their lives.

We are a tribe.

We are badass.

We are colorful and delightful and fun.

We are like living works of art – WIND added to tapestry we call self.

Thanks – a deep heartfelt thanks to so many who have attended WIND!

It is my hope that it too has changed you in a positive way.

May WIND continue on for years to come!

In some ways, it feels like we are just getting started.

Thank you ladies of WIND – You have enriched my life beautifully.

Art – at River Camp

August 26, 2022
WIND

I find it hard to believe that this week, WIND is 8 years old.

Eight years of fun on Wednesday nights.

Eight years of meeting new friends, learning new things and having fun experiences.

Eight years of growing in places I didn't even know existed.

Eight years of expanding into doing so much of what I love to do.

Eight years to look back on all the fun and memories we shared!

When WIND began, my idea was to have a place where women could come and be themselves and learn from other women who were further ahead on life's journey. I wanted mentors and a place to do Art.

It grew into something far beyond where my eyes could see; and I with it.

So many wonderful strong women have come to WIND – and because of that – it is a remarkable group today.

Reserving one night of week for our own.

An evening to be surrounded by ladies who are living life; regardless of the sharp corners it has thrown at them. They are strong because of the walk they have walked and are wiser because of it.

I can't imagine my life without WIND Ladies in it.

At one time, I was sad for the lack of sisters.

Sad for friends I lost when I changed so much.

And, was envious of others who had lifetime friends.

WIND began to fill me up in places that seemed so lonely. It also filled me up in places I didn't even know needed filling. I am so much better because of WIND.

These connections have made me a deeper person, more adventurous for sure, and kinda a badass.

What I have learned through my own experiences, as well as the ladies, is that life is rough at times, and then we rise again. Changed, stronger and more appreciative of the good times.

I am so grateful for the companionship of women.

The beauty of who they are, the energy they bring, the laughter and the tears. I am grateful for the individual uniqueness each person has brought to our group.

We often meet on Sunday mornings as well - These outings are physical adventures and allow us more time and sunshine in the winter to play in.

My oldest daughter and I are the longest members; we have been there from the start. We have seen its growth and ours. It has been a wonderful teacher for me – in showing my daughters how to be diverse. How to incorporate art and active living. It has also taught me to be more open of others.

I came from a tight circle, and I needed to feel the beauty of so many other lives, to open me up to a wider understanding of humanity.

The compilation of women in WIND is like having a wise older mentor. There is always someone who has wisdom that we need and/or a resource that can help.

WIND is like therapy that is free, creative and outside – and oh so fun!

Mostly WIND has shown me that life isn't always easy – and we are stronger than we ever thought possible. That there is life after tragedy, laughter after tears, love after loneliness. And life is way more fun when you have fun friends! Fun friends who will find something fun to do each season. Fun friends who see beauty in nature, in themselves and life.

Thank you to all the women who have come to WIND. Each has brought WIND to where it is today. I hope that WIND has given each of you as much as it has given me.

I am grateful and humbled that WIND continues on 8 years and counting. Stronger than ever, and so beautiful by all the women who gather.

Oh and WIND Goes. We go camping. It has been a wonderful addition to our usual gatherings. We get to have extended time together and play in new locations – and to meet other women, who have now become our friends.

The ever rippling of WIND leaves me breathless.

This past weekend we camped on our river bank and it was a great celebration of WIND and the friendships we have made.

I sit in the uncertainty and unknowing of WIND. I can't know where we will go, what we will do, who we will meet; but I can know it will be an adventure.

Here is to the next 8 years!

May the laughter and memories continue forward! May we all have good health and wellness for the adventures ahead!

August 26, 2020
WIND

WIND – Women In New Directions, is turning 7 years old (young). I don't recall if our first meeting was in August, or September – but it was in 2012, shortly after the Dial Help Gala where I was the keynote speaker.

From the very beginning I began to meet new women.

Women that I would not otherwise have had the opportunity to spend time with.

Our paths crossed in moments where we needed each other's courage to move in a new direction.

I thought I was doing this to give back, adding to our community.

Instead I was giving this to me.

Giving to me, women who have accompanied me as I grew, and stretched in to new places.

Seven years ago I was feeling fairly well inside. I knew who I was – or more – who I wasn't.

I had left many old relationships and circles I had been part of, and was making my way onto new pathways.

The greatest part of WIND is the women who gather each week. Women whose life journey hasn't been one of their dreams, or that their lives have worked out perfectly.

I gather with many resilient and strong women whose dreams were crushed and still they reach for love and joy. Women who are adaptable to change.

They are willing to grow and change directions, gathering up new dreams and goals.

We gather in Art and Creativity. Expressing ourselves, learning new techniques, and playing with color and design. Spending time exploring the world of Art and ourselves.

This summer we took our art outside, due to the wonderful weather we have been having; and leaving our mark in Nature.

And, nature left its mark on us, restoring our inner balance and bringing us peace.

We have been slowly adding activities and learning more about our area trails and natural resources.

We get outside in all weather, becoming 4 season girls!

I am amazed at what we all have added; and how much each activity has added to our lives. We also see the seasons now as to what fun activity will get to enjoy!

I for one, am no longer 'surviving' the cold months or even the hot and buggy ones, I am enjoying what each one has to offer.

We often meet on Sunday Mornings for an extra fun event. I call it My Church.

The overflow from WIND is how much of these activities I have brought into my life for the rest of the week. Which have added to what I do with my family now. Introducing many of these activities to the next generations.

I am so grateful to have such a full spectrum of things I love to do!

And, we also have gone camping!

Which offers us a whole weekend of doing things we love to do.

And, we have connected with women in Ontonagon, who have shared their area with us.

Our latest adventure had us exploring a shipwreck near the shore in Lake Superior. A wooden coal boat that sunk back in the early 1900's.

What I know for sure, is that my life is richer with all the friends I have met through WIND and I am a person of more depth because of the women I have met and their lives they have shared with me.

Who I am as a person is so much different, having been part of WIND for 7 years.

Here's to more adventures, more fun and new friends!

Thanks to all the women who have participated; there would be no WIND without each of you!

Each comes just as they are, and fit in perfectly.

WIND certainly has lived up to its name, we truly have become women in new directions!

August 21, 2019
Breakers to Bridge

It was a gorgeous sight that greeted us at the Houghton Breakwaters – the starting point of my latest challenge.

The Breakers to the Bridge – Paddle Festival 2018.

Julia's photo

Here are the three of us at the starting line!

We all travel over the same water and faced the same wind, but we were all in different boats or canoes, and we came with different body size, age and strength.

The sleekest boats being paddled by hardcore paddlers, disappeared around the bend and that was the last we saw of them until the finish line.

The sweep time to be at Hancock Beach was 3pm. That was our goal.

Judy's photo

And, we arrived just minutes before 1pm. As the young guy who was helping out at this rest spot said, "You crushed it". We did crush it. We had paddled 7 miles into the headwinds and over rolling waters in just under 3 hours!

I had said, "If I can make the beach, I am going for the bridge!"

And, so we set out to complete our challenge.

The winds and waves became comical. I just couldn't believe we were going into such a force, a relentless never-ending blow!

I failed to capture the rolling lake. It appears to be gentle waves and no wind.

We had to struggle to keep moving forward, hard strong strokes into the waves.

The bridge did come into view and it seemed to take a long time to actually reach the counting down clock.

My time was 3 hours, 57 minutes and 37 seconds…I may have the seconds off. But, I arrived under 4 hours!

I was near the bridge, I had made it. I was a finisher of the Breakers to Bridge!

We then still had to paddle down the canal to the finish line where we left our vehicles.

By then, I was done and done.

But the wind wasn't done and the waters continued to churn, tossing us about as we paddled on.

What a welcome sight to see "Finish"! I was ready to be done.

When you are paddling into strong winds, you can't just stop and rest. For over four hours we had paddled strong!

I felt the accomplishment. The goal was reached. I had done it!

There is no feeling like completing a challenge you set for yourself!

We made it! It was a gorgeous day to put your muscles to the test and we did it.

I believe we rocked our age group!

This is a challenge I would do again. In hopefully better winds. It would be a gorgeous paddle, with the prevailing winds.

My kayak did an awesome job in the wind and waves.

I am proud of all of us who paddled the 10 plus miles!

When you set yourself up for a challenge, it creates a growing point. A place where you are going to see just what you can do. What you can endure or how hard you can push.

In doing a challenge, you add to who you are.

You feel stronger and more confident to have "Finisher" added to your accomplishments.

It is also fun to do this as an 'older' lady. To be set with the younger ones and find out we can keep up.

In fact, we were not the last ones to finish. There were others behind us! And, a few who opted out at Hancock Beach.

It just feels good to know there are untapped limits to reach towards.

Life becomes interesting, the more challenges you give yourself!

Feeling like a badass finisher!

September 9, 2018
WIND time!

WIND Goes on a camping trip!

I loaded the jeep in a fine drizzle, and was prepared to have a wet evening.

However, by the time we arrived in Ontonagon, we had sunny skies, and a the best camping site. Thanks Kirsten, for getting there early to reserve our tent site!!!

How excited we were to know, we would be in the front row for sunsets!!!

We decorated the tents with Art! It was so fun to have a pop up Art show at the tent site!

We then were spoiled by Kirsten, with Buddha Bowls, that were delicious!!! It was so nice not to have to leave the camp site for dinner; but instead enjoy it with the sun and waves!

A great way to start our camping trip- the bar was already set pretty high!

Friends, Art and Nature, the perfect recipe for a great time!!

The beach is out of this world! Simply the best backdrop for our conversation, laughs and joy!

As the last of the clouds slipped away, the sun began to set! It was warm and BUG FREE! Incredible!!

WIND wouldn't exist without the core group of women who faithfully come and experience new adventures. I thought we all should have these wonderful bracelets, made by an artist I met in Boyne City. I LOVE how they turned out.

How lucky am I??? Each perfect moment followed by another amazing sight!

Oh, and when the sun set, and we were around the fire, the Northern Lights began to dance. Not full throttle, but enough to send us back to the beach with our chairs to watch the night skies. We even saw a falling star. This camping stuff is way cool – I am getting hooked on being a camping girl!

In the morning, we took to the trails in the Porcupine Mountains – we chose a 6 mile hike.

And, once again, Nature did not disappoint! It was simply amazing. The sun shone, the temps were perfect for hiking and just a couple of bugs to remind us how lucky we were to not have too many.

A fun silhouette on the bridge!

Nature's resilience reminds us what each of us have within us. If there is a will, you will find the way!

And we came upon a deer eating away.

The trail was amazing, and it the woods kept changing how it looked. It is a very interesting trail because of this.

The end of the trail is on the rocky shores of Lake Superior, pure joy!

Someone left us rock art!

And, some of us, created their own!

On the cliff – looking down on the Little Carp River! I loved this part of the trail, where you can hear the roar of the water falls!

We then returned to our camp site and went for a 12 mile bike ride. One, where I forgot to take any pictures! It was a beautiful ride along the shore of Lake Superior and into the farmlands nearby. We had uphills, and then downhills and some headwinds!

To top off our WINDatholon, we swam in the very refreshing lake. And, once more, my camera was nowhere to be found. I was just with the moment!

Feeling very tired, in a good way, we sat along the shoreline.

Knowing, we couldn't go slip into the tents this early, we decided to paint some rocks.

Once we got into it, our tired bodies found new energy.

With the sunsetting, we painted and found inspiration to create art to be left behind for the next camper to appreciate; and maybe take with them when they leave or, perhaps this will be part of this special campsite!

Oh how excited I would be, IF I was the one who found this fun welcome to a campsite or along a hiking trail!

I love the messages, the colors and the idea – Artful stone notes!

WE rocked this!!

After the art, we went back to watching the sunset! I loved this one, with the clouds added for contrast!

Our prefect path to the water. A picture perfect day!!

With our nightlight on, we slipped into a deep sleep. I slept so good the second night. It was warmer and the day of activity and fresh air was the combination for a restful sleep!

Two of us spent the second night at the campground, and woke up to another 12 mile ride!

It was so nice to be on the quiet roads.

I didn't realize how wild my hair was. I guess it matched my outfit.

A woman in the restrooms, seen me and said, "Now that is an outfit. You have flowers, polkadots, and swirls and so many colors!" And, then she looked at her pale yellow sweatshirt with a small flower, and said, "I am going to go home and cry." And, I said, "No, you won't. You will go home and find some bright clothes!" I then told her I dress colorful, to be seen on the roads. She said, "Oh you will be seen, and I bet you will get a few whistles!"

I love that I am the colorful daring woman, that delights others; and I hope inspires them to stand out!

Liv and Sparky had a good time riding together! We stopped to take pictures of this old bridge.

I like "Lady Joy" rides. Racing isn't for me. I like to stop and take pictures, to go at a slower pace, yet one that gets my heart beating and my muscles moving. I think I am okay with distances, as long as I can take my time and set the pace.

Once again, after the bike ride, we had a refreshing dip in the Lake! Nothing like an ice bath after a workout!!

Soaking up the last few minutes of the beach, we had to break camp.

Checkout time was 12 noon, and we arrived in the office to pay at 11:52.

We didn't waste a moment of our camping site!!

On our way home, we stopped for lunch in Twin Lakes and then on to Agate Beach for more swimming and soaking up the sun.

What a fabulous WIND Goes weekend camp trip.

Thanks ladies for saying yes, for the added touches, the smiles, the laughter, and the energy to play for 2 whole days!!

WIND Goes is my new favorite WIND time!

August 13, 2017
Another Horizon!

Life is about repeating what we love, daring new firsts and challenging each other to grow and stretch towards new spaces. WIND Goes, is the perfect event to try new things.

Driving the jeep pulling a trailer was the first for me. I was nervous. WHAT IF, sounded all around this new experience. I had to not only think of the jeep; but a trailer I couldn't see. The tire kept the trailer hidden from my view. AND, I knew I could drive a straight line; but I worried about backing up or unhitching and re-hitching, and the straps etc.

If you let it all be, it unfolds perfectly. I had the space to turn around and I had help strapping down the kayaks, and in the morning, when I did need to unhitch, it was no problem hooking back up! With a few more trips, I would feel comfortable!

And, I am so glad I dared trailer the kayaks, because on Saturday morning, we had the best paddle on the lake!

I forgot how much I LOVE to kayak. I will have to try and get back on the water soon!

After a long kayak, we jumped on our bikes!

And, heading to White City about 11 miles away. It was slightly overcast and cool for the ride to Lake Superior.

A nice ride of gradual uphills and then gradual downhills. A good workout!

And, the refreshing chill of Lake Superior awaited us! It was amazing!!! Once your body regulated to the cold, it was nice to swim and enjoy the waves!

And, a picnic after the swim had us feeling pretty spoiled! The Universe seemed to dance the perfect weather for each of our events that day! Never too cold, too hot and just the right amount of wind to keep the bugs at bay! Simply Perfect!

When a fog bank rolled in, we knew it was time to get back on the bikes and head back. 22 miles in total.

After soaking up the sun (which of course was shining back at the cottage) we had dinner and a few ladies left our group. The three of us who remained, headed back to Lake Superior for a beach walk and to walk the Pier. It was again just amazing. Wind, Waves and art along the shore!

We found Art in the making and added our touch! This is something we still need to do more of; using nature to create an art sculpture!

And, then back to watch the sunset. We were that good kinda tired.

A weekend of memories made, Women In New Directions continues to help me grow in ways I would not have imagined!

We had so many belly laughs on the dock as we watched the sun slowly -every so slowly reach the horizon. We were beat!

Catching the last glimpse of wonderful day! Big Agnes and I, on our second adventure!

What I love about WIND Goes, is that we have an extended time together and lots of activities which make each of us expand; mentally, physically and inwardly. Each of us leave with more than what we came with.

More peace, deeper friendship, stronger and empowered!

I love that we continue to reach further than each alone would go!

WIND Goes- Adventure #2, is in the books! And, each of us are dreaming of another horizon.

July 23, 2017
WIND Goes!

We had our first annual "WIND GOES" event. It is when WIND hits the road for a new adventure!

The G is for growth

O is for openness

E is for Energy

S is for Strength!

Our concentration was on hiking and art.

Friday evening our chef made us a delicious pot of soup! We had a wonderful evening of openness and sharing – thank you all for being you!

Saturday morning was very cool and windy – but we ventured out and did a 5 1/2 mile hike on a trail that was very uphill and rocky, where we were on the ledge and then back into the forest and then up another hill. In all, according to fit bit, we did 118 flights of stairs! It was very empowering to climb and breathe and climb to reach the end of the trail.

I can see hiking different trails bring new skill sets…as well as hiking in different weather. The windchill was very cold this day high on the ridge! Each time we stopped, we would feel a chill setting in with our heated bodies. So you can't dilly dally along the way!

My hiking buddies for the first day!!! Badass girls!

We relaxed with Art after the hike. We did a progressive painting, where each of us added something to the picture, rotating it until we filled the white space. This was so fun, we will be doing this again at our first November WIND meeting!

T

I totally love how this one turned out!

And, then we added words.

This was a gift from all of us to the women who opened her beach front home…

On day two we headed out for another hike, bumping into a young female moose who was strolling along the highway. I hope she finds her way to a moose community soon!

Our second hike was so different from our first day. Still very chilly and windy, but this one was deep in the forest with less uphills. Near the lake was a forest of tall trees and pine needle path, a rushing river along side the trail. This was one of my favorite stretches!

This tree was dressed in what appeared to be frilly orange scarves….or lace.

The fungus was wild on the trail…

Nature's Art

A wonderful hike of 7.2 miles and 38 flights of stairs! I truly enjoyed this slower pace flatter hike! Even if it was longer it felt much shorter!

Trees and rock getting along so well!

My hiking partners on the second day!!!

Hiking makes us smile, fills us with great energy of calming nature essence!

October 10, 2016