04/10/2026
At the end of this week’s Governor’s Conference on Tourism, which happened to take place this year in my hometown (which I’m unabashedly in love with), I needed to take a breath. Head to the water, my body and mind told me. Conferences are a lot, as amazing as they are. Especially for extrovert-introvert individuals like me.
So I did head to the water. It’s East Grand Traverse Bay for this girl. Always and forever.
If I’m honest, I have a lot of feelings about attending this conference, my first. (Crazy, right?) I thought a lot about: the years this conference has taken place in my beloved hometown. Of my current role, which I love very much, with the , and my years prior, too, as a freelance journalist and lifestyle brand founder and an avid outdoors girl and passionate Michigander who breathes all things nature and movement and soaking up everything outside. As a Michigan Runner Girl. (Let’s hear it for Michigan Runner Girls!)
Maybe what happens when you get to your 50s? You realize you’ve lived a few lifetimes. I’ve worn more than a couple hats—possibly 7 or 17 of them. And that’s a great thing. I’m multi-dimensional. We all are. I’d like to talk more about that.
But for now: it was an awesome conference. I laughed and talked and brainstormed with treasured co-workers. I met new friends, and re-united with old acquaintances. I smiled and celebrated this gorgeous state we all call home and love. (And maybe love visiting if you don’t live here. Maybe you should move here!)
It was pretty special.
You know what I maybe thought of the most though? Those blue hues of the bay out my window as I drove home. Spring sometimes gives you this gift. Of course I had to stop at the roadside park that as it happens was a park where I spent so many sunny afternoons as a kid. And I also thought, staring out at the sparkling water and whitecaps on this windy day, how I am so happy I get to call Michigan home. 💙 There is no better place. Go ahead, try to convince me. I’ll have an answer. I’ll win. ❤️
