Tag: sand

Nick + Molly’s Trash the Dress

by Maggie Rife Ponce

“Do you guys think I should just go for it?” Molly asked her girlfriends, who came to watch and cheer the recent couple’s after-wedding photo shoot.

These were the girls from her running group, the ones whom she’d meet every week downtown to pound miles on Chicago’s asphalt. Of course they said yes.  They were the women who’d encourage her to go for any challenge; who were plotting their next race, even as one was still recovering from a recent injury and was explicitly told NOT to run yet.

“Yes!” They all agreed. “Just don’t jump from the rocks though. Why don’t you wade in?”

And just like that, Molly was in the water…Lake Michigan water. At the very beginning of June. Did she complain about the frigid temperatures? Not once.

Nick followed suite.  After rolling up his pants high-water style, he went after his bride…A sign of years to come? If so I think they’re in for a lot of adventures!

The Outtakes

Before the birds flew south.

by Maggie Rife Ponce

It was the last weekend to get away before the weather turned.  Scott and I drove down to the beach in New Buffalo, Michigan.  We planned to catch one more sunset without the inevitable weather paned window we’d be watching through during winter.  We were away from the city and the ceaseless white noise.  I relished the silence of the surrounding nature–the smells and the light, unhindered by tall buildings.

The relaxing therapy of this place is magic, unfortunately, it hadn’t completely taken effect for me yet.  I was still distracted. Instead of walking shoes, I grabbed my boats–mind you, not hiking boots.  I’m talking black, leather, boots more appropriate for a Saturday night.  It was too late to turn back though.  Undeterred, I took to the sandy beach.  My heels carved deep gouges in the shifting surface, but we pressed on. We reached the break wall, climbing up the rocky surface, carefully choosing each step.  The fishermen watched me out of the corner of their eyes, certainly sizing me up, taking in my ridiculous footwear.  “Watch yourself, you’ll wind up with a twisted ankle with those on.” I smiled, nodded, and continued on.  Finally to the cusps of the breaker, I gave in, stripping down to my socks to summit the watch tour.

A small feat, but worth discarded boots.  The last few boats of the season made their way back to shore while we took in the unbroken line of trees along the lake.  I love cities, but I find such release in the open expanse of nature.  It was a beautiful fall day, thinking about it makes me pine for spring.