A blog that explores life and society. Mostly pieces on business, economics, arts and other interests. A place to showcase activities and explore ideas.
There were Christmas trees, crafts, a bonfire, horse rides, trailer rides, and plenty of free trinkets and snacks. I even picked up some “reindeer food,” which didn’t make it back to my car because I wanted to know what reindeer kibble tastes like. Turns out, it tastes a lot like cereal mixed with candy. Who knew reindeer lived so well?
 |
| Warning: If you eat all the reindeer's kibble and don't give them any you may have to run for it! Delicious! |
Gladstone Christmas Tree Lighting Info
How confident are you feeling these days? According to the Conference Board, consumer confidence has been declining. That naturally raises some concerns heading into the holidays, since lower confidence can translate into lower spending. Of course, we never really know the impact until the sales numbers come in, but the possibility is there. Consumer confidence is often described as a mid-term economic indicator—at least from what I’ve read.
 |
| Jared saved up $4 in pennies that he has been stuffing into a pine tree. He decided to spend $2 on wood, propane and food, $1 on fishing and hunting supplies for his guide business and $1 on eating out (Try dowtown Escanaba or Gladstone) and high end flannel fashion (Today is Black Friday Sales! ) Jared is going to see what happens during Black Friday as an economic indicator just to see if his guide business will pick up this year. He eans a living from consumers and their sentiment. |
Naturally, many other factors affect whether consumer confidence rises or falls, but the index is essentially a measure of sentiment. Most of us feel the pressure of tight budgets and limited financial flexibility, so it makes sense that confidence is tied to a person’s ability to maintain their lifestyle.
These are just some simple thoughts—people’s financial lives are always more complex in practice. Still, here are a few ideas that may help during times of uncertainty:
Create a budget: It’s difficult to understand your spending and income without tracking them. You don’t have to record every detail, but I personally find it helpful, especially for hobbies or business-related expenses.
Find alternatives and streamline: The holidays can be a good time to reflect on what truly matters. Previous generations lived full lives without many of the things we now consider essential. Focusing on what brings genuine joy—and cutting what doesn’t—can reveal meaningful savings.
Start a small business: You might consider starting a home-based side business. Many people turn their hobbies into profitable ventures. Think about what you’re good at, what interests you, what it will cost to start, and whether people will want to buy it (Don't expect to be rich as a writer or artist unless your the rare exception!).
Invest: Building financial stability often involves learning to invest. Some people inherit wealth, but most financially strong individuals develop investment knowledge over time. Online platforms now make it easy to start with small amounts, even $100 at a time. I’d like to continue doing that myself, and I’m also thinking about purchasing land in the future.
Conference Board US Consumer Confidence Declines in November
Consider a study on the relationship between confidence and the economy.
 |
| I wonder if I could carve and paint a wood decoy? They want 100's for them. Might try it sometime. |
Most of us don’t create art for fame or fortune. We do it because work, life, and responsibility are always lurking in the background like unpaid rent, and art gives us an escape hatch. My own art isn’t exactly museum-worthy—at least not yet—but maybe one day it’ll develop its own weird little style. For now, I’m mostly creating just for the joy of it. If something sells, great. If not, well, I have a growing collection I can someday donate to confuse future archaeologists.
If you scroll through my gallery and see something you like, feel free to buy it or send me a message. Around $35 usually does the trick, and I’ll even ship it to you. That covers my lunch and makes me feel like a real artist for about 12 minutes. Some pieces might even have a tiny hidden story—though good luck finding it.Why do I do art? Glad you asked:
It clears my mind, like a mental car wash.
It helps me connect random ideas—sometimes even on purpose.
It gets me out of the chair before I merge with it permanently.
Artsy people are great. They think differently, dress creatively, and rarely judge my paint-splattered sweatpants.
It feels historically important… possibly.
It’s gloriously non-digital. My paintbrush doesn’t need charging.
It lets me express myself without having to give a speech.
Wildlife art rarely sells, but occasionally someone with excellent taste (or blurry vision) buys one. 😉
And honestly? I do it because I can. No permission slip required.
A pretty interesting article on Art History Art History
It’s Thanksgiving—a time when families and friends come together to appreciate each other’s presence. As I reflect on this holiday and its significance to our country, I’m reminded that it carries a complex history. People experience this day through many different lenses, and it’s important to recognize the mix of emotions it brings. We can give thanks for what is good while also acknowledging, and committing to improve, what has been painful or unjust.
I’m not an expert on Thanksgiving, but I try to think things through. I know many Native Americans, people from various cultures, and those from my own. When I look back at history, I take certain lessons from it—lessons that others may interpret differently. Each of us sees the past through our own perspective.One way to understand Thanksgiving might be like this:
 |
| There is a lot more to this story. Representing the importance of learning about history and each other. Our holidays have purpose as cultural and historical lessons. |
Without the help of Native Americans, many more settlers would likely have perished. Native cultures often held deep respect for nature and spirituality. From what I’ve read and experienced, much of their belief system centers on honoring all living things (My spirituality has changed somewhat from their knowledge. I respect the environment and if I hunt I treat the animal as if it has a type of soul and rights.). It’s worth wondering how differently history might have unfolded if society had embraced that reverence for nature and incorporated that with what is good in ours.
Religion isn’t “right” or “wrong” in a scientific sense; rather (this is why it is often left to the spiritual realm), religions are spiritual narratives meant to guide us and help us find meaning. Each one offers a unique lens through which to view the world. The lens we choose shapes what we see and how we make sense of life (A little like a stacked lens as what we see is programmed in the brain and culture and religion are taught to us since childhood. Change the lenses around and see something different. Culture and what we recall. While I'm using as a metaphor you can sort of get the point in the movie on the Constitution called National Treasure with Nicholas Cage where Benjamin Franklin's glasses helped them find the treasure by seeing different things/patterns that were not able to be seen without them. Was the treasure the Knight Templar's gold or was it the Constitution? That is an individual choice and perspective.).
When we take time to learn about other people—their beliefs, ways of life, and values—we start to see more clearly. Just as combining lenses sharpens a view, understanding multiple perspectives expands our insight our lenses change. So while Thanksgiving is a time for family and gratitude, it’s also an opportunity to acknowledge the pain caused when people failed to recognize the inherent worth of others. Things might have been different if there had been more willingness to learn.
Our nation was built on principles like freedom of religion and freedom of speech, ideals that people have worked to uphold from the beginning (Sadly, some have not and some will never. It is not in them.). Over time, we’ve learned from both our successes and our failures in pursuit of a better future. Yet there are those that still believe their “rightness” must come at the expense of others.
True synergy and enlightenment—blending knowledge to create something new—happens when we take time to learn, reflect, and be thankful for what has been done well, while committing ourselves to doing better. Be grateful for what you have today and for what past generations have passed down, both the good and the difficult. This legacy is ours to shape. The future has not yet been defined. Let’s ensure we honor our duty to each other and continue striving toward the promise of what we can become (I have called this over the horizon thinking.)
I found these pieces below and hope they provide a balanced perspective. If you are looking for my opinion I can only say that I have learned something from each culture I have come into contact with and believe we all exist for a reason. I am thankful for the good people in my life and am thankful for the opportunity to reach another day towards a new rung (for myself and others). There is no right or wrong but just a philosophical discussion. What is your perspective?
Happy Thanksgiving!
 |
| The season started! |
Within about two hours of Escanaba, you’ll find four downhill ski locations along with multiple cross-country skiing trails. If you enjoy the outdoors, this is the place to be.
For me, I simply like staying active and doing fun things. Downhill skiing is a great activity, and the atmosphere is wonderfully rustic—fireplaces, hot cocoa, good food, and crisp fresh air all make it worthwhile.
If skiing is one of your favorite activities, you might consider vacationing here to take advantage of the short drives to multiple ski areas. And that’s not to mention the snowshoeing and hunting opportunities that come with being in a place like this.
 |
| Ski Brule |
486 Resorts
60.4K visitors
 |
| “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” -Abraham Lincoln |
The information below is shared out of deep respect and support for our veterans. If you know a local veteran, consider sharing it with them as a resource and help connect them to a nearby veterans’ organization such as AMVETS or the VFW.
Consider the information below,
 |
| Representing a business venture. "Yes, Yes, this is a good location for my business. Being in the right place and knowing when to start something is important." |
Delta County Master Plan Survey
Seventh Day Adventist Church helps local veterans with baskets (It is nice to see community organizations supporting good causes.)
Delta County Agenda (It would be nice to have the minutes. Escanaba has a good one.)
