Mackinac Island

Autumn Jewels

~ BreeBorkowski ~ Leave a comment

Mackinac Island fall color tour

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” 
― Albert Camus

When nature shifts her wardrobe to jewel tones, I follow her like a popular instagram influencer. In Michigan, fall color tour seekers journey through tunnels of trees that provide a canopy of garnet, sunshine yellow, russet brown and flaming orange hues that delight and amaze the senses. At the end of our tours, we refresh ourselves at local cider mills with the tantalizing aromas of mulled cider and cinnamon donuts.

This year, my fall color tour was full of precious memories with visitors from Philadelphia. My godmama and goddaughter were here for a long weekend. To immerse their senses in all the coziness of fall, I took them to Mackinac Island. I had never visited the island in fall, so it was a wonderful first for all of us!

If you’re not acquainted with Mackinac Island, it’s a charming island situated between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas in Lake Huron. The only horse power allowed on the island has four hooves. Cars were banned in 1898. The island is known for its varied history, Victorian architecture, fudge, gardens (Lilac Festival is lovely!), Fort Mackinac, and the world-famous Grand Hotel (https://www.grandhotel.com).

After we disembarked from Shepler’s ferry, we walked down to the Watercolor Cafe (https://www.watercolormackinac.com), located near the marina, for a scrumptious lunch. Then it was time for a carriage ride (https://www.mict.com) around the island, so we could decide what we wanted to see first. The Autumn Blaze maple trees on Cadotte Avenue were stunning (see picture above). My goddaughter adored the carriage ride.

Is there anything better than seeing the places you love through the joyful lens of a beloved child? Look at that fabulous smile!!! It makes my heart sing!

Before checking into our hotel, we stopped at the Butterfly House. It was a chilly day, so it was a welcome break from the cold. No matter how many times I visit, I still find myself pointing at the butterflies in sheer delight. I definitely recommend it.

We stayed at Mission Point (https://www.missionpoint.com), beyond the hustle and bustle of the village. It’s a peaceful location with a lawn that has beach access. It also allows pets, for those of you that travel with fur-babies.

Then we were off to see the Grand Lady. A visit to the Grand Hotel is like stepping back in time. It has retained most of its Gilded Age charm, while updating with modern conveniences. The hotel is famous for having the world’s longest porch, bedecked with red geraniums. We enjoyed the sunset views of the Mackinac Bridge (Mighty Mac) from the porch and Cupola Bar. If you stay at the hotel, dinner is an occasion.

Our final day on the island began with a sunrise hike and then a visit to Fort Mackinac for the cannon firing demonstration and a self-guided tour. You could easily spend half the day at the Fort, so be prepared. They have tours and demonstrations by costumed interpreters that bring the Fort’s varied history to life. It’s engaging for all ages and the views are spectacular!

We were fortunate with the weather too! The crisp blue skies and autumn colors were food for the soul. Speaking of food . . . I did promise to share a cider donut recipe.

My favorite recipe is from Susan Branch’s blog: https://susanbranch.com/appleciderdonuts/. I have to modify the recipe to make it gluten-free and lower in sugar, but if that doesn’t apply to you, just click on the link and enjoy!

If you are gluten-free, my modifications are as follows:

  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
  • 3 scoops of collagen powder, optional
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup maple syrup, or 1/8 cup maple syrup and 10 drops toffee flavored stevia

Topping:

  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 packet stevia

I follow her recipe for everything else, so I recommend using her detailed instructions. The donuts are marvelous straight out of the oven with a cup of cider, pu-erh tea or coffee. Enjoy!

Blessings to you and your families,

Bree

Stories and Tea

~ BreeBorkowski ~ Leave a comment

Welcome to my maiden voyage into building a website! Please forgive all the bumps along the road as we get to know each other.

I learned this year that I need to have a website for the blessed day that my novels are published. I thought I would start it early so we can journey together down the long road of publishing. I’m currently in the submission process for a romance novel (set on Mackinac Island) and a fantasy/historical fiction novel (set in post-WW2 Normandy).

Now for the hardest part for me … the about me page. It’s so much easier to meet new friends at the local cafe and share our stories over a cup of tea or coffee. Please pour yourself a cuppa, and join me for a trip down memory lane.

My love of stories, nature and science was nurtured from a young age by the vivid tales my great-grandfather shared about his family farm. Additionally, my mother was involved in wildlife rehabilitation and we were seldom without a variety of orphaned wild mammals and birds in our household, especially raccoons. These unique experiences led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies and Applications from Michigan State University. My degree equipped me with a wide array of research and writing skills. After working in the field for several years, I was offered the opportunity to join a Pilates Studio as a teacher. This led to a transition from Environmental Science to Exercise Science and supplemental certifications in Pilates, Yoga, and Personal Training. I opened my Pilates Studio, Body Pilates, Inc., under the umbrella of my first Pilates teacher and then the business expanded to such a degree as to require a relocation and expansion.

During this time, I discovered many of my clients were unaware and disconnected from the origins of their food sources. I was delighted to share stories from my great-grandfather and teach simple holistic nutrition. One of my client-turned-friends was an employee at Discovery Channel. She intuitively sensed I missed writing and research and encouraged me to explore creative writing and asked me to write a pitch for a Pilates Fitness program for their channel, FitTV. Through her encouragement (thank you, Paula!), my interest in creative writing was ignited and I began researching screenwriting and children’s literature. Shortly thereafter, my husband was transferred to Michigan and I closed my studio with the desire to pursue writing. 

I had a budding passion to instill a greater love and appreciation for nature and wellness within the context of family entertainment. I sought further education with Southampton’s Children’s Literature Conference and Interlochen’s Adult Screenwriting Workshop. It was an honor to have the New York Times Best Selling Author, Emma Walton Hamilton, as my picture book professor. Her mother, Dame Julie Andrews, made many dreams come true when she visited campus and read poetry to us.

My writing encompasses Christian romance, middle-grade to adult historical fiction, Christian fantasy, children’s literature and animation, and romantic comedy screenplays. I infuse my writing with an enthusiastic passion for all creatures great and small, nature, music, and healthy living. I cultivate my passions further by serving in music ministry and children’s religious education.

So that’s my story so far. Since I’m in the submission process, I will update my posts as I hear news to share and perhaps share Pilates and recipes while we wait together.

Thank you for visiting!

Blessings to you and yours,

Bree