Live Love Local Michigan

26/07/2024

Save the Date!

Our Love Where You Live Foundation will be part of the Wayland Balloon Festival this year to support our Bring the Love Initiative to support Michigan Volunteer Firefighters.

We will sell our firefighter products and take donations to support our Initiative, and giving away a balloon ride or two as part of the festivities. Stay tuned for details.

The proceeds from ticket sales and the run supports our Allegan County parnter for the Bring the Love Initiative 4 One 2 Cares.

Plan to come on out an join us and let's support our communities to not only survive, but THRIVE!

25/07/2024

My Michigan Friends,

We have a primary on August 6th with an open US Senate seat vacated by current sitting senator, Debbie Stabinow.

What many of you are completely unaware of is that we have two candidates on the Democratic ticket: Hill Harper and Elissa Slotkin.

Elissa is seemingly chosen as the Democratic candidate for our November 5 ballot; before the primary; before our voices are heard. This is not okay.

After numerous refusals for a public debate, her campaign has finally agreed to one. BUT, thry have stipulations to not make it public or live. This too is not okay.

If you are a lover of democracy and the Democratic process and not the process of Citizens United, then please watch this video, share the video, and let's show the establishment that they do not get to choose our candidates for us!

GET OUT THE VOTE!

25/07/2024

EARLY VOTING for our August 6 Primary Starts this Weekend! 🇺🇸

A reminder that Michigan's Early Voting law took affect with the preidential primary this year.

We now have AT LEAST nine (9) days of early voting in all elections, including primaries. Counties can choose to offer more than nine days of voting, but must offer AT LEAST nine days of early voting.

Our primary is August 6 for the November 5 general election.

Below is information on Early Voting with a link for more information.

Politics starts locally, folks. So be sure to review the candidates in your area at ALL levels of government.

We have a few candidates throughout Michigan on our website, no subscription necessary to access. There are also a plethora of other resources there, including links to maps, districts, legislation, and legislators.

https://livelovelocalmi.com/category/vote-2024/

GET OUT THE VOTE! 🇺🇸

25/07/2024

Hey Michigan,

A new and exciting adventure has opened that is fun for the whole family right here in Michigan.

C. J. Barrymore's. The Daytime, Nighttime Goodtime place. It's been offering fun since 1974, but recently added a ton of rides and attractions.

It offers a 3-story MarioKart like Indy Skytrack plus a fast and furious Grand Prix track. 🏎️

The amusement park has other amenities, including a loop roller voaster, drop tower, arcade, Ferris Wheel, zip line, bumper boats, rock climbing wall, batting cages, three food trucks, and More! Whew!

The prices seem pretty reasonable, and they offer seasonal wrists bands for $49 for unlimited rides.

To learn more just click 👉🏾 cjbarrymores.com

The indoor/outdoor entertainment center is located on 21750 Hall Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48038📍

23/07/2024

Michigan friends and , we have set up a seperate page for the podcast The Righteous Uproar. If you are so inclined, please follow that page. We are also considering setting up a group for that page so people can share their voices.

Since this podcast is about Michigan politics along with national politics, ANYONE has an open invitation to join me on an episode to discuss anything to do with either subject. I mean, anyone. All you need to do is DM us and we will work out the details.

If you know of any additional Michigan candidates who would like to get their voice out there to the masses, please DM us. All are welcome from school board, to city, county, state candidates.

Politics starts local, my friends, and Politics is Life.

Thank you all for your continued support!

22/07/2024

We have officially launched our Bring the Love Initiative fundraising campaign to support Michigan Volunteer Firefighters!

Did you know that 85% of Michigan Firefighters are volunteer? And that a large percentage of them also act as EMS?

Do you also know that stress related trauma and su***de rates are higher in firefighters than the national average?

Well, now you do.

Introducing The Bring the Love Initiative through the Love Where You Live Foundation. This initiative is dedicated to transforming the lives of Michigan's volunteer firefighters and first responders by redefining how PTSD and stress-related injuries are understood, diagnosed, and treated.

Through our partnership with the UCF Restores Program, we provide evidence-based treatments, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering support to restore lives, families, and communities.

We also aim to create a trauma-informed society where mental health stigma is dismantled, empowering those in need to seek the help they deserve.

Together, we build strength through support, deploy critical incident response, and offer transformative care, ensuring that our unsung heroes not only survive but thrive.

Our program will launch this fall in Allegan and Charlevoix counties, and will expand to support all Michigan counties from there.

Order or donate today! All t-shirts are a $25 donation and directly support this initiative. Wear your support!

Follow the links in the comments for more information, to donate, and to purchase products.

Together we can Bring the Love!

16/07/2024

Hey Michiganders, ()

It is election season. We have a new and growing Vote 2024 section on our website and a newly launched podcast called The Righteous Uproar.

We have LOTS to come in the coming weeks and months, including on our political podcast, The Righteous Uproar, specifically surrouding Michigan and national politics.

You will find a plethora of resources with links on Michigan district maps, legislation, voting records based on both party and invididuals, and candidates and their records.

We have four podcasts with candidates for the 2024 cycle recorded so far, including a podcast with one very important US Senate candidate Hill Harper, with more to come as we can book them.

Warning: This is politics, and politics is ugly right now. If you listen to our podcasts and view our information, some of you may not like what you read or hear. We deal in facts backed by evidence, mixed with a bit of moxie. We do not entertain any ideology that undermines democracy or infringes on civil and human rights for any American. Difficult conversations will be had through civil discourse, and we will call a spade a spade.

If you cannot handle that as an adult, then do not engage. We will not tolerate any sophomoric or hate-filled vitriol against any group or individual for any reason. Hate groups are also not welcome here. Vote 2024 is about democracy, and if you do not support democracy, take it elsewhere.

If you wish to engage in civil discourse and debate, you are welcome here—even if we disagree, which is bound to happen. If you cannot behave like an adult, do not engage.

GET OUT THE VOTE! Let's not lose the privledge.

https://livelovelocalmi.com/category/vote-2024/

10/07/2024

Sneak Peek: this is a picture of a picture of the Milky Way captured over Lake Michigan visting the newly designated Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary this past weekend.

Coming as the Cover Story in our September issue. ♥️

08/07/2024

We were part of this last night. To say it was spectacular is an understatement. A story on our entire experience of this magical little island in the middle of Lake Michigan is coming soon!

Telescopes and Star Gazing TONIGHT in the Big Field in the Sanctuary! After 10 pm is best, After 11 pm is best and dark, until around midnight or so. Two Telescopes and Binoculars at least, for you to view. Talk with Tony Miller, Astronomer and come view the stars!

06/07/2024

Good Morning from Beaver Island. This is our Lake Michigan. ♥️ 🌞

05/07/2024

I'm telling y'all, firefighters are a rare breed. Especially the volunteer ones. Eighty-five percent of Michigan firefighters are volunteer. Many of them also EMS.

Learn about our Bring the Love Initiative supporting Michigan Volunteer Firefighters and join us in support.

Link in first comment.

05/07/2024

Today's sunrise along the I-75 heading north.

25/06/2024

We just spent some time in the UP camping on BLM land from our Jeep. We had to forgo tent camping due to the death squad of black flies, but we enjoyed it none-the-less.

There were all sorts of setups. Everyone was enjoying their time disconnected from the daily hustle and connecting with our Mother. It doesn't matter how you do it, just get out and do it!

22/06/2024

In recognition of Men's Mental Health Month, be sure to check on your men.

Our Bring the Love Initiative from our Love Where You Live Foundation will launch soon. It specifically addresses this issue. We will also provide support to family and friends to educate them on the signs.♥️

It takes a village, my friends. It takes a village.

22/06/2024

We can attest to this. The flies are NUTS right now in the UP, and apparently in lower Michigan as well.

We are in Keewenaw Peninsula and they ended our hike at Agate Beach. They were swarming us regardless of a full can of 40% deet. Poor Rooster was diving into the water to remove them. I was about to myself! It ended our planned day walking the beach and rock hunting.

And yes, when they bite they hurt!

Hey Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore,

Our fly-covered park ranger pants are way more stylish than yours!
(Not that it's a competition or anything.)

Compare Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore fly fashion here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/w2qbJmsjVkF58eSH/

"What can you do to avoid the flies?

Wear long pants! Check out all the flies on Ranger Daniel! Stable flies love to bite below the knee. Wearing sturdy, long pants can help you steer clear of bites.

Try a bug net. Bug nets that go over your head can be a hike-saver!

Don’t rely on sprays. Stable flies are not deterred by bug sprays like mosquitoes are. Long pants are the best way to keep them off of you.

Stay safe out there! And don’t let the stable fly's bite! "

NPS Photo

21/06/2024

I've lived and traveled to many places. And I've watched over 1,000 sunsets easily on the Pacific Ocean living in both Hawai'i and California and on the Arabian Sea from Goa. This is right up there with all of them and it's right here at home.

17/06/2024

This was absolutely expected. The Detroit Lions are going to be the team to beat.

We were at the game when Bates kicked his first two 64 plus yard field goals; His first two field goals since high school, mind you. It was a sight to behold.

A converted college soccer player, Bates served as a kickoff specialist at both Texas State and Arkansas.

06/06/2024

Today is the 90th Celebration of the closing of Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School (MIIBS). One of three Indigenous boarding schools that operated in Michigan.

To this day, 227 children never came home from MIIBS and are believed to buried in graves just outside of the property line on city land. The city will not allow The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to verify and recover the remains.

Today was to Honor, Remember and Heal from those lost and affected by the boarding school.

This content is part of the ongoing story we are covering on Michigan Indigenous Boarding Schools in Michigan. You can find three podcasts that we've recorded so far on our podcast network, and read the stories on our website. (Links in first comment)

We are also in the process of producing a documentary on the healing journey of a group of boarding school survivors.

If you'd like to donate to the documentary project, visit our foundation website and choose the Indigenous Voices Initiative.

https://www.lovewhereyoulivefoundation.org/donate

Videos of the ceremony (video and photos not allowed during morning ceremony at cemetary) and grounds will be posted on our YouTube Channel and magazine Facebook and other social media pages over the next couple of days.

03/06/2024

Star parties are back!

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has shared the dates for its summer 2024 “star party” and “solar viewing” events. The first of those events is scheduled to take place on June 15, with the rest of the calendar reaching all the way to mid-September. During star party events, Sleepin...

03/06/2024

The 2024 Memorial Cup was held in Saginaw, Michigan at the Dow Event Center.

Congratulations to the Saginaw Spirit for winning their first ever Cup!

Michigan teams are showing up this year!

21/05/2024

One of our favorite nostalgic ice cream places in Michigan is open for the season: Mussel Beach.

Mango dipped in chocolate. So refreshing. 😋

Just don't stop off at Bay City State Park, first. The annual black sludge has returned. Story coming on this one soon. 🤢

20/05/2024

Our single issue Spring edition of Movers & Shakers are in the mail!

You should receive your purchased copies within 7-10 USPS business days.

For our annual subscribers, the publication will be part of your June issue and included in the back of the magazine.

Thank you for your patience as we worked to navigate changes to our production.

17/05/2024

Heads up if you're planning on traveling to this location. Don't take any chances.

Someone dumping a pet that grew too large, I'm sure. 😡

Officials are warning people of a possible alligator sighting in Oakland County Kent Lake at Metropark.

Several signage have been posted around the lake to notify visitors.

Alligators are not native to Michigan.

Call the Metroparks Police at the number at 8102278910 if you spot it.

13/05/2024

Just a few bucks.

We have the most expensive team in the history of this franchise. New Orleans bound! Detroit Lions

Jared Goff's future isn't up for debate anymore.

The Detroit Lions signed Goff to a massive four-year contract extension worth $212 million, tying him to team through the 2028 season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal calls for $170 million guaranteed.

Goff, 29, had one year left on the extension he signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, after he led that team to a Super Bowl appearance. He was scheduled to make $27.9 million next season, including a $5 million roster bonus due the third day of the league year.

12/05/2024

The most spectacular thing I have ever seen! And I could see it with the naked eye. Utterly speechless. I could cry they were so spectacularly beautiful. I captured a video also. I'm going to try to get it to work It didn't come in very clear but the colors were beyond words.

Experienced at Bay City State Park around 12:30am.

These were taken on Android S21 Ultra.

11/05/2024

We are out at the mouth of the Saginaw Bay. We are starting to see them with our eyes.

They are magnificent! 💛

Share your photos if you captured them. We missed the peak.

11/05/2024

Can't see them with a naked eye in Bay City, but my first Aurora photo! Taken in my backyard. Headed to the Bay!

07/05/2024

Embracing Change!

Hey there, friends! We've got some exciting news to share—changes are on the horizon for our platform, and we can't wait to fill you in.

You know, in today's digital age, small businesses like ours often feel like we're at the mercy of social media and Google ads just to get noticed (because we are!) It seems like they have all the power, controlling what people see, how we can reach our audience, and ultimately, how we make ends meet through ads on our platforms.

Now, don't get us wrong, making a living is important. It's what allows us to keep doing what we love, supporting our team of writers, photographers, and videographers. But let's be real, we don't have the deep pockets of those big corporations. So, we're left with limited options when it comes to advertising.

Even the platforms that claim to be all about connecting people, like Meta, end up as a pay-to-play game. If you're not shelling out big bucks, your posts barely get seen. And that's a tough pill to swallow because it seriously limits our ability to grow and share our passion with the world.

We believe it's time to break free from this cycle of expensive and restrictive advertising.

After much reflection, we've decided to take a stand and say goodbye to traditional ads altogether.

Let's face it, nobody enjoys browsing a website cluttered with pop-ups every few seconds or flipping through a magazine that's basically one big advertisement. What people really crave is genuine, authentic content.

And that's exactly what we're all about.

Our content is by the people, for the people. Our magazine and podcast content aim to inform, inspire, and entertain, all while celebrating the incredible spirit of Michigan and its people.

So, here's the game plan: We're ditching the ads—yep, you heard that right—except for content featuring products made right here in Michigan through our SPEND LOCAL Michigan profiles and our partnerships with Michigan based organizations and businesses.

Take, for example, our collaboration with Thunderbay National Marine Sanctuary. We're thrilled to share exclusive content highlighting this hidden gem of Michigan, spreading awareness and appreciation for this unique area of Michigan.

But what does this mean for you, our amazing followers and subscribers?

Well, starting in late May or early June, our website will be subscription-based. For just $1 a week, $4 a month, or $40 for the whole year (with annual subscribers scoring a sweet 15% discount), you'll get access to all our content without any pesky ads interrupting your experience. And if you're a monthly or annual subscriber, you'll even have the option to receive our print magazine in the mail—or stick to the online version if that's more your style.

For our existing annual subscribers, don't worry—we'll be in touch soon with all the details on how this transition will work.

And here's something extra exciting: We're ramping up our YouTube channel, bringing you awesome new video content every single week starting in June, bringing the written word to life!

Our talented team of videographers is hard at work, creating engaging and immersive experiences for you to enjoy. Be sure to check out the link to our channel in the comments and hit that subscribe button!

Change is in the air, friends, and we're thrilled to have you along for the ride. Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate all things Michigan and spreading love where you live!

02/05/2024

This is magnificent!

Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and Detroit People's Food Co-op, we wish you great success and hope this concept spreads far and wide. 💛

01/05/2024

The May edition of Live Love Local Michigan is available for order, both annual subscription and single issue.

🏈 Read all about our experience at the NFL Draft, the excitment around this era of Detroit Lions, along with the revitilization of Detroit, the most resilient city in America!

☸️ We also highlight the shipwreck of a recently discovered schooner at the bottom of Lake Huron and Old Presque Isle Lighthouse.

🐍 We go Into the Wild with the history of Michigan DNR, along with giving you the scoop on some lesser known critters in Michigan to watch for. Spring is in the air, afterall! 🕷️

💛 You'll also learn all about our newly formed Love Where You Live Foundation and our mission to help our fellow Michiganders to heal and thrive from past traumas, and how you can become part of the healing.

🔗 Get your copy today! Link in the comment because Facebook wants you to stay put! ;)