Journeys are like life chapters – some are definitive while others continue to evolve. Some bring joy, others weigh heavy with sorrow. And then there are those journeys that offer a mix of both, filled with introspection, nature's wonder, love, and resilience. Our current road trip from Dallas to Greenbush is a chapter still being written, each day adding new lines of experiences, emotions, and memories. Want real-time peeks into our Michigan adventures? Add me on Snapchat now (@Petra.Banx)! 📸
Setting Off from Dallas: Night Owls on a Mission
As the clock struck midnight, our little trio - Phoenix, Roxi (our almost two-year-old gem), and me - embarked on our expedition. We had an open road ahead, with an open-ended return date, but a goal in mind: to ensure our baby Roxi slept comfortably through the first stretch of our 18-hour cross-country journey. Steering my trusty Subaru, with a Thule atop storing our photography equipment, I took the first shift, letting both Phoenix and Roxi enjoy a peaceful sleep as we began our adventure north.
The Upper Peninsula: Nature’s Canvas
Bessemer, Michigan, was our chosen spot in the Upper Peninsula. Here, summer transforms the wintry landscape into cascading waterfalls, lush national forests, enchanting bridges, and natural springs, with The Great Lakes Michigan, and Superior close by. Every corner is like a backdrop waiting for its story to be told through our lenses.
And as artists, we couldn’t resist exploring and meeting new people. An unexpected visit to a home weed grow - Thank you Michigan for your green policies! - gave me an awesome opportunity to model with live marijuana plants. I happily put on my green sheer Honey Birdette lingerie for some bucket list photos. My friend gifted me a silky robe which I also wore without anything else. And of course, I had to convince Phee to take photos of me in the forest with my elf ears on because I'm obsessed with fantasy photography. While we have captured some of its beauty, we are eager to return to "The Uppa", as the locals say, with plans to go even deeper into its waterfall wonders.
Heart in Greenbush, MI
Greenbush is not just any destination for us. It's Phoenix's past, present, and an undeniable connection to his roots. This one-street town is small, the waves of Lake Huron play a constant background score, and occasionally the Northern Lights put on a show. Our main reason for this trip was a bittersweet one - to support Phoenix’s mother, now on hospice care. Their home, previously Phoenix's grandmother’s, stood as a testament to generations of memories. The community here, especially at their church, has shown love and support. From friends stopping by, to Phoenix's father stepping up to manage daily chores like tending to the chickens, gardening, and preserving food, the air here is thick with love, care, and resilience.
The Art of Healing Through Lenses
While here, Michigan has unveiled countless visual stories begging to be captured. Whether it was an impromptu photoshoot in an old baseball diamond, embracing the unexpected rain during our shoot at Cedar Lake, or witnessing the end of the rainbow touch down on Lake Huron, these memories have etched permanent places in our hearts.
Creating art in the presence of such beauty is therapeutic for me. It helps both of us process the myriad emotions we're going through, offering both an escape and a means to confront our feelings. These captures are not just photographs. For Phoenix and me, they are reflections of our emotions, outlets of expression, and ways to heal and find positivity amidst life's challenges.
Emotional Tides: Looking Forward
Each day in Greenbush brought a new set of emotions. From small joys, like getting Nana her favorite treats or introducing her to the deliciousness of snow crab, to the deep admiration I feel watching Phoenix navigate this time with unparalleled strength and warmth. Our days are filled with countless sentiments.
Phoenix's innate ability to bring light even in the darkest moments, be it through humor or sheer love, constantly reminded me of why he’s my anchor. His strength, though unwavering, had its moments of vulnerability, reminding us that even the strongest need to lean on someone sometimes.
Our story in Michigan continues, with more places to explore, moments to capture, and emotions to navigate. As we take each day as it comes, I promise to keep sharing our journey, hoping to resonate, inspire, and connect with each one of you. Until the next update...
For an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at our journey (and some special surprises!), add me on Snapchat today. Let's journey together (@Petra.Banx)
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