and you know what? my photographer's eye was enthralled. so much to see. the cultural anthropologist in me was fascinated by the items that people decorate their houses and yards with. incredible. i took pictures on our walk last night. i skipped the plastic butterflies on the fences, and the wooden woodpeckers attached to walls. but there was plenty to see...
the perpetual battle between our state schools. i think in our neighborhood, there are more spartan fans than wolverine fans (heh heh. go state!).
there are many welcome signs. plain ones, and ones that say welcome to the lake. the welcome to the lake signs outnumber the plain ones 2:1.
there are lots of nautical displays - oars (painted MSU spartan green and white), buoys, fish on buildings, boats and fish on mailboxes, heron statues.
there are fake deer and cement statues of the lower peninsula of michigan.
and gorgeous flowers galore - here are two shots.
yes, i'd rather swim (any day). but this slice of midwest americana certainly draws the eye, and keeps us entertained.
copyright 2006, jessica voigts
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Comments: 36
For you, and for us!
I'm a sucker for tacky statuary, but in rural Florida, I've seen enough plywood cowboy silhouettes to last me until Lillie's freshman year at Michigan. Or will it be Michigan State?
What, no lawn gnomes?
My favorite decoration was the flowers. Brilliant!
Magi
btw, down here it is Auburn vs. U of Alabama, Very Big Rivalry!
thanks, magi - i started a group, called our neighborhoods - come join, everyone!!
thanks!
Funny you should mentions the universities... don't know how my relatives cope with that considering all of them go to one or the other (I have quite a few distant relatives in MI).
What fun to see your neighborhood! I like how you chose a couple themes within the neighborhood theme.
I just joined your new group and am looking forward to more pics!
and you know what, with the rivalries? people in our family have gone to BOTH (and my husband, ed, to ohio state GASP)....it's all good. :)
people are so interesting, aren't they? we don't have any yard art. we do have a swingset, a sandbox, and lots of adirondack chairs, though....
My old neighborhood didn't really have any lawn art, tacky or otherwise. But there was some really cool stuff on houses in Boulder, CO. Wish I took the time to photograph some of those places, but I was too busy with my mountains then.
Also, thanks for the invite to the group!
thank you!! keep those contributions coming! isn't it fun? crazy?? hilarious? ! :)
I enjoyed seeing your corner of the world through your eyes. Were I to photograph my surroundings I would have an ocean of tasselled corn waving in the summer breezes... Marilee
marilee - your view sounds lovely! i much prefer our lakeside to the road-side of the house....
heehee.
you're lucky, most of what you saw was either tasteful or playful - not much hideously tacky! it was an interesting departure, but i miss the water, too. get your suit on, missy!
carl. how COULD YOU?? you're on probation. haha. u-m. my god. heresy. ;)
yes, we much prefer the lake. today we drove over to lake mi. it was cloudy and grey - and the water was warm. we swam for 2 hrs. life is good!
thanks!
This is why I adore you so.
Your photo essays are a great reminder to notice everything.