Stones found on a northern Lake Michigan beach Labor Day is around the corner and some of us may receive and enjoy a day off from work. What we call retirement, a stage in life I am presently enjoy…| Toward Beauty
Summer visitors to Charlevoix encounter at least two things about the area: first, that this part of Michigan is a haven for boat lovers and especially cruisers on the Great Lakes; and, second, that the city of Charlevoix is the home of Earl Young’s so-called ‘mushroom houses.’ The first observation regarding boats and the appealingly […]| Toward Beauty
Exterior view of Earl Young’s Weathervane Inn As a young man from the rural north of Michigan, Earl Young aspired to produce ‘natural houses’ in the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright, his inspiration an…| Toward Beauty
When thinking of the beauty of a person, his or her character far outshines any outward physical characteristics a person might have. And when thinking of a beautiful community, we may do more justice to those who live in that area by engaging with some aspects of their daily lives than by focusing more simply […]| Toward Beauty
Our Ted Brewer designed Nimble 24 sailboat, DAYSTAR There is an affliction that is common to owners of sailboats, known as ‘one-foot-itis.’ The name refers to our ever present desire to have just t…| Toward Beauty
While undertaking my studies in ethics and moral theology, I discerned a significant parallel that has continued to shape my world-view. The parallel I have in mind connects how we understand law with how we understand ethics. In turn, I have come to see how this discernment applies also to how we appreciate beauty. First, […]| Toward Beauty
Michael Pollan’s writer’s hut, intentionally situated by a boulder on the brow of a hill Recently, I observed my middle son moving a black plastic pond module around in a small space in his New Orl…| Toward Beauty