I love the shift of busy streets to the middle of nowhere as you cross into Up North. Staying in the farm house was the summer adventure I always looked forward to. It's been 3 summers since the last time I enjoyed a few days up there with my family, so a trip was definitely overdue.

Settling into the cute pink and blue bedroom felt so familiar, regardless of how long it had been. That's the thing about Up North, no matter how long it has been since you've visited, it will always feel like home the second you go back.

I grabbed a ceramic coffee cup from the cupboard and filled it with our homemade chicken soup. Nothing like a hot cup of soup after being in the car for many hours. The silence outside was so relaxing and I already found myself sinking further away from reality. This was pure bliss.

Waking up the following morning led to straightening my hair and grabbing my book before piling in the car to go shopping! I mean when you vacation with your mom and your aunt, how can you not shop?! Resale shops are quite common up there and I tend to find myself looking at things I can repaint or new books for my collection. This time I found both. 4 books and a picture frame to paint. We hit a few more stores with more good luck at finding treasures before we headed to the beach. Now, this is my absolute favorite place. The warm sand between my toes and the sound of waves rolling in puts my mind in a different world. All the stress and worries float away as peace and happiness surround me. The best part of this particular beach is the swing set they have. There isn't a damn thing in this world that gives me a better escape than swinging on the beach watching over the water. It is perfect. Work didn't matter, school didn't matter, my unwritten article didn't matter because I was in complete bliss, and when you find complete happiness, it's the greatest feeling in the world.

Coming down from my escape, we packed back up and drove back to the farm house to have dinner and sleep the night away, for tomorrow was another day packed with adventure.

Today was Saturday and there was an art fair along the same beach we were at the day before. There were so many booths of jewelry, paintings, and stained glass. All of it was so magnificent. We made our way back to the swings and the beach and hung out for another hour or so before heading to the beach in Oscoda. This was my second favorite beach because of the Dairy Queen right down the street and the long pier extending out into the water. The water was cold but laying out after and reading a book made up for it. Another successful day, I mean you can't expect anything less from Up North, it always treats you well.

There's something about going back to your happy place and finding yourself again, outside of all the day to day stressors. Going home is sad but you never go home the same as when you left. It's like you go back home knowing who you are, whereas when you left you were lost looking for yourself. It's funny how a home away from home in the middle of a few acres and some trees can lead you right to what you've lost. This trip was one I needed so so desperately and it definitely was one I'll cherish for a long time. Up North, you will always have my heart, I'll see you soon.

Lauren xoxo