Being Nice is the real thing

By Jen Semanco Sun contributor Every seventh grader at my middle school was required to take a class called “Guidance.” This class was supposed to help “guide” us through the beginning of adolescence — to teach us how to make good choices, to educate us about our changing bodies, to build our self-esteem. Towards the […]

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Koolaid

By Lois Beardslee Sun contributor Part of an ongoing series by this renowned local Indian author on Native American issues While she dipped and swished at the white five gallon bucket, Ima Pipiig fantasized about addressing the audience: “I’d like to answer that one question about Indians that has been on everybody’s lips… “Why is […]

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A horse lover pens her early memoir in the saddle

By Nadine Gilmer Sun contributor Like many horseback riders I began riding at a young age, although I started later than most. Since the day I learned what horses were I have loved them. When my parents and I drove to Traverse of Empire I would watch out the window for horses in their pastures. […]

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The Shirt

By Lois Beardslee Sun contributor “No. You can’t have the shirt.” “But I want it.” “I know. But you can’t have the shirt.” “My friends will think it’s cool!” “I know. But you can’t have the shirt.” “It’s on sale, isn’t it?” “Yes. But you can’t have the shirt.” It is a camouflage design, in […]

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The Little People of the North Woods

By Lois Beardslee Sun contributor The following is an excerpt from the collection Calm Days and is the first in a series of nine pieces the Glen Arbor Sun will run this summer, exploring the lore of Michigan’s Native Americans as well as current issues. Epanigishimoog is resting. This monstrous, overwhelming being, the Wind Himself, […]

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Demystifying what’s “FREE!” for the taking

By Jen Semanco Sun contributor This summer I have had an ongoing debate with a good friend of mine who wants a kitten. Not just any kitten, mind you, but a pedigreed “pixie-bob” tail-less kitten. These cats run between $600-$1200, not including the cost of shipping it to Michigan. So why pay that much money […]

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When your teenage daughter wants in on Victoria’s Secret

By Erika Vidal Sun contributor You’re at the mall shopping for your teenage daughter’s back to school wardrobe. You’ve bought her the ever so necessary low-rise jeans, the shoes, and some basic tops. Everything is going surprisingly well. She has only pretended not to know you once, and that was because a group of boys […]

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Shuffle, Cut, and Deal: The Random Wisdom of the Tarot

By Stephanie Mills Sun contributor I can’t remember when, exactly, I first met the cards. Maybe I was in high school, or perhaps just out of college, enjoying some good 70’s in the Bay Area. I didn’t start going steady with them until about 1990, after my divorce. I was back out in San Francisco […]

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The Inner Game of Art

By Jane Greiner Sun staff writer Let me be clear from the start; I have no expertise in art or art criticism. But lately I have discovered a way for the total amateur to enjoy art in a new and exciting way. And it is so much fun that I feel the need to share […]

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Practicing what you preach: Are you tough enough for the farming life?

By Codi Yeager Sun staff writer I have always thought of myself as a “non-city” person. Growing up in rural Leelanau County has made me think of myself as someone who doesn’t scream at mice or cover their nose when within 20 feet of a barn; someone who knows how to handle being on a […]

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