Looking Up!

The weather Saturday morning was a cool 37 degrees.

But the sky was blue and the wind was calm.

Perfect weather for the annual RE/MAX Balloon Festival.

A wave of balloons launched filling the sky with color.

I was surprised to see some of the passenger baskets

 were triangular shaped.  I had not noticed this before.

The balloons in the next

three photos feature this shape of basket.

A favorite is the Sugar Bear balloon.

 The next two shots capture the plume of the burner flames warming the air to keep the balloon inflated. 

All of these photos were shot with a simple

point and shoot camera.

The balloons were directly overhead

providing great photo opportunities.

We enjoyed viewing the balloons from the parting lot

of our local home improvement store.

This was the 22nd year this festival has been held in Midland.

This event is the kick-off for

the United Way campaign in our community.

I particularly like the way the clouds frame this balloon.

A big THANK YOU to the corporate sponsor

for this annual event -- RE/MAX!

Until next time, live and love well.

This week I'll be sharing this post with

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe with an E
Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Santa's House in Midland, Michigan

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving marks the annual opening of Midland's enchanting Santa House.  At this quaint cottage, children whisper their wishes to the jolly man from the North Pole.  

After Christmas, Santa begins his much deserved rest but the house remains open a few more days to enable adults to experience the magical surroundings.   Please join me on a tour.  Photo highlights taken during Christmas 2010.

Santa's Stocking Hung on the Fireplace

Carved Carousel Horse

Giant Nutcracker and Rocking Horses 

Electric Trains . . .

I believe, do you?

Miniature Carousel with Exotic Animals

 A Doll Shop! ;)

 Gown Designed for a Fairy Princess

Santa's Private Plane!

Talented Musicians

A sleigh brimming with gifts.

Wishing you Christmas Cheer!

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.

Linking with Bunny Jean's Bunny Hop!

Cruise 'N Car Show

Saturday was a perfect day in Midland for strolling Main Street to view cool cars.  Here are a few classics that caught my attention.  Maybe one of these will trigger a special memory for you ...

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.

Dahlia Hill Virtual Tour

The crispness of Fall is in the air which means it is prime viewing season for Midland's local garden dedicated to showcasing the varied beauty of dahlias.  At Dahlia Hill you will delight in 3,000 plants representing 250 varieties planted on 8 stone terraces.  Dahlia Hill is a not-for-profit with the goal of education on the dahlia species.  Their show quality dahlias in a garden setting are cared for by community volunteers.

So grab your jacket and stroll along with me through the garden.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.

Hot Air Balloons Are Coming!

Remember to watch the sky September 15-17 as the RE/MAX Balloon Festival marks the official kick-off of the United Way campaign in Midland.

Hot air balloons will be tethered along Main Street on the evening of September 15 with the evening GLOW scheduled for dusk.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning launches are scheduled for 7:30 am.  The Friday and Saturday evening launches begin at 6 pm. 


Even if your weekend schedule doesn't allow you to officially dedicate time to the balloon fest events,  be sure to look up from whatever activity you are enjoying.  You never know where the balloons will appear after they have launched.  Listen for the unmistakable whoosh as the burner releases fuel to keep the balloon inflated.  If you are lucky, the flight plan may take the hot air balloon right over your home. 

Enjoy a few photos from the 2010 event.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.