Saugatuck, MI in the snow

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the town,

People were buying and rushing around.

But my shopping was done and I could relax,

So where to go for some hearty repast?

The answer for me was simple;  a nice warm pub.  So I drove the short distance from Holland to the very cute little towns of Saugatuck and Douglas, on the shore of Lake Michigan.  In the summer these two small towns are bustling with tourists.  Not so in the winter.  The streets were mostly quiet and some of the shop keepers were preparing to shut down for the months of Jan, Feb. and March.  The last place I wanted to be on the saturday before Christmas was a mall or big box store, but I’ll stop into an art gallery any time, and one of my favorites is in Douglas.  The Button-Petter Gallery (www.buttonpettergallery.com) has a large collection of all types of art work.  I had been longing for a particular painting so today was the day to bring it home.  The artist, Max Matteson, a local Douglas resident, started painting only after retirement.  The Button-Petter Gallery is the only gallery that represents his art. 

My Max Matteson artwork acquisition.

The artist Max Matteson holding one of his popular "Horizon Series" paintings described as minimalist in nature, giving a sense of pleasure, rest, and repose.

While my new purchase was being wrapped, I walked around the gallery enjoying the artwork.  I found another piece I like, by an artist named Timothy Chapman.  I’ll have to wait on that one.  A sign in the gallery, Even Cavemen Had Art, reminded me of my brothers recent post, http://geopolicraticus.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/axialization-of-the-nomadic-paradigm/.

After the gallery I went into the town of Saugatuck and the Irish pub Chequers.  The fire was roaring and a few patrons were relaxing and enjoying the food and atmosphere.  I had a pleasant lunch and warmed up, then walked around the town.  Not many people on the streets, but there was a horse and carriage and some tourists tough enough to give it a try in 25 degree temperatures and a light snow falling.

 The town is decorated and very festive, with snow on the ground.  The harbor is frozen.

Good Goods, a favorite store in Saugatuck.

It was very peaceful and a nice break from crowds.  To me, this is how Christmas should feel, quiet and peaceful.