Living with Sincerity: A Sunday at St. Stanislaus Church, Bay City, Michigan

It was a beautiful Sunday in October. While Collie spends most of his weekdays staying at his mother's house to support her, the weekend was when he escaped for a drive up north to recharge and unwind. 

Our first stop was Bay City, Michigan. We made it just in time for the English mass at 11:30 AM.

St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church

1503 Kosciuszko Ave, Bay City, MI 48708

This stunning Neo-Gothic church was founded back in 1874 by Polish immigrants who settled in the area. The building we see today was constructed between the 1890s and early 1900s. It’s a beautiful local landmark that has been loved by the community for generations.

It is also known as the main church for Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish.

One of the wonderful things about Mass is that we can always find a nearby church to join, wherever we happen to be. It's a blessing to get to experience the unique atmosphere of each church.

The delicate Austrian stained glass gently filters sunlight into the sanctuary.

No one can predict what tomorrow brings. For now, my path is to focus honestly on what I can do today. It’s about figuring out the best step to take right now, and remaining flexible enough to adapt gently as things change.

I believe that as long as I walk my chosen path, living each day with sincerity and doing the best I can, God will always be watching over me.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

PSALM 121:7-8

A Sweet, Wistful Story of Dreamy Meijer and Mini Roses in Michigan

One of my favorite places to check out during my trip to Michigan is Meijer! It’s huge and has everything you need. Meijer is a massive supercenter that you can find all over Michigan.

For instance, look at this Meijer. Doesn't it just look like a dream? 

Established in Michigan in 1934, they embrace a 'heritage design' to bring a warm, welcoming feel to the local community.

Kroger is a standard supermarket, perfect for quick, casual grocery runs. In contrast, Meijer is a huge supercenter that covers everything from clothes and electronics to home furniture.

It might just be my personal take, but if Kroger feels masculine, Meijer feels feminine to me. Maybe it’s because of their cute brick storefronts that look like townhouses, and perhaps it's their red logo on a white background.

Inside the store, I found some beautiful mini roses. Their delicate charm was so captivating that I simply had to snap a photo. 

To be honest, I really wanted them, but I couldn't ask him directly. It wasn't that I just wanted to buy them myself; I was longing for the romance of receiving my favorite flowers as a gift from the person I love. So, I captured them in a photo instead.

Mini roses are my absolute favorite. But to be exact, I prefer ones that are even tinier than these. In this photo, they look like almost regular roses, don't they? So now, I tell myself it’s okay that he didn’t buy them. Haha!

Back at the house, we had a simple dinner with some leftover takeout salad and frozen dishes. The fall-themed napkins added a nice seasonal touch to the table.

    

Even so, those beautiful roses stayed on my mind during the rest of my stay. Before returning to Japan, while spending a quiet time alone at his house, I finally sent him an email gently explaining why I had wished for those flowers from him. When he came back home later, he smiled and said, 'Let’s go get you those roses!'

After that, we went back to Meijer a few times when we went out, but the mini roses weren't there anymore. He said, 'I'm sorry I didn't buy them for you at that time.'

I felt sorry that I couldn't see those roses again. However, in retrospect, I realize that what truly mattered was simply that he is safe and well. I believe there will be another chance for the roses.

May I encounter such beautiful roses in Michigan once again. And hopefully, at that dreamy Meijer.

Discovering the Historic Elegance of Clarkston, Michigan With Him

With the lingering warmth of a lovely lunch at 2 South Brunch House, we set off to explore downtown Clarkston, which welcomes you with a warm, refined charm.

Essence on Main, 4 S Main St, Village of Clarkston, MI

Before us stands Essence on Main, a gourmet specialty market. Its classic red brick architecture, echoing the late 19th and early 20th centuries, captures the very essence of Clarkston’s historic district.

Located about 34 miles northwest of Detroit, Clarkston is a small community tucked away in Oakland County.

My Michigan boy seems completely focused on our little expedition—his serious back is just too cute. ❤︎

Across the street, you can see a soft blue-grey building—Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen.  It’s a restaurant with a rich history, beautifully renovated from a church originally built in the 1840s. He took me inside to let me take in the atmosphere, fondly explaining how he used to be brought here as a child. 

Their signature dish is the legendary home-style Mac & Cheese. Right next door, the rustic brown brick building houses its sister property, a very popular American barbecue restaurant.

It looks like he’s on a serious smartphone mission...  :3

Back in Japan, I sent him all these back-view photos, and he actually got grumpy. I do want photos of his face, but every single time I aim the camera, he makes silly faces. -_-  I wish he’d just stay still for once! That said, his serious back views are so cute and special to me—I guess I just need to be a bit more selective about which ones I share with him.

Being Michigan's smallest incorporated city, Clarkston overflows with timeless elegance. With every step alongside him, past charming brick pathways and beautiful Victorian homes, I found myself completely captivated by its quiet grace.

I am grateful to share the story and soul of this tiny, picturesque town.

Rose

2 South Brunch House: A Memorable Brunch Experience in Clarkston, MI

Fall was just starting to color Michigan. Beforehand, Collie suggested taking me to a town called Clarkston that coming Saturday. Since I’d never been there before, he thought it’d be the perfect opportunity for me to see it. knowing I'm a foodie, he low-key expected me to check around. Sure enough, I immediately started researching and picked out the perfect brunch spot.

The restaurant I fell in love with was 2 South Brunch House in downtown Clarkston. More than anything, I was dying to try this dish.

Chicken Burrata

Chicken breast, burrata cheese, grilled tomatoes,

balsamic glaze, mixed greens, cheesy potatoes and pita

Seeing several photos of this dish in the reviews made me so eager to try it! It’s packed with so many delicious things and is super satisfying.

When Collie saw my plate arrive, his eyes went wide, and he was like, 'Wow, yours looks so good!' He’s usually too polite to try my food, but this time, I let him have a bite. 🤭

As for Collie, he ordered an omelet, which came with a choice of sides: a half order of pancakes, hash browns, or toast. He mentioned that he hadn’t had pancakes in a while, so he went with them as his choice.

My huge plate might be front and center here,😅 but choosing the Western from all the omelet options was such a solid, classic move for Collie.

Western Omelet

Ham, onions, green peppers, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese

with ½ order pancakes as a side

Both of us were amazed by the size and amount of the pancakes! He said he never expected a half order of pancakes to be this massive.

But honestly, those pancakes were absolutely delicious❤︎❤︎❤︎ (Yes, I totally snuck a taste.) Even though I had ordered a giant plate myself, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of his...

As expected, neither of us could finish those huge pancakes, so we boxed up the leftovers—which ended up becoming a delicious meal for me a few days later.

2 South Brunch House

2 South Main Street Clarkston, Michigan 48346

I found out that Clarkston is the smallest incorporated city by land area in Michigan. It's a charming small town that is beautifully sophisticated and welcoming. It made me realize that there are still plenty of lovely towns in Michigan waiting for me to discover.

Here’s another shot of my plate, this time from the cheesy potatoes side. 😉

Just like their website says, 'Quality Ingredients Turned into Memorable Brunch Plates in Clarkston, MI,' it truly was a brunch experience I won't forget. And the impressive large portions they promise!

I’d love to go back again someday, especially for another taste of those pancakes! Apparently, they’re made from scratch using buttermilk. No wonder they tasted so good.

If you ever get the chance to go, their delicious, surprise-filled plates are sure to make you smile. 

Cozy Little Flower Styling: Cute Way to Decorate Broken Flowers

Looking for easy and budget-friendly ways to decorate with flowers? This simple floral styling trick is perfect for rescued broken stems. Turn a small accident into a beautiful, cozy corner. 

Collie prepared a beautiful bouquet for me in the kitchen, but sadly, some of the yellow marguerites had broken off.

So, I took out a tiny creamer and gently floated the flowers in the water. It feels as though these tiny flowers have been given a brand new life ☺️🌼

A casual, solo dinner while Collie is away—sautéed shrimp and bell peppers, brown bread, and a Labatt Blue. I sent this photo to a friend in Michigan, and she replied, “Such a wonderful size 💖”

Also in the photo is the cute box she packed with cookies and fresh zucchini bread for me.

On another solo night, I enjoyed some leftover salad from a restaurant, upgraded with a hard-boiled egg and a drizzle of mayo or Ranch dressing 🤭🥚  To be completely honest, it was actually the salad Collie ordered for himself the night before, and I just ended up finishing it off!

Whether it’s giving a broken flower a second life or turning yesterday’s leftovers into a cozy dinner, I love finding beauty and joy in these little things. It’s all about embracing life’s small accidents and making them a little more special.

The Vintage Charm of Downtown Oxford, Michigan: Classic Brick Streets

Walking into downtown Oxford feels like stepping back in time; it is a historic district recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It beautifully captures the essence of the 'good old American Main Street' that exists in the hearts of so many.

Along N Washington Street, which runs through the heart of downtown, rows of charming brick buildings stand side by side, each filled with timeless character.

Oxford Jewelers

The warm red brick building at the center is a beloved local jewelry shop. The cursive text on its sign is so full of elegance. It blends seamlessly into the surroundings, where many historic buildings from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries still remain.

HomeGrown Brewing Company

And here is HomeGrown Brewing Company, a dream spot I finally got to visit. To see how I spent my time there, please take a look here:

A Charming Mishap at HomeGrown Brewing: My Dream Spot in Oxford, MI

Many of the brick buildings seen around here were built in the late 1800s, specifically between the 1880s and 1890s. The town has a history of rebirth; following a devastating fire during that time, it transformed from wooden buildings into resilient brick buildings.

Centennial Alley, leading to the patio of HomeGrown Brewing

Discovered that downtown Oxford was established in 1837—a true testament to its long and beautiful history. The nostalgic charm of this small town gently warms my heart.

Victoria's Bistro & Cocktail Bar

Lastly, Victoria's Bistro, housed in a charming 1878 brick building with its tasteful blue accents.

N Washington Street beautifully showcases the timeless charm of a classic 'Main Street, USA.' While America has countless lovely little brick towns, Oxford feels uniquely different...quaint? —there is something else about it. What is that "something"?

Well, I’ll leave that for you to discover when you visit.

Rose🌷

Discover the Vintage Small Town Vibe & Quaint Charm in Oxford, Michigan

Oxford is a charming small town in Michigan. My connection to this place began when Collie shared a little fact with me: 'It’s a sister city to Oxford in England.

Since my first visit, I've been captivated by the unique atmosphere of the downtown buildings—a place where 'quaint charm' feels like the perfect description. While America has plenty of lovely small towns with great vibes, there is something about downtown Oxford that sets it truly apart from any other.

Yes, it’s the unique vibe that these buildings give off—a street view of matching brick buildings.

This view was actually born from the scars of a fierce fire that once devastated the town, and the great determination of the people who decided to build a strong town that would never burn down again.

Knowing that this quiet, peaceful place survived such a turbulent history, the color of the bricks feels even deeper and richer.

Surely, this unique atmosphere comes from its history. It is different from just being 'cute.' The resilience of the ancestors who went through the disaster is reflected in the very soul of these buildings.

The powerful dark navy and deep red brick colors of downtown Oxford carry on that legacy.

Under the brilliant sun, I stood across the street, trying my best to capture a better shot of those buildings on North Washington Street. I wanted to do them justice.

I would be so happy if these photos and the story of Oxford leave a lasting mark on your heart.