It was the 4th of July, and my annual batch of red, white and blue monster cookies were cooling on the counter. The day was heating up as we packed a hearty picnic. It was not only a holiday, it was also a LAKE DAY. Clad in swimwear, we piled in the van, along with our pup Penny, a tower of towels, beach chairs, innertubes and the cooler.

*“Blue Refuge” 18x24” Oil on canvas shown in the maple frame option.*

We knew ALL the beaches were going to be busy that day, so we planned to try out a small, slightly hidden beach we discovered a few weeks back. As we pulled over to park in the shade, we noticed we were the only car there. Jackpot! A beach all to ourselves. We followed the foot path past the small beach sign and through the forest. Soon we could hear waves and feel the hot July breeze.

*“Cerulean Escape” 18x24” oil on canvas shown in the maple frame option.*

We set up our chairs while the boys ran out splashing in the water to cool off. Penny followed them in, tail wagging. The water was warm but refreshing. After setting up, we swam out together, far enough for the boys to do summersaults and hand stands underwater.

*“Momentum” 30x40” Oil on canvas in a maple frame.*

Penny didn’t seem bothered by the waves. She just swam, barreling right through them to retrieve every stick we tossed and to periodically check on her boys.

*“Acoustic Blue” Oil on canvas 18x24” shown in maple frame option.*

After swimming, I sat in my beach chair to relax and crack open my new novel. The air was warm, the sun high and the water a shocking cerulean blue. My mood matched the water, bright and buoyant.

*“Lake Day” 16x20” oil on canvas shown in the Lmbr + Hide white oak frame option.*

That is, until I discovered that having the beach to ourselves was only a short lived dream that day. Another family must of had the same idea in their search for solitude, and we soon found ourselves sharing the tiny beach. We smiled, scooted our chairs over and made space; even though I kinda wanted to tell them to go away. But it was fine, it was all fine. They soon dove in to enjoy the water too and all was well.

Until… another couple showed up. I honestly didn’t know where they were going to set up. I eyed my cooler and thought, “I don’t want them to sit so close that I feel a need to share my sandwiches.” Why was I so anxious and feeling the need to figure this out?

*“Resonance” 12x24” oil on canvas shown in the maple frame option.*

Well, I got worked up for nothing. They soon found a spot of their own, near the edge of the beach and away from my sandwiches. They settled into their chairs and smiled, happily soaking in the sun and dipping their feet in the water. So, I decided it was ok to go back to feeling blissful.

*“North Shore” 16x20” oil on canvas shown in the Lmbr +Hide white oak frame option.*

That is, until an older couple, with their five adult children appeared lumbering down the path. Now I was starting to feel like a character in the book “The Mitten” when the bear decides to squeeze inside too. How was this even going to work? Someone was going to have to leave, and it wasn’t going to be me. I sat resolutely with my nose in the book while secretly watching through the side of my sunglasses to see who would fold first.

*“Cyan Tune” 18x24” oil on canvas shown in the maple frame option.*

But the newcomers surprised me and got creative. They skipped the idea of cramming themselves on the beach and instead spread out their large picnic blanket and nestled between the dune grass. They set up a big umbrella and had plenty of space to settle in and relax in the shade. As I looked around, my anxiety began to subside. Somehow, each family was tucked into a spot of their own on this public beach, enjoying the day together.

*“Manitou Blue” 16x20” Oil on canvas shown in white oak frame by Lmbr + Hide.*

It was funny, really. This group of like minded families, who wanted to avoid the crowds on the big beaches, were now all together on this thimble of a beach. But I think we all knew. We were just a bunch of people looking for a peaceful spot to spend time with our families, enjoying the water and the day. Somehow, we all found this spot… together.

*“Inhale” + “Exhale” a set of two 18x24” oil on canvas. Shown in the maple frame option.*

We stayed at the lake that day until we ran out of LaCroix and sandwiches, were sun kissed and wind blown. We drove home relaxed with the windows down as the sun nestled low on the horizon.

*“Clarity” 16x20” oil on canvas. Shown in the white oak frame option.*

Enjoying the last of our cookies, we listened to the parade of bottle rockets and the first of the fireworks beginning to boom in the neighborhoods as we passed. In that moment, I felt a deep connection to this place and the people in my community. Each of us celebrating the holiday collectively, yet in our own way. As our Lake Day ended, I could feel my heart expanding. Making more room for others and growing in my love for those around me.

*“Treat Trail” 18x24” Oil on canvas. Shown in the* *Lmbr + Hide* *white oak frame option.* Interior design + styling for the Lake Days collection by Tara Dennis.

The Lake Days Collection is a series of new oil paintings inspired by the shorelines and lakes of Northern Michigan.

In this body of work, I strive to capture the anticipation of a refreshing day at the lake. As well as offer the sense of belonging & connection we share for this place.

The collection will go live on my website this Tuesday , June 28th at 12pm est. There will be an option to add a maple or white oak frame to each painting for the perfect finishing touch.