On the Road – THE FLOW STATE

OF DIRT-BAGGING and PEANUT BUTTER by Nick Arndt

I, the author, begrudgingly and apologetically switch from 1st to 2nd person point-of-view narration quite often. It was necessary to carry out my message. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic, The Lord of the Rings, he titles a chapter, “Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit”. Within, Tolkien details a rare “in-between-the-action” moment, when Frodo, Sam, and Smeagol prepareContinue reading “OF DIRT-BAGGING and PEANUT BUTTER by Nick Arndt”

WHAT’S UP with the U.P?

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula’s history is fairly brief, yet significant and intriguing. Below is a brief outline, point-to-point, of how it came into existence, skipping over its geological birthing (although, noteworthy). The first inhabitants of the territory were the tribes speaking the Algonquin languages, around AD 800. They patrolled the U.P.’s wild lands for ages, until the firstContinue reading “WHAT’S UP with the U.P?”

NOT AT HOME by Nick Arndt

“Not at home. Nope. Not at home.” Again and again, this was the phrase I mentally muttered to myself as I opened up my stride on the Escarpment Trail, overlooking Lake of the Clouds. Similarly to whom I borrowed this quote, Bilbo Baggins experienced some sort of jubilation as he tip-toed around Smaug underneath theContinue reading “NOT AT HOME by Nick Arndt”

WHERE NORTH BECOMES “THE NORTH” by Nick Arndt

Everyone has their own “God’s Country.” Many use that phrase when describing their hometown or dreamland, usually stemming from picturesque views or heart-warming feelings it provides. Perhaps it’s a favorite vacation spot. Or, maybe it’s as simple as the habitual day-in-day-out work environment. Nonetheless, I believe all humans are shaped and inspired by their immediate surroundings,Continue reading “WHERE NORTH BECOMES “THE NORTH” by Nick Arndt”

ORGANIC DRIED CANE SYRUP by Nick Arndt

Today’s hero came in the convenient form of laboratory-concocted organic sugary goo. Clif Shots. These gels have saved many-a-bonk in the past and today was no different. I was off from work for two days and found myself with an abundance of time. I made a split decision to head up to the Ice AgeContinue reading “ORGANIC DRIED CANE SYRUP by Nick Arndt”