About the Poet
Jane (Engemann) Mayes lives on the picturesque shore of Lake Huron at the tip of the "thumb" of the Michigan "mitten". Mother of three and grandmother of six, she is a retired teac...view moreAbout the Poet
Jane (Engemann) Mayes lives on the picturesque shore of Lake Huron at the tip of the "thumb" of the Michigan "mitten". Mother of three and grandmother of six, she is a retired teacher and high school librarian with a B.A. degree in French and English from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids (1956) and an M.A. in school librarianship from Central Michigan University at Mount Pleasant (1975).
Her poems have appeared in several poetry journals, anthologies and choral compositions, and have garnered some awards, most recently the Michigan Poetry Society's 2010 traveling trophy. Her newspaper column, "Lit., etc." ran for eight years in The Port Austin Times. She has written two chapbooks and a poetry collection, Seeing...Through Nature.
In addition to penning poetry and memoirs, she enjoys watercolor, pottery, biking puddling around in her kayak, volunteering, not setting an alarm clock, walking in woods, pastures and on beaches, and being with family and friends -- some of whom you meet in this book.
Life IS good!
About the Artist
An award-winning artist, Don Bullis lives between the fertile farmland of the Thumb of Michigan and the shoreline of Lake Huron, where he is know for his colorful watercolor paintings of old, abandoned cars, locks and doorknobs, old barns and lighthouses.
His artistic ability was recognized at an early age. He attended Meinzinger School of Art before serving in the army.
Father of seven, grandfather of fourteen plus three "greats", he was a draftsman until his retirement. Since then he has had six one-man shows and taught watercolor classes in Romeo. He currently teaches classes in Troy and Port Austin. His work may be seen at art shows in Eastern Lower Michigan and at his gallery on Grindstone Road east of Port Austin.
A past president of the Thumb Area Artists of Romeo, he is past president and current board member of the Thumb Arts Guild, and one of the Bards of Bird Creek. In his travels he enjoys seeking out covered bridges and old mills to paint. To view a sample of his work, go to thumbartsguild.com/artists.view less