Not Really an Ocean Girl
I was born and raised in Wisconsin, where the closest thing to an ocean is a small mud-bottom lake ringed with scrub brush and the neat lawns of lakeside cottages. Although the buffalo carp put up a fun fight, it’s the bullheads that make it all worthwhile—you skin and fillet them, and they’re downright delicious.
Over the years, I’ve wandered a bit. I’ve lived in Tennessee and Illinois. I’ve visited the Pacific, waded in the waters of California and Washington, and strolled the sandy stretches of the East Coast. I even dipped my toes in the Mediterranean while in Barcelona, and once took in the fjords of Norway. But every time, no matter how stunning those ocean views, I feel most at home back on my humble Wisconsin lakes.
We’ve got cottages on the shores of Lake Michigan, and I spend my summers and weekends there, soaking in the “big water” vibes that some say rival the ocean’s drama. And honestly? I think they’re right. On a stormy day, Lake Michigan’s waves can be as fierce as any ocean’s—without the salt in my hair or sand in my sandwich.
I’ve always believed in blooming where I’m planted. Sure, people say the ocean has that magical feeling of escape and freedom—the endless horizon, the shimmering light on water, and the steady, rhythmic sound of waves rolling in. They talk about ocean breezes, childhood nostalgia, and that salty, romantic air that seems to turn any evening into a movie scene. And yes, oceans are full of mystery—sunken treasures, secret creatures, and the promise of adventure. Let’s not forget the sharks that keep you on your toes and the jellyfish that get you dancing out of the water.
But you know what? I think you can find the good stuff closer to home, if you’re paying attention. My lakeside moments have Insta-worthy beach shots, and they’re still full of wonder—early morning sunrises, warm summer nights spent swapping fish tales by the campfire, and those quiet moments watching the moon showers on the glassy water.
So I’ll let the ocean lovers keep their sun-drenched beaches and crashing waves. As for me? I’m here in Wisconsin, perfectly happy with a lakeside campfire, a cool breeze off the water, and the simple joys of living my best almost-ocean life—loving every freshwater moment of it.
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