PAN-O-PLY Celebrating our first print!

I like to walk the shores of Lake Michigan as winter transitions to spring. Grand Mere State Park is among my favorite beaches. The trail from the parking lot over the dunes is challenging enough to keep most people from making the trek on a 36-degree day. A tranquil equation of elements awaits on the far side of the trail.

The afternoon hike west into the sun is calming. When we are alone on the beach for a mile dogs run stretching their legs. Our shadows stretch out long behind us in the afternoon. The wind blows through my thoughts and clears away the tangles. The ice shelf formations act as a barrier to the crashing waves spurting up from holes and crevices. A peaceful walk gives me time for reflection. I hope you often find this kind of peace in your life.

We are happy to bring you, Ellen Brenneman, our spring featured artist. Ellen generously contributes to the magazine. Her kind spirit is shown in her paintings. In the images of animals, you can see the love she has for nature and people.

2021 we first celebrated poetry month by publishing Project Poetry. In Project Poetry, we ask Michiana poets to write about the art of Michiana artists, ekphrastic poetry. These artists and poets generously donate their art and words. This year six poets and artists were paired to create a unique combination of art and writing. Project Poetry 2021 and 2022 can be found on our website.

Publishing since 2019, we seek to promote artists and writers. We share the many voices of Michiana describing our world. I enjoy being surprised by a unique perspective, a touching poem, or a life-affirming story. You will discover lovely things inside the pages of PAN-O-PLY Story & Art. We hope you find something that inspires you when you did not expect it.

Thank you for reading PAN-O-PLY! We are proud to bring you our first print issue. Please, take a copy home to enjoy and share with others.

May peace find comfort in your home - Dan Breen

Photo taken at Grand Mere State Park by Dan Breen.