Exclusively Yours Magazine October 2024

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Mangini ~ Agent Profile

Inc. brokerage and the incredible Tony Wendorf and Associates team. I love spending time with my friends and family—my husband Matt, our son Beckham, and two dogs. We’re excited to be welcoming our second son in June! I treasure our annual visits to the white sand beaches of Sanibel and Marco Islands in Florida, as well as to NYC and upstate New York to visit my in-laws. Locally, we enjoy attending festivals in the summer and trying new restaurants. 414-254-9910 or by email, tmangini@firstweber.com.

N70W30556 Bette Ann Dr, Merton ~ $499,900
This charming 3-BR, 1-1/2-BA Ranch home. Updated with contemporary finishes throughout. Bright, open concept living area is with a modern kitchen.
10201 W Juniper St, Milwaukee ~ $379,900
Charming Cape Cod-style home sits on a .65 acre lot. 3 great size BRs and 3-BA. Living room boasts a natural fireplace. Huge heated garage.
3444 Mount Lane, Richfield ~ $349,900 Tranquil Ranch in a quiet subdivision. Traditional 3-BR, 1-1/2-BA layout with a large sized kitchen, two entertaining spaces and a natural fireplace.
4934 W Maple Leaf Cr, Greenfield ~ $249,900
This first floor condo with spacious and living areas. Living room has a gas fireplace. 2-BR, 2- full BA. Large kitchen with plenty of counter space and cabinetry. LOT 3
4707 W. Woodlawn Court, Milwaukee ~ $499,900 Spacious Tudor on 1/3 acre with huge pool, 8-car garage, double wide driveway, wrought iron fence and gourmet kitchen.
5950 Log House Road, Hartford ~ $699,900 Sprawling ranch nestled on a picturesque Erin hobby farm! 3-BR, 3-BA home on almost 5 acres of land.
318 E. Chicago St. #4B, Milwaukee ~ $1,449,000
Sophisticated, condo in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. 2-BR, 2-BA unit comes fully furnished with 2 underground parking spaces.

Donna Duesing Duesing Realty,

Buyer’s agent | Listing agent | Consulting | Staging

Duesing Realty does more than help people buy or sell properties. We solve problems & create solutions. We are the space between where you are and where you are going. Many agents think their most important job is satisfying the client. We believe that is the MINIMUM requirement. Having 30 years of experience in the housing industry & blending it seamlessly with a 10 year real estate career, I hope you will afford me the opportunity to walk this journey with you!

Duesing Realty, LLC 414-719-0599 | www.duesingrealty.com

Ed Liermann n Publisher

Ed Liermann n Sales Director

Timothy Scott Starr n Creative Director

Jeanne Rieland n Account Executive

Sammy Ketchum n Account Executive

Gayle Marvel n Office/Production

Anne Kaiser n Contributing

Timothy Jay Writers

Craig Mattson

Mary Murphy

Brittany Santos Vince Condella n Contributing Lynn Darnieder Photographers

John Kimpel Lee Wickersheimer Lisa Witt

Kristie

Gallery

MayHouse Collection

Elevate Your Ambiance with Nest. Discover Nest's luxurious home fragrances that transform any room into a serene escape. From rich, aromatic candles to fresh, uplifting diffusers, each product is crafted to enhance your space with elegance and warmth. Visit MayHouse Collection today and enjoy 15% off your Nest purchase when you mention this ad! Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359N5002 Brown St. | Suite 106 | 262-354-8100. www.mayhousecollection.com. Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.

Key Pieces

Harvest time is here! Sid Dickens’ Tiles remind us its time to change our wall décor. Colorful and textured tiles are here for the Fall season bounty. T387 Nature’s Gift is the path to acceptance and love. T605 Fig depicts that we grow and prosper; wisdom and success are within your grasp. T607 Pomegranate is the powerful orb of eternal life. Grace your walls with these hand painted memory blocks. On display at Key Pieces, W282 N7148 Main St., Downtown Merton. TuesdaySaturday 10-5. www.keypiecesdecor.com, 262-337-1728. Our Fall Fixins’ shop is now open, next to Key Pieces, check it out.

Riverview Antiques

Brutalist nail art with enamel accents by William Stege. Available at Riverview Antiques, located at 2045 West St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, 11 am-4 pm. For more information call 414-278-9999, or go to www.RiverviewAntiqueMarket.com.

The all-new Lincoln Nautilus® SUV delivers a bold new take on comfort, revitalization and connectivity, moving the notion of sanctuary forward with a reimagined digital experience and sophisticated new design expressions. 2024 Lincoln Nautilus® SUV is the first Lincoln vehicle to feature the allnew Lincoln Digital Experience. With support from Google apps and services. Uptown will make your ownership easy with complementary Lincoln pickup and delivery service. We offer 4 years of premium maintenance, as well as provide a loaner Lincoln until service is completed. You will also have access to the Lincoln Concierge to handle any concerns. It’s luxury exemplified, inside and out. Explore the superior services and curated interiors afforded to each Uptown Lincoln owner.

Order your new Lincoln Nautilus at Uptown Lincoln today.

Exclusively Yours

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2024 VOLUME 77 ISSUE 12

Digital edition @ www.eymag.com

n n n 5 The Gallery

Browse offerings from a few of our area’s finest shops and businesses.

6 Fashionable Destinations

Fashion awaits at The Garment Shop, Cambridge, Picardy Shoe Parlour of Mequon and Brookfield, and Stone + Suede of Waupun.

8 Japandi Style

Create a space of working beauty, while cultivating an environment of imperfection, to fully embody the Japanese design philosophy known as Wabi-Sabi.

12 Incorporating Off Whites

There are many ways you can invite natural warmth into your home, and one of the easiest ways is by using white.

15 Discover Serenity At Élan Brio Spa

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Green Lake, Wisconsin, Élan Brio Spa offers a serene escape for those seeking rejuvenation and relaxation.

19 MayHouse Closet

MayHouse Collection of Oconomowoc has you covered this fall with latest attire! Stop by MayHouse and view our collection of fashions for all ages.

20 Urban Sophistication

Step into this sophisticated, urban condo in Milwaukee’s sought after Third Ward, where industrial chic meets contemporary elegance.

25 Prepping Your Home For Cooler Weather

With a few simple steps, you can ensure your haven of comfort stays warm, inviting and energy-efficient throughout fall and winter.

27 Picardy Fall Ensembles

If you love women’s designers footwear, apparel and accessories, look no further. Check out Picardy Shoe Parlor, of Mequon and Brookfield, to view the latest in fall fashions.

29 A Mission Style Gem

Come see this beautiful 4,400-square -foot, 4-bedroom, 3.5bath Executive Ranch home in prestigious Bristlecone Pines.

30 God’s Corner by Gertrude M. Puelicher

Bring Balance & Harmony to the Kitchen Through

Japandi STYLE

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BALANCE AND HARMONY. These are two important principles of design to consider during the initial phases of conceptualizing a space. This is especially true in the kitchen, the heart and soul of a home, which must be both functional and visually inviting; a place where people can utilize the space effectively while nurturing purposeful and hospitable surroundings. Create a space of working beauty, while cultivating an environment of imperfection, to fully embody the Japanese design philosophy known as Wabi-Sabi.

Organic Curves and Textures

Form has a distinct impact on the feeling a home evokes. Enhance the home through Wabi-Sabi by incorporating pieces that exhibit shape and fluid movement, instead of highlighting perfectly precise lines and

hard angles. Consider the alluring appeal of a curved archway that influences a softer atmosphere or feature a live-edge wood dining table to spotlight the beauty in natural imperfection.

Use organic forms and materials like rounded furniture, a neutral color palette and natural lighting to not only increase the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen, but also foster a sense of tranquility. Mix textures throughout the kitchen via linen curtains, a concrete backsplash, hand-woven rugs and personal touches of pottery to add both visual and physical texture, ultimately eliciting a feeling of quiet luxury. Every detail

should be beautiful, and every beautiful object should serve the overall purpose of the space.

The Evolution of Japandi Style

The epitome of balanced harmony can be seen through Japandi style, which artfully merges Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies. With fluid lines that speak to minimalist sensibilities and crafted touches that reflect an artisanal soul, the Kintsu® Kitchen Collection by Brizo perfectly embodies these tenets.

Drawn from “kintsukuroi,” the Japanese method of joining pieces of cracked pottery with gold, “Kintsu” represent the way that Japandi style merges two design philosophies. The Kintsu® Widespread Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet unites understated sensibility with an avant-garde spirit through the creative use of negative space in the knob handle. Combining this with the functionality and versatility of the new two-handle configuration, the faucet looks to Wabi-Sabi philosophy for abstract, conceptual geometries.

Essential Elements

When it comes to the backdrop of a space, being intentional with the color palette can lead to a cohesive look that highlights the beauty of various elements within the room. Take inspiration from Scandinavian design - cozy, bright and inviting aesthetics–which promotes intentionality when choosing colors, paired with natural light, to create a fresh take on neutrals. Grays can be replaced with warm browns and taupe, providing a natural background to plan around.

Incorporate metals such as chrome, steel and aluminum in the kitchen to add a gleaming finish that is instantly eye-catching and is sure to incite instant glamour. Choose an unexpected, but striking finish such as the Black Onyx finish in the Kintsu® Kitchen Collection to create a distinctive and intentional focal point in the space.

When deciding which elements to include, consider the concept of mise en place. A place for everything and everything in its place. An organized kitchen is an efficient kitchen, and an efficient kitchen is a thing of beauty.

Through the fusion of Japandi style’s harmonious balance and the timeless elegance of Wabi-Sabi, our kitchens can become more than just places to cook; they can be sanctuaries where we find solace in our surroundings. n Brandpoint

Élan Brio Spa is a 15,000-square-foot oasis where guests can enjoy its salt water pools, outstanding nature views through its floor to ceiling windows, indulge in a breakfast or lunch at the inviting spa café, or just recline and read a book in the spa’s relaxation room.

The Élan Brio Spa offers services which allow you to experience ultimate relaxation. Our state-of-the-art facility and skilled therapists provide a wide range of rejuvenating treatments designed to refresh your mind, body, and soul. From soothing massages to revitalizing facials, Élan Brio Spa offers the perfect sanctuary for wellness and renewal.

Green Lake Wisconsin features the deepest natural spring fed lake in Wisconsin with outstanding boating and fishing opportunities. In addition, the area boasts lush greenery and scenic beauty allowing visitors the ability to take advantage of outdoor activities, leisurely strolls, and serene boat rides…Green Lake is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

OFF WHITES Incorporating

into your HOME’S DESIGN

n n n INTERIOR DESIGN STYLES are always changing. Since the 1990s, interior styles have moved from sleekness to warm tones to clean basics and now, to a natural warmth that introduces a holistic balance that is inviting and raw. There are many ways you can invite natural warmth into your home, and one of the easiest ways is by using white.

Whites can easily elevate a space, creating a light and tranquil atmosphere with a touch of elegance. Over time, white has evolved from a bright white with blue undertones to take on more natural hues from wood tones and stones for a softer, more natural and approachable aesthetic.

You don’t have to plan a full design overhaul to embrace warmth in your home design. Check out these four simple ways to incorporate warm whites into your home’s design.

LIVING ROOM The living room is the heart of your home. Because the living room is often a gathering place for family members or guests, the space should be open and inviting. You can, of course, paint your walls in a warm white with red undertones to reflect natural lighting. However, painting isn’t your only option. If you’ve been thinking of replacing your furniture, opt for a creamy white plush sofa or armchairs. You can also add a basket made of natural materials like rattan and fill it with cozy off-white blankets. Don’t forget to accentuate the room with white sheer curtains that can filter natural light for a soft glow.

G Quality, Comfort & Style

KITCHEN A well-designed kitchen should balance functionality with style. Incorporate warm whites by choosing cabinetry that almost feels taupe in color and pair this with leathered marble countertops. You can complete the look by adding white kitchen tools and appliances; Crate & Barrel does a great job curating color for your kitchen!

Kitchen gadgets, especially tools you use every day, can act as an extension of your design. Instead of hiding an appliance, choose appliances that serve as an extension of your kitchen design. For example, coffee lovers should consider the KitchenAid Espresso Collection, which includes semi-automatic and fully automatic espresso machines that were designed specifically for the countertop.

With the trend of white color tones in the home increasing, the Whirlpool Design Team created the Porcelain White colorway for the KitchenAid Espresso Collection, available exclusively at Crate & Barrel and KitchenAid.com.

KitchenAid® Semi-Automatic and Fully Automatic Espresso Machines in Porcelain White are designed to integrate into your home seamlessly and bring everything you love about espresso right to your countertop. They’re also Quiet Mark-certified, so you can make your morning cup of Joe without waking up the whole house.

BATHROOM Natural white hues in your bathroom can evoke a sense of serenity and cleanliness, similar to a spa. Using ivory-colored tiles on the walls, countertops and flooring, you can create the illusion of a larger, more open space. You can pair this brilliant tile with unlacquered brass or brushed nickel fixtures for a touch of elegance. Don’t forget to add plush white towels and bathmats!

Bedroom Turn your bedroom into an escape from the every day by creating a calm environment. If you’re shopping for new furniture, look for an upholstered headboard in natural whites and pair it with a bed frame in white oak. For a quick infusion of style, add crisp white linen bedding and layer with textured throws and cushions in various natural white hues and earth tones for depth and visual interest. Remember to opt for soft, ambient lighting to complete the space.

Are you ready to embrace warmth in your home? Embrace the versatility of whites in your design choices! Use these four easy tips to create a home that is inviting, grounded and on-trend with a color that illuminates your living spaces. n

DiscoverSerenity

A Hidden Gem in Green Lake, Wisconsin @ Élan Brio Spa

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Green Lake, Wisconsin, Élan Brio Spa offers a serene escape for those seeking rejuvenation and relaxation. With over 5,000-square-feet and renowned in the past as one of the top ten spas in America, Élan Brio Spa combines modern wellness techniques with the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Green Lake, the spa’s scenic backdrop, adds to the allure. This charming lakeside town is known for its clear Continued on page 18 n

UPON ENTERING, guests are greeted by a calming ambiance, enhanced by soothing scents and soft music. The spa’s talented therapists specialize in a variety of treatments, from therapeutic massages to rejuvenating facials, each designed to melt away stress and restore balance.

In addition to a full menu of spa treatments, guests can visit the salon for total hair and nail care. The wellappointed amenities include whirlpools, herbal steam rooms, and rain fall salt soaking pools. A day of relaxation wouldn’t be complete without a healthy lunch and beverage in the spa café.

Beyond its exceptional treatments, Élan Brio Spa promotes a philosophy of holistic wellness. The spa regularly hosts workshops focused on mindfulness, nutrition, and self-care, encouraging visitors to embrace a lifestyle of well-being long after their visit.

two hundred Green in Thiensville

Whether you’re ready to move up in the world or downsize – two hundred Green welcomes you. These new construction homes with first and second floor primary suite options are AVAILABLE!  They have been thoughtfully designed for modern style in a neighborhood created with an emphasis on community and walkability close to the Milwaukee River! These Lakeside Development designed homes are conveniently located in one of the most desirable and vibrant areas of Thiensville!

The neighborhood will consist of 16 homes and is being built on the corner of Green Bay Road and Riverview Drive. 3 2.5 2

The Residence At Foxtown

The developing, Residence at Foxtown, offers a contemporary living option conveniently nestled off the Interurban Trail, right within Mequon’s vibrant Town Center. The neighborhood will consist of 23 homes configured in 3 rows located on Weston Drive just south of Mequon Road.

Crafted by Lakeside Development Company, these homes are positioned within a neighborhood designed with a deliberate emphasis on community and walkability, these residences cater to a modern, active lifestyle.

Each home features a welcoming front porch, ideal for relaxation, socializing, and fostering connections with neighbors. Situated amidst the bustling Mequon Town Center, residents enjoy seamless access to various markets, boutiques, and eateries. Moreover, the neighborhood’s many establishments regularly host live music and entertainment, enhancing the already vibrant atmosphere of the area.

Continued from page 15 waters and the states deepest inland lake, outdoor activities, and peaceful vibe. Visitors to Green Lake can enjoy a variety of recreational options, from boating and fishing to hiking and biking along the lush trails.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Élan Brio Spa is a must-visit destination in Green Lake. Treat yourself to a day of selfcare, and leave feeling refreshed, revitalized, and connected to the natural beauty of this charming lakeside community. n

Green Lake ~ Year Round Activities

Activities may be combined together, within reasonable distance of each other, to make an entire day, or wee of amazing fun and adventure! You choose, we plan.

n Red Ridge Ranch Riding Stable: Come on out to the ranch and experience horseback riding like a true cowboy or cowgirl! Experience horseback any time of year, or a sleigh ride through an enchanted snow-covered woods.

n Laser Tag: Head off to Appleton to bring out your inner child with immersive laser tag; then step into your inner international spy and try your skills at the laser maze. Bring the kids for the game room, inflatables, and mini bowling.

n Guided off-road UTV/ATV TOUR: Get your adrenalin pumping in an hour-long off-road ATV/UTV tour, go with the guys, gals, or bring the entire family.

n Asgard Ax Throwing: Hop on the shuttle to Asgard and throw AX like a true Asgardian! Quench your thirst and fill your hunger afterwards at the onsite bar and grill. Finish the activity off with a round at the arcade. Come in your bright neon colors and face paints on a Friday night for extra flair!

n A.L. Ringling Manson Tour: Tour the home of one of America’s greatest showmen! Walk through during the day and get a feel for how this showman lived, or, come after dark if you’re in for some scares. Stay overnight to fully immerse yourself in circus fame!

n Ziplining: Fly through the trees like Tarzan

Continued on page 22

MayHouse Closet

Elevate your holiday celebrations with Joseph Ribkoff’s exquisite collection.

Discover stunning and elegant wear designed to make you feel confident and radiant. Perfect for any festive occasion, from intimate gatherings to grand events.

MayHouse Collection

Oconomowoc Lakes Plaza W359 N5002 Brown St. | Suite 106 262-354-8100 | www.mayhousecollection.com

Live Well. Dress Well. Give Well.

URBANSophistication

For more information on this property, contact Lindsey Bendler of Tony Wendorf & Associates, First Weber Realtors.® 262-347-7337. lindseybendler@ firstweber.com

STEP INTO THIS SOPHISTICATED, urban condo in Milwaukee’s sought after Third Ward, where industrial chic meets contemporary elegance. Reminiscent of a SoHo New York City apartment, the main 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit boasts exposed brick walls, soaring 12-foot ceilings, and oversized windows that flood the space with natural light, offering spectacular cityscape views.

An expansive living area provides the perfect backdrop for hosting or relaxing, while the primary bedroom offers a private sanctuary with a walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom. Don’t miss the infrared sauna! A unique feature of this condo includes an additional private guest suite–1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living space and kitchen. Condo comes fully furnished and has 2 secure, underground dedicated parking spaces. Schedule your showing today! n

Custom Furniture Made To Order

Continued from page 18 in the Summer, past the frosted branches in the Winter! Experience the thrill of flying!

Additional Local Activities

Winter/Fall

n Lambeau Tailgate Experience

n Ice Sculpting

n Haunted House, Brew and View

n Hot Air Balloon

n Hunting Adventure

n Pickleball tourney

n Octoberfest at Goose

n Nordic mountain ski and snowboard excursion

n Ice fishing charter

n Curling

n Relay Sledding

n Annual event to create winter crowd

n Christmas at the Manor (catered meal)

n Snowshoeing

n Snowmobiling

n Ultimate Romance Package

Year Round Activities

n Casino Night

n Brewery Tour

n Private Party at The Terrace

n DEZ Tactical Range

n Escape Rooms

n Murder Mystery Dinner Show

n Horseback and/or Sleigh Ride

n AL. Ringling Manson Tour

n AX Throwing

n Ziplining

n Guided off-road ATV-UTV

n Aromatherapy Class at Élan Brio Spa

n Private Spa event at Élan Brio Spa

n Custom Skin-Care Class at Élan Brio Spa

n Couples Massage Technique Class at Élan Brio Spa

n Roller Skating

n Laser Tag

For more information on Élan Brio Spa or other activities available in the Green Lake area please visit us at www. ElanBrioSpa.com or www.ourgreenlake.com or call 920-294-3347 or 920-807-0404. n

PREPPING YOUR HOME

For Cooler Weather ~ Strategies that provide a high ROI

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AS THE LEAVES BEGIN to change and temperatures start to drop, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the cooler months. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your haven of comfort stays warm, inviting and energyefficient throughout fall and winter.

Consider these home projects from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products - a leader throughout North America in innovation, design and production of exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, mouldings, roofing, stone, windows,

outdoor living and more - based on Zonda’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report to get your home ready for the cooler seasons.

Upgrade Your Garage

New garage doors typically come with energy-efficient features and advanced security measures but are also relatively low-cost updates compared to the significant perceived value and resale benefits. In fact, replacing a garage door boasts a 193% return on investment, according to the report. Pairing new garage doors with updated trim can also offer a tight seal from exterior elements such as wind, snow and water.

Insulate for a Warmer Interior

Insulated siding can play a crucial role in enhancing your home’s thermal performance. By providing an additional layer of protection, it helps reduce heat loss, ensuring your home remains warm and your energy bills stay manageable. Plus, according to the report, vinyl siding replacement has an 80.2% return on investment. An option like CraneBoard

Solid Core Siding from Westlake Royal Building Products offers superior durability and insulation. Its solid core construction provides added strength and impact resistance while also contributing to better energy efficiency. In addition, the solid core reduces external noise and is designed to endure extreme weather conditions.

Leak-Proof Your Home’s Windows

Windows can be substantial energy drainers and let warmth out when they’re not properly sealed. If you notice a draft coming in around your windows, sealing cracks or gaps with aesthetically pleasing trim can make a significant difference in keeping the heat in and chilly air out. For extreme drafts, consider replacing windows altogether, which can provide sellers with an average 67.1% return on vinyl window replacement, according to the report.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the elements. Check for damaged shingles or tiles and make necessary repairs to prevent leaks. If a roof replacement is needed - which provides a 56.9% return on investment using asphalt shingles, according to the report - consider incorporating a high-quality roofing underlayment to provide an extra layer of protection against water, heavy snow and ice. For example, Sol-R-Skin BLUE, an external insulating underlayment from Westlake Royal Building Products, complements steep slope roofing. This underlayment serves as a secondary water protective layer, energysaving radiant barrier and above-deck roof insulation blanket that is all-in-one. It incorporates an anti-glare coating in cool blue, making it easier and safer to install than alternative shiny radiant barrier options.

To learn more about high-performance products for your

Shield Your Roof

A MISSION STYLE GEM In

Prestigious Bristlecone Pines

If you would like more information on this property, contact Pat Bolger of the Pat Bolger Realty Group. 262-313-8797. pat@pbrrealty.com

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COME SEE this beautiful 4,400-square -foot, 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath Executive Ranch home in prestigious Bristlecone Pines. This lovely house will capture your heart with its Mission Style architectural design. No expense was spared in the design and build which features 10-foot ceilings throughout, leaded glass, window transoms, polished wood floors, and custom built-ins.

The main level offers a stunning great room, private office, gourmet kitchen with SubZero and Viking appliances, dining room, laundry room, luxurious main bedroom suite, powder room, 2 bedrooms serviced by a jack and a gorgeous 3 season. A deck surrounded by trees offers relaxation and privacy. The finished lower level features a game and bar room, a family/theatre room, exercise room, 4th bedroom and a full bath. The 3.5 car garage has a new epoxy floor. n

GOD’S CORNER

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TOO OFTEN OUR SENSE of values has been established on the premise of material comforts as a determining factor to our complacency. Human personalities assume importance; human opinions carry weight. We fancy ourselves godlike beings rushing impressively around to hold a world in balance. So consumed are we with the vastness of our self-appointed mission that we fail to recognize the smallness of ourselves. Suddenly, in a matter of seconds, nature takes a hand. A funnel-shaped cloud above a lake, a roar of a thousand planes, and a tornado cleaves the air. An apparently well-built dwelling is neatly denuded of its roof, the remaining pipes twisted into grotesque angles. Boats are torn from their moorings and hurled outlandishly into space. Gaily colored heavy metal chairs somersault from lake piers up an incline, only to topple clumsily with shattering lack of direction into porch windows. Magnificent pines, shorn of their dignity, lie in plebeian mounds of interlocked branches and live wires, their gnarled and massive roots staring blankly and blindly at an angry sky.

Shaken to the very fibre of our beings, soberly we gather ourselves together. We take stock not at all of our material possessions, scattered as they are over a suddenly unrecognizable area. We take stock of each other, humans fortunate enough to have escaped the whirling, twisting, lashing demon bent only on destruction. Miraculously enough, no one has been injured. Miraculously enough, each one is alive, is able to walk, to talk, to relate, even though a bit shakily, the nerve-wracking events of the last two minutes.

Twelve hours later, blue skies and brilliant sunshine testify to nature’s kaleidoscopic change of mood. The damage has been done, the job is complete, and nothing remains but to organize the cleaning-up crews and set them to work.

Devastation often has a purging effect on the thinking process of those who come in contact with it. The jolt of sudden danger safely by-passed seldom leaves one as it found one. The urge for a better understanding of right values surges from within. A yearning to comprehend the meaning of life, a longing to separate the chaff from the wheat in the daily round of human relationships, an intuitive eagerness to be more kind, more helpful, less critical, less hasty in judgment—complex emotions that bid one pause for reflection.

Just as early historians believed all paths led to Rome, so today we know that all good thinking leads to God and from God. Somewhere along the line of adjusting our values, we must make the spiritual contact that is bound to set us straight. What is life and where is our origin? What is death and where is our destination? What is the relationship between man and God? What is the ultimate goal of this role that life demands we play? What does God want us to do with the life He has given us?

One answer may be found in Micah 6, 8: —“and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” It is as simple as that. n

Pat Bolger knows how to navigate an ever-changing real estate market.

With 20 years of experience and over $20 million in sales in 2023. Pat’s a trusted advisor for your every real estate need.

OKAUCHEE LAKE Generational property. Set on 2.3 acres with 500 feet of prime level lake walk-out frontage, this nicely wooded peninsula lot offers both privacy and tremendous views of the main lake along with the best frontage on the lake. $8,000,000

LAKE GENEVA Built by Espire Homes, a 4,290-sq.-ft. split bedroom Ranch home with an open floor plan. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an great room with a 12-foot ceiling and fireplace. Kitchen has a huge quartz island. A 4-season room plus finished lower level. $1,259,900

with 3-BR & 2.5 BAs. $1,095,000

OFFER

SUMMIT Ranch home combines a gorgeous setting with unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship. 6,500 -sq.-ft. home is set on a private 1.27-acre lot. Superb architectural and design details. 3 season room, finished lower level aand 5-car garage. $1,295,000

LAKE GENEVA Brand New! Split bedroom ranch with open floor plan. Built by Espire Homes. Over 3,600-sq.ft. with 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, gourmet kitchen, a great room with a 12-foot ceiling, fireplace and wall of glass windows. Finished lower Level $1,119,900

Garment Shop
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Stone + Suede

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