Cherry Vibes and Summer Joys

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Hey y’all, welcome back to Chalkboard Chatter! I’m Candice, and honestly, I’m still floating on a cherry-sweet cloud after our trip up to Traverse City. If you’ve never been to the National Cherry Festival, let me just say—you’re missing out on a full-on sensory experience. I mean, the drive alone is like a deep breath for your soul. Vern and I packed up, hit the road, and as soon as we got that first whiff of lake air, it was like summer wrapped us up in a big, warm hug. There’s just something about getting away, even for a few days, that resets your whole rhythm. And, you know, after the year we’ve all had, I think we deserve a little reset, right?

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So today, I wanna bring you into those summer vibes—travel, family, food, and a little bit of that self-care we keep talking about. If you’re listening while you’re out for a walk, or maybe just sitting on your porch with a cold drink, I hope you can feel a little bit of that Traverse City sunshine coming through.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Okay, let’s get right to it—because y’all know I love to talk about food. The festival? Oh my goodness. The turkey legs. I’m not exaggerating when I say they were the kind of turkey legs that make you close your eyes and just... sigh. Moist, flavorful, and so tender you barely need teeth. I mean, I’m not saying I could eat two, but I’m not saying I couldn’t, either.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And the cherries! Listen, Michigan cherries are on a whole other level. These were the sweetest, juiciest little ruby-red jewels—like, you bite into one and it’s just sunshine and summer all at once. There’s just something about eating fruit that was picked that morning, you know? It’s like you can taste the care and the sun and the rain all in one bite.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now, Vern and I couldn’t go all the way up north and not stop at a winery. Black Star Farms is this beautiful spot tucked into the Leelanau Peninsula, and if you’re ever up that way, you gotta check it out. We did a tasting flight, but the star of the show was their Sirius Cherry Dessert Wine. Oh, y’all. It’s rich, it’s deep, it’s sweet but not syrupy—just the right amount of tart at the end to remind you it’s still summer. I’m not a wine snob, but I know what I like, and this was it. And, you know, wine tasting as a couple is just... It’s fun! You get to try new things, laugh at each other’s tasting notes. But it’s those little moments that make a trip special. We walked out with a bottle, and I’m not sure if we’re sharing with friends or just keeping it for ourselves. Probably both. Maybe. The vibe at Black Star Farms is kind of like stepping into a postcard. Rolling green vineyards, rustic charm, that crisp Michigan air. And the staff there? So knowledgeable but down to earth. They talked us through each pour like we were old friends. We learned about the aging process, how Michigan’s climate creates these bold cherry notes, and how their dessert wine is crafted to be sipped slowly, like a moment you want to savor. And we did just that. Every sip felt like a pause button on life, a deep breath in a glass. After our tasting, we walked the grounds for a bit, just letting the sunshine hit our faces and soaking in that laid-back elegance. We even peeked into the stables on the property—yes, they have horses! The whole place had this magical blend of romance and relaxation that made you want to stay a little longer, and maybe even plan your next visit before you leave the parking lot. What stuck with me, though, wasn’t just the wine or the view—it was how easy it was for Vern and me to slip into a rhythm there. You know how sometimes life is go-go-go, and it takes you a while to even remember how to be still with each other? Black Star Farms was like a reset button. We talked about everything and nothing, held hands without rushing to the next thing, and even sat for a minute just listening to the breeze blow through the vineyard. That kind of peace is hard to come by. And here’s a little love tip, y’all: if you ever find yourselves in a rut or just needing to reconnect, don’t underestimate the power of a slow afternoon at a beautiful winery. No big agenda, no clock-watching, just good wine and good company. Add a little laughter, maybe a flirtatious toast or two, and you've got the ingredients for a memory that lingers way after the last sip. So yeah, Chapter Three of our trip was wine-soaked, cherry-kissed, and heart-filled. And that bottle of Sirius Cherry? It made it home with us... at least for now.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

But let me tell you, Traverse City isn’t just about the food and wine. The views up there are unreal—rolling hills, cherry trees everywhere, and that big, blue Lake Michigan stretching out forever. The festival was busy, but not in a way that felt overwhelming. It was more like everyone was just happy to be there, soaking up the sun and the music and the good vibes.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

That morning, my mom had the grill going before we even pulled in the driveway. Ribs, hot dogs for the kids, hamburgers. And you know it’s not a real cookout without mom’s potato salad and macaroni salad, with that special mom magic. There’s just something about those family recipes, right? They taste like childhood and comfort, and love, all at once.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

The best part wasn’t even the food, though. It was sitting next to my mom. Like, this is what freedom really looks like—being together, being fed, being loved. I know we talk a lot about self-care on this podcast, but sometimes, self-care is just letting yourself be in those moments and soaking up every bit of joy you can.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

And listen, I know it’s not always easy to carve out time for these kinds of days, especially with busy lives. But when you do, something inside you softens. You reconnect with your roots, with the people who love you, and with yourself. That’s the kind of independence I want to celebrate every year—freedom to fully live in these moments.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now, I know some of y’all are already seeing those “Back to School” signs popping up, and maybe you’re starting to feel that little twinge of anxiety. But don’t rush it! This is still your summer. Remember what we talked about in earlier episodes—like when we dug into love languages and self-care? This is the time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.My advice? Don’t let July slip by in a blur. Find those small joys—maybe it’s journaling in the morning, or trying out a new hairstyle, or finally reading that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand. Pour into your spirit. We’re not just educators—we’re humans, partners, creatives, dreamers. Give yourself permission to live intentionally, to express yourself, and to find a little peace before the school year gears up again. And if you need a little inspiration, go back and listen to our last couple of episodes—we talked a lot about summer resets, self-care toolkits, and finding joy in the everyday. It’s all about making space for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Something I’ve learned, especially during these warmer months, is that peace doesn’t always come in silence or solitude. Sometimes it’s in the noise of a good playlist while you declutter your space. Sometimes it’s the chatter of friends during a spontaneous brunch. Sometimes it’s hearing your laugh echo out while watching an old sitcom in your favorite pajamas. These are sacred moments, too. One of the biggest mindset shifts we can have during this season is recognizing that recharging doesn’t mean doing nothing—it means doing what fills you up. For me, that looks like being out in nature, taking evening walks with Vern, or putting together a vision board with a cold glass of lemonade nearby. For you, it might mean reconnecting with an old hobby, learning to cook a new recipe, or calling someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Recharging can be active. It can be colorful. It can be powerful.I also want to gently remind you—don’t feel guilty for choosing yourself. Especially if you’re someone who spends so much of the year pouring into others. It’s not selfish to pause. It’s wise. You can’t give your best if you’re always running on empty. These few weeks are your golden window. Let yourself bloom in the sunlight a little longer. And hey, if you’re someone who thrives on structure, maybe now’s the time to set some intentions. Not goals that stress you out—just intentions that guide you. Like “I will give myself grace,” or “I will say yes to joy,” or even “I will drink more water.” Let this part of your summer be your soft landing, your warm hug, your deep breath before the rhythm of fall begins. So as we move through July, hold space for the version of you that deserves rest, laughter, reflection, and a little spontaneity. We’ve still got time. Let’s use it with heart.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now y’all, let me tell you—Livonia did not come to play with their Fourth of July fireworks this year! There’s just something magical about seeing the sky lit up in red, white, and blue while holding someone’s hand—or your plate of leftover ribs. It reminded me of how even the loudest moments can bring peace, laughter, and unity. It was loud, it was proud, and it was definitely Livonia doing the holiday right. That kind of joy? You can’t bottle it. You just live it, soak it up, and let it carry you into the rest of summer with a full heart.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Before I let y’all go, I wanna hear from you! Drop a comment, send a message, or tag us on your favorite platform—what’s your favorite cherry dish? What are your July 4th traditions? Or maybe you’ve got a summer must-do that we all need to try. We’re building a village here on Chalkboard Chatter, and your voice does matter.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

So, until next time, stay juicy like those cherries, bold like that turkey leg, and as grounded as that Traverse City shoreline. I’ll catch you in the next episode—enjoy every last drop of summer, y’all!