I grew up in a small historic village called Lewiston, NY. About 90 minutes south towards the Pennsylvania border, my aunt and uncle have a cottage on Lake Chautauqua, and I spent many of my summer vacations there jet skiing, fishing, boating, having bonfires, and watching the thunderstorms from the screened-in porch.

Believe it or not, this fish had teeth and it was terrifying.

Somehow or another, I never managed to learn how to swim, but that’s another story.

The struggle is real.

I also spent a lot of time throwing things that I shouldn’t have into the fire pit.

Is it bad to burn old hair extensions?

Mostly, I have fond memories with family,

My cousin Nick and I frequented the Happy Hooker. It’s not what you think.

spent a lot of time enjoying rest and relaxation,

I’ve also enjoyed every hair color under the sun.

learned how to shoot sniper style,

Calm down, they were coffee cans.

and spent time boating past the floating stage at Bemus Bay Pops and thinking one day I might be able to play there.

In August, we were invited to perform at the Bemus Bay Pops series, and I got to stand on the floating stage recalling stories from my childhood as we rocked the faces off of people both on land and sea.

By sea, I mean lake. It’s a large lake.

The best part about the day was having my young son at sound check, flirting (of course) with the Femmes,

Ladies’ man.

and seeing my parents, aunts and uncles, and grandma in the audience. My best college buddy, his wife and children even came, and left with some Bella souvenirs!

Future Femmes.

After the show, our entire cast piled into our vehicles and trekked out to Goose Creek for a good old-fashioned camp fire afterparty at the cottage of my youth.

We can’t wait to return for some more Lake Living next season!

Xoxo,

N