Portrait of a Tree – VI

I really liked the shape of this tree and the contrast of the green pine against a stormy sky.

 

Keeping it Simple

Three months into my “Year in Acadia”, and I am finding that so far my greatest joy (and sometimes greatest challenge), has been to “keep it simple”.    This is in part due to the weather.  I arrived here just after Thanksgiving (seemingly appropriate), and its been cold, windy, icy,  dark, and windy (did I mention wind?).      Another reason is finances.   In order to be here, I have to make this as frugal an adventure as possible.   That’s likely to become more of challenge as the island “comes back to life” in late spring.   All those wonderful restaurants with their tempting menus!    Now delightfully, my landlords tell me that they set up a grill, table and chairs, and umbrella for use in the warmer months.   They even invited me to plant whatever I want in their “greenhouse”.     I may be the luckiest renter in the history of renters!!   This will certainly encourage me to continue my “frugalness” and provide a delightful outdoor atmosphere right outside my door!

I also think that “keeping it simple” fits in with my reasons for coming here.   When I limit my distractions, I am able to devote time to reflection and contemplation.    In these first few months here, I am beginning to realize that some questions do not have answers.   Of course, the next step is accepting this reality.   I am also discovering that in order for me to ever have hope of achieving contentment and/or happiness again, I must accept the hand that life has dealt me (in the death of my husband).   Hmmmm, are we seeing a theme here?    Hint:  the word “accept” seems to keep popping up.   As a recovering control freak, this idea of acceptance has always been a challenge to me.   I come from the school of:  “we create our own reality”, with phrases such as:  “Make it happen”, “Just do it”,  and “I will get what I want” being my mantras throughout my adult life.    Facing (and accepting) that sometimes there are times when you just don’t get your way has been a huge obstacle for me in moving on with my life over the last four + years.   Basically, I have learned that in many ways I am a spoiled brat and that I HATE not getting my own way!!

Keeping it Simple along Eagle Lake on Christmas Day

 

So keeping it simple helps (and sometimes forces) me to better understand these aspects of myself.  Without the distractions of work, family and friends, social activities, television, eating out, maintaining a house, and other “things” these truths become evident.   In addition, the reconnection with nature through hiking, and  dedicating time to the practices of yoga and meditation have helped my mind to become more calm and open.

Yes, I still make time to listen to the news, watch movies, go on-line, read novels, play with photography,  and volunteer.    But this time to understand myself better will, hopefully, result in my becoming a more “authentic” person (and I have such a long way to go).   But we’ll save that discussion of “authentic” for another blog post.

In closing, I would challenge you to look for ways to “keep it simple” in your own life.  You might be surprised at what you learn!

Nature knows how to Keep it Simple....and beautiful

 

 

Rocks in the Ice

I really enjoyed the rocks and ice along the edge of Eagle Lake in this photo.    I felt that there was movement, even though the lake was frozen.

 

 

 

 

Reminiscing

Had a lovely Facebook chat recently with my stepchildren, which got me thinking about my numerous trips to Acadia and MDI before becoming a year round resident last November.  **Disclaimer, some of these photos were not taken with my current camera gear**

Matt, Don, Kristen and Amy at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Nothing gives me more pleasure than sharing my favorite place with friends and family.  It is so much fun to see the expression on their faces when they see for the first time places like Sand Beach, Ocean Drive, Jordan Pond, and Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse to name just a few.   And each time I remember the thrill I felt the first time I visited this area more than 25 years ago.

My dear friend Becky at Jordan Pond on my first visit to Acadia, circa 1987

 

Over the years, it has been my great privilege to share this place with numerous friends and family (I really think the National Park and/or the state bureau of tourism should put me on the payroll).

Hiking on Schoodic Point circa 1996

One of the most special trips I made to Acadia was the first time I brought my  late husband and my three stepchildren.   During that all too short week there were many fun and wonderful moments:

• The kids asking if someone had put all the large pebbles at Little Hunters Beach ala Disney World .   Answer:  Nope, just nature.
• Having a family vacation with NO TV.  Once they got over the shock, it was a fun-filled week, and no one missed the noise box.
• Watching the kids climb over the rocks along Ocean Drive for the first time.   Totally in the moment.  Amy, FINALLY not caring what her hair looked like by the end of the week.
• Watching my late husband hoping (in vain) for Thunder Hole to actually Thunder.  Unfortunately all it did was gurgle, and I have the video to prove it.   Giving it a new name:  “Thunderless Hole”.
• The thrill of my stepchildren thinking that wildlife was coming by our cabin each night and eating the apple cores, etc. they kept leaving, when all along it was their father sneaking out after they went to bed and removing the food, and never telling…………

On Cranberry Island

Those are just a few of so many wonderful memories from that trip, among many others.   Don and I enjoyed many more trips to Bar Harbor and Acadia before he died in 2007.   This included another family vacation, trips with a couple of our best friends, my sister and her husband, as well as just the two of us.     And this is where his children and I (accompanied by those same wonderful friends and family that had joined us on other trips)  brought his ashes to be scattered in 2009.   And we were able to introduce  Acadia to the NEXT generation, two of his grandchildren.

Taya and I at Sand Beach

Hunter at Sand Beach

And now here I am, spending the entire YEAR living in this wonderful place.    Remembering so many good times, and spending quality time here to continue to heal and reconnect with life.  Every day I wake up and am so grateful for the gift of this place – Acadia, and for the peace it is bringing to my life.

Sunset over Frenchman's Bay

 

Portrait of a Tree – V

I found this along the edge of Eagle Lake on my hike today, and thought it was just beautiful, the form lent itself to B&W with the ice on the lake.

Driftwood by Eagle Lake

 

“Strangers are friends you have yet to meet”

A question I get asked frequently (a FAQ – hmm, perhaps I need a post called that), is how am I getting to know people in a new area?   In other words, “How do you meet people”?

Moving here happened relatively fast.  My house sold the first week in  October and  I was here in Maine by the end of November.  I was so busy selling the house, selling furniture, having a yard sale, prepping the house for inspection, finding a place to live here, deciding what to ship to Maine (all of seven boxes), and what to store, getting the cats to the vet, etc., etc. I really didn’t have time to think about or worry about how or when  I would meet new people.

Home Sweet Home, my little carriage house apartment

And yes, for those of you that might be wondering – I did not know ANYONE here.

I consider myself a sociable person, but I am not terribly social.  In other words I enjoy people and I am very comfortable being around people, but I have never felt the need to be surrounded by people in my “spare time”, and at this point in my adventure ALL of my time is “spare time”.  And, I find that the older I get the more this is true for me.   I am comfortable with my own company, and I can handle being alone for extended periods of time.   Conversely, I enjoy meeting new people. I enjoy hearing their stories, learning what’s important to them, and what they are feel passionate about.

I came to Maine with  one expectation.   To feel better.   Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. (Read the ABOUT tab for more on that).   Okay, I guess that’s really three expectations.    As to how I was going to accomplish those things, I had no plan, but each day I would write in my journal “I will meet the right people at the right time, and the things I need will come into my life as they are meant to.”  And then I came across this quote which I thought stated my affirmation in even more positive  terms:

“We are each others angels, we meet

when it is time”  Chuck Brodsky

And so I began my journey of creating situations where I could potentially meet people, and at the same time work toward my goal of feeling better.

1.  I started volunteering.    Within the first week of arriving, I stopped in at the Friends of Acadia offices and introduced myself and offered to help in any way needed.     This is a small office of about 10 – 12 full-time people, and they do AMAZING work in supporting the park (follow my link under Blogroll).   They were happy to give me several hours of office type work a week – filing, database entry, and so on.    My second offer to volunteer was at the local library, a place I knew I’d be utilizing.   They were looking for someone to put away books and other materials one afternoon a week.   These activities have proven a  wonderful psychic lift to be able to give of my self in this way AND I am beginning to get to know people through these activities.

2.  I started taking a yoga class.   This was something I wanted to do, working toward my general goal of feeling better.   This has definitely proven to be a synchronicity as my yoga instructor is also a Zen Buddhist priest.   Her philosophy has hit me where I live in numerous ways which will be explored in future blogs.    In addition, I feel more focused, and sleep better since starting these classes.

Yoga studio - second floor - looks out over the harbor, yeah its tough.

3.  I started a photography class.   The local adult ed was offering VERY cost effective courses at the local high school.   While it’s a pretty basic class, it’s nice to be out and meeting some people who also enjoy photography.

4.  Meeting the neighbors.   A little challenging since it’s winter and people aren’t out hanging around sitting on their porches, or working in their yards.  However, I HAVE met my immediate neighbors (living in my building), and we occasionally play scrabble, or one of them accompanies me to yoga class from time to time.   Taking Bam Bam for a walk is also a great way to meet the neighbors, and one of them actually gave me a CASE of canned cat food (they were feeding strays and got in trouble with their son for doing so – ??).    So yes, animals are good for meeting people!!    AND I have wonderful, simply wonderful landlords.

Bam, Bam aka, the people magnet.

Is it always easy?   No, and frankly it’s been a little harder than I thought it would be.  But  I think it’s different as you get older.  People in my age group are more established in their patterns and routines.    They have many commitments and responsibilities that require their time and attention.   Am I lonely?   Sometimes, but no more lonely than I before I moved here.   And I feel positive about being here because I am giving myself the gift of time to reconnect with life.

Bottom line.   After four and one half years of being a widow I continue to adaptto  this new and different life.   Part of it is learning to be comfortable with yourself, and to release yourself (and others) of expectations of how you and they “should” interact.   I have learned that true friendships are often those that arrive in your life when you least expect them.   And I think it’s the “not expecting” part that makes those friendships work so well.

Will I gain some “true friends” here in Maine?  I hope so, time will tell.  In the meantime, I am enjoying my friendship with nature, it is proving to be a wise and loyal friend, this place I love,  Acadia.   What I get from this physical place is more than I will ever be able to give back to it.

The road I'm a travellin on...........

“Old friends pass away, new friends appear.  It is just like the days.  An old day passes, a new day arrives.  The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.”

The Dalai Lama

I would love to hear your favorite quotes or thoughts on friendship!!

Long Pond

“On a such a winter’s day”……………..there was gray sky, bare trees, and white ice, and gray/green mountains.    Not so good for contrast.   So I decided to have some fun with “post production”.

Long Pond on a Winter's Day

Now, a bit of fun

Long Pond - "Winter's Day Abstract"

 

Which do you prefer?

 

Acadia’s Trails – Part I, Introduction

The ice and snow continue to prevent me from doing any hiking on the trails here without investing in some serious winter hiking gear (which I’m not going to do).   My feet are itching to get on them as I’ve been researching the history of various trails around the park and the descriptions of what you will find along the way.

Typical style post used to mark trails

But for now, I’ll need to keep daydreaming and reading.

The story of the trails of Acadia is a long and varied one.   Over the last 200 years the trails have been built, used, burned, rebuilt, closed, neglected, revived and renamed.     For those of us fortunate to visit Acadia today we have the opportunity to hike more than 150 miles of trails across the park and surrounding communities.

Common sight over bog areas - boardwalks

What makes hiking in Acadia so interesting is the variety of hikes you can find in a relatively small geographic area.   There are hikes along the ocean and bay, hikes around ponds and lakes, hikes up rocky cliffs, hikes through quiet woods, hikes along burbling streams, hikes around and over mountains, whatever environment you prefer and whatever your skill (and energy) level, there’s a hike for you.    While the carriage roads are designed for more level walking with few hazards, a typical “true” hike in Acadia is going to involve two things – tree roots and rock to rock climbing.  A good sturdy pair of hiking shoes with good tread is a must if you are going to take on most of these trails.

It is not uncommon to find rocks of this size to scramble over and around on your hikes.

For many years the trails in Acadia were mostly forgotten and/or poorly maintained.  In fact, by the 1970’s and early ’80’s the trails were much maligned by hiking publications around the country.  But fortunately in the late 1980’s a change in direction was adopted and revival of the trail system began in earnest.   Today a strong partnership exists with the National Park service and Friends of Acadia to fund trail restoration and maintenance.   Examples of this are found throughout the system.   Boardwalks erected over wetlands, iron ladders and rungs on trails such as “the Beehive”, and “Precipice, granite steps repaired or replaced, crushed gravel on some level trails, “blue blaze” paint  (love the blue blaze) and rock cairns to mark the trails.

One of the most recent changes has been the restoration of older, “original” trail names so having a current map is most helpful.   Signposts indicating the distance to certain “landmarks” also helps the hiker gauge the distance yet to be covered.

Example of directional post

In part two of this series I will discuss the early history of Acadia’s trail system, beginning with the Native Americans that lived on the island.

 

 

 

 

Patience, Luck, and Focus

On my hike along the ocean this past Friday, I was blessed with a glorious day – sunshine, breezy, a temperature of 40 degrees (unlike the 8 degrees it is as I write this 48 hours later).   The tide was coming in and the sky was that brilliant Maine winter blue, which turns the ocean into a beautiful shade of blue.    This generally means you can catch some good surf photos………if you are patient enough.

How well I remember “the old days” of burning through 10 rolls of film in hopes of getting a few good shots.   Certainly one of the greatest joys of digital is the ability to shoot away with impunity.  The only down side,  you have to slog through all those “not so good” (avoid the word “BAD”), photos once they are downloaded on the computer.

But I got pretty lucky today.   Not a huge wave, but a nice hook on the wave and the splash.  Only took about a dozen shots.

Surf near Otter Point

The most exciting part is when you get so caught up in what is happening “down the shore”, that you forget (at least I do) what is happening right next to you.   Almost got wet on this next one, which even though nothing was happening down shore, I heard the breaker and saw the splash out of the corner of my right eye and snapped the picture.   Close call, would have been a chilly walk back to the car!

Watch out for that wave on the right!

 

On the way back, I was graced by a visit from a bald eagle cruising just above the tree line.   Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my telephoto lens on the camera body in time to take a good picture of him, but he was a magnificent creature.   I imagine he was hoping for a red squirrel, or some type of fish (yummm…..eagle sushi).    He flew back around for one more pass at a fairly low altitude before taking off high above the trees.

 

 

Portrait of a Tree – IV – Being aware

A very common sight along the trails of Acadia are tree roots.   They come in all sizes; large and small, and can quickly bring the unwary hiker to their knees (or worse).   While this (need for attention) makes for a good meditative practice, the balancing act is to enjoy the scenery but watch where you are stepping at the same time.       The photo below of this very large pine tree root is a potent reminder of the importance of awareness.

So here is your zen thought for the day:  When I am aware I am fully present.   When I am present I am truly experiencing each moment as it is given to me.   And in experiencing each moment I am living to my potential.