It was interesting to read David’s blog and get his perspective on visiting Maine during our visit last week. It was a trip I knew I would make at some point; finally the timing felt right. Initially, it was an idea about how to celebrate my birthday this year. Then when the governor signed legislation that would include the possibility of marriage into the mix, we started making plans. Unfortunately the voters overturned the legislation… fortunately, we took the trip anyway.
What can I say about a place where my combined vacationing and setting up residence and business spanned 25 years? It is the closest I have to calling any place home. For those who know me from Y360 days and followed my adventures at the end of time there, you know the mixed feelings I had. By the time I left, I truly believed that the island was as ready for me to leave as I was to leave it. The turbulent experience of my last years there certainly colored my perspective and it really felt like it was time to go. I had sold my business, I had kicked out my sociopath of a partner, I had a temporary place to live, I could not find a job… there was little to hold me there. Once I met David, the rest is, as they say, history.
So what would be my experience going back four years later? I was not sure what to expect. There were too many places to go, too many people to see… it was becoming more of a reunion tour than a vacation. I had to approach it like a vacation and let the fates do what they would. The fates were kind. Blissfully moderate weather, encountering a few good friends (missing a whole lot more) visiting favorite places (missing out on many others), and a general reminder of why I lived there.
What can I say about a place where my combined vacationing and setting up residence and business spanned 25 years? It is the closest I have to calling any place home. For those who know me from Y360 days and followed my adventures at the end of time there, you know the mixed feelings I had. By the time I left, I truly believed that the island was as ready for me to leave as I was to leave it. The turbulent experience of my last years there certainly colored my perspective and it really felt like it was time to go. I had sold my business, I had kicked out my sociopath of a partner, I had a temporary place to live, I could not find a job… there was little to hold me there. Once I met David, the rest is, as they say, history.
So what would be my experience going back four years later? I was not sure what to expect. There were too many places to go, too many people to see… it was becoming more of a reunion tour than a vacation. I had to approach it like a vacation and let the fates do what they would. The fates were kind. Blissfully moderate weather, encountering a few good friends (missing a whole lot more) visiting favorite places (missing out on many others), and a general reminder of why I lived there.
Like David’s observation, no matter where you start out, you find yourself surrounded by natural beauty and get drawn in to the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of nature. This place was, and remains sacred ground for me. The reminders of why I left paled into insignificance against the backdrop of mountains and ocean, the smell of salt air and pine, the quiet that allows solitude to nourish the spirit. All of this and more graced us on our time there. But the best part was just that – us. For the first time, I was able to share the experience of the place I call home.
It seems you can go home again.
It seems you can go home again.
3 comments:
"For the first time, I was able to share the experience of the place I call home." I am just so happy for both of you!
It definetly was a pleasure meeting the two of you. I will treasure that for a long time.
I'm really happy that you shared with David what was a huge part of your life, and part of what makes you who you are.
Kim and I have contemplated a return vacation to Bar Harbor, but have resisted if only because nothing could ever match, let alone exceed, the first visit - the visit when we met you and began a wonderful and special friendship with you. If you were still there, we would return in a heartbeat, but we know that any return now that does not include you as the Maples Inn innkeeper would simply be a disappointment. We would rather keep the memories we made as they are, rather than spoil them by attempting to re-create the magic of that first visit. Someday, maybe, but not now...
And, here's my shameless plug for a visit to Iowa from you and David - Iowa DOES allow for you two to be married. You're welcome to visit any time. I'd make a very good Best Man!
Happy Birthday, Thom!
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