Monday, July 30, 2012

My heart will rise and fall with the tide.

But more wonderful than the lore of old man and the lore of books, is the lore of the ocean.
- H.P. Lovecraft


Have you ever sat at the beach and watched the tide rise, then sit long enough to watch it fall and even rise again? I've been doing that a lot lately. I love low tide. Yes, even the smell. I think it's an incredible wonder to see the water crash high at the top of the beach, pushing rocks and drift wood higher and higher, only to begin to recede once more- leaving the beach bare and vast.


Sunsets on the beach I've got a particular affinity for. Perhaps sunrises would speak to me as well, but the only time I want to watch a sunrise is when I haven't slept the night before. The sunset holds the day you've lived and slowly, though sometimes suddenly, everything is black, your day; gone. Nothing but the night sky and hopes for tomorrow.


I love looking up at the stars and the moon, while listening to waves crash on the beach. It makes me feel insignificant in the most awesome kind of way.


Though the sun sets every night, each time I watch one, I am amazed at the colors; how quickly they change and how brilliant they can be.

If beaches could tell tales, they wouldn't dare, for the tales of the beach are ones no words could ever convey. 



These nights. Oh, these nights won't last forever, but I will hold the memories in my pocket until I wear a hole in it. I will stuff my pockets full of these memories until they are bursting at the seams. 

When I'm old and grey, these are the moments I will recall and hold onto. They will forever linger in the back of my mind.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Greatest Life Sabbatical, ever!


I've been slacking on the updates! It's just been such a fantastic time here, that I haven't been willing to venture off to search out internet to update this! Alas, the time has arrived...

Rockland is truly amazing. The word amazing seems to be losing it's meaning as I have been using it at least a hundred times a day. Nonetheless, this place is magic! I have met some of the most genuine, kind and down to earth people this last week. It's been a whirlwind of kindness. Let's catch up!

Friday I made it a point to go out into town and meet people. And meet people I did! As I sauntered around town Friday evening, I stumbled upon Rockland's monthly Art Walk! It was fantastic wandering around alone, checking out local artists... as the sun set, I headed to a local watering hole and the evening unraveled from there. I met person after person who was just so excited to chat and get to know me, that it really blew my mind. Many phone numbers exchanged and multiple couches were offered to me as havens from the ticks! Most of the people who live in town think I'm just ridiculous for my crazy fear of ticks. However, all of them have been kind to understand my overly irrational fear.

Thursday was the last night I spent in the woods. Packed up my camp over the weekend and have been content to crash wherever anyone will allow.

So long fair woods, you served me well. I'll never forget your kindess... or your ticks!
Saturday afternoon I went down to the water, soaking up every ounce of sun I could, when I ran into ZACH! One of the many people I'd met the night before. He was wandering down the boardwalk, just as I was preparing to leave the boardwalk. Fate! We began walking together and in no time at all, I could tell Zach's friendship was going to bring me much happiness. He's a local soul, who has a great group of friends. They have all welcomed me with open arms, and happily allowed me to infiltrate their circle and lives. Due to these new friendships, I have been on the most excellent adventures!

My days consist of waking up, stepping outside to test just how hot it's going to be, then, usually a stroll around town just to set the tone for the day. Every day is stunning. Maine summers truly are something else. I'm taken aback by the beauty every single day.

Rockland Harbor as seen from a gazebo. My morning views are a variation of this, every day.

As it turns out, climbing things isn't just a passion mine, these Mainers I've encountered are climbing fools! My kind of people! I have climbed buildings, towers and mountains. Yesterday we went on the most majestic hike so far. 

Lake Megunticook, as seen from Maiden's Cliff. 

About 800 feet up from the lake, it makes for the most rewarding hike.

Taking in the sights with Zach and Ian.
Zach!

Maiden's Cliff, as seen from our sweet swimming spot! First we were up, then we were down!


Zach, Corwin and Ian.

So much more to share, but it's time to get back to these guys... don't want to miss a moment of adventure!


Thursday, July 5, 2012

It's official... I'm in Rockland!

Well, it's been an epic journey... to say the least. But 12 days after my departure from Seattle, I arrived in Rockland, Maine! I'm here! Currently sitting in a coffee shop, looking out over the harbor. It's full of sailboats and ferries coming to and from the islands. It's truly magic.

As the bus moved along Route 1, from Portland up to Rockland, the towns became more and more picturesque. I cried as we drove through Wiscasset- it is easily one of the most magical places I've seen to date. Finally, after two hours on the bus, I arrived in Rockland! Final destination, done and done.

I'm rather exhausted at the moment and have a ton of stuff to do before nightfall... but here's the quick gist of it all.

I've been staying in the woods. Night one, in a cabin w/o electricity and running water. It's magic. Night two, I stayed in a quintessential Maine beach cottage. Night three (tonight), I sleep in my tent, alone in the woods.  I have no internet (except when I pop into a coffee shop in town) and my phone service doesn't exist up here. So email, this blog and my google voice number are my only forms of communication... and those are few and far between, as I am literally living in the woods! 

This is Rockland Harbor in Penobscot Bay
Jacob's cabin in the woods. 

I've been wearing this since I left Seattle. Maine has reassured me that it's the only thing I need.

The first place I went when I arrived. Met the locals. More about that in another entry.

The outside of the cabin.

Jacob's garden, he so graciously allowed me to work in! 

More of the garden. So much is growing. Everything from his hands. It's amazing to eat meals you watch come directly out of the ground, planted and tended to by the person you're sharing the meal with... magical.

I'm glad to be away from the city. I'm glad to be surrounding myself with people who allow life to move at a slower pace. Who live to find happiness for themselves and those they care about. It's a different lifestyle here and I'm welcoming it with open arms. One day at a time. But now it's time to get some things done about town. Much love! More updates to come!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Jesus never smoked cigarettes

“the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” 

Cassie, Crystal and Corey, you are my mad ones. Thank you for spurring on my madness, every day. 

I find Jack Kerouac to be a kindred spirit. Not surprising. His words are like pollen and I a honey bee, buzzing about, drinking up every ounce that I can. Not everyone sees the world the way he did, but his words are my gospel. It eases my mind when I realize I too have nothing to offer except my own confusion

When I’m traveling- as in actually moving- I am listening to music. Depending on what city and my mood, the albums vary. However, the two albums that are on repeat (even at this moment) the majority of the time are Hey Marseilles’ To Travel and Trunks and Alison Krauss & Robert Plant’s Raising Sand. The magnificent strings, coupled with lyrics romanticizing travel and love have me smiling the whole way across this fair country. I don't know what I'd do without my giant headphones and Spotify.

On the way I will go, 
Where the days left to breathe
Are not gone, are still long
I am traveling on…