Good Fortune

Elizabeth and I recognize our good fortune – we live in Maine, an unbelievably beautiful state.  We started Idyllworks because we wanted to share what we love about Maine with other women.  What could be better than bringing women together to share in Maine's bounties?  

We so look forward to our first Idyllworks weekend in June; sitting on the porch at Grey Havens watching the lobster boats and seagulls and sun rising and setting.  I can smell the flowers and feel the breeze off the ocean as I write this.  Maine is truly a glorious place. 

Sunrise at Grey Havens on the island of Georgetown

But I gotta be honest.  This time of year, as we head into the true dead of winter – it is harder to appreciate the beauty of our state.  There is not doubt…the winter white of snow weighing heavy on the boughs of pine trees is lovely.  And ice that forms on bare tree branches throws a dazzling array of color when the sun hits it just right.  But the days are short and the nights are long and we begin to the countdown… 89, 88, 87, 86 days… until spring wakes us up from our long winter slumber.

Snow.  Glorious snow.

People say winter is a dormant time.  It certainly feels like we should be slumbering until the snow stops falling and the temperatures rise above 30.  But not true. 

It is this time of year – this long winter time – that brings the true Maine to light.  This is when the real bounties of Maine, beyond its physical beauty, take center stage.  

People in Maine are our true bounty.  And no season shows off people better than winter.  Restaurants are full to the brim, with people in colorful scarves and hats, chattering and munching and drinking and laughing.  Dogs run amuck on snow-covered beaches and ball fields, their owners congregating to ask after each other.  Ice hockey arenas are crowded with devoted fans, young and old alike.  Coffee shops are packed with people leaning over small tables and tall lattes to socialize and strategize and sympathize. 

There is a lot to say for embracing the opportunity to be with each other during the long winters in Maine.  A snowstorm may keep us home and hibernating; but as soon as the roads are clear, we throw on our heavy coats, shovel off our cars and head back out to find our friends and neighbors.

Maine is more than beautiful coastlines.  Maine is its people.  And no season shows off Maine people better than the dead of winter. 

Happy Long Winter - 
pk