First Person
Postcards from Maine
I like to keep busy—at least that’s what I say, as if trying to convince myself. I actually do like to keep busy. But over time, busy-ness can build up and tangle, until the shoulders reach the ears and all your dreams are the ones where you have to take a test in a class you didn’t know you’d registered for. It’s been a hectic summer, and I was feeling a little raggedy.
And then I went to Maine. Specifically, Brooklin, Maine, where E. B. White once rambled and wrote. Dear pals have been visiting there since they were itty bitty. This was the year I got to go with them and see what it was all about.
Oh boy. I get it now, the Maine thing. There is something about spending a few days in the forest and by the sea, padding along trails cushioned by lacy pine branches and baroque moss formations and speckled with the shells of crabs and sea urchins dropped by birds and slowing turning green. The heart rate slows, the shoulders unclench, and one simply follows the pals, who know the way.
We sailed past seals on a wooden boat, got a little sunburned and didn’t care, and took morning walks past farmsteads and potteries.
On the last day, wanting to get in one more kayak ride, we paddled against the current to a little island. After hoisting myself out of my stubby banana-colored bark, I stood barefoot on sharp shells and was persuaded to plunge into 53 degree water wearing shorts and a bra that was definitely not passing as a swim top.
It was divine. I need more of this in my life, especially the part where the pals and I turn our faces to the wind, or the sun, or the cold water, and just breathe. Not to get all new-agey or anything, but it’s healing. It’s strengthening.
So, how to replicate this physical and spiritual elevation back home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan? I’ll start by trying to tone down the thing where I yell at bikes on the sidewalk. That doesn’t seem to be having a great effect on me or the bikers.
Hopefully I’ll work my way up to an urban bra-as-swim-top moment, as and when an opportunity presents itself.
Guess who I got to meet up with at the Brooklin General Store?
None other than Maine’s foremost wool expert and tourism booster, Clara Parkes.
P.S. Also, ultimately, a moment of zen: working this swatch in my nemesis technique, The School of Making style of satin stitch. It took me five days to get my hand and eye to a working understanding of the concepts of “parallel” and “1/16 inch” but I was almost there by the end. It kept me … busy.
So beautifully written, I feel that Maine state of mind just reading this. I too, am in Maine on the regular though further south. The minute we start driving down the hill towards our destination and see the ocean, my body relaxes. Something about Maine is so soothing to the soul and you nailed it.
Thank you. I needed that.
Maine has been on my bucket list for about 20 years and we finally made it in July-August. Your words beautifully describe my Maine experience! This was our first trek to Maine but won’t be the last. We are already planning for next year!
There’s nothing like a cold water plunge, especially in your undies. I’m heading to Vermont next week with a keen eye toward such fortifying opportunities.
I remember when you convinced Yvonne to do that with you at Shakerag. Fun memories.
I felt a connection to Maine on my first visit November 1976. A year later I married the guy who brought me, and the next spring we moved here to see if we could make a life. Forty-seven years later the answer is still yes. I try not to take that wise decision or our good fortune for granted. It’s fun to see our home in the eyes of “someone from away.” Thank you for the reminder that we are lucky to call Maine “home.”
Sharon
Ah-Maine.
If we’d only known, we’d have invited you sooner!
P. S. Did Clara take you for a soft serve at Bagaduce Lunch?
I missed my Maine visit this year and your words brought me right there! Maine is extra special and even better when you have friends to share it with.
Ahhh, coastal Maine! What a wonderful time you had. Lucky for me, I’m flying from the west coast to Maine today, then next week in Vermont. Your post was a taste of what’s ahead!
Kay—next time you are in midcoast Maine, please stop for coffee and heavenly pastry at Downshift Coffee in Belfast. The cafe is on Main Street down by the harbor and is owned by my son! He regularly wins awards for his coffee!
And pick up,a hank( or two) at Heavenly Yarns while you are there! Coffee and yarn, pretty great combo!
I will do that next time and there will be a next time! Belfast is near the sleepaway camp my kids went to. Good memories.
We stop at Downshift Coffee every year on our way to & from downeast – the coffee is great and people there are lovely! Years ago it was quite hot when we stopped in and we needed water for our thirsty dog so asked for a coffee cup we could fill. The barista insisted that wouldn’t be enough and found a quart bottle that she filled up for us so we’d have more for our dog later in the day. Such small kindnesses make up the best part of travel memories.
I’ve been there! Wonderful!
I am leaving tomorrow for our camp in Maine to close up for the winter. It’s my happy place! We are hours north of you, but it is calm and beautiful and cell service is sketchy. Knitting, sewing, hiking and paddling are on my agenda.
Have the best time!
Love this, Kay. I live near the coast in Maine, and it is always interesting to see the comments from visitors who come here to relax. I fight the same day-to-day busy-ness you do in NYC, and these comments are reminders to not only appreciate the nature around me (which I do!), but to actually slow down for part of each day to make “anti-busy-ness” a goal. Thanks for your postcard.
You got it!
Pine needle paths. Rocks. Water. Shells. Cold water plunges in your underwear.
Unbusyness.
You guys look so chill together. Must be the Maine effect! Along with the beautiful outdoor light and brightly-colored clothing. An upbeat vibe for sure! Thanks for this postcard, Kay!
I was going to say you had the Clara life!
I did, for five days!
I stumbled upon Brooklin several years ago. Being from Alabama, it was like nothing I had experienced before. I get it!
Glorious photos! Maine has now moved to the top of my bucket list. At a time when my shoulders have now permanently attached themselves to my ears, I need this. Maine sounds like self-care at its finest. Thank you so much!
Ah, Maine… someday. Sounds like a lovely getaway!
Oh man, I love that swatch!!
Maine is absolutely beautiful! I have not been to Brooklin but it’s one of those places I was shocked to see if actually looks like all the pictures…with the lakes, hills and trees….ahhhh.
I do think it’s important to remind ourselves to just stop what we’re doing for a few minutes a day…find a tree to hug (or a houseplant if that’s what’s close), breathe, and enjoy stillness. It’s so good for our brains and keeps thise shoulders a little below our ears. Wonderful trips are fabulous…but don’t wait for them to relax.
Love these snippets! And the pictures are divine. I’ve never really got a handle on Maine and where to go, but now Brooklin is on my list. Cold plunges yes! And as a Dane I’d have to say that it’s even better after sauna.
Fun story: the first time I met Clara Parkers was ages ago at the Strand near Union Square Manhattan where she was doing a talk on her new book. It was being filmed and I got a chance to tell her about my fave Danish knitting designer and yarn producer Marianne Isager who travelled all over the world for her projects and books. A friend from Nyborg Denmark (now owner of Hesselstrik) who I hadn’t seen in ages sent me a screenshot of me sitting on the front row at the Strand: “hey I love Clara too”, she said. The world is small. And now I must go and find the pattern/instructions for the school of making satin stitch.
That little stretch around Blue Hill, Ellsworth, Brooklin–it’s just the right balance of quiet but with stuff to do when you feel like a spot of people watching. On our way out we went to the Courthouse Gallery in Ellsworth to see work of local artists (some in their 90s!), really a good gallery and such a relaxed vibe. https://courthousegallery.com/artists/
My sister’s family has a place further “Downeast” from Ellsworth. She would always take me to Blue Hill and Brooklin when I visited. The Schoodic Peninsula is one of my favorite spots, too! Maine is my favorite state after my now home of Colorado. Glad you got to see Clara!
Hey: Ellsworth is my hometown, and boy, what a great spot. This has been a summer of many swims in that zippy water for me–glad you enjoyed.
We need a knit retreat there! I went to Washington for the Indie Untangled Wellspring retreat this month. Same vibe! But Maine sounds like a perfect fit.
So inspiring!!! Another great Maine spot is Waterstruck, a sauna and hot tub outdoor spa-like space for relaxation, including a cold plunge. We loved our visit there. They also raise ducks, fwiw
Sounds like a fun time was had by all. There’s nothing like hearing the soft rush of waves on the shore while pine needles are crunching under your feet and a soft breeze is blowing away the mosquitoes as you meander along a path under the trees. Ahhhh.
Sounds like heaven. Can I go to?
Thank you for your lovely essay, Kay!
One thing I constantly delight in about MDK posts is that everyone can really write.
It’s always such a pleasure to read what appears here. I know from experience, Kay, that you and Anne are great with the pen, but this essay from Maine was a special treat, and the focus timely. We all need these restorative experiences. And I figured you were in Clara territory by the vistas and sure enough you were! Great photo of you two 🙂
Thank you, Kay. My long ago relatives came from the Maine/Canada border often moving from one town over to the next country and staying for a while then back to the US. They were probably loggers because that’s what they continued doing when they moved cross country to the West Coast. Even though I am 79 1/2 you have renewed my interest in finding the Edinger/Craig/Burns/Prescott Homestead.
I’ve lived in Maine most all my life but in the often unnoticed northern tip in Aroostook County. Thank you for sharing your joy. I’m not surprised you found some. By the way, it’s not New Age – that sense of comfort here has a timeless existence. I checked out the comments to discover some new places to visit the next time I travel to the coast. Also, it is closer for me to cross the border to buy my favorite yarn in New Brunswick, Canada. Another great place to visit.
Now that’s my idea of a cold plunge! Thanks for the vicarious visit. Maine is the main thing!
Well of course you and Clara found each other, like two magnets!
Dear Kay, please come to Northern California some time. We have redwoods. Bring Clara with you. Nobody will insist you plunge into cold water in your underwear – though I did get drenched heat to foot launching a kayak into Monterey Bay once.
I have been up there a few times, including once at Sea Ranch long ago. I would love to revisit that stunning coast.
I live just down the coast on Mount Desert Island. You described our coast and state of mind perfectly. I started cold water dipping during the pandemic and continue today – we do it all year long. Nothing like getting into the 30 degree water on a 10 degree February day to really wake up all your senses!
I moved from West Buxton ME 34 years. This brought up a huge wave of homesickness! It’s true that being born in ME and growing up around Sebago Lake, living there it was easy to take it for granted. Thank goodness I still have family there I can visit.
I felt like I had a vacation reading your post!
Can I come along next time?
Dear Kay
As soon as I see your name on the headline, I know my well will be filled for the day.Do so enjoy your humor! Living next door to Maine(in New Brunswick), we drive quite regularly thru mid Maine on our way to the White Mountains. I love that feeling
We get as soon as we cross the border….an adventure to somewhere that’s not home and where they maybe do somethings alittle differently. I recognize that feeling you got going to Maine….I get a similar feeling as I come off the Link onto PEI where Island Vibes kicks in….stay well, stay sane everyone!
We so love Mount Desert Island, and haven’t been there since before the Covid years. Thank you for stirring me to remember that visceral shift that coastal Maine offers. It is a place that lets us remember breathing, walking, listening, creating. Maybe MDK could plan a Maine retreat with Clara Parkes!
Sounds like heaven!
Brooklin is a special place indeed! Next time you go, order takeout lobsters (fresh caught! they’ll cook them for you!) from the cute Sleigh Bell Shoppe on the road to Blue Hill. And did you poke around the Makers’ Market in Sargentville, next to the great El El Frijoles? I also second the recommendation for the artsy town of Belfast, where you’ll find Heavenly Yarns and Fiddlehead Artisan Supply–both swoon-worthy. Yes, another trip is needed!
A wonderful essay! The satin stitch swatch looks like happy sea shells. Keep them!
From another coast in another country, love to all.
I, too, enjoy the ‘Maine state of mind’ every summer, usually more than once. It is very special!
My new favorite show… Maine Cabin Masters… check it out.. virtual shoulder unclenching!
Maine is my favorite place. Took my best friend to Rhinebeck in 2023 and side tripped to Maine. She had never been there. Acadia Natl Park is a must see. We went down the coast. It did not last long enough but it was magical. Hope it is not too long before I can go again!!
I love it there! My husband built a canoe one summer at the Wooden Boat. Now we spend a week at a camp near Harborside. The best!
Ssh. Don’t tell people too much. Everyone will want to come! Septembers are when we get the state back to ourselves.
Sigh. Maine. My mother has lived in Portland for some decades. Mike and I have been making the trek monthly this year. So many memories and feels. It is a special place. Xox.
……. I’ll start by trying to tone down the thing where I yell at bikes on the sidewalk. That doesn’t seem to be having a great effect on me or the bikers.’
Perfect reminder to me after leaving Maine in the rear view mirror!
Thank you Kay…..
Make sure you put Haystack School of Crafts on your list for your next visit. I was fortunate enough to be a weaving student there back in the early 70’s. It is exceptional in every way especially the view from the top of “ the stairs” . It is etched in my mind forever ,learned to do that while visiting Amish Country once .Whenever I need a break from reality I step back into my Haystack days and all is good…
Brooklin, Maine has been on my bucket list for awhile now. My grandmother was born there, but moved away at a young age after her mother died. That’s all I know, but there are ghosts of ancestors that are reaching out to me, inviting me to come for a visit. Now that I see how beautiful it is, I must make plans for next summer.
My maternal ancestors founded Sedgwick, next to Brooklin. I’ve never been but it’s on the list.
I live on Deer Isle, right across Eggemoggin Reach from Clara! See how close you were? I’m so glad you found this special place. I found it in 1970 on vacation, and it took me four years to move here, but I’ve never even considered leaving. My feet fit better on the ground here. Come back!
thanks for your mention of my adored home state of Maine. I hope you made time to sit and knit near the water….
Welcome to my world–tho mine is inland Maine (about 12 miles in from the coast so I can sniff the air above salt water relatively easily) about an hour and a bit south of Brooklin and Brooksville. When we moved here in 2004 we knew about the beauties of the coast and the maples in autumn, but had no clue that the lakes and hills are as stunningly beautiful or that the blueberry barrens not only rival but probably outshine (literally!) the autumn colors of the trees. The barrens are gasp-worthy (and great color palette inspiration). So glad you finally make it. Keep that scent of pine and balsam and salt air within you!