Life as I know It

My photo
San Luis Obispo, California, and South Bristol, Maine, United States
Author ~ Illustrator ~ Lecturer

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Sea Wind


Pushed open the front door, which was swollen from the rain, and walked into the living room. The scent of the sea, woodsmoke, and balsam fir mingled and stirred memories of all our good times. The sea wind blew through the screen door and scoured the room with its aroma.


My art table. And the view is of...


Pemaquid Point, John's Bay, and the Atlantic.


Clean studio, but not for long


Already cluttered with work (which I love). I am finishing art and copy editor queries on my Random House/ Delacorte Press book, Running Out of Night, due to be released Fall 2014. Also working on my 1928 book about children who live on a Maine island. The days are NEVER long enough.


The fog lifted and...


... there were boats everywhere.


and a new friend stopped by for lunch.  So, I'll get to know him and also try to catch up with your welcome e-mails and letters. They lift my spirits. Thanks for keeping in touch.

And the winner of the wonderful Greek Revival from the Garden cookbook by Patricia Moore-Pastides is Liz, signed on as "Anonymous." Liz, please contact us with your e-mail address. Thanks and congratulations!


Look in the August issue of This Old House magazine for the article about Sprig, my garden shed. The article also features herb drying tips and other secrets of a passionate (obsessed) herb gardener.


Faretheewell,

Sharon



38 comments:

Pondside said...

I'm on my way to town for a walk along the sea wall - will pop into the book store to look for that issue.
I love how you've captured the wonderful sense of being home by the sea - the Atlantic IS different from the Pacific. This Blue Noser knows the difference! I can smell it too.

Anonymous said...

The beauty of your surroundings will surely help heal the nasty shingles you suffered, so glad you are back doing what you love,

Vee said...

Welcome home, dear Sharon...the cottage is looking lovely and even more so now that you're there. Hope that you have a lovely summer!

Julie Marie said...

Hello sweet cousin... your home by the sea looks so peaceful and inviting and your description of it all is so lovely as only you can do... I love your beautiful views of the ocean... congratulations to Liz!... and please give a little chipmunk kiss to your new little friend from me!... adorable!... no one around here has that magazine yet, I will try to order one online... much love to you, enjoy your days by the sea... xoxo Julie Marie

La Table De Nana said...

Hope you are feeling so much better~
Just being there seems a magic tonic to me~:)

Nellie said...

Ah! To be in Maine! What a lovely respite! Of course, you will be working, though I am sure you will take time to enjoy the sea air.

Congratulations to Liz!

Hugs,
Nellie

rebecca said...

Oh, I could almost catch a whiff of that wonderful sea air! What a beautiful place to finish the work on your book. And that view!!!!!!

Pom Pom said...

I've missed you! Oh, the views of Maine! I've only been there once (Bar Harbor) and I LOVED it so much. I'm excited about your kid book! Your studio is so lovely!

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Glad you both arrived safely to Maine! Hope to get up to visit with you two some year. This year we ran out of time. The Herbal Husband is in LA visiting his family. I'm holding down the fort or something here in the 'Burgh. Made 5 batches of various basil jellies today! xo

AnaGF said...

It's good to have you back, I was already missing your posts.

Mim said...

Looks like a perfect place to work, dream, write, and enjoy. have a lovely time.

Sonia said...

Your view is inspiring! Love your place and your garden shed is wonderful!
Miss Bloomers

kj said...

Ah yes welcome back xo

Email coming but I couldn't resist yippying at your arrival here.

Big grin
Love
kj

Lili said...

Oh goody goody you're here!!! I am just now getting to catch up on all the posts I have missed from you. Welcome back to Maine Sharon. Hoping the days slow way down for you beginning now! Your place looks amazing. xoxo

Michelle said...

A beautiful studio! Maine is such a lovely state!

Low Tide High Style said...

Welcome home, and what a lovely place to come back to. Congratulations to the winner and to you for your recent article.

Kat

Lorrie said...

Your studio looks like a cheerful place in which to work. The view is stunning - I hope it's also inspiring.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful place. The view from your art table is inspiring.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Sharon,
I am so envious of your Maine home! It's just perfect!
I saw the spread in This Old House, I just loved it!
Enjoy your time there, I know I would.
Hugs friend,
Cindy

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Nice to see you again. Glad you and your hubby made it safely to Maine. Your home is sweet, your views oh so lovely.

Love and hugs to you ~ FlowerLady

Pat said...

Such a heartfelt description of fragrances that greeted you as the seaside cottage door opened...it must be a very dear place for you and the image of your creative space would motivate everyone if they could only break away from taking in the view!! Wishing you hours of happiness.

Must find the new copy of This Old House!!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Beautiful! I'd even (temporarily) say goodbye to my cornfields and forest for a gorgeous view like that.

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

Oh what a glorious view. I love your studio. I can see where you get your inspiration from!

Balisha said...

Welcome back...Looking forward to all of your creations.
Balisha

Bill said...

Wow. I wonder how you get any work done in a place as beautiful as that.

Anonymous said...


Dear Sharon,

Well now I'll never get to sleep tonight. I was just on my way to bed and decided to check and see if you had arrived in Maine. As usual, once I've started reading your most recent entry, I can't stop until I've read clear through to the last word. I was delighted to see I had won the "Greek Revival from The Garden" cookbook by Patricia Moore-Pastides. What a lovely book to look forward to enjoying, learning, and trying some new recipes.

Funny how an unexpected surprise lifts the spirits, and energizes the mind. Thank you for this surprise. Hope I can settle down and get to sleep tonight. Can't wait to explore this new book.

Welcome Home! Liz

Kay G. said...

I have a dream, I want to stay at your place one day in Maine...and I have a way of making my dreams come true!
What an ideal place for someone who loves the majesty of nature!
Fantastic photos!

Vicki Boster said...

Sharon- if there was ever a place where I could lock myself away and patiently treasure every minute- every hour-- this is surely it.
It's easy to see why this place feeds your sour of creativity. To throw open those doors and welcome in the winds that blow across the sea is pure bliss. I could be so happy there to work and create-- or I could sit and do wonderful blissful NOTHING.
Sigh---
Vicki

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Vicki dear,

I am imagining that someday you'll be here and enjoying this with us. You two travel so much. Surely this is on one of your routes.

All joys,

Sharon

Pondside said...

I swear I left a comment here, but perhaps I'm losing it!!
I recall saying that you have captured the feeling I have on the east coast - the very air. It's different from the Pacific coast in every way.

jerilanders said...

I am looking forward to the release of your book. I saw your article in This Old House (one of the few mags I have a subscription to) It was great!

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Jeri,

Thanks for stopping by. I am always amazed by your art work and your animal connection. Thanks for inspiring all of us!

Love,

S

Terra said...

I like your description of the scents as you open up your Maine home. I can see you have two writing projects on your plate.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Terra,

You're right! Actually, I have three, but one is in the very beginning stages. How about you??

S

Jenny said...

Just found you at Vicki Boster's. Your blog is so refreshing! I'm now a follower. xo Jenny

Unknown said...

Welcome back to the shorelines Sharon and Jeff! Loved reading about your getting settled in at your little cottage...We have enjoyed some time in our little Sea Horse this summer as well... So happy you get to enjoy the salt air in the East this year!
Much love and congrats on your new projects too!
Deb and Boz

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Deborah Jean,

Thanks for stopping by. I am loving every second and find myself glancing up from the computer and my drawing table every five seconds. What beauty...and I am so grateful.

Happy to think of you and yours at your little cottage.

Joys,

S

Susan said...

How inspirational! Your view is just spectacular and I'm missing my lake as I look out onto trees that surround the rental we're living in. I'm also waiting for my copy that is probably behind due to forwarded issues, but should arrive this week. Happy days in Maine, dear friend, XOXO