Life as I know It

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

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Simply Maine


 The clang, clang, clang of the Pemaquid Point buoy is music to me and a soothing balm for my soul. Sometimes you don't need lots of words to convey the meaning and beauty of a place. I'll let my photos  speak for themselves. 


We pass by islands with untold stories.




One of the joys of kayaking and boating is the accessibility to so many islands. We have a trail of islands where you can land and picnic and sometimes even spend the night. 



The home of the legendary Miss Rumphius sits on the point at the end of our island.


The Miles tower above The Miles Fresh Air Camp, which is where our cottage is located. Our cottage was converted from the boy's dorm to a house in 1950. Can you see the long footbridge that leads from our island to Birch Island? We've seen the red fox trotting across this bridge. Imagine having to cart your groceries and luggage across a bridge and up a trail, past gardens, and through woods.


From our porch and my studio we look straight across John's Bay to this tiny red barn/house. It has always fascinated me.


Pemaquid Lighthouse and keeper's house. At night we can see the lighthouse's warning flash
.

Inside Christmas Cove a mama osprey tends her young.


Old Glory swings past our house every other day.


Patience. I am getting to know Audrey, a lovely little chipmunk.


She follows me around and nestles into my robe pocket.



Our road.


Moonrise over Pemaquid as seen from the porch.


Good night moon. Good night friends.








42 comments:

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

So beautiful
I miss the water
A granddaughter working
in Nantucket this summer
and another granddaughter
visiting friends in
Rhode Island.
Thank you for the special
pictures.
I can see and smell the water.

Anonymous said...

what a heavenly spot, you are in paradise, I hope you are well,

Anonymous said...

You are very blessed to have these views of the seas. Very calming and your mind can just roam. Have a great day and evening.

Anonymous said...

So lovely Sharon--enjoy the last days of summer in your lovely corner of the world! ♥
Martha Ellen

La Table De Nana said...

Good night Moon:)

Oh I hope you are feeling so much better..~
I have many chipmunks but they are very skittish..as a child..they came to me.like yours..:)

Here? I think they see how much attention I give the birds and flowers and they are paying me back with indifference:)
I LOVE Maine and it is never simple in it's simplicity is it?
Just..simply magnificent.
Lucky duck to have your home there:)

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Cathy, Yes, I feel very blessed and never take it for granted. Never.

Thanks to you for stopping by and also to "One Woman's Journey." Your words mean so much to me.

S

Nellie said...

What an idyllic spot, Sharon! Love that moonrise!

Hugs,
Nellie

Pat said...

Truly a place to renew the spirits - lovely images all - my favorite? - you walking down the road soaking it all in and sharing with us.

Be well and savor each moment.

Julie Marie said...

Oh Sharon... this looks like Heaven on earth... how I would love to live there... or just visit there... the gorgeous sights and sounds of Nature right before your eyes... I love that old footbridge... and your views are just spectacular... love how the moon reflects on the water... and you look so adorable walking down your road... hello Mama Osprey!... I am totally in LOVE with Audrey!... she is such a sweetie... chipmunk kisses little one!... and too cute she nestles into your robe pocket... of course she can sense how much you love her... thank you for sharing your beautiful serene haven... much love, xoxo Cousin Julie Marie

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I've never seen a chipmunk get so tame. They are usually so shy! Love all of your beautiful views! I would love to live right on the water. Enjoy the last of the summertime.

As the Crowe Flies and Reads said...

That is almost inexpressibly lovely. Thank you for sharing your photographs and musings.

Michelle said...

You have some gorgeous scenery. And, what a sweet chipmunk that you have as a friend :)

Shirley said...

You have a wonderful place there. I really like your photo of the moon over the lake. It's so difficult to capture a scene like this and do it justice but you did. I have yet to master that.

Susan said...

Now, those photos make me smile. Enjoy your time in paradise, dear friend, XOXO

Pom Pom said...

Hi Sharon! How cute! YOU must send happy and calm vibes to Audrey! She's so sweet! I love Maine. I have only been there once, but I was captivated by the beauty!

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

What a beautiful post and magical place to enjoy! I feel the serenity and peace just reading your post--Thank-you for that!!

Lydia said...

The chipmunk feels your enchantment.
Good night moon. Goodnight stars. Good night good friend.

Blondie's Journal said...

Sharon, I'm so happy to be visiting today, the beautiful pictures of the views you have there in Maine just lifted my spirits! I have been so behind on visiting, I didn't realize how much I have missed out on. I hope you are feeling better these days, you were quite ill the last time I heard from you.

I love the pictures of you with Audrey, how trusting these little creatures can be when we are kind and patient! I think you have a friend for life there! :)

Wishing you all the best and I hope you are enjoying the joys of summer as it winds down!

XO,
Jane

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear, dear Sharon ~ What a lovely post about this beautiful bit of paradise where you live. I love the photos of you and little Audrey, and the one of you walking down your road.

Thank you for sharing bits of your peaceful life there in Maine.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

Melody said...

*sigh*...just beautiful....
and a chipmunk in your pocket too, now that's magic. :))))

Sharon Lovejoy said...

I have loved hearing from all of you souls with similar loves. YES!

Shirley, though the moon looks like it is rising over a lake, it is actually John's Bay (near the end where bold Atlantic is). This was a calm, calm night with high, high tides that flooded across the little one lane road pictured (Jeff took that when we were out on one of our many walks, they keep me sane!).

Joys to you all,

Sharon

kj said...

So now I am going to introduce myself to a certain chipmunk in my yard . Now why didn't I think of doing that before I saw you patiently ready to meet half way? :-)

I love this post. It might be my favorite. I am so blanking glad you are there and it's clearly everything anyone could hope for. Beautiful inspiring photos

Thinking about sept schedule. Thinking thinking......

Love
kj

Vee said...

Exquisitely beautiful...your days sound tranquil and serene as you must yourself be to gain the trust of your chipmunk friend. (Yes, I can imagine the toting. It is the down side of such joys.)

Patti said...

Very calming, very soothing, very lovely!

Sharon Lovejoy said...

KJ,

Remember when Winnie the Pooh said, "Think, think, think, think." I laughed when I read your comment.

I am so glad to be here. More than grateful, prostrate with gratitude.

Love,

S

Lori ann said...

oh sharon i am in awe. i know how much you love this place. i love it too now, seeing these photos, i almost felt there.

i have to tell you my youngest (hannah rose who lives in brooklyn) was just there, after staying a week, she left for home this morning. she sent me dozens of photos and videos. she couldn't stop describing the beauty of maine. she went to mount vernon on lake torsey. my favorite photo was of her feet, lying in a hammock at the waters edge, the cabin they were staying in, in the background.

do you ever go in winter? it must be magical there then too!

xxxxxxxxxxxx lori

Anonymous said...

What a truly beautiful area. I really enjoyed looking at your pictures, and hearing about these places; I like the interesting sounding names. And a chipmunk too!

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Lori Ann,

Oh, dang, Hannah Rose was here?? I would love to meet her and share our part of heaven with her.

We are savoring every second. Our night walks under the stars are heartbreakingly beautiful. We stare at the skies, the water, the birds, and let it seep into our souls.

You and Chuck would love it here. We are hoping KJ and J come up, but it might need to wait till she is totally healed and back to KJ's version of normal. Right?

I always dip into your gorgeous posts, but like others, sometimes I move on without commenting. But, I always love them.

Sending a hug to you,

Sharon

Lori from Indiana said...

Dear Sharon,
In a stuffy, hot, classroom your photos brought a magical sense of relief. Thank you for sharing! Hugs and kisses to you and Audrey.
Blessings -

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Lori dear,

So happy to see your name flash onto the screen.

Audrey is well. She jumps up onto my rocking chair and I can pet her and ruffle her, but cannot cup my hand around her. Too much like me grabbing her, which I wouldn't do.

Thanks a million for the visit. Chin up and deliver your Loriness to those children.

Love,

S

Tammy said...

Simply lovely!

Tammy

rebecca sweet said...

Thank you for the morning smile, Sharon. What a lovely slice of heaven you've shared with us. :)

Maria said...

Well, I am truly sorry that your introduction to my blog was not a more pleasant experience! Still recovering,but getting there. And I have always said that when we retire, I'd love to find a little place in Maine. My partner is from New Orleans, though and she is sick to death of the prairie Winters, so I've promised her that we will retire in New Orleans. And I will be fine....

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Hi Maria,

We've all been there. Hope you are now on the mend.

S

Lori ann said...

i so wish i would have realized you and jeff were there! hannah absolutely fell in love with maine and can't wait to return! and you are so right, we would LOVE it there too. it sounds like heaven. and even more heavenly, a meet up with friends, you and kj and j!

enjoy these late summer days in your east coast haven! (thank you so much for the kindest words)
xxxxxxxxxxxxx lori

Rachel Lucas said...

Dearest Sharon...I'm late to this post, but no less happy to find it for that! Wonderful pictures...a chipmunk! Of course, we don't have them here. What a darling Audrey looks. Hope the tail end of summer is good to you both..we are fine here, it's been a warm and glorious one for once! Much love xoxo

Bonnie K said...

My husband and I just returned from Denmark. It was there I saw and swam in the ocean for the first time! I am in love. We walked the beach picking up shells and stones. I saw my first starfish. It was amazing. I can see why you would love to live there.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Rachel Lucas,

Can't wait to see you two.

The chipmunk makes my heart melt. I am trying to do lots of photos so that I can paint her in different poses. She is a joy.

Sending love across the sea,

Sharon

jerilanders said...

Miss Rumphius home, how perfect! Glorious photos of Maine, just as I picture it. One of the few states I've never been to. Sweet little chipster! We once had a rescued squirrel who slept in my husbands bathrobe pocket.

Pondside said...

No wonder you make that trek every year. I'd do it just for the moon on the water - different from our Pacific moon.

Autismland Penny said...

Oh those pictures are beautiful! As a girl , I grew up in NH and so miss those wonderful New England sites. Thanks for sharing!

Marcie said...

Beautiful post. I feel as if I took a lovely, much needed, vacation. Thank you for sharing these moments.