Acadia Solitude

Today we savored every bit of Autumn color still left along the park loop road in Acadia.  

Pink granite, stone arches and glowing foliage were all there to welcome us back.

Gathering clouds and faded foliage were plentiful.  

It made us realize how much we had missed it here.  

Counting ourselves lucky to have this treasure close by.    

We were so happy to be back here once again. 

 Acadia reopened today and we were there!  

December in Maine

As this Christmas Day comes to a close I realize how very blessed we are to be surrounded by so much beauty, and wanted to share some pictures I have taken during our walks this month.    

Just a short post to let you know I'm still around even though my posts are few and far in between.  I hope this day finds you feeling well loved and nurtured.  Sending out Merry Christmas Wishes to you from our little corner of the world.

The Post Where You Learn That I Can Really Talk Up A Blue Streak

After selling our lobster boat, Fearless, I had been struggling with continuing on with this blog.  Because after all Fearless was the whole inspiration for my blog title.  Then out of the clear blue I received what I believe was the answer I was looking for in the form of 2 separate emails from 2 very lovely ladies whom I have never met, nor even knew were reading my blog.  Their emails came in within a day of each other, the first from Georgia, and the second one from Las Vegas.  I must tell you they were both so encouraging and complimentary to me, that I decided right then and there that this was the sign I had been looking for, never even realizing it would come to me with such clarity!   So I suppose what I'm trying to say is, it looks like y'all are stuck with me now.  Thank you Linda and Kathleen!!

So on to the fun stuff that's been happening around here.  Just last week I met Kate from the lovely blog she writes known as Chronicles of a Country Girl.  I was just so giddy and wound up to finally meet her, as I have been such a fan of her writing and photography since I first found her here in blog land.  I liked her instantly, and so did Henri AND our parrot Simon who never lets anyone but me pet him.  Before I could even warn her about that, we discovered he just calmly sat right there on his perch while she reached over to pet him!

When Kate asked to take a picture of Henri and I, we couldn't help but feel a little special watching her photograph us.  Let me tell you, that lady knows her way around a camera and we felt a little wowed by seeing her in action. I noticed that Kate really didn't take a whole lot of pictures, but rather she was selective of what she photographed and I thought that was so cool, since I think she instinctively knows just where to stand and just what to capture when.  I so enjoyed every single minute I got to spend with her! 

Oh and then my Mom even got to meet her.  My former "blog shy" Mom, who unexpectedly gave me permission to post a picture of her now.  I think meeting Kate in person convinced her that blog friends are normal, harmless people after all and are really not the axe murderers we often worry are lurking out there.   So,  here is my first ever blog-shared pic of my Mom and my step Dad sitting high atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, where we recently went together when my step Brother was visiting from Florida. 

I really adore this shot I got of my step Dad digging into his long awaited lobster dinner after having dragged them around all day sight seeing.  If you only knew how much he enjoys a good lobster! 

And here's a shot of my step Brother Karl at a lovely place known as Grindstone Neck.  He's right down there on the shore taking in the last bit of that cool ocean breeze on the last day of his visit before heading back into Florida's much steamier climate. 

Some scenes from Seawall in Acadia National Park where we recently went for a picnic.  You just couldn't get a better view like this in even the most upscale of restaurants.  I always revel at the thought that I can sit and gaze out on vistas such as this while we are dining.  And to think the scenes are free for the taking! 

Going back even further, here are a couple shots I took while visiting our newly organized local Farmer's Market right up the road from us.  I was struck by the artistry of the vendors and their offerings.  A simple display of organic eggs.  Notice the subtle difference in shades. 

And some early lettuce, vividly accented with a delicious sprinkling of edible violas. 

So for now, I'll leave you with a scene from right here in Sorrento. 

And I encourage you to pop over to a recent post Kate wrote after her visit here.  I thought it was so lovely, and not just because she included images of me and Henri there, but because I simply admire looking at  Sorrento from what she was able to capture through her lens. 

If you're still reading this, I thank you for sticking with me and perhaps if I just post more often I won't feel the need to stuff so much into one post.  But for now, you're almost caught up with our goings on.  Just wait 'til you see the tiny backyard greenhouse that Henri and I just finished putting together today.  But first, we're off on the never ending search for a good used truck to replace the one that Toyota recently bought back from us due to a frame recall.  More about that later!  Did I tell you how good it feels to be back on here blogging?  Thank you all so much for encouraging me with the comments you always leave me! 

Scenes From Our Sunday Hike With Friends

 We started off with a leisurely stroll at Asticou Azalea Garden in Northeast Harbor.   

Well, actually after a hardy brunch we got as far as the parking lot before we dug into our little white bakery take out bags. 

Ever notice how fresh air makes you hungry?

The day was glorious, yet still a bit chilly in the shade. 

But we had places to go and things to see. 

Maintenance had to be called in at one point though. 

When someone made a footprint in the Japanese Zen garden. 

At least that's what I think I saw happen.  Not that I have any incriminating evidence. 

As you see, I was too busy taking pictures.  

Creating enough havoc in the garden for one day, we decided to head over to Acadia to do the 3 mile loop around Jordan Pond. 

I'm not saying we had a "whiner" with us, but at one point I heard him muttering about his leg being broken and that there was no way this was only 3 miles.  (We found it best just to ignore him.)  What would we do without our Danny constantly entertaining us though?  We love you man!

We did a lot of picture taking and posing against this gorgeous backdrop. 

Henri checking the water temp.  Still cold. 

A rustic bridge at the half way point. 

View from the bridge looking up from the right. 

Oh I almost forgot this shot Diane took of us posing at Northeast Harbor at the beginning of our day. You can just make out the tight grip Henri has on that white bakery bag. 

What a great time we had enjoying a hike with friends. 

  And communing with nature. 

A Study In Color

Fall colors I've captured this week from a few of our favorite places here in Maine.   The crimson of the blueberry barrens in Franklin, not far from Sorrento.

 Lily Bay Road overlooking Moosehead Lake up in Greenville.    

Seemingly taken in the wilderness, yet just 1 mile from the hubbub of downtown Dexter.

Asticou Azaela Garden in Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island. 

From Great Head Trail in Acadia National Park overlooking Sand Beach and the Beehive. 

My first painting from an art class I started today in Ellsworth.  

 

Ok that was painful, but necessary, so I will be sure to show you my progression attempt to paint something that won't make me wince when I look at it.  The class I am taking is Adult Finger Painting, taught by my friend Helen Douglas.  If you are local and want to join in the fun you can contact Helen at (207) 664-9559.  Take a look here to see some of Helen's amazing finger paintings.