Go Away! Be Happy! Life is Good!

I am so pleased to receive all your wonderful responses and comments. If you're serious about visiting Maine, I recommend The Fifth House Lodge for R&R and a workshop. Here's Joan's comments to my blog post and her contact information:

What a great tribute to Maine AND to the benefits of getting away from it all! It’s important to remember that what you captured in your writing and photographs is what’s real; all that other stuff is not. We simply make it up   It was great to have you here because you appreciate it so much. XO Joan

Joan Lee Hunter
Fifth House Lodge
535 South Bridgton Road
Bridgton, ME 04009
207-647-3506
www.fifthhouselodge.net

Cindi... I would like to thank you for being the first to comment and confirming that self-renewal is so vital to our health.

Sheila... after the move and things settle down, you'll be ready for some breathing space. Take care of yourself.

Michael... it's almost a daily pleasure to hear from you. Your words and the words from others is a great comfort to me. Since I got back, I've been running full speed ahead. I want to be transported back. All of your comments are appreciated most sincerely.

Larry... you've come to know me well. Yes! My spirit belongs to Maine and all the good people I've come to know. Let's take a virtual run up the hills. Your dear wife and I would both take your hands and we'd run as fast as we could through the flowers and the fields and at the top of our virtual mountain top, you'd stand up by yourself. You are such an inspiration to me.

Joni... I can't wait to hear all about your trip to beautiful CO!!!! With you there, the hills will come alive and the Rocky Mountains will welcome you with pride.

David... I want to go back to Maine! Life is hard. Work is intense. Ah... but clients are happy I'm back and my heart belongs to them now. Yet my soul searches for peace...

Roger... I wish I could borrow you a hankie to dry your tears. Take a deep breath. Get out and live a LOT, not a little.

Toni... I do believe Roger has recovered. Poor guy. He has such a tender heart and a good one at that! You're such a great and caring friend to all of us here on ActiveRain!

Myrl... we have to take our America back. Store fronts are changing, people too. Health Care is not about Care at all. Our generation lived through the hard times during the civil rights movement, Viet Nam, gas rationing, the highest interest rates in history, and yet here we are, most without savings or retirement but I'm ready to kick #&!&** and take my America back! Let's not forget to vote! Let's never, never forget to breathe and breathe deeply. As Joan Lee Hunter #33 says, "It’s important to remember that what you captured in your writing and photographs is what’s real; all that other stuff is not. We simply make it up."  

Joe... I love what you said in reference to recharging our batteries and how it makes you much more present. You're so right. You focus more on the beauty of the landscape and you get back to the basics of just simply taking care of yourself. There are three "R's" to remember: REST, REPLENISHMENT and REFLECTION.

Roy... You and Dolores are more than talented than me AND I consider you to be Angels in the Rain with your camera in hand.

Tatyana... As a piano teacher, you understand how important it is to play one note at a time, and play it well. Before you know it, you're in perfect harmony and the whole world seems brighter just because all your senses come alive.

Scott... I miss those days of running up the coast from NH to ME.... Bar Harbor to Kittery! You're so lucky but I know, sometimes those things that are so close are also so far away. That's why you have to cherish those moments and make them happen!

John... you need to hook up with Scott Godzyk from NH and plan a trip up the coast to Bar Harbor. One of my favorite activities to do in Bar Harbor is to go Whale Watching. It's a thrill of a lifetime! You and your wife would really, really enjoy it. Then make sure you stop at Two Lights State Park. go see the Portland Head Lighthouse, and definitely stop at the Lobster Shack right on the ocean front for the most tasty meal you'll ever taste and watch the waves crash against the rocks. It will transcend you!!!

Joan... Bridgton, ME and any place in ME never disappoints. I can't think of a better place to practice listening which includes the ue of not only your ears, but also your heart.

Rebecca... What you said is so touching. You moved me. I close my eyes, tap my fingures on the keyboard, I see, feel, taste and smell Maine.

Carl.... thanks for the suggest button. I guess it wasn't meant to be, but I will be, all that I can be with or without the star. As long as I have company and people who enjoy what I write, I will continue to write. Thank you. You and Ceil are my stars in the Rain.

Gary... I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks a bunch!

Kristin... That was one of my favorite photos too. I loved how colorful it is. I know you'd love the shop. I tried on clothes, I bought something new and it made me feel so good but the ladies who ran the shop made me feel so much better. They were kind, helpful, not pushy, funny, very smart, and everyone in the store seemed to enjoy their shopping spree. I think we all shopped and smelled the flowers that day!

Also, while I was paying for my merchandise, a man outside dropped some glass. We all heard it break. The store owner closed her eyes and looked up. I said, are you going to make him pay for it. Her response. "No I want him to enjoy the shopping experience. I'm sure it was an accident."

Then, I walked out the door. The man looked over at me, we made eye contact. He turned his head and said, if this shop knew how to hang things properly, something like this wouldn't be broken... I wonder who is going to clean up the mess."

A business owner has to have a good attitude and not blame others, even when it is their mistake....

Ashley... Maine is the place where every female can be a girl, a tomboy, a risk taker and a lady. And every man can show off his muscles, learn a better technique, read the sky, pitch in and help others. They can be a boy or a man. Their love for their passions only gets stronger.

Debb... Let me know when you're ready and I'll help you plan your trip. That book sounds wonderful It really made a good impression on you. I know how you feel because when I was in 5th grade I had to write a report ona  place I'd like to visit. I researched Nova Scotia and I still plan to get there. But I'm afraid if I do, I won't come back. I read so much about it, I dreamed about for years and I still do. That's my fantasy land. I also know there's a ferry that takes you to Nova Scotia from Maine. I must. I must commit myself to doing it.

By the way, I love that sketch. Maine is a great place to be inspired.

Sharon...Point Sebago in Casco is a lovely place! 30 years is a long time but I'm sure every time is like the first time. You must have so many fond memories.

Laura....Be happy! Get Away! Live Live! Love what you do. It's all about your passion.

Clint...I always wish you the best. My heart goes out to Home Inspectors - all inspectors. They have a tough job. And when you work in hot climate like you do, and you have to crawl up into people's attics, it gets old... it's necessary but it has to be hard to breathe. I hope you find a place to get away and make it quick. You always find time for others. now it's your turn. 

Tony... Just like we have to refocus when we take pictures and we only upload the best, so too must we refocas because we can then see more clearly. Colors seem brighter. Sounds are sharper, The air is crisp and things jump out in front of you so that we can take it's picture. It may be a shore bird, an unusual plant, maybe it's just another daisy, but it's not... it's so much more. It is property of that state or city. Always we need to respect everyone and everything that surrounds us and refocus and stay focused.

With your love for the land, I know you have a deep respect for the environment and you know your history. Thank you.

James... I realize now that I needed it more than I realized. If I would have kept going at the same pace, without that breathing space, well..l let's just say, it was worth it! Life is Good!

Larry and Sheila... I consider a get-away just as important as toilet tissue or laundray soap - it's a necessity! They all have high importance.

Joshua.... there's a lot to discover and you're right! Between Maine, NH and VT, there are a lot of great hiking trails! I hope you get out there soon and that your son joins you.

Louise.... Thanks for the suggest. I appreciate your effort. Moving about gives one a fresh outlook, doesn't it?

Rebecca... I'm so glad you stopped by again and it was my pleasure. I'm happy to know you appreciated it.

Jordan.... It makes me feel good to know you and others appreciated my hard work.

James.... Whenever there is solitude, there is peace. I found my peace in Maine. I hope you break free with your wife soon and do something special because life is too good not to!

Zolton and Eily... a morning in Maine will leave you with a fresh start and almost a daily adventure - all good!

I want to say thanks to all. You're an inspiration to me!!!

Thanks for the beauty of the flowers! I hope you are surrounded by incredible beauty all day and every day!

Yes! Interest Rates are great and an excellent opportunity for people to buy homes and plant flowers!!!