As the weather cools, gets cold, Winters, so do I. Winter, I mean. I Winter. Spend quality time with myself. Slow down. Reset for the the New Year. Find, re-find my focus. Set my intention. Turn inward. It’s a time to reflect. Reflect, and remember…
A few years ago I spent a month alone in Portland, Maine. It was November into December during the cold, ice, and snow. Maine in Winter dress. It was the first time in my life I was alone. Sea gull sounds from inside my cozy apartment, frozen red berries on trees, delicious warm lobster roll, and wild blueberry hot cakes by the waterfront. My life as I knew it was falling apart, and Maine, my sanctuary.
Now, without realizing it, when the wind turns cold, the grass frosts over in the morning, and winter finally seeps into Sacramento, I feel Maine close to me. Still my escape hatch, is Maine.
“Be careful…” the airport cab driver said, “Nobody ever leaves Maine.”
He was right. I never really left Maine, and now when the months grow cold, I travel back to Maine in my mind.
In darker times, I had seriously planned to pick up and move to Maine. I planned all of my "Goodbyes", and was looking to start a new life, a fresh start, a new beginning in Maine. The plan was to start back in Portland, and make my way to the more rural parts of Maine. Deep down, though, I knew I’d be the same me, only alone in Maine.
Now, I’ve found, or re-found a life here in Sacramento, the city I was born in. Sacramento is my home, but I know the ocean will welcome me back the next time I visit Maine.
My next Maine trip will be for leisure, not life, though never say never. At least I found a place in this world for now, and can always travel to Maine In My Mind.
Thank you for reading.
"May you have fair winds & following seas."
Michelle
I love your thoughtful and introspective writing as always Michelle!