Since I am planning a trip south to see the fall foliage and to spend time with my friends there, timing to see both north and south leaf season this year is important.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Tripping South
Another crisp, fall morning comes to seacoast New Hampshire. After a summer of intense weather preceded by a winter of intense weather, fall colors will be a surprise this year. Generally, the deep, vibrant colors are because of a drought in spring and summer. With an abundance of rain in 2013, flooding in many areas, leaf season may be different this year.
Since I am planning a trip south to see the fall foliage and to spend time with my friends there, timing to see both north and south leaf season this year is important.
Fall was always spectacular in the Smokies. So was living there.
Since I am planning a trip south to see the fall foliage and to spend time with my friends there, timing to see both north and south leaf season this year is important.
Monday, August 5, 2013
MaggieMae
In the early morning coolness, Kaitlyn sits at the metal bistro table in the courtyard. There are no umbrellas up today. It is a Wizard of Oz day. Low humidity. The red haired waitress is dusting the fallen leaves and seeds off the tables.
"Hi," Kaitlyn says.
"Hi, back," he says.
Maggie Mae crosses her legs reaching for her espresso. He glances at her as he glides by.
His face has that, "I'm coming out to talk to you" kind of charismatic expression. MaggieMae and Kaitlyn are laughing. He listens to MaggieMae's every word smiling as though she is just too darned cute to be sitting along. He opens the door to the restaurant.
She reaches for her book. Barbara Kingsolver has captured her attention.
Ten minutes later, he returns with coffee and a bagel. His eyes canvass the courtyard tables. He sits alone at the table beside her. Looking her way. He engages her in a friendly conversation before he has to leave. They have spoken before. This time was much longer. He was engaged in the conversation.
"I've got to meet a ferry," he says.
They extend appreciations for their time together.
MaggieMae wonders if she will see him again. She wonders what is happening. She hasn't felt this way since her husband passed.
The following day, she is in town again. This time for an appointment just down the street. She stops for coffee, preferring to sit outside again. It's 62 degrees and windy. She doesn't mind.
From out of nowhere, he appears.
He gives her a warm wave of the hand welcome clutching his envelope-style briefcase tucked neatly under his left arm.
"Gorgeous day," Ben says.
She smiles back.
"Yes, it is."
Ben disappears inside.
A frustrated MaggieMae wonders if he had a meeting. Or a client. Or wasn't interested. Or was delayed. She waits at the cold bistro. Twenty minutes past. She looks at her wrist clock. Wanting to go inside to see what kept Ben there, she decides it isn't important. What is important is her. And now. She will be late for her appointment.
She doesn't know when she will return to the courtyard. Feelings of rejection overwhelm her. She knows it is silly and laughs it off. It is a day more beautiful than it has the right to be. She won't spoil any of it.
Then Kaitlyn calls her at home.
To be continued.
"Hi," Kaitlyn says.
"Hi, back," he says.
Maggie Mae crosses her legs reaching for her espresso. He glances at her as he glides by.
His face has that, "I'm coming out to talk to you" kind of charismatic expression. MaggieMae and Kaitlyn are laughing. He listens to MaggieMae's every word smiling as though she is just too darned cute to be sitting along. He opens the door to the restaurant.
She reaches for her book. Barbara Kingsolver has captured her attention.
Ten minutes later, he returns with coffee and a bagel. His eyes canvass the courtyard tables. He sits alone at the table beside her. Looking her way. He engages her in a friendly conversation before he has to leave. They have spoken before. This time was much longer. He was engaged in the conversation.
"I've got to meet a ferry," he says.
They extend appreciations for their time together.
MaggieMae wonders if she will see him again. She wonders what is happening. She hasn't felt this way since her husband passed.
The following day, she is in town again. This time for an appointment just down the street. She stops for coffee, preferring to sit outside again. It's 62 degrees and windy. She doesn't mind.
From out of nowhere, he appears.
He gives her a warm wave of the hand welcome clutching his envelope-style briefcase tucked neatly under his left arm.
"Gorgeous day," Ben says.
She smiles back.
"Yes, it is."
Ben disappears inside.
A frustrated MaggieMae wonders if he had a meeting. Or a client. Or wasn't interested. Or was delayed. She waits at the cold bistro. Twenty minutes past. She looks at her wrist clock. Wanting to go inside to see what kept Ben there, she decides it isn't important. What is important is her. And now. She will be late for her appointment.
She doesn't know when she will return to the courtyard. Feelings of rejection overwhelm her. She knows it is silly and laughs it off. It is a day more beautiful than it has the right to be. She won't spoil any of it.
Then Kaitlyn calls her at home.
To be continued.
What's So Smart About The...
It is time to take the plunge. 
Having all my communication technology in one place seems like the way to go. There is Pandora to access if I want music (how would I know if I even want this if I haven't had this feature before?), e-mails, GPS. Sounds pretty good. The price isn't too bad, either. Not sure what the filching fees will be. Then there is the cost of this phone, too.
In my mindful lifestyle I wonder if we are communicating smarter these days? We seem to e-mail instead of a voice conversation (hit and run I call it) and that does concern me. There is nothing nicer than a living voice on the other end of the phone. Our communications are more 'me' centered' so I doubt that means we are communicating better. We are communicating what 'we' want. Kind of like being in a chat room. You say things you wouldn't dare say to a person on the phone. People play games in chat rooms, too. Withholding information. Not answering direct questions. Clandestine. Seems they forgot how to communicate OR maybe they are communicating what they really want. I haven't time for that. Or them. It's is nice to be selective. Discernment is key.
I do have time to consolidate my technology. I enjoy selective processes.
Having all my communication technology in one place seems like the way to go. There is Pandora to access if I want music (how would I know if I even want this if I haven't had this feature before?), e-mails, GPS. Sounds pretty good. The price isn't too bad, either. Not sure what the filching fees will be. Then there is the cost of this phone, too.
In my mindful lifestyle I wonder if we are communicating smarter these days? We seem to e-mail instead of a voice conversation (hit and run I call it) and that does concern me. There is nothing nicer than a living voice on the other end of the phone. Our communications are more 'me' centered' so I doubt that means we are communicating better. We are communicating what 'we' want. Kind of like being in a chat room. You say things you wouldn't dare say to a person on the phone. People play games in chat rooms, too. Withholding information. Not answering direct questions. Clandestine. Seems they forgot how to communicate OR maybe they are communicating what they really want. I haven't time for that. Or them. It's is nice to be selective. Discernment is key.
I do have time to consolidate my technology. I enjoy selective processes.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
The Coffee Shop
The notion of the town square has changed. One of my favorite gathering places is the coffee shop. It is one of the places I write. There are
always interesting people there, stories to share, perhaps meeting a new
friend. It is a good way to learn the community.
As a newbie to this area, I love the cultures in various communities. The old buildings, flower boxes and charming yards. The people. Their talents.
They are an inspiration for writing, painting and a bunch of other
projects. Right now, I am working on a film. It may be a short
documentary or a short story. I haven't worked all the elements out
yet. But there will be lots of natural lighting. Lighting is a
wonderful way to tell a story.
No matter how it turns out, tightly or loosely woven, there will be lots of humanity running through it. Caring. A good story line. Gentle words.
As a newbie to this area, I love the cultures in various communities. The old buildings, flower boxes and charming yards. The people. Their talents.
No matter how it turns out, tightly or loosely woven, there will be lots of humanity running through it. Caring. A good story line. Gentle words.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Mindfulness And French Fries
Some days... are frustrating with humans. Like the realtor who lives on Facebook. Who suddenly says she has someone interested in the home you are selling ONLY when you remind them the listing is about to expire. Curious, eh? Of course, it never manifests. Until the next time you speak with them. The issue is always the house, not the realtor who should know by now, how to sell your house.
Curious, too, how they load you with compliments to get the listing. Then it sits. Nothing until you call asking what is going on. Then the scenario of, "I have someone who is going to look at your house" begins again.
I practice mindfulness. And honesty. But today I was p'd off and frustrated at a certain individual. Off to the cafe to buy french fries. I arrive home to an e-mail from the realtor who suddenly has a couple of folks who just might be interested in the house.
Enough already! More lies? I want results!
Until then, it's french fries. And a new realtor if you lie to me again!
Curious, too, how they load you with compliments to get the listing. Then it sits. Nothing until you call asking what is going on. Then the scenario of, "I have someone who is going to look at your house" begins again.
I practice mindfulness. And honesty. But today I was p'd off and frustrated at a certain individual. Off to the cafe to buy french fries. I arrive home to an e-mail from the realtor who suddenly has a couple of folks who just might be interested in the house.
Enough already! More lies? I want results!
Until then, it's french fries. And a new realtor if you lie to me again!
Rolling Along
Cold, wet, refreshing. That is how I imagined the early morning rain today. The tapping of the rain along the downspout awakened me several times. A more than enjoyable way to begin the day. Knowing the sun will move us beyond all of this is exciting. Welcome to New England!
Everywhere I have lived offers delicious experiences. Like this meadow of color ~
For a brief moment, it felt like I was back in Scotland. About to discover heather on the hillside beyond.
Then back to visit another town. Exeter, NH is beyond charming. Interesting coffee shops, some with a trained barista. Lots to explore ~
Enjoy the weekend.
B.
Everywhere I have lived offers delicious experiences. Like this meadow of color ~
B.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
A Country Store
Meandering to Newfields, I came upon a delightful country store. The aroma of the soups warming could be smelled from inside my car.
It wasn't long before I was inside the old building when the owner, Charlotte welcomed me. Thoughts turned to a snowy day with her preparing lunch and all the fragrances that go along with that. She makes everything from scratch.
Country stores are the best way to find local talent. Carpenters, builders, electricians, plumbers, historians, artists ~ a variety of interesting people.
One day soon I'll be there for lunch.
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