What I'm Wicked Into: Memories Of Maine
Good morning!In case you missed Monday's post, I shared a mantra that should have you feeling mighty powerful wherever the week takes you—"Fearlessly be your best self." Hoping you're enjoying that message as much as me!Ready to get a little sappy with me today? Well, maybe not for you, but definitely for me....Being so far from home can be hard at times. Maybe easier for some people, but when you're so connected to your roots, like me, it can leave you longing for a little closeness.Sure, you have your memories of people, places, landmarks, and smells that can bring you back to special moments any time you want, but the physical distance does make it a bit harder on the heart.
Though I'm from Massachusetts, memories of Maine—a state I grew up visiting since I was born—are some of my most fondest: summer vacations in Wells, weekends at Drake's Island Beach, ice cream sundaes at night, walking the beach at sunset, strolling Kennebunkport with my family, long slow drives around town, humid days laying out, BBQing in the yard, pool dives and jacuzzi dunks... I could go on on on...
Last summer was the first that I didn't make it back.I'm hoping that I'll be able to make the two-hour trip up north this summer when I'm back home for our wedding, but if not, I'll always have these photos to flip through (though they just aren't the same as the real deal.)
There's something just so pure and nostalgic about Maine to me. It fills me with the happiest feeling. When you're there in the summer and you look around, everyone's just coasting through the day. There's no rush or plan. People are smiling, laughing with their families, nodding to strangers as they cross by.I've always been so grateful for my time there, but even more so now that I'm far away and grown.Maine wasn't just a space for my family and I to escape for summer vacations, it was—as corny as it sounds—a way of life.
Sandy moments encapsulated in tote bags and coolers.Boogie boarding on our bellies in ice cold water.Carrying our sandals in our hands to walk the path to our spot on the beach.Dunking off our sandy bodies off with a dip in the pool.Watching VHS movies on pillows in the living room.Corn on the cob, hot dogs, and watermelon.Yard sale-hopping around the neighborhood.Digging for crabs with Alex under giant barnacle-covered rocks.Walking the jetty to the end just to walk back again.Mom & Pop shops, waving hi, and holding the door.Dad building his Adirondack chairs in the front yard.Mom and I checking out the shops and grabbing coffee.
Maine will always bring me peace—a sense of clarity and stillness I just can't find anywhere else.The mere thought of it alone will bring me joy.
After all, they say there's no place like home, and for me, Maine will always be a part of home.
Have you ever been along Maine's coastline? If not, which state or area brings you this same sense of peace?I would love to know which places have imprinted your hearts.Thanks for listening to me ramble and letting me have my moment...Be still,Ari
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