Sunny days are here in Maine and it's downright hot! We knew this could happen. The four seasons are much more distinct in this part of the country than in Florida, where we came from. The change in the seasons is one of the things I most looked forward to when we knew for sure we were making the move.
Florida is lovely with its year-round sunshine and ever blooming plants and greenery. But there's something special about being able to observe the passing of time marked by changes in the sky and earth. Summer is punctuated by hot sun, sparkling lake water and vividly bright blooms across the spectrum, while winter arrives slightly more introverted: a palette devoid of wide swings of color, but offering a pleasing and comforting quiet, almost mono-tonal coat that contrasts against summer's wild child, extroverted shades.
I'm loving Maine. WE are loving Maine, but the journey has been an exercise in stamina, both physical and emotional. I've repeated a phrase many times to my friends and family: the move was much more difficult than I anticipated. The transition has taken more of a toll than I expected. But I find that journey restorative somehow.
Change and transition, no matter how challenging, offers us a chance to grow and learn. It causes us to expand, both inward and outward. Inwardly as we seek and reach inside to find the resources to deal with new issues and to problem-solve in innovative ways as we encounter the differences between the now and the past. Outwardly as we must reach outside of ourselves in new ways: meet new people, extend for new resources and work to acclimate to new environments, be they physical or emotional.
My space is new! Hurrah! How fun to contemplate a fresh space and fill it with the worn treasures of the past that are both functional and comforting. As I work to arrange and store my yarn, fabric and accoutrements of my work, I find it hopeful and inspiring. So many new ideas have been flooding me as I've been working in the studio to get everything arranged just so. The time is now nearing when I can get to work and put feet to some of those new ideas. This is some of my favorite work.
Every day, I'm reminded how very lucky I am to have the friends, family and community that I have. While the scenes outside my window have changed, lets face it, palms to pines is much more dramatic than simply exchanging one state for another, my community has not. The Yarny Ewes, with their stalwart support and characteristic kindness continue to allow me to be me and to take the time I need to find my footing.
Trading palms for pines has been a wonderful journey and I so look forward to what the future holds.
Having moved from the only home I have ever owned a few years ago, I understand many of your feelings about the move. I am glad you are getting settled and enjoying the seasons.
Your writing is so inspirational, even poetic. Thanks for sharing and starting this blog. It’s a gift to be your friend!!
I love your contemplations about your new life in Maine!
I’ve had similar thoughts as I live in my northern (not quite as north as you) woods! I love spring & all the new beginnings, but when summer comes & it seems to last forever, everything feels so heavy & confining & thick! But when we’re in full on winter, things just feel lighter! I can see so much further & it doesn’t feel so claustrophobic!
Great moose photo, btw!