It was a summer of fog, rain...lots of rain, then an abundance of sunshine to finish off the final days of island time. Although it's officially summer until the 22 of September, high season on the island ends on or before Labor Day. From the final ferry out on a Sunday afternoon to the packed return boat a week later, each day served up the best of island life and conjured up memories of summers past.
It was the last week of August and finally the conditions of warm temperatures and strong sun rays produced that intoxicating aroma when the sweet scent of earth, wild flowers, ripened 
berries and fruits combine. Add the humming of grasshoppers and buzzing of bugs in the tall grass, and you have the quintessential sound and scent of "A" MAINE SUMMER DAY. That is what lingers in my mind, from childhood to now, and memory never fails to make it perfect. So it was a week of walks, exploring new places, revisiting some old and that smell of an August day in Maine prevailing. In this day and age of capturing everything in a bottle, would I want this as room spray? Absolutely not. I want it left to nature, where to experience it continues to be a gift that is always a joy to receive.
berries and fruits combine. Add the humming of grasshoppers and buzzing of bugs in the tall grass, and you have the quintessential sound and scent of "A" MAINE SUMMER DAY. That is what lingers in my mind, from childhood to now, and memory never fails to make it perfect. So it was a week of walks, exploring new places, revisiting some old and that smell of an August day in Maine prevailing. In this day and age of capturing everything in a bottle, would I want this as room spray? Absolutely not. I want it left to nature, where to experience it continues to be a gift that is always a joy to receive.The week was flush with activities: artist reception, gallery opening, short film screenings, talks by resident professionals, assisting in the gift shop and leisurely socializing . And there is always taking time to sit on the deck and watch the ferry arrive and depart and the water traffic move 
through the passage connecting West Penobscot Bay to East Penobscot Bay. It is ever changing and always interesting. But island time is different. The clocks may read the same as those on the mainland, but we move more serenely through the minutes, hours, days. We try not to crowd our schedules, but that is easier said then done. Sometimes it just gets too busy. 
That's when the eave calls for a respite or reading indulgence. This summers most captivating read? THE LOVELIEST WOMAN IN AMERICA by Bibi Gaston. (http://www.authortracker.com/) Had this book not been available in the gift shop and had I not met the author, I probably would have completely missed this enthralling story of three generations so eloquently recounted by Miss Gaston. Beyond the family specifics, it presents a message many women will empathize with.
through the passage connecting West Penobscot Bay to East Penobscot Bay. It is ever changing and always interesting. But island time is different. The clocks may read the same as those on the mainland, but we move more serenely through the minutes, hours, days. We try not to crowd our schedules, but that is easier said then done. Sometimes it just gets too busy. 
That's when the eave calls for a respite or reading indulgence. This summers most captivating read? THE LOVELIEST WOMAN IN AMERICA by Bibi Gaston. (http://www.authortracker.com/) Had this book not been available in the gift shop and had I not met the author, I probably would have completely missed this enthralling story of three generations so eloquently recounted by Miss Gaston. Beyond the family specifics, it presents a message many women will empathize with.The final gallery exhibit of Julia Greenway's watercolors and oils presented the artistic find of the summer. Her delicate, detailed watercolors are in extreme contrast with the force found in her oils. "Could this be from the same hand?" Julia's work exposes insight into her depth and I like that. She creates from her soul. Everyone attending the opening night reception must have felt the same way as seventy-five percent of the exhibit sold at that event. A mere handful of works remained by the end of the week. When Julia gets her web site up, I'll include the direct link.
The final lingering memories are those appealing to my taste buds. Again, island life encourages one to live in the present and that means partaking of foods readily available. My hostess' son was delivered thirty mackerel from which he produced "potted mackerel" derived from a vintage old fishwives recipe. The cleaning of all those fish and making of that epicurean delight is another story in itself. The sampling has me yearning for more. Berries and fruits abound this year...so do fruit cobblers and compotes. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, apples: serve them solo or combined
. Spectacular colors (like the blackberry - peach compote seen here) and sweet sensations to conclude any dining experience.
. Spectacular colors (like the blackberry - peach compote seen here) and sweet sensations to conclude any dining experience.Island life has taught me that less is more. It seems that all aspects of life are minimized but the experience is richer. It's not quantity, it's quality. And I'm always a better person when I return from the island.
Back on the mainland, my sense of balance needs readjusting. It seems that eight days on the island has me feeling a bit like I would after days of sailing. Sea legs vs. land legs.
Firmly planted on the Back Cove once again. let me leave you with an island sunset.
