THE RITE OF HIBERNATION

HIBERNATION is a derivative of the Latin word "hibernus, wintery." It's literal translation means to spend the winter in a dormant state. Especially in the northern climates, we are all too familiar with this season of lengthy nights and shortened daylight hours, layers of clothes, securely tightened windows, and a constant eye to the weather channel. Just like the animals, we often put on a few extra pounds, become shut-in and lethargic.

This year I've taken a different view of the season. I've decided to celebrate what many consider negatives and try turning them into positives. It's made a considerable difference and I'm experiencing hibernation jubilation.

I'm grateful for:

• Long nights so I can enjoy more candlelit hours. Whether lighting candles on my kitchen window sill for the enjoyment of commuters driving home

on Baxter Blvd. or whiffing the Frasier fir scent of my favorite Thymes candle glowing in the living room, lighting candles as the daylight hours shorten has brought a scented serenity to my home. This I will miss with longer days of light.

• Having a stack of books that I know will be devoured during the "long" hiberius nights. I always read a David McCullough non-fiction during February. Last year my friends asked if I was still "in the Panama Canal" as I worked my way through PATH BETWEEN THE SEAS. It was a worthy trip. This year ," THE GREAT BRIDGE" is on deck. Anyone want to join me span the East River?

• Soup Suppers that are often and healthy. I've been developing a soup-a-week venue. In researching new recipes, my extensive, but often under utilized cookbook library is coming to life. You know a cookbook is just an ordinary book until it has food stains on its pages. I can hear the authors breathing. Hello James Beard, Fannie Farmer, Marion Cunningham, Julie Russo, Shelia Lukins, and my favorite, Bonnie Stewart Mickelson author of HOLLYHOCKS & RADISHES from Pickle Point Publishing (That's another story in itself.)
  
• Walking in the city and having all the sounds muffled by the snow.
• Wrapping a scarf around my neck every time I venture outside.
• Visiting museums and galleries to get out of the weather.
• X-country skiing for just an hour....anytime of day.
• Vintage hankies for when the sniffles set in.
• Beach walks, winter colors of white and gray, and huge moons.

"In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."
Albert Camus

Hibernation is just what you make of it!

FAN THE FLAME

A NEW YEAR!

The traditional holiday of making resolutions that are rarely kept. This year I decided to undertake that time honored tradition a bit differently. No, I'm not going to take back my resolutions. God only knows I have enough on my plate. But I am going to remove many from that daunting RESOLUTIONS list that invariably haunts me for twelve months... and individually burn them. I've created my FIRST ANNUAL "ENOUGH ALREADY" LIST.

Inspired by a suggestion from the book SIMPLE ABUNDANCE, I created a list of things I place in the "Enough Already" category. Begin by completing the statement, "Enough already with _______________." For instance, one of mine was, "Enough already with being bothered by a noisy neighbor." I wrote that on a slip of paper, folded it and added it to the pile of concerns I wanted to torch. In the end I had written nine "Enough Already(s)" on separate slips that were folded then dropped, one at a time, into the lovely fire dancing in my fireplace. One of the slips drifted to the corner and I thought, "Oh, no, which one is it that won't be done with!" But alas, fire is energy and it seemed to seduce the escapee into the fold of golden-amber flames. Relief. Nine concerns no longer viewed as "have to do or my problem" but acknowledged and set free to the universe. In their own, rightful time, each will be achieved.

I still have a couple of resolutions requiring my attention, one day at a time. Some of the other stuff though, "enough already." Let it go. Maybe I'll have to let it go again next year, and the year after. But for 2009, I'm giving it an energetic lift-off and I'm just a little bit freer.

So fan the flames with "enough already" and enjoy the warm glow of letting go.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2009

MAINE MORNING DUCK REPORT: WINTER SOLSTICE

On this shortest light day of the year, with a blizzard roaring, life crawls to a snails pace. Is this what it was like a hundred years ago? Life as nature intended.

IMAGINE. It is December 21, 1908.

A perfect day for a sleigh ride on Baxter Boulevard which borders The Back Cove. Wrap me in ermine, bundle me in the sleigh led by a perfectly matched pair of mares, snap the whip....let's go!

"Sleigh bells ring are you listening,

In the lane, snow is glistening

A beautiful sight, We're happy tonight.

Walking in a winter wonderland." (Bernard & Smith)

Was it better a century ago or is it just the romantic view of days gone ? I believe that the images create an illusion which is always seen through tinted lenses. But I have found a way to make peace with today's 24/7 hectic life, while embracing the shortened hours of day light. I have become attuned to the ebb and flow of nature.

Nature has a way of jolting us to a pace that is more human. Two storms back to back provide that very dose of "natural" sedative. Gray skies have been looming since the 18th. The first blizzard arrived on the 19th just in time for the evening drive. The 20th remained a "day with no time." That is my description of when morning light is the same as afternoon. No visible sunrise or sunset. Just flat, gray skies. Such was nature's forecast of an ensuing storm. No weatherman mistakes here. Mother nature being 100% accurate. The ever so light snow began at 9:30 am on the 21st and in one hour gained to blizzard force. White was the predominate color and would remain so, even after the 4 pm sun down. Dense snow riding thirty mph winds blanketed the air as well as the ground. It's called a white-out.

And so the winter solstice came and went in a natural furry. All we could do was stay put, light candles and celebrate a cozy home.

Our friends the ducks were visibly absent for two days. I think they were riding out the storms tucked under the twin bridges a few fathoms down the foot path. But this morning they returned, with the tide ebbing into the "duck channel." Marching before the rising tide, ducks and geese together returned to the neighborhood. They announced, "We survived the blow!" CeCe and Daisy were as excited as I was to see our feathered friends. You see, they have become our "natural" gage of life's true rhythms.

Today the sun shines once again. It's journey north has begun. The season of rebirth is upon us.

Live in each season as it passes; breathe air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let them be your only diet drink and botanical medicines.

Henry Daivd Thoreau

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY HANUKKAH

A MID-COAST THANKSGIVING GATHERING

All stoves were fired! The old cast iron with recycled paper, the newer range with electricity. Oven roasting a twenty pound bird and four burners cooking the root vegetables to be served. By the time of my mid-day arrival, all preparations were well underway. Pies were positioned on the dining room sideboard, the table prepared and serving silver placed for the feasting hour. Only the cornucopia needed filling and that was my job. Fresh fruit, nuts and chocolate coated almonds spilled forth. It is Thanksgiving Day and I am spending this Holiday of Gratitude with a very special family that has embraced me.

For sixty years June has been preparing the main course. So it was done this year, exactly like the past. I believe the recipes probably came from her very first cookbook, BETTY CROCKER, or were passed down through the family. Why change a good thing? Besides, the immediate family wouldn't hear of it! So it was a twenty pound roasted turkey, not the "new" deep fried preparation. Real pearl onions in cream sauce, nothing from the frozen food shelves. Fresh squash, rutabaga, mashed potatoes, celery-onion stuffing and homemade cranberry-orange relish completed the fare.

Four adults, the brother-sister Siamese cats and a hound dog took their places. Some at the table, two on a window sill and one on the floor at the feet of his master. It was a peaceable kingdom as Thomas took position to carve the bird. His skill is evidence of the fine lesson learned at the side of his father many years ago. Call me old fashioned, but I love the passing of these fine traditions passed from parent to child.

It was a feast that lasted three hours...honoring the chef and partaking of animated conversation. What a fine gathering; putting any differences aside and praising the goodness of the individual spirit.

In keeping with the hearth being the heart of the home, the day after Thanksgiving, June shared with me an ancestral grape leaves recipe ( perfected by she and her brother.) This was an entirely new culinary delight for me. June prepared the lamb based filling as I prepared the grape leaves. When the prep was complete, she demonstrated how to fill and roll. Thirty six rolled leaves later, we had a kettle full. Broth was poured over and the pot was placed on a low heat burner for long, slow cooking. Now for the waiting. Would they be as tasty as we imagined? As with most foods, patience is one of the main ingredients. I wanted to taste one of our creations when they were finally cooked....and plenty hot. Too hot to savor the subtle flavors of mint, lemon and garlic. Full appreciation of the bouquet was to be realized the next day. And so I was reminded of a lesson that presents itself to me on a daily basis: everything in its own time.

At the end of each joyful day celebrating friendship, family, good food and conversation, I tucked myself into the eave where a bed toasty with an electric blanket awaited. I in my flannel pajamas and polar fleece cap slept like a baby.

MAY YOU FIND THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS TO CELEBRATE.

THE LABYRINTH

Like so many things in my life lately, it just happens. Usually happening for the good, I might add. And so it is that I ended up in a labyrinth.

It began with a call to friend. I was suggesting that she light a couple of candles at dusk, (4:00 pm here in Portland) as it provides a nice glow and segue into the hours of dark. No sooner had I offered my suggestion and she asked if I wanted to do "the labyrinth."


"The labyrinth?" I asked.

"Yes, it's down the street at Trinity."


"What does it do? How do I do it?"


" It clears your head. You follow a path, like a maze, but it doesn't trick you."


Sounded good to me. Follow a path, clear my head. I'm all for exercise and an uncluttered mind!


Thus began the journey to the labyrinth...and a journey it became. Needless to say, her information wasn't entirely correct. There was a labyrinth, but it was in Brunswick. I was up for it and off we went.


Forty five minutes later we were at the First Parish Church. Now to find the labyrinth! Not your everyday occurrence. But I was committed. Finally we found the door that opened to THE LABYRINTH.Candles flickered at the edges of the large white canvas floor mat containing the path. Shoes removed, I entered the walk. Carrying a stone in one hand and a small box containing notes in the other, I was focused on staying in the lines. Quite quickly I began to feel a peace. Everything that I brought with me in my mind was dissipated. I felt a sense of lightness...almost giddy. Upon reaching the center, I set the box and stone on the floor and sat for a while. When I felt ready and only then, I re-entered the pathway and began my exit journey.


Upon completion I felt a total lightness of being. It was a feeling I had never experienced before. Could this be what Eckhart Tolle describes as achieving "BEING" in his book, "The New Earth, Awakening to Your Life's Purpose?" I know that I am closer to "BEING" after having done the labyrinth than I was before.

As my LA friend asked, "How do you end up in a labyrinth?" Well as I said in the beginning, "life happens."

I eagerly await my next journey.

To find a labyrinth in your area check with a store specializing in New Age and/or mediatation information. Also check http://www.labyrinthsociety.org/.



Maybe I'll see you on the path.

SEASON OF THE FAIR

'Tis the season for artisan talents to emerge from every corner of the State and present their year's worth of creations at market. To market, to market they come and the bountiful holiday fair season is in full swing. Beginning as early as mid-November and continuing to mid-December, one could easily over spend attending them all. So over the years I've formed an allegiance to one, found some new and attempted to practice a bit of fiscal responsibility.

A recent favorite is The Festival of Lights Craft & Gift Market held the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. From white chocolate snowflakes, hand knits and wood carved shells to stockings and hats created from recycled sweaters, the quality of goods offered by the seventy exhibitors at this fair is extraordinary. A $3 donation gets you in for all your shopping pleasure between the hours of 9 to 3. http://www.therealmaine.com/

While in the Mid-coast area, join in the Festival of Lights Celebration , November 28 to 30 in downtown Rockland. Noontime on November 28, Santa will arrive by lobster boat at the town dock. Main Street merchants have afternoon activities and finally the day's festivities conclude with the Lobster Trap Tree Lighting at 6:00pm. http://www.therealmian.com/

In my hometown of Portland, the must visit fair begins at 6pm on the first Friday of December and runs through Sunday. Originating at Maine College of Art as a venue for their students and alumni to sell creative endeavors, this fair has grown to become MECA-SEA (Maine College of Art and Society of Eastend Artists) FAIR held for three days at the East End School on The Eastern Prom. It's a real bustle of activity. Shoulder to shoulder shoppers seeking their favorite artists and artisans. I can't say that bigger is always better but it's heartwarming to see such support for the talented creative community that inhabits Portland. And yes, even though it's not the quaint fair of years gone by and has grown to fill the school gym and lunch room, I'll attend because one never knows what golden nugget will be found amidst all this emerging talent. www.holidaysale@meca.edu.

Two new fairs are on my list this year.

SPACE GALLERY, 538 Congress Street, Portland, ME. will present (yes present is the correct description for this "happening" event) its fun and funky SHOP-A-DO CRAFTASTIC ART SALE on Wednesday, December 10 from 4 to 10 pm. This is where you will find the "really" new creations from the freshest artists and crafts people on the block. Maybe Miss Peacock from the May Tag Sale will be there dispensing good fortunes for 2009! (We can only hope.) For a complete listing of exhibitors, check the web site http://www.space538.org/. Live music by BAM BAM and adult refreshments with proper ID and cash.

PORTLAND POTTERY, 118 Washington Street, Portland, Maine will be opening its doors on December 12, 13, 14 for "products beyond pottery." Yes, they are home to a consortium of brilliant potters, but I'm going in search of duct tape products from Ben and Sam. I first found them at a fall festival and purchased a camo duct tape wallet for my son and a blue and gold duct tape flower pen for myself. These two guys are creative and industrious. Prices are beyond reasonable. www.ducttapeitems@aol.com

I'm also on a mission to find more Carol Marshall pottery. She creates perfect small versions of larger bowls. When first discovered, my initial reaction was that I wanted four or five for a display. I exercised some discipline and purchased only one, which has become my favorite nut bowl. I now realize that more could be used for other condiments and condiments are my favorite food group! Decisions, decisions!

Details are available at http://www.portlandpottery.com/

Oh, yes! Speaking of food groups. Fair food is always home made and prepared with an abundance of love. So indulge in the "Season of the Fair." It comes but once a year. If you feel inclined, send me a note about your favorite fair and/or fair find.

MAINE MORNING DUCK REPORT: FIRST FROST

It was late this year, arriving the night of All Hallows Eve. Halloween morning presented a crystallized white carpet on the brittle, brown sea grass. First frost was upon us. "Late this year," a hardened off Mainer would say. Yes, it was about three weeks past normal. Indian summer had blessed us with an extended stay.

Frost is the final beat, last statement, au revoir to the season of growth. We have now begun the months of slumber where vegetation takes a rest from its silent energy force. No longer swaying and bending with the south eastern breeze, marsh grass crunches and crackles with the north west wind. Button up, hood, hats and mitts on. We're in for the chill. It will last awhile.

Our friends the ducks, now huddle on the iced banks looking like black rocks deposited from the great glacier. The barren clam flats at low tide no longer dispense of that brackish, salty scent indigenous to tidal areas. As temperatures drop, the mud flats and banks harden, ceasing to emit the aromas of sun ripened summer. Anyone not familiar with this natural scent will often ask, "What's that smell?" (Yuck!) For others, the salty-pine essence that permeates our coastal air is forever in our blood.

Although life along the foot path has slowed from its peak summer pace, there is plenty to enjoy. The Great Blue Heron, unaffected by walkers on the foot path, positions himself closer and closer to the shoreline. We are friends. I hope he stays for the winter. Many cultures celebrate the spirit of the heron. Could that be why my camera captures the blue as white? Is it actually "spirit" I am catching with my lens?

At Yardscape, students from Breakwater School give a helping hand by weeding and trimming growth that needs to be put to rest for the winter. They are busy, busy without much direction from their teacher, Mr. J. Coming upon them took me back a few years as my son was a student at that school and participated in nature club. Heartwarming to see that some good things don't change.

Further along the path, a hillside has experienced erosion from the driving rain-wind storm of October 25. It too, needs the helping hand of repair. Winds of 40mph and heavy rain can beat just about anything down. Yet, a good freeze, second frost could harden it off and set it in place for the winter. That's erosion control according to nature.

And finally back to the duck channel where we find a singular "friend" tucked in as the sun sets. late afternoon these days.

Our autumn season is half past. Winter solstice is six weeks from us, yet Indian summer continues to warm most days. We are blessed.