TWENTY TEN

The new year has come and gone. For those of us in the Northeast, it was amidst a flurry of blustery forecasts, blustery snow squalls and blue moon high tides. It seemed as though we prepared for days, were under gray skies for a few and when we finally emerged to less then noticeable snow, it was January 2. Twenty-ten was underway. We kind of slid into it without much fanfare.

I did my traditional "Enough Alreadys" on New Year's Eve; writing out proclamations of change on slips of paper and tossing them into a blazing fire.(See the ENOUGH ALREADY blog from January 1, 2009.) And yes, one slip of paper floated away from the flames and had to be plucked back. I'm not sure which "Enough Already" it was, but I have a good idea. Some journeys are longer then others and life doesn't want us to release the "worry hold!"

Checked in with friends, near and far, via phone. All were content to keep the home fires burning and enter the new decade rather peacefully. Maybe we all just need a rest. Living on alert is totally exhausting.

LA friends were toasting with eggnog, while I was celebrating with their more traditional blood orange mimosa.

New Year's Day the snow swirled in the East, The Rose Bowl Parade happened in the West and Bowl games dominated the TV. Somethings don't change......and that's good.

Wishing everyone tranquility in twenty-ten.

WHEN IS A RESERVATION NOT A RESERVATION?

When is a reservation not worth the paper it's printed on? When is a reservation just a way for one airline to have your money, interest free, and not deliver. Book on AIR TRAN and let the troubles begin.

A year ago I made the decision not to spend Christmas 2009 in Maine. I wanted something completely different, break the mold, welcome the new. Los Angeles was the most obvious choice as my closest friend lives there and we usually spend some "holiday" time together.

Searching for competitively priced airline travel tickets began in early July, 2009. AIR TRAN consistently offered the best pricing. Portland to Baltimore, Baltimore to Los Angeles. Outbound and inbound time schedules worked for me. Although I had never flown AIR TRAN, they advertised winning some air travel award. "Can't be all bad," I thought! (Oh, yes it can!)

My reservation, with confirmed seat assignments (costing me extra,) was made and paid for on July 29,2009.

Plans for "Christmas in LA " were underway. A weeks worth of holiday festivities planned. Presents were purchased, packed and shipped early as not to get lost in the holiday mailing madness. Everything was received at appointed LA destination before Thanksgiving. All I had to do was work until the 19th, pack my bags and be gone.

The first glimpse of a problem presented itself when I attempted to print boarding passes on the evening of December 19. The AIR TRAN site informed me that the flight had been cancelled and directed me to call 800airtran (800.247.8726.) Following their directions I did just that. The menu options NEVER GAVE ME THE CHOICE to speak to a live person, and after much listening to their check-in and baggage information, THE CALL WAS DROPPED! This happened three times, totally sixteen minutes of listening to the same tape. After multiple attempts to get the information "they" directed me to get from their 800 line, I learned that my departing flight from Portland was on time. Since it left at 6:15 am, I needed to grab whatever sleep I could because the 3:30 am alarm buzzer would come early.

At 4:30 am on December 20, 2009 I stood at the AIR TRAN counter. My bag was weighed and checked and the Boarding Pass for Seat 16F, PWM to BWI, was in my hand. The Boarding Pass for Seat 15F, BWI to LAX, was not forthcoming. "We can only get you to Baltimore." Three hours later I left the Portland Jetport with confirmed seats on flights scheduled for Dec. 21.2009.

Same drill next morning. Standing before the AIR TRAN counter crew at 4:30 am, I'm notified that Flight 430, Portland to Baltimore is running two hours late because the crew was late getting in. I asked, "How am I going to make my Baltimore to LAX flight, #60, which departs Baltimore at 9:20am?" I'm told they won't hold the plane because it's already over-sold and that they can't get me to LA until December 25, 2009. To put it mildly, I'm in shock. My entire Christmas has been shipped to Los Angeles. I wasn't the only "Reserved" AIR TRAN passenger in shock. A college student was told they couldn't get him to his destination until Dec. 23. Another gentleman was told ,"Nothing for two days!" My guess is that the percentage of displaced AIR TRAN passangers is significantly high. FAA, where are you?

To add insult to injury, AIR TRAN refuses to return my money, which they've now had the use of, interest free, for five months. I'm told to collect from the travel insurance. To date, they have ignored my request to FAX me the necessary documentation I need to make the insurance claim. Any communication with AIR TRAN CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN TOTALLY UNSUCCESSFUL. During a phone call at 7:25am on December 24, 2009 a supervisor named Janice told me to call AIR TRAN PUBLIC RELATIONS. That number is 866.247.2428.

Whoever you are, the person who paid more money for Seat 15F, AIRTRAN flight #60, BWI to LAX on December 20, 2009, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas. I've learned the hard way that with AIR TRAN, a reservation isn't really a reservation. I believe the AIR TRAN practice is frought with negligence.

Portland's Most Recognized Tree

Some would say it's not a tree at all. It doesn't have roots that tap the ground. It doesn't have boughs that sway in our strong Northeast'r winds. It doesn't have leaves that greet each new May and depart with the chills of autumn. It's but strings of lights that announce the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years.

Erected on the roof of the B&M Baked Bean factory, lights strung to resemble a stylized tree with a glowing star atop, remind all those traveling Route 295 North that the holiday season has arrived. One can hear many voices exclaiming, "The bean factory tree is lit!" And so the holidays have"officially" begun in this seaside city on Casco Bay.

I can't find any official record of exactly when the tree was erected, but it's been glowing since I arrived in Portland twenty-seven years ago. If a reader knows, please share your information.

As the pace of celebration accelerates, let the bean factory tree bring a glow to your life. Enjoy it from one of Portland's viewing sites, or slow down and "honk" good cheer as you travel north on 295. Our most recognized tree is worthy of acknowledgement and the employees of B&M, baking our Saturday night beans, will like hearing from you.

HONK FOR THE BEAN TREE!

GIFTING: BEYOND ORDINARY

Not found at mall stores, off-price shopping centers, boutiques, sophisticated cyber-space sites or on Main Street, USA, my celebrated gifts for 2009 were found at gallery openings, museum visits or chance encounters at artisan gatherings.

Deck the halls with hand blown ornaments and objects of art from Ben Coombs, internationally acclaimed glass blower whose hot-shop just happens to be located in Portland, Maine. Ben has introduced an affordable collection or colorful, swirling glass Christmas tree balls, tear-drops, candy canes, petite buoys and other assorted shapes that will add dazzle to the simplest of trees. Once the season is over, display a few in light infused areas. Rainbows of color may stream across a room when least expected! Ben's ornaments and fine art glass pieces can be found at Portland Glassblowing Studio, 24 Romasco Lane,(in the back of the old Nissean Bakery building) Portland, Maine. 207.409.4527. In 2010, ornaments and such will be available at http://www.cascobayglass.com/ Become a collector!

From glass to woven sweet grass, an Indian summer visit to the Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine introduced me to the finely woven baskets by members of Maine's Wabanaki tribe. The freshly harvested sweet grass, from which the baskets are woven, emitted the perfumed scent of a sweet, Maine, August day. Selecting the very affordable candy basket for $30 to the intricately created acorn basket for $130, the signed baskets of all shapes and sizes, indigenous to the Native American culture, are treasures. The weavers who create product for the shop also have their work on exhibit in the galleries. Gift a candy basket holding a package of tea from the Native American Tea Company. There's a soothing idea sure to please...and a percent of after tax profits from the tea supports scholarships at Sitting Bull College in South Dakota. See more at http://www.abbemuseum.org/.

Now for the quirky and really original! I found Aimsel's album cover, spiral bound books last season but was shopped out. Re-found them this year and was ready to purchase. Every one has a favorite group that recalls very special moments. Re-live them again, and keep sacred notes or drawings in these journal/sketch books. My memory will be dancing with images of graduate school days at Emerson College in Boston. FAME, the movie and hit sound track, was fresh on the big screen and so Emersonian. Have a special request, contact Aimsel at aimselponti@yahoo.com. Be in the moment with the best of the past! "I want to live forever....!" Or if you recognize the line, "We forgot about the flowers," this is your gift of choice. Nothing but fun and creative endeavors...almost guaranteed.

FINALLY! Just found these high-tops with custom knit sweaters! PRETTY SNEAKY! Seriously. Katie Worthing creates customized hand knit "sweaters...booties" for high-top sneakers. Now is this cool or what?I can see them walking down Melrose Avenue in West LA! Or how about Winter Carnival in Quebec City. There's no stopping the cozy, hip beat of these PRETTY SNEAKY sneakers! In the chill of winter, keep your toes toasty. http://prettysneaky.etsy.com/ or prettysneaky@hotmail.com

If you're still stuck for "What to Give," give some thanks for all the wonder that abounds.

Happy Holidays to all. I'm LA bound for a breath of Pacific air and Palm Desert light.

BEING THANKFUL

Symbols of preparation appeared weeks ago. End caps in grocery stores are stocked with baking ingredients, condiments, beverages, and other signs that the holiday associated with plentiful crops is upon us. THANKSGIVING.

For one day each year, the United States stops to "Give Thanks"... and over indulge. "Eat like there's no tomorrow!" Simply stated, this is not my favorite holiday.

But I do have plenty to be thankful for so rather then "giving thanks," I'm going to celebrate "Being Thankful." If I practice living (and receiving) a thankful life each day, I'm not giving my thanks away. In "Living Thankfully," I celebrate:

*EACH MORNING

GOOD HEALTH & HARVEST

FAMILY, FRIENDS & PETS

Top of Cadillac Mountain

Daisy & CeCe

WRITING & WORK THAT NURTURES AND SUSTAINS.

Two years ago when I began writing The Maine Morning Report and sending it to friends, their response was, "You need to BLOG!" The term was new and the concept completely foreign.With encouragement and guidance, http://mainemorningreport.blogspot.com/ was born. Readers of the blog sustain me and I'm delighted that you enjoy my jottings of simple daily adventures. Writing feeds my soul. In addition to the writing, I'm work for a company that I've had a customer relationship with for years. Being on the other side of the desk provides me with the opportunity to meet other devotees from around the world. What joy I receive from sharing the Brooks Brothers' tradition with generations past, present and future.

All of this adds up to bountiful daily thanks. So, as the seasonal message of fabricated needs assaults our waking hours, try practicing "being thankful." With a reverence to the past, an optimistic eye to the future, yet being firmly planted in today, one can experience LIVING THANKFULLY.

*

PUMPKINS

It was twenty some years ago that I first spotted the field filled with large orange orbs. A pumpkin patch on a slightly, slanted slope along Route 89 near Waitsfield, Vermont. The sight brought a smile to my face. I giggled. Since that time, pumpkins have been my "happy" vegetable and I await pumpkin season with great eagerness. It heralds the arrival of Indian Summer, the gentle change of season.

For many years I've been selecting pumpkins and squash of varied varieties from Intervale Farm in New Gloucester, Maine. My son and I would make the trek each September in search of the biggest and ugliest pumpkins.Seeking the imperfect, we would take them home and carve according to the features created by nature. One year we had a double faced pumpkin that became the comedy/tragedy drama faces. Another one was more square than round and became a carved house. My son is off to college now so I make the journey alone seeking the harvest vegetables for my early fall recipes and decorations. Little pumpkins are left for neighbors. Squash becomes bread to be served at Thanksgiving. Pumpkin seeds are toasted and enjoyed as a snack. From seed to seed, pumpkins provide lots of pleasure.

This year I encountered a new pumpkin celebration. In Monument Square, Portland, Maine, Camp Sunshine held a fundraiser that involved purchasing and carving a pumpkin for five dollars. The fun and final product was worth much more then that meager contribution. Judging from the vast sea of glowing faces filling the scaffolding and lining the street, Camp Sunshine's event appealed to the young at heart of many.

Happy Halloween and may a pumpkin put a smile on your face and a glow in your heart.

EXPLORING MAINE, 2009: MY PICK

ROCKLAND:

For the past fifteen years Rockland has quietly become the "it" town of the mid-coast area. Once considered the ugly-step-sister to Camden, this harbor town with a thriving working waterfront, county seat, bustling Main Street, artist and gallery mecca and the crown jewel, THE FARNSWORTH MUSEUM is the "must visit" town of the season. Make that any season. Presently, The Farnsworth, http://www.farnsworthmuseum.com/ is running three extraordinary exhibits:

JAMIE WYETH: SEVEN DEADLY SINS (Through August 30)

The interpretation of GREED, PRIDE, ENVY, ANGER, SLOTH, GLUTTONY and LUST through the study of scavenging seagulls and their "nasty" habits brings new vision to this age-old tale first penned by St. Thomas Aquinas. Intense, violent, filled with life's realities... the studies are brilliantly disarming.

ROBERT INDIANA AND THE STAR OF HOPE (Through October 25)

EAT, the electric sign that was last displayed during the 1964 World's Fair, takes center stage atop the museum's Main Street building. Also about town and on the Farnsworth grounds are other highly recognizable Indiana sculptures.Within the galleries hang an exhaustive exhibit of his paintings...all adding up to, "The most beautiful show I've ever had is taking place in Rockland." Robert Indiana.

A TRIBUTE TO ANDREW WYETH (Through October 18)

Following the intensity and boldness of the first two exhibits, I found the viewing of this tribute visually and emotionally soothing. Drama can exist in a quiet voice. Andrew Wyeth leaves us an extraordinary body of work.

You'll be hungry after the art. If it's lunch and something beyond a lobster roll is desired, try MARKET ON MAIN or for a really small venue, THE THORNDIKE CREAMY can't be beat for food at recession prices. Save room for ice cream! They scoop fresh made from ROUND TOP ICE CREAM. On Route 1 in Rockport, PRISIM serves a creative lunch and dinner menu in a refined environment adjacent to it's glass gallery. (Reservations are a must!) Two other dinner suggestions in Rockland are CAFE MERANDA and PRIMO. Again....plan ahead and have a reservation.

Still have energy to browse?

ERIC HOPKINS GALLERY. 21 Winter Street, 207.594.1996, gallery@erichopkins.com

Eric is one of Maine's leading contemporary artists with works in a variety of mediums. His gallery is open daily from 10 to 5. Robin Seymour, the gallery director, will make your visit memorable. Call ahead to inquire about Eric's "gallery talks" and other special events.

THE BLACK PARROT. 323 Main Street, 207.594-9161 (no web site.)

Boutique clothing, high design home decor, funky accessories and the best, minimal card selection anywhere. It's all "piled high" so you have to search. Not for the person who requires focused presentation. I do best in this store early, rather then later when my mind is cluttered! Camilla, most recently at the former G.F MacGregor next door, has joined the staff and brings a welcome air of graciousness.

Now that the Pacific North West climate of early summer has gone back to where it belongs, take a day to experience the many treasures of Rockland and Rockport, Maine. You'll want to return for more.

HAPPY TRAILS!

and.....YOU CAN GET THERE FROM HERE.