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.

MARSDEN HARTLEY: Maine Artist

VISIBLE SILENCE: MARSDEN HARTLEY, PAINTER and POET

An essay in film by Michael Maglaras





PREMIER SCREENINGS:

BOSTON, MA. Oct. 30, 2008, Coolidge Corner Theater,

290 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA. 7:00 p.m.





PORTLAND, ME. Nov. 7, 2008, Abromson Community Education Center,

88 Bedford Street, Portland, ME. 7:00 p.m.



How I came to learn of this documentary was purely serendipitous. An accidental meeting of Michael Maglaras and Terri Templeton en route to the world premier of the film in Lewiston, Maine on September 25, 2008. Curiosity led me to their web site, led me to their publicist, led me to a private viewing of this hour length "essay" in film.


Marsden Hartley is not exactly a household name like Wyeth, Homer, Cassatt or O'Keeffe, but he has a passionate following among artists, patrons and students of art. VISIBLE SILENCE makes us realize that it is time, time for Hartley to be brought to the forefront of our thoughts when entertaining great contributors from Maine and , more importantly, American Modernism.


In sixty-five minutes, Michael Maglaras tells the story of Marsden Hartley through the integration of art, b/w stills, film clips, quotes and 21st century video. We are invited to travel through the life of Marsden Hartley. From Lewiston, Maine to Parisian bon-vivant, pre-war Berlin and finally returning to the coast of Maine, we explore the journeys, relationships and themes that became studies of Hartley's work. Mr. Maglaras is passionate about this artist and communicates it through the intensity of his narrative.


Hartley once described himself, "I'm not a book of the month club artist." Yet we learn that his greatest desire was to become "Maine's painter." With the release of this documentary, that opportunity now exists. It tells the story, presents the works. It's time for Marsden Hartley to take his rightful place next to the artists whose names slip so easily from our lips.


Any viewer of VISIBLE SILENCE will emerge more knowledgeable and richer from experiencing this formidable work on Marsden Hartley.

View a clip of the film: http://www.two17films.com/PressPageVS.htm



Hope to see you in Boston or Portland.















."

FALL...ing

Slowly, ever so slowly we seem to be slipping into fall. Shortened hours of sunlight, nip in the air, marsh grass of gold and Canada Geese flying in "V" formations. The languishing days of August have passed. FULL SCHEDULE AHEAD!

In the past, fall has been my least favorite season of the year because it heralds winter. I tuck in. Maybe that's why it has been too long of time since my last posting.

With my proximity to the Back Cove and daily observations of life's ebb and flow according to nature, I find my attitude adjusting ever so slightly. I now celebrate what ever the day may deliver and this fall we've been served up a huge helping of Indian Summer. From the foot path to farmers markets, to vacated beaches, "FALL...ing" (the art of embracing autumn) has never been better.

Along the foot path of the Back Cove, the seasonal changes are initially subtle, and then one day...BAM.....it's all blue and gold! Water fowl returns for wintering over or just passing through. The Great Blue Heron and Great Egret arrived within days of each other, late August. It is a cause for jubilation. They rest and feed within feet of the many walkers that circle the tidal basin each day. If boundaries are invaded, they take flight to territory across the bay. In a few brief minutes, the Great Blue Heron will launch,

spread wings and land in clam flats providing safer ground.

The Great Egret visited for a mere four weeks. Warmer conditions called with the first nip in the late September air. The heron is dining alone these days.

Away from the neighborhood, in town or on the green of neighboring communities, farmers markets abound with bountiful harvests. It's roasted vegetable and pickling time.

The bountiful harvest invites us to search for vintage recipes and preserve foods the we last tasted at Grandma's house. This year I'm putting up spiced crab apple pickles. Directions found in a 1902 FANNIE FARMER COOKBOOK will guide me. They'll
be served at the Thanksgiving Day feast I'll attend in Rockland.
Between now and then I'll post a picture of the finished product.

Since childhood, brussel sprouts have been my favorite. Little vegetables for little people. At least that's how I thought of them. Just my size! The charm has never worn off and I love them more then ever. My favorite preparation is to oven roast them with other fall vegetables. I can make a roasted batch to last a week. Daily portions make for good health and very fine dining.

If you don't roast them, a huge pot of vegetable soup awaits.

October wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Great Pumpkin Patch in New Gloucester, Maine. What began with a few rows of pumpkins twenty years ago, has grown into acres and acres of every kind of pumpkin and squash that will grow in our northern climate. Rolling hillside lays ahead ....dotted with big orange orbs. It's pumpkin carving time.

SLEEPING IN THE EAVES: MAINE ISLAND LIFE

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.

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.

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.

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.

MAINE MORNING DUCK REPORT: ONE YEAR LATER, SEPTEMBER

The vigil is over.

Daisy, perched in the window providing a straight shot view to the duck channel, has been patiently watching and waiting for days that have led into months. It has been a very long time since our friends left. Egrets and The Great Blue Heron departed with other snow birds last November. Some went south, some to more sheltered coastal Maine inlets. The ducks sought quiet nesting grounds the end of April and have just now returned. But they are all back and through our open window passes the "quack-quack-quacking" of Mallard families as they glide effortlessly on the glassy Back Cove tidal basin. Daisy responds in her own sweet Maine coon cat voice. Not distinctively a "Meow." It can only be described as animal kingdom communication. Not for me to decode....only to enjoy the unadulterated pleasure it bespeaks. "THE DUCKS ARE BACK!"

During the duck's absence all has not been still on or around the Back Cove. Along the Rt. 295 corridor, YARDSCAPE,

a low maintenance garden, has emerged from layout stage a year ago to fully planted, bordered and blooming. Set back from the high tide mark of the eastern shore flats, the winding garden footpaths are positioned at an elevation that makes one feel as though they are walking below sea level! I don't have the the exact grade elevation of this "unexpected" shoreline floriculture to affirm that "feeling," but it works for me to have a momentary sensation of "walking on water!"

In the center of this meandering landscape, one will arrive at center court, a clearing with a geometric configuration formed from Maine granite. Research requires that I investigate the meaning of this specific design....if there is any. Maybe it's simply geometric.

Further along the footpath I observe the Great Blue Heron standing guard on the bird rock situated just inside the channel connecting Casco Bay to the tidal basin.. His view; 365 degrees. He is motionless. Standing, watching, taking in and monitoring all movement. Nothing will get in harms way. On two separate occasions, sans camera, I have watched, mesmerized as this graceful bird stretched his neck and head and tucked it completely around and under a wing. On another, I watched as the feeding hour was in progress and the Great Blue Heron only had focus for food within range. My close proximity did not deter his primary agenda; hunting.

With or without water fowl, life's renewal is ever present in this Back Cove neighborhood. On the southern shore, an industrious person, finding magic in washed ashore sea scraps has created a dining El fresco scene, complete with an arrangement of wild ragweed set upon the table. Can you guess who's coming to dinner? We'll have to wait and see.

Today, as with most days, it's a wonderful day in the neighborhood. A year ago I wrote three short paragraphs about a mystical walk I had on the footpath. It was the first MAINE MORNING DUCK REPORT. From that germinated a more expanded "Duck Report" and eventually the mainemorningreport BLOG. Thank you readers for your encouragement and support. Maybe, just maybe, there will be a birthday party El fresco. Watch for a cake with one brightly glowing candle taking center table on the banks of the footpath. See you there!

DEMOCRACY AT WORK: THE LITTLE SCHOOL THAT COULD

I recently attended the ribbon cutting and celebration of a new school for an island community that didn't qualify, and probably never would have made the State's designated school funding list. This school is a testament and living monument to what can be achieved when the "hand that promises to feed us" proves once again that "talk is cheap", fails, and good old individual American ingenuity steps in. The North Haven Community School on the island of North Haven, Maine should inspire us all to ask, "Not what our government can do for us, but what we can do for our ourselves."

It's a common story. Little player, some big problems, no government funding and a very small, weak tax base. That didn't stop the North Haven School Committee from taking on a mountain of obstacles presented by the State Education Accreditation Board. They had choices. Stand in line for state financing that would essentially never come. Send their high school students to another near-by island for schooling. (It had a new facility.) Or they could take the facility situation into their own hands, develop and drive a fundraising campaign and keep the education of their students on their island.

One thing they knew for sure. The island was producing amazing students that were consistently admitted to the top schools in the Country. And it's not all academic. This little island has produced a plethora of artists, writers, performing artists , fishermen, lobster men, teachers, boat builders and other great contributors to society.

I have to think that "blind faith" must have been the state of being when this little island community, never knowing that odds were against them, undertook an eight plus million dollar capital campaign to raise funds that would be needed to design and build new halls of learning.

Through a tax assessment they were able to raise $1.3 million. That left a mere $6.23 to go! Most people in the public domain would role over and call it quits. But not this group, spear headed by Nancy Hopkins-Davisson. Nancy is an island girl and proud of it. She went to North Haven Schools. Her children did and her grandchildren are. Her team was tireless. Her team was committed. Her team realized a true AMERICAN DREAM.

When classes began on September 8, 2008, it ushered in a new era for the North Haven Community School It represents the best of education, community spirit and the American Dream. I'm sure during those years of just dreaming, the committee must have been saying, "I think we can, I think we can." What else would keep them going but faith and true grit.

The day of the "New School" ribbon cutting everyone on the island was invited to the opening ceremony and a volunteer catered luncheon. Once again this wasn't deli purchased from a local supermarket. It was home grown, prepared and served up with pride...as was due.

There was something about the reality of this school that reminds me of the good old fashioned barn raisings of our ancestors. A community coming together for the betterment of all. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? I personally think we do it better at home. NORTH HAVEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL is a living organism proving that. Each day it prepares people who will enrich our lives.

Many years ago I began my education in a one room school house. I have never forgotten those years and the wonder and thirst they instilled in me for learning. I want to think that a similar yearning is still experienced by the students fortunate enough to attend NORTH HAVEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL.

For more information: www.villagesoup.org