Author: Andrew Mooers

Your Heart, Head, Get The Two Talking, On The Same Maine Page.

Life in Maine, anywhere has its ups and downs.

Life Is No Picnic. Maine Has Lots Of Rest Areas For Your Heart, Head.
The twists and turns can be roller coaster fun or disasterous. Letting either your heart or your head exclusively have all the say in most life situations is dangerous.

Listening to your gut, another major vital body part is important too.

In chartering unknown life waters. As events unfold, happen right on schedule.

Having a faith, believing in God to guide the process but knowing you and I have a card labeled free will makes the path sometimes crystal clear. For a while. Then suddenly Maine light house foggy. You’re not so certain. Your heart checks in. And when you crank your head around, guess what? Everyone else is on the same life conveyor belt around you. Inching down the assembly line of a better you or me. New and improved.

It still boils down to “it’s your life”. You have decision making to do. But “ah ha” timing is a factor. Not everyone’s watch has Mickey’s little hand on this same number. His longer mouse hand on that one just like you. But it’s not just about you anyway, but others. When you do start to see the bigger life picture. Fuzzy and blurred starts to rack focus sharp and bright. As you crawl first then walk, and run. Making headway inside the noggin sitting on your neck.

The one that needs to come off, be slowly screwed back on straight from time to time in a person’s life.

What does Maine specifically have to do with the thread, message in this Me In Maine blog post? Everything. Maine is the perfect setting for figuring out how to avoid, go around or up and over the road blocks and set backs up ahead. And to bask in the joys, triumphs and successes in your life. To pull back and getting better in focus on what is going on and how did we get here? Where do we go from here.

Maine, because she is not over populated and you get to have the space, elbow room to think it through.

To consider, chew on the good, bad and the ugly in your life. At any interval along the pathway. Down the lazy river or when you are up that famous creek and find yourself missing a very important paddle. What to do about it to change directions when you find yourself in a boxed canyon. With seemingly not a clear cut, good solution. To help aid in finding the way out.

When you take the time to climb a Mount Katahdin or one of the many other higher elevations that require time, effort, good things start to happen.

The scary, unknown unchartered waters become more secure. Are a bit calmer and life becomes more in focus. The truth, reality of what is happening inside your head, outside it in your life becomes crystal clear, less murky. The healthy struggle is the step at a time, becomes where to place your feet not so scary.

Because the cherry on top of the hike, climb is what awaits you on the top.

Like the old Platters song “Up On The Roof”, you can get higher than your earthly problems, concerns, issues that everyone has because we are human. And like Billy Joel reminds “We’re “Sa-POSTED” To Make Our Share Of Mistakes”. Maine’s hills and dales to hike, ski down are the second wind you need. To deal with heartache. Walking in to the ring alone in that prized life fight as the song says to wait in your corner until the breeze comes in.

Other than medical problems, wouldn’t you say most of our problems involve other people, our relationships? Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, reacting in ways based on not enough information and too much raw emotion. Not meeting expectations in affairs of the heart. Heck I had one real estate buyer who was purchasing to get away from meddling family members say “other people are hell, right here and now on Earth.” You don’t have to wait for a firery place to experience it first hand later in life.

Working so hard to toe the line that others draw in the sand but coming up empty because you did. Because often less or nothing coming back in to your personal water source of “well being”. Than the heart and soul, tears and fears you expend to stay in a place treading water. When you need a nudge, push, some natural current to get back in motion. Back on the track. In the swim of things. It can be a case of doing too much, then not doing enough. Or just plain stopped. Dead in the water. Not under power or able to get out of your own way.

Anxiety, depression starts when bitterness from being hurt lingers, festers and there is no big red button button to push.

No railroad locomotive dangling, swinging overhead brake chain to reach for and pull hard. For forgiveness relief, a stop of the hurt that you and others carry in a shower of hot sparks. What’s really called for when everything does not seem fair, just, fun. You, me, everyone needs forgiveness. To get it, give it. Like breathing, water, food, love, family, shelter and respect. Struggle to extend it, bask in the healing sunshine when you are lucky enough to receive it.

The Phish song about when I got off the train I had a bucket full of problems. That’s why the singer had to stop, get off. But eventually one by one they get sorted, accepted, chucked. And hopping back on that locomotive steel horse happens. Your surroundings, clearing your schedule and being suddenly in a natural, four season real, unspoiled setting like Maine.

That hill top for me is a spiritual place to reflect, heal, revive, recharge, grow, learn and to listen.

To feel the goodness, love, peace that is around us. But back down on earth, traffic, noise, demands, phones, schedules, and yes people all trying to depend on each other can blind us of what we need for a life balm. To help the hurts, purple bruises on the heart. Get me back on that clickety clack, don’t look back track.

Maine is Vacationland. There is a place that is like life should be. Get here quick as you can to recharge. To carry a smaller bucket of problems. Replace it with life’s simple beauty, simple joys. And remember fewer but way way friendly people who care and share, that are so down to earth live in Maine. Our waterfront helps the hurt in the same way as the perfect setting to reflect, revive, recharge and figure out your own personal life path too.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

March 2, 2012
Maine Home Schooling | Support Is Out There.

The Maine public schools, private ones too are small sized, not giant factories but home schooling still happens.

Ready To Head To Houlton Maine Public Schools, Turned Out Okay.

I hear many educational horror stories from other state, move to Maine real estate buyers. In my job, education options available in Maine come up, get discussed. In large city, urban areas outside Maine, lots of disturbing remarks bantered around about gangs. And just the sheer impersonal institutional sprawling size of public schools. Where out of state kids are herded like cattle through the educational process turnstyles.

One teacher from Pennsylvania described his job in a phone call. He has five kids.

Says teaching there pays hazard bonus pay in certain regions and he is scared but saving extra money to move to Maine. And I thought as he described his school of images of a prison. Loaded with security, metal detectors, full time police with drug dogs. The law enforcement who are all labeled “resource personnel.” I thought when he used that term he was referring to ed techs, volunteers, helpers in the education process of kids in his city.

Also hear about outside Maine inner city schools where kids don’t dare use the bathroom.

Too much crime, drug deals and many don’t work from destruction to the plumbing. One mother said she learned to get out of the way at the end of the school day. Because the kids getting home from school were in a major dash to bust open the door. Race for the bathroom at home. That lack of school bathroom freedom, fear of gangs and huge classroom, education system size has to interfere with the school teaching process.

The home schooling in Maine topic also came up while showing a teacher from North Carolina who had his masters in education.

His wife a successful divorce attorney. The husband also a coach with a teenage daughter gifted at basketball. He was not so high on home schooling. Because he said not everyone is cut out to teach. In the public education system or with their own kids.

His take on the subject being he was trained for more years than his wife spent in college for her under graduate and law degree. He said parents mean well but often have odds with the school system and yank their kids. Become home teachers by default in the corner they paint their children in to. He worried that these parents create minds that are narrow, limited. Even though as a parent they mean well as the strongest advocate for their children’s welfare.

Proponents of home schooling say more individual attention happens. Less time spent wasted between classes, moving the larger groups through the public school halls. Tied to schedules based on what ever “color” today’s block of classes is guided by for the school educational process. Pushing trays through the lunch line process also is time consuming home schoolers point out, argue.

And just because you happen to choose the path of Maine home schooling a child does not mean lack of organized social, sport, or musical interaction can not happen through public schools.

Over the last seven years, Maine superintendent records show between four and five thousand home schoolers registered. Here are other frequently asked questions, FAQ’s about Maine home schooling.

One question asked about Maine home school a lot is does the State of Maine issue a diploma, certificate of completion when a parent alerts them that their student has completed their studies? No. Since there are no Maine home schooling achievement standards.

Maine does not issue grades, credits, diplomas, transcripts, letters of course completion or grade level promotion for home schoolers. Parents are advised to contact post secondary institutions, their military recruiter or potential employer to inquire about what will be required for acceptance/admission/employment.

Home schooling in Maine starts with a letter of intent to withdraw from a public system.

The notice must be filed with the State Department of Education in Augusta and your local school superintendent with a ten day notice. More from Home Schoolers of Maine organization FAQ’s section. And wondering about other education alternatives to public schools, Maine home schooling? Check the list of Christian schools in Maine.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

February 27, 2012
Maine Is Lucky To Be Parked Up Against Quebec And New Brunswick Canada.

Maine has some unique neighbors… Quebec on the west, New Brunswick Canada on the east.

Oh sure, New Hampshire to the south and bordering the “Down East” rock bound 228 miles of Atlantic ocean aren’t too shabby border partners either.

Swapping Loonies And Dollar Living In A Border Town Happens A Lot.
But Canada, a whole different country for border towns to experience up close and personal is a beautiful thing. Leaving the country without involving hundreds, thousands of miles or emptying your wallet. Becoming more aware of how things go, operate in other places outside your little corner of the world. Meeting new people and hopefully part of you rubs off on them while you learn from them is a healthy experience.

And it works both ways. Canadians from New Brunswick cross in to Maine to fill their car, truck, SUV gas tanks. To pick up some milk and load up on turkeys when they are sale. At least that’s my observation living in Houlton Maine, a Canadian border town.

When the US dollar and Canadian loonie are not close to the same value, the traffic one way or the other increases.

With free trade in North America alive and well, and when a local vendor does not exist for me to be Mr Chamber of Commerce, keep the money local, hopping across the US – Canadian border is a real easy option.

Sometimes the border hopping shopping is not for big savings on purchases either. It’s because you can get a brand of bread and butter pickles or pastry dough or some food item over there, that is not available this side of the International boundary line. The local Houlton Farms Dairy butter is almost as valuable as gold block equivalent sized bars and rationed. I’ve been told Canadian prefer our turkeys and their lower prices too. The Canadian beer, barley pop, is pretty popular this side of red, white and blue. Canadians like our gallons of gas better than their higher priced liters of petrol.

And when you consider few people in Maine border towns can pass the test of at least 25% Canadian blood, DNA in their system, we’re all one big happy International family.

Back and forth, more connected than someone “from away” would think, realize. Add to it a sport like hockey that Canadians are pretty skilled at, that is a major part of their heritage and history and the any International, cultural barriers existing get eroded, removed further.

Have two boys that played hockey from Mite level all the way up to varsity high school. Their hockey skills, progression with stick and skates are thanks in big part to many treks in to the New Brunswick Atlantic Canadian province. To chase the black circle around the sheet of ice striped with red and blue lines and nets of twine on each end of the arena rink.

Passion for hockey is a shared deep love no matter if you are waving a red maple leaf or stars and stripes flag.

And so is down hill winter snow skiing where we have Big Rock Mountain on this side of the border. And Crabbe Mountain on the other side of the US – Canadian International boundary line.

I’m glad I live in Maine. But proud of family connections to Canada. And living so close to be able to head in to New Brunswick, Quebec Canada easily, often. Discover Northern Maine.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

February 23, 2012
Every New Dollar Generated In The Maine Economy Turns Over Six Times.

The economy of Maine, any state is tied to income, small businesses making a profit.

Buying Local Goods And Services Is A Start, Less Restrictive Government Helps Too.

So they can maintain, create new jobs, expand, weather challenging economic climates. Small business is the economic engine that drives the flow of money. If you restrict the operation of small businesses, the local, state and national economy suffer.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) fewer than 500 people are employed in 99 percent of all independent business operations.

And these small enterprises account for 52 percent of all U.S. workers, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Small businesses can weather storms, belt tighten and don’t bleed as fast as slower to react giant corporations.

Government does not make, create jobs. Programs can exist to assist job training, expansion, cut through red tape regulations. But small business operators create the jobs, cause the employment. Take the risks, sign on the dotted line for mortgages. Pay the taxes the goods or services they provide are assessed. To start and continue, to grow and prosper, small business needs to be able to make a profit.

The profit a small business makes is often found in the expenses and careful spending. If attention to detail is ignored, if solid business practices are not in place, daily routines, making a profit becomes harder and harder. If government over regulates, over taxes, restricts and slows the operation of a small business, the economic engine for other societal programs drys up.

As you follow the news, pick up on messages, conversations around the social media circuit and among your peers, it seems there is a national taboo to business of any type making a profit. For a company or business to show earnings greater than expenses on the spread sheet. This Robin Hood thinking is forgetting where the local economy starts and ends. With small business, the economic engine to fund social programs and services.

America to me is a place where if your logic is sound, if you persevere, work hard, you get gain ground.

Get ahead. If you run an honest, service providing or a quality value rich product business that gains and retains a good reputation. Has an image of treating it employees, sub-contractors and customers fairly. All the time. Has something happened to this process?

They say spending someone else money is not so much fun when you run out. And like the little red hen who was laughed at, ridiculed, others watching her work not pitching in to help, the same routine could be developed if fewer and fewer businesses operate successfully in the this country, state, county, local community.

The thinking that no matter what, we are the greatest, most powerful nation in the world can cause a false sense of security and comfort. Hungrier countries with populations willing to work harder, for less money and with governments that support business, industry are a danger to our American economy.

On the local level, buying products, using services from providers that are your friends, family, neighbors just makes sense. Because if you don’t these local small businesses in Maine, anywhere will close their doors. Losing local jobs, the flow of dollars in to the local economy that support the schools, road maintenance, public safety and everything to do with the intrastructure of the small community.

Maine, simple living, four season beauty that’s drop dead gorgeous.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

February 17, 2012
You’re Lucky If You Grow Up In A Rural, Less Populated State Like Maine.

Being raised in a smaller, rural state like Maine has lots of advantages.

Everyone’s In The Maine Small Town Parade.
Besides the rock bound Maine coastal way of life, the mountainous sections of Vacationland, many areas rely on woods and agriculture production. Two industries that are pretty essential and age old. That have both become highly technical like most things in today’s hurry up, faster, drive through life blur or race.

And many in today’s society besides wanting it not now, but right now expect the cherry on top.

Every time, likes its a given, expected, “owed”. To have desert before working for the meal. In large part because they somehow have come to expect the best without a huge supreme effort. Without the hard work, sacrifice and patience learned if you are not born flush with cash. If stacks and stacks of dead presidents do not fuel your lifestyle day to day. The expectations from situations, from others is more realistic, honest, down to earth. Not so spoiled child like.

The difference in a rural state like Maine is in the ratio of lifestyles. The mix is a little different.

Our way of life is simple, the people are not.

Mainers are survivors. Prepare for hard times, expect them. But are grateful for sunny days, periods in their life when everything goes right. And suddenly quick to rationalize when the going gets tough. To convince themselves that when things are bad, it could always be worse.

That is not a defeatest attitude. More like a Rocky who may get knocked down. A lot. Hit hard and often. Like a boat off the coast of Maine being hit hammered by gale force winds. Dangerously close to rocks, shoals, shallow water, hazards. This Rocky from Maine, raised here in Vacationland does not stay on the boxing ring canvas floor. Gets up, keep fighting his way out of the roped in area, despite it all.

There is a little going without but getting so much more when you live in Maine. Much of what we don’t have on a daily basis you don’t need. Or it would cloud the fun of simple homemade experiences. More often than not happening outdoors, any season. Wildlife, waterfront, four season scenery are usually our “cherry on top”.

Maine, Whew. Relax, You Made It To ME Video.

Natural, real, honest and not spun or polished by a Madison Avenue advertising agency… that’s what Maine is.

And why she stands out so classy. The people work hard, not just for the pay check but because it reflects on them. And lazy is stealing, not pulling the oars in the community boat. Not putting your all in to the area you have fierce, protective pride for. Just like you do with any family member. You raise your kids to expect more from themselves, to dig deep and not just think someone else will always come to the rescue.

The folks in Maine are connected, you feel others in your area care and share in your highs and lows. They do. We make eye contact. We wave in Maine. The kids are raised by the village, not just the parents, relatives. Everyone in a small Maine town pitches in. Like the pot luck supper, having something they bring to the event that is good, sweet and from the heart special.

It’s not about “ME”, more about them, others. Because alone we can not accomplish much, if anything. And none of us in Maine in a small town can or should take all the credit. There are other crayons, colors in the box that add the splash, cause the spark, paint the picture of what it is like in that particular Maine town or region.

To appreciate Maine, you have to work hard for all she offers. It’s earned, not just handed over to you. A mind set that sure I could make more money heading to the city. But it would cost a lot, more than just money, on what it takes to live there. What it takes out of you. The biggest loss is the closeness, feeling others care, check in on you and you do the same with them. Bright lights, big city living has glitz and sparkle that come with a cost. That can not compare with Maine’s natural beauty that does not wear a price tag. She wears no make up, doesn’t need to and will grab you heart. And never let go.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

February 11, 2012
Digging Out The Green Old Town, LL Bean Canoe For A Maine Spring River Race

The approach of spring in Maine, one way you know beyond new buds on the hardwood trees is green
Paddling Down A Maine River, Stream In Canoe, Kayak After A Long Winter
canoes.

Lots of them that get dug out of garages, stuck overhead in carriage houses. Or phone calls made if the Maine river, pond or lake vessels were loaned out. And just not brought back to their rightful owner. You.

Spring canoe races for families and black belt kayakers alike to share the rising water caused by Maine winter snow run off. This year Maine has had a mild winter with less snow than normal to roll around, ski, snow sled and play on. But as the garden seed catalogs start rolling in from the postman on foot, thoughts of canoe paddling and drifting enter a Mainer’s head.

Or someone not so lucky to have to live down country outside of Maine.

But who plan their yearly pilgrimage. To strap on the canoe or kayak to their SUV or station wagon roof top. And skillfully slide it in to the current, to ply a bloated, spring Maine river or stream.

So this year, planning to add some spring water to your diet like the doctor suggested? Check out this Maine canoe and kayak racing link. And stay tuned for more about the Meduxnekeag River Canoe race in Houlton Maine. Watch a couple Meduxnekeag River race videos and plan to be in the event this year. Stay tuned for more on this race on this MeInMaine blog.

Maine River Canoe Kayak Race On The Meduxnekeag In Houlton ME Videos

Maine, check our her four season natural beauty any way any time you can.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

February 7, 2012