Marketing to more than just your own special tastes, it means seeing others out in the audience.
Because if you don’t, the following is small. Because last check, there are like colors in the rainbow a lot of distinct preferences for anything from music to food to where to vacation in Maine. All Year Long, Maine Is Outdoor Living.
Survey says (ding ding ding) not the same answer on the tip of your tongue.
Or held near and dear in your heart. And if you and I open up and try new things. To embrace, consider new ideas or approaches to anything in life, something special happens inside. You move from narrow, set in your ways and expecting others to tow the same thin line.
To let’s try something different. Even 180 polar opposite. Give it a shot, whirl. It snowballs. The spark catches fire and here we go for growth. Being able to accept easier other people’s viewpoints that are scattered in the wind that swirls around us.
Without taking it personal or figuring they are wrong. New ideas. Ones that are not your own. The answer to how you feel about much is life is not a yes or no, right or wrong answer. And toleration, patience, hear them out before you put up your hand in protest. Or say that would never work. To be a wet blanket, borderline Eeyore.
Ruts happen in life and routines can be easy to perform without thought.
But. What are you missing in the short journey in that dash between the when you are born, when you take that last ride. We Consume Less Power Here, Maine Is Ripe For Wind Electrical Generation For Other Hungry Consuming Markets.
The people you circle with in life and bump into is part of the let’s try something different or not. Traveling, reading, or just having a creative imagination all helps shake it up.
Open the doors and windows in your head and heart. To blow out the cobwebs.
And shift from talking about people you like or not to let’s share hopes, dreams, experiences.
To wow, see the bigger picture.
To solutions to make life better for you and those around you. Because it never goes away from making sure it is all about the greater good.
Outside yourself is where the enrichment, enjoyment is and Maine is a place with space to get blown away. Not caught up in your own problems and realize this too shall pass.
What are you venturing out into and enjoying that either never had time for or any inclination to try?
Three times a day or more, looking for something to eat. It is a fix most of us want to address. Wikipedia defines a foodie as “A foodie is a gourmet, or a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food and alcoholic beverages. A foodie seeks new food experiences as a hobby rather than simply eating out of convenience or hunger.”Shooting The Breeze With Locals. Learning From The Man On The Street Works Best.
I was in the local Shop and Save supermarket this week and thinking I need to hit the deli.
The lady slicing, holding up a wedge and asking if this was the right thickness turkey got a nod, smile and “yes please” from me. But I asked her what happens to this big cart of food?
I had interrupted her exercise.
Of loading up the wire cart with food wearing an expiration date of tomorrow. I motioned to the food stash and ask what becomes of all the whisked away food? “Dumpster” she uttered sadly.
I asked couldn’t it go to the jail, a nursing home, hospital, a battered women’s shelter or at least a pig farm?
Then realized not her call. Worry about lawsuits if someone ate a bad egg roll, a tainted foot long hoagie.
Making the most of rescuing food in Maine who’s death sentence was not commuted by the Governor.
To salvage something from it for value. To end up down the gullet not the drain. To help, fuel someone that does not know where his next meal is coming from, on limited income and getting public assistance. Or has kids that are always hungry.
And not because they have worms. They are just growing leaps and bounds. Open Air, Locally Grown, Friendly. Maine Is Simple Living. Always grazing so the food with a day left for shelf shoppers would make it disappear. Before the buzzer sounds. If someone just gave them a heads up. For the come and get it, no charge.
The excess food in Maine that needs to be cleaned up like the advice about your plate growing down low to way tall.
You might think stop making so much and that cures the wasted food blues. It is not put together locally where the lady lathering on the mustard, miracle whip or whatever lubricate to help it slide down and stay moist punches the time clock.
If local and not trucked in from central HQ down state or further, he or she with the stylish hair net. Could simple look over the deli counter. See the shelves are overstocked for the retail supply needed.
And it’s quitting time by pulling the sash to the long whistle blast maker. Stop the production conveyor belt. Just don’t make any more until empty happens. Or better yet near just above the “E” for supply maintained to avoid waste. Not Telling Where He Caught The Maine Fish.
So foodie in Maine.
Not thinking how an ordinary pizza, or a lobster creation, seared prime rib could be marinated, be turned into ambrosia for the God’s in Portland’s Old Port. But just taking part of the food chain that never gets digested, dined on by locals who need the food.
Heck, that are used to if an English muffin gets rescued from a dumpster, and only has a few mold spores waking up to do their tap dance. Like vegetables, culls or seconds for a stew, just cut off the spoiled part. Save, use, savor what is still good.
Growing up on a Maine farm we did not waste anything.
It is how we survived, stayed on and did not lose the Maine farm. The same logic applies but if you have always had a never ending supply, plenty of food, the down the drain of any thrown away is not gonna make you lose sleep.
I wish someone needing the surplus shipped to local grocery stores owned by national chains. With kitchen’s elsewhere could redirect the end of it’s life for retail foodstuffs. To do good. Are you this kind of foodie that is not a snob? That does not get snarky or turn your nose up at cheap yellow mustard? Demands only Grey Poupon. Or something even more expensive, imported and raved about around the food critic circles. And boy there are a lot of those type reality shows.
Foodie in Maine. Not always talking gourmet. Usually talking grown local, close to home and organic Maine food. Organic food in Maine means you know where it came from, what it was not sprayed with and that it is safe for your family’s dinner table.
With Maine organic food it is not about produce that is perfectly shaped, all the same shade and consistency is everything.
Just wholesome, nutritious and none of it wasted. The natural resource put to good use.
I know a Nature’s Circle Maine organic food that has it’s end of the line culls not plowed under and lost. But shared with a supplier of Houlton Farms Dairy Milk. Which mean their holstein dairy cows are eating right too in your local milk production.
Everyone happy, the cows that don’t live on factory farms. The locals who don’t have to wonder how many states or countries away the white stuff came from before landing up in your local dairy case.
There is nothing like watching an eight year old, brand new Maine soap box derby racer.
That is timid, standing close to Mom, Dad, whoever helped the driver build their stock car. That goes through the tech inspection, the weigh in and is ready for the maiden voyage. The practice run on a very big engineered hill.Final Heat For Maine Super Stock Soap Box Derby 1st & 2nd Place.
The Derby Hill in Houlton Maine looks big, is if you are an adult.
Consider the reaction when you are just a tad over three or four feet tall. And there is a chill in the air surrounding, following you. That was not there before arriving at the race course called fear. Just not so sure.
Prepared the kit derby car for the day’s big race which is the next day, always a Saturday. And on Friday, for the trial runs, the helmet carried. Lugged around for the pictures, the car exam check off of the long list of safety items that can not be forgotten. But still timid moving over for not so bold. Questioning if this about to happen was such a hot idea.
Since 1996, when there were five soap box derby race site venues in Maine, boys and girls have known the “thrill of the hill”.
And before the break in that downhill action, Maine is full of an older generation remember trips to Bangor Maine years ago. To have the same set of wheels, but everything riding on them built with the imagination and the budget, whatever materials were available to each driver and construction team. Living In A Small Maine Town, Folks, Families Are Connected, Close.
The original soap box derby racing event held in Akron Ohio since 1934 has been the World Series of national down hill match ups. To three at a time go through the wave after wave of derby car heat launches. To determine a top winner, all the places for what is called the All American Soap Box Derby Race.
That nervous, not so sure this was the smartest idea feeling young first time down hill soap box derby racer goes very quiet.
When they get out of the kid carrier topside. The one towing the trailer of derby cars and the drivers that spill out like ants at a picnic. And car and driver get inline behind the staging area at the launch. Slowly moving forward to have their derby car rolled, to slide into the steel rails in lane one or two.
Check their helmet to make sure it is tight, sitting on their head with hair tucked under for the best visibility. No obstructions or distractions. To seeing the long, fast, airport grade paved course that drops before them. Think of being an eight year old in that position for the first time down that kind of long, fast hill. In a brand new car worked on for hours but never tested until this very moment in time. Gulp.
In this slide show image display of one by one events. That advance in the carousel that flash a glimpse of the small Maine town driver childhood. That has the support of the entire village. In derby racing, all their other events too. Because small Maine towns are connection intimately. Have to be because not enough people to have it any other way. Instilling In Kids Early On The Right Stuff To Succeed. To Contribute For The Greater Good.
The last pair of racers for the trial runs on tech day, the Friday before the big Maine race tomorrow get a green light.
The launch lever is pushed forward to release and off they go. Wheels rumbling, each car picking up speed as the drivers hang up, get low and pray.
Racing faster toward the bottom of the hill where volunteers are ready to assist. Hollering “BRAKE” as the drivers cross the white painted row of lines signalling to the driver you are out of runway, pull back on the reins. Or better yet, push hard on the plunger brake with the rubber pad. To stop the car, hop out and smile ear to ear. And whip off the helmet as you turn around and look up that very big hill you just conquered.
Now it is your turn back on the top of the hill for real. Not just watching, but ready to race. In the gates, sneaking a peak toward the driver and their flashy car in the other race lane on Derby Hill’s topside. And being walked through the check your brake, helmet okay, make sure your steering wheel is straight not cock eyed to the side.
You are all alone and ready to roll.
Looking down the double barrel lane of a high powered gravity derby car race track. And just stare with a look of terror, and little like the same feeling inside on a roller coaster ride. Where there is a point of no return. Just like going over an approaching waterfalls but this time, you are ready.
Have been coached, know what to expect, drilled and trained. But. Still. Scared happens and floods the inside of the driver who have never actually ridden down this long historic hill. As one of the rights of passage of a Maine child who is nurtured by the community of race fans cheering them on.
The 180 degree change from scared on the top of Derby Hill to wow, speechless but flooded with release of any anxiety at the bottom.
That transformation, segue into years of spirited soap box derby racing is something to behold.
An amazing program to be involved with which I found out as a past derby director of the local race. The one in Houlton Maine venue the largest in the country five years running. Consider being a derby car sponsor. Helping a driver build a car. To be able to participate in a Maine soap box derby race to know the “Thrill of the Hill”.
Going without the most basic items, situations for greater appreciation to happen. On a cold Maine night with the wind howling, it is extra comforting to be inside a home. With the warmth of family and an antique kitchen wood cook stove. Maybe a modern one like a Jotul 404. Preparing a wholesome meal brought up from the root cellar shelves. To combine with fresh items purchase at a local food co-op. Where friends and neighbors join forces to put food on the tables that is grown close to home.
You think about even though the temperature is low, there are folks that are not in for the night.
The lineman from the local Maine electrical utility if you are not off grid. Is on stand by. With a bucket truck, chain saw, maybe pole spikes, insulated gloves and a leather belt. For the time when someone hollers “Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights”.
Cold, rainy, dark of night conditions can mean a phone call to go out in it. Peace At The Beginning, End Of The Day In Maine.
The lowest temperatures combined with wind chill factors also create the perfect combination for the deadliest house fires. The heating systems are pushed to the max to maintain a comfortable interior. Plugged in electrical heaters spiked into outlets connected to old substandard wiring.
Creosote soaked chimneys ignite and break through old defective thimbles under layers of old wall paper no one knew were there. Until the fireman with the axe and wearing the oxygen tank and shield helmet started paddy whacking. To discover where there is smoke there is fire.
Over worked devices to keep it warm inside when it is not outside. All those electrical shorts, chimney fires and smoldering inner walls that go undetected. Just waiting for the worst conditions for firefighters to get the call. Turn on the siren and lights. Grab Spot, the dalmatian wearing the insulated coat. Let’s roll.
Same with road clearing crews when poor visibility of blowing snow, icy rain or fog team up with the low sitting mercury in the glass tube.
To make for long shifts, dangerous runs to keep roadways open. Especially for emergency equipment.
Mailman, same story. Dress warm, your appointed rounds are waiting for you. The delivery to your assigned zip code show must go on no matter what. Sure the job is fun on a summer day. Wearing short pants, shirts without sleeves. You can say it is all part of the job. The one that each signed on for or they could quit. I am glad they want to do what I am happy I don’t have to for a job. Growing Up In Maine, The Fun Home Made, Outdoors.
It makes your appreciate the little things.
When inclement weather means you and I can hunker down and stay inside. Still watering, graining, haying the farm life stock.
Delivering new stock often born, delivered the briskest day of the year it always seems. Could you be a Maine farmer?
The simple goal to surround yourself with positive people.
Most New Year’s resolution lists have that one somewhere near the top I would bet. Does not just mean close ranks to pull those who always agree with you closer. Or that have the same negative habits of let’s see. Who can be today’s character slam, personality “pick apart the human being” in conversation.
People that enjoy that stone casting are cruel, mean and insecure.
Sometimes pickled, hammered, heading for a black out. Or merely are followers that just join the pack. Lob a rock, aim for the temple. Like bullies, loners that want to belong to some circle, any group. To intimidate and earn respect the wrong way. From fear not home grown inside merit and hard work appreciation.
Often the contributors in the round robin, anything but friendly chit chat do not even know the person. On the receiving end of the pointed, steel toe cowboy boot. But they have an awfully strong conviction in their darkest heart of hearts. Concerning the one or series of neighbors, community members of who is branded, graded USDA rotten to the core. Negative People Are Not Mountain Climbers. Get High Up, Surround Yourself With Positive People.
Often just labeled a jerk, reject stickered “bad to the bone no good”. Just so severely disliked that it is herd them up on by one in the critical pointed finger.
Those deemed best destined for the now boarding for Misfit Island. At gate what a zero.
That are lined up, turned around to be individually shot down. Placed in the corner with the tall cone pointed hat facing away from the angry posse mob. That take turns throwing kindling on the fire that burns fueled by bad Karma hatred.
Time out. Alcohol can be a good or bad thing if applied in moderation.
Sometimes the bad press is merely this is fun to play the who do you do not really know or like and pssst. Pass it on game that gets louder. More vicious, raunchy as the drink numbers downed add up. Take their toll lubricating the I can top that or here’s another one I hate and want you to as well.
But it can be a splash of firewater for the the New Year’s Eve held high toast of bubbly at the end of the night. And sincere appreciation for your partner, family members who are with you through thick and thin.
Who share the same hopes and dreams for the next dozen hanging sheets of 31 or less numbers to fill.
Where you together reflect in what is parked in the rear view mirror behind you. What is up ahead in the roadway of uncertainty called life. And we need others to co-pilot, navigate it best. Family First And Last In Maine. Raising Them. Attacking Others Is Not The Target.
The barley pop shared after a friendly, physical sporting exercise and reliving the plays and saves. That is social without leading to let’s destroy a thirty pack. Down a bunch of fifths individually.
Or a glass of wine introduced before or during an Easter ham hopping on a platter. Getting brought on stage for a family table sit down munch a bunch and reflection. Or shared watching a sunset from a Maine patio or open deck.
In front of an outdoor Maine lake, backyard or river cabin fire pit.
Surrounded, with filled plastic or folding canvas chairs. Staring into the blaze, sharing and collecting positive ions. During the exchange of ideas and gleaning answers to life’s easiest, most daunting questions and the in between. Usually the talk with the crickets, loons and bull frog in the background about family members, personal struggles or triumphs. Not who can we dump on next, your turn.
Those we love not hate the conversation fodder. The joys and hardships of those near and dear and often related to us. Not out verbally sniping, back biting without their knowledge folks out in the community that we don’t even really know. Or like a witch hunt, may never get to based on someone else’s coveted opinion. To stay away, quarantine them with a skull and crossbones poison warning.
That only makes you wonder in time. Who you really have on the list, the small circle you really count as friends. Different, Odd Or Something Beautiful. In Others, What Do You See? Good Or Bad?Because this one, that one is brought up in less than a redeeming light using your sharp pointed tongue. Spewing negativity, stinking thinking.
Finding something good to say about others.
Locating the fault, sharp edges with yourself. Wage war inside to change what needs housekeeping stealing your joy, others too around you.
Find the right color wire to cut on the ticking device to diffuse the anger knee jerk reaction that is painted blackest. Lifting up not crushing, slamming down the small Maine family value way to approach living. Playing well with others.
You may not be happy but it is not others that cause that. It is an inside job to go either way with the emotions, the smile up or frown down. Tearing down anyone else instead of looking for their redeeming qualities. That does nothing good in a community.
Attack problems, issues and look for the good in others.
So they pitch in willingly and not get exiled. In small Maine communities we need everyone involved in the discussions and hammered out solutions. Have to have all the players pulling together in the same direction. To live in harmony and achieve true peace inside and out that endures for the greater good.
I have a real job and try to stay as positive as possible doing it.
But the number one complaint I hear from out of state Maine real estate buyers is something is missing. Where they live now which is 99% in a city or urban landscape, they are not happy. And that frown is caused when you ask but kinda already know what to expect for an answer what is the source. It is other people. The Cattle Are Munching. Hay, Just Hay. (Sneeze) Thanksgiving.
Way way too many other people everywhere they turn when they have to do time outside Maine.
Maine is a rural state and loaded with more wildlife in vast infested woods than actual people dotted the countryside. When you remove the layers of people, everything shifts back to simple living.
No traffic, 4th lowest crime statistic, everything is cheaper by a lot for buying real estate. And the property usually comes with backyards measured in acreage, no fractions of an inch, foot, yard.
The attitude of the people in smaller rural Maine is more connected too. Because in small Maine communities, the folks who live there are in the same revolving circles of activities. Working together, serving on local activities from church pageants, hosting sporting events, taking on the yearly task of several community events. That without them, not a long line to draw from to step forward if someone hollers “NEXT”!
Small town living in Maine, means you know your neighbor.
Like him, you help him not hate him. You check in on those elderly ones. You take turns with driving their kids to practices for a slew of stuff. The other parents are friends not strangers with youngsters in the same activities. Relax, Unplug, Recharge In Maine. There Is No Bad Time To Vacation, Visit ME.
So we spend a lot more time with the supply marble jar of people and whatever their personalities.
Tolerance is higher when you really know and understand your community members because of greater involvement one on one or in very small group interaction.
Worry about drive by shootings, gangs, avoiding certain neighborhoods at night or any point in your life. Ah not thanks, nope. That feeling of “watch yourself” does not happen in Maine. Because along with a crowd of people that have some real gems in it, you up the volume and have more than one bad apple in the mix.
You gain a lot inside or not being a country mouse and become more across the board resourceful.
Instead of highly specialized in one technical area, and hire it out on pretty much most of the rest that comes up needing doing.
Not making as big a salary in Maine goes hand in hand with not really needing one. Because cars don’t get stolen, taken for joy rides or rolled into chop shops for the slice and dice.
Resale through midnight auto sales offering their five finger discount. Weaving, Needling Your Car, Bike Through The Highway Thread. Exploring Maine.
And when money is replaced with the hands on as the DIY gene becomes stronger in Maine, awareness of what is really important becomes crystal clear. Working to protect relationships, enjoying the great outdoors of four seasons Maine and space. Room to breathe, to hear yourself think.
Not living with the standard knee jerk response of what is my neighbor mad about now in that sardine tight subdivision they all swim in.
In Maine it is what can I do that helps, to pitch in looked for daily.
We focus on problems, not attacking people. Less reaction in any negative way. More time is a wastin’, use that daylight wisely.
Instead of not making eye contact, pretty much detached living with one hand on the taser for City Danger Mouse.
Twisting a couple dead bolts, sliding the door security chains quickly into place. Check the all corners, in and out, up and down security cameras ad alarm resets. Always armed with a degree of mistrust, watch yourself, be on your guard.
So Maine, thinking maybe you want some of that Vacationland, a slice of the Pine Tree State in 2015? Come for a day, end up staying a lifetime. Here to give a glimpse and offer help in the moving to Maine however long or short the time frame. Wherever you crank the dial, decide on is best for you.
