MeInMaine Blog

Category: Uncategorized

  • Happiness In Maine Found In Small Puzzle Pieces.

    If you’re happy and you know it, sometimes clapping your hands, stomping your feet, smiling in joy and excitement is not so well received.

    First Run Without Training Wheels, Priceless.
    Leaving The Yard, The Freedom Of Your First Bike.
    I wake up mornings excited about getting out of bed, starting the day. My parents taught me how precious a new day is. Not to be wasted, to be approached as an adventure, an education, a gift from God our creator. A good night’s sleep helps make everything look rosier too. Being physically, spiritually, mentally fit requires daily health maintenance to savor life with those around us.

    But sometimes your happiness, that is an inside job, not obtained from outside sources for lasting contentment can get a kink in the hose.

    Other people who are not such happy campers don’t share the just glad to be alive, make the most of what you have attitude of enthusiasm. I have been whistling or humming a song as I trot in to the local post office and had more than one person grumble “what are you so happy about”. I don’t apologize but smile, take time to find out why they are so blue, to cheer them up. If I can.

    But not everyone wants or knows how to be happy.

    True joy is the result of a grateful heart. You can not achieve rich, lasting personal happiness without gratitude for how fortunate you really are. Don’t let unhappy, ungrateful people steal your joy. No matter how rough life has beaten you up in the past, your outlook, how you approach events that happen is key. Count your blessings through out the day. Literally list them out loud or in your head as constant reminders to reinforce, fortify your thinking as reminders of all that is so good in your life.

    Flexibility in your thinking, the ability to quickly shift gears to learn from life’s setbacks keeps you from being sucked in to a pit of despair. A positive approach to learn from personal mistakes rather than always quick to point out who is responsible for the frown on your face is a powerful tool.

    We are and always will be beginners in life.

    Don’t feel ashamed or let anyone beat down your inner joy because they are unhappy and figure somehow you are always the one responsible. Or that they feel you don’t have the right to be happy because they are not. Remember hurt people hurt people. Take time to learn the source of their pain, suffering. Pray for them. Learn from them. But don’t discard them. And don’t let them abuse you with a harsh, critical spirit.

    I was brought up on a Maine farm, did not have time to ever stop and feel sorry, lament for myself because my life had a clear, simple purpose. Pitch in with the other family members working the soil. Being outdoors in the spring creating a fresh smooth, rock free field to plant a new crop was a rebirth, renewal experience.

    The chance to wipe the slate clean, to begin again. I knew my place in a family in the rhythm of Maine farming. I was depended on for my piece, contribution to the good of the family. And enjoyed each Maine farming season…the one to plant, the one to cultivate and hoe, the one to harvest. We had a few cows, small animals too and the balance of chores each day to feed, water and care for them created a rich sense of purpose. An internal metronome that guided our childhood. There were chores to do, there was nothing to be depressed about.

    You don’t need a mood elevator drug regiment for fulfillment, to throw back a few shots of daily booze to forget your problems.

    Or create a distracting medicated buzz. The wonderment of true lasting joy and excitement for life comes from a willingness to not always be right, to not control others. To accept differing opinions so you become less narrow, have the ability to soften hard and fast stances if you live a just black and white existence. Celebrate other viewpoints besides your own.

    I’ll be happy when, I will know true joy if situations don’t work either. You postpone the inner state of joy, peace, contentment until something arrives. That may not. But the pursuit of a goal and living in the moment can be the genuine source of happiness. Stay in the day, the present and chose to be happy. Other people don’t make you happy, you do. It would be an incredible full time exhaustive job if whoever you marry, date, spend time with demanded “make me happy”.

    Little things in life are the source of our joy.

    The beauty of a new Maine day offers lots of sparkle to create happiness. I was a single full time Dad and rocking, holding a child sleeping in my arms is one powerful memory. Providing for the family is an awesome responsibility, privilege. Experiencing new things through a child’s eyes, being by their side guiding them, preparing them for life teaches you plenty too. A child takes your mind off yourself, makes you a better person because you can not preach one thing, and then do another. They are watching, keep your honest.

    Add to this list of little things in your life that give you comfort, joy, create an overflowing well of inner happiness. So when someone rubs you the wrong way, bumps in to you it’s okay. You smile and take is all in stride. Because your inner contentment is strong, your faith in God makes you secure in yourself with out worries, fears, regrets, any shame or guilt.

    My what makes me happy list living in a small Maine town includes my kids liking what I cooked, asking for more vegetables.

    The smell of the ocean, staring in to a crackling fireplace or outdoor blaze with friends. New clean sheets, a small child walking next to you reaching up to take your hand, a handwritten letter from a relative or friend, private romantic notes left in hidden place only you would find.

    Hot black coffee on the deck overlooking a Maine lake as the sunrises and you prepare your heart and head for a new day. Tea time with a parent in the middle of an afternoon in rocking chairs in a Maine farm house kitchen. Any new small animal. Knowing a good book is waiting for you. Having your income taxes done. The groceries are put away.

    Finding a really nice well knit sweater at Mardens for five dollars. A whiff of feminine perfume and looking around to spy the source. Laughing babies and everyone in the room talking in higher pitched voices, family reunions with all ages sampling the home made food and knowing you are part of something bigger, special. Music that enhances the mood. The right kiss for the occasion.

    Being hugged, made to feel special, told don’t change a thing.

    A mate thinking they got the better end of the bargain and you feeling the same way in return. Talking, learning wisdom from an older person at a Maine bean supper in a grange or church. The smell of leaves burning. Reading to a small child, then they read to you. Prayers at night, lights out. Standing in the bedroom doorway watching them sleep.

    Kayaking a Maine lake at sunset. Being in a setting you can not get to by car, high on a Maine mountain any season. A smile you caused. Fresh squeezed apple cider or home made ice cream you made, get to sample. Cooking a meal slowly, no clock pushing you with family, mate or friends in a kitchen filled with smells, music, low lighting. Being told “I love you”.

    On your knees in a flower garden, hummingbirds and bees doing their thing. Hot out of the oven strawberry rhubbard pie with artic cold ice cream being scooped on to end a meal. Walking barefoot, the feel of soft grass on your feet. Popsicles and Kool aid, juicy watermelon, sizzling steaks. Sunsets, lighthouses, lightning, thunder or snow storms. A small child on a summer night staring in to a jar of fire flies they caught. Or twirling a sparkler that lights up their jubliant face in the shadows as crickets, frogs, lake loons provide background music.

    The surroundings, setting is everything. Get to Maine quick as you can for a happier life. The loved ones around you will benefit too with the move, investment in Vacationland.

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

  • Made In Maine, What Does That Really Mean?

    If you are lucky enough to be a real Maine native, not a transplant, not a wannabe for only a week’s vacation a year, you keep life simple.

    Maine Living, Keeping It Simple, Down To Earth. You are not simple minded, but your life style is. Moderated to take it slow, keep it real, free of drama. There is nothing gaudy, over the top or ostentatious about living full time in Maine whatsoever.

    Maine has a Portland with around 60,000 people that sometimes consider themselves a little more sophisticated than the rest of the Pine tree state.

    But the majority of Maine has deep roots, heritage that centers around the family, the home. Small town community living with either forested woods or agriculture related industries the two staples used to generate the smaller income needed to fuel, to pay the household bills.

    The need for money to burn to live a lifestyle of Riley, to have a happy life without hard work, problems or worries is not what typical Mainers strive for, dream about day to day.

    The ones that do leave the state in search of fame and fortune. The ones that don’t are not failures that stay home. Their choice to live, work and play in Maine is a simple one. Small town values to make sure their children, families grow up with their heads screwed on straight. Built to fear God, respect others and pass on the same simple basics of good Maine living to the next generation.

    Less complicated, slower paced living days under cobalt blue sunny skies happen in Maine. Or unfold under a canopied black velvet firmament of brilliant stars over head. Instead of honking horns, heavy traffic, high crime and bright harsh neon big city lights.

    We are independent, can do people in Maine.

    And figure if it is to be, it is up to me. Money saved for rainy days can help you sleep nights because you don’t put yourself on the brink of financial disaster. Your life is not built on a deck of tittering cards just waiting for a gust of air, a strong wind to begin the chaos.

    We don’t live recklessly but still enjoy a gentile form of poverty that is high, wide and handsome from the local perspective. You could have a BMW car parked in the garage… might be a well cared for, pre-owned 1987 model with a lot of highway miles. But the pride, joy and care for the ride and how it is built, not for any prestige or status is just as strong with the Mainer who could not afford it when it rolled off the assembly line from Germany. The Mainer who is content to wait his turn, to be the second, third, fourth driver to slide behind it’s steering wheel.

    Made in Maine is not just a term to apply to products from LL Bean, or tourist items peddled by local craftsmen, artisans.

    It makes a statement about the people, families that are forged in simple, real, honest down to earth natural surroundings. Living in a state almost forgotten because of it’s isolation. Some say insulation due to Maine’s far northeast location. Some argue we should be in Canada we are so far to the north and by ourselves. Off the beaten path in a special place.

    Watch a video clip from Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations segment on Maine to get a taste, glimpse, feel of what the real Maine is about. I saved you the best seat in the grange, church, community hall at a small inland Maine bean supper.

    When you are ready, finally at the point in your life to tap in to all Maine offers, in a simple way, call, click, come visit me. I know a sensitive Maine real estate broker who loves what he does, where he does it. That can find you a piece of Maine to call your own. To begin tapping in to the simple essence of what the word Maine really means. Providing those that make the time to be in Vacationland a rich sense of well being, contentment and peace. You can figure things out in Maine. Get here quick as you can.

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

  • Maine, Working Hard, Family First, Keeping It Simple.

    “Well la de da”…. is not the typical way people in Maine lead their lives.

    Kids Feel Loved, Have A Place On A Maine Family Farm
    Learning To Work Hard For What You Have, Earning It On Your Own.
    Local wages are lower, the standard of living kept simple, plain, without excesses because of it. Out to impress, calling attention to yourself is not the norm in Maine. Family is. You provide for that family first and foremost. It should be the strongest purpose in life, the source of all your joy, contentment. Where you give and receive loving attention under the guidance of God’s daily instruction.

    I grew up in a household in Maine without the ravages of alcoholism. I did not have one parent that dominated the other, I did not see maniuplation or live under a judgemental critical spirit. There was no holier than thou tutelage taught to the household. We were neither in steerage or first class.

    What you saw was who we are. No better or worse than anyone else around us. All beginners in consideration for others, not our own selfish designs to impress or need to have anyone else envy us. We did not seek to call attention to ourselves. No one in our household was a carrier, would test positive for a character of unrepentive sin, idolatry of someone with a destructive Jezebel spirit.

    Everyone in the family was unique. A special instrument contributing to the harmony for the common good of what happened inside, outside those four walls. No one put on airs, a show outside the Maine home and there was transparency.

    There was not a sharp cutting tongue putting down anyone in our household growing up.

    No one tip toed because heads would roll if you did not. There was pure strong love. Both parents thought they had gotten the better end of the trade in the marriage.

    No one thinking he or she deserved more in a mate.

    No one pregnant, forced to get married and dragged to the altar for the knot tying or resentful because they were sure they deserved better. And did not care who knew it, inside or outside the four walls. No parent trying to change the other but working on adjustment, tinkering within themselves to improve the performance of the marriage.

    I saw a Dad that openly expressed love to my Mom. Affectionately calling her “Weeze” or “Mother” her special title as the ring leader for raising the four boys. Dad giving her a hug, kiss and saying I love you heard, seen, felt though out my childhood. Kids seeing that beam, both parents are working together. You felt the unending love. Conflicts, good and tough times came up, but there was a common connection. Family love was the glue that cemented it rock tight. They took turns, shared the reins guiding, shaping the family.

    The marriage started from scratch, lasting over sixty years and everything they had they toiled to earn together. No second marriages where one mate was out to better their financial station in life. Leaving one mate with distaste in their mouth and blamed for everything wrong in the marriage. To upgrade to one with a more income zero places on their tax return. And the sole attraction to tap in to a money pit to live a more lavish lifestyle to impress others with their new found financial success. That is shallow, arrogant, selfish and your kids placed second to the need for money to get attention and artificial happiness.

    A marriage is not supposed to always be happy, it is suppose to be holy.

    Both my parents were spiritual, and during discourse would retreat, lick their wounds and consider where their thinking needed adjustment. And apologies presented. Forgiveness on both sides extended and received. It was not one way where there was an alpha male or female dominating the wrinkle smoothing when offenses happened. You saw ownership of who did what that rubbed the other the wrong way. I did not see manipulation to get one to do what the other wanted. They did not play mind games.

    If one parent had always been the one beat down, to come up short, made to feel the blame and shame for not measuring up, resentment would have in time filled the family home.

    The toxins tainting the way the kids in that family grew up to raise their brood. In a healthy family relationship you all build for the common good of the household. Rather than develop unhealthy coping skills to survive and take care of yourself to get what you think you need and deserve.

    When you grow up on a Maine family farm, you see your parents, brothers, sisters more than the nine to five routine households.

    You eat breakfast, lunch, supper together. No one runs out the door to catch a train, do the morning commute to work. You live where you work. The barn for chores with critters, the neighboring fields to labor in. To create, plant, cultivate, harvest crops working around the weather and market conditions. To feed your family, with left over to sell to maintain that farm house, out buildings. To provide the shelter, food, surroundings for your kids and a place attached to the rear of the home for a set of elderly parents.

    At the center of a strong, down to earth Mainer’s life is the family. Bumps, bruises, warts and all. You’re in a family. Something to learn from, cling to during the ups and downs of life. Maine real estate buyers often comment that boy, these small town folks are friendly, helpful, hardworking but pretty much day to day life is centered around church, their families, outdoor recreation. It makes it harder for singles, couples without kids or extended families in the area because of it. Watch some Maine farm real estate videos. Not a bad place to raise a family, provide healthy education for your kids.

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

  • May 5th Is Date For 2012 Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race.

    Start your paddles, dig dig dig in your kayak, canoe for the spring Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race in Houlton Maine.

    Houlton Maine is the County seat for Aroostook, the state’s largest. May 5th is the date for this years exciting annual Maine river race.

    Watch a couple videos for the Meduxnekeag River Canoe race.

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

  • Maine, A Good Place For Letting Go, Starting New.

    Relationships, in life we have many with God, family, neighbors, friends and through work.

    Teamwork Makes For Successful Relationships
    Teaching Others What We Have Learned.. Maine.
    But sometimes our hopes and dreams are not shared by the ones we love around us. When you live in a busy, urban area, relationships become that much tougher. Because of the extra struggles, the added pressures of city living that take a lot out of you. Leaving not as much of you for the relationship.

    Maine is a place where the setting, the natural four seasons unspoiled surroundings can help any relationship.

    The beauty is spiritual, all around you in Maine. In my job as a Maine real estate broker, it is very common to be working with property buyers who are starting over. Looking for a Maine lake property to vacation at as they blend families, start a new relationship.

    Pain and suffering happens in life.

    It causes us to grow, stretch, accept. It is “not about me, but others” is a good reminder to stay tuned, there’s for more to come. You and I don’t know the ending, and if we did what would be the fun, the experience or wonderment of that? Day at a time, remembering life is not over and others around us care if we dare to share comes late for some. Maine is a second chance, always your best case scenario place to begin again for many of our real estate buyers.

    Thinking It Though, Figure It Out At A Maine Lighthouse.

    In my job when I have to handle a Maine real estate sale with a nasty divorce I try to stay objective. But when one or both spouses I work for are badgering the other, I have to worry about their kids. The kids who want to love both parents but who get caught in the crossfire. There is a fine line between love and hate is an expression my wise Dad often reminded us four boys during bean suppers on the Maine farm.

    I often wonder why did you marry this person if now the other is so dark, bad, rotten?

    It was your choice going in right? What changed in that person? Did they become alcoholic, get in a car accident and suffer organic brain injuries that altered their personality? And if the divorce, split is the right thing to do because of that other no good son of a… well, you fill in the expletive that works best for you.

    Conflict resolution with a mediate not litigate approach to life helps. Keeps it from being a putting out a fire with gasoline merry go round situation. Hurt people hurt people though. Maine is a place to figure things out. Like why you react to this situation or person the way you do. Maybe it is not them but you. The thoughts and attitudes you carry around in you that keep you a prisoner, held back from your greatest potential.

    Our Maine Governor Lepage has ten little words that he has led his not always easy life growing up.

    “If it is to be, it is up to me.” That pretty much sums it up quick and easy, down and dirty simple. I am glad I live in Maine. A place that is peaceful, less populated, and drop dead gorgeous. See her beauty one Maine photo at a time.

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

  • Maine … Less Money, Harder Earned Means Better Spent.

    Values, in the items we buy, in the good thoughts we all in Maine try fervently to carry, to use to run our day to day.
    Our Fun In Maine Is Low Cost, No Cost.
    Enjoying Simpler Maine Outdoor Living.

    Living in Maine means not needing more money to impress someone. To use to make another person envious or to call attention to your material success. The real value, gold and silver is having money saved for a rainy day, a twist in the road. Money is security for lean times that happen in life.

    Love of money is never having enough or the newest model that is bought, admired, discarded when something shinier comes down the marketing conveyor belt.

    In Maine, a rural state, we try to take money out of the equation. With plenty of do it yourself ingenuity and a healthy supply of patience as we save smaller wages. You don’t need to make more money, but rather see, study and take note of how you spend the stack of dead Presidents you slowly salt away.

    Getting value when you do decide to spend requires better impulse control. Not needing it, wanting it right now like a child beside themselves. Clenching a new, crisp twenty dollar bill in a candy store and set loose like a bull near a china closet is not the way we raise our kids in Maine.

    Raking Maine blueberries, picking potatoes, reeling in lobster pots on a boat far from the sight of land.

    Chores, earning our ipods, the upgrade to the standard issue our parents budget for, can afford happens in Maine. Taking a deep breath, making sure the money you let go of that was carefully, consciously earned and tucked away is not wasted. It requires going without, not needing to test the credit limit of the plastic.

    Patience in our spending and an easy does it approach to the Maine household budget. Where money is needed for essentials, luxuries like heating oil, groceries, insurance on our Maine homes, vehicles. Saving for college and updates to the house that are for its structural strength and not for just cosmetic show.

    Luckily we live in Vacationland so our fun is no cost, or involves only a couple gallons of gasoline and a picnic to accomplish.

    Less money, harder earned means sweeter, simpler living in Maine. It prepares our kids for practical priorities in their life and heaven help them if they get yoked, saddled with someone I remember hearing about reading to the kids nights at bedtime. About the galloping gimmees, never being happy for long.

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