Who Are You…Who Am I
I am prone to philosophy. On our recent visit to Maine Jeff told me that I was a Philosopher when I was a kid. In those days, my pastor told me I had an Old Soul.
As I enjoyed Jeff and Margo’s presence I was whisked back to our youth. Life events look so far away when you are young. Numerous roads to travel. So much time in the hourglass.
MJ Aaron Jonathon and I walked the paths of Mt. Desert Isle in 2009 and enjoyed the lovely breakfast the proprietress fixed us. She had wine for us on Sunday. We sat on the massive front porch. Maine was intriguing. I hoped we could return one day. That was the first of seven journeys to the Granite State.
Emily graced us with her presence again this year. What a lovely person. Kind considerate and a good listener. Emily brightens any room that she enters.
Jeff is a success in business and in life. He cares about others. He helps those he meets. I remember the first time I saw him as he exited the door of the little church we attended and swung on the awning brace…full of energy and the joy of living. He still is full of energy and makes a mean stir fry…
Margo is a compassionate intellectual. She is a joy to be around. I have heard it said that ‘Still waters run deep.’ MJ and Margo’s friendship began when MJ was her typing teacher. Later Margo introduced MJ as her teacher and now her friend.
So we peer into the looking glass of time and we see what manner of man or woman we are. What formed us. How our world molded us. Life seemed to hand us random samplings that we constructed our journey from. Days seemed ordinary but they were extraordinary. Life was routine until we looked behind the veil to discover there was a plan. The journey is long we thought. The path is too short.
Mystery Maine
Margo, who is from England, reminded me that New England adopted most of their town names from England. Bath is one of our favorites. Last year Brock and I got Lighthouse tattoos at Bath. Bath is fun to visit. They have a great Brewery. We had some delicious pizza. Jonathon bought me a stuffed Beaver commemorating one of our favorite movies Naked Gun.
We set out in search of our mission…Leaf Peeping. Upon being advised that we should travel inland to see the best in leaf splendor we set sail. First to Augusta the capitol of Maine. Jeff bought us a lovely cup of coffee in Augusta. The Barrista was among the friendliest I have met. She told us of places to go and things to do with a refreshing genuineness.
Hallowell was a bit mysterious. A picturesque village with Halloween decorations displayed. It had an old-world air. We were Leaf Peeping and Antiquing. I saw the most delightful Einstein Concrete Sculptor I wish I had purchased. The leaves were beautiful. The peaceful climes of Hallowell were overwhelming.
Maine is a mystery. It is liberal and conservative. My friend at the cigar store loves Maine and says his favorite part of the Granite State is that people leave you alone. At the beginning of our Ghost Tour of Boothbay, the guide mentioned that she had seen me in Wiscasset the day prior. She carried a lantern and wore a red coat. Our guide noted the Kennedy Family had attended church in Boothbay. Her stories were chilling.
The little towns that we visited have a feeling of what you can see with your eyes and the hidden world of the past.
October 10th & Maine
October 10 is a holiday in the Brooks home. Forty-six years ago today I was offered a position at Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale. A job offer that changed our lives. When I found the University I found home. I was in the background and liked it due to my natural introverted proclivity. SIU brought out the best in me although I am still an introvert. Doors of opportunity opened wide for me. When I got the chance to help others I did. I love to offer opportunities to those who have no voice and are forgotten. Southern Illinois University has Opportunity emblazoned over every entrance…if you can see it…
We are back from Maine with our dear friends Margo and Jeff. It was a lovely week of fellowship and fun. Our arrival began with my recounting the story of The Massage. Margo and Jeff were with us ten years ago when it occurred. As I told the story Jeff laughed until he cried. I was reminded of George Costanza in Seinfeld. George contended that he usually had one good line in meetings that captured the attendees’ imagination but that he buried it in gaffs and blunders before the meeting was concluded. Costanza vowed once he delivered the winning line he would leave the meeting and enjoy his witty performance.
Boothbay, Maine has been our destination of choice for our past four visits. It is such an interesting hamlet.
One of the highlights of Boothbay was a Ghost Tour. Our guide was outstanding. I think we saw a ghost or two.
The above photo is of my friend Jeff and me with Jonathon’s reflection in the window pane. We have been friends for over 50 years.
Maine is peaceful and kind. The air is light with hopes and dreams.
When I am in Maine I feel I can do anything. The creative vibe is strong. Time seems seamless. Beginnings and endings meld together.
Happiness…we seek it here we seek it there. It is before us behind us and surrounding us.
The Massage
We were with our dear friends Margo and Jeff in Maine. We had not visited long when the classic story of me and my travails came up about receiving a massage at Montetcontini Terme while we were staying in Tuscany. This was over 10 years ago in 2014. Jeff and Margo had been telling MJ and me about the beauties of massage and how well the attendants performed at Montecatini Terme. I had never received a massage but had often thought one would be good for my aching back. During the late 70s and early 80s when I was taking MJ to the chiropractor I wondered if he would work on my back as well.
The first matter of business was to purchase swim trunks as I had not packed any. The four of us went to several stores only to discover that the Italian sizes were too small for a giant… Jeff said with a big grin that I could wear my dry-fit shorts for the massage. I was pleased. Margo and MJ began their massages while Jeff and I went to the steam room. I know I must have looked hot when Jeff brought me multiple cool water glasses.
MJ and Margo looked refreshed and renewed…then it was my and Jeff’s turn. The kind masseuse told me to completely undress as she held up what she called bikini underwear…made of paper. I protested that my friend had assured me I could wear my dry-fit shorts. She replied no and then showed me the front and back of the paper marvel. She said she would step out and I could change.
I put on the official massage garment and sat in front of a full-length mirror. There was nowhere else to sit. After looking at my reflection I was reminded of Buddha. When the massuess entered the room she instructed me to shut my eyes. I shut my eyes and they remained shut until an hour later when the massage was complete. She began by pouring oil over my head that ran down my face onto my chest. Then she said for me to go over to the bed. As I thought of my Buddha visage and the oil I became tense instead of loose. When we began the day at the facility I had been issued a white robe that did not fit and house shoes that covered half of my feet. As the massage concluded I noticed the attendant was washing my feet. She commented that my feet were so large with my shoes not fitting I would track oil down the hall back to the locker with my needed clothes…
MJ and Margo were looking relaxed while I felt haggard and worn. Jeff was smiling…
The paper bikini underwear was my only experience with the joys of massage…
The Happy Traveler 