Worth a visit Worth a lifetime

After much thought, debate, and discussion I finally decided it is time! Some may welcome it, others may laugh at it, and hopefully a few will enjoy it, but no matter where you stand my story has already begun...

February is considered the month of love (according to hallmark and the retail world) so I decided to carry that through my blog this month. Not celebrating one day, but rather starting my new posting hobby with a month of things I love. In no particular order, I love each person, place, and/or thing for very different reasons!

I debated what would be my very first "love post"...a friend requested information about Maine as a potential vacation spot and as I responded to her email, before I knew it I had a novel of things to do, see and places to eat...that's it, Maine will kick it off...Appropriate that this is where I took my first breath...I can't think of a better way to start my life and this blog...too sentimental too early, up to you to decide...There is so much that I like about my home state but below are a few things I LOVE!

The BEACHES! From the soft gentle sand to the rocky shores.

Steve Maines did an amazing job of capturing the sweet innocence of a mother and her little girl...you would never know the infamous black flies were out in full force...I will forever cherish this day and image

Note: this is a picture of a picture and much more beautiful in person.

Snow day! The first snow day...

Waking up to little white snowflakes clinging to the window...the untouched snow, perfectly smooth...rushing downstairs to turn on the TV and see if school is cancelled...building the first snowman of the year...warming up under a cozy blanket with a mug of hot chocolate (extra marshmallows!)...a winter wonderland!

Ice storm of '98...yes we didn't have power...a crackling fire, wait no we had an electric fireplace so the heat was produced by the generator...the hill covered in rock solid ice which was the only way to the grocery store (or anything outside beyond our driveway)...a slumber party with everyone in the family room...family time in Maine!

Many know about Sebago Lake, few know about Frye Island...

This is my DREAM VACATION...here is a typical day...wake up to my mom cutting fresh fruit in the kitchen and my dad fixing something (anything!)...walk down to the patio to relax...

...while the water is still calm jump into a kayak or canoe...or head to the golf course for a round of 9 holes...then cool off with a swim...be prepared for loads and loads of delicious food made by my incredibly talented mom...

...as the day winds down curl up in the hammock for a nap...once the water starts to calm the engine starts to roar and my dad is ready to take the eager skiers for as many laps around the lake as one can take...

...before you know it the fire pit is glowing and ready for smores...after a long day the night concludes with a peaceful silence except the gentle lake waves rolling onto the shore...but what makes Frye so special is not the activities or the scenery, but the family...every year the family joins together at this special place (thank you Auntie Net!) to make memories worth a lifetime!

September 5, 2010 Dave and I said I do on the top of a cliff at Point Lookout, Camden Maine...

Our first introduction to Point Lookout was by our family friend Barbara from the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland while searching for a location for my mother's surprise birthday party...after a fun filled couple of days we concluded the weekend with a family hike...I proceeded to race ahead to the front of the pack with my nephews...Dave stayed behind and found the perfect opportunity to ask my Dad for my hand...and typical Dad's humor, he directed Dave to my Mom for the final approval!

From asking for my hand to joining together and exchanging rings...we have come full circle

Thank you WHITEBOX for the incredible photos!

Our wedding day was a dream come true...the weather was amazing (after the hurricane moved to sea)...friends and family filled the room with laughter and love...and I married the love of my life and became the Mrs...picture perfect!

Simply stated...Maine, worth a visit worth a lifetime!

...and if you need any places to go or see just let me know!