As columnist Carrye Castleman-Ross explores Nashville and New Orleans for two weeks, Heather Kerby fills in.

With Thanksgiving under our belts (literally) and the holiday season upon us, it is no wonder I’m feeling warm fuzzies and excited over it all. Late fall and winter are really my favorite times of the year. I love the crisp air, wearing my scarf, and my fingerless gloves. My coffee tastes better the sky is clearer and the stars are brighter – at least to me.

It is not my intention to sound so sappy and nostalgic, but I think sometimes it is necessary. Occasionally we need to be ooey and gooey and embrace the essence of the season, and what we love. My family and me are from “away” so the rest of my immediate family is down south – far, far away. I remember when I was growing up how special Thanksgiving was to me. One of the reasons being that mom and dad always cared to invite any “Thanksgiving orphans” they knew.

Usually family, friends, sometimes friends of friends who had no one close by, and found themselves alone. We always ended up with a huge crowd, so it was naturally my favorite holiday. Living so far from them now, getting together on this special day is rare indeed.

Now we are the “Thanksgiving orphans” who are left to stray. What a privilege to have friends that care and who invited us in to share with their family this special time. Thank you for thinking of the ones that are alone during this time and for extending your generosity. I know others near by who received a warm invite as well.

Carrye Castleman-Ross is on her grand adventure and I know as always, she will relish every moment and find the joy in everything that surrounds her. I wish her well while she travels and hope like the rest of you she had a happy Thanksgiving and remembered to take a moment to be truly thankful for the things we do have in life, rather than the things we do not.

Embrace the season

Now through Nov. 25 there is a grand opportunity to experience a meteor shower. The show begins around 11 p.m. each evening, some nights stronger than others. What an amazing chance to make some hot cocoa, wrap your self in a blanket and gaze at the sky – we live in Maine! There is so much to enjoy and embrace. So many “gifts” are there to remind us of the goodness and beauty of this life in this place. There are other meteor showers scheduled in the upcoming months, visit mainenature.org for more information.

Chamber event

There is an After Hours and Holiday Auction on Friday Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. at the Route 302 Roadhouse Restaurant in Bridgton. There is no admission fee and the public is welcome. There will be an array of things to choose from for the silent auction, including select vacation packages, massages, florists, ski passes as well as an enormous selection of various gift certificates – there will be so much more so please come along. It will be great fun and is an awesome opportunity to do some Christmas shopping. They will also be offering their Backwards Raffle with a chance to win $250.

Community Center

The Bridgton Community Center is a great resource year ’round, but especially during this time of year. Opportunities to participate in events and entertainment are available each week. Right now it is offering a five-week yoga class through Dec. 18. Walk-ins are welcome so don’t be shy. The cost is $15 per class and there are two class times: 3:30 – 5 p.m. or 6 – 7:30 p.m. There will be a second series beginning Jan. 8, 2008 for six consecutive weeks. For more information contact the Bridgton Community Center at 647-3116.

Bridgton Library

The library in Bridgton is one of my favorite places, small and quaint and quiet. With a house full of children I welcome the silence. Take a moment and support your local library, they have special events planned (important to note especially if you have children) and lots of times they will have a selection of used books for sale. Not to mention the last time I was there I stumbled across a fantastic novel (perfect for snuggling into while sitting next to the cozy coal stove) as well as the books I set out to find. Stop by next time you are in town, soak in the silence and browse the fabulous books that line the shelves. It is always a treat to take the children if they are in tow – they adore libraries, as it seems to ignite their love for books and provokes the opportunity to read.

Finding holiday health

Lake Region Fitness Route 302 in Bridgton is offering free classes on preventing holiday weight gain. “Why Weight?” is offered Thursday, Nov. 29, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 13, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Presenter Dona Forke is offering information on the benefits that strength training and good nutrition can offer. To register, or for more information, contact 221-6508 or e-mail dona@pairpoint.net.

A look ahead

I try to embrace each and every moment that I am exposed to, some more pleasant than others. As a mother of three my wits are stretched beyond belief yet I continually remind myself that before long the April showers will arrive, the black flies will commence and the heat of summer will cause me to sweat.

The other day my husband and I watched as our three little ones trotted up to the giant school doors where they bravely entered without turning back. I believe they were out of sight though we were still gazing burning their tiny images into our minds. A fellow parent walked by with a smile and said, “take a long look, ’cause you’ll blink and they’ll be grown!”

Enjoy the frost on the grass and the wind in your hair even though sometimes it’s just harsh. Enjoy the noise that fills your home whether it is from the new puppy that is shredding your life, or the excited children scampering about. Enjoy the quiet, the peacefulness that fills your heart if the day is still, look forward to what lies ahead but enjoy where you are standing now.