Time to Recharge

Last Tuesday, I took a little mid-week excursion to the Pleasant Mountain Camping Area. Summer is a hectic time of year for me, and I was definitely feeling the need for a break. So after work, I packed up my gear and headed to the woods. I ate, read and relaxed. The following morning I walked down to the dock and spent what felt like a ridiculous amount of time just sitting, looking at the water and watching the loons take their morning baths.

I kept thinking things like, “I should go get my book so I can read while I sit here.” Or, “I should go get my stationery and pen so I can write a letter.” I was finding it extremely difficult to sit and relax, to just be instead of do.

But then I realized that sometimes our bodies and brains and spirits need time like that, in order to recharge. The whole point of going camping was to get away from daily obligations and to spend time in nature. I knew that later in the afternoon I would do some swimming and hiking; and after leaving the campground there would be errands to run and things to get done at home. But for those few hours, I needed to stop and breathe.

There’s a great quote that I have on my refrigerator that says, “Let go of all that troubles you, and relax into the flow of the universe.” So that’s exactly what I did while sitting on the dock that morning.

Creative Kids

I honestly didn’t know that sleep-away camps for boys and girls still existed. I thought they were a thing of the past or of the movies. Then I moved to Maine and noticed there’s a camp around every corner. I love to go to the annual Camp Show exhibit at Gallery 302, which is on display through Sunday, July 26. It’s fun to see all the different projects the campers have been working on and wishing I could partake in Arts & Crafts hour. You’ll see everything from pottery to wool dyed with foraged flowers. Lots of talent here!

Art Expressed in Flowers

On Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, the Lakes Region Garden Club is partnering with Gallery 302 for Art in Bloom. Club members create floral arrangements based on their interpretation of selected artwork in the gallery. It is such a neat concept and really interesting to see. There will be a reception on Friday evening, from 5-7 p.m., and the arrangements will be on display through Saturday.

Music on the Mountain

The Pleasant Mountain MusicFest takes place on Saturday, July 25, from noon-7 p.m. at Shawnee Peak. The event is a fundraiser for the Bridgton Community Center Fuel Bank. Many bands will be participating in this fun event.

Hospital Guild Events

The Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop on Main Street is having its annual July Blue Tag $1 sale through the end of the month. The shop is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Guild’s Twitchell Cafe?, located on the Bridgton Hospital campus, is having a “Back to the ’50s” special summer menu. For $2.75, you can enjoy either a root beer float or a hot dog and potato salad combo lunch. The cafe? is open Monday-Friday, from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

More Bargains

Community H.E.L.P thrift shop, located at 7 Nulty St., is having a half-off sale for everything in the store, during the entire month of July. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The First Congregational Church, 33 South High Street, is having their yearly gigantic yard sale on Friday and Saturday, July 24-25, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Books, household items, furniture and lots of other great stuff will be for sale.

Come Hungry

St. Joseph Church, 22 South High St., is hosting a barbeque supper on Aug. 1, from 5:15-7 p.m. The cost is $12 per person and includes pulled pork, chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, corn bread, dessert and soft drinks. Bring your own kale.

Historical Society Events

On Tuesday, July 27, Margaret Reimer will share a collection of poetry written about Bridgton in the 19th and early 20th centuries by local residents of the time. On July 31, there will be an evening of music and words at Narramissic, featuring Bluegrass band Fred & Deb, as well as local author Caroline Grimm, who will give a presentation on Bridgton founding father Enoch Perley.

And last but not least…don’t forget to relax.