Back in college, one of the first items of clothing to become a mainstay of my new Acadia hiking life was my beloved gray henley-style snap Patagonia fleece. Granted, it didn’t start out as mine. It belonged to a friend. But after several “borrowings,” it eventually took up residence in my closet full time. I […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal
Letter: Five Westbrook councilors endorse Moninski
We, members of the Westbrook City Council, are jointly endorsing candidate Jess Moninski for Ward 2 Westbrook City Councilor. As health care (reproductive rights) rights for all people is an issue that is under attack nationally, both at the federal and local levels, it is vital that all on the council stand united in support […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: All in Maine, including immigrants, should take in fall splendor
In a few weeks the cooler temperatures of fall will start rolling in and I am itching for outdoor firepits and chilly nights, sipping hot chocolate and eating s’mores. Such an American thing, you say? In fact, during the rare rainy seasons in Somalia, we celebrated the start of rain by breaking out jackets and […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Loan forgiveness benefits many more than just students
My parents are both children of the Great Depression. All through my childhood I heard stories about what that time of hardship was like. I heard about how hard it was to find food, about my grandmother buying cuts of meat for the family that she used to consider cat food, about my grandfather working […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: Maine needs to increase ranks of firefighters
A few hours after typing this, I will park myself on a metal folding chair and settle in to watch my eldest son graduate from firefighting academy. I’m pretty proud of him. I fully own that there is some plain ol’ mama pride going on here, naturally, but this sort of thing is good for […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Choose mindfulness over the monkey mind
To help heal addictions in 12-step meetings, the leader reads “the promises,” which say that, if we follow the recommended practices, “we are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. …We will know peace.” A writing teacher says, “positivity and expansiveness … will give you access to your essential creative channels. … […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Life Unwound: Letting go of the impossible dream
A friend recently asked me, “Have you ever wanted something that was impossible?” She didn’t ask me to name that something. Phew! Who wants to reveal their deepest longings, fantasies, or maybe that shiny thing tinged with the teeniest bit of greed? “Yes, of course,” I answered simply. “It’s about loss, right?” She smiled and […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Mainewhile: At long last, bird-friendly windows
My father was a man who really loved good design. He paid attention to the small details: the way a door handle felt when grasped, the balance of a coffee pot as it was lifted to pour, the line of a fender on a car going past. Dad managed to pass his love of design […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Forum: Westbrook lucky to have splash pad funding while awaiting new pool
After another brutal heatwave when another record temperature was set during a recent Sunday, many in Westbrook were reminded of 2022 being the third summer without a working outdoor pool. The decision not to repair the 40-year-old pool was a difficult, but wise one by the city, as the estimated $1 million-plus cost to repair […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Through My Lens: Thankful to be eight years a Mainer
I woke up on Aug. 11 to celebrate my eighth anniversary of leaving refugee life in Kenya and moving to Maine. Sometimes I find it hard to believe this much time has gone by since I departed Kenya carrying only a refugee document and a U.S. visa printed on a piece of paper. I remember […]