Back when I was a kid, “Aesop’s Fables” had a sort of fashionable revival and it was fairly common to hear them read aloud at the library story time. They were even a regular feature on Sesame Street. One of these was “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” The way the story goes (in most versions), […]
American Journal Opinion
Mainewhile: Let’s swear by a social contract of civility
My bestie Reed once said to me, “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.” At the time she was referring to my ill-conceived decision to grab scissors and give myself some bangs. She was right, it was not a good look for me, but her larger sentiment, the moral of the story, […]
Through My Lens: Young Africans need help navigating dangerous waters
The African community is mourning the death of a friend, Pedro Matala, a brilliant young man from Angola, after he fell into the Presumpscot River in Falmouth in late July. We lost another brilliant young immigrant, Isha Ali from Lewiston, last summer after he drowned in the Androscoggin River. The death of these young immigrants […]
Mainewhile: Mainers can make their lawns more planet-friendly
Several years ago, I was having a friendly conversation with an elderly gentleman I knew. Aware of his devotion to the game of croquet (he was a member of a team which competed weekly and he practiced near daily), I remarked how much I, too, enjoyed the game. To my great surprise, he replied, “No. […]
Life Unwound: Playing the mental game for the win
It started when our grandson played a junior golf tournament near us and my husband and I followed him for nine holes. He’d hit a long straight drive, turn to us with a smile and a thumbs up, which we’d return. The next hole he’d hit an errant drive and say something like, “My drive […]
Through My Lens: Yarmouth Clam Festival reflects the way life should be
I wished every New Mainer was with me to watch as Maine’s best were displayed in the parade during the afternoon of July 15 at the Yarmouth Clam Festival. I had my lawn chair out on West Elm Street across the now-closed Andy’s Handy Store. This is the area where I run at least a […]
Mainewhile: Dolly Parton is beautiful inside and out
I’ve never really understood the concept of sainthood, but I’ll tell you what: If there’s a way for a person such as myself to make a nomination, I would like those in authority to consider the astounding Dolly Parton. Seriously. The woman is the real deal. I admit I am biased. As a child of […]
Mainewhile: Sharks are scary, but they have an important role to play
Summertime in Maine is tourist season. Recently, summer has brought a new kind of seasonal visitor, one we haven’t quite figured out how to live with, in a change that seems like the new norm. I am speaking, of course, about sharks. Obviously, sharks aren’t new. They’ve been here all along. According to the Gulf […]
Life Unwound: Settle inner turmoil like the calmness of a snow globe
On a recent 90-degree day with over 60% humidity, I remembered my childhood snow globe. Do you remember the magic of the tiny bits of reflective glitter in the water-filled glass? When turned upside down or shaken, the particles fell like a snowstorm. I gazed at it, fascinated by the whiteout after a few jiggles. […]
Mainewhile: Maine owes its brand to now crippled EPA
We are in a drought. “Moderate” for the Midcoast as of this writing. So far, knock on wood, our well is holding up. We made it through last year’s drought, too, thank goodness. But pause a moment and consider that statement. We are in a drought … and we had a drought last year as […]