The year: 2001. A 4-year-old boy stood silently by the casket, which contained his mother. She had died of a brain tumor. Visitors filed by to pay their respects. The woman was my niece Linda Favero, my sister Martha’s only child. Linda and Martha were both classroom teachers, which further strengthened their deep bond. During […]

Sign seen last week on the side of a Maine barn: “I stand for the flag. I kneel for God.” While there may be nothing unusual about such sentiments, posting them in letters big enough to be read by passing drivers is a clear public statement. The passer-by may come away thinking the farmer is […]

Recently, a timber harvesting operation in Brunswick on behalf of a landowner/developer has drawn heavy criticism and concern from neighboring residents, as outlined in media coverage including The Times Record’s recent story, “Brunswick logging operation rankles some residents.” As the trade association representing loggers throughout the Northeast, including the logging contractor who performed the work […]

I’ll wager you haven’t given too much thought to the history of why it’s considered hilarious to heave a pie into someone’s face, am I right? Well, this is your lucky day because I’ve done extensive research on this subject and have even had a few pies heaved at me, so I’m experienced, you might […]

Summer has never been my favorite season. Mostly, that’s because I am not “built for heat.” I grew up knowing humidity, and I looked forward to the bonus of more mild weather after moving to Maine. This week, my hopes are not necessarily dashed, but severely wilted. At the same time, I am part of […]

There is nowhere quite like the Midcoast in the summertime. I love being able to step outside and admire the sun setting over Curtis Cove. Looking out over the water, watching the sunlight dip below the horizon, surrounded by a symphony of cicadas and ocean waves, I cannot help but be filled with deep gratitude […]

> Recently, I was getting a haircut and teasing my long-term stylist about the lack of inspirational-quote décor in her salon station compared to the one next to hers. Of course, she knows that teasing her is how I show my love and appreciation to her for not re-sculpting my earlobes with her straight razor […]