First of all, I want to thank Annette for this chance to
share about my home state.
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| Moose are Native |
The state slogan is "The Way Life Should Be" and
most of the time I agree. I was born and
raised in a small town outside of Portland. After graduating from high school, I continued
school in the big city of Boston, got married and eventually moved to the Twin
Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. After living there for 30 years and raising a
family, I moved back home to Maine--literally,
moving back into my childhood home to live with my mother. We had three wonderful, fun years before she
died as the result of an auto accident.
I then bought a house of my own.
The small town I live in now reminds me of the town I grew up in.
Having lived away from Maine for a number of years, I think I
appreciate it even more than if I'd spent my entire life here. It is a charming blend of mountains, ocean, cities small rural towns and country roads
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| View of the White Mountains |
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| Rockbound Maine Coast |
Although we have four seasons, it mostly seems like winter and summer joined by spectacular fall colors.
Some fun historical tidbits:
In 1775, the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War was
fought in Machias
Bay.
In 1839, Gov. Fairfield declared war on England, resulting in the bloodless Aroostook
War, the result of an ongoing dispute about the northeastern boundary of
between Maine and New Brunswick.
In 1947, during the "year that Maine
burned," major forest fires sweep Mount Desert Island
and other parts of the state, destroying more than 200,000 acres, 851 permanent
homes, and 397 seasonal cottages. As a
child, I can remember seeing the evening sky in the west turned orange by the
flames.
In 1948, Margaret Chase Smith (1897–1995) of Skowhegan and
Lucia Cormier ran in the nation's first all-female race for the U.S. Senate.
Smith won, making her the first Maine woman elected to the U.S. Senate in her
own right and the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress. She also bravely spoke out against the
Communist witch hunts of Senator McCarthy.
As an author, I've been influenced by both states I've spent
most of my life in, Maine and Minnesota. My recent
short novella, Wishes and Dreams, is set along the coast of Maine and features one of my ancestors.
[cover for Wishes and Dreams]
Can a grumpy old ghost stand in the way of a woman's wishes
and dreams?
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| Coming March 2013 |
or you can find her spicy side at www.peppergoodrich.com
I love comments and respond to each one. Now for a little contest: If you would like to enter a random drawing
on a chance to win a Maine souvenir, comment by answering the following
question: Why would you like to visit
Maine? As part of your answer, please include
your e-mail addy [e-mail AT service DOT net or com] so that I can notify you if
you win.
(pictures provided by author)
Judi, thanks for a tour of Maine, next on my travel Bucket List. I'll have to check out your intriguing books.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog about a lovely state. A very long time ago, my family camped at Sebago Lakes, but I've never seen the eastern shore, which I understand is spectacular. Lots of luck with your books.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading what authors have to say about where they live or grew up. The photography is inviting. I like the way we as authors can use influences from these places in our writing. Judi Phillips describes Maine and it history so that I feel I have a connection to it.
ReplyDeleteGlenda
Another place I hope to visit--but not in winter. Best of luck with your writing.
ReplyDeleteI spent one night in Portland a few years ago in a delightful hotel that I can't remember the name of now. Until last week I lived in WA state, so Portland was always Oregon in my circles. Maine is lovely--would like to get back again.
ReplyDeleteI would like to camp in Maine. When we go visit a new state, we get the real feel for what it's like to live there by camping in the natural surroundings. We've rarely headed east, preferring to head north from Illinois. But we were in Vermont and New York a few years ago for a family wedding. It was gorgeous country! My only caveat is I dislike seafood, so my husband and son will be the one consuming all of the locally-caught delicacies.
ReplyDeleteFiona.McGierATgmailDOTcom
I have been to Maine but we had a long a baby and could not enjoy. I want to spend some time in the parks and visit lighthouses.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
I've never been to Maine but have often thought I would enjoy visiting. After looking at your pictures today, I'm sure now...it is a must do in my bucket list. Of course, you won't find me visiting in the mid of winter! That's a lot of snow!
ReplyDeletekareninnc at gmail dot com
I've visited Maine and I love it. In fact, I set my werewolf paranormal along the coast of Maine. I want to go back. The scenery is breathtaking. Enjoyed your blog.
ReplyDeletecmatskyATaolDOTcom
Will you be drawing a winner soon?
ReplyDeletekareninnc at gmail dot com
My sister lives in Brunswick. I have been to visit her but I want to go back and go to Acadia National Park which I didn't get a chance to do. Everyone,let me tell you how GORGEOUS Maine is in the fall!!!
ReplyDelete