New Hampshire by Nora LeDuc

Hello from New Hampshire, AKA the Granite State. N.H. was one of the 13 original colonies and lives by the motto Live Free or Die. Our official slogan was adopted from a letter written by Revolutionary War Hero John Stark to the veterans of the Battle of Bennington.

Like most of the United States, we have four beautiful seasons, and summer is a favorite of mine. Recently, I flipped through my memories of the places I love to visit and hit pause when I reached Hampton Beach. Flashes of sunshine, hot sand, and a glimmering sea flood my mind. This will be my first stops on my warm weather travels.

For your information, this community is a village district and a resort within the town of Hampton Beach. The Granite State coast stretches for 15 miles. Plenty for me. I’ve enjoyed many a perfect day lulled by rolling waves, daring to go up to my ankles in water that seldom reaches above 72 degrees, or reading a good book under my umbrella in my lounge chair.

In the evening, sit under the stars and watch the free entertainment at the Sea Shell Stage. Fireworks light the sky every Wednesday or buy tickets to big name events at the indoor Casino.

When you’re ready to explore, you can cross the street to the shops, the arcade, and mini golf. I’ll warn you the odors of fried dough, pizza, and onion rings will draw you to the many kiosks. Often, I choose to eat at the Seaside Ketch and sit on the second floor with views of the Atlantic.

I remember one foggy day—no view and rather chilly. (The weather had been sunny

when my husband and I had set out.) We sat inside the glass seating area and as I perused my menu, I noticed a brave soul, a young woman, on the porch.

She was talking to the server. A menu lay in front of her and another by an empty chair. She was dressed in a blue sundress with a flower in her long brown hair. A date, I thought, but where was the missing dining partner? I was intrigued. Time ticked by. She often looked at her watch or swiveled in her seat to glance at the door. People came and went. The waitress checked in with her twice more, and finally she ordered.

I felt a stab of disappointment for her. We ate our meals and left. We took a long walk down the boardwalk and back to our car parked below the restaurant. As I looked up to the porch, I caught sight of the young woman. She was still there and beside her sat a young man. He was nodding his head as she talked to him. They held hands across the table.

My faith in love was restored that day. Sometimes when I sit down to write about my characters struggling with their relationships, my thoughts wander and I remember the girl at the beach.

            Happy travels, my friends. May all your dreams come true.

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