Maine Is….

“There’s a quality of life in Maine which is this singular and unique. I think. It’s absolutely a world onto itself. “- James Wyeth

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Maine just celebrated it’s 200th birthday. Maine is a lot of things. It is lobster and lush endless forests. It is “ayuh” and “the way life should be” Over 36 million people flock to our beloved state for those and many more reasons. Living in Maine is a lot of things and each Mainer would have a slightly different list.

Maine is one big small town…

When we lived in Japan I happened to find another Mainer. You bet I dropped everything and approached her and we started chatting about home. We connected some mutual acquaintances too. The same thing has happened at various airport gates filled with travelers heading to Portland or Bangor. Once everyone gets settled, usually in the tiniest, most inconvenient lowest level terminal, the chatter begins and connections made. This even happened in the years before Facebook. Imagine that!

Maine is savoring summer days…

Being outside surrounded by a summer sunset resonates with a soul that has not too long prior marked another winter off their calendar. Many people flock to Florida. I personally don’t think the summer days can be enjoyed as much if you hadn’t shoveled snow 6 months earlier.

Maine is community…

Mainers gather around their people. Pull in to any convenience store or locally owned restaurant and you’ll see flyers for a benefit dinner, bottle drive or coin collection for a family going through a hardship. Word of mouth business is key to many small business’ success. Mainers don’t recommend a business unless they truly know the owner and have used the service.

Maine is specific food…..

Moxie, red hot dogs, blueberry pie and of course lobster. These foods are unpretentious like the people who make them. Regional favorites like baked beans, clam chowder, classic yeast rolls, and Indian pudding are all dishes you can be proudly served at local, family owned restaurants.

Maine is proud…

I have lived away from Maine and never have I seen a region with as many children’s books dedicated to a state. When we lived in Virginia we made sure our family library included a great deal of books about Maine and by Maine authors. You could say Maine is a bit full of itself, in a good way.

Maine is protective…

In the height of tourist season many Mainers will roll their eyes. It can be frustrating that some of our businesses are only open during seasonal hours. Though we understand the businesses standpoint we don’t love sharing our beautiful summer days and colorful leaves in the fall for people who don’t appreciate our state in all seasons.

Maine is history…

Joshua Chamberlain, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Steven King, Margaret Chase Smith, Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Patrick Dempsey. In history, politics, athletics, and pop culture, Mainers are represented!

Maine is beauty…

Beauty comes in all forms in Maine. Mt Katahdin towering over Baxter State Park and a sunset over the Sheepscot River. A field of lupines in spring and the Portland skyline as you walk Back Bay. Fall foliage from the Megunticook trail to the quiet stillness of Chesuncook Lake. There are many ways to enjoy my beautiful state. As EB White said, “I would rather feel bad in Maine, than feel good anywhere else”

If you are from Maine, or have visited, I would love for you to share what Maine is to you in the comments. Thank you for reading and supporting this Mom from Maine who wants to bring light and love to her beloved state through this blog. Happy Bicentennial Maine, I’m proud to call you home!