All posts by NewEngland_Muse

I'm a traditionally and self published author. I write in the genre of children and YA at the moment but working my way up to adults. I'm a sports loving, photo taking gal who loves to sing/dance to my own enjoyment. I love to laugh even at myself. I am also owned by 8 birds and 2 hamsters, and yes they know it. :)
Amazon Parrot, Book Cover, Illustrator

Illustrator and Jasper

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A few days after I got back my illustrator contacted me. The photos I had mailed prior to leaving for Maine came out okay, well some of them. So I was determined to take some more. I wanted the best possible pictures of Jasper to be showcased for the artwork she is doing for my book.

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Jasper has not met a camera of mine he doesn’t like. What ensued was over 100 pictures being taken as he struck the pose, you know vogue like and all. I had two small problems. I had to reset some settings on my camera, thanks hubby. Plus Jasper had to stop moving so much as he kept trying to come up with new positions for me to take pictures off.

Thankfully the latest set was good for Kim is now hard at work on my book cover. This is soooo exciting for me. I am anxious to see what she comes up with. The fact that she is working hard with me speaks volumes. Jasper, Amazon Parrot will be coming to life soon.

Maine, memories, Vacation

Maine

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2013-06-17 18.58.28

I am back from my trip to Maine. I went to check up on my mom to see how she was doing. Going back home always gives me mix emotions as any vacation might do.

The positive side

-I scored a jar of confiture. If you have never had this oh my gosh you need to try it.

-I visited with my family.

-I was able to visit my home church twice.

-I was able to visit my dad at the cemetery.

-I was able to immerse in the French culture that is part of my Acadian heritage. One that is unique too anything I have ever visited.

-The beauty and simple life that is Northern Maine is priceless.

The negative side

-My phone kept wanting to connect to the Canadian server. I was 12 miles from the border.

-The realization that my time would go by very fast and it did

-The aging of my family and knowing that all things come to pass

-I did not write a dang thing while up there.

As with all vacations they come to an end. I have been up to Maine three times in the last year and that wears on a person’s mind and body. It was a good visit and will have great memories from it. As I was leaving the Monday night before I was to leave I saw the pretty lady that is posted here. She is two years old and a big gal but kids grow up so fast. It was a great way to end my time up home in Maine.

Culture, French heritage, Maine

In My Mind I’m Going Home

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In my mind I’m goin’ to Carolina
Can’t you see the sunshine
Can’t you just feel the moonshine
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes I’m goin’ to Carolina in my mind

These are the opening words to the song “Carolina In My Mind” by James Taylor. It’s a song I play often. But this week in my mind and in my physical being I’m going to Maine. I’ll be making a short visit to see my mom to see how she is doing and all. I worry about her.

There are a lot of great things to love about the South.

1. collard greens-When I first tried them I was a happy woman I mean oh my gosh.

2. sweet ice tea- Up North I was raised on hot tea which I still love. But a nice cold glass of ice sweet tea is glorious.

3. pecan pie-This is the nectar of the South.

4. inlaws- My inlaws are near me and I do adore them dearly.

However there are great things to enjoy in the North if you have never visited. And I am not talking about New England but rather Northern Maine where you can see the borders of Canada.

Here it’s a slow pace of life. The scenery is so beautiful all you want to do is stare at it. We have moose running around feeling they own the place and in most cases they do. We have fiddleheads, boudin, and blueberries galore one of the many products of my state. Let us not forget Maine lobster that will make your mouth sing. We have valleys, mountains and a bison herd to go with it. You have my French heritage that is unlike anything I have seen since I left my county of Aroostook. It’s like Cheers where every one knowns your name. If they don’t they soon will when you’re ask which family you belong to. We still have the beautiful church that reaches for the sky. We also have the cemetery where my father is buried and who I visit every time I go up.

Maine is a beautiful place. In my mind I go there as often as I can. But this week I’ll be going up for two weeks. I’ll get to enjoy the times that I’ve played over in my mind but playing them out for real. In my mind I’m going to Maine just this time around it will be a reality.

See you when I get back.