Three months in Maine – this is JUNE…..

June was SO busy with fun filled good ol’ regular life for me. I have been truly living my very best life – feeling totally over flowed with deep gratitude for this one meaningful life! It has been dreamier than I ever imagined. I have already decided next year will have to be 4 months here, as I know I’m not going to want to leave the end of August. Please slow down time! This view below is my daily morning walk never to be missed even in the rain.

I’m going to try to recap the month in a short version as to include everything and not write a book. Hopefully adding lots of photos will help tell the story and bring you along for the ride. My first weekend here was like out of a New England novel, actually my life has really felt this way since I arrived. I was greeted by all my neighbors with such warmth, joy, and excitement that I was back. We are like a happy family in the courtyard every night or early morning. I met some newbies, and got all caught up with the regular summer crew that live here for a season, and some Mainers here for years.

I started with a bang after getting all settled into my apartment, with a 5K race/run/walk Saturday at 7am on June 6th. You know me, no grass grows under my feet. My first Saturday I walked 27K steps!! I had done all the usual grocery shopping, unpacking, setting up magnets/photos, and my office with computer. My landlord added the A/C unit to my attic, as to convert this large unlivable space into an office to work from, I feel like Rapunzel- but it works well.

Monica, my landlord- also very good friend now, welcomed me back with Friday night plans. We went to a concert at this cool outdoor venue, called Thompson Point on the water. I just LOVE my summers in Maine. It is MY happy place!!! I also attended the Jewish Museum on my first Sunday to listen to an author speak about a book she wrote of her Grandmother being a holocaust survivor. Sprinkling in a bit of culture too. Kristen is also a friend here in the complex who I was very excited to catch up with, and Monica is alway’s introducing me to more people (Sheila & Mary in pics below). Plus, my friend Sarah who spends part time in AZ too, happened to be here in June as well. We got to see each other 3 times. A treat to have created a life on the East coast for myself. I’m in awe many moments throughout my days here. 💫

As you may know, I date when I’m on the east coast, which in the past has lead to new found friends, some who I still stay in touch with…..well on my first weekend here I had 2 dates. One on a Saturday for a cocktail, and with another guy on Sunday for a coffee. Well, Mr Sunday coffee has turned into a full time playmate.☺️ And, Maps to Dora! If you know Dora the explorer, she has Boots (Audrey), and now a Maps on board for my Maine adventures. He may be my match with being a great tour guide who has good direction. He is a kind gentleman who is a Fire Chief. Such a fun thoughtful man, who wants to go see and do everything with me. I feel very lucky!! If Emily, from Curiosity Rising is reading this, I think we might have manifested him on your podcast. 😂 LOL

Only sharing, because I’m doing a lot of exploring and seeing many new places because he has opened my eyes to places that were not on my list. Don’t you worry- Miss Independent Laurie will still get all my list checked off too. 🤣

My work is fabulous, and I’m LOVING my new job in Surrogacy! I work with 11 women who are all so lovely. I have the best work hours here – working 10am -6pm. I get to do my 3 mile walk every morning and most evenings a long walk after work too. I make all dinners at home during the week and eat after 830pm, as the sunsets here at 9pm. Long incredible fabulous days!

To avoid jumping all over the place in this post, I will try to go in order and not over share. I have planned these 3 months better than before and only have 1 visitor each month. This is truly perfect for me to soak up the real experience of living in Maine solo for me. Macey was my guest for June and we had the BEST time!!!

Okay, so Maps name is Andrew, and my first week here we had 3 dates – with the 3rd one being a fabulous adventure to explore North Conway, NH. WOWEE!

The white mountains of New Hampshire area is gorgeous. I had never been to this region and he was an incredible tour guide. We stopped alongside the road a million times so I could capture the beauty of all the water falls, views, streams, cliffs, and most beautiful green scenery. I have a million photos! We hiked, wandered many national parks, had lunch at a cool Inn/brewery in Woodstock, NH. Came back to town and attended the Portland Hearts of Pine Semi-Pro soccer game. Then went to listen to live music. It was a packed super fun day!! (a few pics from our many adventures)

I have explored more hotels- my favorite activity, as a few new places opened, and I’m checking out new towns nearby. A new fav is The Lincoln in Biddeford, ME. Check it out, as it is a very chic place. Then Macey arrived on Juneteenth weekend.

Macey is spending the summer in NYC doing an awesome internship in finance. She is such a smartie and I cannot be more proud of her. She stayed 3 nights, as the usual Dora fashion, we packed in EVERYTHING. She had never been to Maine before and left in love with it too. We biked around Peaks Island, did the Kennebunkport trolly tour, the Ogunquit hotel sneaking day, ate at all the yummy restaurants. She did a lobster roll review- we have it on video (LOL), and she loved the blueberry pie. I feel like it’s not necessary to retell the tour I take every Maine Newbie on, as you know the drill. Pictures will share the story. She loved the food, the donuts, ice cream, shopping, music, and cocktails. It was honestly the BEST weekend with my adult niece. I feel SO extremely blessed to be treated like a second mom to all my girlies. We enjoyed our fun-filled weekend enriched with great conversations. I was very sad when she left, but we really had the BEST time,. I’m SO excited for the rest of her NY/East Coast summer!

Lots more exploring is happening, many hikes, walks, farmers markets, sunsets by the ocean, picnics at the beach, a sunset sailboat ride in the harbor, beach reading, and many podcasts to listen. Life is good. Oh, and my courtyard neighbors/friends are always around. I have really created a life in Maine with many friends. I constantly have to pinch myself as I cannot believe this lifestyle has worked now for my 4th season in a row.

Stay tuned for July’s post! A lot is planned and Mrs. Fancy is my July visitor…

Wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July and a very safe summer!

Love always Dora!!❤️

P.S. Some extra photos if you’re still reading……