Bye Bye Portland…. until next time!

Upon Rachel’s departure, I had plans for one of those Candle light concerts, The Best of the Beatles. This live strings performance was happening at an old church in my neighborhood. I walked over and as the host was seating me, I hear 2 women screaming my name….”Laurie, sit here”. I love that I have built a community of friends in Portland, ha. My neighbors Dianne & Pat were there too. The concert was beautiful and after it ended we all walked home together in the rain. Sunday was a beautiful sunny day, with my time in Maine wrapping up, I took advantage of a beach day at my favorite Inn by the Sea. Rach had convinced me to wear a bikini, since I was solo I went for it. Sadly my stomach had not seen the sun in a long time that I fried like a tomato- not smart. Sunscreen would have been smarter. I ended my day on the stone street downtown listening to the live music played on the street by random talented musicians. Portland is pure magic!!

My week started with a coffee meeting with the only Adoption Attorney(AAAA) in the state. He had agreed to meet and was open to learning all about PairTree. I love these in person meetings. Later that evening I met out my friend Sarah, the naturopath I had befriended when I first got here. We met at a distillery for drinks & live music for happy hour after work. She had just returned from 2 weeks in Ireland, we had lots to chat about and catch up. The rain started to come down…..I dont think I have ever truly walked in the rain like this to get home. With the humidity it’s not so bad and adds character and charm. We chatted the entire way, then she jumped on her bike for the remainder to her house. Apparently this is normal in Maine. It really is a walkable city that many people walk and ride bikes- rain or shine, and don’t own a car. Another after wk activity was planned w/ Monica the next day…..we did our long 4-5 mile walk then I finally got to try the Apres Bar, which everyone talks about. Its a seltzer/Cider company that is sold at Whole Foods in a can. We sat outside on a cloudy night drinking their specialty slushy with seltzer and alcohol. It was good and made for another fun night out.

The next day was Boston, and time to see my family- hip hip hooray!! My mom and Whitney are in Connecticut for 1 week visiting our CT family. I met everyone in Boston at 9am to scoop up my mom & Whit, while my Aunt & Uncle had medical appt. It was so fun & special to have a quality fun-filled family day with my mama and fav niece. (Fyi- i call them all my favs), but Whit likes to say it the most! Lol We had a total Boston touristy day. Shopped on Newberry st, walked around Faneuil Hall, The Seaport, Boston Commons, and ate a yummy lobster roll. We laughed a lot and had a perfect day the 3 of us. We met back up with my aunt & uncle and all had a wonderful Italian dinner in Natick, MA. I departed and made the drive back to ME, home in time for the final night of the RNC on TV. DT spoke tonight. Friday was another wk day, lots to do as I had taken a day off to play in Boston. The weekend is packed, as my time in Maine for 2024 is wrapping up. I had lots planned, as I can’t believe 2 months has flown by.

I enjoyed another Shabbat at the Chabad in Portland. I love this rabbi and his wife. They are so warm & welcoming, tonight was a crowd. 25 people at least in their home. Lots of college students traveling, on their way to Acadia. A lovely couple from Israel celebrating birthdays/anniversary’s, a 4some from Canada and France. Its always an eclectic group around a large dining room table. The food is delicious and the conversations cannot be beat. I befriended the gal from Israel, we have since been texting. She was a chatty one- a Leo. Her birthday was that night, she wouldn’t let me tell anyone, ha. I only learned because I needed to know her sign, lol. One of the Rabbi’s son had a baby born the day prior, that the vodka shots for celebrating were endless. These shabbat meals go all night. I finally exited their home at midnight.

Early rise for my last farmers market and grocery run. I then ventured over to Mackworth Island, a quick 12 min drive. I could not believe I had not heard of this place sooner. It was such a peaceful place to hike/walk around. You can walk the entire perimeter of this Island, on the edge of the sea surrounded by woods/forest. Lots of fairy houses, wooden swings, spots for photos galore, a private beach area, and in the middle of the Island is a school for the deaf. As I walked the Island solo, I was very aware of all the sounds of nature….the leaves rustling in the wind, the waves crashing, the sounds of boats blowing their horns, planes flying overhead, children’s laughter- it was such a special day spent in reflection for me, filled with gratitude that this is my life. Pinch me!. I said my good byes to the park ranger and said I’d be back again. I felt like it was the hidden gem found so close to Portland.

I made my way to the Black Point Inn, my other favorite fancy hotel, I sat in there Adirondack chairs reading my book staring into the water. Monica and I met for our last active outing….we chose to walk from Kettle Cove to Crescent beach….this was a very kid like adventure. We walked all over the rocks, like cliffs along the waters edge to get from one area to another with no trails. She is a local and taught me so much. None the less it was a beautiful hike and we survived. My friend Jeremy had invited me to a BIG party in Windham, ME.. we met at his house to drive together….this was quite the event. A party to raise $ for childhood cancer. There were bands, food, moter cycle races for kids, a jumpy water house, dunk tanks, live auction, and lots of drinking. The yard of this property was huge. They raised $150K for 2 kids. I was thankful to have been invited, plus it was a treat to meet his family and experience a party in Maine. Being a daytime affair the night ended early. I said my final good bye to my new found friend in Maine.

Homeward bound, I had procrastinated enough, it was time to pack up and get organized. One last yoga class with Celine by the water, a last minute dining experience at Bar Futo, thanks to my brother, Scott reading a magazine article about Portland being the #1 place to live on the East Coast in the summer by Travel & Leisure. This restaurant was mentioned and Dora had yet to explore it- ha. It was a must try, based on the article. The food was mouth- watering delish! Such a funky menu, a true small plates culinary explosion while sitting at a Chefs table on a Sunday night. Yummy! Each dish was better than the next.

TV has gotten good as Biden made his big announcement…. and the world goes on. I had an incredible opportunity to meet for 20 min a family whose adoption I had a huge part in matching through PairTree. Wild, they live in CA and I live in AZ, yet we both happened to be in New England. Abby is a special needs baby and this case was so close to my heart. The meeting was beyond special, and worth its own blog entry, but this one is getting long. I’ll include some pics here for you to see.

I chose to spend my final days doing my favorite things and opted for one more Peaks Island days….I took the ferry and rented a bike for my last swing around the Island with the wind in my hair, the misty sea on my skin, and the taste and smell of the salty ocean air. This scenery makes every cell in my body buzz. I LOVE it here SO much! I also took the mail run ferry, which is a ride to all 6 major islands! Had to see it all, as I pray I get to do this every year. Who knows where the wind blows- we can only hope & pray for things to manifest. I had one last maple margarita on my walk home.

It was so nice that my friends all want to spend more time. During my last few days the invitations were so touching. I had a last min dinner out at J’s Oyster w/ Monica & Diane, then a 9 pm drink at The Press Hotel with Sarah for a final bye. It was lovely and all were filled with great conversations. Portland is a place with deep insightful real authentic people.

On my last morning, as I was packing up the car after my last long walk along the Eastern Prom, I got the privilege to meet the author of the book Im reading. I had just purchased in the local bookstore a memoir of an Abortion Doula. Such a fascinating story….only on chapter 2, but such a powerful book in a time of life when womans rights are being attacked. Her voice needs to be heard and read. I had a quick deep conversation with this gal, and took a photo with her. I thanked her for sharing her story with me and writing this book. I cannot wait to finish reading it. Still working on the one I started when I first arrived, ‘ In Love’ another memoir about a couple that chooses to end the husbands life with dignity in a clinic in Switzerland where this is legal and beautifully planned after thorough assessment and a solid reason. He has severe Alzheimers, I love true stories! The best part is meeting and connecting with them- a true treat. Both books from Sherman Bookstore. The oldest bookstore in Maine.

Headed south…..still catching up on the blog, as I type Im already in PA. Stay tuned for the CT/ NY /PA recap. 🚗☺️

Happy Summering!

love Laurie Sue- AKA Dora😘❤️💫🧚🏻‍♀️🥰🎉💕🙏🏻

P.S. Missing you….ticket booked to go home to AZ on October 16th. See you soon, as time is flying by!