In Pursuit Of Maine: June 1, 2014 - Sheepish

Sunday, June 1, 2014

June 1, 2014 - Sheepish

I was watching these sheep in a field today, thinking that sheep have gotten quite an unfair and undeserved reputation. Often when people use the term "sheep," they are referring to someone who is docile, complacent, afraid, and easily controlled. It is a disparaging word when used to describe a person. However, upon further reflection, I would like it known that I would be flattered if someone were to call me a sheep because, for me, it would mean so many wonderful things. A sheep is gentle and kind, not because it is stupid but because it is born gentle and kind and knows no other way. A sheep is friendly and calm. A sheep is happy and appreciative of its surroundings, no matter what those surroundings might be. A sheep is well-adapted to its environment, enjoying a rich coat of beautiful wool in the winter. A sheep is generous, sharing its rich coat of wool with us in the summer, only to grow another that it might give yet again. A sheep eats simply and has very few needs. But above all--above all--a sheep is peaceful. Serenity is its nature and its very being. I should be very proud, indeed, if someone were to refer to me as a sheep.

"The Plain Maine Cookbook" is my own collection of vintage Maine recipes that will immediately bring you back to a simpler time, a less confused time. These recipes are more than just comfort food. They're family food, traditional food, simple food, plain food. One bite and you'll say, "Ah, yes! I remember my grandmother used to make this. I had forgotten all about it!" Recipes for whoopie pies, funnel cakes, fried fiddleheads, haymaker's switchel, coffee can bread, glogg, and much more are in these pages. There is even a recipe on how to render lard. So open the door and go back to some simple, time-tested foods you can prepare easily. You'll find that you save money and waste less by "making do" with commodity cooking. What's in the pantry or in the garden is what's for dinner.

"So You Want to Move to Maine" is an invaluable little book in helping people to make a permanent move to Maine. It will save you a ton of time because all the initial footwork is done for you, including 100 links on how to find work and living quarters, getting your driver's license, pet requirements, programs for people with disabilities, programs for senior citizens, getting married in Maine, hidden taxes and expenses, hospitals, health insurance, handling a real winter like a pro, etc. Stop being "just a number" or another face in the crowd. Walk away from the rat race. Become boldly individualistic and make your mark in life. You can still do that in Maine, one of the last holdouts of ordinary, old-fashioned, kind, and decent American living.

I’ve chosen 37 unique fairy tales that will be loved by both adults and children as they can be read and interpreted on many levels. But if you are looking for only sweet tales that end in joy and fairness, you may want to pass this book by. Some fairy tales are simply “dark,” and that is because sometimes life is simply dark. Not always, of course, but often enough. Sometimes the hero lives; sometimes he dies. Check out my book, “Fairy Tales of Maine,” in the photo link below. If you are brave, you might just meet yourself in one of these tales.