In Pursuit Of Maine: June 14, 2014 - Beach Rose

Saturday, June 14, 2014

June 14, 2014 - Beach Rose

The Maine beach rose, called "Rugosa," is an invasive species by which we are proud to be invaded. They're not much to look at, but the fragrance is incomparable to any other rose, so intense and wonderful it is. They are opening up now everywhere I look, and they don't mind the saltwater or salt air at all. In fact, they thrive on it. The air is completely and dramatically perfumed with rose, and it lulls the senses and plays tricks on the mind. Once Rugosa has taken hold, it will not leave the premises. And that is a good thing.

"Close your eyes!" the rose commanded me. I did as I was told since I was in an adventurous mood anyhow. That, and why take chances with magical creatures? And then it hit me full force. The scent of rose was so powerful, I was almost knocked backward, but I was able to keep my eyes closed. I drifted into a delicate pink envelope and laid my head down on the softest of feather beds. A blanket of the purest Maine alpaca fur draped lazily over me. Such luxury! I knew in that moment life was truly good.

"The eyes can lie," she said, "and they are easily fooled. Do not fall victim to their prejudice. It is the other senses that will lead you to the truth." She was right. The quest continues.

"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.