Chatted with a friend this morning. Busy friend, a single mom working two jobs.
Asked her this question.
“Do you have anything fun to look forward to this summer?”
She laughed out loud. Said, “Funny you should ask, no.”
I think I asked because I’m just coming down off a glorious day and a half away with girlfriends. And it did me a world of good to get away. I didn’t plan it. They did, already had the trip in the works.
Said, “Why don’t you just come to Ogunquit with us, for as long as you can get away. It’s already planned, paid for.”
You kidding? So gracious, so kind. The precious kind of gift that can’t be repaid. I’m no fool. So I went, made it work. Joined them in Ogunquit, Maine.
Guess what?
The weather was less than optimal. Understatement. It rained, and poured.
For fo-o-o-o-rty daysies daysies. (JK!)
But it did rain the entire time. Howling wind. Crashing surf.
Our umbrellas, they turned inside out. We shivered. Practically froze. Yeah, it’s June. June in Maine. Never did make it to the beach. Never pulled out the sunscreen or shades.
Never walked the Marginal Way.
GUESS WHAT?
Had a fabulous time. Every second.
When was the last time I browsed with girlfriends in uppity little boutiques? Savored seafood on the water? Sat in an old timey theater watching a girlie movie? (With girlies no less.) Sipped java in a delightfully snobby little coffee shop, droplets coursing down window panes… When was the last time I giggled in a hot tub?
Way too long. Didn’t realize how much I really needed to rest, relax, recharge.
Inhale Exhale.
Saw Woman in Gold at Leavitt Theatre . Highly recommend it, based on the true story of a modern day Jewish woman from Austria who pursued the family art stolen by Nazis during the war. She actually saw them storm in, seize her family’s paintings and jewelry. The most famous painting, Woman in Gold, was of her Aunt Adele. Excellent movie.
Browsed Stonewall Kitchen in York, ME, a favorite haunt of mine. (Salivated for the umpteenth time over these “School of Fish” dishes I adore.)
Laughter, tears. Conversation. Over fabulous seafood, overlooking the water. Deep stuff. Real stuff. Kid stuff. Family stuff. Hopes. Dreams. Victories, disappointments. Life.
Tiptoed, shivered, raced out in the tundra, 48 degree tundra. Steaming hot tub. Howling, cutting wind. Slipped into the wet. Quick. Warm, cozy to the chin. Faces, eyeballs, sliced and diced by cold, cutting rain. More laughter. Wind, mist swirling over bubbling waters.
Midnight snacks. Gourmet crackers and cheese, almonds. Giggles. Blueberry Basil Mojitos. Magazines….
Each time I slip away for a little rest and relaxation, I return a better wife and mother for it. Boy was it a bear getting out the door. But so worth it.
Thankful for a kind, supportive husband who gets it. Bends over backwards to cover the bases, details. Cares for the boys, Hudson. I love this man. For this and a million other things.
And grateful for kind, gracious friends.
A question for you.
Got anything fun to look forward to this summer?
Now would be a great time to plan, put it on the calendar. Make it happen.
What do you love? Who do you want to spend time with? Plan it! Just this once (or maybe twice), spoil yourself.
You won’t regret it. Life’s hard, short. Give yourself something to anticipate, a little indulgence.
Hope and good memories help get us through the hard times. (I know.) And not to be that glass half-empty kind o’ gal, but not a one of us knows what’s around the corner. So carpe diem.
Sure would be fun to hear what you’re planning… what you’ve got up your sleeve. Do tell.
And whatever you do, keep calm. And Inhale Exhale. 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend!
Tracy says
I really enjoyed this piece. I enjoyed hearing about YOU getting away and having some fun, even in the rain! You always turn lemons into lemonade. I’m so glad you were able to do that. Kudos to Jon! You are so right, life is too short to keep putting off things you want to do. It’s soooo rewarding when you do make the effort for you! I haven’t finalized my summer yet but so far a week in the Cape and maybe….just maybe….. a night on Nantucket!
Allie says
Thanks Tracy – we’ve had some of our own adventures….and need more. It really was a fun little get away. Too funny you mentioned lemons and lemonades, I was actually squeezing lemons this morning for a post on homemade lemonade next week. Yup, lemon squeezing, that’s what we do to get through life. The Cape sounds great, we are headed there too for a bit, and I hope hope hope you get that night on Nantucket….that would make your summer. XO
Susie Mandel says
Sounds like it was a PERFECT weekend and so glad you were able to have it. I think the times that we don’t plan sometimes turn out to be the best ones. 🙂
Allie says
Susie, you are so right, it’s the impromptu trips that often trump the planned ones. I do hope you and Jac and Julia will make your way to New England one of these days, lots of impromptu adventures waiting here for you….XOXO
Susie Mandel says
Allie, in fact that is one of the trips we’re hoping to take! Pray that Jac can get his doctoral paper finished; it’s really weighing on him these days and it needs to be done. A celebratory trip to NE would be the perfect thing!
Barbara Child says
How great that you had a fun, relaxing time away from the usual! I’m looking forward to a trip to Ireland in July with Kevin and Karen and kids. Kevin is Irish (with the last name of Shannon, what else?) and has never been to Ireland. Has wanted to go for a long time. They found a nonstop from CA to Dublin, (cheaper than my flight from Boston! go figure!) and are going to meet other family members in Dublin. So, I’ll be celebrating my birthday in Ireland!
I’m also looking forward to Ted and Debbie being in MA the next 2 years instead of half way around the world!! I can actually drive an hour to see them!
Allie says
Barbara, that sounds so wonderful. So glad Ted and Debbie are home for a time, so special for everyone to be together. Hadn’t heard you are going to Ireland. So excited for you, what a trip…and for your 80th!!! Wahoo!!! Big doings for a very special and loved lady….XOXO
nancy mcmahan says
Allie, I really enjoy your descriptive way of saying things. One can feel they are right there too.
Taking mom to vermont for a reunion. She is so looking forward to it.
Allie says
Thank you so much Nan, I really enjoyed writing about the adventure. So glad you’ll be up in this neck of the woods with your mom this summer, that will be quite a trip. I know it will be a wonderful and busy time. I hope you’ll also do something that’s just for you too, because caregivers especially need special adventures all their own to look forward to. XO
sandi says
We usually do an overnight in ogunquit in May for our anniversary; I love it no crowds, just a few restaurants open and yes very cold.
Allie says
Sandi, I know we both love Ogunquit no matter the weather. It’s such a magical place and “weather” just adds to the adventure…XO
Aunt Pinkie says
In spite of the rain and the chilly temps, sounds like such a fun time away with treasured friends! Am so glad you had that refreshing escape! Am looking forward to going to a nephew’s wedding in The Dells, WI, in early August – that will be great fun and will be with both sisters and brother plus the darling ‘outlaws’. plus two of my kids and their spouses – this will be a happy time with all!
Carina Spring says
I loved hearing about your get-away! It sounds like you had a wonderful time, embracing the moment and the circumstances. The one thing I hope to indulge in this summer, if I can, is a quick trip to the mountains. It has been too many years and I miss them! Aside from that, a lot of visiting with family, and time at the lake. 🙂
Ellen says
❤️ So thankful for sweet times. New memories. Great family and friends.