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!

The post Inhale Exhale appeared first on Through Her Looking Glass.

Seriously, I must’ve had my head in the sand. (Or snow bank?) True confession: until this season, I’d never heard of Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, Maine. But it’s quite a to-do here in New England, so you should know about it too. Christmas Prelude has happened every Christmas season in Kennebunkport since 1982, and just concluded its 33rd magical season. The Christmas Prelude celebration includes tree lighting ceremonies, arts and crafts shows, Historical Society programs and over a dozen musical programs celebrating Christmas.

“Christmas Prelude is all about recreating and sharing the spirit and joy of the Christmas season, while doing so in true New England fashion. Kennebunkport is the quintessential New England town.”   -Kennebunkport Business Association

Traditionally, Christmas Prelude spans the first two weekends in December. Festivities begin on the first weekend with tree lightings.

                                                                                      Photo Credit: Jen Parks

The Lobster Trap Tree is a beautiful New England sight in Cape Porpoise Square. There are parades, strolls and pancake breakfasts. A highlight of the season is caroling on shore as Santa and his lobster elves arrive by lobster boat at David’s KPT/The Boathouse.

The second weekend opens with fireworks. On Saturday, join Walk to Bethlehem, a candlelight procession that follows Mary and Joseph as they seek shelter at three historic inns only to be turned away and finally shown to a manger. There are hymns, carols and scripture readings followed by refreshments.

A list of fun regularly scheduled Christmas Prelude events:

• Dog parade
• Concerts
• Ice sculptures
• Lobster Buoy workshops
• Christmas Tree Tours
• Gingerbread House workshops
• Art shows
• Walk to Bethlehem
• Historic Kennebunkport tours
• Candlelight tours
• Holiday cookie tours
• Wine tasting
• Pony rides
• Christmas parties
• Seashore Trolley holiday rides
• Santa Dash 5K/10K run (sounds chilly to me!!)

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, Maine has concluded for 2014. But consider marking it on next year’s Christmas calendar. More information about Christmas Prelude, a small town New England Christmas experience in Kennebunkport: www.christmasprelude.com

Photo Credit: Jen Parks

Locks of Love on the Kennebunk River Bridge. You and your beloved fasten a lock to the bridge. (And throw away the key!) Share the love in Kennebunkport…

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Funny Wrap-Up

My grandfather was a true Mainer: a kind, generous and funny man. To him, my brother was always a “long drink o’ watta”. And my grandfather could “ay-uh” with the best of ‘em. Like you and I “yeah.”

He was also a resourceful man. He and my Grammy could stretch a dollar around the block.

They often frequented yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets to find unusual treasures for our birthday presents. I don’t know which they loved more: saving money or the thrill of the hunt. (I think that gene landed on me.)

We grandkids always loved their unique gifts. And perhaps as much as the gifts, we loved the festive wrapping. Because they often wrapped with “the funnies”, the comics section from Sunday morning’s paper. It was fun, free and cheerful. And as a bonus, when excitement from the gifts and party subsided, we’d often chuckle over the “wrapping paper”. By then, the comics were weeks or even months old, the punch lines long forgotten and funny again.

It might be a fun tradition in your family to use a Funny Wrap-Up. Perfect for kids and kids at heart. Economical. Cute for birthdays and other occasions … think Valentine’s, April Fool’s… or even Christmas morning.

I often use festive red gros-grain ribbon when wrapping with the funnies. But almost any color ribbon works. The comics are versatile that way. Like a great pair of jeans, everything matches, it’s hard to go wrong. Twine and raffia look great too.

So when Sunday morning’s paper is old news, and that final swig of coffee is downed, save the funnies! Yes. “Save the Funnies!” I can’t think of a cheerier upcycling campaign. (I know I’m doing my part!)

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