Maine Creative Momma

As spring begins here in Maine, we welcome the erratic weather (days starting at 45 and tipping out at 90 degrees), flowers in abundance, our seedlings being transplanted out into the garden, and the rapid migration outside.

Hours that had previously been spent inside watching rain and snow fall in measurements of feet, are now employed in activities that bring life out from the ground and create a sense of ownership of life. Growing our own food and seeing the ground change around us is one of my favorite parts of May. Those seeds we started weeks ago have sprouted and are ready to go into the real garden. This year we are exploring so many new veggies: lettuce, pumpkins, and sunflowers; and the old standbys: tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes. In addition, we were fortunate to inherit many, many raspberry and blackberry bushes on our property. These provide endless snacks for our children, while also teaching them the importance of care for the bushes (those thorns are sharp!).

Our first summer here, Ollie wasn’t even two yet and I was pregnant with Finnie. One of my most precious memories is a toddling little boy hustling as fast as his stubby legs could carry him crossing the yard to get to the berry bushes. Everyday when we came home from work & daycare he would wiggle out of his seat, grab me by the hand, and off we would go to get a snack. I had a small colander that we used to collect them, hoping that perhaps we would have some extras to put in the fridge. But without fail, every visit resulted in full tummies, and empty colanders.

This summer, we will have fewer bushes due to needing to prune this year. But with the clearing brings the promise of a greater harvest next year. And that may be the lesson in gardening that I find mirrors life so well: losing some parts and taking a step back can often lead to healthier outputs in the next season. This last year has felt like that for me; pealing back what the world put on me as “required” and coming home to where my heart really lives. I’m finding that all the things I let go – that I pruned away – are making room for things to grow, thrive, and unearth the most beautiful parts of me.

This summer I have vacations planned (I’m on one now, another coming in August); I’m not working 80 hours a week; I am focusing on growing and cultivating my own food for the family. Our outdoor space is starting to show our hard work (mostly from my sweet husband). My home is finally filled with color again, photos that remind us of the good times (with some that remind us of the bad times), and meaningful pieces of kitchen equipment that I’m using weekly.

Seeing this world come back to life is such an honor. Soon we will have lots of visitors running around, but for now we here enjoy the slow pace, the warm days when we get them & the awakening of our homes. If you’re blessed to live here you know – and if you’re visiting please honor the season.

Welcome to Maine, May.