A writer inspired by nature and human nature

Enliven the Spirit and Soothe the Soul…

Aside

Respite from the Doldrums?

Maine is calling…

No matter the season, a daytrip from our farmstead in central Maine provides a getaway that is both relaxing and invigorating. A scenic drive over forested hills, across verdant valleys and along pristine lakes makes Maine a place like no other. Whether heading to the coast or inland, there is always something fresh and new on the horizon. The photo inspiring the haiku Lighthouses stand tall was taken by me aboard Schooner Olad out of Camden Harbor in late June. I invite you to read more MY MAINE haiku and to plan a trip of your own. To me, Maine is poetry. North, south, east or west, The Pine Tree State is a land that enlivens the spirit and soothes the soul—a special place to bask in the unspoiled beauty of inland and coastal cities, towns and villages all year long! ~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author

 

Poem and photo CAMDEN LIGHTHOUSE by Bette A. Stevens“To me, Maine is poetry…a place that enlivens the spirit and soothes the soul.”

 

Bette with daughter Lori aboard the Schooner Olad out of Camden Harbor.

Curtis Island Light (upper right in photo) is located at the entrance to Camden Harbor, at the southeastern end of Curtis Island. It is an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation and is now owned by the Town of Camden. The lighthouse is a 25-foot tall, white, cylindrical brick tower with a light beam range of six nautical miles. There are 65 lighthouses along Maine’s coast, inlets, and islands.

Summer Songs

(excerpts from MY MAINE, Haiku through the Seasons by Bette A. Stevens)

Loons at lakeshore wail
Campers bewitched by the sound
Sacred summer songs

Waves play taps on shore
Tall pines salute by moonlight
Waking stars stand guard

Refined grains of sand
Calming the footfalls until
Shattered shells splash in

Lighthouses stand tall
Regaling stories of ghosts
From a bygone age

Highlands and ocean
Bound by granite cliffs sing of
Ageless adventures

    • Take a peek inside MY MAINE (Poetry & Photography Collection/150 haiku poems, 49 original photos + symbols and interesting facts about Maine) and all of Bette’s books at https://www.amazon.com/author/betteastevens

[Visit Bette’s Blog]

Written

on 07/31/2021

Comments on: "Enliven the Spirit and Soothe the Soul…" (68)

  1. Annika Perry said:
    09/07/2021 at 3:24 am

    Bette, a magical and uplifting video to celebrate your poetry book and just like you haikus and photos I’m transported to Maine. As you know this is a collection I treasure, return to and has my soul soaring. The landscape is transformative and becomes part of one’s very being! It’s lovely to see a photo of you and your daughter out and about … precious times together. Hugs xx ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      09/07/2021 at 8:28 pm

      Thanks so much for you visit and lovely note, dear Annika. ❤ Tomorrow is daughter's 51st birthday–we're sure to find a perfect place to celebrate together. Family will get together here at the farmsstead to celebrare again on the weekend. Yay! xoxoxo

      Liked by 1 person

  2. cathleentownsend said:
    08/22/2021 at 5:27 am

    What a terrific book trailer! I think it really did your book proud. It was almost poetic itself. : )

    And I love the pic of you with your daughter. So glad you got to go sailing and have some fun this summer.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Jina Bazzar said:
    08/18/2021 at 9:16 am

    Oh, so the lighthouse is still in use? For some reason, I thought lighthouses were, well, things of a bygone era – like you say on your poem.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      08/18/2021 at 11:30 am

      Hi, Jina. Here’s a bit more information on Maine lighthouses today: Maine’s craggy coastline and often foggy weather once made it one of the most dangerous places in the country for ships. Thankfully, modern technology has made navigation near the shore safer, and many of these historic lighthouses, now automated and outfitted with LED beacons, still help boats avoid the treacherous shoreline.Thanks for your visit.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. usfman said:
    08/08/2021 at 7:28 pm

    Hi Bette:

    I guess what interests me most about Maine as portrayed in this video would be a chance to lead a simpler life in tune with nature. We’re staying home for a few months. Be well.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      08/09/2021 at 4:16 pm

      That’s one of the top reasons we LOVE MAINE! ❤ Stay well and enjoy some at home time. You and Ruth have had some amazing adventures across the US this past year. Thanks for sharing them.

      Like

  5. Mabel Kwong said:
    08/07/2021 at 9:34 am

    Thank you for sharing a bit of day trip in Maine. It sounded like a relaxing getaway and that is a lovely photo of you and your daughter. I liked reading about Curtis Island Light and lovely to hear it helps with navigation today. Also lovely to read your poem from your book – it vividly sets the scene for sights by the seaside in the summer. Happy summer 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  6. patgarcia said:
    08/03/2021 at 11:26 am

    Hi Bette,
    Your main look a lot like the northern part of Germany, going toward Denmark. There are lighthouses up thee and plenty of water. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Shalom aleichem

    Liked by 1 person

  7. D. Wallace Peach said:
    08/02/2021 at 4:08 pm

    Summers in Maine are awesome! I have so many great memories of the Maine coast. And a great book to transport one there in poetry. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  8. noelleg44 said:
    08/02/2021 at 8:46 am

    Fabulous haiku! So sorry my trip for this year is over!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Norah said:
    08/02/2021 at 8:00 am

    I really enjoy your haiku, Bette. The images you create with words are powerful, and mixed with your photographs even more so.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. D.L. Finn, Author said:
    08/02/2021 at 5:15 am

    Wonderful picture of you and your daughter, Bette:) I enjoyed the book trailer, it reminded me of how much I enjoyed your book.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Miriam Hurdle said:
    08/01/2021 at 9:03 pm

    I liked “Maine is poetry.” Beautifully said, Bette. I enjoyed your book, My Maine. The video is lovely and I love your photography. Have a lovely remaining of summer.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Gayl said:
    08/01/2021 at 3:59 pm

    Beautiful, Bette! I love your poetry and I love visiting Maine, though it’s been a couple of years since we’ve made the trip north. Blessings to you!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. balroop2013 said:
    08/01/2021 at 2:05 pm

    Beautiful post. Lovely poetry Bette. 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

  14. marianbeaman said:
    08/01/2021 at 11:57 am

    I have just read a blog post from a woman in British Columbia whose province is burning– fires, some controlled and some not. I told her I will pray for rain.

    Maine looks lush and beautiful, balanced. Thank you for sharing this inspiring post with haiikus. It’s also good to see a photo of daughter Lori. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      08/01/2021 at 1:31 pm

      HI, Marian! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit. We’re grateful for recent rainfall here in Maine–had been under severe drought conditions for months… We’ve recently had hazy skies due to the Canadian forest fires. ❤ We all have much to be grateful for and much to lift to the Lord for His caretaking in our own famlies, neighborhoods and across the globe… Blessings and love to you and yours, my friend. xo

      Liked by 1 person

  15. positivesideofcoin said:
    08/01/2021 at 10:47 am

    I loved those beautiful and colourful pictures.💗

    Liked by 1 person

  16. boundlessblessingsblog said:
    08/01/2021 at 10:27 am

    A wonderful book trailer and you and your daughter are looking so beautiful, Bette. Loved the video too. Thanks for this wonderful post.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Kymber said:
    08/01/2021 at 10:14 am

    A beautiful poem, Bette. I love lighthouses, and I like how you used them here.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. robbiesinspiration said:
    08/01/2021 at 9:54 am

    A lovely post, Bette. Your poetry about Maine is delightful and inspiring. The MC in my latest novel is from Maine.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. -Eugi ☕️ said:
    08/01/2021 at 8:49 am

    A beautiful post, Bette, full of excitement and love for your glorious state! I hope to visit there someday! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Darlene said:
    08/01/2021 at 7:55 am

    A fabulous trailer. I love lighthouses, I think they are all haunted.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. petespringerauthor said:
    07/31/2021 at 10:23 pm

    Marvelous book trailer. I rarely choose poetry when it comes to reading, but I loved My Maine.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Jill Weatherholt said:
    07/31/2021 at 8:34 pm

    Beautiful video, Bette!

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Jacqui Murray said:
    07/31/2021 at 8:26 pm

    That is beautiful. I love the idea of lighthouses from bygone eras. I feel that.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Andrew McDowell said:
    07/31/2021 at 8:24 pm

    Congratulations!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. davidsdailydose said:
    07/31/2021 at 6:46 pm

    I’ve visited Down East Maine (Acadia National Park) and loved it! I can’t wait to see more of your beautiful state. Especially in the summer months, I live in the southern Midwest where it is very hot at that time of year. 75 degrees in July sounds good to me!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens said:
      07/31/2021 at 7:28 pm

      So glad you stopped by for a visit, David! 🙂 Summertime is a great time to visit us. Our highest humidity is usuall end of July, beginning of August. However, most of our company from away doesn’t mind it at all!

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Priscilla Bettis said:
    07/31/2021 at 6:42 pm

    It’s a lovely book trailer! I enjoyed your poetry excerpt.:-)

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Clanmother said:
    07/31/2021 at 6:32 pm

    A lovely video, full of profound words and beautiful photography. Heading over to Amazon now.

    Liked by 1 person

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