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
“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
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- 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
Comments on: "Enliven the Spirit and Soothe the Soul…" (68)
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 ❤️
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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
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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.
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Hi, Cathleen! Thanks so much for your visit and sweet note, my friend… We’ve had a lovely summer and hope you enjoyed yours! Stay well and stay safe. ❤ xo
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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.
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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.
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Thank you.
Every time I read something about lighthouses, I feel like I can write a book with it as a main theme.
I never do though 😉
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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.
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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.
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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 🙂
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Thanks so much for your visit and lovely note, Mabel! 😎😍
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You are welcome, Bette. Have a lovely week ahead 😊💕
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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
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Hi, Pat! 😍 Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit and joining the conversation! xo
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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. 🙂
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So glad you stopped by to give us a shout-out, Diana! 🌲 Maine knows how to work its magic season by season… Have a sensational summer!
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🙂
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Fabulous haiku! So sorry my trip for this year is over!
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Thanks so much, Noelle. Glad to hear you enjoyed at least one visit to Maine this year… I’ll bea heading to Boothbay on September 11 for “Books in Boothbay 2021” celebration… It will be my first time and I’m both nervous and excited! 🙂 ❤ xo
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Never heard of that. Tell me about it?
HI, NOELLE,
I heard about it on FB from an author friend in 2019. Here’s a link to the Event Page https://www.facebook.com/booksinboothbay/ It sounds like a great event for authors with Maine affiliations.
HUGS,
Bette
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Hi again, Noelle. BOOKS IN BOOTHBAY info:
I heard about this annual event on FB from an author friend in 2019. Here’s a link to the Event Page https://www.facebook.com/booksinboothbay/ It sounds like a great event for authors with Maine affiliations.
HUGS,
Bette
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Thanks, Bette. Maybe next year?
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I really enjoy your haiku, Bette. The images you create with words are powerful, and mixed with your photographs even more so.
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Thanks so much for your support, dear Norah! Have a blessed and beautiful week… ❤ xo
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Thank you, Bette. Best wishes to you too.
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Wonderful picture of you and your daughter, Bette:) I enjoyed the book trailer, it reminded me of how much I enjoyed your book.
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Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit and for your continued support and encouragement, Denise! ❤ Have a blessed and beautiful day, my friend. xo
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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.
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Hi, Miriam. So glad you stopped by for a visit. Thanks for your lovely note, my friend. May your summer and all of your seasons be filled with wonders… ❤ xo
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Thank you, Bette. My husband and I will take a trip to Santa Barbara in a couple of weeks. Then I’ll visit my granddaughters for two weeks. This is a great summer to me. ❤
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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!
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Hi, Gayl! 🙂 Thanks so much for you visit and sweet note… ❤ Blessings and love back to you and yours. xo
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Beautiful post. Lovely poetry Bette. 🥰
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Thank you, dear Balroop! 💞 Blessings and love, my friend… xo
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Thanks Bette. 🥰
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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. 🙂
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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
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I loved those beautiful and colourful pictures.💗
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Thanks so much, Anjali! ❤
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A wonderful book trailer and you and your daughter are looking so beautiful, Bette. Loved the video too. Thanks for this wonderful post.
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Hi, Kamal! ❤ Thanks so much for your lovely note. Have a wonderful week, my friend. xo
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You are always welcome dear Bette. Same to you too dear 💖💖💖💖💖
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A beautiful poem, Bette. I love lighthouses, and I like how you used them here.
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Thanks so much, Kymber. ❤ Have a lovely weekend! xo
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You, too. ❤
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A lovely post, Bette. Your poetry about Maine is delightful and inspiring. The MC in my latest novel is from Maine.
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Thanks for your delightful note, dear Robbie! ❤ Eager to meet your latest MC… xo
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I re-read your book so that I could picture the countryside. It looks so beautiful.
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A beautiful post, Bette, full of excitement and love for your glorious state! I hope to visit there someday! ❤️
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Thanks so much, Eugi. ❤ Have a blessed and beautiful day!
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My pleasure, Bette! 😊
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A fabulous trailer. I love lighthouses, I think they are all haunted.
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Thanks so much for your visit and note, Darlene. ❤ Lighthouses–luminaries of the past with lessons for those who stop, look and listen… 🙂 xo
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Marvelous book trailer. I rarely choose poetry when it comes to reading, but I loved My Maine.
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Thanks so much for your visit and for your lovely note, Pete… 🌲 Blessings to you and yours, my friend.
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Beautiful video, Bette!
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Thanks, dear Jill! ❤ xo
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That is beautiful. I love the idea of lighthouses from bygone eras. I feel that.
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Thanks so much, Jacqui. ❤
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Congratulations!
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Thank you, Andrew.
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You’re welcome.
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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!
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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!
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It’s a lovely book trailer! I enjoyed your poetry excerpt.:-)
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Thanks so much, Priscilla! ❤ Appreciate your visit and support. Have a lovely summer… xo
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A lovely video, full of profound words and beautiful photography. Heading over to Amazon now.
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HUGS! ❤ So appreciate your visit and support, Rebecca. xo
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