I’ve been on a two week vacation in Robbinston, Maine, a very tiny town with no town center and only 500 or so people in almost 34 square miles. Robbinston is in Washington County, Maine – Downeast Maine’s “Sunrise County.” Washington County is called the Sunrise County because it is the easternmost county in the United States. It’s also the poorest county in Maine and among the poorest in our country.
However, it is only economically poor – its natural wealth is endless. Watching the roaring waters of Reversing Falls I see seals riding the waves. On the lake with the ethereal loons, I’m amazed as one swims under my kayak. Hearing a splash on my morning walk, I see a majestic bald eagle rising from the lake with breakfast in his talons. Wild strawberries abound in fields soon to make way for the blueberry carpets of August. And as I walk along the country roads, I am greeted by the sight and smell of cedar and sea roses.
Every day I am reminded of the tangible values in life. Things we can touch and feel and smell and see – things that are constant, things we can count on. This is the currency of Washington County. Washington County’s coffers are lined with raw beauty that feeds our souls not our pocketbooks. After two weeks I know these are the things of true value, the things that remind us where real joy and wealth can be found.
Now the challenge is to remember Washington County’s values when I rejoin the “real world” – that electronic working world; that money world. Each day back the memories will get dimmer, but I am forever connected to the loons, the eagles, the waters – how can I forget? If we let them, they speak louder than the misguided values of our financial world. Do you hear them?
Tomorrow we drive four hours back home – let the transition be peaceful and easy….
4 thoughts on “Lessons from the County”
Jane, this is great! I felt like I was there with you capturing the beauty of all the nature you encountered. What a joy it is to know that we have everything we need to bring joy and happiness in our life always around us.
Thanks for posting such a beautiful message.
Tom
Hi Jane,
Thanks for sharing your amazing experience with us!
I absolutely love nature! It is so peaceful, serene, and so beautiful! I went to the park today and really enjoyed a wonderful walk in nature just taking in all of the wonder that life offers!
Love,
Judy
Jane, you took me on a mini-vacation with this lovely descriptive story; thank you. It reminded me of a phrase in a recent book I read: “maybe that is what life is about….these odd moments of beauty”. Certainly you encountered beauty…carry it with you.
Hi Jane,
Had put your journalling in my to do folder and now I have time to read and savor so will add a few thoughts. Nature is the source and, as Matthew Fox says, there is no unemployment. We humans are a ssrvice oriented group and that creates levels of both service as well as economics. Can you imagine a bird thinking more is better. It eats exactly what it needs and very little or it would never be able to lift off. You mention Ted Kennedy and his going so often to church to fall on his knees gave him such balance.
The question I think is very personal. Money has no power except for the power we give it so for me, the power has been, not in the money itself, but in the manner it is used. I think people who give thousands away are a blessing to the rest of us. I always go to Acadia and thank Ted Roosevelt for all his foresight and generosity. He had the “power” to turn a vast area of land into something preserved for generations to come. In Florida we had Flagler, who gave schools, hospitals, libraries etc and in maine we had Alfond who did the same. Stewardship is a good word to use…money is a reality and often reality is not seen in its fullest. Contemplation is taking a long loving look at the real and we all need to contemplate.