Western Maine – Give and Take

I signed on to another year at the academy in April. The decision came after mulling over alternatives, applying to a museum job, and finally settling on one more year. There is a give and take here in Western Maine. At my disposal: the wonder of nature that surrounds me, solitude, and creative space. What I miss: proximity to family and friends (other than my pals here), a solid wage, and civilization. One more year will provide me with the time to accomplish creative passions, and then it’s on to the next pasture.

The Gives

1. Nature
   Five minutes by car to a network of trails. Five minutes by foot to Brackett Brook. Three minutes further and there’s access to a waterfall and swimming hole. The natural features so close are an absolute blessing. My girlfriend said it best: I’d spend all my time out here in nature.
   I certainly intend to take advantage of these special spots. My friend, Charlie, introduced me to cold plunges, which we began as soon as the ice melted. While the brook isn’t as cold, it’s still chilly enough to shock my system. Great productivity hack! Last summer practically didn’t exist, so I want to hike a lot this year. Bigelows, here I come!
2. Solitude
   I am a people person. Teaching is about building relationships, and I am confident in that skill. I relish spending time with quality people. Yet, a recharge is necessary. My apartment, especially in the quiet of summer when the kids are gone, is a wonderful retreat. It feels like Thoreau’s cabin in Walden. At times, I forget my neighbors are around until I hear slamming cabinets next door.
   The ability to enjoy one’s own company is integral to a satisfying life. This draft is written in black ink by my Pilot G2 in a purple notebook titled “Blog Drafts.” A vanilla and lemon zest candle melts under a candle warmer. It’s overcast, and I hope for rain after so much heat. My fan pushes air into the living room, challenging the volume of “Getting Ready for the Party” from 1944’s Meet Me in St. Louis. The musical notes guide my pen along the blue lines on the page. Solitude helps me focus on what’s around me. With people, I focus on them.
3. Creative Space
   This sort of ties in with solitude, but not always. The winter schedule at school allows for so much to be accomplished. While I haven’t fancied filming many videos, I am writing often. Projects abound, from a novel to philosophy musings to this very blog. It’s a lot to keep up on, and who knows if my next space will allow for such progress.
   I’m currently taking on two larger projects. The first is a novel (methinks) that I wrote in 30 days. That is to say, I’ve got some work to do! I’m on my first revision pass, focusing on the structural integrity of the piece. I believe I need a solid rewrite, as much of the first draft reaches too far. Excellent experience though. The second endeavor is a collaboration with my reenacting community to produce a period narrative around a Civil War execution. I’ve shot a proof of concept and will begin editing soon. Ideally, that’ll be used to encourage fundraising for our production next summer.
   

The Takes

1. Distance
   The Valley holds me tight in its nature-y arms of birch and pine. 45 minutes to Farmington. Two hours to visit my parents and girlfriend. While I enjoy the pleasantness of my environment, I miss being close to loved ones. I’ve missed reenactments and family events with the added travel time. I feel like I’m losing touch with my reenacting family.
   A visit to Central Maine now encompasses shopping that my younger self would abhor. Ocean State Job Lots, Hobby Lobby, Renys, and thrifting all in one day! Right now, my girlfriend and I see each other weekly. I visit on the weekends. As the school year begins, however, I’m nervous about not being able to see her as much. Two hours can be cut in half for some visits, but it’ll be better when we’re closer.
2. Pay
   I’m in a low tax bracket just above the poverty line, so I still have to pay the medical bills that I won’t see the end of until I’m over 35 — four years to pay it off. A bat flew into my bedroom in 2024, requiring the rabies vaccine. Later that year, I tore my ACL on my first day of skiing. Surgery in 2025 thankfully took care of the out-of-pocket maximum and covered my mono/lyme summer fun. This year, a phlebotomy shocked me with what wasn’t covered by insurance. Yeah, I think I’ve paid my bad luck balance for some time.
   Some argue that we earn equal to $60,000 because of our on-campus housing. Doesn’t feel that way. I’m not starving, but I’m not saving much for the land I want. I put a little away for retirement without the help of my employer. My financial knowledge and use of coupons (thanks, Dad) are what help me get by.
3. Civilization
   As much as I enjoy the quiet, solitude, and nature, I miss what civilization offers. One offering is a larger potential for video/photo clients as I consider taking on extra work. I recently worked with Shaw Brothers in Gorham, and it was great to document some of their projects. The nice thing about The Valley is its barrenness. The bad thing about The Valley is its barrenness. If I want to have a profitable side hustle, it can’t be here.
   My girlfriend, over the past two months, attended several films, shows, and educational talks. I’m anxious to join in on some of these adventures. In particular, she saw Backrooms, and that made me wish I could hold her hand during a scary movie. Will I enjoy the nature and my friends here? Absolutely! But you can bet I’ll be visiting Gardiner as often as possible. I’m committed, but it doesn’t mean I’m 100% satisfied.