In September, my son Isaac and his fiancé Ashley, got married in Portland, Maine. Nearly all the family and so many of their friends flew out to Maine to join in the celebration. After camping for a week in Acadia National Park, I joined everyone in Portland, and roamed around the city for several days taking pictures.
So many of the old buildings are made of brick and old wood; so different than my hometown clear on the other side of the country.
Some of the streets were cobblestone, and so many of the storefronts had a profusion of flowers adding color and texture to the street scene.
I stayed in a fancy hotel overlooking the waterfront. The wedding rehearsal was moved to the bar in our hotel after the rain washed us out. The strangest rehearsal I have ever been to! My two grandsons, Ethan and Wyatt, were the ring bearers and my little granddaughter Eva was the flower girl! After she practiced throwing the flowers out of her little basket, she promptly sat down and picked them all up, singing a little song, "Clean up, clean up."
The Portland Head Light is an historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Henry W. Longfellow frequented the lighthouse and wrote his famous poem, "The Lighthouse," during this time.
"The rocky ledge runs far into the sea, and on its outer point, some miles away, the lighthouse lifts its massive masonry, a pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day. Even at this distance I can see the tides, upheaving, break unheard along its base, a speechless wrath, that rises and subsides
in the white tip and tremor of the face. And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright, through the deep purple of the twilight air, beams forth the sudden radiance of its light, with strange, unearthly splendor in the glare!"
in the white tip and tremor of the face. And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright, through the deep purple of the twilight air, beams forth the sudden radiance of its light, with strange, unearthly splendor in the glare!"
Lobster is the specialty here in Maine; so delicious with melted butter!
One morning I was roaming the streets and came across this unusual street band; a combination of bluegrass, reggae, rock and roll, and hip hop. Such a sound!
Reflections in the windows; one of my favorite things.
The Old Orchard Beach Pier; a great place to roam about.
The waterfront was directly across from my hotel. This sculpture was made from authentic pieces of the Berlin Wall; a blunt, in your face reminder of our freedom here in the United States
Boats in the harbor; I felt like a lucky lady to be here, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Maine waterfront.
Each morning we walked down to this incredible bakery that had freshly baked artisan breads, and ate them in the hotel with hot coffee and butter. My favorite was a pecan, raisin crusty loaf that was so delicious!
I ate some awesome chowder in Maine, all kinds; clam, fish, and lobster.
The day before the wedding, several of our group took the ferry over to Peaks Island to help Ashley set up the wedding. Dave, Lindsay and little Eva look so happy to be together.
As we approached Peaks Island, fog enshrouded the wharf, and it was beginning to rain; a bit discouraging, as the wedding was the next day.
On the day of the wedding, we were totally blessed with perfect weather. My gorgeous daughter-in-law Cara, my two grandsons, Ethan and Wyatt, and me, are standing here, all dressed up waiting for the ferry to go over to the wedding on Peaks Island.
Isaac and the groomsmen, heading over to the wedding on a speedboat.
That would be me, "the Camping Queen" in high heels; a rare moment in time!
A quiet moment for Ethan and Wyatt, with their fancy duds and lobster socks!
Isaac and David, my two boys! Only wish Jon could have joined us.
Isaac and JP with the preacher, waiting for the wedding to begin.
Isaac, my handsome son.
Little Eva, my granddaughter, the flower girl. Wyatt held her hand so tight all the way down the aisle that she couldn't even throw her flowers. When she got to the front, she was finally able to dump all her flowers at once and everyone clapped!
Mark, Ashley's Dad, and Ashley, walking up the aisle to meet Isaac. Ashley was a jubilant, radiant, beautiful bride!
Never thought it would happen but he finally tied the knot.....Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Little!
I don't think I have ever seen Isaac so happy.
David and Lindsay and Eva, so sweet, so dear to me. Love you guys!
Wyatt and Eva, both full of spunk and energy. Just look at those pink shoes!
View from the reception, as the sun disappeared into the clouds.
Isaac and his boys; guys who have been a part of our lives since Isaac was in fourth grade. Such an incredible group. I love them all.
Me and Isaac dancing; such a moment. I will never forget.
Inside the reception hall; a fantastic display of color, light, flowers and wood.
After the wedding I camped for a few days in Wild Duck Campground, just south of Portland.
Quite different from my fancy surroundings in Portland, but to be honest, this is where I feel at home; listening to the birds, under the trees, clouds, rain and sky.
The marshes were completely amazing; so green in contrast to the cloud filled blue sky.
The night before I left Maine, I sat in front of a beautiful fire, sipping my tea and rejoicing in my good fortune. Such a wonderful trip; so many beautiful memories.
A good night to one and all.....love you. Susan Little