Maine has been in my heart for some 20 years. I love the forests, the ocean, the food, the plants, the scenery...
But in light of the recent vote, I no longer feel welcome. This diary is indeed a short one and is a reflection upon the places I will miss during the time I spend away from the state. You see, it's been a goal of mine for a number of years to move to Maine. My partner and I are within just a few years of making that reality. The recent vote against gay marriage, however, was like a knife in the heart...with a knowing twist added. We no longer feel comfortable about Maine. For a couple who spend a majority of vacation time in Maine, this was a crushing blow. I cried twice the day after and still haven't recovered fully from my dreams being tarnished. So, here's a list of frequently visited places and places I've spent both time and money supporting. For a time, I shall miss them. Since the conservatives don't care about the love I have for my partner, perhaps they'll take note of the cash their state will lose out on and ponder the possibilities.
Places in Maine where I've spent time and money in the past 20 years...
- Unity College, Unity Maine.
- McDonald's, Belfast Maine and Wells Maine.
- The Waterfront, Camden Maine.
- Edgecomb Pottery, Edgecomb Maine and Freeport Maine.
- LL Bean, Freeport Maine.
- Gritty McDuff's, Freeport Maine and Portland Maine.
- Haraseeket Lunch and Lobster, South Freeport Maine.
- Buck's Naked BBQ, Freeport Maine.
- The Desert of Maine Museum, Freeport Maine.
- Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick Maine.
- The Portland Museum of Art, Portland Maine.
- Casablanca Comics, Portland Maine.
- Sherman's Books and Stationary Store, Freeport Maine.
- The China Rose, Freeport Maine.
- Royal River Natural Foods, Freeport Maine.
- Wolfe's Neck State Park, Freeport Maine.
- Bay Wraps, Belfast Maine.
- The Weathervane, Belfast Maine and York Maine.
- Maine Coffee Roasters, Yarmouth Maine.
- Belfast Harbor Inn, Belfast Maine.
- Taste of Maine, Woolwich Maine.
- Skillin's Greenhouse, Yarmouth Maine.
- Estabrook's, Yarmouth Maine.
- Allen Sterling and Lothrop, Yarmouth Maine.
- Dunkin Donuts, Numerous Locations including Brunswick Maine and Freeport Maine.
- Starbucks Coffee, Freeport Maine.
- Wilson Leather Outlet, Freeport Maine.
- Timberland Outlet, Freeport Maine.
- Paderno Cookware Factory Store, Freeport Maine.
- The Royal River Grillhouse, Yarmouth Maine.
- The Muddy Rudder, Yarmouth Maine.
- Books Etc, Yarmouth Maine and formerly Portland Maine.
- The Belfast Co-op, Belfast Maine.
- The Farnsworth Museum, Rockland Maine.
- The Kittery Trading Post, Kittery Maine.
- Super 8 Motel, Freeport Maine.
- Holiday Inn Express, Freeport Maine.
- Maine State Prison Industries, Thomaston Maine (awesome bookcase bought here).
- Boothbay Botanical Gardens, Boothbay Maine.
- East Boothbay General Store, East Boothbay Maine.
- The Tugboat Restaurant, Boothbay Maine.
- Maine Street Bar, Ogunquit Maine.
- Sabbath Day Lake Shaker Village, New Glouster Maine.
- Abacus American Crafts, Freeport Maine.
- Mexicali Blues, Freeport Maine.
- LL Bean Factory Store, Freeport Maine.
- Yankee Candle Co, Freeport Maine.
- Play and Learn, Freeport Maine.
- Freeport Wine and Cheese, Freeport Maine.
- Freeport Historical Society, Freeport Maine.
- Lovell Designs, Freeport Maine.
- Downeast Candies, Boothbay Maine.
- Maine State Aquarium, Boothbay Maine.
- Pedro O'Hara's, Freeport Maine.
- Pet Pantry, Freeport Maine.
- The Mangy Moose, Freeport Maine.
- Cold River Vodka, Freeport Maine (product purchased in NH).
- Sea Dog Brewing Company, Topsham Maine.
- Treehouse Toys LTD, Portland Maine.
- Cappy's Chowder House, Camden Maine.
I'm just so saddened by these events. So close to a dream realized and then it was snatched away.