Pivot and Pause in New England

CT: Middlesex- Essex- Ct River Museum (Holiday Event)

When I wished Steve Cryan a happy holiday at his 28th year Holiday train show, he responded “it’s always happy here bringing smiles to all the children’s faces. “

A worthwhile visit to meet Steve (who is pictured as a child above one of the train sets). He added, he always liked those patriotic socks.

He even goes to the effort of creating an “ISpy” game – one easy and one hard. It was very well executed to keep your attention and focus on all the detail Steve incorporates.

Adorable! Genuine!

Food Recommendations: I grabbed a soup and sandwich from Olive Oyl before my visit. if you want something more in the spirit, I highly recommend the Griswold Inn.

The town of Essex in general is filled with history and folklore and wonderful shops. Take the time to walk down it’s Main Street regardless of where you chose to eat.

Inspiration- Gratitude Journaling

At my stage in life there are great benefits and epiphanies I wish I could share with my younger self.

The value of allowing yourself to pause but for a minute and see, appreciate and remember a lovely scene. The benefits go so far beyond the obvious and yet so hard to describe.

My choosing to stop for these couple of minutes – what did I learn? Am I more relaxed? What can I better appreciate by this moment? Who out there is seeing and appreciating the same?

While I can’t share this with my younger self, I can try to give a look ahead to my children.

They may not yet understand but when they do I hope they’ll remember my message and think of me when they pause and see the beauty of the setting and rising sun and the value it can bring to their day, their relationships and their overall well being.

CT: Middlesex County- Haddam- Gillette Castle (Holiday)

William Gillette was the actor who originally played Sherlock Holmes who built a home which aligned to his character in CT.

During the holiday season they deck the halls of the castle! The actors and docents were engaged and very knowledgeable.

I very much enjoyed trying all the different latches of the doors. Gillette also had mirrors and secret doors to surprise his guests.

Tickets should be reserved in advance (link below). I chose sunset time as this is one of the recommended venues from which to gaze.

https://www.reserveamerica.com/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=CT&legacy=true&parkId=101150

NY: NY Botanical Garden- Holiday Event

The Holiday glow and Train event was wonderfully executed and clearly a lot of work went into it. A great place to immerse yourself into the surroundings and stay present.

There was so much detail to entice your senses. I went back several times to the above spot to get this shot as I waited for the area to clear and the timing of the lights and colors and angles. If you look carefully you will also see a partial moon above the lights.

The train show portrays such an impressive level of detail not only for the trains and bridges but also the landmarks of and around New York City. I better appreciated the architecture of otherwise familiar buildings

Enchanting . . . In addition to the “Holiday Glow”, the New York Botanical Garden complements your 1.5 mile walk with relaxing music.

Personally, I preferred the mystical melodies which was timed perfectly with the light shows. I found it made for a wonderful unique experience.

The ice sculpting was so much fun as the carvings created snowfall to the surrounding kids. Loved capturing one who was videoing it from his cell as the snow hit his head.

Most importantly, it brought together happy people with the intention to have a good time and enjoy the festivities. We all had a mutual goal and wished each a Happy Holiday as we passed.

Requires Pre ticketing. Look out for their special discounted evenings.

ME: Kennebunkport- Christmas Prelude (Event)

One of the reasons I moved to Connecticut was the ease with which you can travel to various New England events. While I didn’t start until the pandemic I try and find every opportunity. The Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport is one you can immerse into to find that holiday community spirit.

They had a full weekend of events planned with the stores and restaurants decked out in holiday flair with all the shopkeepers and neighbors complimenting each other’s efforts. There were three main sections of festivities. I stayed in the quieter Cape Porpoise section which had the lobster trap Christmas tree and a lovely tasty market.

There were only kind words to be heard all around notwithstanding the crowds looking for parking and waiting on lines for the festivities while drinking hot chocolate or cider by the many fire pits made available.

The spirit of the season was abound with welcoming smiles beneath the warm holiday hats! Worth the trip indeed to find love and kindness in the air to refocus your attention.

I tend to stay low key for food going to supermarkets and delis to keep cost down unless there is some real draw on the food or the ambience. I felt I selected well with lobster roll from Alice’s Restaurant, lattes from Mornings in Paris and farm fresh chicken from Little Barn which is the bistro side of the price fix White Barn.

There were also several opportunities for the town to gather at various parades and themed block parties. I found it truly heart warming and felt I was in a Hallmark movie.

My trip ended as perfectly as it began. I stumbled onto a boat about to launch which happened upon the evenings sunset on the water with glows reflecting all around me. If there was any time to leave the trials and tribulations of daily living at home this was it. Coupled with a good book during the down time it was a perfect weekend. I look forward to bringing family and friends in the future.

Inspiration- Connecticut Christmas Sunset

I had to rush out of the house to make an appointment. I kept running up and down the stairs to grab the keys or my phone.

As I scurried I noticed the beautiful colors of the sunset complementing the neighbors Christmas tree reflecting in their pond.

I grabbed my camera and took some shots as the colors already began to dim. It took but only a minute to pause and reflect and appreciate the view.

But the memory will last a lifetime.

ME: Cape Porpoise- Goat Island Lighthouse (Sunrise)

On this cold December morning I had not expected the lot to be full to see the sunrise near Goat Island.

The light stayed on for a split second each time.

Yet the cars overflowed by fisherman who rowed dinghies to their lobster boats. So much more activity than I anticipated.

I also met another photographer who shared other opportunities for fun angles of the pier itself.

My hands grew numb and painful as I snapped pictures of the changing colors and scenes of the sky, birds, boats, reflections and people

A surprisingly active and fulfilling morning.

I took each picture with one of my oldest and dearest friends in mind as today is her birthday. I wondered which she might like the best and hoped that while we aren’t together on this day she may know how much she is in my thoughts.

Happy Birthday Claudia.

MA: Berkshires- Lenox- Edith Wharton Estate- Nightwood

This was called Nightwood. It was also the night of a full Beaver Moon.

The walk began down a path with music, lights and fog lighting up the woods leading up to the mansion.

While I have not toured the actual estate, I loved the idea of a night walk around the property with colorful lights set to music.

I appreciate the coincidence of the walk occurring on a clear night of the full moon which led to further intrigue as the music enveloped me.

I look forward to reading more about the Mount and to attend future tours of the home and it’s property.

https://www.edithwharton.org/

Restaurant recommendation before or after: Alta Restaurant and Wine Bar in Lenox. The owner, the staff, the food and wines all great! Make a reservation!

MA: Berkshires- Stockbridge- Laura’s Tower (Hiking)

At the end of a dead street lay this beautiful suspension bridge. The street was so unassuming it was beyond my expectation to find not only the bridge but the beautiful stone arch as well as the greet just beyond.

The trail continued by crossing a railroad track and reaching a tree to direct you to Laura’s Tower or the Ice Caves. First I followed the path to Laura’s tower. One word of caution, the trail is not very well marked. Look for white marks on the trees where arrows lack.

The hike to Laura’s tower was moderate with no scrambles of any type. The view from the tower was fun of the middle Berkshires mountain ranges even if a cloudy day.

I then returned to take the ice caves route. First for this route there are rock scrambles and you need the proper foot attire. As I was only wearing Ugg boots I didn’t feel sure footed enough to pause and take pictures. It was a fun ravine to climb through however.