My family is as drawn to the ink-blue bays of Maine as
surely as the mosquitoes are drawn to drinking our blood. But any space not
reserved for bug-spray is at a premium. We are four travelers with interests
that accumulate stuff—stuff to entertain ourselves and stuff to share with the near-family
that meets us there.
My husband’s hoard glitters with dice scattered over decks stacked
with monsters and mountains, resting on a foundation of books that have helped
him build adventures with stranger things. My son dithers in deciding which
author will be his tour guide during the moments not filled by games and
exploring the shore. My daughter is ever prepared for microdisasters. Her bags
hold the bug spray and band aids. She is keeper of the snacks, plotter of
bathroom breaks, and monarch of the mundane but easily forgotten things.
I of course have my realm of tea. Noel Coward’s fearful question “Wouldn't it be dreadful to live in a country where they didn't have tea?” hovers over when I pack. It would be dreary to go two weeks without my favorites, and I cannot disappoint my near-niece and god-daughter and leave their preferred blends behind either. Fortunately for me, my words travel well, even to places with lackluster wi-fi. And that ink-blue bay works wonders for my inspiration.
I of course have my realm of tea. Noel Coward’s fearful question “Wouldn't it be dreadful to live in a country where they didn't have tea?” hovers over when I pack. It would be dreary to go two weeks without my favorites, and I cannot disappoint my near-niece and god-daughter and leave their preferred blends behind either. Fortunately for me, my words travel well, even to places with lackluster wi-fi. And that ink-blue bay works wonders for my inspiration.
Two weeks of life crammed
pell-mell onto a car roof.
I unpack it all,
brewing my words and good tea
steeped in the sight of the sea.
 |
| I always look forward to the view from the cabin every summer. Is there anything you are looking forward to this summer dear Groovers? Let's talk in the comments. |
This poem is linked to Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads' Tuesday Platform.
Love this! 💖 It sounds a lot like travelling with my cousins when we go on road trips, we pack tons of snacks and tea bags to bring along with us .. which is why I absolutely love that quote by Noel Coward. Indeed, it would be dreadful to live without tea (btw I can never decide what I love more coffee or tea) I guess tea is my soulmate whereas coffee is the occasional affair.💖
ReplyDeleteLOL, I think I share your view of tea and coffee! :D
DeleteI unpack it all,
ReplyDeletebrewing my words and good tea
steeped in the sight of the sea.
The sea can certainly work up a passion with its never ending run-ins with the dark stormy weather that proves a spectacle for those who court danger!
Hank
That bay can get very choppy. I'm not much of a kayaker but a few of our travel companions are. I'm hoping for good weather when we are there. But even if it rains, we have plenty to do, LOL we've all seen to that. :D
DeleteTwo weeks of heaven. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLOL, it's pretty close. But the mosquitoes do their best to remind us that we are still creatures of flesh upon this earth.
DeleteHave fun!
ReplyDeleteOh I definitely will!
DeleteTwo weeks in Maine. How wonderful! Yes, tea and books are required. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing I can borrow books from my son and nieces when I finish mine. :D
DeleteI love the way you pack those books... I look forward to my vacation of reading in remote places... it will be great going to bed somewhere with a book in hand.
ReplyDeleteYES! I try not to do it too much at home, because even though I work from home, I'm up very early to get at things and I function very poorly on little sleep. But with the luxury of getting up whenever I want (because goodness knows the teens won't be up until much later), staying up late and reading is a delicious treat.
DeleteWe used to do this at a New Hampshire lake. And also repelled the flying pests. My friend never complains about lugging around his wife's coffee pot and tozster when they travel.
ReplyDeleteI bring electricity outlet adaptors and voltage converters.
..
We have just enough modern amenities to keep me from feeling deprived. But we also have mosquitoes. Lots and lots of mosquitoes.
DeleteLove that first sentence of your poem, it describes our summer right now. The whole summer always feel like a holiday because we're mostly on the road. But the basics each of your family members cover made me smile; my hubby is more like your daughter with always being prepared for micro disasters, and I, like your son with a book always. 😊
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful break, dear Rommy!
I was really impressed with how well prepared she was! And I so plan on stealing some of Max's books when I finish mine. :D
DeleteBeen so long, since I embarked on a family vacation, like your's, Rommy. Just thinking about it, makes me, feel ancient. Enjoy the time, with your family and the cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteI know we're pretty lucky we get to do this, as well as having the bonus luck of hanging out with friends who are more like family on this vacation.
DeleteBeautiful poem and the photo. We are having monsoon rains in this part of the world. Best wishes!
ReplyDelete- Jui Positive Cookies
I've heard those monsoons can be rough! Stay dry and warm.
DeleteYup.. a country with no tea would be problematic!!
ReplyDeleteIndeed
DeleteI love the story told by the poem, the way you let us in--shows us the delight of the place--and invite us to smell the tea.
ReplyDeleteYou know what else I love? The way in which the way you describe the "bags" of your husband, son, daughter, and yours read like the title of stories.
LOL, I hadn't noticed that! But now that you point it out, I think that's pretty cool.
DeleteAnd my bit for this week:
ReplyDeletehttps://magalyguerrerosblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/13-not-quite-so-random-bits-of-living.html
Looks like you had a terrific time!
DeleteLove the wonderful relaxed, conversational tone that you've struck on here - I almost felt like I was along for the ride … and some tea. As always a pleasure to read.
ReplyDeleteI am always happy to share my tea with fellow travelers. :)
DeleteBeautiful Rommy!!! I hope you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to more changes within me! Does that sound weird? LOL! Big Hugs!
If they're good changes, not at all. I hope for some glorious ones for you Stacey. <3
Delete