I’ve been away from this medium for two seasons, two lifetimes, and at least several dimensions of time. Now, here we are, as of this writing, only a small tail of September left. Beautiful and colder October is staring at us boldly in the face.
The seismic change of moving a two-hour drive north from our Boston-area home of 33 years is all-consuming –in all of the realms– mind body spirit past present heart mind, neuroplasticity, fear excitement, heightened sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system states on rotation.
Let me share just one small, but-feels-huge, everyday aspect of my new sights.
My routine toodle takes me here to the ‘Swinging Bridge.’ It connects by foot or bike my town to the other town across the Androscoggin River.
I can’t stop taking pictures, showing guests, and just generally ogling it from all angles.
You can even match your outfit to it!
More later on my Swinging Bridge. I want to keep moving and show another bridge.
For now, know that it is an everyday gift, a view from the air, of the tidal river, bird life, and humans. I am still getting to know times of day and light and seasonal slant of it all. I am completely smitten.
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Say hello and good bye to this workhorse named the Frank J. Wood bridge. It carries the heavy duty traffic of commerce and daily commuting. By the end of 2025, we are shedding the erector set look for one with more sky and one that can handle the heavier cars, trucks, and rigs of our current day. Demolition is starting as of now and the new bridge is scheduled to open after Thanksgiving 2025.
Here’s a tip of the hat to the old boy. He is a prominent feature in our new general pattern and getting out and about.
Born in 1932 with the miracle of combustion, it was highly touted for its size, building achievement, function, grandeur, and beauty. Vintage postcards are here and here. Early in its life (up ’till about 1937), you’d see an electric street car, an interurban rail on this bridge that traveled between Lewiston, Bath, and Brunswick.
(The building to the right is the old Pejepscot Paper Company Mill where now we might be on the porch at the brewery.)
The arc of the bridge hardware helps frame our adult drinks.
It’s a perfect afternoon in July 2025. We have moved house contents to the new home and our old one is getting a primping–getting ready for sale.
We are tired and a little loopy.
The mind and heart have been busy and leaking tears along with excitement and learning new pathways, walks, toodles, tone and rhythm of our new everydays.
When figuring out how to re-start this medium, this internal/external conversation, I went with what has the loudest energy frequency that is in front of my face right now. That my friends is Bridges.
I need ’em, you need ’em, and they represent one of the best part of ourselves: Creating, engineering, commerce and communion, joining, bridging, thinking big, hallmarks of colorful purposeful problem solving. Not a time for black and white thinking (is it ever?).
Let’s share a treat beverage and talk if we can.
Addendum Bridge Tidbits
Here’s an initially shocking image of the new look for the Frank J. Wood bridge. The visual change is dramatic. I can’t wait to meet it for real. I’ll let you know when I do.
Below is an image I found of an electric light rail car on the then-young, Frank J. Wood bridge.
at the risk of bridge overload, below is a Bonus Bridge.
The Lovejoy Bridge lives in Western Maine and offers a dry crossing over the Ellis River. Of course it’s snazzy but I also love visiting the site because of the tree. It is still making a living with its balding roots showing, living on part rock and getting vital water from the river. I’m not sure how long the tree will hold on in this manner but I can celebrate it now.
The Lovejoy Bridge over the Ellis River and no-ordinary tree.
On the morning of the upcoming Harvest Moon! Get ready, I know you will have some awesome pictures!
I love the bridges, especially the footbridge. Looking forward to visiting you and Alisa before Winter comes our way!
Author
Can’t wait for our next time together and show you our Swinging Bridge. Moons are very hard to photograph, what with all of the light that blasts through them! I need a good East Wilton, mountainside view to have any hope (if you know what I mean). But this year’s Harvest Moon last night was a doozey! Happy Harvest Moon time Lyn.
Lovely, as always! So happy you’re settling in and finding lots to photograph.
Author
Thank you Nancy!
Wendy, how I have enjoyed looking at those bridges which are now keeping you company. So happy to hear your are settling happily in your new home. Here’s hoping you’ll have that hairdresser appointment soon!
Author
LOL, I’ve been purposely not found a hairdresser person up here! My calendar will be firming up soon and will call you soon Mimi.
Bridges. What a beautiful, evocative metaphor for the way your life has changed these past months. Welcome, and welcome again to Maine!
Author
I/we accept and accept again your welcome to Maine, you part-instigator, you ! Also, we’re due for an in-person linkage in some manner!
Looks like a lovely place to be. I’m sure exploring and learning about a new place is exciting too. Glad to see you are enjoying your new home!
Author
Thank you Tanya!