Why I live in Maine…..

January 5, 2020January 5, 2020 wendyckasten

Reasons I love living in Maine…

From my windows, I see no one else’s house. No other house can see me. The privacy and the quiet is aesthetically pleasing.
The last time I was caught in traffic was July, 2019, and for about 10 minutes.
I can eat nearly all locally produced fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meats, and nearly all of them are raised organically.
Even when it snows, it’s still beautiful.
I lock my car doors and house doors out of habit (After all, I grew up in New Jersey), but I don’t really need to.
Because it’s a smaller population, it’s easier to make changes, it’s easier to know your government officials on a first name basis, it’s easier to become involved, and to make a difference.
I see the ocean just about every day. I see beauty almost everywhere I look.
Prices on some things are cheaper (haircuts, car repairs, etc.)
I can eat lobster pretty much any time I want to.
When I go into shops, mostly someone in there recognizes me, and remembers my name.
Neighbors help care for neighbors here.
I see the incredible celestial heavens every clear night. It’s over a mile to the nearest street lamp.
(I’ll add more later).

Published by wendyckasten

As a retired teacher and professor of literacy, I now in my retirement spend time writing novels, poetry, creative nonfiction, radio essays, and picture books. My foremost audience is young readers ages 11-14. But I also write stuff for grown-ups. After years of academic writing for textbooks, chapters, and refereed journals, AND years of being Associate Editor of The Reading and Writing Quarterly, sitting on various editorial advisory boards, reading and critiquing hundreds of article drafts, mentoring my own grad students and junior faculty - I decided there needs to be a place to go and learn. Learning what you need to know to succeed can pave the path for a very successful career. You'll find some on my website. View all posts by wendyckasten

5 thoughts on “Why I live in Maine…..”

Kitty Clarke says:

January 5, 2020 at 4:57 pm

Well, Wendy, this will stop my thinking, “Poor Wendy, all that cold, miserable weather.” It sounds absolutely lovely. And, the picture which I assume is out your window is awe inspiring. And, getting to see the ocean each day…well, that is a dream come true. Thanks for the thoughtful glimpse of Maine!

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1. wendyckasten says:
  
  January 5, 2020 at 6:08 pm
  
  Yes, do. I am not here by accident. I worked hard to find a home here which I could afford and which was retirement-friendly. The recession helped me enormously, as it was more a buyer’s market. In a more prosperous economic climate, this property would have been beyond my reach. I love it here. Nowhere of all the places I have lived have I felt a sense of community as I do here. I feel so lucky to be able to be here.
  
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  1. Victoria says:
    
    April 18, 2021 at 8:09 am
    
    Hi Wendy,
    This is Victoria, Wood’s daughter. I am afraid I could not find another way to contact you. I wanted to let you know that he passed away. If you want any more information, or to talk, feel free to email me (toriahall@gmail.com). Hope you are well.
    Victoria
    
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  2. wendyckasten says:
    
    September 9, 2021 at 7:56 am
    
    Victoria, how are you doing? Would love to hear about you, your family, and your career. I still have the same email, wkasten@kent.edu. I am on facebook, and @wckasten on twitter, and even instagram which I don’t much care for.
    
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Joyce Ray says:

January 6, 2020 at 2:04 pm

Ayuh! And plenty more reasons. Like a governor and legislature that work together to get things done for the good of all!

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