The Lobster Life

My Oh My.

2011-05-20T14:45:00.004-04:00

Where have I been you ask? Oh, around

Here is what I've been up to over the past month:

- Organizing this clothing swap which is happening tomorrow. Eeeeep!
- We moved. Into an awesomely awesome place. I will have to post pics. It's an old Victorian mansion in the heart of my favorite part of my city. Too lucky.
- Eating lots of roasted brussel sprouts. A new favorite.
- I wrote a book. And got a book agent.
- Redecorating the apartment. Currently seeking a vintage mail wall holder. Send suggestions.

Those are the highlights really. What have I missed?

It's Me.

2009-12-07T11:09:00.001-05:00

Hi again. This whole "running two blogs" thing is wearing on me. I can't keep up.

So for now, please visit me here for updates on the lobster life among many other pleasantries.

xo

Pizza.

2009-11-02T15:52:00.004-05:00

The Old Mill is the wood stove we use to heat our little abode. Lobsterman has always wanted to use it as a pizza oven and with the recent encouragement of my Father, he made his dream a reality. A very delicious reality in fact!

And P.S.

2009-10-29T17:39:00.001-04:00

DSC03609
Originally uploaded by laura&watty

Now that it's OFFICIALLY winter, I have to bring a bag of warm clothes for the boat rides. Hats, wool sweaters and sneakers. Adios flats and tank tops - hello cold Maine weather.

Ferry Boat.

2009-10-29T17:37:00.001-04:00

DSC03607
Originally uploaded by laura&watty

Sometimes I totally, totally HATE having to take a ferry when I want simple things like groceries and toilet paper. But sometimes, it's just plain amazing.

Back To NY

2009-10-13T16:05:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow Lobsterman and I are getting on the morning ferry to drive down to CT and NYC for almost a week. A WEEK!?! I am so excited. On our to-do list is a wedding, heading into the city for a night of debauchery and getting a manicure. Or at least I'm getting a manicure. Be back next week!

Photos taken in the Bronx. a) White castle, b) Fordham Road, c) Friends.

Lobster Bake.

2009-10-09T14:59:00.003-04:00

The first time I experienced a true lobster bake was this past summer. You dig a pit and start a fire and then pile heaps and heaps of seaweed right from the ocean on top. Then you put the lobsters on the hot seaweed and cover them up with piles and piles of more seaweed. The result? Extra salty lobsters - at least in my opinion.

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

2009-10-08T16:14:00.004-04:00

My articles are out for all to read. Check out this one and this one. But, ahem, most importantly, this one - so you can REALLY see what my summer has been like!

Beauty.

2009-09-25T15:44:00.002-04:00

Pretty beach. Pretty man. Pretty lucky.

A Few Things.

2009-09-25T15:34:00.008-04:00

How To Have An Amazing Island Wedding

1. Have a tent big enough for 300+ people and for dancing.

2. Fresh wildflowers everywhere you look.

3. Fabric pennants and chinese lanterns.

4. Thrifted plates and parchment paper tablecloths so guests can color.

5. Vintage glasses as take-homes on an amazing metal shelf. Both a display piece and a gift. Brilliant.

6. A lot of good food. Specifically an array of cheese.

Sigh.

2009-09-25T15:32:00.003-04:00

One day I shall own a white house with a view like this on the island. Until then, I sneak onto summer people's properties to take in the beauty.

Blackberries.

2009-09-25T15:27:00.005-04:00

Wild blackberries are out! Lobsterman and I were able to fill up two solo cup's worth on an impromptu car ride. He knows all the good spots. Look at these babies!

Lobsterman goes deep into the woods to get to them.

I wait by the car mostly.

Oh. Hi.

2009-09-24T11:44:00.002-04:00

I'm having major technical issues with this blog. But I am posting here still. So come visit me.

I have photos of picking blackberries, cooking lobsters on a beach and so much more. I hope to post them soon.

xo.

A Historical Day.

2009-09-02T12:33:00.002-04:00

Today my very best friend on this planet has moved to this little island with me and Lobsterman. IN THE SAME HOUSE! I have been anxious with excitement and she is finally here. Let the adventures begin!

Gosh I'm lucky.

Proof.

2009-08-29T10:28:00.001-04:00

I have been busy. If you can, pick up the new copy of Maine Home + Design to see my article on a beautiful waterfront cottage on Islesboro.

Oh. Hi There.

2009-08-29T10:24:00.003-04:00

Aren't sunsets here so pretty?

Alright. No excuses. I have been so busy here. I thought I was supposed to be living the easy life but alas, now that summer is winding down and the blessedly cool evenings are upon us, it finally is starting to feel relaxing. My waitressing gigs are dying down, I've finished four articles in two weeks AND I was able to sneak in a visit to Connecticut to see family. I'm exhausted.

I have a wedding coming up this weekend that I am super stoked about. I can't wait to post photos of an island weddng, because they are unlike any other.

Other than that, I miss you all. I am so sorry I've been bad at keeping in touch. It's not you, it's me.

Lung Fest.

2009-08-14T09:49:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. It's been too long. I apologize. Sometimes life gets a hold of me. Or rather, deadlines take hold of me. Two weekends ago was LUNGFEST! The music festival that first brought me out to this little island last summer. It was the last one but the performances were awesome. I had a great night watching Lobsterman and all our friends perform while I danced the night away. Here are some highlights. Anyone want to see a video of Lobsterman singing?!

Feelin' Crabby.

2009-07-27T16:22:00.004-04:00

Literally. We cooked up some lovely pinky toes (which are a type of crab - apparently the tastiest) with some beers and watched the sun set.

While Lobsterman lost at yet another scratch ticket. Sigh.

A Glimpse.

2009-07-27T16:11:00.004-04:00

This coming weekend is LungFest - a fantastic music fest that lasts all day. My Lobsterman will be singing and playing along with many other amazingly talented and cool people. Plus my best friend will be here. Since the countdown has begun it's been nonstop music and impromptu jam sessions in the house, like the one I caught here. I thought I was being sneaky but evidently they caught on.

(And please excuse the mess!)

Serving.

2009-07-26T14:29:00.004-04:00

One of the many jobs I have on the island is waitressing here. The restaurant overlooks the water and you have to walk through a boat yard to get to it. It's the most popular restaurant on the island which means I make good tips every night. Which is probably why I've been there so often. My favorite meal is the surf and turf but my favorite order to take is popcorn shrimp because I like yelling "POP SHRIMP!" in the kitchen.

Sunsets.

2009-07-23T08:03:00.001-04:00

I've seen a lot here - but I just can't get over them.

On A Skiff.

2009-07-20T16:01:00.007-04:00

Over the weekend Lobsterman and I went on a dinner cruise around the island on his Grandfather's old skiff. He had found a motor to use for it but I think we were only going about 5 m.p.h. It was nice to be at sea though our boat did feel a little puny compared to all the anchored summer people's fancy boats. I've never been a "boat" person (though oddly enough I've always had an attraction towards top siders) but it is now one of my favorite summer activities.

Getting the skiff up and running...(which took half the day)

I waited very patiently with provisions...

And finally - set adrift...

Hauling Season!

2009-07-20T15:58:00.003-04:00

Lobsterman is officially out to sea - hauling up traps and catching lots of lobbys! I heard a scary scrambling in our refridgerator the other morning and when I opened the produce drawer, two LIVE lobsters were inside. Needless to say they did not receive names since they were gobbled up for dinner that night.

I Lied A Little.

2009-07-20T13:39:00.005-04:00

Okay so I did take ONE little break to pick some wildflowers and drop off at the community center (people do things like that here). But how can I not share the wealth when pretty flowers like this grow naturally in my own yard? Alright - back to work.

Whoa K.

2009-07-20T13:36:00.002-04:00

I am in major catch up mode after a weekend of sun and fun. Sigh. Now deadlines are creeping up on me and my desk is a disaster area - luckily I have two iced coffees to get me through the day. Fun, FUN posts soon - promise.

Miss You.

2009-07-14T09:48:00.005-04:00

Today I wish my best friend was here. I've hung up a letter she wrote to me in our office. It's become a little corner of home - my favorite pillow's there and so is the afghan my Mom crocheted me for my birthday. I think I need a trip home soon!

Beach Babe.

2009-07-14T09:42:00.003-04:00

I spent almost my entire weekend on the beach thanks to the beautiful weather that FINALLY has arrived. On Friday Lobsterman and I had a beach lunch cookout. As you can see by the photos, it's easy to find a beach on this island to have all to ourselves. I'm not a pro griller but Lobsterman is - he just digs a hole in the rocks, covers it with a grill and voila! We have hamburgers and sausage cooked in minutes. On Sunday there were lobster boat races which I did not attend - but I did get my very first lobster boat ride of the summer. It was the perfect night to be out on the water but I did feel quite ill Sunday night after so much sun and fresh air -- I think I'm still detoxing from my city days.

The Fourth.

2009-07-10T19:52:00.002-04:00

Fourth of July weekend was super fun because a) my best friends from NYC were here, b) we finally got sun, c) we beach bbq'ed and d) I got to show off how magical this place can be. Although I love this little island life, part of me feels a little empty at times without my friends and family here. I've always had the homesick bug growing up - but after such a great fourth I've felt recharged. Let the summer weather begin!

A Few Minor Things.

2009-07-08T20:02:00.004-04:00

There are so many little things that are different when living on an island. For example, we don't have garbage men. When our trash needs to be taken out, we can't just leave it curbside. Instead, we take weekly trips to the dump. Or...monthly.

(Yep. That's all our trash.)

Also, I can't get used to fishing gear and paint stuff and "hauling clothes" all over the house. Living with a man might be a challenge for some but living with a lobsterman is a whole other ball game.

(Yep. That's bait on the entryway table.)

Oh and uh, we find out about big events wayyyy after they happen. I learned of Michael Jackson's death via phone and just today learned about the NFL player that was killed by his girlfriend. Then again, maybe being unimmersed with the media is more of a good thing than a gripe.

Whew.

2009-07-06T10:59:00.003-04:00

After an amazing fourth of July weekend with some fabulous NYCers (pictures on that later) I'm off to the main land for the day to get some groceries, go to the bank and run some other errands. Now when I need to do simple domestic tasks, it involves taking a day off work and lots of planning. But it also turns them into an adventure, which isn't so bad.

A very welcome scene below - rain coats are hung up, boots are tossed aside. Finally - the sun is here!!!

(The paint stained items do not belong to me, in case you were wondering.)

Old Stuff.

2009-07-02T08:38:00.006-04:00

One of the most endearing things about living on an island with a population of 300 is how old-fashioned everything feels. There are even relics in Lobsterman's house from better days...

His collection of Dundee marmalade jars that he retrieved from a bottle dump.

This baking powder that I found in the cabinet. It expired fifteen years ago.

Farine? Do they even make this anymore?

Rowing Right Along.

2009-06-30T21:25:00.004-04:00

Lobsterman and I took advantage of the halted rains and went on a little ride in the row boat. We were the only people out on the water and we spotted some old lady spying on us with binoculars. We gave her a little wave but that didn't seem to stop her from keeping a close eye. Some of these summer people are so paranoid. I'm allowed to make assumptions like that now that I'm an "islander".

I have yet to take a ride on a lobster boat, motor boat, skiff or schooner this summer, but hopefully now that July is fast approaching, I'll be able to check them all off the list.

Ye Old Mill.

2009-06-29T10:27:00.003-04:00

This is what heats our house.

It is a wood stove that is essentially large enough to warm up a mill, hence the name. He sits right in the middle of our living room. I've stubbed my toe on him a thousand times. And he makes the house so hot that he's literally melted my entire candle collection. But I love him. Now I just need to learn how to chop wood.

Pizza Parties.

2009-06-29T10:23:00.005-04:00

Since there is no pizzeria on the island (hold your gasps), it's very common for someone to host a weekly pizza party. Over the weekend, Lobsterman and I had ten people over and we each made our own pizza. We made margheritas, sausage and peppers, the works - you name it. Everyone on the island is so good at making pizzas that pies from a parlor to me taste, well, subpar. At least in Maine anyways. Don't even get me started on how badly I need a NYC slice...

Stormy Weather.

2009-06-29T10:15:00.004-04:00

I don't think we've seen the end of the rains yet. I am craving vitamin D like an alcoholic craves his drink. I've even got the shakes. My fingers are tightly crossed that this weekend will bring some beautiful sunny Maine days since we have visitors coming. Over the weekend Lobsterman and I went to the mainland. For those of you that don't know, it takes an HOUR via FERRY just to get to civilization. And when it's stormy on the seas - the ride is not always for the faint of heart.

Stormy skies over Rockland, Maine

The Sun!

2009-06-26T11:05:00.004-04:00

Is finally out! I'm off for a run but I thought I'd leave you with this photo of Lobsterman greeting some friends out on a dock.

My weekend plans consist of a beachside bbq, a potential dance party in honor of MJ and a trip to the mainland! Woot, woot!

In Reality.

2009-06-26T10:48:00.006-04:00

This is where I work most days. Now that I've moved to the island - writing is not my only job. I'll be posting about what else I'm up to soon but my other occupations here include coffee shop manager, gift shop employee and newspaper editor. Although I'd like you all to think I usually sit on a deck overlooking the ocean everyday, it's just not the case.

A shared book collection.

Little mementos from the sea and cards from friends and family that I miss oh-so-much.

Lupines.

2009-06-26T10:43:00.002-04:00

Before I moved to Maine, I had never heard of lupines. As soon as the warm weather hit, these sprung up all over the island. Fields and fields of wild lupines were everywhere I looked. When I got home one day Lobsterman had left them in vases for me all over the house.

Now that it's been non-stop rainy, the lupines are drooping over. Now it looks like they're waving, but I'll be sad when they all start to fade from the scenery.

Hiking.

2009-06-25T12:57:00.002-04:00

On Memorial day weekend, when I first arrived on this island, one of my favorite memories was hiking up Ames Knob. It's one of the highest points on the island and the views are spectacular. I have some great footage of the group that chose to climb the rocks - and the crew that chose the road more traveled. (Ahem - Jeannine and Amanda). Anyways, as soon as this rain and fog disappears, I hope to head up there soon. I can't wait to see the view of the lupines in the fields from up high.

Success!

Working Hard - or Hardly Working?

2009-06-24T15:23:00.006-04:00

Hello from the coast of Maine. I'm going to try and immerse you all in what life has been like for me thus far as best I can. We've got lots of catching up to do.

Though it's been raining here for the past two weeks, right before the flood gates burst open, this was how I did work.

Yep. That's me sitting on an islander's deck (alas, not my own) soaking up some sun while I type away. I am aware that this makes me a big brat.

I mean, who gets to work on writing articles when THIS is their view?

Whatever. Life is fair. I had to live in Queens.

Up and Running.

2009-06-24T07:59:00.001-04:00

Finally - after a month of back and forth with the local internet provider - I have a land line AND wireless. Hallelujah. It's pretty funny that I moved to a remote locale and complained about being unable to have these things right away, but it's the 21st century so I don't think I was asking for much.　

How This All Began.

2009-06-17T10:47:00.002-04:00

Last August I took my very first trip to Maine. My best friend had been coming for years. That magical outing brought lots of "firsts" in my life. My first motorcycle ride - my first ride in the back of a pick-up and most importantly - my first taste of life in Maine. As time passed, I came back in the fall to see the trees turn. I returned again at Halloween to see the harvest moon. After the holidays I came to trudge through the snow and I celebrated my birthday here when the snow began to melt. It should also be mentioned that the reason I kept returning (besides the fact that Maine is awesome) was because I fell in love with a lobsterman.

I made a very big decision to leave my friends, family and a job that I loved for a new life on a tiny island off the coast of Maine. Now I'm a big city girl on a very tiny island - trying to settle in to life.

I hope you'll visit this blog often to keep in touch with me - and to see how well I'm dealing with being a permanent resident of "vacationland".