Okay, it’s Labor Day, and even though the summer flew by and I’m not ready, I’ve decided to focus on the positive. September is one of the nicest months of the year here in Maine. It’s full of clear, sunny days free of humidity, followed by those crisp nights, just perfect for snoozing. All of a sudden, the tourists have transformed from exasperated parents with their cranky, sunburned kids, to retired couples, kicking back and living the dream. And you can actually get a parking spot on Main Street!
Me, I always get that back-to-business shot of energy ingrained no doubt from years of school. Years of September representing new outfits, new notebooks, and a new teacher and schedule. No more lazing around all day, playing with my friends.
Do you remember what that was like? I was reminded a couple weeks ago when I was out walking Scamp one afternoon, and I see these two young girls up ahead riding their bikes toward me, maybe nine or ten years old. They’ve got on pink helmets and are talking a mile a minute and giggling, which makes me smile. Then all of a sudden, they stop, get off their bikes, and kind of throw them on the grass. One of the girls puts her hands on the ground, the other standing guard in case a car comes. What are they doing, I’m thinking? Scamp and me slow down as we pass, both of us curious. That’s when I see that those little girls are protecting a fuzzy caterpillar.
That picture just kind of stuck in my head, and every time I think of it, I remember what it
was like to be one of those little girls. Not that we wore bike helmets back then, but what it was like to be concerned about the welfare of a caterpillar. Like that was the most important thing in the world. Right up there with catching fire flies in a jar. Or bringing home tadpoles, thinking I could keep them alive long enough to watch them grow into frogs. Or staring in wonder at a spider’s web, instead of vacuuming it up without thinking about Charlotte and Wilbur, or how hard I cried when Charlotte died.
By now those little girls are getting ready to trudge back and forth to school, their backpacks so loaded down with stuff they look like turtles. And I’m thinking about buying some mums to replace my leggy petunias and the worn out geraniums on our deck. Soon I’ll be closing the windows at night and putting on a sweater before taking Scamp out for his morning constitutional.
Still, as I walk by that spot where I saw those little girls and their act of kindness, I remember what it was like growing up here in Mahoosuc Mills. I think of Charlotte and her web, and I feel “terrific,” “radiant,” “humble” and most of all, grateful.
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Sweet September
This Fall
September 25: A Visit With Ida, South Berwick Senior Center, 11:00am, South Berwick, ME
October 17: The Moose in Me, The Moose in You!, National Hospice Volunteer Conference, 8:00pm, Holiday Inn By the Bay, Portland, ME
November 3: Cold River Radio Show Live featured storyteller, 7:00pm, Theatre in the Wood, Intervale, NH
Bring Ida to your group. I love entertaining groups, small and large! The following are wicked fun for after lunch, after dinner, rewards banquets, keynote speeches and what not.
A Visit With Ida
This is a bunch of my favorite stories from all my shows, plus brand new ones. I custom design this program to meet your needs in terms of length and can feature subjects of interest: friendship, men, marriage, health, weight, life in a small town, seasonal stories, you name it!
The Moose in Me, The Moose in You
Move over Oprah! I have found my “inner moose” and become a Certified Maine Life Guide. After years of “Running with the Moose”, I’ve picked up a few pointers. And you know what? It turns out, you can learn a lot about life from a moose. In this motivational moose-terpiece, I’ll cover topics from A to Zumba, and offer helpful hints on to live a happier life.
A Holiday Visit With Ida
Join me as I celebrate the holidays with stories and reminiscences of Christmas time in the tiny town of Mahoosuc Mills, Maine. I just love Christmas, and I have the inside scoop on everything: the Not-So-Secret Santa plan, the do’s and don’ts of Holiday decorating and more! I’m no Scrooge, though, so banish your bah-humbug’s and come prepared to laugh!