The most beautiful Fall, evah!!  Oh my, I am so glad I decided to stay in the northeast for the Fall...I really cannot remember one with such great temperatures and COLORS...I worked on top of Loon Mtn today...I have worked there for a few years as we have an "artist village" up there where I mostly just hang out and schmooze.  I can use a little bit of money... The day started out in the clouds and when the sun came out the mountains shone in red, yellows, oranges...amazing shades on almost every tree.  Really, just amazing!!


Parking on Tish's property has been really great.  Last night I went to the library and got a copy of Across the Universe, a story told using Beatles songs for context and content.  A brilliant movie.  I saw it when it first came out and still think it is a great time.  So, I just laid down on the bed in the van, Ozzy in his bed, put the DVD into my little 7" DVD player, which I charged all day on the power inverter and watched the movie.  Yes, laughed, cried!  The Beatles defined rock and roll music in an age of incredible social revolution/evolution.  You gotta watch it.  For me, who came of age at that time it is a remarkable reminiscence on the 60's and for those who are too young to remember, that's okay because just listening to the songs by Lennon, McCartney and Harrison (While my Guitar Gently Weeps) is a beautiful experience.  A perfect collaboration at the perfect time!


All you need is love...love is all you need.

Hello All...I have been confusing a number of people... there are lots of folks who look at me in surprise when they see me in Plymouth thinking that I have gone away for good...not yet...let me fill all in on what looks like plans for the future...


I will be in Plymouth area through Columbus Day weekend...Tish has hospitably allowed me to take over a 10x12 swathe of property cut out of one of her meadows where I will park the van and camp for the next couple of weeks...


At the very end of October I will be leading a workshop at the New Hampshire Council of the Arts conference in the southern part of the state...


I have no idea what the plan is for November and December...maybe Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania...


January I will be teaching for the whole month back at Plymouth State for Winterim...will be teaching my class, Myths, Masks and Identity...


Then, after January, I will be gone for an extended period of time with no real end destination...winter in North Carolina, South Carolina, New Orleans, maybe Key West...spring in Colorado and Wisconsin...next summer in Quebec City with the possibility of staying there for a long time...of course, all of these plans are subject to change...


So, that's the story...it was always my intention to stay in New England for the fall...there is no more beautiful place to spend the fall and what a spectacular fall it has been!!!

Back in the Plymouth area today...will probably be here for a couple of weeks...some variety of business kind of things that I need to take care of.

Had a great week in Maine and was going to go to Fryeburg Fair today, but, oops, doesn't start until Sunday!

Spent a nice couple of days in Bangor with Kathi Smith.  I presented my Imagination and the Creative Process talk in a couple of her classes at Hussson University.  She is pretty much starting a new fine arts program there and has much time in the classroom and administratively to do on a daily basis.  I couldn't do it...after just two presentations I was exhausted...don't know how I made it through the last twenty years!!

Systems are good, van took me on a pretty good loop of territory from Plymouth, to Portland, to Camden, to Bar Harbor, to Bangor and back again.  Ozzy wasn't all that pleased with our 6.5 hour trip today but, we will have the next couple of weeks to just luxuriate.  Gonna be in Plymouth area through Columbus Day/ Sandwich Fair...then end of October I lead a workshop in southern, NH.  Not sure what November or December hold in store, yet.  Thinking about Rhode Island...I have been to Providence and liked it there and wouldn't mind going back again for at least a couple of days.

About 5:30PM two women in a silver KIA Seoul with Jersey plates pulled into the campsite next to mine in the Blackwoods Campground, Acadia National Park.  I was just hanging out with Ozzy, laying down in the back of the van when they began to take firewood out of their vehicle and started stacking it in the fire pit at their campsite.  It was obvious after a very short period of time that they had absolutely no idea what they were doing.  So I stepped out of the van said hello and proceeded to look like I was working on the van in the hopes they would ask for help...I was not going to offer, as I had the feeling it would be taken as male patronization of helpless females, which, of course, it wouldn't have been, just wanted to help.  Anyway, they spent about 5 minutes trying to figure out how to start a fire, gave up, drove out and NEVER returned.  Their campsite was empty all night.  I am sure they spent the evening at a bed and breakfast, sipping glasses of wine which is what they really wanted to do in the first place.  What I find amusing is that they had the perfect opportunity to fulfill every woman's fantasy: finding a campsite in the woods next to the most hunky, eye candied man imaginable and having him metaphorically light their fire...they're probably kicking themselves this morning.

I am not sure that I would want to go to Acadia Park at the height of the season...yesterday, off-season, was a madhouse!!  Crazy number of people making navigation of the park difficult...not a lot of solitude or quiet, which is what I would look for at the park.

Ozzy is beginning to settle in to the routine of living in the van.  When we first started out he was really rigid in either standing or sitting behind the driver's seat looking out the front window as we drove along.  The last couple of days he has begun geting up on the bed and either sitting or lying down and looking out the side window.  He has gotten up on the bed with me a couple of times, but, last night was the first time he slept with me.  He slept at my feet and was a bedhog, but, I am comforted by his company and change of attitude.

I made the mistake of listening to the news last night and it appears that the Nobel Peace Prize winner has ordered more killing!!  It's an upside down world out there...

At Husson University library using their wifi...looking forward to seeing Kathi Smith later today...getting a hot shower and then presenting tomorrow on Imagination and the Creative Process...

Stayed at Blackwoods campground in Acadia Park last night.  There is a beautiful walk to cliffs overlooking the ocean.  Ozzy and I sat there for a while and I took a video which I will post to my facebook page.  In fact, I think I will use both to chronicle the journey.  Look to FB for photos and videos.

Left Ozzy in the van while I go exploring today.  LL Bean and Acadia have teamed up to provide FREE shuttle service around the village and park.  Will be letting them do the driving and using the resources today while I just sit back and sightsee.  Tourist time...

Maine is incredibly dog friendly.  Everywhere you go someone is offering a treat, there are dog parks everywhere and lots of people out walking.  Ozzy, of course, is being his usual timid self, but, every now and then there is something about a particular dog that he likes and he will be friendly.  He's making friends, and, like every other place I go people make contact with me only as a second greeting as Ozzy is the star.

Am having trouble loading a media player to my laptop, but, will find someone knowledgeable to help...

Will stay in Acadia tonight and then on to Bangor where I will meet up with Kathi Smith who is now teaching at Husson University.  I will present in a couple of her classes and I am looking forward to it.

Probably no more internet or phone for the rest of the day...

Thanks for the comments...

Just a quick touch base...

Stayed in Camden Hill Maine State Park last night.  Camden is a beautiful little harbor village where I enjoyed a walk around town and sit down in a park by the harbor.

Today have made it to Acadia National Park where I will stay for at least a couple of nights.  I have a senior's pass  which gets me free entry into the park and 50% off camping, $10 per night.

Van is driving well and I splurged today on a power inverter so I can charge my laptop and cell phone as we drive.  WiFi has been spotty and weak and I am looking for a place today that sells DVD's that I can watch at night...in Bar Harbor.  I like walking around the towns I stop in and Maine is really beautiful, but, the gentrification and retail mania is disturbing.  Looking forward to the park.

Ozzy and I are sitting at a coffee shop on a beautiful day...

In LL Beans Freeport, ME sitting out a storm.  Great jacket for Ozzy, but, $50?  I'll see if there's one in the outlet building.
Just gonna meander up the coast today ...Camden maybe Bar Harbor.. No real plan today.

Yesterday I visited Buckdancer"s Choice music store in Portland, ME.  I bought a guitar there about 35 years ago.  It was in a different location then, when Portland was still a rough and tumble waterfront city. The music store was on the edge of the "adult" section of the city on Longfellow Square. It is now in a strip mall, but, still a great place to see some fine instruments, great inventory.  I stopped there because I have a guitar I have been trying to sell, that nobody wants to buy.  I still own the first guitar I ever bought.  It is an unusal 1932 Gibson L-2, a flattop guitar with a trapeze tailpiece and adjustable bridge, neck meeting body at the 13th fret.  Spruce top with stunning Brazilian rosewood back and sides.  Unfortunately, it has some structural problems, despite which, it is a stunning guitar to play with an amazing tone.  Phinneas at Buckdancer's Choice didn't want to buy it either.  Gonna have to just keep looking for the right person who understands and appreciates the beauty of the instrument despite its' flaws.  You know, someone who can love it.

Thanks to my friends Erin and John, I slept in a real bed last night and will again tonight.  Watched Ratatuoille with the 3 1/2 year old twins and Harry Potter, the first movie, with Sawyer, their 8 year old. Ozzy is very confused, but likes the real bed and has spent most of his time on it.  They are all kind enough to allow Ozzy to spend the day there while I go out and explore Portland a bit more today.  It has been nice not to have to think about hm alone in the van.  And, he seems to have made a great connection with Sawyer.  I went to Munjoy Hill and the Eastern Promenade and got to do something I like more than anything else.  To just sit, and especially on a promenade overlooking the water.  Quebec City and New Orleans come to mind sitting watching the Portland Harbor.

I really like Portland...chill/laid back.. Most everyone smiles and says, "Good morning."

I will stay again through tonight and then hit the road Sunday AM.  Thinking about a short day into Camden, ME and then Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor on Monday, working my way to Bangor for Thursday when I will visit a friend and present in a couple of her classes.

Really, I thought about the idea of just sitting today.  Just to sit and meditate on the flow of the outside without the need to do, do, do!!  A Mystic's expression: "The wise man sees inaction in action and action in inaction."  Feeling good today.

Terri Dautcher I have a great idea for a marketing/entrepeneur student(s) of yours!  Sleeping bags for dogs called "The Doggie Bag."  Company could be Life is Ruff and each bag comes with a cookie inside to entice entry for your dog.  I have not been worried about myself, but, am beginning to wonder how Ozzy will fare in the colder weather.  If any of your students are interested I would only ask a modest percentage for the idea!

Today is looking good.  Woke up to a message from a friend that I can stay at her house tonight.  What a difference it makes knowing that the end of the day will be in a secure place and knowing where that place will be.  I married her and her husband, I am guessing, 15-20 years ago when I was a Justice of the Peace.  Let that license expire, but, over the years married probably 30-35 couples.  Always enjoyed it. I remember Erin's wedding, the friend who is offering me a place for the night.  It was really a beautiful affair in Hollis, NH.

This morning went to Old Orchard Beach and watched the sunrise with Ozzy.  Then back into Portland Old Port to just sit in the sun of a beautiful morning with a cup of coffee and the passing parade.

In Scarborough, ME.  Spent a couple of hours in Old Port Portland.  Will spend a bit of time in Old Orchard Beach tomorrow and more time in Portland.  Feeling like I need to do more prep in figuring out where I will spend my nights.  Checked out Walmart parking lot and decided to go to a campground where I just got out of an unlimited hot shower!!  So, spent some money, but, a good choice.  After posting this, I am going to check out possibilities for tomorrow night.
Ozzy got to run free in a dog park today in Portland...needless to say he had a good day...

Today, I am finally, hitting the road for a while...two to three weeks, anyway.  New van, new laptop computer and new attitude!
First, let me sing the the praises of a used car dealership.  What?!!  That's right.  Winnisquam Auto in Tilton, NH.  They have provided me with customer service like I have hardly ever experienced before.  Sold me a van at a reasonable price, an extremely good interest rate and continue to provide me with free work to make sure that all is mechanically and financially stable.  John, salesperson, John, owner, Steve, Mechanic and Michelle, office manager.  Because of their hard work and dedication I am feeling really confident that the road will be safe and with a minimum of automotive hassle.  Thanks to them for helping to change my attitude.
Next, my facebook friend, Jen Swift, saw a post of mine about my need for a laptop.  She and her husband Craig have been friends since the 90's when we went to PSC together.  Craig is a computer guy who offered me a free computer.  It arrived yesterday and today I am writing my blog using it.  It is an IBM Thinkpad with WindowsXP.  I hear the groans, but, I am thrilled because it offers me everything I need...internet, word processing and DVD play capability.  Who cares about speed when you have all the time in the world?  And, another attitude changer.
Finally, while I have hovered in the Plymouth area for the past week I have had many kind offers for places to stay and have been able to spend some quality time with people I love.
I am now headed into Maine for a couple/three weeks.  Portland today or tomorrow.  I googled "Dog Parks in Portland, Me" and got a list of ten parks.  When we get there it will be an Ozzy day.  He has been so patient over the last week with mostly short walks and he deserves a good couple of days off-leash running untethered as he was born to be.  Also googled open mics in Portland and will try to play some music while there.  After a couple of days in Portland we will meander along the coast and get to Acadia National Park.  Then up to Bangor to see a friend, Kathi Smith who now teaches at Husson University.  She has asked me to present in a couple of her classes on Imagination and the Creative Process next week.
So, don't want to plan too much and don't know what happens after Bangor, but, have van, laptop and attitude will travel.
 

I am trying to figure out why my photos don't show.  As soon as I do, I will fix and everyone, especially me, will be happy!! 
Shall I describe them so far...I have posted three photos which means I would need to provide three thousand words...maybe tomorrow...

I went to the Corner House in in Center Sandwich, NH last night to see a couple of friends play music.  My oldest stepson, Eric Greene, 45 years old, is the head chef there.  When he was 13, I sent him down there to get a job.  He came home saying that his friend, Ben Lear, had the dishwashing job.  I told Eric to go back down and tell them that if Ben couldn't show up to call him.  He did and about a week later Don Brown, the manager of the Corner House called.  I answered the phone and Don asked for Eric, said he needed him to work.  I told Don Eric was asleep but he would be there shortly.  He has worked there ever since...
 

At the end of the night last night I went to Smithville Road and slept in my van in the parking area of Homestead Farm Industries.  This is the first place I ever stayed in New Hampshire when I was looking to move here.  While I looked I stayed with John, Glen and Connie in the farmhouse which is pictured here...they, we, made stained glass and sand candles, and stained glass lampshades...

Ozzy and I have hit the road...we have been living the nomad/vagabond life for about two weeks.  We spent them in our 2006 Kia Spectra5 which I converted into a conversion car.  Took the passenger seat out, the rear seats out and built beds in there for the two of us.  To make a long story short concerning the car, it became obvious that it was going to be too small for us!!  I have rented out my condo for a year, at least, and will be traveling without a definite plan or destination.  When I realized that the car was too small, I traded for a 2004 Kia Sedona MiniVan and that is now Ozzy's and my home.
The first two weeks in the car were certainly an experience of being thrown in the water and learning how to swim.  We slept in lean-tos, tents and the car.  We were beside lakes,

(Storm coming in over Lake Champlain)

 in meadows

(Ozzy on Morning Watch)

and Walmart parking lots.  But, we have learned a lot about ourselves, have gone to some beautiful places and met with some inspiring people.  Last Sunday I was at Bread and Puppet in Glover, VT and was honored to have spent time with Peter Schumann who is the creative force behind the experience.  If you have never gone to Bread and Puppet, google it, go there...
We talked about creativity and symbol and mask and practice, improvisation, passion...he shared his rye bread and pumpernickel, both from a 150 year old starter, with me, spreading the butter , showing an openness and compassion which came to me at the exact time that I needed it.

Two days ago we started living in the van and in the coming year I will post my thoughts about the experiences we have.  I am in Plymouth, NH currently and will be hovering in the Northeast for the fall.  I will teach over the winter term and then head south after January.  I hope it will be interesting for you, and, I know that if the first couple of weeks are any indication of what is to come, it will certainly be interesting for Ozzy and me. 
Until next time...

And so the adventure begins....

After a trial run, and the acquisition of some new wheels, Jay & Ozzy are ready to begin their excellent adventure.

Stay tuned!