What a difference a week makes.
To celebrate summer, we made our annual jaunt to Woodman’s of Essex for fried clams. To celebrate Ken’s retirement we went on a WEDNESDAY.
Being Wednesday and cloudy, the place was reasonably busy — not slammed with customers and lines and cars like it usually is this time of year. That was part of the treat.
When I was little and we came to Rockport for our week of vacation, I would buy two things: a silver charm for my charm bracelet and a small porcelain creature (mostly cats).
This little mouse in a bookstore display also made me nostalgic because I had a real thing about mice. Look how darling she is!
This display is less darling but funny. And yes, we did stop at the famous Tuck’s for a box of chocolates.
As some of you know, I collect rocks shaped like hearts or marked by stripes. Only one was a keeper.
Here I am with my second proof. Arrived yesterday. Several changes, checked and settled. I hope I don’t panic as the release date approaches. Maybe having to go to California the very next week will keep me grounded.
I AM adding to my history post but maybe not as quickly as I’d like. My laptop and phone don’t always talk to each other and that gets discouraging.
This restaurant is at the end of Bearskin Neck. Ken and I had our rehearsal dinner here 34 years ago. Looking back, we both wish we’d left it at that. Gone to City Hall the next day. That small, casual, and delicious dinner was so much better than our wedding reception.
Showing my face more. Eek!
What a delight-filled post this is Dee! You two sure had some great places to visit. You both look rested and happy. The restaurant building is so beautiful, especially with that sky! The lil mouse is adorable and…oh my those dogs!! My childhood DOG now lives at The Dwelling with Saskia. 🙂 I like the top two rocks best, one for its wild boldness and the other for its quiet, almost unseen quality. I would have a hard time choosing.
Last, but not least…congrats on your book getting closer and closer!! Yay!!!
I picked the one with wild white inclusions. Happy your dog is in the Netherlands with The Bird King and others!
yes He is and he’s very happy to be here!
personally I would go crazy in that shop where they sell those cute dogs, immediately renouncing any of I-don’t-need-any-more-stuff whims
Looks like a *perfect* day in Rockport! (Did you play the Lou Reed song?). I remember your wedding well, reading the words, and watching the flowers being done. I remember the people who attended and the happiness of many moments. Rockport always feels perfectly healing to me: the air, the great memories, the great photos of your boys playing there – so glad you indulged yourselves, and on a Wednesday.
Mouse House!!!
It is great to see your face (and smiling with lovely teeth) AND with your retired best friend and husband. Just totally heart warming. And then there’s The Weight of Cloth (how does one underline?)!
Happiness!!!
Rockport is that for me too. Lots of memories. And yes — the Mouse House! (By FAO Schwarz — I still have it BTW). Of course I thought of you. Not just the plush little mice but the pink plastic Templeton. Remember? From CHARLOTTE’S WEB.
Where underlining or italics are not available, I’ve learned that putting a title in all caps is customary.
I do not know which moves me more, the photo of you and Ken that just quietly glows or the photo of you holding your book, the look of deep joy on your face and the oh so beckoning cover. Taking moments to travel back, to celebrate past, present and future, these are the life travels that mean so much. May you have many more of them.
And as for being grounded as your book release date comes: Knowing how many of us are so excited and cannot wait to hold your book in our hands should settle you, and let you know that the ground beneath your feet is solid…solid with awe, admiration and deep pride for your hard work and staying the course over 12 years that has culminated in this shining moment of becoming a published and soon to be deeply respected author.
Thank you Marti. You and others here have made all the difference along this long road to publication.
So much joy in one post! A monumental accomplishment that not many will fully get. Travel to the ocean, two of my most favorite eats (it’s been decades), and your man has such a sparkle in his eyes!
haha… yes, Templeton. And that cool I think of him from the DIY miniature animal-fort we made under the ping pong table in my basement. He was, in those years a very small mouse on the end of a very long tale intended as a bookmark. so also remember the FAO Schwartz one! We became storytellers b4 there were piles of library books.
Woodmans! Haven’t been there in a while! The best clams!
Yummy and filling and thank goodness. That pictured plate cost $38.
I am really happy for all the good things arising in your life. Yay!
Thanks Dana!
Lots of HAPPY going on .. and I couldn’t be happier for you.
you both look so delightfully relaxed! cheers to retirement
It is strange but in a completely welcome way.