"From Away"

Picture taken in Maine by niece, Brenda Peabody

Every once in a while I read a story in the paper about someone who has moved to Maine “from away.” I say “from away” because that is what Maineiacs call people who are not natives of the Great State of Maine.

Maybe these new residents see the possibility for opening a new small business, especially for the summer trade.  Maybe they want to buy a Windjammer and run visitors up and down the coast during the summer. Maybe they see the slower pace as an incentive to retire in Maine. Maybe they have visited the area and keep coming back because they enjoyed it so much. The trap is set it seems. Maine in the summer looks idyllic when the weather is nice; the sun is shining on the water; and there are festivals and other activities going on everywhere you look.

Many “away” people have been coming to Maine every summer since they were small children because their folks owned summer homes here. Some also attended summer camp in Maine every year. These people usually have a love affair going with their beloved Maine and can’t wait to get back here.

Relocating to Maine is a big step to take. Its rural aspects can be daunting at times. There are more two-way roads than interstates. Getting in and out of an airport isn’t always an easy task. Swapping attendance at big name athletic teams in the city with having to watch a “farm team” down Portland way is something you will have to get used to. Plus, you will always be known as that neighbor “from away” even if you live here 20 or 30 years. You will be accepted, sure, but you will never be considered a “native.”

But Maine does have its charms to be sure. It is probably the most beautiful and varied state in the union. You have the coastline; the country; vast blueberry fields and potato fields; a state and federally-protected forest and park which covers a good part of the northern part of Maine; Mt. Katadin and other smaller mountains; many other state parks to enjoy; and if you can find a place in Maine that doesn’t have some body of water within five miles of it, I’d be very surprised.

If you can survive that first winter without going pure bonkers, you’re in like Flynn, my friend. Maineiacs appreciate toughness because they have always had to be tough. Sticking it out and having a good attitude goes a long ways towards making a friend in your new home town in the State of Maine. You will also find that your neighbors will always be there for you; to make sure you have a clear path to get out of your driveway or house; to making sure you are O.K. by checking up on you from time to time.

Now here’s a question for you. Say someone like me, a native of Rockland, Maine, who moved away 40 years or so ago, decides to move back to their home state. Am I known as someone “from away?” Nope. I will still be a native who “lived away” but decided to move back home. I may have to reconnect with the Maine way of life and the New England way of thinking, but it will come back quickly. Keeping my Maine accent for all these years should help.

I’m not saying I’m moving back to Maine, but I keep that possibility open. Usually just thinking of having to shovel snow and being cold and having to wear heavy sweaters and boots is enough to make me think twice. However, as I swelter in 90 plus degree heat here in Georgia which makes enjoying the out-of-doors very uncomfortable, I think of the sweet breezes from the Atlantic Ocean down in Spruce Head and I think again. You never know.

Thanks for listening.