Good morning, afternoon or evening to everyone!

Despite a rough start, Maine proved to be my favorite state of the entire trail,  a sentiment expressed by many hikers (most of whom are non-residents and therefore less biased than I am). The first few days were very challenging. In fact, I think the five miles or so of the Mahoosuc Range are probably the hardest miles of the AT. Composed almost entirely of barren rock with steep, unaided descents down wet rock (it rained when I went through) and ascents that required the use of all four limbs, this section slowed me down a lot. It took me 12 hours to do the 15 miles leading up to and through Mahoosuc Notch and Arm and when I got to the shelter, just shy of nightfall, I was more thoroughly exhausted than after any day in the Whites. The other obstacle that continued to foul me up as far north as the 100-mile Wilderness was actually the bog walks. Despite the dryness of this year, somehow almost every bog walk I went across was slick with moss and moisture. Around the Mahoosucs I sunk at least two boards, sinking ankle-deep in the loamy mud and thoroughly soaking my shoes and socks.

Framing is so distinctly personal. While I frame paintings in what I consider a way which enhances the picture inevitably to someone else it does not suit. I have a picture of a wave in the gallery right now and to one person the frame was totally inappropriate, to another it was perfect.

Yesterday I crossed my last state line and entered Maine. The reality didn't set in until I got to town this afternoon and saw all of the Maine license plates; for some reason, whenever I travel I feel comforted by local plates and now they're everywhere! The Whites are behind me, Mahoosuc Notch (the hardest mile of the trail) is in the past, and I only have 250 miles to go. Soon I will catch my first glimpse of Katahdin.

In the past few weeks I have been asked more times whether I show all the work I complete. (I wonder if this is a hint!)

This morning the trail took me out of the mountains, across the Connecticut River, and into Hanover, NH. I have less than 500 miles to go (more like 444) and only two states left. There are more Subarus and Priuses on the roads, more familiar-looking house styles, and I stopped at a bakery this morning that was remniscent of the Morning Glory with its long line and numerous pastry options.

In the movies the harried corporate executive buys a B&B in New England, starts a successful mail order business, and lives happily ever after.

After having practiced moving the brush in all directions, holding it at the very end and manipulating the tip and base of the bristles, its time to work on charging it. This skill is critical to Asian painting for it is this technique alone which creates  volume.  Because the paper can only be painted on once,  one stroke must achieve a lot.

To see the core dancers begin to rehearse is to see another layer of “Habitat.” Rehearsals with these professional dancers began this week for the Opera House Arts production.