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The Adult Rob Gould ~ It’s 4 a.m. in Owl’s Head, Maine
And I’m not exactly sure yet what to make of this trip.
I’m staying in a very cool apartment above the Owl’s Head Village Post Office. The building used to be a barn that was built in the 1800’s on a nearby island. The building was then brought here (by boat I assume, or in lots of different pieces) where it has served as a post office since the 1930’s.
The post office is right next door to the Owl’s Head General Store where they serve the best hamburgers in Maine (according to the Food Network). They also sell lots of other really good stuff to eat and drink as well as owl-themed paraphernalia.
My place is filled with owls. Not real owls, as that would probably be very smelly. But there are owls in every other form you could imagine. Now, I despise collectibles but somehow the owners have pulled it off here. I love this place.
And there is a “big snowstorm” coming today. Or now. It’s all very exciting. So exciting that I can’t sleep.
That, and I just spent a few hours thinking about how I’ll probably die alone if I don’t think of a new way to live my life. If you haven’t tried this it’s a sure-fire way to stay awake if you need to. Like if you’re long-haul truck driver, a resident MD or a waitress at Denny’s.
I came here because I needed a “starting-my-new-life getaway” and so far I’ve done the following:
- I’ve slept quite a bit during the day but not very much at night.
- I spent the first day with Josh (@jlyurges) - my best friend and brother of choice. He’s the handsome, brooding artist-type in the photo above.
- I’ve meditated for a total of approximately 12 hours.
- I’ve written 26 work-related and overdue thank you and Happy New Year notes. Then I mailed them downstairs. This was very cool. It’s like my own personal post office.
- I’ve spent 5 hours sorting out work-related social media password and account access issues.
- I’ve spent several hours formulating and beginning to implement a plan that will enable me to be successful in my new role with the agency where I will continue to work as a part-time independent consultant. And this exercise wasn’t nearly as boring as it sounds.
- I’ve seen some great friends including one of the best employers I’ve ever worked for.
- I’ve become excited about the “big snowstorm” that’s coming. And I don’t really like snow. At all.
- I’ve booked a massage and some facial work for today. Just in case the “big snowstorm isn’t exciting enough.
- I’ve decided that I will love shoveling the snow
- I’ve read 1/4 of six books (they’re all good).
- I bought a lamp with a very cool styly shade by Alex Katz at the Farnsworth Museum. It was on sale so I feel especially good about it.
- I bought several art-related books at Rock City Books & Coffee (the best second-hand bookstore in the universe and roasters of the world’s finest coffee)
- I bought a candle that smells like lemons from a store that smells like money.
- I’ve had a bunch of phenomenal coffee and a few too many homemade pumpkin whoopie pies (mostly for breakfast).
- I’ve decided that I probably shouldn’t eat gluten anymore. Post-Owl’s Head.
- I’m in the middle of a two day visit from my Mom. She loves me more than anyone else does. She also wants my help on learning how to use her new iTouch. Oy.
- I’ve pondered and puzzled and outlined and brainstormed and made multiple lists about what I want to do with my life in this next chapter (besides continuing on for at least the short-term in some capacity with the agency that I have worked for, loved and poured my heart into for the last six years.
- I’ve spent a lot of time, far too much time, thinking about owls. And I have to admit, I’m kind of an owl fan now. I’m right on the brink of purchasing owl tschotskes. Maybe it will pass.
All that, whatever all that adds up to, and I’m not even half-way through with my getaway.
So far, it seems like there are just too many things that I could be passionate about. And I also feel so overwhelmed with gratitude about where my life is at the moment that I feel kind of stuck and a bit in awe. Much like I described in the post that I wrote just before I set out on this getaway. You can find that post here if you are interested.
But, all things considered, I’m very happy. And I know the answer is going to come. Soon.
The owls know …
