Although vacation isn’t always all that it’s cracked up to be, I nevertheless enjoyed photosynthesizing on the beach, “hiking” through the rocky cliffs of Maine, kayaking, exploring crystal shops in Portsmouth and Portland, and last but certainly not least, exploring the world of Isabella Stewart Gardner.

Highlights

• Congdon’s glazed doughnuts
• Indian pudding at Oarweeds
• Jumping in the 60 degree water with Dad (the water in Maine is crystal clear compared to that of the Jersey Shore… there MUST be something in the water!)
• Finding new crystal friends (Orange Calcite, Rhodochrosite, and Angel Aqua Quartz)
• Sitting by the fire in red and white Adirondack chairs
• A Sturgeon Moon Ceremony on the porch
• Giggling over Kevin Costner with my mother
• Watercoloring
• Baking “Hrefna’s Bread” with beer, activated yeast, flour, olive oil, salt, and water
• Talking fashion and Lord of The Rings with our kayaking guides, Michael and Justin
• White wine and edible flowers at Cafe G at The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
• Getting emotional over Michelangelo’s Pietà sketch for Vittoria Colonna
• Finding Boucher’s The Chariot of Venus
• Going home