Slow down, you move too fast

Driving home from running errands today, I stopped at the Lincolnville Beach and dipped my toes in the water.

Driving home from running errands yesterday, I stopped at the Lincolnville Beach and dipped my toes in the water.

I walk less in the summer, simply because I don’t have time. Still, I always manage to lose weight. My doctor suggested—sensibly enough—that I’m happier and more relaxed when I’m in Maine than when I’m in New York.

Over 40 years, I figure I’ve driven about a million miles. Most of those are highway miles, and I’ve driven them like the native New Yorker I am—aggressively. We take pride in calculating exactly how far we can push the limits without getting ticketed, and we believe any lane without a car in it is the passing lane. You know that word Mainers use for bad drivers from Massachusetts? It applies to New Yorkers, although to a lesser degree.

"Resting at Camden Harbor," 12X16, by Carol L. Douglas

“Resting at Camden Harbor,” 12X16, by Carol L. Douglas

But I’ve noticed recently that I’ve slowed way down. Part of this is because I now live on Route 1, and I don’t want people speeding past my house. Part of this is because Route 1 in places is an obstacle course that is hard enough to drive at the posted speed. Part of it is that Maine is just so darn beautiful, I feel no compulsion to get through it as fast as possible.

A sure sign of agitation and worry: all my paint brushes end up in use.

A sure sign of agitation and worry: all my paint brushes end up in use.

But the biggest part of it is that I feel my internal tempo slowing down. I think this is also affecting my painting, although I can’t tell you how.

This morning I drive back to New York for an event. It will be interesting to see what happens on the Masspike. Can I maintain my new relaxed self, or will I revert to type?

Let me know if you’re interested in painting with me on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park in August 2015. Click here for more information on my Maine workshops! Download a brochure here.

Carol Douglas

About Carol Douglas

Carol L. Douglas is a painter who lives, works and teaches in Rockport, ME. Her annual workshop will again be held on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park, from August 6-11, 2017. Visit www.watch-me-paint.com/ for more information.