Last weekend I had an inspirational visit to New England, the origin of my late father’s family, of French Canadian descent. As a kid, most holidays found my family loading up the car for another trek from New Jersey to Massachusettes where my siblings and I made fun of the accents of 42 our first cousins, and they did the same in turn.
My brother John, and his wife Gigi, live in New York State near the Vermont border. As the executrix of my parents estate, I thought it would be fun to walk the acreage my parents purchased way back in the late 1960s in Marlboro, VT. It has stood unchanged since then and is now offered for sale.
The realtor met us on the access road adjacent to the lot. Thankfully it is a well-paved road just off busy Rte. 9.
She met me outside the car wearing a bright orange coat and high boots.
“Hunters. Ticks!” she warned.
I did not get that memo, but I was dressed for warmth with good walking shoes. We widowed aren’t phased by much. I took my chances, but stood near her, and my bro, whenever I could keep up.
It is a beautiful property, with some gorgeous potential building sites. Just below our property line is a lovely log home similar to mine here. If it was closer to where I now live in Central Florida, I would plop a Tiny Home Chalet and use it as an escape from our summer heat and rent to skiiers in the winter. Hog Back Ski Resort is just a few miles down the road and it is close to other major ski areas. I finished my hilly hike and climb slightly out-of-breath!
Did I mention it’s for sale?
It was a nostalgic trip for me. I hadn’t been up that way since my mother’s Service in Saratoga, NY, in June of last year. As John is my sole remaining sibling (I lost two in 2025 and 2018) it is fun to be able to spend time with people who share so many family memories in a way no one else can.
My visit included a trip to the amazing Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA. I have been to all the major NYC art museums and the National Gallery in Washington, DC, and I have to say this visit rivaled all. Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Winslow Homer, Sargent, Constable, Cassat. And even a Berthe Morisot, a female French Impressionist with whom I share a birthdate! As an artist, I’ve studied Art History and always love seeing “The Originals” up close and personal.
The attendants watched warily as I stood in awe, hovering my hand over some of my favorite works, absorbing the creative energy preserved in each stroke for so very long. With glasses on, I closely observed each master’s unique brushwork, as distinct as someone’s handwriting, the very best art lesson imageinable.
Afterward, we visited a local high-end art gallery where I was intriqued by the work of a local landscaper, Mary Sipp Green. Something about her ethereal work was reaching out to me. In the car, I looked her up and was saddened to learn that she had just passed three weeks prior in early October, a day after my mom’s birthday.
During that trip home, I began to take to photos capturing barns and landscapes through the car window (a process I came to “perfect” in the timing) to bring back my own inspiration to paint again. I reasoned any blurred effect could be termed Impressionistic.
My brother and his wife possess stellar creative talents as painters and designers and have an exciting project ready to roll out and share with the world very soon!
It was a brief visit, but I find it energizing to step out of the box and recharge. I hope I can retain this enthusiasm, especially at the advent of a season that is especially difficult for those who’ve lost a spouse, partner and close family members. Each day brings a new challenge, but I’m currently excited about some personal, and volunteer projects, and I’ve learned to work with the vibes and energy present in each new day.
Wishing my veteran friends and family, present and gone on, a special observance of Veteran’s Day this Tuesday, November 11. Here’s to my dad who served in the Coast Guard and Navy and Rich, who served in the Navy as a Corpsman. They now both serve in their new “assignments” in places unknown. Corpsman Up!
