Gratitude
Every day, despite the wind and the plummeting temperatures, my hearty selkie sisters walk into the sea. We’ve adorned ourselves in layers of wool, Lycra, and neoprene, bracing for the shock to our central nervous systems that is to come. Overcoming the resistance to the obviously ludicrous notion of off-season swimming is far easier when one is not alone.
Words alone can’t capture the exuberant shrieks and howls that burst forth as we enter the sea. With water and air hovering around fifty degrees, it is among these selkies that I feel most alive and free.
At the top of my gratitude list for 2025 are these women—supportive, intrepid, and kind. They have walked with me, swum with me, cooked for me, and shown up for me through this difficult year. Their voices, their listening, their presence in their aging and perfect bodies have accompanied, supported, and encouraged the parts of myself I cannot see.
I’ve trudged through a year I’m glad to leave to the annals of my personal history, with their steadfast presence reminding me that it’s often suffering that breeds true companionship. On the other side of that suffering comes celebration—of this one big, beautiful Peaks Island life.
Among them, in the water, is where I rebuilt myself this year—alongside my beautiful onshore musician friends, who quietly nudged me not to give up what was beautiful despite my pain. Once again, in 2025, the lesson came around: vulnerability is strength, not weakness. Talking about what is real and true builds connection. Take risks. Move forward. You are not alone.
At the ripe old age of sixty-two, with four grown children making their way in the world and a beloved husband of twenty-five years, I have so much to be grateful for. Among my greatest gifts are the people who know and trust me, who love and support me as I continue the work of bringing something beautiful to life—for the enjoyment and benefit of us all.
Thank you—my musician friends, my community members, and the organizations that make our small offering possible—helping bring more joy and beauty to life on our tiny, beautiful island in the best city in the great state of Maine.
What’s New
In addition to our schedule of world-class acoustic performances this coming year, we’ll host a quarterly free community contradance—with a dessert potluck and guaranteed family fun.
New this year, we’ll also host a monthly jam session in our home on Central Ave. All acoustic instruments are welcome! These sessions will be anchored by a rotating group of friends as we develop a shared canon of American folk tunes—and maybe a few songs to learn, play, and sing together regularly.
Music is a powerful form of expression and connection within a community. Come feel it for yourself—all levels of players are welcome.
We’ll begin hosting the jam monthly starting Sunday, November 16th, from 1–3 p.m. Bring a drink or a snack to share. We look forward to welcoming you to ramble along with us.
Thank you for a year of love and support for all we’re doing with the Peaks Island Concert Series.